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March 19, 2023

The Power of Healing

Lisa Crismore

The Power of Healing 3/19/2023 Lisa Crismore

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March 12, 2023

Finding a Word

Beth Wagner

Finding a Word John Knox Presbyterian Church Rev. Beth Wagner

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March 5, 2023

Finding Our Breath

Beth Wagner

Finding Our Breath 03/05/2023 John Knox Presbyterian Church Rev. Beth Wagner

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February 26, 2023

Listening Spaces

Beth Wagner

Listening Spaces Rev. Beth Wagner John Knox Presbyterian Church 2/26/2023

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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February 25, 2018

A New Name from God

Genesis 17:1-16
Lisa Crismore

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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?"

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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March 22, 2015

The Law Written on Our Hearts

Jeremiah 31:31-34
Rev. Frank Mansell

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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February 19, 2023

Transformation Can Be Challenging

Lisa Crismore

Transformation Can Be Challenging John Knox Presbyterian Church 2/19/2023 Lisa Crismore

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January 1, 2023

God Doesn't Want You to Eat Stale Bagels

Patty McKinnon

God Doesn't Want You to Eat Stale Bagels Patty McKinnon John Knox Presbyterian Church 01/01/2023

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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.

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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.

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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.

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January 1, 2017

Star Words

Matthew 2:1-12
Lisa Crismore

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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.

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December 11, 2022

Saying Yes to Sacred Space

Beth Wagner

Saying Yes to Sacred Space Rev. Beth Wagner John Knox Presbyterian Church

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December 4, 2022

Seeing Sacred People

Beth Wagner

Seeing Sacred People Morning Worship 10am Rev. Beth Wagner

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November 27, 2022

Keeping Sacred Time

Beth Wagner

Keeping Sacred Time John Knox Presbyterian Church Rev. Beth Wagner 11.27.2022

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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December 22, 2019

Christs Saving Presence

Matthew 1:18-25
Lisa Crismore

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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December 24, 2017

Sanctuary Leads to Blessing

Luke 1:39-56
Lisa Crismore

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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December 16, 2012