Sermons from First Presbyterian Church, [PCUSA] Marianna, FL 32446

First Presbyterian Church [PCUSA]

Corner of Clinton and Jefferson Streets
Marianna, FL 32446
850 526-2430

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On the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Isaiah 40:28-31:
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for 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.

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2/5/2012

"Strength through Remembrance"

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On the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 1:27:
They were all amazed and they kept on asking one another,
"What is this? A new teaching – with authority!
He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him."

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1/29/2012

"What authority does Jesus have in your life?"

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On the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 1:16-17:
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee,
he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net
into the sea—for they were fishermen.
And Jesus said to them,
"Follow me and I will make you fish for people."

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1/22/2012

"Sharing the Good News of the Kingdom of God Together"

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On the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 1:45-46:
Philip found Nathanael and said to him,
"We have found him about whom Moses in the law
and also the prophets wrote,
Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth."
Nathanael said to him,
"Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"
Philip said to him, "Come and see."

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1/15/2012

"Can Anything Good Come Out of Nazareth?"

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On the Octave of Christmas,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 2:21:
After eight days had passed,
it was time to circumcise the child;
and he was called Jesus,
the name given by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.

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1/1/2012

"Choosing to Take the Name of Jesus with Us into the New Year"

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On Christmas Day,
First Presbyterian Celebrated the Birth of Jesus
with a Service of Lessons and Carols

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12/25/2011

"A Celebration of the Birth of Jesus in Word and Music"

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On the Eve of Christmas,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 1:23:
Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him, Emmanuel, which means "God is with us."

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12/24/2011 6:30 PM Candlelight Communion

"Choosing the Presence of Emmanuel in Our Lives"

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On the 4th Sunday of Advent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Ephesians 2: 17-20:
So Jesus came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off
and peace to those who were near;
for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,
but you are citizens with the saints
and also members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

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12/18/2011

"Choosing to Follow the Desire of Every Nation"

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On the 3rd Sunday of Advent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Isaiah 9:2:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.

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12/11/2011

"Choosing to Walk in the Light of the Dayspring on High"

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On the 2nd Sunday of Advent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 15:12-13:
Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles shall hope."
May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace in believing,
so that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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12/4/2011

"Choosing to Hope in the Root of Jesse"

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On the 1st Sunday of Advent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Isaiah 11:1-2:
"A shoot shall come put from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord."

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11/27/2011

"Choosing the Wisdom of the Lord of Might"

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On the Feast of Christ our King,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Ephesians 1: 17-21:
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him,
so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened,
you may know what is the hope to which he has called you,
what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,
and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe,
according to the working of his great power.
God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead
and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
far above all rule and authority and power and dominion,
and above every name that is named,
not only in this age but also in the age to come.”

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11/20/2011

"Celebrating Our Inheritance in Jesus Christ"

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On the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 25:21:
His master said to him,
“Well done, good and trustworthy slave;
you have been trustworthy in a few things,
I will put you in charge of many things;
enter into the joy of your master.

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11/13/2011

"How Peculiar Are You?"

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On the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Joshua 24:15b:
Choose this day whom you will serve.

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11/6/2011

"The Daily Choice"

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On the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was I Thessalonians 2:13:
We also constantly give thanks to God for this,
that when you received the word of God
that you heard from us,
you accepted it not as a human word
but as what it really is, God's word,
which is also at work in you believers.

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10/30/2011

"For Whom Are You Grateful?"

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On the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 22:37-40:
Jesus said to him,
"'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'
This is the greatest and first commandment.
And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

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10/23/2011

"How Pleased Will God Be with Your Commitment?"

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On the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was I Thessalonians 1:6-7:
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord,
for in spite of persecution you received the word
with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit,
so that you became an example to all
the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

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10/16/2011

"How Pleased Will God Be With Your Example?"

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On the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Philippians 4:9
Keep on doing the things that you have learned
and received and heard and seen in me,
and the God of peace will be with you.

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10/9/2011

"Where Is Your Focus?"

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On the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Philippians 3:7
Whatever gain I had,
these I have regarded as loss because of Christ.

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10/2/2011

"How Pleased will God be with your use of your gift of wealth?"

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On the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Philippians 2:3-4:
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit,
but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
Let each of you look not to your own interests,
but to the interests of others.

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9/25/2011

"How Pleased Will God Be with Your Use of Your Gift of Time?"

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On the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
our Guest Minister was Kevin Veldhuisen,
the Associate Executive Presbyter of
Outdoor Ministry and Spiritual Development
for the Presbytery of Florida and
the full-time director of Dogwood Acres.

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9/18/2011

"I Am…."

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On the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 14:10-12:
Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister?
Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister?
For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
For it is written,
"As I live, says the Lord,
every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall give praise to God."
So then, each of us will be accountable to God.

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9/11/2011

"How Pleased Will God Be with Your Use of What You Have Been Given?"

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On the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 13:9-10:
The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery;
You shall not murder; You shall not steal;
You shall not covet; and any other commandment,
are summed up in this word, "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore,
love is the fulfilling of the law.

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9/4/2011

"The Loving Response"

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On the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 16: 24-25:
Then Jesus told his disciples,
"If any want to become my followers,
let them deny themselves and
take up their cross and follow me.
For those who want to save their life will lose it,
and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

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8/28/2011

"Should Churches Still Display the Cross?"

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On the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 12:2:
Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your minds,
so that you may discern what is the will of God—
what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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8/21/2011

"Living Lives Transformed by Jesus Christ"

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On the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Genesis 45:5:
Now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves,
because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.

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8/14/2011

"Allowing God into the Picture of our Lives"

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On the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 10:13:
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

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8/7/2011

"The Privilege of Calling on the Name of the Lord"

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On the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
our sermon was delivered by our own Ruling Elder Jack Homoney
based on the story of Jacob and the Angel in Genesis 32: 23-32

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7/31/2011

"Struggling with Angels"

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On the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 8:38-39:
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels,
nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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7/24/2011

"The Promise of our Baptisms"

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On the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Psalm 139:7
Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?

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7/17/2011

"Living with Assurance in the Presence of God"

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On the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 8:11
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,
he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies
also through the Spirit that dwells in you.

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7/10/2011

"Claiming the Life Giving Spirit of God"

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On the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 11:28-30:
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are weary
and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

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7/3/2011

"Claiming God’s Free Gift of Eternal Life"

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On the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 6:23:
The wages of sin is death,
but the free gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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6/26/2011

"Choosing to Accept His Invitation to Rest in Jesus Christ"

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On Trinity Sunday ,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was II Corinthians 13:13:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

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6/19/2011

"Relating to the God Who Has Chosen to Relate to Us"

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On the Seventh Sunday of Easter,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Acts 1:8:
(Jesus said to his disciples) "But you shall receive power
when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;
and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

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6/5/2011

"Love Has Conquered, Death Can’t Win:
And We are Witnesses"

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On the Sixth Sunday of Easter,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 14:18:
"I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you."

