Sermons

The good news we celebrate at Christmas is we don’t have to carry the weight of problems or the weight of the world. The baby born in the manger will do that. God loves us so much that God chose to live among us.

Today at the 11:00 service we dedicated little Aiden Keith Ballantine. If you were to ask his mom and dad and grandparents, they would happily tell you how his birth has changed their lives. A friend of mine, Eric, and his wife, Bridget, had their first baby this week. It’s been so sweet to watch…

At this time of the year, a lot of people are looking forward to something. What are you looking forward to in the coming weeks? Time off from school, visits from loved ones, family members going back where they came from, parties, concerts, snow, worship services, presents, celebrating the birth of Jesus – there are…

This past week one of the great advocates for justice, peace, equality and freedom – Nelson Mandela, the father of the modern South Africa, died at the age of 95. Leaders like Nelson Mandela are rare. After 27 years in prison, Mandela worked to help all South Africans see themselves as one people, one family,…

“Lord, make us part of what you are doing in your world. Put us within the flow of your Spirit. Help us to do the things that you are blessing in this present age.” At the beginning of the Book of Deuteronomy the people of God have wandered close to 40 years in the wilderness…

I asked Pat to share her testimony today because she is able to illustrate so beautifully our sermon text today. Our text is from:  1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Every year when we get to Thanksgiving time,…

When my dad graduated from Colby College in 1954 he received his commission in the US Air Force. Many of you received a similar commission. A commission is “an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group of people.” For the following three years after receiving his commission, the US Air Force told…

It was 150 years ago next week on November 19, 1863, that US President Abraham Lincoln arrived to help dedicate the new National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the sight of the largest battle ever fought in North America, by sharing “a few appropriate remarks.” Lincoln was not the featured speaker that day; that honor fell…

Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by commending the church for their faith and love for which Paul gives thanks and then he offers a prayer for them. Like Paul, I want to begin today by commending you for your faith and love for which I give thanks. I’m personally grateful for your faith…