Westminster Worship Notes & Sermons

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2007

Today's Message

Sermon

December 9

2^nd Sunday in Advent

Peace

Simeon's Song and the Incalculability of Peace

December 2

1^st Sunday in Advent

Hope

Zechariah's Song and the Unpredictability of Hope

November 25

Christ the King Sunday

Christ the King Sunday lifts up the often-misunderstood metaphor of the the kingship of Jesus Christ.

A Strange King

November 18

33^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our worship today reflects the various themes found in the psalms from thanksgiving to confession to lamentation to joy.

Psalms of Thanksgiving

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November 11

32^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

We reflect today on God's promises to use our time and money to create something new and wonderful.

Participation, Priorities

and Peace

November 4

31^st Sunday in Ordinary Time

All Saints' Sunday

For look, I am going to create new heavens and a new earth. Isaiah 65:17

Seeing Death and Life

October 28

30^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reformation Sunday

God calls us to see with new eyes that which is required of us:  do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

People of Protest

October 21

29^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.

Prayer

The Art of Seeing True

October 14

28^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

We continue our reflections on the parables of Jesus. Today we rejoice in the wideness of God's mercy and the healing provided to God’s people.

Guest Preacher

Pastor Gwen Brandfass

October 7

27^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

On this World Communion Sunday, we celebrate with other Christians around that we are all united by one bread, one body, and one Lord of all.

Everyday Courage

September 30

26^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our parable today, known as the rich man and Lazarus, is a stark portrayal of the responsibility of those who have much to share with those who have little.

Seeing Lazarus

September 23

25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In our parable text this morning, Christ calls for us to be more faithful, more forgiving, and more considerate of our relationships with one another as we exercise our commitment to follow him.

The Shrewdness of Grace

September 16

24^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In today's parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin, we glimpse the overwhelming grace of God seeking out the lost.

One of the Ninety-nine

September 9

23^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our worship this morning focuses on discipleship and the call of Christ to follow him as we rally together for the coming year.

Rally Sunday

September 2

22^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

In our parable text this morning, Jesus tells us that “those who humble themselves will be lifted up.”

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August 26

21^st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today we consider the healing grace of God and how he calls us unto his ministry no matter our brokenness or imperfections.

Thou Art Loosed

August 19

20^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The text for worship today is the inspiring words of Hebrews where we are reminded of our connection to a “great cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us.

The Baggage of Tradition

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August 12

19^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today we are reminded that no matter our circumstances or station in life, God is waiting to welcome us and embrace us with his mercy and love.

A Tale of Two Women

Guest Preacher

Rev. Rod Johnson

August 5

18^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The central text for worship today is the response of Jesus to a request by a person in the crowd to command his brother to divide the family inheritance. Jesus warns the crowd through the parable of the rich fool and unsettling commands to be on our guard against all kinds of greed.

A Cup of Grace

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July 29

17^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the hymns, responses, prelude and postlude reflect different aspects of prayer. Discover what these say about prayer; among them - to whom, where and how we pray.

Prayer: More Than Words

July 22

16^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

We highlight our utter dependence upon God as we sing, “Thou art the life, by which alone we live.” Our biblical lessons and sermon focus on the one necessary thing at the heart of the faith.

One Necessary Thing

July 15

15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The themes of the "Great Commandment," "You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might," a variation of Deuteronomy 6:5, are expressed both in word and song this morning.

Love the Lord your God

Guest Preacher

Kathleen Cook Owens

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July 8

14^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Paul argues that God has created something entirely new in Jesus Christ. This new creation means grace and not law is at the heart of the spiritual life. The new creation also results in a new kind of community where categories of race, gender, and ethnicity take on a different meaning.

Seeds of a New Creation

July 1

13^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the liturgy describes the church as a new kind of community, “a holy nation” called to proclaim the mighty acts of God. The celebration of the Lord’s Supper symbolizes the new creation in Christ where all divisions are destroyed and a new kind of people comes into existence.

Freedom for One Another

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June 24

12^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our worship today celebrates the uniqueness of our individual identities within the larger body of Christ. The text from Paul's letter to the Galatians affirms the value and significance of our racial, ethnic, and gender identities within the body of Christ.

Crises of Identity

Guest Preacher

Craig Howard

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June 17

11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In his second letter to the Galatians, Paul argues that God has created something entirely new in Jesus Christ . . . that we have been “crucified with Christ” and it is no longer I who live but “Christ who lives in me.”  

Dying and Living in Christ

June 10

10^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

This morning we will recognize new members and also baptize a young child. Both actions occur around the baptismal font speaking our baptismal renunciations and promises.

To Be Gospelled

June 3

Trinity Sunday

We celebrate the Triune God with The Spirit That Sets Us Free with the combined Christ and Westminster Presbyterian Chancel Choirs and instrumentalists.  We trust in Jesus Christ; we trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father; and we trust in God the Holy Spirit.

The Irrational God

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May 27

Day of Pentecost

For early Christians the day of Pentecost marked the coming of the Holy Spirit when “a sound like the blowing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house.”

Dangerous Fire

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May 20

7^th Sunday of Easter

Christ is our Alpha and Omega, the bright morning star who nourishes us with the water of life.