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5/29/2011

"Love Has Conquered, Death Can’t Win:
And We are not alone!"

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On the Fourth Sunday of Easter,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Acts 2:42:
The disciples and those who became followers of Jesus
through them devoted themselves to the apostles’
teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

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5/15/2011

"Love Has Conquered, Death Can’t Win:
And We Are on the Winning Team!"

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On the Third Sunday of Easter,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 20:30-31:
Now Jesus did many signs in the presence of his disciples,
which are not written in this book.
But these are written so that you may come to believe
that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,
and that through believing you may have life in his name.

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5/8/2011

"Love Has Conquered, Death Can’t Win:
And Jesus Loves Me"

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On the Second Sunday of Easter,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 24:33-35:
That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem;
and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together.
They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed,
and he has appeared to Simon!”
Then they told what had happened on the road,
and how Jesus had made himself known to them in the breaking of the bread.

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5/1/2011

"Love Has Conquered, Death Can’t Win:
The Empty Tomb Was Not Enough."

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On Easter Day,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 20:16:
Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!”
(which means Teacher)

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4/24/2011

"Love Has Conquered, Death Can’t Win:
The Personal Testimony"

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On the Palm Sunday,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 19:26-27:
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved
standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.”
Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”
And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

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4/17/2011

"Nails of the Cross: The Nail of Love"

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On the 5th Sunday in Lent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 19:12:
From then on Pilate tried to release Jesus, but the Jews cried out,
“If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor.
Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.”

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4/10/2011

"Nails of the Cross: The Nail of Indecision"

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On the 4th Sunday in Lent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was 26:14-16:
Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,
went to the chief priests and said,
"What will you give me if I betray him to you?"
They paid him thirty pieces of silver.
And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.

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4/3/2011

"Nails of the Cross: The Nail of Betrayal"

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On the 3rd Sunday in Lent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 26:33:
Peter said to Jesus,
"Though all become deserters because of you,
I will never desert you."

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3/27/2011

"Nails of the Cross: The Nail of Denial"

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On the 2nd Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 15:8-10:
So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do
for them according to his custom. Then he answered them,
“Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”
For he realized that it was out of jealousy
that the chief priests had handed him over.

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3/20/2011

"Nails of the Cross: The Nail of Envy"

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On the 1st Sunday in Lent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 18:14:
I tell you, this man went down to his house
justified rather than the other;
for all who exalt themselves will be humbled,
but all who humble themselves will be exalted.

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3/13/2011

"Nails of the Cross: The Nail of Pride"

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On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 17:4-5:
Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here;
if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you,
one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking,
suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said,
"This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"

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3/6/2011

"Mountain-Top Experiences That Sustain the Valleys of Life."

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On the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 5:44-45:
Jesus said, “But I say to you, Love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you so that you
may be children of your Father in heaven;
for he makes his sun to rise on the evil
and on the good, and sends rain
on the righteous and on the unrighteous.

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2/20/2011

"Celebrating the Surprising Wisdom of God"

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On the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Deuteronomy 30:19-20:
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today
that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.
Choose life so that you and your descendants may live,
loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him;
for that means life to you and length of days,
so that you may live in the land that the LORD swore
to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

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2/13/2011

"Celebrating the Law as a Gift of a Gracious God"

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On the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 5:14-15:
You are the light of the world.
A city built on a hill cannot be hid.
No one after lighting a lamp puts it under
a bushel basket, but on a lamp stand,
and it gives light to all in the house.

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2/6/2011

"Celebrating Our God Given Purpose in Life"

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On the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Micah 6:8:
God has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

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1/30/2011

"Celebrating Our Walking Humbly with Our God"

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On the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Psalm 27:1:
The Lord is My Light and My Salvation.

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1/23/2011

"Celebrating the Salvation of Our God"

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On the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was I Corinthians 1:9:
God is faithful; by him you were called into the
fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

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1/16/2011

"Celebrating the Faithfulness of Our God"

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On the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 3:16-17:
And when Jesus had been baptized,
just as he came up from the water,
suddenly the heavens were opened to him
and he saw the Spirit of God descending
like a dove and alighting on him.
And a voice from heaven said,
"This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."

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1/9/2011

"Remember Your Baptism"

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On the 2nd Sunday after Christmas,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 1:20-21:
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus,
for he will save his people from their sins."

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1/2/2011

"Checking Our Vision with God’s Vision of a Savior"

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On the First Sunday after Christmas,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 2:16:
When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men,
he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children
in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under,
according to the time that he had learned from the wise men.

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12/26/2010

"Checking Our Vision with God’s Vision of Love"

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At our Christmas Eve Service,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 1:23:
Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means,
“God is with us.”

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12/24/2010 6:30 PM

"Checking Our Vision with God’s Vision of Emmanuel"

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On the Fourth Sunday in Advent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 1:14, 16-17:
And the Word became flesh and lived among us,
and we have seen his glory,
the glory as of a father’s only son,
full of grace and truth.
From his fullness we have all received,
grace upon grace.
The law indeed was given through Moses;
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

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12/19/2010

"Checking Our Vision with God’s Vision of Grace"

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On the Third Sunday in Advent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 1:46-49:
Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name."

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12/12/2010

"Checking Our Vision with God’s Vision of Joy"

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On the Second Sunday in Advent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Isaiah 11:1-10:
"A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall come out his roots."

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12/5/2010

"Checking Our Vision with God’s Vision of Hope"

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On the First Sunday in Advent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Isaiah 2:3-4:
Many people shall come and say,
“Come, let us go up the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more."

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11/28/2010

"Checking Our Vision with God’s Vision of Peace"

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On the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 19:9-10:
Then Jesus said to Zacchaeus,
"Today salvation has come to this house,
because he too is a son of Abraham.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost"

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11/14/2010

"Asking for Help"

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On the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 18:13-14:
"But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven,
but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'
I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other;
for all who exalt themselves will be humbled,
but all who humble themselves will be exalted"

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Title

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11/7/2010

"Asking for Help"

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On the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was I Corinthians 13:8a:
"Love never ends"

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10/24/2010

"Serving God with Love"

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On the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 15:13:
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
in believing, so that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Date

Title

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10/17/2010

"Serving God with Hope"

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On the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 17:19:
Then Jesus said to him (the Samaritan leper whom he had healed),
"Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."

