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Congregational Church United Church of Christ Somonauk, Illinois |
"Family Reunion" Joe thumbed through the stack of the day’s mail.
"Bill, bill, junk mail, sweepstakes offer, bill, Hmmm – "Carving tools catalog." That looks interesting. Bill . . . . What’s this – an invitation? It looks official.
"To Joseph Helison: Your presence is requested in the city of your ancestors for a family reunion. All who come from the line of David must journey to Bethlehem for this important – and required – family gathering." (This story sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Christmas Eve, 2007)
"A Righteous Man" While studying this week's Bible reading, I thought of some things Joseph might have thought when he found out Mary was pregnant:
"The Holy Way" We’ve been experiencing similar themes during this advent season:
"The Little Child" Famous child leaders:
There are stories of child leaders throughout history – most often, if no always associated with people who became leaders because of a family line.(This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, December 9, 2007)
"I Ain't Gonna Study War No More" How to begin? I’m not asking a question about how to begin this morning’s sermon – but I am posing a question that I think is much more complicated. ("Oh no! It’s going to be complicated today? I was hoping for something that was easier to listen to. I hope he doesn’t use any big words. And I hope I don’t fall asleep today!") (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, December 2, 2007)
"Anointed" Solomon and David, like Saul before him and like kings that came after him, were anointed. The king was the "anointed one." Anointed one – in Hebrew: mashiyach = messiah. Anointed one – in Greek: Christos = Christ To be an anointed one is a big deal. But the kings of Israel were anointed ones – messiahs – christs. And then Jesus comes along and meaning starts to shift. Christ means something more – as in THE anointed one instead of the anointed one. There had been lots of anointed ones in history and even several who claimed to be the one about the time Colossians was written – making the work of the Pharisees and the Sadducees difficult – weeding out all the false messiahs – and missing Jesus for the real thing in the process.(This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, November 25, 2007)
"Life to the World" Jesus said to them -- "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Bread is both a symbol of life – and something that is necessary for life. Bread means nourishment to someone who is hungry. Jesus talked about bread and nourishment to a people who sometimes, maybe often, wondered when their next meal was coming or where it was coming from. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. We don’t really get that, do we? Hunger isn’t something most of us ever have to live with. As a matter of fact, instead of getting hungry again and again, we look for ways to eat less. (This short sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Thanksgiving Eve, Thursday, November 21, 2007)
"Lions and Wolves and Lambs -- Oh My!" Have you seen the poster downstairs just as you come in the building through the 6 glass doors? It’s part of the United Church of Christ’s "I Love My Church" campaign. The one that’s been up there for a few weeks is this one:
I love my church because it’s sort of like The Wizard of Oz—it’s about having a heart and a brain. And courage!"
That’s a fun reason to love our church. And at the same time it reminds me of something whimsical, silly or even ridiculous. Is there room for something like that in church? (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, November 18, 2007)
"Always Just, Always Near" I really do love the Psalms. They express such raw emotions and deep, contemplative thought from people who struggled to serve God, understand God, and to love God. And so often the emotions are angry, sad and confused. Sometimes the emotions are hopeful. And, at least once in awhile, the emotions are happy – celebratory (That’s a fun word to say – celebratory!) (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, November 11, 2007)
"Bad Manners?" I’d like to welcome a guest to the pulpit this morning. Just about every Sunday, everyone here gets to see the children’s sermon – featuring one of our puppets teaching the children a short lesson introducing what they’ll be learning in Sunday school. But up until today, the puppets haven’t made their way to the "grown-up" sermon. Let’s welcome our resident etiquette expert, Mrs. Von Quack.(This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, November 4, 2007)
"So a Pharisee and a Tax Collector Went to the Temple to Pray. . . " So a Pharisee and a Tax Collector Went to the Temple to Pray. One of them came out looking good. The other one – not so much. I think the Pharisees get a bad rap. Whenever they get compared to the standard Jesus sets in the Bible, they come out looking awful.
