The Sermon Archive

Second Quarter, 2005

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar Rev. Jeff Miner, June 26 2005.
There's a classic children's book about a caterpillar who just can't get enough to eat.  Ever felt like that, in your spirit?  There's a longing -- instinctive, maybe -- that there's something more we are to be.

We know how the caterpillar's story ends -- she transforms into a beautiful butterfly, becoming what she is meant to be.  But what about us?  What's the key to our own metamorphosis?  Listen for a message of insight and encouragement.

Holiness: A Queer Concept Rev. Jeff Miner, June 19 2005.
Ever heard someone say, "God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve." Clever, huh? Or hear someone reason that same-gender-loving is wrong by saying "Just look at human anatomy. It's obvious that men were not made for men or women for women." 

But did you know that Jesus explicitly and emphatically rejected that sort of theology?  Listen for a liberating, live-giving lesson from the words of Jesus Christ.

Go Tell It On The Mountain! Rev. Jeff Miner, June 12 2005.
What is your reaction when you see a really good movie or read a terrific book?  Of course, you want to tell someone about it.

And it should be that way with church, too.  If you've found something good in Jesus, and in your church, you'd want to share it, right? Well, maybe, but only if there was a way to do that and not be a pest or a freak.  This sermon takes a look at how to do just that.

The First Queer Christian Rev. Jeff Miner, June 5 2005.
When you study the Bible carefully, it's amazing how often people like us turn up. Even more amazing is the welcome they received.

This sermon looks at one of these accounts that have been long overlooked by the traditional church, and in the process we learn a powerful spiritual lesson.

Welcome Home! Rev. Jeff Miner, May 29 2005.
Most of us have probably been in a place where we feel far from God, because we've wandered away, or we've been forced away by others. And it's ironic -- the farther we are from God, the more we fear coming back. Surely God will be angry, and require punishment and penance. 

But is that true?  In this sermon, we look at what Jesus tells us about how God feels when one of us return after having wandered away.

Why, why, why, why, why? Rev. Tammy Mills, May 22 2005.
Some of us grew up in churches that taught us God didn't want to hear our questions. Is God offended when we ask questions, even the really hard ones? Does questioning God just show our lack of faith?

This week as we look at the writings of the prophet Habakkuk -- who knew a thing or two about being honest and real with God.  Listen to learn from his example, and see the answers God provides to all who dare to ask.

The Sweet Spot Rev. Jeff Miner, May 15 2005.
How we long for that "ah-ha" moment -- when we can look at our life and circumstances and say, "This is who I am. This is why I was created!"

But most of us are still searching, anxious if we'll ever find our niche.  Scripture has a lot to say about finding that "sweet spot" in life. Listen as we explore how to find this place of joy.

The Mamas and the Papas Rev. Jeff Miner, May 8 2005.
Who do you look to for spiritual guidance or to serve as a spiritual role model? Do you look for a pastor who has the biggest church, or who can perform "signs and wonders"? Or maybe you just go for the TV preacher who wears the most makeup?

This is serious business.  We don't want to be misled by someone who isn't really following God. But how are we to know the real deal from all the rest?

As we finish our series on the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us explicitly what to look for in a preacher, spiritual teacher, or role model.

The Good Life Rev. Jeff Miner, May 1 2005.
You've probably heard TV preachers talk about how to have a prosperous life -- for people to like you, to thrive at work, to make your dreams come true.  Does it seem like they're just using smoke and mirrors, offering a "hocus-pocus" view of God and life?

This sermon takes a thoughtful look at what Jesus had to say about how to live a full, fulfilled life. Join us!

The Rat Race Rev. Jeff Miner, April 24 2005.
As Lily Tomlin says, "The problem with the rat race is, even if you win, you're still a rat."

But life pours down, and we react. There are so many distractions, and life leaves us little time to think. So, by default, we fall back on that which is instinctive. But quick, instinctive answers can sometimes be dead wrong.

This sermon explores Jesus' invitation to step back and reflect on what really matters in life.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, Part 2 Rev. Jeff Miner, April 17 2005.
Did you learn prayers when you were a child? Did it seem easy to say a few words and feel like you were making a connection to God?

But as adults, we have more questions. Am I doing this right? What if I say something that annoys or offends God? Maybe I should just leave it to the professionals...

This sermon looks directly to the Source, Jesus Himself, to learn how we should pray.

Soothing Touch Rev. Jeff Miner, April 10 2005.
Cultivating and maintaining quality connections with family and friends is essential to our well-being and in controlling stress.  But it's certainly not always easy to do.

Did you realize that, when Jesus was on earth, He was single and often estranged from His family?  How did He establish and maintain connections? This sermon helps us learn from His example.

What Turns You On? Rev. Tammy Mills, April 3 2005.
Easter has passed. So now it's back to the daily grind.

But if Jesus is risen, that changes everything -- not just on Easter, but for all of time. For the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now available to us. 

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