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10/10/2010

"Serving God with Faith"

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On the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was I Corinthians 11:23a:
"For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you."

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10/3/2010

"A Trip Down Memory Lane"

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On the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
our service was led by Elder Jack Homoney.

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9/26/2010

"True Riches and The Great Chasm"

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On the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Jeremiah 9:1:
O that my head were a spring of water,
and my eyes a fountain of tears,
so that I might weep day and night for the slain of my poor people!

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9/19/2010

"Sharing the Anguish of Others"

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On the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was I Timothy 1:15-16:
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners
--of whom I am the foremost.
But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me,
as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience,
making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life.

Date

Title

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9/12/2010

"What if No One Cared?"

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On the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Jeremiah 18:6b:
(God said) "Just like clay in the potter’s hand,
so are you in my hand, O house of Israel"

Date

Title

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9/5/2010

"Allowing God to Mold Your Life"

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On the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Hebrews 13:7-8:
Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you;
consider the outcomes of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Date

Title

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8/29/2010

"Remembering Those Who Help Us Not To Forget"

PDF

On the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 13:10-13:
Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.
And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had
crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was
quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called
her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment."
When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up
straight and began praising God.

Date

Title

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8/22/2010

"The Freeing Touch of God"

PDF

On the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 12:51:
"Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division!

Date

Title

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8/15/2010

"The Prophetic Words of Jesus"

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On the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 12:32:
"Do not be afraid, little flock,
for it is the Father’s good pleasure
to give you the kingdom."

Date

Title

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8/08/2010

"The Kingdom of God is Yours – Claim It!"

PDF

On the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Hosea 11:9b:
"For I am God and no mortal"

Date

Title

PDF

8/01/2010

"Celebrating God’s Abounding Love"

PDF

On the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 11:1:
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished,
one of his disciples said to him,
"Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples."

Date

Title

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7/25/2010

"The Sustaining Power of Prayer"

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On the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 10: 41-42:
But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha,
you are worried and distracted by many things;
there is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part,
which will not be taken away from her."

Date

Title

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7/18/2010

"Keeping Our Lives in Proper Focus"

PDF

On the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Galatians 6:10:
"So then, whenever we have an opportunity,
let us work for the good of all,
and especially for those of the family of faith."

Date

Title

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7/4/2010

"Living with the Tension of Being Christians and Americans"

PDF

On the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Galatians 5:13
"For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters;
only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence,
but through love become slaves to one another."

Date

Title

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6/27/2010

"Freed to be Slaves"

PDF

On the Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our Guest Preacher was Elder Jack Homoney

Date

Title

PDF

6/6/2010

"The Collision at Nain"

PDF

On Trinity Sunday, Dr. Christopher's
Sermon text was Romans 5:5bc
God’s love has been poured into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Date

Title

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5/30/2010

"Peace: The Gift of the Triune God"

PDF

On Pentecost Sunday, Dr. Christopher's
Sermon text was Acts 2:37-39:
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart
and said to Peter and to the other apostles,
"Brothers, what should we do?"
Peter said to them,
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you
in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven;
and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is for you, for your children,
and for all who are far away, everyone
whom the Lord our God calls to him."

Date

Title

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5/23/2010

"The Story Goes On"

PDF

On the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Dr. Christopher's
Sermon text was Ephesians 1:17-20:
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him,
so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened,
you may know what is the hope to which he has called you,
what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,
and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe,
according to the working of his great power.
God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead
and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.

Date

Title

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5/16/2010

"Living As Easter People with Power"

PDF

On the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Dr. Christopher's
Sermon text was Acts 16:14-15:
A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God,
was listening to us; she was from the city of
Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth.
The Lord opened her heart to listen
eagerly to what was said by Paul.
When she and her household were baptized,
she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me
to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home."
And she prevailed upon us.

Date

Title

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5/9/2010

"Living As Easter People with Hospitality"

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On the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Dr. Christopher's
Sermon text was John 13:34-35:
Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment,
that you love one another.
Just as I have loved you,
you also should love one another.
By this everyone will know
that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another."

Date

Title

PDF

5/2/2010

"Living As Easter People with Love"

PDF

On the Third Sunday of Easter, Dr. Christopher's
Sermon text was Acts 9:19b-20:
For several days (Saul/Paul) was with the disciples in Damascus,
and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues,
saying, "He is the Son of God."

Date

Title

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4/18/2010

"Living As Easter People with New Purpose"

PDF

On the Second Sunday of Easter, Dr. Christopher's
Sermon text was John 20:19-20:
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week,
and the doors of the house where the disciples had met
were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and
stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."
After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Date

Title

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4/11/2010

"Living As Easter People with Forgiveness"

PDF

On Easter Day Dr. Christopher's
Sermon text was I Corinthians 15:17:
If Christ did not rise your faith is futile
and your sins have never been forgiven.

Date

Title

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4/4/2010

"What If ... ?"

PDF

On Maundy Thursday, we celebrated
the Institution of the Lord's Supper
with a supper and a table communion

Date

Title

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4/1/2010

"Jesus was killed because of the way he ate ... "

PDF

On Palm/Passion Sunday
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Philippians 2:1-2:
If then there is any encouragement in Christ,
any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit,
any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete:
be of the same mind, having the same love,
being in full accord and of one mind.

Date

Title

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3/28/2010

"The Freedom to Choose to Weep"

PDF

On the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Philippians 3:7-8:
Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard
as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard
everything as loss because of the surpassing value of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered
the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish,
in order that I may gain Christ.

Date

Title

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3/21/2010

"The Freedom to Choose What is Precious to Us"

PDF

On the Fourth Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 15:29-32
But the older son answered his father, 'Listen!
For all these years I have been working like a slave for you,
and I have never disobeyed your command;
yet you have never given me even a young goat
so that I might celebrate with my friends.
But when this son of yours came back,
who has devoured your property with prostitutes,
you killed the fatted calf for him!'
Then the father said to him,
'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.
But we had to celebrate and rejoice,
because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life;
he was lost and has been found.' "

Date

Title

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3/14/2010

"The Freedom to Choose How We Will Look at Other People"

PDF

On the Third Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 13:3 and 13:5
"No, I tell you, but unless you repent,
you will all perish just as they did.

Date

Title

PDF

3/7/2010

"The Freedom to Choose to Accept Responsibility"

PDF

On the Second Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Philippians 3:20:
"But our citizenship is in heaven."

