| Union
Congregational Church United Church of Christ Somonauk, Illinois |
"Passover" As the politicians and their campaign teams search deep into the backgrounds, comments, associates and unrehearsed gaffes of their opponents, I can’t help but wonder, Could God stand up to the scrutiny of a political campaign?" What if instead of seeking the big picture, we decided to define God by the worst 30-second snippets we could find? (This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, Septmeber 7, 2008)
"The Name" ... now we’ve got to move far ahead in Moses’ life. He grew up, thought he’d stand up for the Hebrews and ended up killing an Egyptian guard. Instead of being hailed as a hero – he was rejected and he fled into the wilderness and lived there for a long time. He married Zipporah. (Shout out her name!) And he also went to work tending the sheep of his father-in-law, Jethro. One day he let the sheep graze in a mysterious place – the Bible says that he went "beyond the wilderness." It’s kind of like saying "In the middle of nowhere" or "deep in the forest" or "in the deepest depths of the ocean." He was beyond where he normally would graze the sheep. And out in the middle of nowhere he encountered something beyond his wildest imagination.(This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, August 31, 2008)
"Courageous Women" 5 Heroes: Let’s shout out the names!
(This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, August 24, 2008)
"Unexpected Blessings" When we last saw our hero, Joseph, he was just lifted out of a pit – only to be forced into slavery in Egypt. Much has happened to Joe since then. He’s been trusted, betrayed, thrown into prison, inquired upon, trusted again and now elevated to a position of high authority. It’s time to exact his revenge on the brothers who sold him out, right? (This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, August 17, 2008)
"The Dreamer" Jealousy and Drama. Jealousy is an ugly, ugly thing. Drama? Maybe or maybe not . . .Jealousy can destroy relationships, church communities, towns, states – maybe even nations! . . . Yes – I’m being overly dramatic. I’m using the drama to help us get ready for a couple of things – one – we’re preparing for next week’s youth service – complete with an wonderful spontaneous melodrama – and second, we’re going to have lots of fun this week with the melodramatic first part of the story of Joseph and his brothers. (This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, August 10, 2008)
"Filled" In the United States we consume far too much of it. The CDC reports that about a third of all adults in the United States have a body mass index that classifies them as obese. 16% of children and adolescents are in the same condition. (This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, August 3, 2008)
"The Opposite of God" I have been pondering something for quite a while now. It has been bothering me for years but lately I am really struggling with it. I would like to know why God allows bad things to happen. It is a frustrating question because God never really answers it. In some instances in the bible, God is upset at the people’s bad behavior such as Sodom and Gomorrah or when God made the Israelites wander in the desert because they worshiped false idols. But what about when bad things happen to good people. People who didn’t do anything to deserve it. Every day, I look around and see terrible things happening. Flooding, fires, people who are loved dying, and I have to ask why a God who is suppose to love us lets this happen. (This sermon was preached by Gail Wiley on Sunday, July 20, 2008)
"Seeds" There are some things I really get about Jesus – he lives love and says that most important things a person can do is to love God and to love everyone else. And there are some things I don’t think I’m supposed to get about Jesus – parables. And I love that I can’t get the parables. Sure, there are the explanations of the parables that are either in the Bible or in commentaries or big Bible scholar brains. But ultimately – the parables are there to make the listener (or reader) think. I think that the parables work to confuse, anger and irritate the listeners and readers so that the conversations can either begin or continue. (This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, July 13, 2008)
"Rest" Fireworks! Did anyone see fireworks a couple of nights ago? Fireworks are REALLY LOUD. So . . . this morning’s sermon is going to be REALLY LOUD. OK – only those parts (and this next really short part that is the same as the other two) are going to be REALLY LOUD – except for this part that is also REALLY LOUD. But I’ll hold off on any more REALLY LOUD parts, OK? (This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, July 6, 2008)
"Refreshing" Keep hydrated - How much water are we supposed to drink everyday? For so long I’ve read that it is 8- 8 oz glasses per day. It’s been reported that drinking that much per day lets your body do a better job of cleaning out toxins, helps weight loss and results in healthier skin. More recently, however, researchers have questioned the claims and the recommendation – even going as far as saying, ‘Just drink when you’re thirsty." (This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, June 29, 2008)
"Opposites" Why do people go to church? Christian Smith, Professor and Associate Chair of Sociology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Melinda Denton - then a graduate Student in Sociology at UNC, published a book of research and observations about youth, parents and church. It’s called "Soul Searching." In the book they suggested these reasons for attending church.
