We are pleased to offer audio files of sermons
from our 10:30am worship service. Please click on the
sermon title to download and listen. Depending on your
broadband speed, download times will vary.
| Date |
Sermon |
Speaker |
|
02-07-2010 |
Getting What We Deserve (23.83 Mb)
As children we tend to focus on justice. As we
age, we realize that we are unjust ourselves and become
more interested in mercy.
Jeremiah 1:4-19;
Luke 4:21-30 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
01-24-2010 |
Here and Now (File not available)
We can underestimate God’s capacity to speak and
work in our time. We want to be awake, open and ready
to welcome God’s word and call in our midst.
Luke 4:14-21 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
01-17-2010 |
Good Stuff (21.63 Mb)
Followers of Jesus see and embrace community. As
Christians, we belong to Christ and we belong to one
another. This means supporting and celebrating what
others offer in the service of Christ.
John 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
01-10-2010 |
To be loved (24.0 Mb)
God loves us more than equally. God loves us
uniquely because God knows us. It is this love that
redeems and transforms the world.
Luke
3:15-17, 21-22; Isaiah 43:1-7 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
01-03-2010 |
Sour Notes amidst the Symphony (20.96 Mb)
Some say that wherever God is working for good,
evil will try to break in and either undo it or distract
us from it. Do not let things or circumstances or even
people sour your joy. God is working for good! It is
up to us to recognize this and join in.
Matthew 2:7-12; John 1:1-5 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
12-27-2009 |
Oh, so here you are (22.61 Mb)
When Jesus is twelve, his parents are surprised
to find that he is sitting in the temple speaking with
teachers of the faith. Perhaps we are caught off guard
by our own commitments to God. Perhaps we are surprised
to learn that we too hunger for spiritual growth.
Luke 2:41-52 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
12-20-2009 |
The Blessed Mother (15.5 Mb)
We are sometimes confused about how we should
feel about Mary. But from the earliest days, the Church
has held her faith and courage in the highest regard.
Her humanity is a sign of God’s embrace of Mary’s
humanity and an inspiration to our own.
Luke 1:39-45 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
12-13-2009 |
So...What Did You Learn From All This? (18.42 Mb)
The gifts, graces, and lessons of the past need
to be brought forward to each new day. Though this is
certainly not always easy; it is important. Because
this is how God transforms our lives as well as the
world around us.
Philippians 4:4-7;
Luke 3:7-18 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
12-06-2009 |
Choir Cantata: "An Evening in December"
(Due to Copyright laws, we are unable to publish this
file.) |
Chancel Choir |
|
11-29-2009 |
Looking for God (22.18 Mb)
There is within us a longing to transcend, to
connect with something beyond ourselves. Augustine
suggests that this is a sign of the Fall. Our hearts
are restless, he contends, until they find rest in God.
Jeremiah 33:14-16 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
11-22-2009 |
In the Service of the King (23.63 Mb)
Sometimes it appears that the goal of the modernity is
to rid our lives of faith and create a world that
doesn’t need God. While this might appear
attractive from one angle, the truth is that our
humanity depends upon our relationship with God and our
trust in God’s will and purpose for Creation.
John 18:33-37; 2
Samuel 23:1-7
|
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
11-15-2009 |
When you want to see Jesus (23.36 Mb)
As Christians think about giving, it is important
to remember that everything that we have is from God.
Asst.
Scripture Lessons |
Rev. Doug Sonnenberg |
|
11-08-2009 |
Cheerful Presence (23.63 Mb)
The world thrives on anxiety and fear and
negativity is a byproduct of fear. But God’s
faithfulness allows us to give freely and joyfully of
ourselves because we understand that the One who safely
and generously brought us to this day will still be
there tomorrow.
2 Corinthians
9:1-12, Mark 12:38-44 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
11-01-2009 |
The Praying Church (14.11 Mb)
The church's ministry is empowered by the Holy
Spirit and upheld by prayer. Ephesians 6:18-20 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
10-25-2009 |
Church Reduction (22.68 Mb)
In a world of Bigger,
Better, Faster, More… we are reminded that God is fully
capable of carrying out the work that he determines to
do. Judges
7:1-8;
Luke 6:12-19 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
10-18-2009 |
The Crucified God (18.49 Mb)
Can the church live
out its call to be the Body of Christ while isolating
itself from thousands of homeless people just miles up
the road? The God who takes the form of a slave and
humbles himself to the point of death—even death on a
cross—offers a tough but simple answer: No!
