Sermons
There is a famous adage that says “nothing lasts forever.” For the most part that is true, and if you have been on this earth long enough, you can give a number of examples. But there is one thing that will last forever – the Church. Just as Jesus predicted over 2000 years ago the church is still around today. But what does it mean to become part of the church?
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On the day of Pentecost, the Jesus followers in Jerusalem were filled with the Holy Spirit and they poured into the streets of Jerusalem proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. Sometimes this seems like an ancient story that doesn’t have any relevance for 21st century believers. Just like Jesus’ first century followers, we all need help, and there is a way to get access to the same helper Jesus relied on.
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The Rev. Dr. Becky Beckwith is the Pastor Emerita of St. John’s UCC, Fullerton. She has recently completed her ministry as the PNEC, United Church of Christ Sabbatical Conference Minister. She also enjoys serving as the Intentional Interim Pastor, or Church Consultant/Coach for churches in discernment. Becky and Bob Beckwith just celebrated 50 years of marriage! They are the parents of Brad (Alyssa) and Jill (George Williams). Becky is proudly known as Nona to her grandchildren, Maya, Aubrey, and Lucas.
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House flipping (purchasing a rundown house, fixing it up, and reselling it) has become increasingly popular over the last few years. The popularity of flipping shows such as HGTV’s Fixer Upper and Flip or Flop probably has something to do with it. Although many people attempt to fix up a home, very few people know how to fix a relationship that is broken. Join us for the series “Fixer Upper” to see what scripture says about fixing a broken relationship.
When it comes to repairing relationships, no one responds well to being convinced, coerced, convicted or controlled. Yet we try those approaches over and over again.
Repairing a relationship requires someone to initiate, regardless of who’s to blame for the fallout. There’s a simple prayer you can learn to help you take that first step.
It’s human nature to blame the other person for a damaged relationship. We don’t believe we contributed to the problem at all. However, reconciliation requires an honest look in the mirror.
The more mature person typically makes the first move toward reconciliation. And that first move is rarely convenient.
Join us as we welcome Rev. Dr. Jeff Raffauf in worship. Rev. Dr. Raffauf served for 22 years as Lead Pastor at West Lawn United Methodist Church before retiring in June 2022. He grew up in the West Lawn area and attended West Lawn UMC as a child; and following retirement, he and his wife, Cheryl, remain active in the West Lawn community.
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People ultimately weren’t convinced to follow Jesus because of what he taught. They became convinced because of what they saw.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus proclaims “The Kingdom of God is near!” But when we look around at the world today, it seems like the Kingdom of God is a long way off. So what did Jesus mean by that statement and what is our role in ushering in the kingdom? Join us as we explore the topic of the Kingdom of God in the gospel of Mark.
Many times we read the Bible for application, inspiration, or direction. However, there are times when the author wants to simply point the reader to a big idea… an idea that fits together with God’s grand story. In the gospel of Mark, he documents Peter’s experience with Jesus that led Peter to believe in one big idea: the kingdom of God is near, and everyone is invited to participate.
Jesus ignored certain religious protocols. He claimed to have authority to forgive sin. He was uncomfortably comfortable with unrepentant sinners. In this message, we hear about three encounters that showed Jesus came to reverse the order of things.
Whether it’s school, sports, or religion, when we focus only on the rules, it can be difficult to remember the overall purpose of something. Jesus reminds us that when we focus so much on the letter of the law, we may forget why the law was written in the first place.
From an early age, we learn quickly to look for loopholes in the rules. We try to figure out what we can get away with and still be okay. We tend to take this same mindset into our relationship with God, but it doesn’t work. When we opt for loopholes and workarounds, we find ourselves in a category no one wants to be in: hypocrites. Jesus calls us to move beyond loophole religion.
Fear invites us to follow the path of self-preservation. However, if we follow that path long enough, we will neither preserve nor have anything to show for our lives. The original disciples of Jesus had the same tendencies at times. On one occasion, Jesus reminded them of what it means to follow him by saying four powerful words that still apply to his followers today.
Many times, our faith deteriorates as our circumstances deteriorate. When that happens, our faith is quickly overcome by fear, and the future looks dark. The apostle Peter experienced this, and he temporarily fled his faith in Jesus.
