Category: Smithtown First Presbyterian Church
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“Making God Known”
Theme: We can turn away from modern-day idol worship, as forgiven and blessed children of God, embracing our faith in Jesus who redeems us so that we can share our blessings with others. Acts 17:16-32 (NRSV): While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply distressed to see that the city was full…
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“The Roadmap Home”
Theme: Whether we believe Christ is God incarnate by his word or by his deeds, Christ gives us hope and peace because he conquered death by his crucifixion and resurrection, reconciling us to our Creator and giving us the gift of eternal life. John 14:1-14 (NRSV): ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in…
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“Salvation Begs A Ride”
Matthew 21:1-11 (NRSV) Theme: Salvation comes to us humbly, begging us to notice, to offer a way into our very selves, so that the saving grace of God might find a way into our hearts. When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying…
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“The God Paradox: Left with Love’s Lifeline”
Gen 2:16-17; 3:1-7 (NRSV) Theme: God gave us the freedom to make our own choices, and when we stray, the mercy to lead us back home. And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you…
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“Unexpected Blessings”
Matthew 4:23-5:12 (NRSV) Theme: God calls us, blesses us, and sends us out to be a blessing to others, equipping us with the blessing of Jesus: the mercy, compassion, and love of God to guide our way. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing…
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“Grace upon Grace”
John 1:1-18 (NRSV) Theme: God’s gift of life, and the gift of Jesus in our lives, gives us the freedom to love and to flourish. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through…
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“A Sign from Mary”
Luke 2:1-20 (NRSV Bible Translation) Theme: The Good News of the Birth of Jesus as told by Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist: Christ the Savior has come. Nothing is impossible with God. In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration…
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“What Are We Waiting For?”
Matthew 24:36-44 (NRSV) Theme: We do not need to wait for the unknown day of apocalypse to flourish as God’s people alive in the freedom that Christ’s reconciling gift of forgiveness brings. But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as…
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“Held Together by Hope”
Colossians 1:11-20 (NRSV) Theme: Christ holds all things together, no matter what chaos we may find in our lives, enabling us to grow, individually and together as church. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully…
Ellen Clark Clemot 