Sermons | John Knox Presbyterian

Pentecost

Easter

Epiphany

Lent

Christmas

Advent

May 23, 2021

Moving to the Next Part of the Journey

Acts 2:1-21
Rev. Alan Thames

On Pentecost, the Gift of the Holy Spirit comes with wind, fire and multiple languages. With this gift, we acknowledge not only God’s mystery but the way that the mystery of God invites us to move into the next part of the journey.

View

May 31, 2020

Pentecost Promise Fulfilled

Acts 2:1-21
Rev. Frank Mansell

The Spirit's arrival on Pentecost is a promise fulfilled - and gives us the strength to face the hard work that is before us, as a church and as a nation.

View

June 9, 2019

We Are Never Alone

Acts 2:1-21
Rev. Frank Mansell

Pentecost is the day we celebrate God's promise of the Advocate being fulfilled, reminding us we are never alone, for all who call on God's name will be saved in Jesus Christ.

View

June 4, 2017

We Are Not Alone

Acts 2:1-13
Rev. Frank Mansell

With the promise fulfilled of God's Holy Spirit coming on Pentecost, we are promised to never be alone, for we have an Advocate who will always and forever be God's abiding presence in our lives.

View

May 15, 2016

Broadening Our Vision and Dreams

Acts 2:1-21
Lisa Crismore

We celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. This amazing gift that has the ability to give comfort and sustain us. But, the mystery of God can also be messy as it stretches and challenges us.

View

May 31, 2015

Bewildering Spirit

Acts 2:1-21
Rev. Frank Mansell

The coming of the Holy Spirit not only inspires and enlivens; it also confuses and bewilders. Yet even in our bewilderment, the Spirit never lets goes of us.

View

June 8, 2014

A Promise Fulfilled

Acts 2:1-21
Rev. Frank Mansell

Pentecost is more than one day of the year. It is a promise fulfilled by God to send the Advocate to the Church, so that we can do all things through the power of the Spirit.

View

June 3, 2012

Amazed and Perplexed

Acts 2:1-13
Rev. Frank Mansell

What kind of gift does God give the church on Pentecost? The gift to speak a word of hope to a broken and hurting world.

View

May 16, 2021

Looking Forward With Hope

Acts 1:1-11
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we come to an end in our journey together, we look forward with hope for what God has in store for us all as disciples of Jesus Christ.

View

May 9, 2021

Love One Another

John 15:9-17
Rev. Frank Mansell

God has already chosen to love us in Jesus Christ, and by that love we are called to love one another as friends in Christ.

View

May 2, 2021

Resilient Healing and Hope

Luke 13:6-17
Lisa Crismore

As the pandemic continues to leave us questioning how much longer will we endure this? We welcome the parable and the story that Jesus gives us in Luke as it encourages us with a message of resilient healing and hope.

View

April 25, 2021

Empowered By the Spirit

Acts 4:5-12
Rev. Frank Mansell

The Spirit gives us the power to do incredible things - if only we have the faith to trust in its guidance and power.

View

April 11, 2021

Resurrection Community

Psalms 133:1-3
Lisa Crismore

The Psalmist reminds us of the importance of living together in unity, which can be like anointing oil and renewing dew. Our nation and world struggles to live together in unity. How do we resurrect community?

View

April 4, 2021

Hope Over Fear

Mark 16:1-8
Rev. Frank Mansell

It's okay to be a little afraid on Easter - just don't allow that fear to paralyze you. For at the empty tomb, God has overcome our fear with hope.

View

May 24, 2020

Dialogue Sermon 052420

Acts 1:6-14
Lisa Crismore

Watch and listen to our online worship service on May 24, 2020.

View

May 17, 2020

The Gift of the Spirit Is Forever

John 14:15-21
Lisa Crismore

Jesus gives his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, which will be with us forever. How does the Advocate - the Spirit help us during the pandemic? How do we love God and love our neighbor as ourselves?

View

May 10, 2020

God's Own People

1 Peter 2:2-10
Rev. Frank Mansell

As God's own people, we are called to shine the light of Christ into the darkest areas of this world, so that hope might overcome hopelessness, and love might overcome hatred.

View

May 3, 2020

Awe-Inspiring

Acts 2:42-47
Rev. Frank Mansell

In these challenging times, the Spirit empowers us to awe-inspiring works, so that the Body of Christ might be a sign of hope to this world.

View

April 26, 2020

Kairos Journey

Luke 24:13-35
Lisa Crismore

Listen and Watch our Online Service from April 26, 2020, on Facebook Live.

