Sunday 2019-03-03

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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Be Still and Know That I Am God

Psalm 46; Isaiah 40:28-31

1God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

6Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8Come and see what the Lord has done,

the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9He makes wars cease

to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

10He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

11The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

28Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

29He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

30Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

31but those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

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Sunday 2019-02-24

ORDER OF WORSHIP 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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Come to Me

Matthew 11:25-30

Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Two perspectives of weary and burdened:

1)

2)

things we lean on or are burdened by:

chains of ___________________

chains of ___________________ 

chains of ___________________

chains of ___________________

chains of ___________________

chains of ___________________ 

chains of ___________________

chains of …...

• Jesus’ invitation  “Come to me…”

• Bill Withers - "Lean On Me" - listen to these words:

• we lean on others but that is only as good as they are leaning on Jesus

• ultimately - ultimately - it comes down to Jesus

Closing Prayer

Almighty, everlasting Lord.  You told us to simply come to you. That’s harder for me than it sounds. It means I have to swallow some pride, admit my need, and to surrender to You.  And yet, I desperately need some rest for my soul and spirit, so I’m coming to You this morning. As Pastor Randy prays over the burden that I’ve written down, I invite You in with rest, and healing, and help, and grace.  Jesus, touch me this morning. Touch me and set me free. I surrender to You. Come in, Lord Jesus, and set me free and renew my soul. In Your Mighty Name, Amen.

Sunday 2019-02-17

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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Jesus Said…

John 1:1-8; Matthew 7:1-5

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

1. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone”

Rocks:

• What are they?

• What do they stand for?

• Why do we throw them?

• At what or whom do we throw them?

1. “Do not judge or you too will be judged”

• We judge all the time - how can we not judge?

• Specks of sawdust and planks

• Grace and accountability and holy living…

CLOSING PRAYER

Sweet Lord, hear our cries for mercy and help and forgiveness and making good decisions and being good witnesses. We ask for Your help to live our lives in a holy manner - keeping the faith - not easily giving in to the stuff of the world - and doing that with Your compassionate eyes and heart Jesus. Help us to walk what seems like a narrow tightrope at times between defending the faith and opening wide the doors of the church - and Your Kingdom. Thanks for being patient while we figure some of these things out. In Your might name.  Amen

Next Week: Jesus said, “Come to me you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2019-02-10

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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I AM the Vine

John 15:1-17

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17This is my command: Love each other.

History of the vine and Jesus

What is “fruit” and how do we bear it?

• Fruitful living: What does that look like?

• Unfruitful

• What does it mean to be pruned?

Questions we ask ourselves:

• Am I connected to the vine?

• Am I abiding in the vine?

• Am I being fruitful?

• Can I still get connected to the vine?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Almighty, I pray this morning in the mighty name of Jesus - declaring that I want to be connected to You - I want to abide in You and allow You to abide in me - I want to be fruitful and faithful so that all may know You are the Lord God Almighty. Use me as You will to be a vessel that reflects Your Light, and hope, and grace, and peace. In Jesus Mighty Name we pray …….. Amen

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2019-02-03

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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I AM the Vine…

John 15:1-17

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17This is my command: Love each other.

1. “I AM the Vine”

   • History of Israel and the vine

   • Meaning of Jesus’ declaration

   • Impact of staying connected

2. What is “fruit” and how do we bear it?

   • Fruitful

   • Unfruitful

   • Pruning

Questions we ask ourselves:

• Am I connected to the vine?

• Am I abiding in the vine?

• Am I being fruitful?

• Can I still get connected to the vine?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Almighty, I pray this morning in the mighty name of Jesus - declaring that I want to be connected to You - I want to abide in You and allow You to abide in me - I want to be fruitful and faithful so that all may know You are the Lord God Almighty. Use me as You will to be a vessel that reflects Your Light, and hope, and grace, and peace. In Jesus Mighty Name we pray …….. Amen

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2019-01-27

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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I AM the Way….

John 14:1-14

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. 2My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going.”

5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

8Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

9Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Ray Owens is Pastor of Visitation

Sunday 2019-01-20

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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I AM the Gate and the Good Shepherd

John 10:1-18

1 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

7Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

My premise: The more we know about Jesus, the safer we are spiritually (doubts, fears, lies), the better equipped we are to serve (parents, grandparents, teachers, leaders) and the more effective we are at making disciples (inviting others into relationship with Christ or inviting them to explore their faith).

