On this special Sunday, members of our congregation’s women’s ministry plan and lead an annual worship service highlighting the missions and ministry efforts of the ABW (American Baptist Women). This year on “Women’s Sunday” we welcome as our guest preacher, Rev. Patty King Bilyeu, Associate Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches – Great Rivers Region. Pastor Patty asks us “What do you thirst for?” in this message from John 4:4-26
As our Season of Creation celebration continues, this week we contemplate how God speaks to us through the sky… and we listen as the Prophet Jeremiah reminds us of our calling to care for all of creation – especially the needs of others. (Jeremiah 4:22-28 & Psalm 19:1-6). Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach
This week we join with Christians from around the world for a special season celebrating God’s presence in Creation. On Forest Sunday, we’re called to reconnect with our relationship with the community of trees and plants that sustain our breath and make our lives livable. (Acts 17:22-28) Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach
Today’s Videos:
Holy & Humble Curiosity – With Moses, we step on Holy Ground and listen as God calls Moses to be an agent of God’s liberating justice. And through the words of Jesus in the Gospel reading, we consider the power of letting go in order to experience life. (Exodus 3:1-15) Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach
Additional Readings:
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28
Cunning, Compassion, and Courage – A story of cunning midwives, a courageous mother, a vigilant sister, and a compassionate princess challenges us to consider what it means to be cunning in the service of God’s justice and liberation, and where we are called to be vigilant in compassion and courage. (Exodus 1:8-2:10) Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach.
Additional Readings:
Psalm 124
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20
Subversive Forgiveness – A story of forgiveness and redemption after a lifetime of betrayal, abandonment, restriction, and isolation offers an opportunity for us to explore how forgiveness and charity can set us free from all that separates. (Genesis 45:1-15) Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach.
Additional readings:
Psalm 133
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15:10-28
Dreaming Big – We meet Joseph, the dreamer, and the role he plays in the unfolding promise of liberation for all people. (Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28) The other readings of the day remind us that we too are part of a larger narrative of God’s grace for all.
Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach
Readings:
Face to Face – We hear a story of fleeing Jacob coming face to face with God, and consider what it means for us to see each other, ourselves, and God “face to face”. (Genesis 32:22-31) And in this week’s children’s time, Malachi has an awful night’s sleep and is convinced he now needs to change his name… but to what???
Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach
Appointed Readings:
Genesis 32:22-31
Psalm 17:1-7, 15
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:13-21
What a Mess – The silence of two sisters – Rachel and Leah – enables both to play their part in God’s unfolding story. And it’s a pretty messy story. Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach
Readings this week:
As Pastor Rob enjoys a week of rest away from the church, we welcome a guest preacher – Rev. Jerrod Hugenot – Associate Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of New York State. Rev. Hugenot brings a message about the Lord’s Prayer. This week’s service also features additional music! And in the children’s time, Malachi learns something new about a common garden pest.
Scripture Reading:
Luke 11:1-4