Category: First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen
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“Unfair Wages!”
Theme: God is extravagantly generous with all of us – we never get what we deserve – we get better. Matthews 20:1-15 (NRSV): ‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage,…
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“Finding Forgiveness”
Theme: We are called to forgive others, as God first forgave us, and also to forgive ourselves – but none of this means that we must accept harm done to us or tolerate crimes of abuse. Matthew 18:21-35 (NRSV): Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against…
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“People’s Court”
Theme: We are called to live our Christian lives in community – Christ tells us how to get along. Matthew 18:15-20 (NRSV): ‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one.…
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“Totally Transformed”
Theme: In an experience of spiritual renewal, remembering the grace of God, we can overcome what is lamentable about the patterns of our world and discern what is good and pleasing and mature – what God’s will is for each of us, and for our world, through the renewing of our minds. Romans 12:1-5 (NRSV):…
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“Power Lunch”
Theme: Love is the lifeblood of God’s Kingdom – it brings abundant blessings, more powerful than anything or anyone, even in times of feeling powerless and undermined by the world around us. Matthew 14:13-21 (NRSV): Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when…
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“A Homecoming Homily”
Theme: We build God’s Kingdom here and now through shared experience of helping and being helped, of loving and being loved, of community building in Christ’s name. Mark 6:30-34; 53-56 (NRSV): He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it…
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“Uniquely Blessed”
Theme: God has a blessing for each one of us – and loves us for who we are – sometimes we have to wait patiently to understand what God has blessed our lives to do. Genesis 28:10-19a (NRSV): Jacob left Beer-sheba and went towards Haran. He came to a certain place and stayed there for…
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“Miracle Growth!”
Theme: Our God is extravagant in loving kindness and meets us where we are to shower us with love. Matthew 13:1-9 (NRSV): That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd…
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“You’re Invited!”
Theme: Christ welcomes us in to lighten our load and ease our burdens, offering us a simpler way of life in Christ, who accepts us as we are. Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (NRSV): ‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another, “We played…
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“Our Call to Action”
Theme: God calls us to action – to share God’s love, joy and way with others in the name of Creator Christ and Spirit. Matthew 28:16-20 (NRSV): Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus…