"Justice" Luke was written after Jesus had ascended into Heaven – promising to return. But he didn’t return right away. It seemed that the people were in a hopeless, forsaken, voiceless situation. They were waiting, but they were discouraged. These words of Jesus to "not lose heart" encouraged them to continue praying. God had not forgotten them. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, October 21, 2007)
"Thank You Notes" Three little words - - - Cassie, my wife (of 20+ years) loves to hear those three little words from me. She wants to know that the things that brought us together at the beginning either still exist or have grown into something that is even better. I understand that by saying those three little words, I acknowledge that we share something together that brings meaning to each of our lives. - - - Those three little words? (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, October 14, 2007)
"Sincere Faith" I love those inspirational moments in films – whether it’s Knute Rockne inspiring the 1928 Notre Dame football team or John Keating inspiring students in his poetry class-- Sometimes we need a pep talk to get us back on track. Maybe we need a pep talk to get us started on track. I think this week’s reading from 2 Timothy 1:1-14 is a pep talk. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, October 7, 2007)
"Money" "There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment." Those sound like preacher words. Can you hear it? (With my best ‘preacher voice.’) "There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment." I think that means "Live a holy life and be satisfied with what you have."
- Holy life?
- Satisfied with what you have?
I’ve failed miserably on both counts. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, September 30, 2007)
"A Quiet and Peaceable Life" Praying for everyone. This week’s Bible reading from 1 Timothy 2:1-7 has a ‘First of all’ instruction. It sounds like something to pay attention to -- Pray for everyone; Pray for leaders (kings and all who are in high positions) so that we may live together in peace. I wonder what we can do with a little context? This "pray for kings and all who are in high positions" part is often used with Romans 13:1 "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities" to convince Christians to follow the "party line" when it comes to supporting governmental leaders. Our support is to be unwavering unless, of course, we disagree with our leaders, and then we are to lambaste them and warn of God’s wrath on our nations because we have such wicked leaders, right? (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, September 23, 2007)
"I Found It" (Audio Only -- This sermon was delivered by Lorin Cope, UCC MInister for Conference Relations, on Sunday, September 16, 2007)
"Useful" When Paul wrote to Philemon, I know he had an agenda. He wanted Philemon to release Onesimus from his servitude – his slavery. I think he also wanted to challenge Philemon to do more. He wanted to challenge Philemon to accept someone from a completely different class as an equal. Paul masterfully manipulated this letter into one that really had, I think, no appropriate response except for Onesimus’ freedom and equality. If the intent is good in the end, is it OK to use blatant manipulation of another person to achieve the results you want?(This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, September 9, 2007)
"Send Out the Invitations!" Have you ever seen a melodrama? Have you ever been a part of one? A couple of week’s ago Josh gave us his interpretation of a melodrama to introduce the heroes during the children’s message. Melodramas usually, unlike Josh’s version, use music to heighten the tension or mood or to describe a character. Even the name comes from combining "melody" with "drama." For the most part, a melodrama has a set plotline – There’s a villain who threatens someone and a hero who defeats the villain and rescues the one threatened. The 1960’s television show "Batman" (one of my favorites, incidentally) is a great example of a silly melodrama. I think that CSI is a good example of a very recent -- though without someone to rescue – unless "justice" is what is being threatened -- example of melodrama on TV. Of course, I think the most fun melodramas in recent years have come from Rocky and Bullwinkle and Boris and Natasha.(This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, September 2, 2007)
"Keep Me Safe" I’ve been spending a whole lot of time thinking about the Psalms this summer. This week it’s a Psalm that’s all about comfort and trust. Psalm 16 is a great one to read over and over much like so many read, say aloud or sing Psalm 23. Both Psalms are filled with celebration and assurance that God blesses and cares all. I’ve only been here serving as your pastor for 5 ½ months. But already I’ve seen so much to celebrate. We’ve come together and increased our attendance on Sunday morning. We’ve grown spiritually in our Lenten studies. We’ve been active in the community with the Ham Dinner, pancake breakfasts, choirfest, Lion’s club, Maundy Thursday service, Vacation Bible School and this week’s garage sale. We’ve increased our giving (sure, we have lots more to do in that regard, but we’re moving in the right direction.) I love this congregation. I love this church. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, July 1, 2007)
"Listen to Me!" I have something important to say! I want to teach you something! I need you to follow my instructions! Why are you rolling your eyes? Of course I thought that joke was funny! Please turn off your iPod. Can you pause the DVR for a second so I can talk to you? Well, then, tell them you’ll call them back later and hang up the phone. 9:00 am is sleeping in – Noon is just wasting away the day! Do you understand? (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Father's Day - Sunday, June 17, 2007)