Background

• Sheep gates and shepherds   

• The miracles

• The Pharisees

Jesus as the Gate

• Sense of ________________________

• ______________________ to the sheepfold

• Entrance into the ______________________________

Jesus as the Good Shepherd

• ___________________________

• ___________________________

• ___________________________

• ___________________________

Is Jesus your shepherd?  Let Him lead you today - in whatever is happening in your life - let Him shepherd you.

Closing Prayer

Mighty God - thank you for watching out for me, protecting me - many times in spite of myself. Forgive me when I doubt or question, forgive me when I get distracted and wander away, forgive me when I don’t listen for Your voice. Help me to follow where You lead, to obey what You say, and to be an example and witness to others who need You to lead them. In Jesus name, Amen.

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2019-01-13

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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I AM the Bread of Life

John 6:32-40

32Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

34“Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

35Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

What are we looking for or wanting from Jesus?

• Pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow?

• A “Yes” man

• Someone who will take the fall for our decisions or judgements?

Do we have the best donuts and coffee or why else are we here?

Jesus is substance - something solid

Augustine - “There is a God-shaped vacuum inside of us”

True or false

“Bread” has a history:

• Moses - in the wilderness - God is with us

• Moses in the temple - Exodus 25:23-30; Leviticus 24:5-9

• Jesus feeds 5000

• Jesus statement

• In the upper room - bread represents His body - represents His presence

Jesus is saying:

• He is essential for life

• He is referring to eternal life

• He is speaking of His self-sufficient existence - “aseity”

• Come and believe - uses bread as an invitation to come and believe

• He alleviates spiritual hunger

“Jesus came Not to Give Bread but to Be Bread” John Piper

Closing Prayer

I come to You this morning that you might feed my soul and my heart and my mind - that you might be the sustenance that I need to sustain my spiritual life - I come that You might feed me with things of eternity and goodness and grace. That at Your banquet table, I might be filled with mercy, and peace, and hope. You are indeed the Bread of my life, O God. Thank you for being my Savior and Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is the Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2019-01-06

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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I AM the Light of the World

John 8:12-20

12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” 14Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” 19Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.

“I AM” - Exodus 3:1-15

• I Exist

• Immutable

What does Light do for us - What is its value?

Closing Prayer

Jesus, I choose this morning to let Your Light shine in my mind, my heart, and my soul. Take away any darkness I have - any sin, anger, jealousy, bitterness, temptation, and all the rest. Show me God’s way - which I know is a better way to live and enjoy life. Let Your Light shine on my family, my church, my friends, our world…and again, on me. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Next Week: I AM the Bread of Life - John 6:22-35

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2018-12-30

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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Immanuel: God With Us - Jesus as Prophet, Priest, and King

Matthew 13:57; Hebrews 9:11-12, 15; Luke 23:1-3

57And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”

11But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

15For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

1Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. 2And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.” 3So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

Three Offices of Christ:

1. Prophet

2. Priest

3. King

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, we continue the celebration this morning of your coming into our world. We’re grateful for Your life, the life You have brought to us and to others. Help us to listen when we hear or read what You said. Help us to be wise and come to You without hesitation allowing you to intercede for us and others. And give us a servant’s heart, one that follows after You, doing whatever You say and going wherever You want us to go. Thank you for being my Lord and my Savior.  In Your name, Amen.

In January, the “I Ams” of Jesus - Next Sunday, “I Am the Light of the World”

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2018-12-23

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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Immanuel: God With Us As Savior

Luke 2:8-12, 25-32; Luke 1:76-79; Hosea 13:4-6

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

76And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

4“But I have been the Lord your God ever since you came out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me. 5I cared for you in the wilderness, in the land of burning heat. 6When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.

A Moses/Jesus connection

• Born in unique circumstances

• Given a charge from God

• Moses - led his people out of bondage and to the brink of a Promised land

But…(Hosea 13:4-6) -

• Jesus - led all of us from a bondage, not of slavery to Egypt, But out of the bondage of sin and separation to an new Kingdom now and in the future - an eternal promised Land

• History repeats itself - will we too become prideful to the point we turn our backs on God?

