Matthew is a teaching gospel. Rev. Gary Kennedy introduces Jesus as a teacher by reading from the Gospel of Luke 4:14, 16, 18-19, and then verse 21 where Jesus stated “Today this scripture has been fulfilled . . .” Then in Luke 5:17 “On one of those days, as he was teaching, . . .and…
Rev. Gary Kennedy asks “What’s In A Name?” Mary and Joseph were told by the angel to name their son Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. We pray in the name of Jesus. Jesus came as a gift from God to all of us. He came to live as a human while…
O come, O come, Emmanuel. Lord, we need you now. In a unique time in our history more and more people are experiencing despondency and hopelessness. Lord, we need you now. Rev. Gary Kennedy shares the importance of the Church being the love of Jesus to our neighbors and strangers. O come, O come, Emmanuel,…
As we enter the new Christian year, we are reminded by the Psalmist why we enter into this season. We experience our current society trivializing Christ’s birth. Many Christians also tire of the season. Will we rejoice and celebrate as we decide whether or not to experience the holy by worshiping Christ our Lord this…
Opening his message with the congregation singing the hymn “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds Our Hearts in Christian Love” Rev. Gary Kennedy presents a thought-provoking message about the love of God for His church and how it is translated with love to the community and world. Sharing how so many of the members have…
Haggai was a no-nonsense prophet who encouraged the exiles to move away from only talking about and remembering the “good old days.” He reminded them that God called them to WORK while putting God first. He reminds them to listen to what God says and work towards it. We are reminded in this month of…
“When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, . . . I must stay at your house today.’ So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully.” Luke 19:5-6 RSV Jesus is waiting for you to choose. Will you receive Him joyfully or reject His loving sacrifice…
We were created for growth. During our growth we can plant seeds of kindness with our actions. When others are kind to us, do we thank them? If their kindness is anonymous, we can pay it forward by being kind to someone else. God blesses us every day. Go and plant seeds of kindness and…
Like the Shrewd Steward in Luke 16:1-13, today’s world view is that it is acceptable to cut corners and stretch the truth in order to get attention or be recognized. The Church should proactively present the Gospel message in multiple attractive ways without deceit. (There is reference to “No Excuse Sunday,” author unknown.)
During times of tragedy, stress or anxiety we recognize the need for God in our lives. Do we recognize our need for God in good times? Have we become so comfortable that we stop sharing God’s love with our family and neighbors? Do we only share God’s love during hard times.? Paul praised Timothy for…