Jul 16, 2017
Focus on the Sower
Series: (All)
July 16, 2017. In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 13, Jesus tells a parable to help his followers understand why many people rejected his teachings. The sower in the story spreads seeds on the path, on rocky ground, among thorns, and on good soil. Pastor Penny wants us to focus on the sower in her sermon today. He was wasteful, foolish, and a risk-taker -- like parents are out of love for their children, and like God is with us. *** [Keywords: 2017 Bible class Bible study God showers us with gifts Gospel Greek family Heavenly parent Jesus Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13:1-9 My Big Fat Greek Wedding movie Pastor Penny Holste Toula accept our love all at once all four kinds of soil asks us to repent begins in this life boisterous Greek family brings us joy business of life buy something cares of the world cast off not long after chairman of congregation child wants come to take teaching positions created beautiful world culture clash describes deserve our love didn't come dinner did not go well disposal early in the morning encroaching on that time every Sunday excited experience the Kingdom of God extended Greek family extends throughout eternity fiancée focus on the sower following through foolish four ways from another state gift from God given of the Spirit go to counseling good soil grateful great spiritual growth have coffee with lonely person hearts are like rocky soil help Jesus' followers understand immigrants impatient integral to congregation invited them to come joy of the Kingdom kept coming like what parents do looking at other people love as God loves love lavishly loving cultures loving us lures of wealth man off his back many people rejected his words more money to charity or church more responsibility more than what happens after we die most superior lifestyle neither was superior new couple in church nice quiet intimate evening not a good farmer not enough money not enough time not the one opportunities originally intended our hearts are open parables parents are wasteful out of love parents meet path patronize new store people may not want our love persist picture of God picture of Kingdom potty train prejudiced promise our family promotion prophets push away those fears quiet polite proper people quiet time receive word seed in different ways resentful risk-taker seed dies seed falls on our hearts seed never puts down roots seed takes root seeds take root sends us amazing experiences sent us son to die sermon seven different stories small town smile on face so glad he came so is God some people in his day rejected his teachings speaking in Greek spend less time at work start a good thing start to feel uncomfortable stones stubborn take risks thanked him that's not the point thorns thorny tone of irritation umpteenth invitation understand beautiful concept understand it upgrading our electronics was irritated waste food waste money waste time watched for them way of life way of living we become more like the farmer we pray we resist we stop we quit whenever we do something loving for someone else whether they receive it]
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  • Jul 16, 2017Focus on the Sower
    Jul 16, 2017
    Focus on the Sower
    Series: (All)
    July 16, 2017. In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 13, Jesus tells a parable to help his followers understand why many people rejected his teachings. The sower in the story spreads seeds on the path, on rocky ground, among thorns, and on good soil. Pastor Penny wants us to focus on the sower in her sermon today. He was wasteful, foolish, and a risk-taker -- like parents are out of love for their children, and like God is with us. *** [Keywords: 2017 Bible class Bible study God showers us with gifts Gospel Greek family Heavenly parent Jesus Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13:1-9 My Big Fat Greek Wedding movie Pastor Penny Holste Toula accept our love all at once all four kinds of soil asks us to repent begins in this life boisterous Greek family brings us joy business of life buy something cares of the world cast off not long after chairman of congregation child wants come to take teaching positions created beautiful world culture clash describes deserve our love didn't come dinner did not go well disposal early in the morning encroaching on that time every Sunday excited experience the Kingdom of God extended Greek family extends throughout eternity fiancée focus on the sower following through foolish four ways from another state gift from God given of the Spirit go to counseling good soil grateful great spiritual growth have coffee with lonely person hearts are like rocky soil help Jesus' followers understand immigrants impatient integral to congregation invited them to come joy of the Kingdom kept coming like what parents do looking at other people love as God loves love lavishly loving cultures loving us lures of wealth man off his back many people rejected his words more money to charity or church more responsibility more than what happens after we die most superior lifestyle neither was superior new couple in church nice quiet intimate evening not a good farmer not enough money not enough time not the one opportunities originally intended our hearts are open parables parents are wasteful out of love parents meet path patronize new store people may not want our love persist picture of God picture of Kingdom potty train prejudiced promise our family promotion prophets push away those fears quiet polite proper people quiet time receive word seed in different ways resentful risk-taker seed dies seed falls on our hearts seed never puts down roots seed takes root seeds take root sends us amazing experiences sent us son to die sermon seven different stories small town smile on face so glad he came so is God some people in his day rejected his teachings speaking in Greek spend less time at work start a good thing start to feel uncomfortable stones stubborn take risks thanked him that's not the point thorns thorny tone of irritation umpteenth invitation understand beautiful concept understand it upgrading our electronics was irritated waste food waste money waste time watched for them way of life way of living we become more like the farmer we pray we resist we stop we quit whenever we do something loving for someone else whether they receive it]
  • Jul 9, 2017Rest For Your Souls
    Jul 9, 2017
    Rest For Your Souls
    Series: (All)
    July 9, 2017. We all carry burdens. Life can seem wearisome, especially in this time when we all seem so polarized, sorting ourselves into like-minded groups and listening only to those with whom we agree. In her sermon today, Pastor Penny preaches on Matthew 11:25-30. Jesus offers rest for our souls, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. *** [Keywords: 2017 Cascade Mountains God created perfect world God gives the truth to infants God in the flesh God working Gospel Grunewald Guild I do dance I do laugh I know that you are weary I wanted to die I will give you rest Jesus of Nazareth John the Baptist Keith Lutheran Mark Matthew 11:25-30 Pastor Penny Holste Roman Catholic brother The Big Sort book Washington State across the country admit we need God all Democrats support abortion all Republicans are against gun control all birds have wings all cats purr all winter long another child art and faith come together art teacher in Philadelphia as good as our lives are back at home beautiful picture believed they knew the truth bore the cross for us bowl of potatoes and onions burdensome came back with broken heart catch a plane challenges change the burdens checklist close to his mother come to grips come to me community of Christians artists community surrounded supported him condemned could not heal his grief on his own deal with grief devastated did not see did not want to leave her didn't listen to each other director drove hours do dishes doctors appointments don't have to be in contol finally the tears came found real rest four grown children freed us to be loved and to love his world get up in the morning go to work got a message got on bus grandparents handed over to God harmony with God and one another has taken vows have the answers he cried for his own loss he let God in heard her words heart remained broken hopefully we are those people hurts husband and wife in that moment injustices and pain of the world inviting us just started to talk just stood justice and peace know they are dependent learn to talk like children like-minded groups listen to radio little boy loved ones make lunches meadow might seem doesn't fit us minds were shut missed mistakes moa more conservative more liberal more open lifestyle mostly listening mother close to death mother contracted leukemia my burden is light my yoke is easy never dance again never laugh again never seen you so tight not a day goes by not at ease not doing nothing not married not ordained offering open newspaper open to the voice of God opponents more extreme other losses besides his mother paced back and forth painted painter people like children really rest recreated the world refugees religious leaders remembered care rote rustic same field screens sermon seventh day of creation shared story sharing she insisted shut them out six months old he died so polarized in our country sorted ourselves sources of news spend hours in car starvation stayed strict lifestyle summer survey take children to classes teaches us then God rested theory think about him every day third summer thought about his words threw himself true false question turn TV on turned to infants use the word all war wary we agree with what he would look like now wise and intelligent people with daughter and her family with mother when she died work at home work in the yard you are carrying heavy burdens young parents]
  • Jul 2, 2017Welcome
    Jul 2, 2017
    Welcome
    Series: (All)
    July 2, 2017. Guest pastor Tom Schoenherr shares with us today a poem he wrote to go along with the Gospel reading from Matthew 10:40. "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me." Sometimes we are not the ones welcoming, but we're the ones being welcomed. How does it feel to be welcomed? *** [Keywords: 2017 Gospel I'm not in charge Jesus Christ Matthew 10:40 Thomas Tom Schoenherr accept people as they are afflict all that keeps me bound in fear all the same to me at your table lord bear with me believe in someone stronger betrayals and regrets bleeding body and blood shed for me breakable breakableness breathe a new spirit in me brittle caress caverns of my mind and heart come to you Jesus comes alongside of us coming up the road community of love complex and complicated than my fears and doubts connect with it connected to Christ could it be cringe crushable cry to be known deep in my being dependence on you lord depending on others depths of my fears and pain difficult time disciples does not rhyme drawn into community draws us to the table embrace facebook page failures are many fear and prejudice fear of rejection fearful heart fears too extensive feel very vulnerable for all of us for all the world for each of us for whoever forgiving fragile frail getting at here give me hope again good enough for welcoming grudges heal me heal my broken life how does it feel is it you again knock know me learned let go let my vulnerability show letting others know like me locked doors locked room of fear long for connection love me made whole midst of being welcomed more than a name no one will know not berated or condemned not even God not so much welcoming not weak but strong oft too deep to be shared okay to feel vulnerable old Russian Orthodox monk out of control pain and death and new life painful peace poem prime minister promise is true promise of eternal life prostitute refreshing drink of cold water in the heat of the day reject me resting and trusting in the promise of God revealing my insides run to save yourself scares me secrets see through my outward confidence strength and smile segregated and apart send me out sermon set me free set the agenda shattered so delicate so many questions someone else is welcoming me speak to me stand at whoever's door stranger those who open their doors too apparent touch your wounds unlock the doors of my life very free verse wait waiting at the door walks through the door with us walls want to be in control ways that relate we are sent to do the same we're the ones being welcomed welcoming God the father welcoming Jesus welcoming others who I really am whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me whoever welcomes you welcomes me wondering]
  • Jun 25, 2017Truth To Power
    Jun 25, 2017
    Truth To Power
    Series: (All)
    June 25, 2017. When you're trying to spread a message to people who might disagree with you, how can do you do it effectively? In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus has some pretty severe things to say. Following him would have taken courage and faith. Pastor Keith's sermon today is on thinking outside the box, living the faith and sharing the message, even when it's not always easy. *** [Keywords: 2017 75 years Antioch Christian causes Christians put in jail Egypt God values us God's support Great Persecution Holy Land I'm right India Jerusalem Jesus knew Jewish John Luke Matthew 10:24-39 Pastor Keith Holste Roman Syria abuse accumulation of wealth and power alternative view always necessary apostle Paul astounded authorities better way big question marks bottom line bringing about change building community building relationship by my action calling followers challenge closeness contentious time context conversation cost him his life costly created and loved by God crown of creation demand demand high price demands of Jesus didn't receive very well directives disregard early Christianity encounters we have encouraging followers of Jesus even when not easy expect resistance facilitate fall back fall short filter follow Jesus forgiveness full meaning of Gospel future get across point of view good of the world great courage and faith hairs on our head hard to believe anyone followed Jesus hard to tell the truth hate help people think higher power hope hopeful graceful side how is this a way to love like Jesus loved how we approach things human beings are not expendable human system hurt our gains idea incur resistance indifference individual inside the box kept listening anyway laxity of faith life changing life is well lived life or death decision live by another standard living certain ways longevity losing track of teachings love of creation loving words major things message can be heard message was compromised more complex picture more friendly most effective way motivates need to move needs ignored new life is ours also normal economics not most effective not most important thing not natural human way not the way not to be exploited not to press message not well received objective one of four Gospels of Jesus our own country outside the box pawns peace and contentment people of God physical persecution plans we make plentiful powerful interest powers of the world pretty severe things promise pushback quality of love radical action received new life refused entry regular power structure religious character resisted sake of all same promise is for us self-serving sensitivity sermon served by what I'm doing share message of way