We live in a consumer-driven world. We are especially reminded of that during this time of year. Unfortunately, this has permeated into our churches and caused us to lose sight of our mission. Join us this Sunday as we reclaim our mission and explore a better way of doing ministry. Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-13 CEB

Sermon: Rev. Sean McDonald

Many of us want to grow closer to God. In fact, as Christians, it is our main goal! But how do we do that? We tend to think of things like prayer and attending church, which is undoubtedly true. However, our scripture for this week suggests something else that we tend to overlook. And it may be the most important way to grow closer to God.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:16-25 CEB

Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

Scripture: [1] Matthew 28:16-20 NRSV, [2] Romans 1:16 NRSV

[1] Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

[2] For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley

This week’s sermon kicks off our Covenant/Commitment series entitled “Embrace the Why?” In this week’s message we will explore one of the most fundamental questions we can ponder as followers of Jesus - “Why Embrace Why?” The answer is found in the verse following one of the most well-known and quoted verses of scripture – John 3:16. The answer to “Why Embrace Why?” is found in the words of John 3:17 “God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn the world, God sent Jesus into the world so that the world might be saved through him.” This sermon will helps you frame your personal answer the question of how can we bless and be a blessing to the world around us as we invite people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. The answer to that question “Why Embrace Why?” is why Munger Place Church exists and why we should be passionate about living out our mission statement. I’ll see you Sunday for a deeper dive into how that happens here and how we can expand the work before us here at MPC.

Sermon Scripture: John 3:16-17 NRSV

Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley

We aren’t always great at celebrating miracles. Mostly because we’ve stopped looking for them. But this doesn’t mean miracles don’t happen. This week we turn to the prophet Isaiah who provides hope when we need it most.

Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-19

Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

We are creatures of habit. The more we do something, the likelier we are to do it in the future. Sometimes, this is helpful. But other times, this has undesired outcomes. Unfortunately, one of those undesirable outcomes is the polarization of our political climate. We have conditioned ourselves to meet any disagreement with anger and even hate. We know we should disagree in love, but breaking the habit is hard. What can we do to change that?

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14

Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

United in welcome: It's time to execute God's Open Table Imperative. As United Methodists, we celebrate the fact that God's table is open to everyone. We are blessed by that open table invitation every time we celebrate the sacrament of Holy communion.

Scripture: Luke 24:28-32

Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22

Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

We are in an election year. This means that for months, all we hear about is campaign strategy and party platforms. But usually, what our politicians campaign for leads to division, tension, and hostility. So this year, we are doing a campaign of our own. In our new series, "Indivisible," we will discuss what our church stands for that makes up our "platform." Together, we can find unity in divisive times.

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-8

Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

Our Embrace campaign is rooted in Romans 12, which tells us to be a "living sacrifice." However, elsewhere in scripture, we seem to see the exact opposite. For example, in Jeremiah 6:20, God specifically says, "your sacrifices do not please me." So which is it? Are sacrifices good or bad? Maybe both.

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

Each of us has received gifts. There are attributes within us all that are not of our own making. We have talents that come from beyond and the Scriptures encourage us to put those gifts into the service of the Lord. Where this leads us is to place everything we are engaged to the service of the Lord. Every word, thought, and action is dedicated to Jesus and we commit our lives to follow Him.

Extra Mile: When it comes to spiritual gifts here is what they are: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, mercy, and self-control. Moving a little deeper into our Scripture, each of us has the ability to use our gifts in a greater way. Ask yourself - what are the gifts that God has given me? How can I use those gifts for a greater purpose? As we use those gifts we discover how the Lord is using us - to discover our one purpose and to grow Christ’s kingdom in this world.

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8-11

Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon