May These Services Renew and Recharge You
March 19, 2023
Pastor Kent Jackson
First Reading: Romans 5:1-5 KJV
Second Reading: John 6:60-71 NLT
Sermon Title: “Finding Hope”
Where do we place our hope? Is hope found in our physical abilities or human relationships? Will hope be found in our professions or hobbies? The challenge is to discover that our hope is not9 found within ourselves, but in our relationship with the Lord. As we put our faith in the One who is Life and Truth our hearts will be open to receive the hope he offers.
March 12, 2023
Pastor Kent Jackson
First Reading: John 6:25-40 NRSV
Second Reading: John 6:41-59 NLT
Sermon Title: “Abide”
People want activity, Jesus desires relationship. This week we continue exploring chapter 6 of John’s Gospel as Jesus unpacks the meaning of what it means to be the Bread of Life and invites us to abide in his presence.
March 5, 2023
Pastor Kent Jackson
First Reading: John 6:16-21 NRSV
Second Reading: John 6:22-24 NLT
Sermon Title: “Surviving the Storm”
Mystery, suspense and intrigue! The disciples left…Jesus wasn’t with them…Jesus has left…but no other boats are missing. How do we respond when we can explain the events going on around us and nothing seems to be going according to plan? This week we will receive assurance that while our lives may seem out of control, Jesus remains in control.
February 26, 2023
Pastor Kent Jackson
First Reading: Psalm 32:1-11 NRSV
Second Reading: John 6:1-15 NLT
Sermon Title: “Keep Climbing”
Jesus is on the move! Meeting the needs of those around him is priority #1 for Jesus. Although Jesus can put aside his own needs for a while, eventually, even He needs time for renewal. While we consistently want to meet the needs of others, there comes a time when we need to take care of our own spiritual and physical needs.
February 12, 2023
Pastor Kent Jackson
First Reading: John 5:16-30 NRSV
Second Reading: John 5:31-47 NLT
Sermon Title: “Looking to Jesus”
Transfiguration Sunday, like Christ the King Sunday, is about the identity of the one we follow. Jesus the Christ is revealed in glory on the mount of transfiguration. Like the disciples who were privileged to be with him in that moment, we often miss the significance or the opportunity to praise in our struggle to understand. This day is not about knowledge; it is about faith. It is a day for creeds or affirmations of faith. Let us rise to our feet and declare our allegiance to our Lord on this day. We might worship with joy and loud praise, or we might worship in silent awe and wonder. It is hard to determine the mood for a Transfiguration Sunday worship experience. It should fit your context. But it should stir up the people, quicken the heart and strengthen their faith. It is a day for affirmation and for grace and for remembering whose we are as the body of Christ. Truly a super Sunday.
Rev. Dr. Derek Weber, Director of Preaching Ministries, for Discipleship Ministries of The UMC.
February 12, 2023
Pastor Kent Jackson
First Reading: John 4:43-54 NRSV
Second Reading: John 5:1-15 NLT
Sermon Title: “Finding the Source”
This week we consider two healing episodes in the ministry of Jesus. Although each person’s need is different, Jesus’ power is sufficient. Faith comes as a result of the demonstration of Jesus’ power among the people.
February 5, 2023
Pastor Kent Jackson
First Reading: John 4:1-38 NRSV
Second Reading: John 4:39-42 NLT
Sermon Title: “One-on-One with Jesus”
Once again, Jesus is willing to spend time one-on-one with someone who is seeking deeper spiritual knowledge. In John chapter 3 Nicodemus, a Pharisee, approached Jesus with his questions. Now in John 4 Jesus initiates conversation with a woman giving her permission to ask questions and seek understanding of the Lord.
January 29, 2023
Pastor Kent Jackson
First Reading: John 1:29-42 NRSV
Second Reading: John 3:22-36 NLT
Sermon Title: “Pointing the Way”
Following the encounter with Nicodemus, John’s “loyalists” are concerned that people are beginning to follow Jesus and paying less attention to what John has to say. The way John handles their concerns is a good reminder for us that we are to point others to Jesus as we share his love with others.
January 22, 2023
Pastor Kent Jackson
First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9 KJV
Second Reading: John 3:1-21 NLT
Sermon Title: “Seeking the Light”
John chapter 3 begins with a recounting of Nicodemus coming to see Jesus when it was dark. Perhaps he didn’t want to be seen by his fellow Pharisees. It is somewhat instructive that one who is seeking the light would begin in darkness. It is also a message of hope for us that when we find ourselves in darkness, we can trust Jesus to bring light into our lives as well.
January 15, 20223
Pastor Kent Jackson
First Reading: John 12:1-11 NRSV
Second Reading: John 1:19-28 NLT
Sermon Title: “What happens in Bethany…”
This week we will consider the following verse from the Gospel of John.
“This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River,
where John was baptizing.” – John 1:28
Reflecting on this verse, we will also investigate other “happenings” in Bethany. Join us as we discover how Jesus influenced the lives of those living in and around Bethany.