View

April 19, 2020

Disability Awareness Sunday Sermon

Psalms 139:1-24
Kelly Porten

We are grateful to Kelly Porten for sharing with us her story on this Disability Awareness and Acceptance Sunday!

View

April 12, 2020

Do Not Be Afraid - 041220

Matthew 28:1-10
Rev. Frank Mansell

This is an Easter unlike any other - but we are grateful that we can receive the Easter message this year: we are not alone, God is alive, do not be afraid!

View

June 2, 2019

Breaking Free

Acts 16:16-34
Rev. Frank Mansell

Just as Paul and Silas helped the young girl break free from her enslavement to a demon, we are given the opportunity to break free from what enslaves us as we embrace the freedom offered in Jesus Christ.

View

May 12, 2019

Hope Has a Name

Acts 9:36-43
Rev. Frank Mansell

In this season after Easter, we are reminded by the resurrection of Tabitha that hope is alive always through the power of God's Holy Spirit.

View

May 5, 2019

Fed By Jesus

John 21:1-19
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we walk these days after Easter, we are each reminded of Jesus' call to feed his lambs and tend his sheep - as this is how we respond to our promise to love our Lord.

View

April 28, 2019

Believing and Creating

John 20:19-31
Rev. Hector Hernandez

We welcomed Rev. Hector Hernandez as our guest preacher this morning!

View

April 21, 2019

New Life

Luke 24:1-12
Rev. Frank Mansell

The women find the tomb to be empty, and as they remember what Jesus had told them, they believed the unbelievable and went and told the others. May we be moved to do the same on this glorious day!

View

May 13, 2018

We've Been Chosen

Acts 1:15-26
Rev. Frank Mansell

The election of Matthias as Judas' replacement reminds us that we are all chosen to serve - even when we don't win an election.

View

May 6, 2018

The Spirit's Power

Acts 10:44-48
Rev. Frank Mansell

The Spirit's movement in the life of the early church is our reminder that God will include all peoples - no matter our human limitations our boundaries. We just need to be open to the Spirit's guidance and leading.

View

April 29, 2018

Get Up and Go - Escape or Embrace?

Acts 8:26-40
Tom Markey

As Philip was inspired to get up and go preach the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch, so too are we called by the Spirit to get up and to to the places that challenge us and embrace the task of sharing God's love with this world.

View

April 22, 2018

Love in Action

1 John 3:16-24
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we welcome members of the confirmation class in worship, we are reminded that love is not meant to be reserved to words, but primarily in our actions towards others.

View

April 15, 2018

What Comes After the Resurrection?

Acts 4:32-35
Lisa Crismore

Listen to Molly DeWitt, program director at Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center, share about her experiences as a Young Adult Volunteer of the PC(USA).

View

April 8, 2018

Disability Awareness Sunday

Psalms 139:1-18
Aida

Hear Don and Aida's story of raising their son, Niko, with his "superpower" of autism.

View

April 1, 2018

The Depth of Easter

Mark 16:1-8
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we stand at the empty tomb, may we be allowed to be transformed by God into witnesses of this terrifying and amazing event.

View

May 14, 2017

I Will Do Whatever You Ask

John 14:1-14
Rev. Frank Mansell

Jesus promises his disciples that he will do whatever they ask in his name. How do we faithfully live out that promise in our prayer life and lives of discipleship?

View

May 7, 2017

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Psalms 23:1-6
Rev. Frank Mansell

The twenty-third psalm is not only appropriate at the time of death - it is a statement of faith for our lives, that our God will always pursue us with goodness and mercy.

View

April 30, 2017

Opening Our Eyes to God

Luke 24:13-35
Rev. Frank Mansell

God is always with us, even we don't sense it at the time, as we walk our Emmaus roads.

View

April 23, 2017

Easter's New Birth

1 Peter 1:3-9
Lisa Crismore

View

April 16, 2017

Witnessing the Resurrection

John 20:1-18
Rev. Frank Mansell

As Mary Magdalene and the other disciples witnessed the resurrection of Jesus, we too are called to be witnesses to others so that might come to believe in God's transformative love.

View

May 8, 2016

That They May Be One

John 17:20-26
Rev. Frank Mansell

Jesus prays that we might all be one through God's love in him. How do we live lives that invite others to follow Christ in unity, joy, and love?

View

May 1, 2016

Do You Want to Be Made Well?

John 5:1-9
Rev. Frank Mansell

When Jesus asks us, "Do you want to be made well?" how will we respond? In faith? In fear? With the trust that his healing will allow us to stand up, take up our mats, and walk?

