"Traveling Faithfully" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

Do we outgrow believing in an epiphany story about mystical kings who were guided by a mysterious star in order to greet a miraculous child? Does scientific inquiry hold more weight than faith? Do the variety of religions devalue or discount the uniqueness of Christ?

Overcoming Evil" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"On the Journey...finishing well!" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

Using the final words we have from the apostle Paul, we consider what it means to not just endure, but to run the race of life and finish well.

"On the Journey...in faith" by Debi L. Jensen

"Having snowy days" can be a metaphor for days that bring difficulties and sorrows into our lives. We all have snowy days when our journey seems too difficult and our path is not clear, but when we trust in the promises of God, we will emerge into the warmth and safety of God's love.

"A Soul Bought for God" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

Using scripture and the story of "Les Miserables" we see that there is a time to draw hard-and-fast lines, but also that there are times to blur the lines. Life is messy; grace is amazing. God desires mercy, not sacrifice.

"Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as...as a Fiddler on the Roof." by Rev. Scott D. Brown

The connections of family. The tradition of a Sabbath meal. The hopes and dreams we have for the next generation. The prayers that we have for our children and grandchildren.

"On an Ordinary Sunday" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

The song "Sunday" from "Sunday in the Park with George" is connected to a painting by Georges Seurat that shows a variety of people relaxing on an ordinary Sunday. What are the hopes and dreams - and beliefs - of those who go to a park on Sundays rather than to church. Should we care?

"It's All for the Best" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

An eye-for-an-eye ethic is being promoted by some. Revenge and retaliation are deemed as acceptable. Jesus says, "but I say unto you..." and recalibrates life and commends a better way of living.

"Satan, Wild Beasts and Angels" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

In dusty, desert times, when we are in a spiritual or emotional wilderness, we are not alone. Abiding angels are present for us, as they were for Jesus.

"He cannot be... Can he?" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

When Jesus first speaks to the woman at the well, she assumes he does not know who she is, but Jesus knows her very well... and loves her just the same. Rejoice in the inclusive love that God has for you... and for the world!

"Salt and Light" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

These are turbulent times - and Jesus reminds us that it's our privilege and responsibility to make a diffference, to be the instigating agent to affect society for good and for God.

"Jesus Silences the Storm" by Debi L. Jensen

Jesus taught his disciples how to have faith in the power of God when caught in a powerful storm. We all can have faith in the calm and peace that Jesus brings to us, and our faith in Jesus can lead us to do powerful things.

"He Humbled Himself" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

The more we humble ourselves the more we climb into the presence of God. Arrogance, hatred and the lust for power isn't the way of God - not on the first Palm Sunday, not now, not ever.

"!!!s and ???s" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

Alleluia! Christ is risen! This Easter Sunday is punctuated by exclamation points. Yet it's a day that also raises questions... and that's okay! Thanks be to God who abides, sustains, understands and brings life that is both abundant and eternal!

Youth Sunday

Four of our senior high youth read scripture and gave sermons on passages from the gospel of Mark, chapter 1

"Community Unity" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

Few of us, on a daily basis personally confront issues like murder, or political corruption, or nuclear responsibility. We do, however, continually face such ethical questions as, "Shall I keep my word?" or "Can I honor my commitments?" or "Who is my neighbor?"

"Celebrate" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

The lost is found! Celebrate Good News, come on! God, our heavenly Parent, is scanning the horizon to welcome all prodigal sons and daughters home

"The Elder Prodigal" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

We examine the story of the prodigal son, looking to the place, personality, performance and perspective of the elder brother. What does this parable have to say to duty-oriented, law-abiding, sometimes self-righteous people?

"The Younger Prodigal" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

The younger prodigal is welcomed home - unconditionally.  What wonderful, amazing grace!  May we, having received God's saving love, extend mercy to others

"Living a Wise Life" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

Wisdom is not just a matter of what you know with your mind - but also what you know with your heart and how you live in practical, kind, humble, just and God-honoring ways.

"A Piece of your Heart" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

Reading a whole book! - Lessons from the book of Philemon, and how he, Onesimus and the Apostle Paul together live out the very real task of forgiveness and reconcilation.

"Tear Down This Wall" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

It was 30 years ago this month that President Reagan uttered the words, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall."  What place do walls have in our world and in our faith?

"The Unwelcome Woman" by Pastor Debi L. Jensen

In the Gospel of Luke, we hear about a dinner party to which Jesus is invited. Jesus is not welcomed by his host, Simon the Pharisee, but an unnamed woman who is described as a "sinner" also comes to the party. She knows that she is not invited to the table but she acts as the gracious, welcoming host to Jesus

"From Worthless to Blessed" by Pastor Debi L. Jensen

Hannah is one of two wives of Elkanah and her story is told in the book of 1 Samuel. In ancient Palestine, she was considered to be "worthless" because she was childless. Hannah prays to God for a son and is blessed with the birth of Samuel. But, she is remembered as a blessed person not just because she has a son but because of the promises she keeps to be faithful to God and the sacrifices she makes to be thankful to God.

"Deborah and Jael: Women in Charge" by Pastor Debi L. Jensen

War, chaos and death are not usual topics for a sermon but the stories of Deborah and Jael from the book of Judges teach us that God's power can be used to work miracles. If we feel our power is limited by others or by our own fears, then it is time to step over the line and break out of the box and work together for God's kingdom on earth.

