Category Archive

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.

August 14, 2022 // Hinduism // Ephesians 2:1-9

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.

August 21, 2022 // Buddhism // John 14:7-10; Matthew 6:31-33; Romans 8:18, 28

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.

August 28, 2022 // Judaism // Genesis 12:1-4; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Jeremiah 31:31, 34; Luke 22:20; I Samuel 15:22; Romans 11:28-29; Isaiah 53:5

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.

September 4, 2022 // Islam // Genesis 17:18-20

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.

September 11, 2022 // Christianity // John 3:16

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?

July 3, 2022 // One Nation Under God // Galatians 5:13-15

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.

June 26, 2022 // I Said This, You Heard That // Ephesians 4:29

Wars have started… Companies have gone out of business… Families have stopped talking to each other… Marriages have broken up… because of miscommunication. And for Christians, the stakes are even higher. Knowing the messes our mouths can make, the apostle Paul gives us an impossibly high standard for our words. In this message, we will look at Kathleen Edelman’s framework – the four temperaments – that will change the words you use in every conflict and conversation for the rest of your life.

June 19, 2022 // Listening to the Voice (Guest Preacher Rev. Mindy McKonly) // 1 Kings 19:1-15, Luke 8:26-29

Rev. Mindy McKonly served as Senior Pastor of Asbury Church from 2000-2010. She is currently enjoying her retirement after more than thirty years in full-time in ministry. Born and raised in Lancaster County, she graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 1978 and served churches in Chester, Lehigh, Montgomery and Berks counties — as well as eight years as Superintendent of what is now the Northeast District of UMC.

June 12, 2022 // Seasons of Change // Psalm 23

Someone once said “the only thing constant is change.” Change is hard, but we all go through it in various seasons of life. So how do we get through times of change? In seasons of change, it’s good to remind ourselves who God is and who we are.

July 10, 2022 // What Do You See? (Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Sarah Fernsler) // Amos 7:7-17

Rev. Dr. Sarah Fernsler was a pediatrician for 25 years before attending seminary and becoming an ordained elder. She served White Haven UMC from 2012 to 2017. In 2018, she was commissioned a United Methodist EarthKeeper where she serves as a retired elder in Extension Ministry. She also serves as a member of the EPA Committee on Native American Ministry.

June 5, 2022 // The Spirit of Pentecost // Acts 2:1-13, Acts 2:42-47

The story of the first Pentecost is a marvelous story that many Christians find hard to understand. The Holy Spirit breaks onto the scene with the sound of a rushing wind, hovers like tongues of fire, and a diverse group of people are able to hear and understand each other, despite speaking different languages. Through the local church, God has given us a family. Despite our many differences, we are to be a family marked by unity, generosity, and joy. As we connect with other believers, we find people who will love and encourage us as we seek to become more like Jesus and fulfill His plan to make disciples.

May 29, 2022 // On the Road Again // Proverbs 13:20; 19:20; 27:12

The unofficial start of summer begins this weekend and people will soon be on the road traveling for their vacations. We all want to arrive safely at our intended destination whether that relates to traveling or our own lives. We all want to get the future right. Follow these rules and you will get there on time and on purpose.