Let's face it, we all experience fear at times in our lives. Even though the Bible contains 365 scriptures admonishing us to not be afraid, fear can at times paralyze us. We know what we need to do, yet we are afraid to do it. We want to try something new but we are afraid to try it. We want to open our hearts and trust again but we are afraid we will get hurt. We want to take that promotion but we're afraid we can't do the job. We want to believe the good news of the gospel but we are afraid it doesn't include us.
But fear doesn't have to paralyze us. We can face it, move through, and be energized in that process. Our passionate Jesus experienced fear and was energized by it. On the darkest night of his life, he fell down under the weight of what he was facing. As he faced his fear he found the energy to keep going. And because he did, we can too. For Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, ever making intercession for us. We can move forward knowing that no matter what, we are never alone.
How do you handle fear? Send me anything that helps you face fear and I'll make a list and share it as part of the sermon Sunday. You did a great job last week sharing what angered you and I appreciate your participation. Let's get real about fear this Sunday at 10:45am. Remember to tell someone, "You belong at Cornerstone!"
Rev Sandy, Pastor
We all know about anger for which we have no defense, but what about anger that moves us to do good? Now that's something to get angry about! Last week as I was finishing my interview with Debbie, I was asked about social justice issues in Mobile. I realized that as a commuter from another city and state, I have limited knowledge of issues in Mobile. So, I am asking for your help. Think about a social issue or concern that bothers you, maybe even makes you angry. Bring it to church with you and share it with me Sunday please.
Jesus was passionate and at times became angry. Yet he never used that anger to hurt or injure another. Jesus used his anger to teach, correct and discipline others, and he used if to address injustice. It's interesting to study what angered Jesus. Some of those same injustices remain in our world today.
Maybe what we need to think about is not managing our anger, but examining our hearts to see what angers us. What makes you angry? A rude person, a bad driver, or someone getting your parking place? I just can't see Jesus getting angry over such things. Jesus was angered by hypocrisy, exclusion, poverty, discrimination, and unbelief. And he used that anger to change, or at least challenge, the status quo.
You're invited to bring me a social justice issue and also to tell me what angers you. I'll be eager to know! As always, invite someone to church...or to watch the broadcast. And it's Pot-luck so being us something good to eat.
Rev Sandy, Pastor
This Sunday we will celebrate the Baptism of Jesus and focus on one of his favorite subjects: love. It is the centerpiece of life and the faith. Love reaches out, invites us in, and washes over us much like the baptismal waters. Just as a voice from heaven said at the baptism of Jesus, we are God's beloved. Once we understand that truth, passion fills ours hearts and compels us to reach out and invite others into this uniting circle of love.
You will have an opportunity to remember and renew your baptismal vows on Sunday. If you have never been baptized and would like to on Sunday, or at a later date, just let Rev Sandy know. We are one in Christ! And our baptism seals the deal. In celebration of God's love for all, invite someone to come and feel the love at Cornerstone MCC.
Rev Sandy, Pastor
That tiny little baby born in a stable grew up and lived a passionate life. As followers of Jesus, our lives are to be passionate too. I am excited about this new sermon series. We begin this week with Authenticity: Understanding Our Emotions. One complaint I hear time and time again, especially from young adults, is that Christians are phony. I have to agree that some are. But hopefully that is changing. If not, the lack of authenticity will contribute greatly to the continued decline of the church.
As we look at the passionate life of Jesus, we find that he was emotional too. We all have emotions. Some of us, especially in the South, were taught to stuff them, hide them, and certainly not express them. And that teaching made us sick. But God created us with emotions. Even they can serve a holy and sacred purpose in our lives.
Join us Sunday as we look to Jesus as a model for being emotional and authentic. That is what the world needs from us if we are willing to let go of old teaching and behaviors that do not work and risk being real to reach others with the gospel of peace. We're off to a great start to 2015. Invite someone to join you and let's fill God's house again this week.
Rev Sandy, Pastor
We've all made promises and we've all waited on promises made to us to be fulfilled. Sometimes we become impatient and give up on a promise if we think we have waited too long, especially when it comes to the promises of God. Most of us don't wait well. But whether we wait in hope or give up in despair, every promise of God is fulfilled.
In our reading for this week we meet two people who had waited and waited for God to fulfill the promise of sending the Messiah. Simeon was a devout man and Anna was a prophet. When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to present him to God, both of them rejoiced that the promise of God was fulfilled.
Are you waiting on a promise from God to be fulfilled? Have you given up or are about too? Simeon and Anna remind us that we do not wait in vain. God is faithful and true to every promise God makes. Yet waiting can be difficult. When your time of waiting becomes a challenge stand on the words of Isaiah 40:31, "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."
Try not to give up on God, because God will never give up on you! Happy New Year. I hope to see you on the first Sunday of 2015. You belong at Cornerstone!
Rev Sandy, Pastor
Bi-directional Service on December 28 Through our "Sacred" series this Advent we have been reminded that time, people, space, knowing and being are sacred. This Sunday we reach the logical conclusion which is Sacred Doing. Jesus shows us that love is an action word and it's time for us to busy ourselves living and sharing God's love in Christ for all.
It's also time to pause and look back over 2014. Here's a tool with 20 Questions for a New Year's Eve Reflection.
And then it's time to look forward to 2015. Here's a tool with Questions for a NEW year.
Join us Sunday, December 28 at 10:45am for the last service of the year. And remember, it's Potluck so bring us something good to eat or drink.
Rev Sandy, Pastor
This Sunday we will be blessed as our choir presents the Christmas cantata. It's a great time to invite someone to join you at church. We'll also be receiving four new members, baptizing at least one person and sharing Communion together. It's going to be another great day! And in case you can't make it at 10:45am, the choir will present the cantata again at 6:00pm. Come and be blessed.
Rev Sandy, Pastor
