Worship Preview for January 3 (2nd Sunday after Christmas)

The Scripture Lesson

Numbers 13:1-3, 21, 25, 27, 31-32; 14:1, 4; 13:30

The Sermon Title:

"A Minority Opinion"

Worship Preview: December 27th (The 1st Sunday after Christmas)

The Scripture Lessons

Psalm 20

Luke 8:22-25

John 6:26-32

Sermon Title

"What More Do You Want From Me?"

Worship Preview: December 20th (The 4th Sunday in Advent)

The Scripture Readings

Micah 5:2, 5

Psalm 80:4-7

Luke 1:46-53

Hebrews 5:5-9

The Sermon Title

"Just a Little Christmas, and a Revolution in Religion"

Worship Preview: December 13th (The 3rd Sunday in Advent)

The Hebrew Scriptures:

Zephaniah 3:14,19-20

Isaiah 12: 2-6

The Christian Scriptures:

Luke 3:7-13, 16-17

Philippians 4:4

Sermon Title:

The Best Laid Plans . . . Rejoice!

Worship Preview: December 6 (The 2nd Sunday in Advent)

The Scripture Readings: Luke 3:1-6; Philippians 1:6, 9-11a

The Sermon Title: "Things We Cannot Do and Things God Will Not Do"

Sermon Preview: "First, we cannot force God to do anything by our preparation for God's action. God acts at God's initiative. For example, the reality of Christmas does not come in response to the quality of our preparation for Christmas, but as a result of God's mercy and action. Second, God cannot assure a peace for which we are responsible. God chooses to respect our freedom of choice even if that meant a lack of fulfillment of God's will. God waits for us to do what only we can do -- make peace."

Worship Preview: Sunday, November 29

Sermon: "Come Home!"

Scriptures: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 21:25-27

Worship Preview for November 22 (Reign of Christ Sunday)

Biblical Texts:

Psalm 93:1-5

John 18:33-37

Sermon Title:

"If Not A King..."

Worship Preview for November 15

The Scripture Lesson

2 Timothy 4:6-18, 21

The Sermon Title

"Before Winter"

Worship Preview: Sunday, November 8

Scriptures: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17; Mark 12:41-44

Sermon: "Security: Product of a Partnership"

Worship Preview: Sunday, November 1 (All Saint's Day)

Texts: Psalm 16:1-16; Hebrews 11:17-32, 39

Title: Criteria for Sainthood

Worship Preview: Sunday, October 25

Scriptures: Romans 3:24-28; John17:20-25

Sermon: "The Challenge of Reformation: Diversity, Unity, and Integrity"

Worship Preview for October 18

Texts:

Joel 2:28-29

John 14:1-6b

Sermon Title:

A Spiritual Vision and A Practical Plan

Worship Preview: 11 October 2009

The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

The Call to Worship

Psalm 111

The Gospel Lesson

Luke 12:22-32

The Contemporary Reading

"Not too long ago a priest told me that he canceled his subscription to The New York Times because he felt that the endless stories about war, crime, power games and political manipulation only disturbed his mind and heart, and prevented him from meditation and prayer. That is a sad story because it suggests that only by denying the world can you live in it, that only by surrounding yourself by an artificial, self-induced quietude can you live a spiritual life. A real spiritual life does exactly the opposite: it makes us so alert and aware of the world around us, that all that is and happens becomes part of our contemplation and meditation and invites us to a free and fearless response." (from Henri Nouwen, Reaching Out)

The Sermon

"Keep Your Eyes on the Ancient Interpreters" (Rev. Carl Gregg)

Worship Preview: Sunday, October 4

Scripture Lesson: Psalm 27:1-14

Sermon Title: "Living in the Shadow"

Worship Preview for September 27

Scripture Readings: Numbers 11:26-29; Mark 9:38-40

Sermon Title: The Extended Family of God

Worship Preview: Sunday, September 20

Epistle Lesson: James 3:13-18; 4:1

Gospel Lesson: Mark 9:30-34

Sermon Title: "From the Inside Out"

Worship Preview: 13 September 2009

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

13 September 2009

The Call to Worship

One: To know the way of Jesus is to know Jesus. And, to follow Jesus is to walk in that way.

