An Inside Job
The Gospel of Conflict - Modern
June 11, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • James 4:1–12
Lord, like your people from of old, we live in a time of great trial. Except for those who still experience poverty and want, we do not need more money to live good lives, but we live in a time of great stress, loneliness, isolation, depression, anxiety, and division. Could it be that our technology has given us power, but we lack the wisdom to use that power for good? Could it be that we have lost sight of that fact that might does not make right and to be weak in the eyes of the world can be strength in your eyes? In our world of upside-down values, help us, your body, to love and serve beyond man-made divisions so that the world can have an example of a better way of life. We humbly ask you to help us become the church in these days, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Gospel of Conflict - Traditional
June 11, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • James 4:1–12
Lord, like your people from of old, we live in a time of great trial. Except for those who still experience poverty and want, we do not need more money to live good lives, but we live in a time of great stress, loneliness, isolation, depression, anxiety, and division. Could it be that our technology has given us power, but we lack the wisdom to use that power for good? Could it be that we have lost sight of that fact that might does not make right and to be weak in the eyes of the world can be strength in your eyes? In our world of upside-down values, help us, your body, to love and serve beyond man-made divisions so that the world can have an example of a better way of life. We humbly ask you to help us become the church in these days, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Two Worlds - Worship Service
June 4, 2023 • Rev. Tommy Markham • Romans 12:1–8
We are so familiar with what we do every day when we get it out of order frustration gets us all wrong. Meeting the obligation necessary for the ongoing of life in the fast lane that is all we can get done. When can we stop and think through what it means to give all our time to physical pressures? Spiritual time is necessary for quality of life. So, Lord, forgive our neglect. We are not asking for longer days but a more complete use of what we have. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Changing Minds - Modern
May 28, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Romans 12:1–3
Lord, another day of Pentecost is upon us! Have we yielded our lives to your Holy Spirit yet? Have we given you free reign over our wills, our decisions, our finances, our families, our careers, our inmost thoughts? Has your Word shaped the words we speak, even the words we whisper to ourselves in the dark of the night? Are you transforming us into Jesus’ likeness, or are we still trying to fashion You according to our wishes? Forgive us, Lord, for our fragile faith in the face of the forces that fight us from within and without every day. Forge us by the fire of your Holy Spirit so we can stand today and every day as witnesses to your mercy and grace, for we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Changing Minds - Traditional
May 28, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Romans 12:1–3
Lord, another day of Pentecost is upon us! Have we yielded our lives to your Holy Spirit yet? Have we given you free reign over our wills, our decisions, our finances, our families, our careers, our inmost thoughts? Has your Word shaped the words we speak, even the words we whisper to ourselves in the dark of the night? Are you transforming us into Jesus’ likeness, or are we still trying to fashion You according to our wishes? Forgive us, Lord, for our fragile faith in the face of the forces that fight us from within and without every day. Forge us by the fire of your Holy Spirit so we can stand today and every day as witnesses to your mercy and grace, for we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Transformation Begins at Home - traditional
May 21, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Malachi 4
When we read about God’s judgment, we expect it to be all be about what we call morality: telling the truth, being faithful in marriage, being upright, and so forth. Those things are important, but so are things we don’t expect – having compassion for migrants, loving our neighbors, even caring for our children and parents. Thus, God’s judgment isn’t just about not doing things God hates – it is about doing things God loves. So Lord, open our eyes to the fact that You, Lord, call us to change our behavior, our attitudes, and our minds about those who live with us every day. Help us not to neglect home and hearth while we tend to fields afar from us, we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Transformation Begins at Home - Modern
May 21, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Malachi 4
When we read about God’s judgment, we expect it to be all be about what we call morality: telling the truth, being faithful in marriage, being upright, and so forth. Those things are important, but so are things we don’t expect – having compassion for migrants, loving our neighbors, even caring for our children and parents. Thus, God’s judgment isn’t just about not doing things God hates – it is about doing things God loves. So Lord, open our eyes to the fact that You, Lord, call us to change our behavior, our attitudes, and our minds about those who live with us every day. Help us not to neglect home and hearth while we tend to fields afar from us, we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Transformation into Jesus’ Likeness - Modern
May 14, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Philippians 2:1–13
Lord, we confess to doing what everyone does – we live our lives with eyes glued to our devices, stuck on a screen, or too busy to get out of our own heads. It is too rare that we consider the needs of others, too rare that we put others ahead of ourselves, and too rare that we stop to worship You in wonder and awe. Tell us again the stories of Jesus so that we can shape ourselves according to them, bowing to you in awe, and serving our neighbors in wonder. Restore us by your grace so we can reflect the glory of your face, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Transformation into Jesus’ Likeness - Traditional
May 14, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Philippians 2:1–13
Lord, we confess to doing what everyone does – we live our lives with eyes glued to our devices, stuck on a screen, or too busy to get out of our own heads. It is too rare that we consider the needs of others, too rare that we put others ahead of ourselves, and too rare that we stop to worship You in wonder and awe. Tell us again the stories of Jesus so that we can shape ourselves according to them, bowing to you in awe, and serving our neighbors in wonder. Restore us by your grace so we can reflect the glory of your face, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Preparing the Inside - Modern
April 30, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Matthew 4:11–22
We don’t always or often want change, but when we do, we are impatient to see it happen. However, deep change doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen without deep intentions and commitment. Whether we want change or not, Lord, help us not to overlook the importance of doing the background work: When we are in the Word, in prayer, in worship, and in service to others, we place ourselves in a position to be changed to be more like you, Jesus. Help us become steadfast in wanting to and seeking to be more like you, Jesus, Amen.
Preparing the Inside - Traditional
April 30, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • Matthew 4:11–22
We don’t always or often want change, but when we do, we are impatient to see it happen. However, deep change doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen without deep intentions and commitment. Whether we want change or not, Lord, help us not to overlook the importance of doing the background work: When we are in the Word, in prayer, in worship, and in service to others, we place ourselves in a position to be changed to be more like you, Jesus. Help us become steadfast in wanting to and seeking to be more like you, Jesus, Amen.
Edify and Multiply - Modern
April 23, 2023 • Jane Barbour • Ephesians 4:1–6, Ephesians 4:11–13
Merciful Father, we desire to scatter your seeds of faith as we continue to grow into mature servanthood. We look to you for wisdom and strength as we learn to reflect your mercy and grace. May the peace that you provide tie us together as we spread your love beyond our comfort zone. Help us to recognize your purpose for the gifts you have given each of us. May we be measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ in all we do and say. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Edify and Multiply - Traditional
April 23, 2023 • Jane Barbour • Ephesians 4:1–6, Ephesians 4:11–13
Merciful Father, we desire to scatter your seeds of faith as we continue to grow into mature servanthood. We look to you for wisdom and strength as we learn to reflect your mercy and grace. May the peace that you provide tie us together as we spread your love beyond our comfort zone. Help us to recognize your purpose for the gifts you have given each of us. May we be measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ in all we do and say. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Being seen is Believing! - Modern
April 16, 2023 • Rev. Brian Sixbey • John 20:19–31
Like Thomas, we sometimes put You in a box, Lord. We demand that you do for us what we want before we will believe in You, forgetting that we only hurt ourselves in so doing. Remind us that before we believed in You, You believed in us, enough to give us your son. May your love change our minds and hearts, for we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.