"Compassion" Compassion is, I think, one of the purest emotions we have. It is when we are no longer thinking about anything but how someone else feels or what someone else thinks. It is when we put away all of our own concerns and problems for the moment and care only for another. Compassion is not charity but rather what compels us to a charitable act. (This sermon was delivered by Gail WIley on Sunday, June 10, 2007)
"How Excellent" Today is excellent – excellent music, an excellent confirmation celebration, excellent participation from our Confirmands in our worship service. It’s an excellent time of praising God. We’re praising God in our prayers and in our songs. But that brings me to today’s rant. Praise songs. I’ve heard and sung many of them over the years. I’ve heard and sung traditional praise songs and contemporary praise songs. Like any genre of music, there are what I consider good and bad praise songs. And then there are whiny praise songs. Whiney praise songs really creep me out. I’m not talking about genuine songs that praise God and encourage all singing to grow in their faith – it’s the overdone whiny ones that get to me. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Trinity Sunday and Confirmation Sunday, June 3, 2007)
"Much More than a Gentle Breeze" When the day of Pentecost (50 days after Jesus resurrection) had come -- the Holy Sprit came in dramatic fashion. The wind in the house sounded like a tornado. Fiery tongue-like things appeared and rested on the people gathered there -- and then they started speaking in other languages. And then other people who gathered there started hearing words in their native languages. The believers were all gathered in a house -- and all of a sudden there was a violent and rushing wind that filled the place where they were. It was intense -- thrilling -- moving -- troubling . . . Strange things seemed to be flying all over the room. It was unsettling! And after the wind came, things would never be the same. Some were excited by the change. Others were uneasy, scared or angry. They just wanted things to get back to normal. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007)
"Open Doors" Maybe you’ve noticed this about me. I have a thing about the exploitation of people. In general I’m a pretty easygoing, gentle and kind person. But when I witness or hear about the exploitation of others, it gets my feathers furled. Most that have seen me get on my "high horse" at any time in my life have seen it in relation to exploitation. Here’s something I said in a recent sermon: When do we get on our high horse? When do we leave the area of "kind?" I think it is when we see something that is oppressive to others or it excludes others – or when we see exploitation, abuse or degradation of another. I think we are obligated to act.(This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, May 20, 2007)
"Sent Out" Do you pay attention to your dreams? I have some strange ones. Sometimes I’m falling off my bicycle or off the side of a mountain I’m climbing. Other times I’m sitting in a peaceful meadow feeling the green-smelling breeze on my face. I know – those aren’t strange. The strange ones usually involve some scary voice or a horrific face that’s either threatening me in some way or challenging me to escape or defeat it. And then there are the dreams where animals turn into people and start talking or flowers start walking around and picking up seeds or everyone can fly except for me. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Mother's Day - Sunday, May 13, 2007)
"Is There Still a Little More to Do?" This week’s Bible reading tells about the resurrection of a woman named Tabitha – also called Dorcas. That’s a pretty big deal. You don’t find people coming back to life very often – even in the Bible. But there’s a lot more going in. Let’s begin: (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, April 29, 2007)
"I Wasn't Heading There, But. . ." Blinded By the Light. Who sings that song? What do the lyrics say right after that? What is that song about? Is it about Paul? OK – here’s a music trivia lesson. "Blinded by the Light" was written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen in 1973. It wasn’t a hit. Manfred Mann’s Earth Band turned it into a hit in 1977. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, April 22, 2007)
"I Just Can't Help It" When I see a great film, experience a great meal, enjoy a moving worship service (Just like every week here!) or even after I’ve read a good book, I feel like telling someone else. I heartily gush about what it is I found so appealing about whatever it is that I encountered. I don’t think I say it in a "If you don’t experience this, your life will be forever less than it could be" way, but I certainly let people know how I felt about the experience and why I’m glad I had it. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, April 15, 2007)
"Alive" The Lost Tomb of Jesus documentary that aired on the Discovery Channel a few weeks back was a hit by cable TV standards. 4 million people tuned in. I’m sure some were curious, others angry, others uninterested but found the special while channel surfing and still others tuned in because, for some reason, they really like documentaries. Now it’s available on DVD. With all the viewers and all the accompanying press coverage the program did, at least for a short time and maybe much longer, get people talking more about Jesus. It got scholars issuing press releases supporting and contradicting the theories put forth by the program. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007)
"Love One Another" Jesus celebrated the Passover. There’s no reason to think he hadn’t celebrated Passover every year of his life. This year, in many ways would be the same as it always had been. It was a celebration of deliverance and God’s steadfast love. But on this last supper, Jesus did a few things different. He knew that the time of his death was near. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2007)
