Crossroads Service – April 29, 2012 (video)
http://trinityumchurch.com/sermons/wp-content/uploads/04292012cr.flvDeserts and Palaces – Dr. Brian Jones
“So what’s new?” “Nothing what’s new with you?” How often have we had this conversation? Probably more times than we can count, even if we measured it in a week’s worth of conversations. Let’s face it most of us live fairly routine lives. Not much happens from day to day. In fact it seems sometimes that our lives have been set on pause. Nothing seems to be going on. Or worse than pause it’s as if someone had made a loop of our lives and we are in some sort of holding pattern waiting for something to happen.
When we find ourselves in a holding pattern it’s hard for us to see God using us. It’s easy to see God using us when things are exciting and new. It’s much different when things aren’t moving. When life is in a holding pattern.
Moses probably felt like that in the desert. He had spent 40 years in the Pharaoh’s court in a place of influence. A place of leadership. Now he will spend another 40 years in the desert. How can a person lead from out in the desert? Why does God make Moses wait? Moses will discover that God is not making him wait but preparing him for a great mission. Is God preparing you for a great mission? Is he using both your times in the palace and in the desert?
Being God’s Hands and Feet – Rev. Brooks (video)
http://trinityumchurch.com/sermons/wp-content/uploads/Hands04292012.flvBeing God’s Hands and Feet – Rev. Brooks
A perennial question asks, “Why does the creed say “catholic”? Isn’t this a United Methodist Church.”
Yes to the latter. And to the former, catholic with an uncapitalized “c” means “universal”. If that word has a capital “C”, it refers to a particular denomination, e.g., the Roman Catholic Church headquartered, guess where? Yes, in Rome. That brain stumper is in the same class as, “Who’s buried in Grant’s tomb?” or “Where is the Mackinac Bridge?” (Answers: Grant; Mackinac)
This Sunday we will continue our study of The Apostles’ Creed by considering the profound and earth-encircling phrase, “I believe in the holy catholic (universal) church.” (I Corinthians 12:12-14,27) To be a member of Christ’s Church is a tremendous blessing and opportunity by being part of something far bigger and long-lasting than ourselves.