of Jesus sharing small and ordinary things small group so intertwined social structures someone with whom we disagree sparrows speaking the truth speaking up for someone status quo strategy subjects of government suggestions for change take advantage of taken advantage of teachings of Jesus telling people off things we choose to do those who seek their lives for his sake will gain it those who seek their own lives will lose them to be a follower tough to be a Christian truth about himself truth telling truth to power very hard to hear way of world around them was not right way to describe Jesus we have that life weakening in the faith well-being what's in it for me what's in this for the sake of the world words not always easy to hear world needs to be reminded world view worldly values you're doing it wrong you're wrong]
  • Jun 18, 2017Harassed and Helpless
    Jun 18, 2017
    Harassed and Helpless
    Series: (All)
    June 18, 2017. Pastor Penny's message today is about the sense of urgency Jesus had in his mission to bring Good News to those who were harassed and helpless. Who would Jesus see as harassed and helpless today? What would he see in us? We can be good at hiding our problems even though we too suffer, from doubt, guilt, loneliness, or fear. But we don't hide our fears from God. He loves us, just as we are. *** [Keywords: 2017 Adam and Eve Americans Apple Communion Episcopal bishop of South Sudan Father's Day God loves you God loves you as you are God's love alone Gospel He looks at us with compassion He loves us He sees us I will be with you Jesus' message Keith Matthew Papua New Guinea Pastor Penny Holste Romans Western world Wonder Woman movie action figures to play with another kind of a service apostles based on cartoon begging us believing bring message bring on ourselves cancer car accident care about situation carried them through Great Depression carry that message centerpiece of ministry challenges chasubles children church door cleaning job closets full of clothes collecting junk metal come visit us come yourselves computers death and resurrection disciples don't take anything eat what they eat economic system embarrassed enough to protect them eradicate evil everyone else lived in huts everything crashed everything's fine extra clothes failures farmers fear fed people fighting all the way to church forgiving love garages full of cars gathered to be missionaries get that message out give us harassed and helpless hard for us to share hard to be a parent healed people hears can be breaking heart attack hospitalized how do we break through how does she pay the bills however meager in our world today in spite of messiness in the eyes of God income instruction jewel in crown just a thought life after death life after graduation life after retirement lift that burden limited memory liturgy live on verge of financial disaster livelihood living the message they were speaking living with crash ever since loneliness looked out over crowds loss of loved one low paid nearby drug store neighbors next life no education beyond high school occupied off-putting old one for them only nice house in village only one byte our lives never crash our society own religious leaders parents part time people we work with people who are sent out people who come to our door for help person you hope to be person you should be person you want to be power of accompaniment praise and potluck pretty good at pretending refrigerators full of food removed all the guilt ride to grocery store robes saw in their eyes self doubt sense of guilt sense of urgency sermon shoes so many who suffer silently squirrels staff to ward off robbers start another worship service station stay with the people story of the Garden of Eden strange requirements stroke surroundings sustained beyond all hardship taxed heavily teaching temporary blessings the Good News of the kingdom the harvest is ready thoughtful thousand dollars to reach them toddler tomatoes are ripe trust God with our future trusting God for everything two thousand dollars uncomfortable understanding lifestyle urgent value depending on lifestyle very close friends victimized walking alongside way we worship is a little strange we are harassed we don't hide our fears from God we hide our problems we were in good hands what will we do what's going on in lives withheld love of God working poor works two jobs wracked by loneliness]
  • Jun 11, 2017Making Disciples
    Jun 11, 2017
    Making Disciples
    Series: (All)
    June 11, 2017. When did you first hear about Jesus? If you're like most Christians, it was from someone you know, someone you trust. Jesus told his disciples to go and make disciples of everyone, and they did. We are Christians today because of their success. Pastor Penny talks about the first disciples, and how like them we can make new disciples too, simply by being who we are, in the right place and at the right time. *** [Keywords: 2000 years later 2017 Easter morning God had worked through him God will do that Hi this is Jennifer how can I help you I am with you I got it fixed I have all authority above Heaven and earth I want what you have I will be with you always I'm sure you can help me Jerusalem Jesus loves us to enough to come back from the dead for us Jesus recruited us Pastor Penny Holste Synod assembly afraid agent to agent agonizing picture of Jesus dying all by ourselves all your other friends and so we went angel around a boulder as he said he would baseball believe something so amazing believe that Jesus loved us buried Jesus can I call you back on my private line can't do it on our own care charge of 600 dollars church was born confused cut off three times did heal people doing things you never thought you would do down from the mountain dropped to knees earthquake embrace love of Jesus emotionally sick empty tomb enthusiasm experience explain the whole thing eyes seemed to be smiling faith was faltering fan of your favorite sport first disciples football go and make disciples go make disciples of everyone go with them golf good picture of us grandparent hadn't been to church in 20 years happened to be women helps us hiding hockey hopeful how in the world do you make a disciple imagine with me imagined scene in awe it won't happen again keeps us here knock on the door large hill called mountain lead life that Christ would like let me try something let's do it lightness little taste live and die live it out looked like Jesus love that sport loves Jesus too meet me in Galilee nervous next month open and willing our mistake overcharge parent patience peace people yell at me all day long people yelling at me phone bill pick up the phone power and love of Jesus Christ promise promised herself proof of their success recruit relative remove our sins right place right time rise again road to becoming a disciple runaround running saw Jesus scared sense of peace sermon set an example she and her two girls show them the sport sit around the TV someone else's word sports bar starting doubting strength of God strength of a word strength of one word strength to know how take them to a baseball game teacher tell you about my job tennis that first Easter third month those first women trail turned trust walked five days wavering between fear and doubt we need each other we went we weren't really strong where did you first hear about Jesus? woman word of someone else you didn't you're a pastor]
  • Jun 4, 2017The Work of the Spirit is Showing
    Jun 4, 2017
    The Work of the Spirit is Showing
    Series: (All)
    June 4, 2017. In the Gospel of John we don't hear about hundreds or thousands of people being converted all at once. Instead, we hear how the Spirit can work one person at a time. Pastor Keith's sermon today is about how we can open our doors and let go of grudges so that the Spirit can work through us, individually and in small groups, sharing the peace of Jesus. *** [Keywords: 1960s song 2017 Africa Archdiocese Archbishop Carlson Cathedral Basilica Chaifetz Arena Christians and Jews Delmar Easter Ethiopian Ferguson uprising Gethsemane I am the way Indiana Jesus Jesus asks for some water Jewish authorities John Lindell Luke version in Acts Minnesota Pastor Keith Holste Paul converted in a vision Peter boldly preached Philip Reverend Traci Blackmon SLU Saint Louis University Spirit alongside them St. Louis community Taizé Community of France acceptance act one on one affirmation and they'll know we are Christians by our love anoints them with the Spirit assurance assured of living presence blind bombings en masse book of Acts breath given to Adam breathes on them by our side change for the better church might be born comforts them coming of Spirit community meetings conflicted times courage different view disciples discussions alone distraught and fearful group doing the wash doorway due to fear enmity enters our room fear and anxiety and anger given back fill her water jars forgive like he did game plan gathered getting involved good of the world great sounds grudges die hard grudges we harbor hatred for Jesus having Christians jailed he calls us he is alive healing hear his voice heckled by audience hide behind closed doors hope huddled away hymns images of fire in their midst individual conversations influence inroads into communities killings in the community know his peace large group larger groups live side by side lots of people love him Massachusetts may one day be restored meditative style of music move on to new life my peace I give to you national responsibilites Nicodemus not using door on our behalf on our side one person at a time other townspeople our doors are shut paraclete peace would require forgiveness pilgrimage of trust place of division power of the Spirit prayer presence of God present him well to the world purported religious groups redesign their lives reevaluate our lives refuse to forgive people religious motivations resurrection scared sermon sermon of Peter sharing Gospel sister congregation small groups of people small ways to do things smaller groups social and religious groups of the city stream telling another person tells her about her life temple tend to grudges and differences things can be well in my life thought they were safe thousands converted truth two different kinds of Pentecost ups and downs of life walk of trust walks by us each step we are one in the spirit we have an Advocate we pray that all unity we will walk hand in hand went and got others weren't so welcome what do we do now? woman at the well women word of life word of mouth work of the spirit is showing work to understand one another yearlong process]
  • May 28, 2017Gift Of Oneness
    May 28, 2017
    Gift Of Oneness
    Series: (All)
    May 28, 2017. In the Gospel reading this week, the disciples overhear Jesus' prayer to the Father. He makes a startling request, that they be given a sense of oneness. We are modern day disciples, and not only does Jesus want this oneness for us as well, but he wants it to spill out into the world too. In her sermon, Pastor Penny discusses ways that we can apply this to our lives today. *** [Keywords: 2000 years later 2017 Ascension story God's love in unshakeable Ian and Pa Jesus continues to pray for us Jesus entrusts us with the world Jesus' final word Matthew Memorial Day weekend Pastor Penny Holste Spirit will guide us accepted adopted older gentleman angels and archangels as I am in you as they listen as you are in me babysitter report how evening went bask in closeness beautiful silver because we are in Christ begins here and does not end best for whole community big hug care for each other celebrate Holy Communion celebrate Pentecost chalice child childish faith come to church with family commencement speech commit atrocities congregation conversation conveyed to disciples death bed speech decisions did not disband didn't have many words didn't start arguing doctor of theology doesn't end with death don't feel judged eager to hear enemies enthusiastically responding entrusted to him eternal life even in death even though we fail event we call Pentecost fallen prey father final request find the truth fisherman followers gift of oneness gold-rimmed china grandfather hateful worldviews heaps of food heartfelt talk how he cared for how will we share this gift? invites you to a table laud and magnify listen in to this prayer little boy named Ian liturgy may they be in us mental energy modern day disciples mother needed not a lot of words not be kept here one day Pa died our best friend overheard parent teacher conference place you feel safe politically and racially divided country pray for each other prayed day after day praying to the Father preaching about the Gospel precious possessions progress protect them Father that they may be one protect these disciples proud rarely praised realize they're one of main topics received Holy Spirit recounts what has happened repair relationship with relative replicated in our communities reports retrieve beloved pet sermon share closeness among themselves sign language sit together smile spill out into the world spouse startling request still don't understand taught them Father's words tax collectors that close to him that they may be one they were yours and you gave them to me toddlers took the bread treasure of the Father true that dad is a doctor two angels understand other side university professor uplifting very much about us visiting best friend watched Jesus disappear we are listening in we are never divided we are not alone what other people think about us when I leave go to Jerusalem where is Pa? why are you standing there wishes for the future women won by Jesus' death and resurrection worked with yeah but not the kind that helps you yearns young son]
  • May 21, 2017Commencement
    May 21, 2017
    Commencement
    Series: (All)
    May 21, 2017. Commencement speeches such as we hear this time of year always have at least two parts: advice, and encouragement to the graduates. In her sermon today, Pastor Penny talks about Jesus' "commencement speech" to us. He offers us advice and encouragement, and also a promise: that by his death and resurrection he has paid the fine for the penalty we deserve. *** [Keywords: 2017 Gospel Greek Holy Spirit Jesus claims that we are his friends Jesus gives the disciples Jesus has removed our guilt Pastor Penny Holste a little unfair admit to ourselves advances in technology all the things he taught them also points to truth another police car arrested at least two parts ate meal together because we remember his love for us began to get nervous beyond any promise big comfort big help by his death and resurrection by the Spirit and the Son and the Father came up to his window commentator counselor country congregation crucifixion dear to me deeper and more beautiful didn't have sidewalks disciples do things wrong doesn't even seem fair doesn't get you anywhere doesn't make sense don't want to face driving to meeting at night entire city block entryway everything is electives failed the test failures we have final exams financial advisor flashing red lights from now on there is no core curriculum give encouragement give some advice gives you something to do gnarled tree trunk going out into the world alone going wrong in family got off the hook graduates great aunt green leaves oranges bright butterflies guilt gets to us he pays that fine he will ascend out of their vision forever help not only survive