Mark 10:32-45 |
Matt Smith, Youth
Director |
|
10-11-2009 |
When There's No Where Else To Turn (23.26 Mb)
We often turn to God
as a last resort and then realize that we could have
gone there first.
Hebrews 4: 12-16 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
10-04-2009 |
Beyond the California Jesus (17.75 Mb)
We all are drawn to
certain images, stories and aspects about our heroes.
But sometimes it is the wider angles, alternative
stories and less comforting portrayals that we need to
pay more attention to.
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
09-27-2009 |
God’s Anonymous Work (21.92 Mb)
The story of Esther has the curious distinction of being
the only book of the Bible that does not directly
mention God. Coincidently, we live in a time in
which God is seldom if ever mentioned, at least in
public. Of course, the lack of notation hardly
silences or disables God's will and capacity.
The Book of Esther |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
09-20-2009 |
On the team and with the program (24.75 Mb)
Giving ourselves to others is an act of
self-sacrifice. To what extent is this healthy?
Mark 9:30-37 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
09-13-2009 |
What say you? (16.54 Mb)
The human capacity for speech is an extraordinary
gift. It is a power that has allowed us to enjoy and
elevated status in God’s Creation. As believers, we
must understand that… with much power comes much
responsibility.
James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-31 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
09-06-2009 |
Bread and Justice (20.48
Mb)
Social justice issues are part and parcel to
living within a diverse society. As we think about what
is fair, we are wise to look at what it means to confess
Christ and to be a part of the family of God.
Mark
7:24-37 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
08-30-2009 |
It’s not who you are; it’s what you wear (21.21 Mb)
Nobody likes to see hypocrisy. The problem is
that it is very hard to recognize in ourselves. Jesus
and James help us to work against hypocrisy by reminding
us that true religion works inside-out.
James
1:19-27 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
08-23-2009 |
The Gravitational Force (26.98 Mb)
Recently an article appeared in the local paper
entitled, “What Happened to Hell.” This is a fair
question. How might we think about this concept in a
Biblical and meaningful way?
Luke 11:42-12:10 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
08-16-2009 |
Getting what you want...wanting what you get
(22.55 Mb)
Part of becoming an adult means making your own
decisions but the wise continue to seek the Lord's
direction and guidance throughout the course of life.
1
Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
08-09-2009 |
Distain and Distaste...Refrain and Regrace
(23.36 Mb)
The sixth chapter of John’s Gospel challenges our
sensibilities. It reminds us that God is much more than
an idea or an image. Jesus confronts us with a graphic
and concrete presence that can disturb us at times. But
like Peter, believers understand that we really have no
place else to go.
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
John 6:41-51 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
08-02-2009 |
What more do we need? (12.45
Mb)
We can
travel through life and find ourselves distracted by the
lesser signs. Jesus demonstrates that it is not
the signs that matter so much as it is the source behind
them.
John 6:24-35 |
The Reverend Jon Laughlin |
|
07-26-2009 |
Enough to go around (27.62 Mb)
Do we live in a world of scarcity or abundance?
The story of Jesus’ feeding of the 5000 challenges our
fear of want. At the same time, Jesus rejects the
crowds desire to make him crown him solely because he
can meet their physical need of food.
John
6:1-21; Ephesians 3:14-21 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
07-19-2009 |
Constructive Rest (25.22 Mb)
There are better and worse ways to spend idle
time. But either way, we all need to learn how to slow
down.
2 Samuel 7:1-12
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
07-12-2009 |
Fallout (file currently not available) |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
07-05-2009 |
A Recipe For Living (26.08 Mb) |
Rev. Dr. John Paschal |
|
06-28-2009 |
Fear Not (20.38 Mb)
There’s a lot we can learn from our children
about fear and faith. We can a learn a good bit from
the Bible as well.
Ephesians 1: 3-14 Exodus 3:1-12 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
06-21-2009 |
Strong Men (22.28 Mb)
God created us male and female. There is a
goodness in this and also a strength. At the same time,
our greatest source of strength is God’s abiding
presence and guidance in our lives.
1 Samuel 17: 1-11, 37-47 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
06-14-2009 |
Courage or Common Sense (20.95 Mb)
When we see goodness, we are drawn to it. The
life of Jesus is a lesson in doing the right thing. We
find in his example the courage to trust those “pangs of
conscience” over the blocks and expectations of the
establishment and the powers that be…
Mark 3:1-6 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
06-07-2009 |
Growing Up (15.17 Mb)
The Church’s message offers a corrective to the
me-first message that permeates our culture. Jesus is
the servant-leader who defines a truly successful life.