Date

Title

PDF

2/28/2010

"The Freedom to Choose To Whom We Will Pledge Allegiance"

PDF

On the First Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 10:8b-9:
"This is the word of faith that we proclaim because
if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved."

Date

Title

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2/21/2010

"The Freedom to Choose"

PDF

On the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Presbyterian Layman Jack Homoney was our Guest Preacher

Date

Title

PDF

2/14/2010

"Blessed Are The Cheese Makers"

PDF

On the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 5:10b:
Then Jesus said to Simon,
"Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people."

Date

Title

PDF

2/7/2010

"How Is Your Catch?"

PDF

On the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was I Corinthians 13:12:
Now we see in a mirror dimly,
but then we will see face to face.
Now I know in part;
then I will know fully,
even as I have been fully known.

Date

Title

PDF

1/31/2010

"You Can’t Go Home Again"

PDF

On the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was I Corinthians 12:27:
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Date

Title

PDF

1/24/2010

"Have You Found Your Place in the Church?"

PDF

On the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Our special 175th Anniversary Speaker was the
Rev. Dr. R. Proctor Chambless,
Pastor from July 1982 - August 1990.

Date

Title

PDF

1/17/2010

"For All The Saints"

PDF

On the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 3:21-22:
Now when all the people were baptized,
and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
the heaven was opened,
and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven,
"You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.

Date

Title

PDF

1/10/2010

"Living as Children of Blessing and Promise"

PDF

On the Second Sunday after Christmas
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 1:14:
The Word became flesh and lived among us,
and we have seen his glory,
glory as of a father’s only son,
full of grace and truth.

Date

Title

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1/3/2010

"The Promises of God in Human Flesh"

PDF

On the First Sunday after Christmas
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 2:52:
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years,
and in divine and human favor."

Date

Title

PDF

12/27/2009

"Growing in the Promises of Jesus"

PDF

On the Eve of Christmas
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 2:13-14:
And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors."

Date

Title

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12/24/2009

"The Promise of Jesus"

PDF

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 1:46-49:
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name."

Date

Title

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12/20/2009

"Promises: A Cause for Celebration"

PDF

On the Third Sunday of Advent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 1:45:
(Elizabeth said to Mary)
And blessed is she who believed that there
would be a fulfillment of what
was spoken to her by the Lord.

Date

Title

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12/13/2009

"Promises: Blessings to Those Who Believe"

PDF

On the Second Sunday of Advent,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 1:68:
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his
people and redeemed them."

Date

Title

PDF

12/6/2009

"Promises: Looking Back and Looking Forward"

PDF

On the Feast of Christ the King,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Revelation 1:4b-5:
Grace to you and peace from him who is
and who was and who is to come.

Date

Title

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11/22/2009

"The Assurance of Thanksgiving"

PDF

On the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Hebrews 10:23-25:
"Let us hold fast to the confession
of our hope without wavering,
for he who has promised is faithful.
And let us consider how to provoke one
another to love and good deeds,
not neglecting to meet together,
as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another,
and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Date

Title

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11/15/2009

"How Are You Provoking Other People?"

PDF

On the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Ruth 4:17:
The women of the neighborhood gave him a name,
saying, "A son has been born to Naomi."
They named him Obed;
he became the father of Jesse,
the father of David.

Date

Title

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11/8/2009

"The Surprising and Challenging Ways of God"

PDF

On the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Isaiah 25:9:
"It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God;
we have waited for him, so that he might save us.
This is the Lord for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation"

Date

Title

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11/1/2009

"Saints Celebrating Their Pardon"

PDF

On the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 10:43b-45:
Jesus said, "Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant,
and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.
For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,
and to give his life a ransom for many."

Date

Title

PDF

10/18/2009

"The Greatness of Gratitude"

PDF

On the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 9:26-27:
The disciples were greatly astounded and said to one another,
"Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said,
"For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."

Date

Title

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10/11/2009

"God‟s Grace Makes the Impossible, Possible"

PDF

On the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Ephesians 2:10 (New English Bible)
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus
to devote ourselves to the good deeds, for which God has designed us.

Date

Title

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10/4/2009

"Celebrating and Living the Eucharist"

PDF

On the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Ephesians. 2:8-9:
For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and this is not your own doing;
it is the gift of God -- not the result of works,
so that no one may boast

Date

Title

PDF

9/27/2009

"It’s All About Grace!"

PDF

On the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
our Service was a Celebration of Music in Christian Worship
on the occasion of honoring Stanley B. Littleton, Jr.,
for his twenty-five years of service as our Church Organist.
All of the Anthems and Hymns for this Occasion
were chosen by Stanley Littleton
with the narrative being prepared
by the pastor, the Rev. Dr. Huw Christopher.
The full text of the Service is Here.

Date

Title

PDF

9/13/2009

"A Celebration of Music in Christian Worship"

PDF

On the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was James 2:1:
My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism
really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?

Date

Title

PDF

9/6/2009

"The Challenge of God’s Inclusive Love"

PDF

On the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was James 1:22-24:
But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers
who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word
and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves
in a mirror; for they look at themselves and,
on going away, immediately forget what they were like.

Date

Title

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8/30/2009

"Study without Service is Pointless"

PDF

The Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time was Youth Sunday
at First Presbyterian. The service was led by the members of the First Church
youth group who had attended the annual Montreat Youth Week, and
the sermons were delivered by Branham Skipper, Alton Stone and Ashlee Laramore.
All three may be read here.

Date

Title

PDF

8/23/2009

"World on Fire"

PDF

On the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Psalm 111:10:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
God’s praise endures forever.

Date

Title

PDF

8/16/2009

"For What Would You Have Asked?"

PDF

On the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was 2 Samuel 18:33:
Then King David was deeply moved, and went up
to the chamber over the gate, and wept;
and as he went, he said,
"O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!
Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom,
my son, my son!"

Date

Title

PDF

8/9/2009

"How Do You Handle Your Anger?"

PDF

On the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was II Samuel 6:15-16:
"So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of
the Lord (into Jerusalem) with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David,
Michal daughter of Saul looked out of the window,
and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord;
and she despised him in her heart."

Date

Title

PDF

7/12/2009

"How Do You Praise God?"

PDF

On the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was II Samuel 5:1-2:
"Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron,
and said, "Look, we are your bone and flesh.
For some time, while Saul was king over us,
it was you who led out Israel and brought it in.
The Lord said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd
of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel."

Date

Title

PDF

7/05/2009

"What Sort of Leadership Do We Need?"

PDF

On the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was II Corinthians 6:11-13:
"We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians;
our heart is wide open to you.
There is no restriction in our affections,
but only in yours.
In return--I speak as to children--
open wide your hearts also.

