Pastors' Message
Do You Love Me? - Pastor Tom (5.5.24)
May 5, 2024 • Pastor Tom Ebersole • John 21:15–19
Everyone experiences “highs” and “lows” in their life journey. What kind of disciple was Peter? Are there any periods in Peter’s life to which you can relate your own experiences? Does this help you connect with God? Do you remember the first time you met Christ? Do you believe your own confession of faith is also a call to action? The same grace and mercy offered by Christ to Peter is also available to you and me—this is why we need Easter! Do you believe the high and low moments of your life have prepared you for something? Something unique that only you can do? Do you believe the world needs this from you?
Healthy Doubt - Pastor Tom (4.21.24)
April 21, 2024 • Pastor Tom Ebersole • John 20:24–29
What are some of the heroes you find in the scriptures? Is Thomas one of them? Do you doubt? Can you be honest about it? What is the relationship between doubt and faith? Do you place any conditions on your faith, "if its not this... I will not believe."? Jesus says we are blessed even though we haven't seen. How?
Into Your Hands - Pastor Tom (3.24.24)
March 24, 2024 • Pastor Tom Ebersole • Luke 19:28–30, Luke 23:44–49
Near death on the cross, Jesus cries out, “It is finished!” What is “It? What are the metaphors that help you comprehend the work that Jesus is doing on the cross? Is there one that speaks loudest to you? If so, commit that one to memory and be prepared to share it. At the moment of Jesus death, the curtain in the temple was torn in two. What message do you think is found in this metaphor? When Jesus shouts, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” He may have been praying Psalm 31. Is Psalm 31:1-5 something that you can pray? When? What does it mean to commit your spirit to God? This period of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday has been a time of re-examination. Have Jesus’ last words helped you identify parts of your life that keep you from getting closer to God?
I Am Thirsty - Pastor Tom (3.17.24)
March 17, 2024 • Pastor Tom Ebersole • John 19:28–29, Psalm 69:20–21, Psalm 22:15
John is the most enigmatic Gospel; full of dualism and layers of meaning, there is always something deeper. Scholars believe Jesus’ statement, “I thirst,” means more than what we read on the surface, but they do not agree on what. This statement is a way for Jesus to point to his humanity. “I thirst” is Jesus informing us that he has emptied the cup from which he came to drink. What is this cup? Jesus is reminding us that he is the source of “living water,” and he now thirsts. Maybe Jesus was praying to his Father? He was counting on God to be there for him. Do you thirst for God in your life? Someone had the courage to step up and offer a drink to a thirsty man on a cross. Jesus, the Lamb of God, is delivering you, saving you and setting you free from whatever oppresses you. Have you responded by stepping out in courage and taking the hard and difficult path?
Woman, Here Is Your Son - Pastor Tom (3.10.24)
March 10, 2024 • Pastor Tom Ebersole • John 19:25–27
Mary’s life of faith was a journey that she likely did not expect. Her journey represents our journey. Put yourself in Mary’s place at the foot of the cross. What feelings come forward? Does this give you strength when you consider God’s vision for your life? All who do the will of God are Jesus’ family – his mother, brother and sister. Have you accepted the church as your family? At the cross the responsibility is given to care for those whom Jesus loves. Have you accepted this responsibility? All of our families have complicated relationships and situations. Is there anyone you need to reconcile with? What can you change in your life that could bring healing to your family? Open your heart to God during these 40 days of Lent, ask God in prayer to give you the strength to follow through.