View

April 24, 2016

The Household of God

Acts 11:1-18
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we learn from Peter's vision, the household of God is broader and wider than any of our preconceived notions; it is open to all who profess Jesus Christ as Lord.

View

April 17, 2016

Come Without Delay

Acts 9:36-43
Tom Markey

As Peter was called to come without delay, so to are we called to come without delay in the light of Christ's resurrection.

View

April 10, 2016

Disability Awareness Sunday Message

Mark 10:17-27
Sarah Lund

Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund of Christian Theological Seminary shares her personal story about loved ones and mental illness, and how God's love is truly for all of God's children.

View

April 9, 2016

One of a Kind

John 14:1-6
Rev. Frank Mansell

The funeral sermon and service for Jerry K. Carter (1945-2016) on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at John Knox Presbyterian Church.

View

April 3, 2016

Christ Is Alive

John 20:19-31
Lisa Crismore

Thomas is our reminder that even when we doubt, God is patient and persistent with us, to reassure us that nothing can conquer God's love for us in Jesus Christ - not even death.

View

March 27, 2016

They Told All This

Luke 24:1-12
Rev. Frank Mansell

The resurrection of Jesus exerts its influence over us to tell the good news of the gospel: Jesus Christ is risen!

View

May 17, 2015

The Toss of the Dice

Acts 1:15-26
Lisa Crismore

The disciples need to replace Judas. They seek God's will through prayer and the roll of the dice. How does Matthias and Joseph-Barsabbas-Justus feel with this outcome? How do we accept the will of God in our lives?

View

April 19, 2015

Releasing Our Fears

Luke 24:36-48
Lisa Crismore

The disciples have had a Jesus sighting. At first they are afraid because they believe he is a ghost, Jesus shows them his humanness and then tells them to get over their fears. They must move past this to go out and tell Christ's story to others.

View

April 12, 2015

The Power of Doubt

John 20:19-31
Rev. Frank Mansell

Doubt is a power thing. But it pales in comparison to God's love for us in Jesus Christ.

View

April 5, 2015

Bear Witness - Even in Fear

Mark 16:1-8
Rev. Frank Mansell

Even when it's hard to believe, there is no good news unless someone shares it.

View

June 1, 2014

You Will Be My Witnesses

Acts 1:6-14
Rev. Frank Mansell

As Jesus ascends back to heaven, we are not left powerless or alone - as the Holy Spirit empowers us to be his witnesses in this world.

View

May 24, 2014

Love Through Obedience

1 John 5:1-6
Rev. Frank Mansell

The church is called not to be of this world, but to transform it through obedience to God's laws of love.

View

May 18, 2014

Saying Goodbye

John 14:1-14
Lisa Crismore

View

May 11, 2014

Following the Shepherd's Voice

John 10:1-10
Rev. Frank Mansell

There is only one voice we need to follow amid all the voices of our lives. That is the voice of the good shepherd, who has come to give life and give it abundantly.

View

May 4, 2014

Walking with Jesus

Luke 24:13-35
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we walk our Emmaus roads, may we never lose sight of the one walking alongside us, in good times and bad.

View

April 20, 2014

Rattling the World

Matthew 28:1-10
Rev. Frank Mansell

The tomb is empty. "He is not here." Jesus goes ahead of us - that is where we will find the risen Lord.

View

April 7, 2013

In the Name of the Risen Christ

Acts 5:27-32
Rev. Frank Mansell

We live in the light of Easter when we speak with clarity and conviction of God's most powerful love.

View

March 31, 2013

Don't Take It For Granted

Luke 24:1-12
Rev. Frank Mansell

The world has changed due to the resurrection of Jesus. Will we rise to live life differently in response, or will we be tempted to take this day for granted?

View

January 3, 2021

God's Light Shining Through the Darkness

Isaiah 60:1-6
Rev. Frank Mansell

We are not called to be the light - we are called to reflect the light of God through the darkness of our world, and in so doing, bring others the hope and joy we know in God's promised Son, Jesus Christ.

View

January 5, 2020

Shining God's Light

Matthew 2:1-12
Rev. Frank Mansell

We are called to shine God's light not only at Christmas with Emmanuel's birth, but every day we are blessed to be disciples of the one who came in the name of the Lord.

View

January 6, 2019

Faithfully Following

Matthew 2:1-12
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we celebrate the Magi and their bringing of gifts to the Christ child, we also look for the epiphanies in our lives that God brings, so we might faithfully follow God's light wherever it leads.

