 Sheep often get a bad rap. They are often labeled as mindless followers who cannot think for themselves. If Jesus is the Good Shepherd, what does that say about us? I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the implications!
Is there another side to sheep? Are there any positive qualities we can attribute to us Christ followers? Find out on Sunday, April 25, when Rev. Tonja shares a message about the “Two Sides to Sheep”, based on John 10:11-18. Participate in worship via YouTube, beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the digital bulletin here.  Even despite the crazy Indiana weather we have had of late, the calendar tells us we are in the spring season. We see new growth – trees, flowers, and even weeds. The sound of lawnmowers trimming yards are abundant on pleasant, warm days. Folks are tending gardens and business is booming at the plant nurseries.
Sunshine and water help plants grow, but so does pruning. Removing dead, diseased, or dried up branches help stimulate new growth and focus the plant’s energy and attention away from healing illness and toward health and vibrancy. Jesus reminds us in the 15th chapter of John’s gospel that sometimes we need to do some spiritual pruning – removing the things that no longer produce fruit in our lives. Rev. Tonja's message "Pruning for Future Growth” is based on John 15:1-8, CEB. Participate in worship via YouTube, beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the digital bulletin here. Let us know you're here! If you are joining us for online Sunday worship services, please let us know with this short form: Sunday Worship Attendance.
 This Sunday, we will welcome back Associate Regional Minister, Rev. Carolyn Reed as our guest preacher. Rev. Reed's sermon, "Really! It's Okay!" is based on John 20:19-31, NRSV.
Jesus’ disciple, Thomas, is known primarily for his doubt. He wanted to see and touch the risen Christ for himself. Only then would he believe. Rather than chastise Thomas, maybe we should be encouraged by him. Because it is okay to question. It is okay to question our faith. In fact, it will make our faith stronger, if we do. Really! It’s Okay! Participate in worship via YouTube, beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the digital bulletin here.
 “Holy Week” begins this Sunday, as we recognize and celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The following Sunday is Easter – another joyous celebration – this time of Jesus’ resurrection! However, the time in between is filled with the story of Jesus’ suffering and death by crucifixion. It is important to descend, emotionally, into the passion story, as the celebrations that bookend the week would be less meaningful without it.
You are encouraged to dive in to the whole story this week: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. Hear all the stories. Feel all the feelings. Don’t shortchange your personal experience. Allow yourself to journey through each stage of Holy Week. Accompany Jesus to the cross and beyond. Rev. Tonja's sermon, "Palms or Passion?" is based on Mark 11:1-11, Common English Bible. Participate in worship on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the digital bulletin here. Tattoos can be painful…and permanent. In the “new covenant” Jeremiah decrees that God – the great I AM – will ink our hearts with God’s law, as a permanent sign of our relationship with God. God promises unconditional love and unending grace for us all. Rev. Tonja's sermon, "I AM Inked" is based on Jeremiah 31:31-34, The Message. Participate in worship on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the digital bulletin here.   Time after time, the Israelites did not trust God and God’s promises. In fact, they wandered in the desert for forty years because they did not trust God. God repeatedly rescued them, provided for their needs, and encouraged them. And still they did not trust.
How do we compare to the Israelites? Do we trust God? Let’s go on a Trust Walk. Rev. Tonja's sermon, "Trust Walk" is based on Numbers 21:4-9, NRSV. Participate in worship on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the digital bulletin here. |
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