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be still & know

Epiphany 2023

A new year means a new slate, right? We waited for the ball to drop with the hope that with the new year, something, anything, might change for the better.

Maybe this year, I will get my life together. Maybe this year, I will follow through with the resolutions I made two years ago.

But with the expectations of a new slate comes the pressure to follow through and perform, or simply show up. Maybe this year, my children will be less anxious. Maybe this year, I will be less anxious.

Our Holy Scriptures speak a word of Good News to us when the pressures of the expectations of a new year begin to weigh on us.

This Good News begins at our baptism when God calls us Beloved, moving toward the Transfiguration of Jesus when the glory of Jesus is revealed to the disciples.

The Beatitudes

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Rev. Sara Keeling
Matthew 5:1-12

As we continue to explore Epiphany together, we find Jesus today preaching to those who have begun to follow him.

The sermon includes the beatitudes, the reminders that the peacemakers, the justice seekers, the meek are the ones who are blessed.

Jesus gives us an idea of his priorities, revealing that he is a teacher as well as an active agent of God’s justice and kin-dom building in the world.

Be Like Curious George

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Rev. Lynne Alley-Grant
Matthew 2:12-23

We welcome Rev. Lynne Alley-Grant to Mount Olivet as our guest preacher! Pastor Lynne is the pastor of Walker Chapel United Methodist Church.

Mount Olivet and Walker Chapel share a rich history of collaborative ministry, and we continue that history today as we welcome Pastor Lynne and Walker Chapel welcomes Pastor Sara.

We continue our worship series, Be Still & Know with the story of Jesus beginning his public ministry by calling his disciples. In Christ the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. And that light has called each of us.

When Doubt Creeps In

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Rev. Sara Keeling
John 1:29-42

The funny thing about our scriptures is the lessons do not stand in isolation, as the Holy Scriptures tell us a larger story than what often appears in a few verses.

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is indeed Good News for all creation, but time and time again, we question whether our individual sin or the sin of another person has been taken away.

Today’s scripture lesson speaks a word of Grace and Hope to each of us when doubt or anxiousness creeps in, causing us to question the Grace of God made known through Jesus.

Belovedness

Sunday, January 8, 2023

Rev. Teer Hardy
Matthew 3:13-17

In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this great epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations.

In the waters of baptism, we, too, are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God’s beloved children.

Our baptismal mission is to proclaim good news to all who are oppressed or in need of God’s healing.

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Curious George pointing to the words "Be like curious george: find adventure, be willing to try, adapt to change, confront obstacles, make something new." Quote from Rev. Lynne Alley-Grant

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