Category: Recent Messages

James Stytle brought the message this morning, centered on Mark 10:35-45.  He shared context of the relationship between Jesus and his disciples, particularly James and John (aka “sons of Thunder”).   Throughout his ministry, Jesus modeled servant leadership and tried to teach the concept to his disciples.  Although we have the advantage now of being familiar with the scriptures that talk about it, James posed the question whether we understand servant leadership any better than the original apostles did? He shared ten characteristics of servant leaders (quoting Larry Spears of the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership).  The ten characteristics are: 1) they listen 2) they have empathy 3) they support… Read More

Continue Reading

Jami Smith brought the message based on Mark 10:17-31.  She emphasized that we don’t have to do anything to be worthy of God’s love.  We are worthy because God says so!  God is telling us that we are ok and he loves us “just because”.  All we have to do is say “I believe you.”  She went on to discuss the Holy Spirit and the part it plays in our life — through justification, sanctification and vocation.  Those not in attendance today missed a good sermon; one that Jami had written as part of her Seminary classes.

Continue Reading

Alisha Bauman-Farley brought the message based on Mark 10:2–16

Continue Reading

Today was the fifth Sunday of the month, which means we had “messy church!”  Our activity for most of the worship time was to express the theme by making peace flags.  The flags will be displayed during World Conference next April. The World Church has also put together a 2019 World Conference Preparation” webpage to help members and friends prepare for the upcoming conference.  Upcoming Events: • October 6 & 7: Centerton Celebrates 100 Years • October 13: Rally Day at Glenn Wood Hills • October 14: Sunday School• October 20: Reading of the Gospel According to Mark 

Continue Reading

Aaron Black brought our message today examining the lectionary scripture, Mark 8:27-38.  Two of the oft-quoted parts of the scripture include Jesus telling Peter “get behind me, Satan” and “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” Focusing on the former, Aaron, shared that Jesus wasn’t saying that Peter was evil.  Rather, he was trying to explain that Peter’s viewpoint was wrong.  Peter was looking at everything through the lens of the world, rather than through God’s lens.  Aaron gave examples of two movies (Fight Club and Sixth Sense) that illustrate the impact of seeing a situation… Read More

Continue Reading

Val Brennan brought today’s message focusing on the theme, rather than the suggested scripture.  The congregation was asked to consider that when we say “all have worth”, we need to include ourselves. Each one of us are precious in the sight of God, loved beyond measure.   Prior to the message, the song “Known” by Tauren Wells was played.  The lyrics to the song include these words as a chorus: I’m fully known and loved by youYou won’t let go, no matter what I doAnd it’s not one or the otherIt’s hard truth and ridiculous graceTo be known fully known and loved by youI’m fully known and loved by you Psalm… Read More

Continue Reading

Cindy Rugg brought the message today from Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23 – Jesus explained in this scripture that nothing put into our mouths is unclean. People are made unclean by the things that come out of their mouths. For example, inappropriate words, unkind words. Remember, you will never look into the eyes of someone God does not love. Be kind.Mark 7:1-8 New International Version (NIV)That Which Defiles 7 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus 2 and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding… Read More

Continue Reading

James Stytle brought the message on today’s theme using the focus scripture (John 6:60-69) and also other scriptures about discipleship John 6:60-69 New International Version (NIV) Many Disciples Desert Jesus 60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit[a] and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not… Read More

Continue Reading

[7/29/2018] Les Blanchard provided guest ministry today and led the congregation through a spiritual practice involving praying in color.  Groups of six or seven gathered around tables with each person having a sheet of paper and several coloring tools. Each one drew a unique shape on their paper and wrote their name for God in the center of the shape.  Off of the shape, we drew a line for each person at our table.  At the end of each line, we created a “thought bubble”.  Then, we went around the table with each one sharing the name of a person they would like those at the table to pray for in… Read More

Continue Reading