Isaiah
6:1-8 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
05-31-2009 |
The Advocate (14.66 Mb)
The Holy Spirit comes to continue the work of
Jesus and sustain believers.
John 15:26-27;
16:4b-15 Romans 8:22-27 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
05-24-2009 |
Lifted Life (19.58 Mb)
We strive for transcendence but our efforts are
always temporary and sometimes even destructive.
According to the Scripture, a truly lifted life comes
from our connection to God who is the true source of
wisdom and goodness.
Ephesians 1:15-23 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
05-17-2009 |
From the Symptoms to the Source (24.21 Mb)
Despite Jesus’ many cautions about worrying, many
are still enslaved to it. What can we do? The writer
of 1 John provides a compelling answer: …And this is the
victory that conquers the world, our faith.
1 John 5:1-6 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
05-10-2009 |
A Thousand Words (24.29 Mb)
The early Church depicted the Savior as a man
caring for sheep. This was a remarkable step for a
people who were no doubt very careful about all images
of God. In a sway, the Church was declaring, “Our Lord
is The Good Shepherd.”
John
10:11-18 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
05-03-2009 |
Pastors' Reflections (31.34 Mb)
Celebrating Our Church's 20th Anniversary |
Dr. Frank Padgett
Rev. Mike Bailey
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
04-26-2009 |
Children's Choir Musical: "The Tale of the Three
Trees"
(Due to Copyright laws, we are unable to publish this
file) |
Elementary Choir |
|
04-19-2009 |
Peaceful Grace (14.17 Mb)
One size does not fit all when it comes to our
encountering and embracing the Gospel message. This is
partly because our personalities and our stories are
different. What might surprise us, however, is that God
is not threatened by doubts and fears. The Church is
wise to see in Jesus an example for outreach. John
20:19-31 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
04-12-2009 |
EASTER SUNDAY
Holdings (23.72 Mb)
Curiosities in Scripture remind us that there is
much more to all this than we can name and understand.
John
20:1-18 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
04-05-2009 |
Rewriting the Script (14.65 Mb)
In our effort to make the Christian message more
convenient, we can lose a reverence for God’s holiness.
This is a disservice to us as well as to God.
Mark 11:1-11;
Philippians 2:5-11 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
03-29-2009 |
Spiritual Things (22.79Mb)
When we finally come to understand that we too
are part of this whole sin-thing, we begin to look for
answers. It is at this point that we learn that God
provides a way for our redemption.
Romans
4:13-17; Numbers 21:4-9 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
03-22-2009 |
Provisions (21.73Mb)
In a world where superficiality reigns supreme,
we find ourselves longing for more. The Good Life that
we seek comes at the intersection of God’s gift of grace
and our willing to commit ourselves to the path that
leads to deeper spirituality.
John
12:35-41; Jeremiah 31:31-34 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
03-15-2009 |
The Main Attraction - Distraction (19Mb)
Keeping us informed and connected, electronic
media plays a significant role in our day-to-day lives.
But, for many of us, our gadgets also serve as a
distraction in life, blinding us from the needs of the
poor. With our time and energy now consumed by
television, the internet and cell phones, the call to
follow Jesus is a call to reexamine our identity as the
church, the Body of Christ.
Mark 1:16-20; Luke
9:57-62 |
Matt Smith, Youth
Director |
|
03-08-2009 |
Promises... Promises (21.89Mb)
As believers, we may wonder how salvation
actually works. It works through God’s promise. God
has given us a promise that Jesus Christ lived, died and
rose again to redeem the world. As individuals in a sea
of information and stimuli, we might want something more
concrete than a promise. But a promise really is enough
when it comes from one who is able and faithful to keep
to it.
Genesis 17:1-7
Romans 4:13-17 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
03-01-2009 |
The Way... The Truth... The Life (18.53Mb)
These words of Jesus are often used as a
conversation stopper, neatly defining a formula for
getting into heaven. As believers, we certainly want to
be thoughtful and prayerful about the afterlife but the
Gospel message is more than this. Jesus’ life and
ministry help us to better understand what these words
mean. John
14:5-7;
Mark
1:9-15 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
02-22-2009 |
The Eyes of Faith (No file available)
Spiritual experiences—whether of the mountain or
the valley—are gifts to us. Though perhaps unclear at
the time, they prepare us for the future and prove to be
a blessing over time.
2 Kings 2:1-12; Mark 9:2-9 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
02-15-2009 |
Getting our-selves out of the way (21.88Mb)
It is
easy to get distracted by image or style or our own
resumes. But when it comes to spiritual health,
what really matters is God’s capacity, power and will.