Date

Title

PDF

6/28/2009

"How Amazing Is Grace for You?"

PDF

On the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was II Corinthians 8:9:
"For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.

Date

Title

PDF

6/21/2009

"Opening Our Hearts to Love God and to Love Other People"

PDF

On the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was II Corinthians. 5:16-17:
"From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view;
even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view,
we know him no longer in that way.
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation:
everything old has passed away;
see, everything has become new!"

Date

Title

PDF

6/14/2009

"Looking at Other People with God’s Eyes"

PDF

On Trinity Sunday,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not perish
but may have eternal life."

Date

Title

PDF

6/7/2009

"Jesus: God’s Gift of Love to this World"

PDF

On Pentecost Sunday,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 15: 5:
"I am the vine, you are the branches.
Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit,
because apart from me you can do nothing.

Date

Title

PDF

5/31/2009

"Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit"

PDF

On Ascension Sunday,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 11:25-26:
Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life.
Those who believe in me, even though they die,
will live, and everyone who lives and believes
in me will never die."

Date

Title

PDF

5/24/2009

"Jesus Christ our Only Comfort in Life and in Death"

PDF

On the Sixth Sunday of Easter,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 14:6
Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me."

Date

Title

PDF

5/17/2009

"Letting Jesus Lead the Way"

PDF

On the Fifth Sunday of Easter,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 10:11
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good
shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

Date

Title

PDF

5/10/2009

"Jesus is Our Good Shepherd"

PDF

On the Fourth Sunday of Easter,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 6:35:
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life.
Whoever comes to me will never be hungry,
and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

Date

Title

PDF

5/3/2009

"Feeding on Jesus, the Bread of Life"

PDF

On the Third Sunday of Easter,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 8:12:
Again Jesus spoke to the crowd, saying,
"I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life."

Date

Title

PDF

4/26/2009

"Claiming Jesus as the Light of Our World"

PDF

On Easter Day,
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 16:8:
"So the women went out and fled from the tomb,
for terror and amazement has seized them;
and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Date

Title

PDF

4/12/2009

"The Silence Is Broken"

PDF

On the Sixth Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 11:9-10:
Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
"Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

Date

Title

PDF

4/5/2009

"Jesus who comes in the name of the Lord"

PDF

On the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 10:46-47:
As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho,
Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside.
When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say,
"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Date

Title

PDF

3/29/2009

"Jesus, the Son of David, the sure foundation of our hope"

PDF

On the Fourth Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 8:32b-33:
And Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him.
But turning and looking at his disciples,
he rebuked Peter and said,
"Get behind me, Satan!
For you are setting your mind
not on divine things but on human things."

Date

Title

PDF

3/22/2009

"Jesus Christ! or Jesus the Christ!"

PDF

On the Third Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 3:33-35:
Jesus replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"
And looking at those who sat around him, he said,
"Here are my mother and my brothers!
Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."

Date

Title

PDF

3/15/2009

"Would Jesus Count You As a Member of His Family?"

PDF

On the Second Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 1:23-24:
Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit,
and he cried out. "What have you to do with us,
Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are, the Holy One of God."

Date

Title

PDF

3/8/2009

"What Authority Does Jesus Have For You?"

PDF

On the First Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 1:11:
A voice came from heaven,
“You are my Son, the Beloved,
with you I am well pleased”

Date

Title

PDF

3/1/2009

"Baptism Changes Everything"

PDF

On the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 1:40-42:
A leper came to Jesus begging him, and kneeling he said to him,
"If you choose, you can make me clean."
Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand
and touched him, and said to him,
"I do choose. Be made clean!"
Immediately the leprosy left him,
and he was made clean.

Date

Title

PDF

2/15/2009

"Claiming God’s Compassion for Our Own Lives"

PDF

On the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Isaiah 40:29-31: "God gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for 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."

Date

Title

PDF

2/8/2009

"Do You Want to Soar?"

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On the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Psalm 111:10:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding."

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Title

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2/1/2009

"Finding True Wisdom and Good Understanding"

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On the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Mark 1:14-15:
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee,
proclaiming the good news of God, and saying,
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;
repent, and believe in the good news."

Date

Title

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1/25/2009

"There Is Good News!"

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On the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 1:43:
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee.
He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.”

Date

Title

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1/18/2009

"What Does It Mean To Me To Follow Jesus?"

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On the First Sunday of Epiphany
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Genesis 1:1-2:
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,
the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep,
and the Spirit of God swept over the face of the waters."

Date

Title

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1/11/2009

"Claiming God’s Order for the Chaos of Our Lives"

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On the Second Sunday of Christmas
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Ephesians 3:8-9 :
"Although I am the very least of all the saints,
this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles
the news of the boundless riches of Christ,
[9] and to make everyone see what is the plan
of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things."

Date

Title

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1/4/2009

"You Are Welcome"

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On the First Sunday of Christmas
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Luke 2:28:
"Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God."

Date

Title

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12/28/2008

"Holding the Baby Jesus"

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On the Eve of Christmas
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was John 1:5:
"The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it."

Date

Title

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12/24/2008

"The Light of our Faithful God Revealed in Jesus Christ
Still Shines On"

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On the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 16:25-27:
Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel
and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation
of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed,
and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles,
according to the command of the eternal God,
to bring about the obedience of faith --
to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

Date

Title

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12/21/2008

"Our Faithful God Offers Us the Gift of Strength"

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On the Third Sunday of Advent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Isaiah 61:1:
"The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners."

Date

Title

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12/14/2008

"Our Faithful God Offers Us the Gift of Freedom"

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On the Second Sunday of Advent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Isaiah 40:11:
"He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep."

Date

Title

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12/7/2008

"Our Faithful God Offers Us the Gift of Comfort"

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On the First Sunday of Advent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Isaiah 64:8:
"Yet, O Lord, you are our Father;
we are the clay, and you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand."

Date

Title

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11/30/2008

"Our Faithful God Offers Us the Gift of Forgiveness"

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On the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 25:23:
His master said to him,
“Well done, good and trustworthy slave;
you have been trustworthy in a few things,
I will put you in charge of many things;
enter into the joy of your master."

Date

Title

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11/16/2008

"What Are You Doing with Your Gifts?"

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On the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Joshua 24:15b:
Choose this day whom you will serve,
whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River
or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living;
but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Date

Title

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11/09/2008

"Whom Are You Choosing to Serve?"

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On the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was I Thessalonians 2:11-12:
As you know, we dealt with each
of you like a father with his children,
urging and encouraging and pleading
that you lead a life worthy of God,
who calls you into his own
kingdom and glory.