• Jesus is God’s final, everlasting plan - Our Savior

Closing Prayer

Mighty God, we give you thanks and praise for sending that tiny baby who was laid in that manger - the one who was You and is You, the one who came to deliver us from sin and the consequences of sin and separation, the One who gives us life - new life - eternal life - abundant life - the One who is our hope and our peace. We invite you to come in and fill us full of the Holy Spirit for these last hours of preparation until the celebration begins. In that baby’s mighty name - the name of Jesus. Amen

Next Sunday: Immanuel: God With Us As Prophet, Priest, and King

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2018-12-16

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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God With Us: The Lamb of God

John 1:19-31

19Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” 21They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ” 24Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” 28This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

God With Us: Jesus as Creator

God With Us: Jesus as Sustainer

John the Baptist - His connection to Jesus

Mary and Elizabeth

Prophet of God

The purpose of his ministry was to introduce Jesus Christ

1. Look and Focus: Harder than we think

2. Lamb of God:

   • Speaks of Him as the __________________ is made for sin, and man reconciled to God.

   • That Jesus Christ, as the Lamb of God _______________ the world. That’s the impetus for His holy, divine birth.


3. Who takes away the sin of the world

• What a mighty gift in such a humble beginning

The miracle in Bethlehem - the miracle for the world - the miracle for you and I.

Closing Prayer

Mighty God,

It’s sometimes hard to think of what a tiny baby is or will become. We acknowledge and declare, just as John did, that this baby in the manger was Your lamb sent to us, to bring us into right relationship with You. Forgive us when we take that casually and don’t look long enough to realize it’s You. God Almighty in that manger or coming down the road. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear. Amen.

Next Week - God With Us: Jesus our Savior

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2018-12-09

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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God With Us: Jesus our Sustainer

John 6:29-40; Psalm 75:3; Hebrews 1:1-4

29Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” 30So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34“Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 35Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

3When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.

1In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

1) I am the bread of life

2) I hold the pillars firm

3) … sustaining all things by his powerful word.

He ordered the world.

He continues and continues and continues to order the world of the believer.

He sustains the world - with more than bread for one meal.

He saves us not for one moment, but for the whole of our lives and for all eternity.


Closing Prayer

Mighty God, by Your grace demonstrated to us through Jesus, we pray a covering of Your sustaining Presence in our hearts - in our minds - and in our souls. Forgive us when we are impatient or shorted sighted in the provision of life that You have given us. Grant us wisdom, grace, and strength to continually call on Your Name during the Advent Season of 2018. Thank you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Next Week - God With Us: Jesus our Savior

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2018-12-2

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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God With Us: Jesus as Creator

Matthew 1:20-25; Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:1-14

20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

God with us:

1. As Creator

2. As Sustainer

3. As Savior

4. As Lamb of God

Out of nothingness - God created

God put order in the world when ________________ came into the world

Joseph and Mary had some chaos surrounding them

• ______________________ conception

• ______________________ to Bethlehem at 9 months

• No place to stay - and a child on the way

• God provided some ________________ to their ________________

A word from Elizabeth

An unusual place, but a place to have the baby

The affirmation from the shepherds

Ordering our Advent Christmas season -

1. __________________ Jesus to order Advent/Christmas 2018 - pray over it

2. Look for the _________________ - or become the __________________

3. __________________ - please pause - if just for a minute or two each day, to breathe in the presence of Jesus - for He is the reason for the season.

Advent/Christmas will be what it will be - a time of celebration, a time of remembering, a time of pressure - give Jesus some time to create moments of peace on earth and good toward man for you.

Closing Prayer

Come Holy Spirit come - come into the Advent/Christmas season in my life - in my families life - in my neighbors life. Still my racing heart, quiet my ever churning mind, lead me beside the still waters - help me to breathe deeply - light and relight and relight the candle of hope in me this year. Help me to see the miracle and to be the miracle. In Your mighty name Jesus, in Your mighty name. Amen

Next week: Jesus - our Sustainer

John 6:29-40; Psalm 75:3; Hebrews 1:1-4

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2018-11-25

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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For This Reason…

John 18:33-38

33Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” 35“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” 36Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” 37“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” 38“What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.

1. The reason for Christmas

   • What is the testimony to the truth?

   • Does Jesus’ statement change how you think about Christmas?

2. What truth is Jesus testifying to?

   • Why does Jesus jump from Pilot calling him King to testifying to the truth?

   • What is truth?

   • What does it mean for truth to be a person rather than an idea?

3. Listening to the voice of truth.

   • What is implied when Jesus says, “those on the side of truth”?

   • What voices are speaking to your mind and heart?

4. Being witnesses of the truth.

   • Acts 1:8 - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Going Deeper: The Kingdom and the King!

Mark 1:15, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 4:17

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Michael Pitzer is Director of Senior High Ministries

Sunday 2018-11-18

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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Calvary’s Future

Isaiah 6:6-8; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:1-4

6Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 8Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

8Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

OUR MISSION:

To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.