2 Kings 5:1-14 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
02-08-2009 |
Strength (17.99Mb)
Sometimes we find ourselves brought-low. This can
come by way of friend or foe, spouse or other.
Maybe it’s the devil or luck or merely the turning of
the wheel; or maybe it’s God, taking time out of a
rather demanding schedule to set us straight. In
any case, the experience invites us to pause and
consider our lives, our attitudes and our posture.
It can be jarring or even painful, particularly if we
come to believe that God is involved. At the same
time, those lessons in humility often serve as
watersheds, events that refashion our relationship to
God and neighbor.
Isaiah 40:21-31 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
02-01-2009 |
Table Manners: Part 1 (19.58Mb)
Paul recognizes that the church is made up of
people who come from different cultural and religious
backgrounds. He cautions us in our attitudes toward one
another. If we are to err, it should be on the side of
love and grace rather than judgment and knowledge.
1
Corinthians 8:1-13 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
01-25-2009 |
Leading By Following (24.83Mb)
Jesus’ teaching and example challenge some of our
closely held assumptions regarding leadership. Yet, we
certainly need good leaders. By paying attention to
our leader, we learn a critical lesson about power
and we behold an example of leadership suitable for each
of us. Mark
1:14-20 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
01-18-2009 |
Another Round (16.03Mb)
Baptism is the believer’s initiation into two
central traditions of the faith. The blessing is
represented by the descending of the Spirit and the
words spoken at Jesus’ baptism, ‘You are my Son, the
Beloved;*
with you I am well pleased.’ The path, represented by
Jesus’ public ministry, is the life of discipleship that
follows. Mark 1:4-11 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
01-11-2009 |
Christmas is Over - Now What? (18.24Mb) |
Rev. John Paschal |
|
01-04-2009 |
Christ Comes to the World (17.51Mb)
The Christ event reaches beyond the manger to all
corners of the world and all areas of our lives. It
calls is to look past the trappings of religion and
calls is to live by faith.
Matthew
2:1..11 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
12-28-2008 |
Beholding
(23.17Mb)
Simeon and Anna waited a lifetime for God’s
promise to be fulfilled. Yet, upon seeing the
Christ-child, their lives are suddenly complete. For
Simeon, beholding the Messiah is enough to ready him for
death itself. Have we allowed ourselves to truly behold
the Christ-event? Can we slow down enough to really see
this thing that God has done?
Luke 2:22-40 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
12-21-2008 |
Barrenness and Birth (19.65Mb)
In the bible, God signals a new work with the
birth of a child.
1 Samuel 1 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
12-14-2008 |
Choir Cantata: "The Promise of a King
(Due to Copyright laws, we are unable to publish this
file.) |
The Chancel Choir |
|
12-07-2008 |
The Hope of a Faithful Generation (16.21Mb)
Just as we are blessed by the faith and courage
of those who have gone before… so too God speaks and
leads through the voice and witness of the young. The
faith of our own children is a miraculous surprise and a
great blessing.
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
11-30-2008 |
When it seems all we’ve got is the poetry (20.35Mb)
Memory is central to the spiritual life. As we
endure challenging or even terrifying periods in life,
our hearts are comforted by the Scriptural record as
well as our own experience of God’s faithfulness in the
past.
Isaiah 64:1-9 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
11-23-2008 |
The Fruitful Practice of
Extravagant Giving
(25.7Mb)
It is important for us to remember where we fit
into the Gospel stories. We are not Jesus but rather
those who have been graciously blessed by his coming.
God is the great giver in our midst. Our offering is a
response to God’s generosity and it begins with a
genuinely grateful heart.
Luke
17:11-19 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
11-16-2008 |
The Fruitful Practice of Risk-Taking Mission and Service
(20.91Mb)
In Jesus’ Parable of the Talents, the king does
not seem to be concerned with how the investment
is multiplied. Perhaps Jesus is teaching us that God
welcomes creativity when it comes to service… Or to put
it another way, perhaps God gives to us certain gifts
(talents?) and then says, “Surprise Me!”
Mathew 21:28-31 Matthew 25:14-30 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
11-09-2208 |
The Fruitful Practice of Intentional Faith Development
(21.04Mb)
Choose this day who you will serve”…Joshua’s
admonition to the Israelites is a timeless reminder to
us all. As recipients and stewards of the mysteries of
God, we are called to respond in faithfulness. At
times, we need to rededicate ourselves to the faith that
defines our identity.