Date

Title

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11/02/2008

"Is Your Life Worthy of God?"

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On the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was I Thessalonians 2:1:
You yourselves know, brothers and sisters,
that our coming to you was not in vain.

Date

Title

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10/26/2008

"Will Your Life Be in Vain?"

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On the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 22:19-21:
Jesus said, “Show me the coin used for the tax."
And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them,
"Whose head is this, and whose title?"
They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them,
"Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's,
and to God the things that are God's."

Date

Title

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10/19/2008

"What’s In Your Wallet?"

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On the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Genesis 9:13:
God said, “I have set my bow in the clouds,
and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”

Date

Title

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10/12/2008

"What Symbol Speaks to You?"

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On the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Philippians 3:7-8:
"Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ.
More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things,
and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ (New Revised Standard Version)

Date

Title

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10/05/2008

"What’s In Your Trash Can?"

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On the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Philippians 2:5:
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.

Date

Title

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9/28/2008

"Keeping Body and Mind Together"

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On the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 18:33:
"Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave,
as I had mercy on you?"

Date

Title

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9/14/2008

"The Challenge of God’s Gift of Mercy"

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On the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 13: 9-10:
The commandments … are summed up in this word,
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Love does no wrong to a neighbor, therefore,
love is the fulfilling of the law.

Date

Title

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9/07/2008

"The Challenge of the Gift of Love"

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On the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Exodus 3:10:
(God said to Moses) So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people,
the Israelites, out of Egypt.

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Title

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8/31/2008

"What is God Calling You to Do?"

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On the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 12:1-2:
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters,
by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as
a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your minds,
so that you may discern what is the will of God--
what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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Title

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8/24/2008

"What Do You Expect From the Church?"

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On the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Genesis 45:4-5:
Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come, closer to me."
And they came closer. He said, "I am Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.
And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves,
because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life."

Date

Title

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8/17/2008

"The God Who Prevents Us"

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On the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 14: 26-28:
'But when the disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea,
they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!"
And they cried out in fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said,
"Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."
Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you,
command me to come to you on the water.'

Date

Title

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8/10/2008

"What is Keeping You in the Boat?"

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On the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 14:19b-c:
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven,
and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples,
and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

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Title

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8/03/2008

"Blessed and Broken for Others"

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On the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 8:35, 37-39:
"Who will separate us from the love of Christ?
Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither
death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present,
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Date

Title

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7/27/2008

"Finding Our Hope in God’s Love
From Which Nothing Can Separate Us"

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On the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 8:14-16:
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear,
but you have received a spirit of adoption.
When we cry, 'Abba! Father!'
it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit
that we are children of God."

Date

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7/20/2008

"Rejoicing in Our Hope as the Children of God"

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On the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Psalm 119:105:
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Date

Title

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7/13/2008

"Offering Our Lives in Praise to God"

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On the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Matthew 11:28:
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are
weary and are carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest."

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7/06/2008

"Resting in the Loving Embrace of God"

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On the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Romans 6:16:
"Do you not know that if you present
yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves,
you are slaves of the one whom you obey,
either of sin, which leads to death,
or of obedience, which leads to righteousness."

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Title

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6/29/2008

"How Are You Using Your Freedom?"

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On the Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Psalm 46:10:
"Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth."

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Title

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6/01/2008

"Finding Your Unique Place to be Still"

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On the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Isaiah 49:15-16:
"Can a woman forget her nursing child,
or show no compassion for the child of her womb?
Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are continually before me."

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5/25/2008

"How Do You Like God’s Tattoo?"

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On Trinity Sunday
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was II Corinthians 13:1:
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Spirit be with all of you."

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5/18/2008

"Claiming God’s Blessing on Our Lives"

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On the Sunday of Pentecost
Dr. Christopher's Sermon text was Psalm 27:10:
"If my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will take me up."

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5/11/2008

"Remembering Whose Children We Are"

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On the Seventh Sunday of Easter
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on John 17:3:
"This is eternal life, that they may know you,
the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

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Title

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5/04/2008

"Eternal Life Comes as a Gift from a Caring God"

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On the Sixth Sunday of Easter
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on John 14:15:
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

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Title

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4/27/2008

"Loving Obediently Empowered by the Holy Spirit"

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On the Fifth Sunday of Easter
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on I Peter 2:4:
Come to Jesus, a living stone, though rejected
by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight.

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4/20/2008

“Celebrating the Changes the Risen Jesus Brings to Our Lives.”

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On the Fourth Sunday of Easter
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on John 10:10: Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

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4/13/2008

"Enjoying the Abundant Life the Risen Jesus Offers to Us"

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On the Third Sunday of Easter
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on Luke 24: 21:
"But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel."

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4/06/2008

"No Memorial Feast Here, But a Celebration!"

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On Easter Day
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on Matthew 28:10:
Then Jesus said to them (the women), "Do not be afraid,
go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee;
there they will see me"

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3/23/2008

"The Risen Jesus Returns ... To Whom?"

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On the Sixth Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on Mark 15:4-5:
Pilate asked Jesus again, "Have you no answer?
See how many charges they bring against you.
But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed."

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3/16/2008

"The Passion of Jesus Leads to His Passion"

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On the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on Mark 14:50:
"All of them (the disciples of Jesus) deserted him and fled."

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3/9/2008

"The Faithful Jesus Challenges Our Lack of Faithfulness"

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On the Fourth Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on Mark 14:22-24
"While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf
of bread, and after blessing it he broke it,
gave it to them, and said,
"Take; this is my body."
Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he
gave it to them, and all of them drank from it.
He said to them,
"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many"

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3/2/2008

"The Privilege of Communion with Our Lord"

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On the Third Sunday in Lent
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on Mark 14:9:
Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed
in the whole world, what she has done will be
told in remembrance of her."

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2/24/2008

"Jesus Affirms the Actions of Two Women"

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On the Second Sunday in Lent
we celebrated the Cleansing of the Temple by Jesus.
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on Mark 11:17:
"Jesus was teaching and saying,
'Is it not written,
‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’?
But you have made it a den of robbers.' "

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2/17/2008

"Jesus Challenges the Business of the Temple and Our Business"

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On the First Sunday in Lent
we celebrated the Entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on Zechariah 9:9:
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you;
triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

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2/10/2008

"Jesus Enters the Capital City of Jerusalem in the Name of the Lord"

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On the Sunday of the Transfiguration
we looked towards the Crucifixion.
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on Matthew 17:5:
"While Peter was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them,
and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved,
with him I am well pleased; listen to him."

