08/15/2025
Services have resumed, Sunday worship at 10:30 AM.
Today, we are living in a world that differs greatly from the one most of us knew ten years ago. The media portrays 'christian nationalism' as the norm. A political movement intent on enforcing its agenda on society and limiting the freedom of individuals.
When we use God's name to force our values onto others, we can cause tremendous harm; a lesson The United Church of Canada learned from past experiences. Today, we acknowledge the harm caused by these actions, and we're actively seeking to restore justice. For more information, please refer to this page. https://united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives
Because of the current political climate, I'm posting the beliefs/philosophy that goes into my teaching, so you may know what to expect when you attend worship.
If you go to biblegateway, (.com) you can copy all of the bible passages as one entry and paste them into the bible version you prefer. The site will list all of the passages at once.
I believe it's important to foster one’s relationship with God. Faith formation is essential, and a community of faith can encourage its growth.
The Bible is a living testament of God, filled with ancient text and writings. We may understand what the words say in our language, but God's Spirit is needed for us to hear the inspired message.
John Calvin believed the same Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets to write Scripture also illuminates its meaning for believers today, enabling them to understand and accept it as God's word. This "internal testimony of the Spirit" is how believers recognize the divine authority of Scripture, distinct from human reason or tradition. (Summary from Google AI)
Jesus Commanded us to love our enemies.
Matthew 5:43-45; Luke 6:27-28; Proverbs 24:17; Romans 12:14; 17-19,Proverbs 16:7; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 4:32
Jesus was accused of associating with, or hanging out with, the sexually immoral, the tax collectors who cheated their own people and all sorts of outcasts. They found his choice of companions offensive and unworthy of one who professed to follow God.
In all ways, we wish to be like Jesus.
All are welcome in this place.
Matthew 9:10-17,Mark 2:15-22,Luke 5:29-39; Luke 7:36-50
The Pharisees, and those who interpreted the laws, accused Jesus of many sins and referred to him as a glutton and drunkard.
Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34; Luke 5:30; Luke 6:2; Luke 6:7; Luke 5:33; Luke 7:39; Matthew 23:25; Matthew 23:13; Matthew 15:12; Luke 7:30
Jesus harshly scolded religious authorities who led people astray, by imposing human values as God ordained commands. They turned God into a tyrant and made it nearly impossible for the average person to uphold all the requirements demanded from them.
Matthew 23; Luke 11; Luke 20; Mark 12; Acts 15:5; Matthew 3:7; John 7:48; Matthew 15:12; Luke 16:14-15; Luke 11:39;
Today, we are living in a similar situation. Be aware of the influences moving into Canada.
Luke 12:1; Matthew 16:6;
As humans, we want others to see our goodness, value and worthiness. A sinful pride urges us to place limits on ourselves or restrictions, to prove that we are better than the next person. Like fighting another with one hand tied behind our back. It fosters the false belief that we are better or more worthy. These restrictions often become attributed to God, as though God values and ordains them.
If you believe yourself more worthy of God, or loved more by God, then please read these passages.
Deuteronomy 10:17; Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9; James. 2:1; James. 2:9; Romans 3:23; John 3:16; 1 John 2:2; Genesis 1:27; Genesis 1:26-28; Daniel 4:17; James 2:8-9
Jesus taught.
1) Love God above all else
2) Love your neighbor as yourself.
By following these two commands, you are in compliance with all of the ‘LAWS’ of Moses, and all of the teachings from the prophets.
Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus is the Son of God, The Messiah (The Christ), God incarnate, Love made Flesh. He was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day, he rose again. I believe in the resurrection, both bodily and spiritually. Through faith in Jesus, we know that our sins are forgiven. We have a Holy Trinity, One God in three distinct persons.
For more information, please join at First United Church - Sundays @ 10:30 AM.
We are a community of believers striving to live as Jesus taught. We're not perfect, but neither are you. Let's take this journey together, so we can lovingly encourage and support one another.
Long term justice initiatives of the United Church