"Rock Talk" Jesus was ready to be known in Jerusalem as the anointed one. He had his disciples fetch a young colt. They put cloaks on the colt and then Jesus rode into town – with celebration but humility. People put cloaks out in front of him – in another reading about the same event it says people took palm branches and went to meet him. Imagine them waving their palms and making cheering noises while there were also animal noises and maybe even food vendors. Let’s make that noise now. When I give you the signal, make those noises. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Palm Sunday, April 1, 2007)
"Love Poured Out" Sometimes it’s fun for me to play the "Bible-smarty-pants" game. I invite people to ask me a Bible question and then with dignity and a lofty tone I answer the question. Of course, I’m quick to point out that I actually don’t know everything and more often than not have to answer, "I don’t know the answer to that one. Let me study a little bit and get back to you." This morning I do not plan to play that game. However, I may be reckless; I mean brave, enough to play in an upcoming week. Instead, I’m going to offer some "Bible smarty pants-ness" as it relates to today’s scripture reading. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, March 25, 2007)
"God's Extravagant Welcome" In this parable of the lost son, (The Prodigal son) I see two sons who feel a sense of entitlement. One feels entitled to his inheritance early so that he can go out and enjoy it. The other feels a sense of entitlement (and jealousy) when the son who took the inheritance early came back and was welcomed with open arms. He did not want his father’s reckless son getting any of what was rightfully his. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, March 18, 2007)
"The Obligations of Christians" Holiness – set apart . . . connected yet unaffected by. As followers of Jesus – we are called to holiness. So what do we do? What are our obligations as one’s set apart . . . connected to yet unaffected by? This week’s lesson from 1 Peter 2:11-25 runs through a list. Some things seem easy or at least appropriate. Others are a whole lot more difficult to understand at all. (This short sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at the Federated Church of Sandwich - part of the community lenten "A Call to Holiness" series.)
"Second Chances" Miss America made some bad decisions – and people said that she should forfeit her crown. But then Donald Trump had something different to say. "This is the land of second chances – we’re going to give her a second chance." Did anyone catch the gist of the thing he said?But if she messes up this time – she’s out.Some people were paying attention to this whole scenario and they said to each other – "Doesn’t that sound like something from the Bible? – you get a second chance but if you mess up you’re toast?" I’ve heard that before. God’s given you a chance to repent – but if you don’t – you will perish. I think I know where it comes from. Here is something that sounds like it from this morning’s reading. It’s easy to look at Luke 13:1-9 and find a dire warning about the future. When we do that, however, we might be missing the point. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, March 11, 2007)
"Danger" I was determined to reach the summit. I climbed on -- gasping for breath in the thin air and squinting ahead to find the next trail marker painted on the rocks. I missed one. But instead of turning back, I climbed on – pulling my walking stick, my backpack and myself up the steep rocky sides of the mountain. At one point, I didn’t know how to go higher and my last good foothold was too far away to reach. "Oh God -- I don't want to die!" I remember crying out -- at least in my mind. I was never so scared. It was one of those 'I'll do whatever you want, God! Just don't let me fall!" times. I was in danger. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, March 4, 2007)
"Temptation" This week we begin a three-week series that addresses three things that we all experience. Its called "Encounters with Reality. This week: Temptation. It is a reality of life. We all experience temptation Jesus experienced temptation. Jesus resisted temptation by relying on God’s word. We can too. Amen. That’s the "It’s so simple – just do this and everything will be fine" version of temptation. And really – doesn’t it seem hollow, arrogant and irrelevant as advice to anyone? Let’s dig a little deeper. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, February 25, 2007)
"Kindness and Justice" Ash Wednesday – the beginning of 40 days leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. How do we begin? I think we can look back – and forward with some ideas that are at the core of Jesus teachings. Our reading is from the Old Testament book of Isaiah – written over a long period – about 200 years – likely by at least three and perhaps many more prophets who ministered to Israel – and finished more than 500 years before Jesus time on Earth.(This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Ash Wednesday, February 21, 2007)
"A New Look" We are part of a society obsessed with "The new look." We spend billions of dollars every year on: Botox, Nose jobs, Face lifts, Chemical peels, Fat injections, Hair regrowth, Teeth Whitening, Chin reshaping, Breast augmentation, Tummy Tucks, Cheek lifts, Lasik, Lip Fills, Butt implants, Eyelid reshaping, Ear jobs, Jaw Recontouring, Cosmetic Dentistry and Liposuction.(This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, February 18, 2007)
"A New Perspective" This week has been all about new perspective for me. New congregation, new office, new places to put the mounds and mounds of books I have amassed over the years. Just about everything in life has been turned a little upside-down and I know I perceive things in a different way than before. This week's Bible reading from Luke 6:17-26 is a perspective-changer, too. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, February 11, 2007)
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