Tag: joy

The Simple Life

From our service on September 5, 2021, a sermon by Pastor Eric Stetson. Watch video below.


Many of us have heard the famous Shaker song, “Simple Gifts.” It begins,

’Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
’Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be …

And so on, about the importance and joy of turning away from worldly pride and living the simple life.

In the Gospel, Jesus said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” [Luke 12:15]. This was the preface to an extended soliloquy we heard in our Scripture reading today, on the topic of simple living and relinquishing our anxious grasping for more and more stuff [vss. 16-34]. Jesus made it clear that if we wish to live according to his faith, we should live for God and our fellow man, rather than the things of this world.

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September 5, 2021 Service: “The Simple Life”

Many great philosophers and religious teachers throughout history have taught that people should live simply. What does this mean, and why is it so important? In our fast-paced and materialistic modern world, it’s especially easy to get caught up in the desire for worldly things. But Jesus warns of the spiritual danger of accumulating more and more stuff. In today’s service, we explore the theme of the simple life.

WATCH VIDEO “September 5, 2021 Service: “The Simple Life””

This Beautiful Planet We Share

From our service on April 18, 2021, a sermon by Pastor Eric Stetson. Watch video below.


This Thursday, April 22, is Earth Day, a global holiday for celebrating the Earth and the importance of environmental protection. Earth Day was first proposed in 1969 by peace activist John McConnell, who was the son of a Pentecostal preacher. Since then, it has grown to be observed each year by more than one billion people in nearly 200 countries.

In the Gospel of Thomas, an ancient collection of saying of Jesus that many people believe should have been included in the Bible, Jesus describes the mystical presence of God in nature: “Split wood, I am there. Lift up a rock, you will find me there.” [Thomas 77b]

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John Muir

From our service on April 18, 2021, a story of the inspiring life of John Muir, as recounted by Colin Mills.

TEXT & VIDEO “John Muir”

April 18, 2021 Service: “This Beautiful Planet We Share”

The coming of spring brings joyful reminders of new life, but science tells us our modern lifestyle is risking the future of our planet. As Christians, how should we see the natural world and our place in it? This Thursday we celebrate Earth Day — a time to reflect on the beauty of nature and the importance of protecting the environment. In this week’s service we also tell the story of John Muir, who felt called to explore the wilderness and became an influential conservationist.

WATCH VIDEO “April 18, 2021 Service: “This Beautiful Planet We Share””

Two-Minute Message: Rejoice!

This week’s short message by Pastor Eric Stetson. Watch the video or read text below.

WATCH VIDEO “Two-Minute Message: Rejoice!”

Rejoice!

From our service on March 14, 2021, a sermon by Pastor Eric Stetson. Watch video below.


Today is Laetare Sunday, a special day in the Christian liturgical calendar when we pause during the austere season of Lent for a joyful celebration. The word laetare in Latin means rejoice! — and it comes from a verse in the Book of Isaiah that is traditionally read on this day:

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Fanny Crosby

From our service on March 14, 2021, a story of the inspiring life of Fanny Crosby, as recounted by Colin Mills.

TEXT & VIDEO “Fanny Crosby”

March 14, 2021 Service: “Rejoice!”

In this week’s service, we focus on the theme of Joy — rejoicing even despite our troubles and afflictions, which is made possible by faith in a God who loves us with infinite compassion. In the middle of Lent, we pause for celebration of a God who cares for us and uplifts us as our perfect Mother and Father in Heaven, fortifying our souls for the journey to the cross of Christ that lies ahead. We also tell the story of Fanny Crosby, who overcame severe disability and became one of the most prolific hymn writers in history.

WATCH VIDEO “March 14, 2021 Service: “Rejoice!””