What is a disciple?  

The Reason, the Command, the Promise

A Disciple: 5 thoughts about doers and observers

Our Vision for Accomplishing this at Calvary UMC:

Connect with God

Connect with One Another

Connect with Our World

John Wesley: “The world is our parish”

Our Plan:

Worship

Wisdom

Works

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Closing Prayer

Mighty God,

We know that You have chosen and called us to be Your disciples. Help us to remain steady and faithful in Your call and work. Help us to control ourselves by our affections to honor God. Teach and help us to deny ourselves and to remain students of  Your Word. Grow in us that heart of obedience and the desire to honor You. In Jesus name, Amen.

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2018-11-11

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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Living Generously

I Timothy 6:17-19; Proverbs 11:24-25, 22:9

17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

24One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

9The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

Additional Scripture thoughts:

• Psalms 24:1

• Acts 20:35

• Mal 3:10-12

What causes us to not have a generous heart?

Charles Spurgeon, “The sea feeds the clouds, the clouds empty out their treasures, the earth gives back the rain in fertility, and so it is and endless chain of giving generously.”

Dr. Charles Stanley - God created us to be givers, not reservoirs.  Jesus said, Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to yo in full - pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into you lap.

How do we grow a generous heart?

Closing Prayer

We thank You that You have given us life, that You sustain us by the power of Your Holy Spirit, and that You gave Jesus Christ as an offering for us and for our sins. We thank You for the abundance that we have in our lives. We pray that You would help us. Help us to honor You with our tithes and offerings. Help us to care for the poor and those who are in need. Help us to recognize that it is more blessed to give than to receive. We offer ourselves to You.  Help us to do Your will. Lead us we pray, in Your holy name. Amen.

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2018-11-04

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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The Saints

Ephesians 4:9-16

9But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10“And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. 11“Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

13Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” 15And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” 16Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.

Who are saints?

• Historically:

• What we as United Methodists believe:

• What is “All Saints Sunday” about?

Relfections:

• Who were the “saints” that shaped and molded your life as a disciple?

• What did they teach your or show you about faith, life, others?

• What are three things you want to leave as a disciple legacy for others?

Next week: Living Generously

I Timothy 6:17-19; Proverbs 11:24-25; 22:9

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A Prayer Meditation for All Saints Day

by Safiyah Fosua

We give you thanks, O God, for all the saints who ever worshiped you

Whether in brush arbors or cathedrals,

Weathered wooden churches or crumbling cement meeting houses

Where your name was lifted and adored.

We give you thanks, O God, for hands lifted in praise:

Manicured hands and hands stained with grease or soil,

Strong hands and those gnarled with age

Holy hands

Used as wave offerings across the land.

We thank you, God, for hardworking saints;

Whether hard-hatted or steel-booted,

Head ragged or aproned,

Blue-collared or three-piece-suited

They left their mark on the earth for you, for us, for our children to come.

Thank you, God, for the tremendous sacrifices made by those who have gone before us.

Bless the memories of your saints, God.

May we learn how to walk wisely from their examples of faith, dedication, worship, and love. Amen.

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2018-10-28

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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Cultivating Contentment

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11; Luke12:13-23, 47-48

10I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. 11Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

13Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” 16And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”22Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

47 “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Hebrews 13:5-6

5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Some questions to ponder:

• What would I take with me?

• What do I value the most?

• What is contentment and how do I get it? Ecc. 2:10-11

What does the Word teach us:

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC

Sunday 2018-10-21

Order of Worship 7:45, 9:00, & 10:30

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When Dreams Become Nightmares

Proverbs 29:18; Matthew 5:3-12; Matthew 16:26

18Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

26What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Keys to understanding vision/revelation in regards to money (and a lot of other stuff):

Having a “David eye”

Dreams - “The American Dream”

Success

Do you have a life vision? Or a family vision?

Do you have a plan for your marriage - your children - your life - your retirement - how about your finances - some goals

What do you want for your life and the life of your family as a Disciple of Jesus Christ?

Next Sunday: “Cultivating Contentment”

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11; Luke 12:13-23, 47-48

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Put your hands in your lap - extending your palm upright - and pray with me:

Change my heart, O God. Clean me out inside. Make me new. Heal my desires. Help me to hold my possessions loosely. Help me to love You. Teach me simplicity. Teach me generosity and help me have joy. I offer my life to You. In Jesus' name. Amen

My goal for my family is:

My goal in being a disciple of Jesus is:

My goals to honor God:

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TODAY’S PREACHER

Randy Reese is Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC