 The Pharisees and the Herodians tried to trap Jesus with a trick question. It was a lose/lose, no matter which way he responded.
But Jesus matched their malice with his own cunning. He asked whose image was stamped on the coin. The emperor’s? Well then, the coin should go to the emperor. Give to God the things that are God’s. What bears God’s image? We do! We are created in God’s image…all of us. Rev. Tonja's message, "Whose Image is Stamped on You?" is based on Matthew 22:15-22. Participate in worship on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the virtual bulletin here. Honoring and celebrating the call to ministry since 1933, the Week of Ministry is a time to reflect on all that our pastors do and show our appreciation. Thank you, Rev. Tonja! We are so grateful for you!   In recognition of the Week of the Ministry, one of our Disciples seminaries – Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma – has provided a gift to pastors and musicians who have been leading worship online for more than six months now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Advancement Office staff felt that our friends and colleagues across the nation might need a respite from the weekly work of crafting remote worship,” said Phillips Vice President of Advancement, Terry Ewing. “When we shared this idea with others at the seminary, they were eager to contribute.” PTS President Nancy Claire Pittman will preach a sermon entitled “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow,” based on Ecclesiastes 2:18-26. Other members of the PTS faculty and staff will lead other portions of the service of worship, including prayers, communion, and music. Participate in worship on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the virtual bulletin here.  On this World Communion Sunday, we celebrate our connection to the history and tradition of the church, as well as the present community and promises for the future.
For participation in worship on World Communion Sunday, you might want to use a bread (or drink!) that represents another part of the world for your communion elements. Consider using a croissant, bagel, or tortilla for communion this Sunday! Rev. Tonja's message, "The Bread of Life" is based on John 6:32-35, The Message. Participate in worship on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the virtual bulletin here.  Paul tells the church at Philippi (and all of us): “God is at work in you.” That means you are worth working on. You are worth God’s time. God perceives that you are worth the investment. You are worth it.
What do you perceive is worth working on? What is worth your time? What is worth the investment, to you? We put our time and our investment into activities and institutions we value. What do you value? This Sunday, Rev. Tonja's sermon, "God is at Work in You", is based on Philippians 2:1-13. Participate beginning at 10:30AM on our Youtube Channel.  Ancient rabbis created a story (or midrash) about Nachshon, who led the Israelites across the Red Sea. Nachshon was the first to enter the waters, unsure of what to expect, or what the consequences of his daring action might be. Nachshon showed great leadership and courage.
Sometimes it is necessary to step out and take the lead without really knowing what the future holds. Sometimes it is necessary – as individuals and as a church – to demonstrate leadership and courage. This Sunday, Rev. Tonja's sermon, "Leadership and Courage" is based on Exodus 14:10-31, The Message. Participate in worship on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the virtual bulletin here.  Jesus said: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Paul said: “You can’t go wrong when you love others.” The Beatles said: “All you need is love.”
Why is love so important for Christians – so much more important than any of the other religious “laws” and commandments? Because God is love. This Sunday, Rev. Tonja's sermon, "All You Need is Love" is based on Romans 13:7-14. Participate in worship on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the virtual bulletin here.  Paul’s letter to the church in Rome instructs his readers to make the world a better place by engaging with others in a positive, loving way. Paul exhorts his audience: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil…live peaceably with all.”
Julia Jackson, mother of police shooting victim Jacob Blake, echoes Paul's words nearly a millennium later: “Let's use our hearts, our love, and our intelligence to work together, to show the rest of the world how humans are supposed to treat each other.” As Christians, we have hope in what we cannot see. We are not comfortable with what we perceive right now, but we glimpse a future that values all lives equally. We push ourselves toward what could be. We journey toward what is invisible. This Sunday, Rev. Tonja's sermon, "Journey Toward the Invisible" is based on Romans 12:9-21. Participate in worship on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the virtual bulletin here.
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9:00 am Sunday School
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11:45 am Fellowship
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