Many: We are always in the process of learning more about Jesus and better understanding his way.

One: We consistently face choices because life is filled with alternatives.

Many: To know our way is to know us. God help us live into a reality that defines the persons we intend to be.

The Gospel Lesson: Mark 8:27-30

The Sermon: How Do You Know Who I Am?

The Service of Christian Baptism: After the sermon, worship will continue on the shore of the bayou behind the house of Vickie and Bill Krutzer (3018 River Oaks Drive in Monroe) for the baptism of Mrs. Alex Powell.

Worship Preview: Sunday, September 6

Gospel Lesson: Mark 8:36-37

Sermon Title: What Do You Do For A Living?

Sermon Topic: The spiritual concerns related to physical labor.

Worship Preview for Sunday, August 30

The Epistle Lesson: Romans 9:1-5

The Hebrew Scripture: Genesis 32:22-31

The Sermon: "The Wrestler, the River, and the Dawn" (Dr. Darrell Cluck)

Worship Preview for Sunday, August 23

Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:15-16

Sermon Title: "Children of God"

Worship Preview: Sunday, August 9

Scripture Readings:
Deuteronomy 8:1-10; John 6:31-35

Sermon Title:
"You Would Think We Should Know This By Now"

Worship Preview: August 2

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 51

Sermon Title:
"Simple Religion in Complex Situations: The Challenge and the Promise"

Worship Preview for Sunday, July 19

Scripture: Galatians 1:6-12

Sermon: "Affirming the Gospel, Risking Heresy, Living with Liberty"

Worship Preview: 5 July 2009

The Epistle Lesson:  Romans 13:1-6

*The Gospel Lesson:  Matthew 22:15-21

The Sermon: Toward “A More Perfect Union”

Sunday, June 28

The Scripture Lesson: Psalm 121

The Voluntary: "Song without Words Op. 19, No. 4" -- Mendelssohn

The Epistle Lesson: Ephesians 3:14-20

The Anthem: "Now the Silence" --Carl Schalk

The Sermon: "I’m Finding My Way" -- Dr. Deborah Chandler

Worship Preview for Sunday, June 28

A Note from Dr. Gaddy: "On Sunday June 28th, I will be winging my way back from a speaking engagement at a convention in Salt Lake City. However, in my absence from Northminster, you will have the pleasure and the benefit of a sermon delivered by Dr. Deborah Chandler. I remember well the glowing expressions of affirmation and appreciation that followed the last time Debi spoke from the Northminster pulpit. I have no doubt the same will be true again."

Sunday, June 7

This week's worship will be planned by the Northminster members currently on a mission trip to our sister congregation in Cuba.

Worship Preview: Sunday 31 May 2009

Scripture Lesson: Acts 2:1-17

Gospel Lesson: Mark 1:14-20

Sermon Title: "Pentecost 2009: Progressivism, Pluralism, Pragmatism"

Worship Preview: Sunday, May 24, 2009

Historical Reading: Acts 1:8-11, 21-26

Sermon Title: Who Will Be A Witness?

Worship Preview: Sunday, May 17, 2009

Gospel Reading: John 15:9-17 

Sermon Title: "That We May Have Joy"

Worship Preview: Sunday, May 10, 2009

Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:7-21

Sermon Title: "In Praise of Love" 

Sunday, May 3

Scripture Readings: Psalm 23; John 10:11-18

Sermon Title: "Alias — The Great Lover"

Worship Preview: Sunday, April 26, 2009

Scripture Readings: Luke 24:36b-48; 1 John 3:1-7

Sermon Title: "Trying to Figure it Out" 

Worship Preview: Sunday, April 19, 2009

Scripture Lesson: 1 John 1:1-2:2

Sermon Title: How to Proceed: A Memo of Understanding

Easter Sunday, April 12

Gospel Lesson: John 23:55 – 24:5

Sermon Title: Surprise!