We all have embarrassing moments we can laugh about later. There are shameful moments that we would give anything to undo. But while our pasts remind us, they don’t have to define us.
Join us as we welcome Rev. Dr. Sue Pizor Yoder in worship. Rev. Yoder leads Blank Slate, an emerging spiritual community in the Lehigh Valley. Previously, she served as the pastor of The Barn church.
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Most people are fans of Jesus and they like his teachings.
Very few people have anything negative to say about Him.
However, we are not just called to be fans of Jesus, we are called to be his followers.
So what does it take to be a follower and not just a fan?
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When people are asked the question “what are the most critical issues of the day?”, the answer is different depending on your generation. In this series, we are going to examine the most critical issues identified by millennials and Generation Z. As we tackle each concern, we’ll explore how Jesus’ timeless words and actions point us toward meaningful change. Together, we can work across generations to become part of the solution.
It seems like in every aspect of life, our nation is becoming more and more divided as people gravitate toward silos of people who think and vote like they do. Many people are frustrated with the division in our country, but there are very few people working on solutions. So what would Jesus say to our divided nation?
Our nation is experiencing a mental health epidemic. Anxiety, Depression and suicide are at an all-time high and no one seems to have a solution. So what would Jesus say about mental health?
Our nation was founded on the principle that “all people are created equal.” However, we seem to struggle with making this a reality for all people. Although progress has been made, there is still a lot of work to do and not many solutions. So what would Jesus say about diversity and inclusion?
The number one concern of young adults today is climate change. However, their concern about climate change is not on the top of list of concerns for older Christians today. In fact, only 34% of evangelical Christians believe climate change is a serious problem. So should Christians be concerned about our environment? What would Jesus say?
ONE WORSHIP SERVICE @ 10 AM
Christmas day will feature a special video message from our Bishop, John Schol.
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The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a beloved Christmas classic. It’s the story of an angel sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Join us this Christmas Eve as we look at how this movie points us toward the real Christmas story.
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Join us this Advent season as we explore the four angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The Angels of Christmas series is based on an Advent book by Susan Robb. The Angels of Christmas uses these four angelic appearances to discuss God’s presence in history and our lives today. The messages of the angels hold meaning for listeners both then and now.
In week one of our series, we will examine the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and how the announcement of Elizabeth’s pregnancy by the angel Gabriel foretells the coming nativity of Christ.
In week two of our series, we look at Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel as Mary learns she will become pregnant with Jesus.
In week 3 of our series, we examine Joseph’s encounter with the angel who informs him that Mary’s pregnancy is divine in nature and instructs him to care for her.
In our final week of the series, we will explore the angelic visit to the shepherds and the announcement of the birth of the Christ child.
How do we give thanks in times of uncertainty and struggle – those situations that prompt us to ask “What now?”
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What does it mean to invest in the things that have real meaning and purpose? How can we as Christians participate in the work of God to bring life and love to the people around us?
Some people get uncomfortable when pastors talk about giving money to the local church. They do not believe the church should ask for money. Some people see giving to the local church as an obligation of Christians that funds the budget. And when it comes to giving to the local church, it’s hard to measure the immediate impact of your giving. So what is the importance of giving to the local church?
Over the past two weeks, we have looked at how to invest our money so that we would find more joy and less stress in our lives. Based on advice from scripture, we learned that in order to live the life Jesus calls us to live, we must align our spending with our priorities. When we do that, we find the life that truly is life. But there is another type of investment in life, besides money, that will either give us a life of purpose or one that is joyless and stressful.
Two thousand years ago, a gathering of people in a middle-eastern city began a movement that would circle the globe and leave its mark on individuals and cultures on every continent. This movement would eventually become known as The Church. The church is a movement. And it’s still moving.
When we think of church, why is a building the first thing that comes to mind? Is church a place full of robes and pews? Bands and banners? Or is church meant to be something different? Church is much more than a building or a place. Church is more than pews, hymnals, lights, and music. In fact, on opening day, the church had no buildings or rituals, no bands or robed choirs. What it did have was a gathering of people intent on one thing: creating followers of Jesus Christ. The church was a movement that continues today: A multiplying, multicultural gathering of people who believe that Jesus is the Savior and whose lives reflect his teaching.
