Sermons 2002 - 2003
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Sundays and Special Days (Sacred and
Secular)
Advent 2002 (December1) through Pentecost 2003 (November 23)
Lectionary Cycle Year B
Other Sermon files that you might find helpful and exciting
December 1, First Sunday in Advent
Lessons: Isaiah 64.1-8; Mark 13.24-27
Sermon Title: Silent Night-Holy Light
It is at our peril that we ignore the portentous signs of Christ’s appearing. For Jesus comes again, not as he came but as he will come in righteous judgment.
December 8, Second Sunday in Advent
Lessons: Isaiah 40.1-11; Mark 1.1-8
Sermon Title: The Cry of the Lonely
The cries of lonely people assault the ears of anyone who is willing to listen. Here is another who was lonely. He lived alone. He had no friends (at least that we know of). What he had was a mission. What mission are we on?
December 15, Third Sunday in Advent
Lessons: Isaiah 61.1-4, 8-11; John 1.6-8, 19-28
Sermon Title: Standing Up for Jesus
We are humbled by John the Baptist’s personal testimony. He took no credit, but pointed to the One who was to come. In so doing he became a biblical hero. How heroic are we?
December 22, Fourth Sunday in Advent
Lessons: 2 Samuel 7.1-11, 16; Luke 1.26-38
Sermon Title: Timeless Story, Timely Told
We relive again those thrilling moments of yesteryear. Its not the Lone Ranger, but the story of the birth of the babe that will shake the world.
December 24, Christmas Eve
Lessons: Psalm 96; Isaiah 9.2-7; Titus 2.11-14; Luke 2.1-20
Sermon Title: O Holy Night
Don't let the Grinch steal Christmas! Remember the dream! Capture the Spirit! Its Christmas time again.
December 25, Christmas Day
December 29, First Sunday after Christmas
Lessons: Isaiah 61.10-62.3; Luke 2.22-40
Sermon Title: Amazing Grace Revealed
"for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Are we still amazed?
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January 5, Epiphany Sunday, Communion Sunday
Lesson: John 1:10-18
Sermon Title: The Known and the Unknown
How can you not know? What would make it possible for you to know? He came into the world and the world did not know him, Why?
January 6, Epiphany of our Lord
January 12, Baptism of Our Lord
Lesson: Matthew 6.24
Sermon Title: How to Make Right Choices
You cannot walk two roads at the same time. So it is necessary to choose which way you will go. There is no one forcing a decision. The choice you make ought to be made on the best possible information. How do I then choose?
January 18-24, Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
January 19, Ecumenical Sunday
Lesson: Matthew 6.25-34
Sermon Title: Don't Worry, Be Happy
Sounds good. It only works if you have a worry ditch. What’s that? You will need to attend worship to discover this remarkable way to deal with worry. It will not cost you a cent.
January 26
Lesson: Matthew 7.1-5
Sermon Title: Cataracts and Other Impediments to Sight
So gradually is your sight being diminished that you don't even see what is being missed. It takes surgery to correct the liability. Think of God as an ophthalmologist.
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February 2
Lesson: Matthew 7.6
Sermon Title: What Do Swine Have to Do with Pearls?
Wow! This is a hard one. How do we understand this teaching of Jesus? Who are you calling a swine? We do not call people dogs, at least not to their face. All Jesus is asking is that we ???
February 9
Lesson: Matthew 7.7-11
Sermon Title: You Have to Ask?
Many people expect that fate r fortune will bring them what they desire. Jesus says that nothing comes easy, you have to work for it. what's the job description?
February 14, Valentines Day
February
16, Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week
Lesson: Matthew 7.12
Sermon Title: What Did You Expect?
In tennis, unless you score an "ace," it is serve and volley. Is there something here that is appropriate to life?
February 17, Presidents Day
February 23
Lesson: Matthew 7.13-14
Sermon Title: Staying Off the Titanic
Why would you sail on a sinking ship? The Titanic was lost in an accident. Why be lost on purpose!
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March 2, Transfiguration Sunday
Lesson: Matthew 7.15-20
Sermon Title: Action Speak Louder Than Words
You will know them, that is all people, by their fruit. Jesus is a fruitful person. Jesus produces fruit. So will we!
March 5, Ash Wednesday
Lessons: Psalm 51.1-17; Isaiah 58.1-12; 2 Corinthians 5.20b-6.10; Matthew 6.1-6, 16-21
Sermon Title: Reversal of Fortunes
What was lost is found. What was misplaced is discovered. What was committed is forgiven. We don't, God does! How does God help us to reverse our fortune. And, by the way, What is fortune?
March 7, World Day of Prayer
March 9, First Sunday in Lent
Lessons: Genesis 9.8-17; Mark 1.9-15
Sermon Title: Change and Decay
In the hymn, "Abide With Me," there is a clause that is a stark reminder of the course of life: "Change and decay, In all around I see. O Lord of Life, Abide with me!" Do you want change and decay or change and life?
March 16, Second Sunday in Lent
Lessons: Genesis 17.1-7, 15-16; Mark 8.31-38
Sermon Title: I Can't, God Can!