"The Really Big Give" It sounds a little like a reality TV show. Meet the 12 – sent out with authority and compassion: Here goes -- completely from memory – (thanks to Caleb the Camel and the Bryan Sirchio song) Matthew, Thomas, John and James. Philip, Peter Andrew and Bartholomew. Another) James, Simon, Judas and Thaddeus. These 12 are going out to proclaim the good news, cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and cast out demons. There’s no prize for the one who proclaims and heals the most. As a matter of fact – there’s no prize at all. (This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, June 15, 2008)
"The Fringe" The reality that Jesus showed extravagant love for those who were outcast from society is something we love to talk about. In the United Church of Christ our tagline of "No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey – you’re welcome here," is born out of the understanding of Jesus love that rejects no one. This week’s Bible reading from Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 features Jesus reaction to three who were outcast in society. (This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, June 8, 2008)
"Rise and Shine" Really? We're talking about Noah? Why are we doing that? What can you do with the story of Noah’s ark? This week's Bible study covers Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19. As viewed by some, Noah's ark is a historical reality. The whole world was corrupt and then God sent a massive flood and everyone except for Noah, Noah’s family, and a pair of each of the animals that walked on the Earth was killed. Then when everything dried up they started over. And the whole world again became corrupt. (This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, June 1, 2008)
"Undivided Attention" Superheroes: This summer we’re watching some blockbuster superhero movies on the big screen – Maybe you’ve heard of a few of them: Iron Man (This one may be the best superhero movie yet made!), The Incredible Hulk and The Dark Knight. Each of these promises to be exciting, entertaining and money-making. All three tell the story of a superhero and their hidden, secret identity. (This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, May 25, 2008)
"Let's Talk About Race" A sacred conversation:
And we’re starting it today because . . . it’s about time. (This sermon was preached by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday, May 18, 2008)
"The Movement of the Spirit" a podcast of the sermon delivered by Rev. Craig Rennebohm, Mental Health Chaplain and Author of Souls in the Hands of a Tender God on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at Union Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Somonauk, Illinois.
"That They All May Be One" At the end of this week's Bible reading from John 17:1-11, Jesus asks God to protect the disciples, "so that they may be one, as we are one." So what has become of that unity? Here's what appears to be the church’s idea of unity:We disagree about political candidates. We disagree about the historical Jesus. We disagree about wedge issues. We disagree about music styles. We disagree about worship settings. . . (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday -- May 4, 2008)
"An Advocate" Have you ever done something and caused lots of trouble for yourself? Have you ever helped someone out who was in a jam? How often have you been asked to help someone who’s put themselves in a difficult situation? How do you support someone who’s made really bad decisions? How can you expect the support of your family and friends when you’ve completely messed up? (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday -- April 27, 2008)
"How Can We Know the Way?" Jacob was an old man. He had led his family – 12 sons – the 12 tribes of Israel -- and their families – for many years. It was time to say goodbye. Moses was an old man. He had led the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. And it was time to say goodbye. Joshua was an old man. He had led the Israelites as the entered the promised land. And it was time to say goodbye. David was an old man. He was the King of Israel for 40 years. It was time to say goodbye. Each of these well-known leaders of the Bible did something before they died. They gave a farewell speech. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday -- April 20, 2008)
"My Cup Runneth Over" This morning we’re going to go on a journey with the 23rd Psalm. We won’t stop at every verse, but I hope that we’ll experience the comfort and familiarity we have with this psalm, as well as have some new things to think about. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday -- April 13, 2008)
"Living Under a Rock" An experiment: If you know the answer, shout it out loud! Are you ready, kids? We're going to sing the SpongeBob Squarepants theme song! (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday -- April 6, 2008)
"I Doubt It" Have you ever played that card game? The one where everyone holds cards and players take turns putting down their cards, face down, in the correct order. If the player doesn’t have the correct card they have to bluff their way through the turn without someone challenging the truth of their play. The game goes by many names – the least offensive is probably "I Doubt It." If a person is challenged and caught trying to pass off their cards as some other cards, they must pick up all the cards in the discard pile. If the person who challenges them (by saying "I doubt it" after the cards are placed in the discard deck but before someone else begins their turn) finds that the player challenged was telling the truth, the challenger picks up the discard deck. It really is a fun game, though it can last for as little as a few minutes or as long as a few hours (I ‘d say that I get tired of the game and call a truce with everyone if it goes longer than 45 minutes.) (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Sunday -- March 30, 2008)