"Rahab" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

The Bible has 1189 chapters in it. One of them - Joshua 2 - is devoted to the story of a prostitute. If it were up to me, I might have preferred a chapter explaining how evil came into the world or what's the deal with unanswered prayer, or what heaven is really like. But no - God has decided that we need to hear about Rahab...

"Mary Magdalene" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

There has been much misinformation about Mary Magdalene - listen to hear the story of a generous woman, healed by Jesus, who wept at his cross and tomb, yet could live an alleluia-life as the light vanquished the darkness and resurrection defeated death.

"Hagar" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

Hagar, an Egyptian slave woman, found salvation through the God of the covenant.

Her story continues to have implications even into the 21st century!

"The Sound of Silence" by Pastor Debi L. Jensen

There are contradictions in the Apostle Paul's letters to the churches in Rome and Corinth. On one hand, Paul praises women for being apostles and deacons in their churches and for speaking prophecy to the people. But on the other hand, he tells us that women should be silent in church and that it is shameful for women to teach. How can these two ideas stand together?

"Ruth" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

Ruth, a woman from Moab, a people hated and distrusted by the Jews, has a book in the Hebrew Scriptures named for her. Incredible! As she lived and believed and trusted that God's mercy transcended ethnicity, nationality and religion, she becomes a model for us all, even in, especially in, 2017.

"Tabitha" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

The story of Tabitha is short - recorded in the book of Acts - and focuses on her death and resurrection. Because of Jesus, Tabitha's story will be ours. Death will not have the final word. Hope abides

"Eve (and Adam)" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

Women have been blamed, through Eve, for the original sin of "eating of the forbidden fruit." Is there more to the story?  What about the "second sin" of blaming and making excuses?

"God Opens Doors" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

Jesus invites us to encounter the door of faith and walk on in – into the Kingdom of hope, light and peace that will not, cannot and shall not fail.

"Service Entrance" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

A fulfilled and purposeful life occurs through service to God and others. Do you believe that?

"The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in..."

         by Rev. Scott D. Brown

The "traveler's Psalm" reminds us that God "keeps" us. Whether going out or coming in; whether morning, noon or night, God's got us. In our world of turmoil, be assured that God goes with you.

"By Grace Alone" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

In Ephesians, chapter 2, we are reminded how hell-bent on destruction we naturally are, but... With that word, bad news becomes Good News, salvation news.  "But God who is rich in mercy...made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved!"

"Through Faith Alone" by Pastor Debi L. Jensen

God forgives our sins by grace alone and we respond to that gift by having faith in the work and teachings of Jesus Christ.  We are called to live by helping our neighbors in our broken and hurting world. We are called to show our faith as we rely on God’s strength and not our own.

"In Christ Alone" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

We can’t do anything to make God love us any more; we can’t do anything to make God love us any less.  We are saved by Christ alone!  Alleluia!

"Through Scripture Alone" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

It’s been said that the great gain of the Reformation Era of history was the putting of the Bible into the hands of the people and enabling them to read and study it for themselves.  The scriptures are a window that brings the view of Jesus as Savior into sharper focus!

"To God Alone be the Glory" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

We receive the free gift of life - abundant and eternal.  May we respond with gratitude, doing all that we do to the glory of God.

"Let Go!" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

"Let go and let God" may be a familiar phrase, and yet may be easier to say than to do.  Let us know, remember and believe that Christ is there to catch you!

"Be Prepared" by Pastor Debi L. Jensen

"As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord".  These are the words of the leader Joshua when he asked the people of Israel to choose the god that they will serve.  Making that choice calls for a daily commitment to God and a requirement to be prepared to serve whenever God calls to us.

"But this I know" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

The future is in God's hands. Though we face difficulties and challenges, and even know that not only is there "a time to be born" but also "a time to die," Christ is sovereign and the time will come when the King of kings will make all things right - when tears will be wiped away, a glad reunion will take place, when there will be rest for the weary and joy for all as we hear the words, "Welcome home."

"The Stewardship of our Spiritual Lives" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

The challenge is to live and love more like Jesus during this Advent season—and then carry that into 2018.  Spiritual growth is a responsibility and a blessing.  What will that look like for you?

"The Stewardship of our Lives of Service" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

John the Baptist is a terrific person who models a life of service - being a witness to Jesus and reflecting (not manufacturing) the light into this dark world. During this Advent season and throughout 2018 may we too serve gladly in the name of God: giver, grace-provider, gratitude-inspirer.

"The Stewardship of our Financial Lives" by Rev. Scott D. Brown

Mary's response to the angel Gabriel of "let it be to me according to your word" is a model for us as how to live.  Not resignedly or meekly, but with trust and joy. What good is it if Mary is full or grace if we too are not full of grace?

"What Gift Do You Want for Christmas?" by Pastor Debi L. Jensen

We usually make a list of the gifts we would like to receive for Christmas. But the gifts that we truly desire are those that only God can provide. In the carol, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, we are reminded that the best gifts are joyful lives, wisdom, and peace on earth. But the best gift of all is Emmanuel - God with us - the babe of Bethlehem.