View

January 1, 2017

Star Words

Matthew 2:1-12
Lisa Crismore

View

January 3, 2016

The Unexpected Gift

Matthew 2:1-12
Lisa Crismore

The wise men follow the star to Bethlehem looking for a king and find something so unexpected. This will be a king that does not rule by power but gives of himself for others. How do we receive this unexpected gift?

View

January 4, 2015

Arise! Shine!

Isaiah 60:1-6
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we put away our Christmas decorations this month, may we not be tempted to put away the light of the world, whose birth we celebrate not one day a year, but every day of our lives.

View

January 5, 2014

Epiphany

Matthew 2:1-12
Rev. Frank Mansell

What epiphanies might illuminate our vision of God's claim on our life, so that we might be overwhelmed with joy, as the Magi were at the stable in Bethlehem?

View

January 6, 2013

Gift Giving

Matthew 2:1-12
Rev. Frank Mansell

The heart of giving a gift is that it is given freely from the heart.

View

March 28, 2021

What Are You Doing, Jesus?

John 12:12-16
Lisa Crismore

In John's Gospel, Jesus takes control as Holy Week begins. The disciples invite us to join them as they wait, watch and wonder what Jesus is doing. Will we want to follow Jesus step by step to the cross?

View

March 21, 2021

A New Chapter

Jeremiah 31:31-34
Rev. Frank Mansell

God is calling us into a new chapter of ministry, and we are called to remain open to the possibilities which the Spirit will lead us to as we face a time of transition together.

View

March 14, 2021

For God So Loved the World

John 3:14-21
Rev. Frank Mansell

This most familiar passage reminds us once again that despite our sinful nature, God loves us unconditionally through God's only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

View

March 7, 2021

Cleaning House 030721

John 2:12-23
Rev. Frank Mansell

In this Season of Lent, we are called to take stock of our lives and consider what needs cleaning out, so that we can focus our entire selves on following our Lord faithfully and without distraction.

View

February 28, 2021

A Sign of God's Promise

Genesis 9:8-17
Rev. Frank Mansell

Even amid the worst chaos in life, God will never abandon us - that is the sign of hope and promise that we are reminded of through the rainbow in the sky after the great flood.

View

February 21, 2021

Taking Up Our Crosses

Mark 8:27-38
Lisa Crismore

For this first Sunday of Lent, we are challenged by Christ to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him. As we find ourselves Covid tired, how do we serve Christ in this way?

View

April 5, 2020

A City in Turmoil

Matthew 21:1-11
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we are experiencing turmoil amid the coronavirus pandemic, the city of Jerusalem was in turmoil that first Palm Sunday. Yet even in both - God is present and will be present as we journey through Holy Week as the people of God.

View

March 29, 2020

Finding New Life in the Midst of Dry Bones

Ezekiel 37:1-14
Lisa Crismore

The prophet Ezekiel is given the image of a field of dry bones. God promises that from these bones new life will come. In the midst of our chaotic world, where do we find new life and hope?

View

March 22, 2020

A Surreal Time

Psalms 23:1-6
Rev. Frank Mansell

These are days that none of us could have anticipated - but thankfully, we are not alone as we walk through this dark valley; for God love and grace will always be with us.

View

March 15, 2020

God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength

Psalms 46:1-11
Rev. Frank Mansell

Here is a summary of the online worship we held today at John Knox. You can listen to an audio recording of it, as well, or go to our Facebook page to watch the video of it.

View

March 8, 2020

Reflecting Our Faith

Exodus 17:1-7
Rev. Frank Mansell

How are we called to reflect our faith in God to a world that desperately needs to hear God's good news? The story of the Israelites complaining for water at Meribah gives us some ideas.

View

March 1, 2020

Always Faithful

Matthew 4:1-11
Rev. Frank Mansell

Jesus resists temptation in the desert, and in so doing, gives us strength and courage to live faithful lives of discipleship.

View

April 14, 2019

The Ride of His Life

Luke 19:28-40
Lisa Crismore

We celebrate this Palm Sunday praising Jesus for all his deeds of power and welcoming him on the humble colt. As we wave our palms, we are reminded that nothing will silence the power and presence of Christ in our lives.

View

April 7, 2019

An Act of Love

John 12:1-8
Rev. Frank Mansell

Mary anoints Jesus before his entry into Jerusalem, and we are all reminded of the extravagant gift of God's love to us in Christ's life, death, and resurrection.

View

March 24, 2019

Feeding Our Faith

Isaiah 55:1-9
Rev. Frank Mansell

Isaiah reminds us of how important it is to consistently and faithfully return to God, so our faith might be fed and sustained through God's everlasting love.