"I Have Seen the Lord" It’s easier to comprehend things in our lives when we look back at them. All too often we miss what’s going on when it is going on. When I look back at my life experience, I can see how I’ve been shaped by the good and the bad. I can see how the mistakes I’ve made have taught me and how sometimes the successes have slowed me down. I can look at the bigger picture looking back and say "God has been getting it done and guiding me through." (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Easter Sunday -- March 23, 2008)
"Until Christ Returns" On the night Jesus was betrayed, he took bread. After giving thanks he broke the bread, gave it to his disciples and said, "Take this all of you and eat it. This is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way after the supper he took the cup of wine and gave thanks. And then he gave it to them and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." The Apostle Paul tells us that as often as we eat of the bread and drink of the cup we proclaim his death and resurrection until Christ returns. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Maundy Thursday, March 20, 2008)
"Looking for an Opportunity" This week’s reading from Matthew 26:14- 27:66 is a long one. Even as I only read "Selected verses," this deep and moving story of Christ’s passion, is long. It also involves different plans from many different characters. Planning can have a negative connotation – as in plotting, but planning can also involve creating a strategy for a desired result. Consider the plans of several of the characters (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Palm Sunday, March 16, 2008)
"Jesus Wept" This morning’s Bible reading is rich – full of human emotion, death, mourning, tears, stench, resurrection and freedom. Any of these would make for a deep and moving discussion. Any of these probably will provide the basis for a sermon in the years to come. This week, it’s about the tears.(This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on March 9, 2008)
"I Was Blind, But Now I See" Sometimes I get really skeptical. (Sometimes?! Some would say!) I look at the Bible for things that bother me instead of things that show me the real deal. Jesus healed this man – I don’t understand it all, but I don’t need to understand it all. I can say "Thank you, God" and then shut up. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on March 2, 2008)
"The Way of Healing" How do we follow Jesus way of healing? None of us are magic. If God heals someone when we lay hands on them and pray it’s all about what God is doing and not about any magic healing powers coming from our hands. But this way of healing is about something else. It’s about restoring the outcast.(This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on February 20, 2008)
"Born Again" Born again. Born anew. Born from above. The Greek words Jesus used in his conversation with Nicodemus can mean any or all of that. We’ve got some background and unpacking to do with today’s Bible reading from John 3:1-17. Here we go! (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on February 17, 2008)
"Famished" Losing weight: I’m losing weight the old-fashioned way – eat less, eat more healthily, sit on my backside less, and be more active. I’m motivated and committed to the goal of losing enough weight so that the clothes I wore when I was at what I would call my healthiest fit again.It’s still pretty early in the process, (as of today, I’ve lost 7 pounds) and I’m really hungry. (I know that when a person is dieting they’re not supposed to be really hungry – so let’s just say that I am still craving all the fun stuff.) (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on February 10, 2008)
"Now is the Time" I love time travel movies, books and television shows. I remember being fascinated the first time I watched HG Wells’ "The Time Machine" on WGN’s Family Classics in the early 70’s. I loved the Back to the Future films and even Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. I have read the more recently published "The Time Traveler’s Wife" (Soon to be major motion picture!) and loved television shows like Quantum Leap, Timecop (yup – it was a short-lived series too!) and the brand new Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. And just yesterday, I learned that a real, respected and current scientist, Ronald Mallett, is working on plans for a real time machine. He has a book called Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality.(This sermon would have been delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on Ash Wednesday, February 6, 2008. However, the service was cancelled due to a severe snowstorm)
"Dazzling" Have you ever experienced ‘face glowing?’ Maybe not in the same way it’s described in this week’s Bible reading from Matthew 17:1-9, but in more common, yet wonderful situations.
(This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on February 3, 2008)
"That Sunday School Song" Today’s Bible reading is about the call of the first disciples. Last week’s reading was also about the call of the first disciples. The descriptions of these events are completely different. And there is something we can learn from both last week’s account from John and this week’s account from Matthew. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on January 27, 2008)
"Rocky" The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him. Do you wonder what was going on the day before? John was being quizzed by the Pharisees and he told them he wasn’t the messiah – but that he was preparing the way. And the next day he got to make good on what he said. He got to introduce Jesus to the people all around. I like introductions. (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on January 20, 2008)
"Recognizing Jesus"What's the message of the visit of the Magi? I don't think it is in how many of them there were: {The Bible doesn’t specify, but tradition over the years has said that there were three. Some of the reasons for this number are the three gifts they brought (Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh) or the reference to the kingdoms of three kings in Psalm 72:10. Isaiah 49:7 and Isaiah 60:10} (This sermon was delivered by Rev. Kirk Moore on January 6, 2008)
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