but succeed here comes the encouragement part here comes the promise that Jesus makes highway patrolman if you love me keep my commandments in bed with a mosquito interpret keep that lamp keepsakes killed knows he's about to die lamp that looked like tree late to meeting lawyer legal problems license lifestyle shows it look for truth in Washington love our physical comfort member of his congregation minister friend need help next Sunday no traffic not begrudgingly not going to be easy not so easy to see truth in our own lives now and forever we are guided and comforted obey my commandments on our piano painted glass paper dolls in cupboard point out our guilt politicians are human beings politics preserving this planet really believe remember her love remember patient gentle loving woman rest of your life in front of you resurrected from the dead rollerskating see him alive send them the Advocate seniors sergeant says you're a friend of his sergeant was his friend sermon sisters and brothers slow down and drive safely so hard to believe solve problems of the world someone you call to your side speaker spirit of Christ spirit of truth started speeding take away all failures of disciples things are hard time for commencement speeches tiny house to guard to hold dear to preserve too small to be effective truly exciting thing about your life uncomfortable uncomfortable truths unfairness that God treats us with vehicle waited for verdict walking we are forgiven and loved we are guilty we deserve penalty we feel very alone we haven't earned it who's telling the truth and who's not will be alone will they remember willingly went through world doesn't accept it worry is like rocking chair your generation]
  • May 14, 2017Roots and Wings
    May 14, 2017
    Roots and Wings
    Series: (All)
    May 14, 2017. On this Mother's Day, Pastor Keith reminds us that the best gifts that parents can give their children are roots and wings. We strive to create strong relationships with our children, share our values with them, and give them a solid foundation to grow, mature, and eventually fly away on their own. It's the same thing as the church grows and changes. Jesus calls us not just to gather, but to be looking outward, to reach out as a congregation, to live actively in love and service to those around us. *** [Keywords: 2017 50 to 80 years later Christian groups Easter season Family Systems God is present Gospel of John Holy Communion I am the way the truth and the life Jerusalem Jesus is at the heart Jesus is present Jesus is with us in Holy Communion Jesus replies Judas Last Supper Martin Luther Mother's Day Pastor Keith Holste Thomas Virginia about him account of last meal actively in love and service adage after the resurrection all the disciples answering questions ascend to the Father before crucifixion being one with Him best gifts parents give children betray body and blood of Christ bread and wine bring Jesus to neighborhood around us call him Lord calls us to have wings can't huddle together change always brings complexity congregation connections we have days before Easter different beliefs different direction different philosophies direction that really matters following him discussed early days in Christian church early disciples facts not so important families eating together family leader family meal family values fellowship focus inwardly follow him for life foundation function well go along with him go out to all the world going someplace good balance good gifts good strong roots goodbyes grounded groups splitting off grow older hard questions hard tension hard time for them he and the Father are one he is about the Father he is the key hear the call heavy conversation not light holy meal how can we know the way how can we know the way to the Father issues plans dreams brought up keep probing last known gathering leader in church leaving the nest life without physical Jesus live in his name live on their own live their lives lively tension looking outward love our children mature may we be rooted in him meal table meals together mission in different ways places mission plan mom in family motivations move around a lot needing to leave them normal family transitions not just to gather on their own other theories our friend Jesus particularly hard meal persecuted persevere in hard situations phrase stuck with me questions aren't so important raised from the dead reaching out to others relationship with Jesus relationship with him roots and wings roots and wings seek sermon share values shared shares significant discussions skills and preparation smother solid base swayed easily symbols take him with us teach the faith temptation theologies things falling apart things hard to hear times getting tense to be a Christian to follow Jesus toppled trouble with Roman authorities trouble with the Jews varying opinions we don't know where you are going we receive him and God well prepared to live what do these things mean what was going on what we believe what's going on whats who has come before us whole world why is all this happening why is this happening why when where whys will not thrive young ones]