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2/3/2008

"The Glory of the Mountain Prepares For the Glory of the Hill"

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On the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
we celebrated God's Blessedness in Our Lives.
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on Matthew 5:1-3:
"When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain;
and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.
Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' "

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1/27/2008

"What Does It Mean To Be Blessed?"

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On the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
we celebrated Jesus' Call of the First Disciples.
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on Matthew 4: 18-20:
"As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter,
and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen.
And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.'
Immediately they left their nets and followed him."

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1/20/2008

"Hearing Our Call to be Followers of Jesus"

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On the First Sunday in Ordinary Time
we celebrated the Baptism of Jesus.
Dr. Christopher's Sermon was based on Matthew 3:17:
"... and a voice from heaven said,
'This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.' "

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1/13/2008

"Finding Nourishment for the Journey"

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On the four Sundays of Advent Dr. Christopher's
sermons will be based on the themes used with our Advent Wreath

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12/23/2007

"Claiming God’s Gift of Jesus Who Comes to Rule Our Lives"

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12/16/2007

"Claiming God’s Gift of Jesus Who Comes to Show Us God’s Ways"

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12/09/2007

"Claiming God’s Gift of Jesus Who Comes to Meet Our True Desires"

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12/02/2007

"Claiming God’s Gift of Jesus Who Gives Us Rest"

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On the Last Sunday of Ordinary Time
Dr. Christopher led us to consider Thanksgiving in his sermon
based on Colossians 3:15c: " ... and be thankful!"

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11/25/2007

"Remembering Our Cloud of Witnesses with Thanksgiving"

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On the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
we celebrated the Life of Jesus as told
in the hymns of Charles Wesley.

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11/18/2007

"A Celebration of Jesus Using the Hymns of Charles Wesley"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 32nd Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on II Corinthians 8:1-2:
"We want you to know brothers and sisters,
about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia;
for during a severe ordeal of affliction,
their abundant joy and their extreme poverty
have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

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11/11/2007

"Remembering Our Cloud of Witnesses
Who Have Inspired Our Giving"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 31st Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on II Corinthians 8:9:
"For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor,
that through his poverty we might become rich."

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11/04/2007

"Remembering Our Cloud of Witnesses
who Point Us to Jesus"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 30th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Hebrews 12:1-2:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,
and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,
who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God."

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10/28/2007

"Remembering Our Cloud of Witnesses
Who Are Our Balcony People"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 29th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Luke 22:27:
'Jesus said, “For who is greater,
the one who is at table or the one who serves?
Is it not the one at the table?
But I am among you as one who serves." '

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10/21/2007

"Remembering Our Cloud of Witnesses Who Have
Inspired Our Christian Service"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 28th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Luke 16:1-2:
Jesus also said to His disciples:
"There was a certain rich man who had a steward,
and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods.
So he called him and said to him,
'What is this I hear about you?
Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.' "

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10/14/2007

"Remembering Our Cloud of Witnesses Who Have
Helped Us to be Good Stewards"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for Worldwide
Communion Sunday was based on II Timothy 1:5
"I am reminded of your sincere faith,
a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois
and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you."

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10/07/2007

"Remembering Our Cloud of Witnesses
Who Have Brought Us to the Lord’s Supper"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 26th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on I Timothy 6:7:
"For we brought nothing into this world,
so that we can take nothing out of it."

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9/30/2007

"What Are You Doing with Your Wealth?"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 24th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on I Timothy 1:15-16:
"The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners
-- of whom I am the foremost.
But for that very reason I received mercy,
so that in me, as the foremost,
Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience,
making me an example to those who would come
to believe in him for eternal life."

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9/16/2007

"God is Looking For You"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 23rd Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Psalm 139:7:
"Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?"

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9/09/2007

"Resting Securely in the Molding Hands of God"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 22nd Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Luke 14:1:
"On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader
of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath,
they were watching him closely."

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9/02/2007

"Finding a Welcome at the Lord’s Table as the Children of God"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 21st Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Psalm 71:6:
"Upon you have I leaned from my birth:
it was you who took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you."

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8/26/2007

"Becoming the Children God Would Have Us To Be"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 20th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Luke 12:51:
"Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division."

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8/19/2007

"The Unsettling Challenge of Being the Children of God"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 19th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Hebrews 11:8:
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called
to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance;
and he set out, not knowing where he was going."

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8/12/2007

"The Adventure of Being the Children of God"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 18th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Hosea 11:8b-9:
"My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.
I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim;
for I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath."

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8/05/2007

"Living as the Children of God: Where is Our Focus?"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 17th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Luke 11:1
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished,
one of his disciples said to him,
"Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples."

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7/29/2007

"Growing Through Prayer as the Children of God"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 16th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Luke 10:41-42:
"But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things;
there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

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7/22/2007

"Taking Time to Hear What God Has Done For Us as the Children of God"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 15th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Luke 10:33-34:
"... but a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them.
Then he put him in his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him."

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7/15/2007

"Bearing the Fruit of Good Work as Children of God"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 14th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Galatians 6:10
"...So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all,
and especially those of the family of faith."

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7/8/2007

"Using Our Opportunities to do Good as the Children of God"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 13th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on Galatians 5:1
"...For freedom, Christ has set us free."

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7/1/2007

"Celebrating Our Freedom as the Children of God"

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the 12th Sunday
of Ordinary Time was based on the
Parable of the Talents found in the Gospel according to Matthew

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6/24/2007

"Celebrating Using Our Gifts as the Children of God"

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On Trinity Sunday, Dr. Christopher
based his Sermon on Romans 5:1-2
" Therefore, since we are justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand;
and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God "

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6/03/2007

"Living as the Children of God Filled with God’s Peace and Love"

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On Pentecost, Dr. Christopher
based his Sermon on Romans 8:15-16
" ... It is that very Spirit bearing witness with
our spirit that we are children of God."

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5/27/2007

"What does it Mean to be the Children of God"

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On the Sunday after Ascension, Dr. Christopher
based his Sermon on Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you ....."

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5/20/2007

"Sharing the Victory of Jesus Through Our Powerful Witness"

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On the Sixth Sunday of Eastertide, Dr. Christopher
based his Sermon on John 14:27
"Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."

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5/13/2007

"Sharing the Victory of Jesus with Trouble-Free Hearts"

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On the Fifth Sunday of Eastertide, Dr. Christopher
called us to love one another in his sermon based on John 13:34-35

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5/06/2007

"Sharing the Victory of Jesus Through Our Love for One Another"

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On Good Shepherd Sunday, Dr. Christopher
reminded us that Jesus said in John 10:28
"No one will snatch them out of my hand."