View

March 17, 2019

Wait for the Lord

Psalms 27:1-14
Rev. Frank Mansell

We are called to wait for God, even in times of struggle, for through our waiting, God will be our light and stronghold amid all that life brings.

View

March 10, 2019

Turning Back to God

Luke 4:1-13
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we begin the Season of Lent, may we be moved to turn back to God, especially when we face times of temptation in our lives.

View

March 25, 2018

Palm Sunday - Parade or Procession?

Mark 11:1-11
Tom Markey

Is Palm Sunday about the parade of Christ and his authority in our lives, or is it about a procession to Christ's death on Good Friday? It is both - and that is the transformative power of all that happens in Holy Week.

View

March 11, 2018

The Gift of Grace

Ephesians 2:1-10
Rev. Frank Mansell

We have been given a gift that has immeasurable value - the gift of faith. Now we are called to live lives of gratitude for that gift of faith.

View

March 4, 2018

Tables Are Turned

John 2:13-22
Rev. Frank Mansell

Jesus cleanses the temple, but at the same time, calls on us to move the furniture around in our lives and see what needs cleaning, rearranging, and tossing, so we might be the disciples he's called us to be.

View

February 25, 2018

A New Name from God

Genesis 17:1-16
Lisa Crismore

View

February 18, 2018

A Covenant Promise

Genesis 9:8-17
Rev. Frank Mansell

The story of Noah is more than a children's story - it is a promise by God to be in a genuine relationship with humanity, a relationship which eventually culminates in Jesus Christ.

View

April 9, 2017

Entering Into Turmoil

Matthew 21:1-11
Rev. Frank Mansell

On this Palm Sunday, our Lord enters into the turmoil of Holy Week. Will we follow him in faith, modeling his grace, humility, and purpose, whenever we face the turmoil of this world?

View

April 2, 2017

Do You Believe This?

John 11:17-27
Rev. Frank Mansell

Jesus asks Martha: "Do you believe that I am the resurrection and the life?" And in so doing, he is asking us if we trust this core belief of our faith.

View

March 26, 2017

Wake Up! Children of Light

Ephesians 5:8-13
Lisa Crismore

Half way through Lent, the children of light are urged to wake up and use the light of Christ to expose the darkness. As we examine our lives, we ask "What needs to stay and what needs to go?"

View

March 19, 2017

When in Doubt, Sing it Out

Romans 5:1-11
Tom Markey

Our hope – while gifted to us through the love and grace of God – is a hope we experience in, with, and through one another.

View

March 12, 2017

Disability Acceptance Sunday

Psalms 139:13-16
John Smyth

John Smyth is an expert in autism, and he shared his story as our message on Disability Acceptance Sunday.

View

March 5, 2017

Kept By God

Psalms 121:1-8
Rev. Frank Mansell

God loves us, and therefore God keeps us. Once we accept that fact of faith, we can live lives of service that show God's love in transformative ways.

View

March 20, 2016

Faith in the Journey

Luke 19:28-40
Rev. Frank Mansell

Sometimes, all we can do is have faith in the journey we are on, and trust and believe that our Lord is coming to give us strength and courage for what lies in front of us.

View

March 13, 2016

Perceiving a New Thing

Isaiah 43:16-21
Lisa Crismore

The Israelites have lost their image as God's children. The prophet alerts them to give up their sins of the past and look for a new thing that God is promising them. We look for the new things that God has for us.

View

March 6, 2016

Lost and Found

Luke 15:11-32
Rev. Frank Mansell

In this season of Lent, can we truly identify with the lost prodigal, and receive the transformative grace that embraces us like a father who runs to welcome us home?

View

February 28, 2016

Callings, Camps, and Christian Motorcycles

Jeremiah 1:4-8
Jake Hofmeister

Our calling as disciples of Jesus Christ is formed in special ways by our experiences at camps and conference centers like Camp Pyoca.

View

February 21, 2016

Imitators in Faith

Philippians 3:17-4:1
Rev. Frank Mansell

Paul calls us to mentor one another in the faith, and to set our minds and hearts on Christ Jesus in this Lenten Season.

View

February 14, 2016

Expressing Thanks and Gratitude

Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Lisa Crismore

The Israelites are about to inherit the promise land from God. They are told to give thanks by offering their first fruits to God. As we travel this time of Lent, how do we offer thanks to God?

View

March 29, 2015

Untie It and Bring It

Mark 11:1-11
Lisa Crismore

Are you tempted to sing "Hosanna" on Palm Sunday and skip right to shouting "Alleluia" on Easter morning? We must travel the plan of Jesus that starts with Palm Sunday and takes us to the cross and then onto the empty tomb.

