Three Effective Ways to Bypass God
July 10, 2022—-5th Sunday after Pentecost—–Rev. Scott Downing Amos 7: 7-17; Luke 10: 25-37
Celebrate and Make a Joyful Noise
July 3, 2022——–4th Sunday after Pentecost—–Elaine York Psalm 66: 1-9; Galatians 6: 1-16; Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20 Good Morning! I am glad to be back with you here at Spanish Springs Presbyterian Church. I have several really good friends here so, it is always fun to come to worship with you. In the Fall, I will be joining your Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study as we have had to end one of our circles at St. John’s. I look forward to…
All In
All In ……….. June 26, 2022 ………..3rd Sunday after Pentecost 2 Kings 2: 1-14; Luke 9: 51-62 ……….. Rev. Susan Taylor So, I’m a bit of a TV nerd, and one of the few shows I watch on a regular basis is “Jeopardy!” While I haven’t been as avid a fan since the devastating loss of Alex Trebek, I was among the millions of viewers who tuned in a few years back to watch James Holzhauer, a professional sports gambler…
Clothing for God’s Children
June 19, 2022 ………. Fathers’ Day ……… Rev. Patrick Mecham Second Sunday after Pentecost Galatians 3: 23-29; Luke 8: 26-39 Today is Fathers’ Day, a day in which we honor fathers for the legacy they leave their children. It is a day to honor all fathers and father-figures—step-fathers, grandfathers who helped raise their grandchildren, teachers, scout leaders, all those who have helped to nurture a younger generation, who have given them more than just genetic material, who have provided them…
Growing into the Faith
June 12, 2022 ……….Trinity Sunday ………. Rev. Patrick Mecham Romans 5: 1-5; John 16: 12-15 A philosopher named Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote a phrase that has been quoted since the 1880’s: “That which does not kill me makes me stronger.” In the 1990’s, Disney produced an animated film called “Aladdin,” and the parrot (Iago) put his own spin on the saying, “You’d be surprised what you can live through!” Just recently, I heard a “Seasoned-Citizen” saying something similar: “Getting old…
God’s Power Unleashed
June 5, 2022 ……….. Pentecost Sunday ……….Rev. Patrick Mecham Acts 2: 1-21; John 14: 8-17, 25-27 The toddler was calling out from the bedroom, “Mommy! Where my socks?” The mother patiently directed her toddler, “Right there, on the end of your bed.” “Where?!” “I put them right at the foot of your bed.” “I don’ see dem!” “Oh, for heaven’s sake, I’ll come and show you where they are!” “Oh. I didn’ see dem.” Have you ever experienced the frustration…
The Power of Belief
The Power of Belief 7th Sunday of Easter Pastor Pat Mecham Acts 16: 16-34 May 29, 2022 John 17: 20-26 In the Harry Potter stories, Harry comes into possession of a small vial of Felix Felices—otherwise known as “liquid luck.” It is said that anyone who takes a swallow of this potion will find themselves successful in whatever they endeavor to do. Harry’s friend, Ron, is needing a boost of confidence before the big game. Harry appears to pour something into…
The Power of Vision
The Power of Vision 6th Sunday of Easter Pastor Pat Mecham Acts 16: 9-15 May 22, 2022 John 14: 23-29 Isn’t VISION a funny word? I have an insurance card in my wallet that shows that I have “Vision Insurance.” In other words, I can get my eyes examined and receive eye care without it costing me a fortune. We use the word “vision” to talk about seeing physical things with our eyes, then we turn around and say that someone…
Hearing God’s Call–Away
Hearing God’s Call–Away 5th Sunday of Easter Pastor Pat Mecham Acts 11: 1-18 May 15, 2022 John 13: 31-35 There once was a farmer who loved God and wanted to serve God. One day, while looking up at the sky, the farmer saw some clouds that clearly formed two letters: P and C. He just knew God was telling him to Preach Christ. He abandoned his farming and began going from place to place, talking to anyone who would listen, sharing…
The Valley of the Shadow
The Valley of the Shadow 4th Sunday of Easter Pastor Pat Mecham Mothers’ Day Psalm 23 May 8, 2022 Acts 9: 36-43 Well, it’s Mothers’ Day, and preachers around the country have had to figure out what to preach about today. Those of us who preach from the common lectionary have to decide: Do I focus on Mothers’ Day and Motherhood, or do I simply go where today’s texts lead me? In 42 years of ministry, I have often wished that…
Opportunity Nearly Missed
Opportunity Nearly Missed 3rd Sunday of Easter Pastor Pat Mecham Acts 9: 1-20 May 1, 2022 John 21: 1-19 Our flight from Paducah, KY to Minneapolis had been delayed, so we got to the gate for our next flight just in time to see it pulling away from the terminal. Rats! I found myself wishing that I had spoken to the flight attendant, requesting that she radio ahead and ask the folks to hold the plane for us. But she was…
To Whom Will You Listen?
To Whom Will You Listen? 2nd Easter Pastor Pat Mecham Acts 5:23-32 April 24, 2022 John 20:19-31 Forty-something years ago, I began reading The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. I used to read them through every year, starting on my birthday, but these days I only pick them up every now and then. They are very entertaining, and I am still blessed with new insights as I read these tales. The “Christ Figure” in these stories is a…