Sermons

Worship services are recorded weekly. Please click a date below to view the service.

 

    • February 16, 2020 Sermon “Walking With God” by Pastor Maribel Celiz
      • Scriptures: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20; Psalm 119: 1-8; 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9; and Matthew 5: 21-37.
      • In this season of Epiphany, today’s scriptures remind us of the blessing it is to choose the ways of God. In these scriptures, we hear the invitation to follow God’s commandments. In Deuteronomy, we are instructed to “choose life.” The psalmist encourages us to be blameless and walk in the ways of God. Paul reminds us that it is God who gives growth and empowers us to be servants. And Matthew offers us commandments to follow that lead to life.
    • February 9, 2020 Sermon “You Are the Light of the World” by Pastor Maribel Celiz
      • Scriptures: Isaiah 58: 1-12; Psalm 112: 1-10; 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16; and Matthew 5: 13-20.
      • In Judaism, there is a notion called “tikkun olam” which is often translated “the repair of the world.”  According to Jewish tradition, there are divine sparks of light scattered throughout creation, and when we act with justice, righteousness, and kindness, the light shines, and the world is healed. In this light-filled Epiphany season, today’s texts from Isaiah, Psalms and Matthew remind us that our light shines when we follow God’s commandments and are “merciful, compassionate and righteous.” (Psalm 112: 4b)
    • February 2, 2020 Sermon “God Has Shown Us the Way” by Pastor Maribel Celiz
      • Scriptures: Micah 6: 1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31; Matthew 5: 1-12.
      • Today’s scriptures focus on states of being or doing. How shall I come before the Lord? How must I live my life if I am to abide in the tent of the Lord?  Is it better to be wise in the eyes of the world or a fool for God? Finally, from the Gospel: What about the times when I feel poor in spirit?  Blessed! What about when I am mourning?  Blessed! Persecuted for my faith? Blessed!  No matter what our state of being, we seek right relationship with our creator.
    • (Technical issues on 1/26/20 – no sermon)
    • January 19, 2020 Sermon by Pastor Maribel Celiz
    • (Sorry – technical issues on 1/12/20 – no sermon)
    • (Sorry – technical issues on 1/6/20 – no sermon). 
    • December 29, 2019 Sermon “Jesus, the Immigrant” Pastor Maribel Celiz
      • Scriptures: Isaiah 63: 7-9; Psalm 148: Hebrews 2: 10-18; and Matthew 2: 13-23.
      • The saving love of God unifies these readings. Isaiah proclaims that it was no angel that saved the people of old, but the very presence of God. The psalmist proclaims that all creation praises God: heaven and earth, young and old, birds of the air, and every creeping thing. How can we keep from singing God’s praises? Hebrews depicts the suffering of Christ for our salvation, and Matthew recounts Herod trying to rid himself of a potential rival by slaughtering the innocent. Salvation should be treasured and celebrated all the more for the cost it entails on the innocent.
    • (No video Christmas Eve)
    • December 22, 2019 Sermon “New Birth” Pastor Maribel Celiz
      • Scriptures: Isaiah 7: 10-16; Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19; Romans 1: 1-7, and Matthew 1: 18-25.
      • These scriptures are the most stark Advent 4 readings in the three-year lectionary cycle. With Christmas Eve just two days away, our readings from Isaiah and the psalmist seem more like admonishments than celebrations. This is the only year when the lectionary focus is primarily on Joseph in the last Sunday before Christmas. His story of trust in the midst of uncertainty is a possible focus. Lean into the journey toward Bethlehem and the promise of God with us.
    • Sunday School Christmas Program “Sleepover at the Stable” December 15, 2019
    • Lighting of the Advent Candle – 2nd Sunday of Advent – Martha & John Behlman
    • December 8, 2019 Sermon “Signs of Hope and Peace” Pastor Maribel Celiz
      • Scriptures: Isaiah 11: 1-10; Psalm 72: 1-7, 18-19; Romans 15: 4-13; Matthew 3: 1-12.
      • Signs of hope and peace come from many places. They may be seen in a government that sets things right for the poor, meek, and needy; in a prophet of wisdom, understanding, and equity; and in a people who know the power of repentance, who live in harmony with one another, and who seek knowledge of the reconciling world that God envisions.
    • December 1, 2019 Sermon “Keep Awake” Pastor Maribel Celiz
      • Scriptures: Isaiah 2: 1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13: 11-14; Matthew 24: 36-44.
      • Today marks the beginning of Advent – the time of waiting for the salvation of our God. Isaiah and the psalmist proclaim the day when all people will come to Jerusalem and worship the Lord. This will be a time of peace – a time when nations will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks (Isaiah 2: 4). The epistle and Gospel readings speak of our need to be vigilant as we wait for the Lord’s return. Salvation is nearer to us than when we first began to believe, so be vigilant. The Lord will come as a thief in the night and catch many unaware. In this time of joyful preparation, let us prepare our hearts anew to receive the author of our salvation.
    • Lighting of the Advent Candle – the 1st Sunday of Advent – The Pelnar Family
    • (Technical issues – no sermon video on 11/24/19)
    • November 17, 2019 UMW Sunday
    • Baptism of Elsie Abelha Grace Pounder 10/27/19
    • October 27, 2019 (No sermon – Dan Holmes Musical Presentation (see Dan Holmes under Special Music)
    • April 21, 2019 Easter Sunday Sermon “Seeing is Believing” Pastor Maribel Celiz
      • Scriptures: Acts 10: 34-43; Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15: 19-26; John 20: 1-18; and Luke 24: 1-12.
      • The power of perspective drives the story of Easter Sunday. Are we looking for hope in the message of Jesus the Christ? Are we prepared to discover life in the midst of death? Are we ready to receive faith in the midst of doubt? Even when we aren’t sure what we’re looking for, Christ comes. Christ lives. Christ is present. We are not alone, and both life and love win. This is the victory of the Easter story.
    • (Sorry – technical issues – no video for 4/14/19)
    • December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve Worship
      • Scriptures: Isaiah 9: 2-7; Psalm 95; Titus 2: 11-14; and Luke 2: 1-10
      • This is a night for rejoicing – a night to sing a new song to God, a night to celebrate the salvation brought through the birth of Jesus, a night to embrace the light that shines in the darkness. God’s light and salvation shine forth through a child who will rule with justice and righteousness. This is a night to sing with all creation the glorious salvation of our God.
    • December 9, 2018 Sunday School Christmas Program “The Working Angel’s Guide to Christmas”
    • October 28, 2018 Special Music Performance by Singer/Songwriter Dan Holmes