Church at the Lake

06/22/2026

Sunday Worship Sermon “Like Jesus…” Matthew 10:24-39 Pastor Beth McKibben-Nee

06/17/2026

"The Hospitality of Abraham" or "The Trinity" by Andrei Rublev, early 15th Century C.E.

"The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them and bowed down to the ground. He said, 'My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on--since you have come to your servant.' So they said, 'Do as you have said.'"
~ Genesis 18:1-5

As I read this passage again today, I was impressed by how Abraham did not want for the "strangers" who appeared on that hot day to "pass by" him. Abraham's version of hospitality not only asked his visitors to stay for a while, but also conveyed the message that he truly wanted them to remain in his presence. Abraham's example reminds me of times when I have been warmly welcomed into a place by people who also demonstrated their desire to spend more time with me...through their words, their smiles, and their actions.

May peace, blessings, and hospitality abide with you,
Pastor Beth +

Andrei Rublev, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

06/14/2026

Sunday Worship Sermon “Hospitality Has Many Faces” Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7 Pastor Beth McKibben-Nee

06/10/2026

“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” ~ Isaiah 43:19

New life breaks through in surprising places. Even in the harshest, starkest conditions, life finds a way. When I witness this phenomenon in nature, I am filled with hope at what God does through Creation and in our lives. When we find ourselves in barren circumstances, the new life that comes from Jesus is waiting, just under the surface, to spring forth in all its glorious splendor and abundance. In the coming days before we gather again as a faith community, I invite you to look with me for life in unexpected places….We may be amazed at where we find God “doing a new thing!” Peace and blessings to all of you!

Pastor Beth +

06/08/2026

Sunday Worship Sermon “Mercy on the Menu” Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 Pastor Beth McKibben-Nee

06/05/2026

Good morning Friends. Every Sunday morning, First United Church of Christ Congregational in Marblehead gathers at 10:30 to honor God’s unconditional love for all God’s children. You are warmly invited to participate in our Sunday celebration. Minister Beth McKibben-Nee will be preaching.
A devotional by Ronald M. McCauley and Sister Maria Francesca Lowis, SAC, is posted below. Wishing peace and blessings to all.

 O Gentle God, this day and tomorrow let us stand beside You and let us sit beneath Your branches of love. Let Your life grow within us so that our faith may bear fruit for those who hunger and our hope provide shade for those who suffer and despair. As the leaves transform sunlight into food, may Christ’s love and presence transform everything we say and do this day, giving life to others.
In Jesus name.
Amen.

06/01/2026

05/31/2026

Sunday Worship Sermon Genesis 1:1-2:4a “Devine Dance” Pastor Beth McKibben-Nee

05/27/2026

Good afternoon Friends. Every Sunday morning, First United Church of Christ Congregational in Marblehead gathers at 10:30 to honor God’s unconditional love for all God’s children. You are warmly invited to participate in our Sunday celebration. Minister Beth McKibben-Nee will be preaching.
A devotional by Ronald M. McCauley and Sister Maria Francesca Lowis, SAC, is posted below. Wishing peace and blessings to all.

O God, at the beginning of this new day, as Your spirit searches and knows us through and through, we come to sense not only Your depth, but the depth of the human spirit.
And so we come, O Spirit of the Living God, ready for Your spirit to make a difference in our lives.
Whisper to us from tomorrow as well as from yesterday.
Fill us with the truth of your spirit.
Mold us with Your love and use us as your own.
O, Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on each of us this day.
In Jesus name.
Amen.