View

March 22, 2015

The Law Written on Our Hearts

Jeremiah 31:31-34
Rev. Frank Mansell

View

March 8, 2015

Cleaning Out

John 2:13-22
Rev. Frank Mansell

What needs cleaning out in our lives so that our focus can be totally centered on God?

View

March 1, 2015

Everlasting Covenant

Genesis 17:1-19
Rev. Frank Mansell

God's promises are everlasting and eternal; how will live our lives reflects the depth of our appreciation for those eternal promises.

View

April 13, 2014

A Tumultuous Entrance

Matthew 21:1-11
Rev. Frank Mansell

Jesus' triumphant entry causes praise and trembling for the Holy City, as God's act of salvation comes near.

View

April 6, 2014

Human and Divine

John 11:1-45
Lisa Crismore

As we look at the passages where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, we ask "How do we unbind ourselves like Lazarus? What is holding us inside the tomb? What do we need to free ourselves from to experience God's resurrection power and hope?

View

March 23, 2014

Bunch of Whiners

Exodus 17:1-7
Rev. Frank Mansell

Moses appealed for God's help when he couldn't take the whining anymore. And God provided for their needs - and continues to stand before us in faithfulness, loving us unconditionally through Jesus Christ our Lord.

View

March 16, 2014

Blessing and Promise

John 3:1-17
Rev. Frank Mansell

God offers blessing and promise - to Abram and Sarai, in the gift of his son, Jesus Christ. How to we live lives of gratitude for God's blessings and promises to us?

View

March 9, 2014

Wise Like God?

Genesis 2:15-3:7
Rev. Frank Mansell

Adam and Eve in the garden remind us of our constant desire to be wise like God, and how God is always patient as we seek to live faithfully as his children.

View

March 24, 2013

He Went On Ahead

Luke 19:28-40
Rev. Frank Mansell

After all he had been through, Jesus chose to go on ahead to Jerusalem, and accomplish on our behalf what only he could do.

View

March 10, 2013

Redeemed by Grace

Luke 15:11-32
Rev. Frank Mansell

This is not a story about a prodigal son or a bitter older brother. It is a story about a loving, gracious God who welcomes us all back home.

View

March 3, 2013

Come to the Waters

Isaiah 55:1-9
Rev. Frank Mansell

There is much which leaves us empty in life. Will we fill the emptiness with the nourishment of God's Word, or the quick filling of those things which we don't need.

View

February 24, 2013

This Psalm Is for You

Psalms 27:1-14
Lisa Crismore

As we ride the roller coaster of life and face the steep hills and curves, we pray to God for courage and strength. Many times our prayers are answered but sometimes God is silent.

View

February 17, 2013

How We Face Temptation

Luke 4:1-13
Rev. Frank Mansell

Whenever we face temptation, we have the assurance that our Lord has already faced and conquered temptation in the wilderness.

View

April 1, 2012

Blessed Is the One

Mark 11:1-11
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we begin the Holy Week journey, how are we welcoming Jesus into our lives this Palm Sunday?

View

March 25, 2012

Humble Grace

Hebrews 5:1-10
Rev. Frank Mansell

Jesus offers the humble grace of God which we could never give ourselves; how we respond to that gift is a sign of our faithfulness.

View

December 24, 2020

God Comes to Us

Luke 2:1-20
Rev. Frank Mansell

No matter who we are or where we are, God comes to us in Emmanuel - God-with-us - Jesus Christ, our Messiah.

View

December 24, 2019

A Generous God

Luke 2:1-20
Rev. Frank Mansell

On this Christmas Eve, may we remember the incredible generosity of our God to show God's love in human form, Emmanuel, God with Us, Jesus the Christ.

View

December 24, 2018

The Power of Story

Luke 2:1-20
Rev. Frank Mansell

Story is powerful and transformative - for God speaks to us in our own stories, and in the ancient yet modern story of Christmas. How will we respond to hearing that story once again?

View

December 31, 2017

An Awesome Relationship

Psalms 8:1-9
Ann Hamel

View

December 24, 2017

Christmas Eve Worship

Luke 2:1-20
Lisa Crismore

Listen to our Candlelight-Communion Service on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2017.

View

December 25, 2016

God's Daring Plan

Matthew 1:18-25
Rev. Frank Mansell

"God's Daring Plan" - A Sermon by Barbara Brown Taylor.