Sari laughed. Peter acted the part of the enemy. Misunderstandings occur. When human strength and wisdom are not enough, we appeal to God who give to all liberally. How does God help us to fulfill our needs?
March 23, Third Sunday in Lent
Lessons: Exodus 20.1-17; John 2.13-22
Sermon Title: Love Rules
What force or diplomacy cannot accomplish, love can. It may take awhile, but it will be done. How do we make ourselves a temple fit for the presence of God?
March 30, Fourth Sunday in Lent
Lessons: Numbers 21.4-9; John 3.14-21
Sermon Title: When Serpents Save
Many people are afraid of snakes (serpents). There was a time when a snake had great healing power. Do you want the healing power of the serpent?
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April 6, Fifth Sunday in Lent (Daylight Savings Time Begins)
Lessons: Jeremiah 31.31-34; John 12.20-33
Sermon Title: Love and Hate
The words of Jesus are sometimes murky or confusing, how do we understand and apply them? What does his word mean?
April 13, Passion/Palm Sunday
Lessons: Palms, Psalm 118.1-2, 19-29; Mark 11.1-11
Passion, Isaiah 50.4-9a; Mark 14.1-15
Sermon Title: The Results of Playing God
Thirty pieces of silver was not a lot of money. It was not the money that drove Judas. Judas thought that he knew better how to inaugurate the kingdom and force the issue so that the rightful Monarch could ascend the throne. Be careful at playing God.
April
17, Maundy Thursday
Lessons: Psalm 116.1-2, 12-19; Exodus 12.1-4, 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11.23-26;
John 13.1-17, 31b-35
Sermon Title: Beneficiaries Of the blessing
Jesus took the bread and the cup and he blessed them. Then he said, "Take and eat." The benefits of the blessings continue, but only to those who see and hear, who take and eat. What are you eating tonight?
April
18, Good Friday Service 1:00 p.m.
Lessons: Psalm 22; Isaiah 52.13-53.12; Hebrews 10.16-25; John
18.1-19:42
Sermon Title: Lifted Up
In John 12:32-33, Jesus said "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die." he was lifted up. Does his lifting attract or repel.
April
20, Easter Sunday Sunrise Service
Lesson: John 20.11-18
Sermon Title: Because He Lives
As long as life shall last, we must constantly face a "tomorrow." In the words of William and Gloria Gaither, "Because He lives I can face tomorrow." Hope reduces fear. Joy enables one to endure the pain. Endurance allows one to cope with the sorrow. Because He lives. What an exceptional way to meet all of life.
April
20, Easter Sunday
Lessons: Psalm 118.1-2, 14-24; Isaiah 25.6-9; 1 Corinthians 15.1-11; Mark 16.1-8
Sermon Title: Resurrection Day!
The question is not "Did he?" or "Didn't he?", but "Will we?" The evidence is there for faith to grasp and hold onto. How strong is your grip?
April 22, Earth Day (Ecology Day)
April 23, Secretary's Day
April 25, Arbor Day
April
27, Second Sunday in Easter
Lessons: Psalm 132; 1 John 1.1-2.2
Sermon Title: A Finding of Fact
He was heard! He was seen! He was looked at! He was handled! What more do you need to make Jesus real and the source of your reality?
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May 4
Lesson: Matthew 7.21-23
Sermon Title: Distinguishing Characteristics
How do we identify one another? How does Jesus identify you and me? It is not by a statement that we make but a purpose that we fulfill by doing his will. How do we know what that is?
May
11, Mother's Day
Lesson:1 John 3.1-3
Sermon Title: Mothers Are Children Too
We are all children of God. What impact does this have on our relationships with our mothers and our mothers with us? It is worth looking into!
May 17 Armed forces Day
May 18
Lesson: Matthew 7:24-27
Sermon Title: The House on the Rock
The House on the Rock is in incredible work of architecture and art. It is also pricy. There is another House on the Rock for the building, are you?
May
25, Memorial Sunday
Lesson: Luke 19:41-44
Sermon Title: Peace or Law and Order?
If you only knew the things that make for peace would you be at peace? Will law and order bring peace or is there another dimension that needs to be understood and accepted?
May 26 Memorial Day Observed
May 24, Ascension Day
May 30, Memorial Day, Traditional
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June
1,
Children's Sunday, Ascension Day
Lesson: 2 Kings 5.1-14
Sermon Title: She Did What She Could
We learn from our children. We might not be as appreciative as Naaman was, but then he had leprosy.
June
8, Pentecost
Lesson: Acts 2.1-11
Sermon Title: Wind and Fire
A holy wind and a divine fire open the way for witnessing the power of cooperation between God and the disciples. What possibilities are created for us?
June 14, Flag Day
June
15, Trinity Sunday, Father's Day
LESSON: Luke 15:11-32
SERMON TITLE: Pattern for Living
The ultimate role model for fathers and mothers is to be found in the story of the wayward child. It is a model for God and for us, if we are willing to explore, understand and accept it. It gives the Christian an edge and an advantage!
June 22
Lesson: Matthew 7.29
Sermon Title: Authority
Who or what is the authority in our lives? To what resources do we turn? All authorities, but one, are in some way corrupt with human weakness. To be people with authority we need the source of authority.