A few short years after the church began the movement was stalling out. The mission to be Jesus’ witnesses to the ends of the earth was not happening. But that was all about to change. And Christianity would begin to spread up and down the Mediterranean due to the ministry of the most unlikely of candidates.
Five hundred and five years ago this month, Martin Luther changed history forever. His hammer, nail and list of 95 beliefs rocked the most powerful empire of his day. What did he believe that was so explosive? How did Martin Luther ultimately change the way we think about God?
The 1700’s were a time when society was polarized, when rationalism had led people to believe they no longer needed God, when the rich struggled with materialism and the poor with lack of necessities. Sound familiar?
Into this world a priest and Oxford professor named John Wesley came to trust in Christ and then began preaching a faith that would bring a revival of Christianity throughout the British Isles and across America. Wesley’s message and his faith continue to speak to 21st Century Christians – calling for a revival of our hearts and souls so that our lives and our world might be changed.
Today Asbury celebrates its 100th anniversary. A lot has changed since 1922, but our mission and vision remain clear. Join us to celebrate this milestone in the life of our church, remembering who we are and what God has called us to do.
The Rev. Dr. David DeRemer is the recently retired Director of Supervised Ministry and Director of Enrollment at Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem PA. In 2014 he concluded more than 18 years as Senior Pastor of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Nazareth PA. In 1985, DeRemer was the founding director of New Bethany Ministries in Bethlehem. Created by the Episcopal Diocese, this ecumenical, social ministry organization grew from one program to a continuum of housing services in his ten-year leadership. He served as pastor of First UCC Bethlehem from 1979 to 1985.
Recently, DeRemer been providing consulting services through Penn Northeast Conference UCC to congregations in transition.
He is married to Kathy. They live in Macungie PA.
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We work alongside, go to school with, and live next door to people of other religions, yet most of us understand little about their faith. In this series we explore where there is common ground between Christianity and other religions, as well as where they differ from one another.
Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, according to many scholars, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. Today, with about 900 million followers, Hinduism is the third-largest religion behind Christianity and Islam. Roughly 95 percent of the world’s Hindus live in India. Join us as we discuss the core beliefs of Hinduism, its common ground with Christianity, and how they are different.
Buddhism is one of the world’s largest religions and originated 2,500 years ago in India. Buddhists believe that the human life is one of suffering, and that meditation, spiritual and physical labor, and good behavior are the ways to achieve enlightenment, or nirvana. Join us as we discuss the core beliefs of Buddhism, its common ground with Christianity and how they are different.
Judaism is the world’s oldest monotheistic religion, dating back nearly 4,000 years. Followers of Judaism believe in one God who revealed himself through ancient prophets. The history of Judaism is essential to understanding the Jewish faith, which has a rich heritage of law, culture and tradition. Join us as we discuss the core beliefs of Judaism, its common ground with Christianity and how they are different.
The word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God.” Followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims are monotheistic and worship one, all-knowing God, who in Arabic is known as Allah. Followers of Islam aim to live a life of complete submission to Allah. Join us as we discuss the core beliefs of Islam, its common ground with Christianity and how they are different.
Many people believe that “all religions are the same.” After examining four of the world’s most popular religions, today we turn our attention toward Christianity. So what is it that separates Christianity from the other four world religions?
“At The Movies” is a fun summer series where we show movie clips from popular current films of this past year along with a message that connects the popular movies with scripture. You probably don’t usually look to movies for life lessons, but take our word for it—sit back, relax, and hear a different perspective on how popular films can point us toward the gospel.
An adaptation of the 1957 musical, West Side Story explores forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. So, where does it point us toward the Bible?
With Spider-Man’s identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man. So where does this movie point toward the gospel?
Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal… every child except one, Mirabel. But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family’s last hope.
Armed with a clear vision and a brazen 78-page plan, Richard Williams is determined to write his daughters, Venus and Serena, into history. Training on the neglected tennis courts of Compton, California – rain or shine – the girls are shaped by their father’s unyielding commitment and their mother’s balanced perspective and keen intuition, defying the seemingly insurmountable odds and prevailing expectations laid before them.
Red or Blue. Left or Right. For or Against. It sometimes feels like the United States isn’t very united. There’s something we can do about that, and it has less to do with our rights and more to do with our responsibility.