View

December 24, 2016

The Time Has Come

Luke 2:1-20
Rev. Frank Mansell

The time has come to welcome God's Son into the world once again. The time has come for us to live our lives in gratitude for this gift that is born to us this night.

View

December 24, 2015

Do Not Be Afraid (2)

Luke 2:1-20
Rev. Frank Mansell

The fog of fear can envelope us greatly as human beings; but this night, the light of the world has come to shatter the darkness, and bring hope to all the world.

View

December 24, 2014

Do You Need Christmas?

Luke 2:1-20
Rev. Frank Mansell

Do you need Christmas this year? Does your life depend on it? How is God speaking to you this holy eve?

View

December 29, 2013

He Became Their Savior

Isaiah 63:1-19
Lisa Crismore

God may be angry, sad, disappointed and upset with the way we behave. But despite our faults as humans, God choses to come into the treacherous world as a vulnerable infant because he loves us. God wants us to respond to that love with gratitude in our hearts.

View

December 24, 2013

Do Not Be Afraid

Luke 2:8-20
Rev. Frank Mansell

In the storms of life, a peaceful calm comes tonight in the form of God's Son. And we are reminded by the heavenly host: "Do not be afraid."

View

December 24, 2012

God With Us

Luke 2:1-20
Rev. Frank Mansell

No matter who we are or why we come to the manger this night, God will meet us in an exceptional, transformational way.

View

December 25, 2011

Through Mary and Joseph's Eyes

Matthew 1:18-25

A retelling of what Mary and Joseph might have been thinking after "the big night," as told by Lisa Crismore and Frank Mansell.

View

December 24, 2011

Veiled in Flesh

John 1:1-14
Rev. Frank Mansell

Mary did not give birth to a name or an idea; she gave birth to the incarnate Word of God. For God chose to come meet us in the flesh on this holy night.

View

December 20, 2020

Mary, Did You Know?

Luke 1:26-38
Lisa Crismore

The angel, Gabriel, tells Mary that she is favored and blessed to give birth to Jesus. This challenging news will change her life forever. With our challenges, how do we know that we are favored and blessed by God?

View

December 13, 2020

Joy Through Adversity

Isaiah 61:1-11
Rev. Frank Mansell

Even in the midst of great adversity, God's joy shines through in this Advent Season - we may just have to look harder this year than in other years.

View

December 6, 2020

The Beginning of God's Good News

Mark 1:1-8
Rev. Frank Mansell

We are all called to stop, listen, and receive the beginning of God's good news this Advent Season, especially as we hear it from God's preparer: John the Baptist.

View

November 29, 2020

Hope in the Potter's Hands

Isaiah 64:1-9
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we seek hope in this time of challenge, may we hear the prophet's words that hope is coming as God comes down to meet us.

View

December 22, 2019

Christs Saving Presence

Matthew 1:18-25
Lisa Crismore

View

December 15, 2019

Road to Salvation

Isaiah 35:1-10
Rev. Frank Mansell

The prophet speaks of a Holy Way that God's people will travel to redemption. In this Advent Season, what roads are we traveling to return to the source of our hope and joy?

View

December 8, 2019

Turn Back to God

Matthew 3:1-12
Rev. Frank Mansell

As John the Baptist prepares us for the coming of God's Son, how are we called to turn back to God in our Advent journey?

View

December 1, 2019

Time to Hope

Romans 13:11-14
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we live through the in-between times of life, Paul reminds us of this time of hope God has given us as we wait for Jesus Christ's return.

View

December 23, 2018

Bethlehem Was the Place

Micah 5:2-5
Lisa Crismore

The prophet Micah brings good news of hope which will come from an unexpected place called Bethlehem. It is here we find a shepherd that will come forth and care for us in the most challenging times.

View

December 16, 2018

Welcome Home

Zephaniah 3:14-20
Rev. Frank Mansell

We are all welcomed home this Advent by a loving, gracious God - welcomed home from whatever exiles we are living in.

View

December 9, 2018

It's Time for a Change

Luke 3:1-6
Rev. Frank Mansell

Enjoy this monologue sermon written by Rhonda VanDyke Colby on John the Baptist!

View

December 2, 2018

How Do We Wait in Advent?

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Rev. Frank Mansell

Advent is a time of waiting for God's promise in Jesus Christ. It is also a time for us to examine how we wait for God's calling and presence in our lives, so that we might show the world God's hope, love, and peace.

View

December 24, 2017

Sanctuary Leads to Blessing

Luke 1:39-56
Lisa Crismore

View

December 17, 2017

Redemptive Joy

Isaiah 61:1-11
Rev. Frank Mansell

In the midst of our waiting in Advent, we are promised redemptive joy by the prophet Isaiah, a joy that restores and redeems our suffering into hope and promise as God's chosen people.