Confessing Unity

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May 13

6^th Sunday of Easter

At the heart of John 14 are the words “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” opening hymn reflects our trust in God who is “our maker, defender, redeemer, and friend.”

The Fear Factor

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May 6

5^th Sunday of Easter

When we celebrate the Lord’s Supper we enact the truth of a new heaven and a new earth.

Dwelling in Place

April 29

4^th Sunday of Easter

Youth Sunday

The Seniors of the WPC Youth Group have chosen this theme: “God’s love for the world forms a connection among all people.  It helps one appreciate people who seem different and is a source of comfort when one feels distanced from ones for whom they care.”

Senior's Messages

April 22

3^rd Sunday of Easter

Our worship today focuses on the glory of God as revealed through the majestic beauty of his creation of all things on the earth, in the skies, and in the seas.

Sabbath Living

April 15

2^nd Sunday of Easter

As we offer our utmost praise to God in worship this morning, may His word speak to us and strengthen our faith.

Wounded & Doubting Apostles

April 8

Easter Sunday

We begin our worship today confronted by the mystery of the empty tomb much like the women who came to anoint the body of Jesus so long ago. Our introit joyfully announces that Christ is risen and the words of our call to worship reflects our celebration of this miracle.

I Have Seen the Lord

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April 6

Good Friday

Tenebrae Service

“TENEBRAE” is a Latin word meaning “shadows.” As the light diminishes and the shadows lengthen, the symbolism points clearly to the physical and spiritual darkness and despair which accompanied the passion of our Lord. 

April 5

Maundy Thursday

"Maundy Thursday" derives its name not from the act of communion, but from the "Great Commandment" that Christ gave to his disciples:  "love one another, as I have loved you."  Christ sealed this commandment in an act of utter servant hood when he himself washed the disciples' feet.

Washing the Dishes

April 1

Passion/Palm Sunday

On this Passion Sunday, the gospels proclaim the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem, and the entry of Christ into death.

Palms to Passion

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March 25

5^th Sunday

in Lent

Our worship today focuses on: “Blessed are pure in heart, for they will see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."  The gospel lesson tells of the solider whose ear was cut off when he came to arrest Jesus.

The Purity of Peace

March 18

4^th Sunday

in Lent

Our worship today focuses on  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.  Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” The gospel lesson lifts up the parable of the lost sheep.

Guest Preacher

Erica Liu, Pres House

March 11

3^rd Sunday

in Lent

Our worship today focuses on “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” and the marked distinction between the prayer posture of the Pharisee and the Publican.

Luke 18:10-14

Serving The Other

March 4

2^nd Sunday

in Lent

Our worship today focuses on the first beatitude:  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”  The scripture lessons also lift up the temptation of Christ in the desert and speak of his enduring spirit in the face of great adversity.

Walking in the Desert

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February 25

1^st Sunday

in Lent

Our worship today focuses on the first beatitude:  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”  The scripture lessons also lift up the temptation of Christ in the desert and speak of his enduring spirit in the face of great adversity.

Poverty of Spirit

service cancelled due

to winter blizzard

February 18

Transfiguration

Sunday

Transfiguration is about the light of God in Christ’s face, a light that will continue to shine on our Lenten path even as we walk towards the cross of Holy Week.

Mountains and Valleys

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February 11

6^th Sunday in Epiphany

Our worship today focuses on our need for God's help and the constancy of care He provides for us through His grace.

February 4

5^th Sunday in Epiphany

Our worship today focuses on the call of Christ to “come, follow me” and his instruction that we will become “fishers of men.”

January 28

4^th Sunday in Epiphany

As we offer praise for the light of Christ placed in our hearts, our worship today focuses on the God who unites and empowers us for ministry.

January 21

3^rd Sunday in Epiphany

We celebrate the ways God has equipped His Westminster community of faith for ministry. This morning Scripture describes the “body of Christ” formed as Westminster and in the wider world.

January 14

2^nd Sunday in Epiphany

In this of the season of Epiphany, we celebrate the light of Christ present in our hearts, and our worship today focuses on the “dance of the spirit.”

January 7

Epiphany Sunday

Epiphany Sunday is a day set aside for celebrating the “shining forth” or revelation of God to humankind in the person of Jesus Christ.

2006

December 31

1^st Sunday after Christmas

The visible church is the true church, the community of men and women called by God, redeemed by Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

December 24

4^th Sunday of Advent

Christmas Eve Services

On this last Sunday of Advent, our worship focus is on God's love experienced as incarnation: “God with us” in the world.

December 17

3^rd Sunday of Advent

'Arise, Shine' A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

December 10

2^nd Sunday of Advent

On this Second Sunday of Advent, our worship focus is on God's promise of peace. "First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others." Thomas A. Kempis

December 3

1^st Sunday of Advent

During this liturgical season, we prepare to receive God's great gift of his son, Jesus Christ. The theme of the first Sunday of Advent is one of hope.

November 26

Christ the King Sunday

The scriptures, hymns, and service music chosen for worship today are reflective of the both Christ’s sovereignty and of the kingdom of God.

November 19

Thanksgiving Sunday

On this Thanksgiving Sunday, we offer our praise and thanks to God for the bountiful blessings he has bestowed upon us. 

Novemb