Category: First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen
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“Long Division”
Theme: Deciding to follow Christ and live Christ’s message of radical love, kindness and compassion requires we separate from the old and familiar and embrace something new and difficult. Yet from the divide of decision-making, the split from the past, the same life changing ingredients of love and compassion become the healing balm for new…
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“Treasures of the Heart”
Theme: In redefining our treasure, and giving it away, we discover an abundant, inexhaustible resupply: God’s enduring love poured into our hearts. Luke 12:32-34 (NRSV): ‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do…
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“The Big Ask”
Theme: God Welcomes us to discover the grace, mercy and forgiveness of God through prayer, but promises us only one thing – God’s presence, here and now, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Luke 11:1-13 (NRSV): He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to…
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“Between You and Me”
Theme: In Christ, all things hold together, through Christ, the Reconciler, who is present between you and me, with hope for the fallen world we share. Colossians 1:15-23a (NRSV): He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things…
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“Love without the Loophole”
Theme: God’s Love for us is indiscriminate. Our challenge is to love likewise. Luke 10:25-37 (NRSV): Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall…
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“Chipotle!”
Theme: God calls us to work together for God, with God, for the Greater Good: the building of God’s Kingdom on earth, communities of peace, justice and care. Luke 10:1-11; 16-20 (NRSV): After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he…
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“Asking the Impossible”
Theme: Only Jesus, as God, can do the impossible, dying to love us forever, but we can come close when we love each other, in his name. Luke 9:51-63 (NRSV): When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of…
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“A Gift of Joy: The Joy of Giving”
Theme: God fills us with joy through grace, inspiring us to be joyful givers. Luke 7:35-50; 8:1-3 (NRSV): Nevertheless, wisdom is vindicated by all her children.’ One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the…
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“The Miracle at the Gate”
Theme: Regardless of our social status, our gender, our power, or our wealth, Christ includes all of us in his gracious love. Luke 7:11-17 (NRSV): Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who…
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“A Soldier Sees the Glory”
Theme: Often those whose faith is unexpected and deceptively deep are the ones who open our eyes and recognize Christ in our midst. Luke 7:1-10 (NRSV): After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was…
Ellen Clark Clemot 