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
11-02-2008 |
From Vanity to Doxology: The Fruitful Practice of
Passionate Worship (19.61Mb)
When focus shifts from the pursuits of the self
to the glory of the living God, the Lord is able to
transform our lives, heal our souls and bind us
together.
Ecclesiastes
1:1-11 Revelation 7:9-12 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
10-26-2008 |
The Fruitful Practice of Hospitality (21.91Mb)
Paul’s
encounter with Cornelius reveals to him God’s desire for
inclusion and a full sharing in the gifts of Christ.
Through the grace of Christ and the mystery of the
Church, those who were once strangers become friends.
This reminds us that God’s mercy and love precedes and
extends beyond the boundaries that the world is all too
willing to accept.
Acts
10:1-34 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
10-19-2008 |
Images (19.97Mb)
Though created in the image of the true God, we
are also bombarded by countless images of false gods.
By paying attention to the speech and action of Jesus we
see a picture of what God as well as an example for our
own actions.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
Matthew 22:15-22 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
10-12-2008 |
The Great Banquet (18.29Mb)
As adults, we can always find a reason to excuse
ourselves from the celebration of the Gospel. Yet God
insists that the party will go on—even without us. As
the anxiety grows around us, we are wise to remember
that in addition to being busy adults, we are also God’s
blessed children.
Matthew 22:1-14 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
10-05-2008 |
Pressing On (7.62Mb)
Paul invites us to think about suffering as part
of our journey. While we may feel the urgent need to be
rescued, perhaps we are right where we need to be.
Philippians 3:8b-12 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
09-28-2008 |
The Dusty Messiah (24.2Mb)
As Jesus stands before his accusers, his glory is
hidden in the dust of his humanity. Nevertheless, he is
the true Lord of heaven and earth and it is this
confession that saves us from all the false authorities
of the world…including ourselves.
Philippians 2:4-11 Matthew 21:23-27
|
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
09-21-2008 |
One sometimes anxious Day
at a Time (26.85Mb)
The age-old wisdom still applies even when our lives
feel hopelessly out of control.
Matthew 20: 1-16
Exodus 16:2-7 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
09-14-2008 |
The Creative Power of Forgiveness (28.98Mb)
Whether we call them transgressions or
sins or simply debts, the burdens wear us
down. Forgiveness breaks the cycle and creates a new
opportunity for debtor and creditor alike.
Matthew 18:21-35 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
09-07-2008 |
Divine Conflict Resolution (17.63Mb)
While we often try to keep God out of our fights,
it is precisely the Lord’s willingness to “get involved”
that secures the important victories in our lives.
Psalm
58 Matthew 18:15-20 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
08-31-2008 |
On getting out of Egypt (30.8Mb)
God’s promise of deliverance is sometimes held up
only by our fear of actually being free.
Exodus 3:9-12 John 8:31-36 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
08-24-2008 |
Foundations (33.16Mb)
The wheel of change is constantly turning. Yet
even when the superstructure and cosmetics are crumbling
around us, Christ remains a rock solid foundation upon
which God will build again. Matthew 16:13-26 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
08-17-2008 |
From the pit to the palace: Part 2 (28.65Mb)
The story of Joseph makes a compelling case for
God’s faithfulness. How is God working in and through
and past the obstacles to bring about purpose and good
work in our lives? Genesis 45:1-15 Romans 8:28 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
08-10-2008 |
From the pit to the palace (28.5Mb)
From
our place in the boat to where Jesus is walking on the
water…How real is the Kingdom of God?
What can we expect from our relationship to
Christ? Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Matthew 14:22-33 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
08-03-2008 |
Fighting for a Blessing (23.76Mb)
Even
with all the baggage, are we still the apple of God’s
eye?
Genesis
32:22-31 Psalm 17 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
07-27-2008 |
Who
do YOU think HE is?
(31.48Mb)
Rev. David Clements is a visiting United Methodist
preacher
from Northern Ireland. |
Rev. David Clements |
|
07-20-2008 |
Are
We Weeds or Wheat?
(26.61Mb) |
Bill Owens |
|
07-13-2008 |
Some
will... some won't... so what (29.6Mb)
Dr. Evans contrasts our religious anxiety with
the surprisingly calm
and diligent work of The Sower.
Matthew
13:1-9, 18-23 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
|
07-06-2008 |
The American Dreams
(18.37Mb)
What is greatness, really?
What part of the American story might
God want to preserve?
1 Kings 19:11-18
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-26 |
Rev. Mark Evans |
