Category: Recent Messages

Bob Brennan brought the message today giving current application to the suggested scripture.  First, Bob pointed out that Jesus didn’t condemn the pharisees or scribes, but  used them as an example of how NOT to behave.  Are we guilty of condemning people and/or judging them?  Second, he suggested that just as the pharisees and scribes did, we sometimes put heavy burdens on others by placing all kinds of rules on them. Do our rules get in the way of being welcoming and accepting people? Are we doing things that exclude people from relationships with God? Lastly, the pharisees were focused on impressing others.  We are to demonstrate our beliefs through our… Read More

Steve and McClain Graffeo explain the “Generosity Ladder”

“The table has been set. The banquet is ready! God prepared a feast for us, a feast of abundant love. Our cups overflow with bountiful grace. This celebration with God will restore our souls and comfort us. Today, let us feast upon the words of Christ; for they will guide and direct our way.” —Psalm 23, 2 Nephi 14:4, adapted Today’s Message: Jami Smith Jami Smith shared a beautiful message today by drawing us into the parable of the wedding banquet found in Matthew 22:1-14.  She reflected on the perspective of each character in the parable, asking the congregation which one/s they related to. She reminded us that we have all been… Read More

Val Brennan brought the morning message focusing on the theme “Be Receptive to God’s Will”.  Val broke down the theme into two parts – “be receptive” and “to God’s will”.  Val shared concepts from President Veazey’s message “Ways of Discovering God’s Will” from January 2011. These concepts included using six different lenses to discern God’s will.  The lenses include scripture, continuing revelation, tradition, knowledge and reason, personal and community experience, and common consent.  Val walked the congregation through the first three and challenged the congregation to watch President Veazey’s message for details on the remaining lenses. Val shared how “spiritual attention” and “spiritual disciples” can open us to God’s will. … Read More

God’s Generosity of Grace and Justice is abundant! We began by guessing the price of a ‘pumpkin-spice latté’ and how that compares to the cost of store bought coffee. The pumpkin spice latté costs about $5.45 for 12oz; store bought coffee in comparison is $5.90 for 210 6oz servings / 105 12oz servings… which is $0.56 per 12oz. The demonstration behind this is linked to stewardship (in this case our finances); but also to demonstrate God’s Generosity is not a commodity, luxury item, or something for only a select few. There is plenty to go around, it comes down to how we share. Next, we imagined that 1/3 of the… Read More

James Stytle shared a beautiful message of reconciliation.  Beginning with words from Doctrine & Covenants 161:3c, c. Be patient with one another, for creating sacred community is arduous and even painful. But it is to loving community such as this that each is called. Be courageous and visionary, believing in the power of just a few vibrant witnesses to transform the world. Be assured that love will overcome the voices of fear, division, and deceit. James reminded us that living in community is not easy and requires patience.  God’s goal for creation, including His children is shalom.  James shared methods in dispute resolution from his experience as an attorney.  He… Read More

As we gathered today in community and worship, we thought we might be a small group due to the holiday weekend.  We were pleasantly surprised to have a wonderful gathering of folks to share in the Lord’s Supper.   Our theme today was “Come to the Table”.  The communion message was brought by Bob Rugg, who asked the question ‘What is the value of communion?”  Bob explained that communion is personal and special to each one of us and it helps to build our faith. Another special part of the worship service was confirming a new member, Tracy H., to Community of Christ.  Welcome to the family, Tracy! About 16… Read More

Cindy Rugg brought the message today and shared the 7 “I Ams” from the book of John. For those keeping score at home, they are: » Bread of Life (John 6:35) John 6:35 New International Version (NIV) 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. » Light of the World (John 8:12) John 8:12 New International Version (NIV) Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” » Gate… Read More

The congregation gathered in worship today examining the theme “Lord, Help Me”.  In lieu of a speaker, Jami Smith shared an object lesson utilizing a mirror and dry erase markers.  The children took turns looking in the mirror at their reflections and what they see.  Then, Jami asked them to share examples of hurtful things that someone has said to them on the past and those things were written on the mirror.  After the mirror was full of negative words, the children looked at their reflection again.  They talked about how those words distracted from seeing the beauty of their reflection.  Jami shared how words are powerful and can be… Read More