View

December 10, 2017

Preparing for Good News

Mark 1:1-8
Rev. Frank Mansell

Waiting is hard - waiting requires trust and patience. And a lot of times, waiting requires humility. In this Advent Season, how are we called to prepare for this good news which God is sending, especially as we wait and wait and wait?

View

December 3, 2017

Tears and Tantrums - Hurting in Holy Ways

Psalms 80:17-19
Tom Markey

Let us not forget that this hope came in the form of baby, tears and tantrums included. May we find hope in and through our tears, knowing that God is, in fact, crying with us as we make our journey to Bethlehem.

View

December 18, 2016

Believing in the Sign

Isaiah 7:10-16
Lisa Crismore

The prophet Isaiah sends a sign to all who fear. This sign will be a woman who is with child and she will name him Immanuel. God is with us. How do we receive this sign? How do we believe it?

View

December 11, 2016

Finding Joy in the Wilderness

Isaiah 35:1-10
Rev. Frank Mansell

We all travel roads in the wildernesses of life. But even there, God finds us and is with us to save us, bringing joy and gladness in this Advent Season.

View

December 4, 2016

Bear Fruit Worthy of Repentance

Matthew 3:1-12
Rev. Frank Mansell

This season of preparation is more than warm memories of the past. It is about realigning ourselves with God's purpose for our life, so we might bear fruit that is truly worthy of our repentance.

View

November 27, 2016

Walking in the Light

Rev. Frank Mansell

It is time to awake from our slumber, and walk in the light of God. As we begin the Advent Season, may the prophet's words give us hope that God is truly with us in the form of Emmanuel.

View

December 20, 2015

Mary Says, "Yes!"

Luke 1:39-56
Lisa Crismore

Mary flees to her cousin's Elizabeth after hearing that she is pregnant with God's Son. She is welcomed with affirmation and blessing. As we prepare for Christmas, are we open to receive or offer a blessing to others?

View

December 13, 2015

Expectantly Waiting for Joy

Philippians 4:4-7
Rev. Frank Mansell

We do not experience joy in a vacuum; we await the joy which God brings on Christmas to transform us and this world through Jesus Christ our Lord.

View

December 6, 2015

Messengers from God

Luke 3:1-6
Rev. Frank Mansell

Preparing for the Prince of Peace can seem fruitless amid the violence we witness in our world. And yet these messengers from God remind us that in our preparation, God will come.

View

November 29, 2015

How Do We Wait?

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Rev. Frank Mansell

Advent is a time of waiting, yet that is not our strong-suit as human beings. How do we wait in hope for God's coming kingdom?

View

December 21, 2014

A Servant of the Lord

Luke 1:26-38
Rev. Frank Mansell

We can either walk through life closed-off to all threats and, potentially, closed-off to God, or we can open ourselves to God's will and receive that joy as Mary did when she was told the unbelievable would happen through her.

View

December 7, 2014

Comfort in Exile

Isaiah 40:1-11
Rev. Frank Mansell

Even when we find ourselves in exile, God will never abandon us, but will draw us close to his heart, just as he gathers the sheep in his loving arms.

View

November 30, 2014

The Journey of Faith

1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Rev. Frank Mansell

As we conclude a season of waiting for Lisa to return to us from sabbatical, we begin a season of expectant waiting in Advent, and trust in the grace of God to be with us in all ways at all times.

View

December 22, 2013

Not Picture Perfect

Matthew 1:18-25
Lisa Crismore

Matthew's version of the nativity shows the beautiful, but not picture perfect, way God chose to come into the world through Jesus Christ this Christmas.

View

December 15, 2013

Waiting Patiently

Isaiah 35:1-10
Rev. Frank Mansell

Isaiah speaks of the joyful exuberance which will spring forth with the Lord's arrival, while James reminds us of patiently waiting for this joy to enter our lives.

View

December 8, 2013

Preparing for the New

Isaiah 11:1-10
Rev. Frank Mansell

John the Baptist teaches us how to prepare for the Prince of Peace's arrival, but it is Isaiah who illustrates what the new kingdom will look like when that Prince arrives.

View

December 1, 2013

You Know What Time It Is

Isaiah 2:1-5
Rev. Frank Mansell

The First Sunday of Advent is about hope - hope for a world free from violence, hope for a future ruled by the Son of God, hope to awaken from our slumber and welcome the light of the world.

View

December 16, 2012