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4/29/2007

"Sharing the Victory of Jesus as We Rest Securely in the Hands of Jesus"

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On the First Sunday of Easter, Dr. Christopher
urged us to obey God rather than any human authority
in his sermon based on Acts 5:29.

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4/15/2007

"Sharing the Victory of Jesus Through God Centered Lives"

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On Easter Day, First Presbyterian Celebrated
The Resurrection of Our Lord by
Baptizing our newest Christian,
Confirming four and welcoming new members.
Preaching from Romans 6, Dr. Christopher
urged us to live in that newness of life that
God offers to us through the victory of Jesus.

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4/08/2007

"Sharing the Victory of Jesus in Baptism"

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In Lent Dr. Christopher spoke on
the Cross of Jesus.

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4/01/2007

“The Cross of Jesus: The Place of Peace”

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3/25/2007

“The Cross of Jesus: The Place of Forgiveness”

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3/18/2007

“The Cross of Jesus: Our Anchor of Hope”

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3/11/2007

“The Cross of Jesus: The Source of Our Boasting”

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3/4/2007

“The Cross of Jesus: It Is Not Just About Jesus!”

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2/25/2007

“The Cross of Jesus: The Unexpected Choice”

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On the Last Sunday before Lent, Dr. Christopher
spoke of the Gift of God -- Amazing Grace.

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2/18/2007

“Reflecting the Glory of God in Our Lives”

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On the Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Dr. Christopher
urged us to delight in the freedom of the Law of God

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2/11/2007

“Have a Blessed Day!”

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On the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Dr. Christopher
spoke of how we are impacted by choices

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2/4/2007

“Doing Our Duty to God. What a Privilege!”

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On the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Dr. Christopher
was in California on study leave,
and Dr. Fred Keith of Lynn Haven was our guest minister.

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1/28/2007

“Jonah: The Unrepentant Prophet”

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On the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, First Presbyterian
Welcomed new Members, Baptized our newest Christian,
Approved our Budget for 2007 and Dr. Christopher
showed us the Holy Spirit at work in all these things.

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1/21/2007

"It Takes the Church to Raise a Follower of Jesus"

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On the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, Dr. Christopher
continued his series of sermons on the Gifts of God

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1/14/2007

“Using Our Gifts for the Glory of God”

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As the church observed the first Sunday of Ordinary Time,
Dr. Christopher had these thoughts on the Baptism of Jesus

1/7/2007

"What Does Your Baptism Mean to You?"

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On the First Sunday of Christmas, Dr. Christopher
asked us to consider this challenge for the New Year

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12/31/2006

"What Are You Going to do with Your
Christmas Gifts in the New Year?"

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On Christmas Eve, we Celebrate the Coming of the Christ Child
with Carols and Communion.
At that service, Dr. Christopher led us
with these Reflections looking to Christmas Day

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12/24/2006 6:30 PM

"What Are the Two Most Important Words
You Can Say on Christmas Morning?"

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In Advent we anticipate the coming of the Christ Child
as we claim God's Gifts of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy

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12/24/2006 11:00 AM

"Claiming God’s Gift of Love in Jesus Christ”

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12/17/2006

"Claiming God’s Gift of Joy in Jesus Christ"

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12/10/2006

"Claiming God’s Gift of Peace in Jesus Christ"

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12/03/2006

"Claiming God’s Gift of Hope in Jesus Christ"

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On the last Sunday of November we end the church year
by celebrating the Feast of Christ the King

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11/26/2006

“Where is the Real Power?”

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Our Stewardship Season Theme this year is
"Letting God Lead"

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11/12/2006

“Letting God Lead in Our Giving”

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11/05/2006

“Letting God Lead in Looking at Our Priorities”

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10/29/2006

“Letting God Lead in Looking At Our Inheritance”

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10/15/2006

“Letting God Lead In Looking At Our Possessions”

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Dr. Christopher has concluded his series of sermons
based on the book of Ephesians

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10/01/2006

“Picturing God's Strength in Our Lives”

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9/24/2006

“Human Relationships Transformed by the Divine Relationship”

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9/17/2006

“Who Are You Trying To Imitate?”

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9/10/2006

“Living as the Followers of Jesus”

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In August, Dr. Christopher continued his series of sermons
based on the book of Ephesians

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8/27/2006

“What Do You Want to Be When you Grow Up?”

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8/20/2006

“Claiming God's Great Power for Our Lives”

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8/13/2006

“The Glorious Vision of the Church”

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8/6/2006

“United in Jesus Christ”

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On July 30, 2006, the Rev. Trish Melvin Bruner,

an ordained Minister of the United Methodist Church,
a daughter of this church, and
a student at Candler School of Theology at Emory University,
delivered this sermon.

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7/30/2006

"Our Little Something"

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In July Dr. Christopher began a series of sermons
based on the book of Ephesians

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7/23/2006

“Amazed by Grace”

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7/16/2006

“Grateful for, but Not Contented with, Our Faith”

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7/9/2006

“Celebrating the Treasures of What God Has Done
For Us in Jesus Christ”

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7/2/2006

“Living As God’s Holy People in an Unholy World”

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Dr. Christopher's Sermons on Summerfest Themes

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6/25/2006

“What Can Separate You from God’s Love in Jesus Christ?”

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6/18/2006

“Prayer Changes Things”

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for Trinity Sunday

A Celebration of Our Personal Relationship
with the Triune God

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6/11/2006

“Getting Personal with GOD”

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Dr. Christopher's Sermon for the Day of Pentecost

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6/4/2006

"Crossing Boundaries Led by the Spirit"

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On Easter Day Dr. Christopher began a sermon series entitled
"Sharing the Victory and Work of Easter"

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5/28/2006

"Sharing the Victory and Work of Easter
As We Remember that Jesus Prays for Us"

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5/21/2006

Sharing the Victory and Work of Easter
As We Know the Joy of the Risen Christ"

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5/14/2006

"Sharing the Victory and Work of Easter
As We Abide in the Risen Christ"

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5/7/2006

"Sharing the Victory and Work of Easter
As We Rest in God's Everlasting Love for Us."

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4/23/2006

"Sharing the Victory and Work of Easter
Through Our Fellowship Together"

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4/16/2006

"Sharing the Victory and Work of Easter
As We Celebrate the Day That the Lord Has Made"

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On April 30, 2006, Stephanie Maddox Hill,

a daughter of this church and
recent graduate of Louisville seminary
delivered this sermon.

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4/30/2006

"In Light of the Resurrection"

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Comments ~ Suggestions

Last edited 20120207
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First Presbyterian Church,
Marianna, FL 32446

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