Transforming Gifts
Services Summer 2021
Transforming Gifts - Faith
August 8, 2021 • Mark 11:12–25
We take so much for granted, Lord. Our health, livelihood, work, food, shelter, and loved ones are so essential to life that we confess we often overlook them. Today, as we remember those who are keeping us alive and well during the pandemic, those for whom there was no time off from work, may we also cultivate more gratitude for all the people and all the gifts we have. Help us to bless others, even as they bless us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Transforming Gifts - Tongues & Interpretation
August 1, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, Acts 2:1–6
If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! But if the tongue is led by the Holy Spirit, the same power can guide lives to safe harbors and into new life!
Transforming Gifts – Knowledge and Wisdom
July 25, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
Lord, when we think about knowledge and wisdom, we usually think with our heads. However, like all gifts of the Holy Spirit, these gifts require our hearts as well, because our calling is to love you with all that we have and are and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Paul wrote, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” Forgive us when we use any good gift of yours to puff ourselves up. Enable us to use all your gifts to build others up so that we can become more like Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Transforming Gifts - Healing
July 18, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
The Apostle Paul wrote, “creation was subjected to futility,” which is another way of saying things and people break down. Life, like weather, happens. While we can seek medical, psychological, and all kinds of personal help for our problems, not every problem or breakdown can be repaired. We need healing. Forgive us when we turn to everyone except You for help. Forgive us when we ignore Your teachings that keep us well. Forgive us when we ignore our need for healing. Grant us healing in body, mind, spirit, and relationships, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pump like Crazy
July 11, 2021 • Rev. Tommy Markham
Lord, why is it so hard to be compassionate? We don’t want to feel deeply about anything. Seems we just want to skim across the top of each day. When night comes, we watch TV. Deep caring conversations just don’t happen. News broadcasts mention some sad happening and we don’t hear it. Where is the feeling? Forgive us for cramping our minds so that compassion can’t slip through. Help us care enough to put the needs of others first. Amen
Ministry Gifts: Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists
July 4, 2021 • Mark Biondolillo
Eternal Father, when Jesus ascended on high, he gave gifts to men. Some are called apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and teachers. We thank you for your Word that shows us these mighty gifts given to build up Your Body. Forgive us for our lack of knowledge, and often trusting in traditions of men and erroneous teachings that rob us of our inheritance in Christ. Holy Spirit reveal to us the importance of these supernatural callings and gifts. We need their ministry for our own perfection. Teach us anew, and may we all experience a fresh Baptism with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, we pray and receive! Amen.
Transforming Gifts - Miracles
June 27, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
Lord, we are skeptics these days. We are accustomed to computer graphics, Hollywood magic, fanciful tales, and disappointment. We miss the reality that miracles can and do happen, and some things that seem miraculous are the expected work of the Holy Spirit. Teach us, Lord, to read your Word with the expectation that You will enlighten us for the life you call us to live, for we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Transforming Gifts - Apostle
June 20, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
Lord, when we consider people’s giftings, we confess some of them are difficult to deal with. The prophet will upset apple carts and disquiet our minds. The teacher will insist on us continuing to grow. And the apostle will stretch our boundaries until there are no people who cannot become children of God by faith. Lord, when we want to complain about the problems people bring us, remind us that your Holy Spirit chooses to give us the gifts we need to do the work of your Kingdom on earth. Help us turn gripes into grace, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Transforming Gifts - Teaching
June 13, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
We confess, Lord, that we have a hard time learning from You. Our minds, bodies, eyes, and attention swing all over the place, enchanted with glittering objects and the novelty of shiny things. What you teach us, through your Word and through your servants, is to become steadfast, loving, and of one mind. As it has been said, “We are restless until our hearts find rest in You.” Help us rest in you today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
A Charter of Freedom through the Spirit
May 30, 2021 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
We are grateful for the freedom our nation provides, often through the sacrifices of those we honor this Memorial Day weekend. We are also grateful for the freedom the Holy Spirit gives us – the freedom to live without fear, regret, and with the confidence that we are called to a purpose greater than ourselves. We ask, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the Holy Spirit to help us live fully as the beloved children of God. Amen.