You Can’t Tell a Book by Its Cover

On January 14th the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, I will be preaching a sermon entitled, You Can’t Tell a Book by Its Cover. The scripture is Matthew 22:23-33.

The sermon is about the perceived value of the Bible in contemporary society, and how a book, parts of which date back to ca. 1,000 B.C., can be relevant to living our daily lives.

The illustration involves the relatively recent sale of the Sassoon manuscript (Hebrew Scripture only) at a Sotheby’s auction.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning! Next Sunday morning, I expect to be able to make an announcement about the coming Conference year.

Blessings,

Pastor Michael

A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR

In my December sermon, I mentioned the overwhelming lack of enthusiasm following the defeat of the Babylonians by the Persians in 538 B.C., resulting in the release of the people of Jerusalem and Judah from captivity. The Exodus from Egypt about 700 years earlier had a much different response—one that is continually mentioned in Biblical texts.

After some reflection, it is ironic that we experience a similar phenomenon in the Church of the 20th Century, and in the present Century. The Sunday after Easter is sometimes referred to as “Low Sunday.” The Sunday’s following Christmas also experience lower participation. It seems to me that just the opposite should be the case.

Easter and Christmas are the two most holy days in the Church’s calendar. They represent two of the most important and influential acts of God, probably since the Exodus—and these two celebrations certainly have greater significance. Reason or logic ought to dictate increased participation after the celebration of the two most important world events, at least from a Christian perspective. What’s going on?

It would be easy to blame the huge commercialization of Easter and Christmas; but it would not explain the general pattern that seems to have been set centuries ago. I, for one, am recharged after Easter and Christmas. My energy, enthusiasm, and dedication are highest after these two events, both of which have influenced my life in far greater ways than anything else.

My continued prayer is that we find the courage and enthusiasm to continue our witness for Christ in the coming days.

Michael O’Bannon, Pastor

Magi Visit

On January 7th the First Sunday after the Epiphany, I’ll be preaching an Epiphany sermon. Lead illustration is about Leonardo Da Vinci’s unfinished painting of the Visit of the Magi. The scripture is Matthew 2:1-12.

Be sure join us for our Worship Service at 9:30 am as we start a New Year.

Hoping to see you at worship on Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Michael