United Methodist Chucks

Our series is Means of Grace. In it, we will be exploring spiritual practices that help us grow in discipleship. The second of these is “Fast with a Purpose” and looks at the act of fasting. How should we fast? What is expected from us when we do? What is the purpose of fasting? Can we make it a regular part of our lives? As we explore how we interact with God, we grow in faith and love. Our scripture reading for today comes from Joel 2:12-17, Acts 14:21-23, and Matthew 6:16-18.

Our series is Means of Grace. In it, we will be exploring spiritual practices that help us grow in discipleship. The first of these is “A Heart of Prayer” and looks at the way we pray. What is prayer supposed to be for us? How should we pray? Is there a wrong way to pray? What should we expect from our prayers? As we explore how we interact with God, we grow in faith and love. Our scripture reading for today comes from Deuteronomy 6:4-9, James 5:13-18, and Matthew 6:5-14.

Our series is Simple Thoughts. In it, we will be exploring a few of the simple thoughts I have had over these last few months. The fourth and last of these is “A Little Trust” and looks at what faith means. Is our faith just something that sits there? What does patience have to do with trust? What does it really mean to trust God and in God? These are some simple thoughts in complex times. Our scripture reading for today comes from Proverbs 22:1-9; 1 Timothy 6:3-10; Matthew 6:19-24.

Our series is Simple Thoughts. In it, we will be exploring a few of the simple thoughts I have had over these last few months. The third of these is “What Matters” and looks at what we should value in life. Should our pursuit be for monetary gain? Is being wealthy a sin? Or is it something more? What kind of treasure should we really be seeking after? These are some simple thoughts in complex times. Our scripture reading for today comes from Proverbs 22:1-9; 1 Timothy 6:3-10; Matthew 6:19-24.

Our series is Simple Thoughts. In it, we will be exploring a few of the simple thoughts I have had over these last few months. The second of these is “The Back of the Boat” and looks at stress. How do we respond to stress? Do we rest when we need to? Should we stop to rest? Even when we have much to do? What does God say about it? These are some simple thoughts in complex times. Our scripture reading for today comes from Genesis 2:1-3; Hebrews 4:8-10; and Mark 4:35-41. No message next Sunday.

Our new series is Simple Thoughts. In it, we will be exploring a few of the simple thoughts I have had over these last few months. The first of these is "The Better Part" and was inspired by Jesus' visit with Martha and Mary. What causes us anxiety? How do we deal with anxiety? What problems do we take to God? Which ones should we take? Do we stop to get the better part of what God offers us? These are some simple thoughts in complex times. Our scripture reading for today comes from Jeremiah 17:5-8, Philippians 4:4-7, and Luke 10:38-42.

Our latest series is The Gospels and the last message in our series is “John.” Each week we will explore a different Gospel account. This week we look at what sets John apart. What was John’s purpose in writing? His focus? Who was John? Do we know? See how the Gospels can be opened when you take each one and let the author speak to their own experience with Jesus Christ with their own voice standing alone.

Our latest series is The Gospels and the second message in our series is “Luke.” Each week we will explore a different Gospel account. This week we look at what sets Luke apart. What was Luke's purpose in writing? His focus? Who was Luke? Do we know? See how the Gospels can be opened when you take each one and let the author speak to their own experience with Jesus Christ with their own voice standing alone. Our readings today come from Luke 1:1-4, 2:1-7, 7:6-9, 13:1-5, 17:11-19, 23:6-12,32-46, 24:1-16,28-36,50-53.

Our latest series is The Gospels and the second message in our series is “Matthew.” Each week we will explore a different Gospel account. This week we look at what sets Matthew apart. What was Matthew’s purpose in writing? His focus? Who was Matthew? Do we know? See how the Gospels can be opened when you take each one and let the author speak to their own experience with Jesus Christ with their own voice standing alone. Our readings today come from Matthew 1:17-25, 5:17-18, 10:5-7, 25:31-33, 27:3-5,24-26,45-53, 28:1-20.