June
29, Independence Sunday
Lesson: Matthew
8.1-17
Sermon Title: Dr
God
Curative power comes in many forms. The ultimate power is from God. We stand in line for the divine touch. What will it bring?
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July 6, Communion Sunday
Lesson: Matthew 8.18-22
Sermon Title: Homelessness
Do you consider yourself to be homeless? There is a way in which we are not and a way in which we are. How?
July 13 Worship at Brigham Park, 10:00 a.m. Guest Speaker, Pastor Bernard Norland
Lesson: To Be Announced
Sermon Title: To Be Announced
No Sermon
July 20
Lesson: Matthew 18.18-22
Sermon Title: Stumbling Stones
We are invited to follow. What gets in the way of our following? What obstacles is it necessary to recognize and eliminate?
July 27
Lesson: Matthew 8.23-27
Sermon Title: Stand by Me!
When the storms of life assail me, stand by me. The words of an old song provide hope and encouragement.
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August 3
Lesson: Matthew 8.28-9.1
Sermon Title: Why would Jesus Do That?
Jesus does not always do the expected. Why does he do the unexpected? What can we learn from his experience in Gadara?
August 10
Lesson: Matthew 9.2-8
Sermon Title: Which Is Easier?
This question of Jesus to the religious authorities reminds us that he is both healer and forgiver. He has the power to do for us what we need to have done. What a Savior!
August 17 - Guest Speaker, Worship is at 9:00 am
Lesson: To Be Announced
Sermon Title: To Be Announced
August 24 - Guest Speaker
Lesson: To Be Announced
Sermon Title: To Be Announced
August 31, Labor Sunday
Lesson: Matthew 9.9-13
Sermon Title: Caller ID
A simple device attached to your telephone helps you to identify who is calling. Jesus also has a type of Caller ID. How does it work?
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September 7, Grandparents Day
Lesson: Matthew 9.14-17
Sermon Title: New Wine-Old Skins
It is not only the contents that are important, but also the container. How does this relate to our lives?
September 14, Worship at Brigham Park (No service at
the church)
Lesson: Matthew 9.18-26
Sermon Title: The Touch that Heals
Without a touch there can be no healing. The old slogan for ATT is still applicable: "Reach out and touch someone."
September 17, Citizenship Day
September 21
Lesson: Matthew 9:27-34
Sermon Title: Mercy! Mercy!
What is mercy? How do we receive it? How may we offer it to others?
September 28
Lesson: Matthew 9.35-38
Sermon Title: Picking Apples, Gathering Grain
"Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness, / Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve; / Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping," Who will be bringing in the sheaves?
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October
5, Communion Sunday
Lesson: Matthew 10.1-15
Sermon Title: Called and Sent
Consumption is either the process of consuming or the state of being consumed. Jesus does not want consumers but a utilizers. What?
October 12, Laity Sunday
Lesson: Matthew 10.16-23
Sermon Title: Serpents and Doves
What does it mean to be as wise as a serpent and as harmless as a dove?
October 16, National Boss’s Day
October 19
Lesson: Matthew 10:24-32
Sermon Title: Counting Hairs
When is the last time you counted the hairs on your head or in the drain? Is it numbers that God is interested in or intimacy?
October 26, Reformation Sunday (Daylight Savings Time
Ends)
Lesson: Matthew 10:34-37
Sermon Title: Losing or Finding
Reform is the process of discovery or re-discovery. We are always in a state of reform. What needs to be reformed?
October 31, Halloween
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November 1, World Communion Sunday, All Saints Day
November 2, All Saints Sunday
Lesson: Matthew 10:40-42
Sermon Title: Welcome Wagon
The appearance of the representative of the Welcome Wagon was good news to a new homeowner or renter. Coupons and suggestions, ideas and directions were shared by a knowledgeable person with those in need. Did you ever think of yourself as God’s Welcome Wagon?
November 9, Stewardship Sunday, Veteran’s Day
Sunday
Lesson: Matthew 11:2-6
Sermon Title: What Did You Come to See?
Veteran’s Day is a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Does the Christian and the Veteran have anything in common?
November 11, 140th Anniversary Arena Congregational Church, Veteran’s Day
November 16, Bible Sunday, National Bible Week
Lesson: Matthew 11.7-15
Sermon Title: Messenger of Hope
It is often said that we walk by faith and not by sight. The question remains, Is faith sight?
November 23, Christ the King Sunday, Worship after
the manner of the Pilgrims
Lesson: Matthew 11.16-19
Sermon Title: Apologia
Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds. What wisdom? What vindication?
November 26, Thanksgiving Eve
Lesson: Colossians 3.12-17
Sermon Title: And Be Thankful
How may one be thankful? What does it take to have a heart and mind full of gratitude and praise?
November 27, Thanksgiving Day
1. John S. McClure, "The ascension ---- a promise of great things to come," Presbyterians Today, May 2002, 20. Reprinted with permission from Presbyterian Today, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40404-1396.
(For the sermon schedule for Advent 2003 through Pentecost 2004,
see sermons/plan sermons 2003-2004)
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