Palm Sunday, April 5

Sermon Title: "Pass the Bread Please"

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 16:18-19; 21:1, 8-9

Sunday, March 29, 2009

The Last Sunday in Lent

Scripture Readings: Genesis 6:11-15; 1 Peter 3:18

Sermon Title: The Danger of Obedience is a Mark of True Religion

Worship Preview: Sunday, March 22, 2009

Hebrew Scripture Reading: 

Numbers 21:4-9

Gospel Reading: 

John 3:14-15

Sermon Title: 

The Bondage that is the Way to Liberation

Worship Preview: March 15, 2009

Epistle Reading: Romans 7:13-25 

Sermon Title: "The Reality of Sin Is a Prerequisite to Forgiveness"

Worship Preview: Sunday, March 8

The 2nd Sunday in Lent, Year B

The Hebrew Scripture (Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18)

                                            

The Epistle Lesson (Romans 4:13, 20-22)

The Anthem (from Requiem by W. A. Mozart)

That day of tears and mourning, when from the ashes shall arise, all humanity to be judged.  Spare us by your mercy, Lord, gentle Lord Jesus, grant them eternal rest. Amen.

The Sermon: "The Plague of Passion is the Promise of Love"

Sermon Preview: Sunday, March 1

The Sermon Title:   "Yes, It’s Lent; But . . ."

The Gospel Reading: Mark 8:31-33

31 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 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." 

Sermon Preview: February 22

Biblical Texts: 

2 Kings 2:1-12; 2 Corinthians 4:6

Sermon Title: 

What Do You Want Before It's Gone?

Sermon Description: 

This is a final-Sunday-in-Epiphany sermon that reaffirms the truth of Epiphany while laying the foundation for entering the season of Lent.

Sermon Preview: Sunday, February 8

Scripture Lessons: 

Isaiah 40:28-31

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Mark 1:35-39

Sermon Title:

Know At Least This One Truth

Worship Preview: Sunday, February 1

The Sermon Title: “Speak, God, for I Am Listening”

Sermon Theme: "Discerning God’s Call"
To prepare for worship, consider, what structure in your life resonates with you most strongly?
Gently sift through the many different structures in your life (“committees, boards, corporations, towns, congregations, social organizations, etc.”) and allow one to emerge on which God may be calling you to do some discernment. Where are you in this structure? What about this structure could bear improvement?


The Scripture Lesson: 1 Samuel 3
1 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to God under Eli. The word of God was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. 2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; 3 the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of God, where the ark of God was. 4 Then God called, "Samuel! Samuel!" and he said, "Here I am!" 5 and ran to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down. 6 God called again, "Samuel!" Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." 7 Now Samuel did not yet know God, and the word of God had not yet been revealed to him. 8 God called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived God was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and if God calls you, you shall say, "Speak, God, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 Now God came, calling as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." 11 Then the Lord said to Samuel, "See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. 12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever." 15 Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. 16 But Eli called Samuel and said, "Samuel, my son." He said, "Here I am." 17 Eli said, "What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you." 18 So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, "It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him." 19 As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the Lord. 21 The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

Sermon Preview: Sunday, January 25

Scripture Lesson: Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Sermon Title: "Jonah and Us: Schadenfreude and Grace"

Note: Schadenfreude is a German word for "pleasure taken from observing the misery of another."

Sermon Preview: Sunday, January 18

Sermon Title: "Changing Leaders and Enduring Values"

A Reading from 1 Samuel:
1 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. 2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am." 5 And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down.

A Reading from 1 Corinthians:
12 "Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything.

A Reading from Galatians:
13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

Sermon Preview: Sunday, January 11

The 1st Sunday after Epiphany

Scripture Readings

Isaiah 60:1-5

Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon Title

The Question of the Wise Men

Sermon Preview: Sunday, January 4

Sermon Title: "Another Year with God, Another Opportunity for Salvation"