Our latest series is The Gospels and the first message in our series is "Mark." Each week we will explore a different Gospel account. This week we look at the what sets Mark apart. What was Mark's purpose in writing? His focus? Who was Mark? Do we know? See how the Gospels can be opened when you take each one and let the author speak to their own experience with Jesus Christ with their own voice standing alone. Our readings today come from Mark 1:1-15, 3:7-12, 8:27-30, 15:33-37, 16:1-8 CEB.

Today's message is "Seasons of Change" and in it we look at just how worship has changed this year. And it is still changing! Should we be putting up with worship as it is? Have we learned anything new? What kind of season are we in? What can we make of it? Today's scripture readings come from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and Jeremiah 29:1-14.

Our message this week is "Times Change" and it takes a look at how something good can change over time. We reflect on three different scripture readings that help us to understand how times change. If the bronze serpent Moses made was good, why would Hezekiah destroy it? How can we keep ourselves from being a stumbling block to others? Our scripture readings come from Numbers 21:4-9; 2 Kings 18:1-6; and Matthew 18:6-9 in the CEB.

For Father's Day, our message is "The Prodigal Father." We may know that story of the Prodigal Son, but how often do we really think about the father in the parable? What examples does he give us of being a good father? About being a good person? What can we learn about the example we set for others? We explore this and more. Today's reading is from Luke 15:11-32 CEB.

This week's message is "To Do Good" and it looks at when and how we do good. What was wrong with healing on the sabbath? Was it a matter of legalism? Was it upsetting tradition? When should we do good? What does God really expect from us? Our scripture readings for today come from Micah 6:1-8 and Luke 6:-1-11. You can now find the United Methodist Chucks weekly podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, and Spotify!

Our sermon for Trinity Sunday is "God's Creation." In it, we look at what it means to care for God's creation and for humanity. What does it mean if we are created in God's divine image? How do we accept being given charge over all creation? Do we think about each other as being created in the image of God? How does this change the way we interact? Let us be in ministry in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! Our scripture readings come from Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Matthew 28:16-20. Today's readings are from the Common English Bible.

The last entry in the Day by Day series is our Pentecost message. "Peace and Justice" takes a look at what it means to share peace with others. It is also a hard look at the way that we must take action for justice. In troubling times, those who can speak must speak for those who are not heard. If the Holy Spirit is for all, how do we work on ensuring that all people can share in peace? Day by day, we share God's love and mercy. Our scripture readings are from Acts 2:1-21 and John 20:19-23.

The next Day by Day entry is "Faith and the Future" on this 7th Sunday of Easter. We explore how faith guides is in times of uncertainty. What do we really know about the future? What do we need to know? What do we need faith for? Our scripture readings come from Acts 1:6-14 and John 17:1-11.

This week in Day by Day we look at the subject "Truth." Why is truth important right now? What does it mean that Christ is the truth? The way? The life? If Christ is in us, and we in him, how does that change our witness? Do we act to keep those commandments Christ gave us? Day by day, we will get by with God's help. Our scripture reading for today comes from John 14:1-21.

This Sunday we look at Naomi in our Mother's Day message for Day by Day. "Mother IN Hard Times" looks at Naomi's role in Ruth's journey. What was it like for her to be a mom? What can we learn from her for today's struggles? Day by day, we get through with God's help. Our scripture reading comes from Ruth 1:7, 11-14, 18-22; 2:1-3, 19-20; 3:1-5, 16-18; 4:13-17.

Our Easter series is Day by Day and for this fourth Sunday of Easter, our message is “Devotion.” We show our devotion in many different ways. How do we show devotion to God in this time of distancing? Should we be pushing to get back into the church building? What is it others see when they see us following God? Day by day, we let God lead us. Our scripture readings come from Acts 2:42-47 and 1 Peter 2:19-25.