Vacation Bible Camp is Coming to LOTC!
Wednesday, May 7th, 2008Light of the Ca
nyon United Methodist Church is about to experience a transformation. From June 23-27, our church will be transformed into a local fishing hole, with lots and lots of children running around, having fun, and learning about God. The theme of VBC this year is “Gine Fishin’.” Jesus said, follow me, and I will make you fish for people. During the week, the kids will learn about God’s love using some of the “fishing stories” from the bible. This promises to be a wonderful time for all children. The cost for the week is 45 per child (family discount, each additional child $35). Registration forms are available in the church office. For more information, contact VBC Coordinator Minnie August at minnie@lotc.org. Come and join in the fun when we are all “Gone Fishin’.”
“Adoption”
Sunday, May 4th, 2008The second Psalm is known as a “Royal Psalm.” It celebrates the coronation of the king of Israel and his “adoption” as God’s son/servant. What was once fulfilled through the king was completely fulfilled through Jesus Christ. And through Jesus Christ, we are all adopted sons and daughters. We are f
amily. We stand together before our God. And we walk this life together, as a family should. We have all been adopted. We are brothers and sisters. We are not alone.
“All Things New”
Sunday, April 27th, 2008We have talked about reasons not to be a Christian. But, despite all of them, there is a very compelling to be a Christian. God is love. And because God has first 
loved us, we are able to love one another. It is through God’s love that we know life. No matter how many times we screw it up, God’s love is constant. And therein lies our hope.
“The Cross and the Sword”
Sunday, April 20th, 2008Jesus said some absolutely radical things, things that we are still trying to understand today. But, when he said “when someone slaps you on the right cheek, 
turn to him the other also,” or when he said, “go the extra mile,” he was truly being revolutionary. In the midst of a heated political climate, where the idea of military rebellion was never far from the people’s consciousness, Jesus called people to be imaginative and creative when it came to being peacemakers. The old adage of “an eye for an eye” no longer worked. That is not the way of the kingdom of God. So, what is?
“Christians Gone Wild”
Saturday, April 12th, 2008
The church was placed upon the earth to do the work of God, by spending its time “loving God and loving neighbor.” In the United Methodist Church we exist to “make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” A lofty goal, to be sure. The problem is that, all too often, the church has failed to live into the grace that gave it birth. Instead, we have become arrogant and judgmental. What can the church do about that?
“Was Copernicus a Christian?”
Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Acts 17:22-28 - For centuries, it seems like science and Christianity have been in conflict. However, that does not always need to be the case. Paul, when he preached to the Athenians for the first time, acknowledged, “I see how religious you are in every way.” This is so important. Paul is meeting the people where they are at, not where he wants them to be. Christians can take a lesson from Paul’s approach. We need not always agree with science. In fact, that is not possible. But, we must act as friends, and not foes.
“Go Ahead, Make My Day”
Sunday, March 30th, 2008Romans 12:9-21 - Who’s story do we live by, Public Culture or Jesus’s Message?
“The Road Not Taken”
Sunday, March 23rd, 2008Matthew 28:1-10 - Death wil
l mess with our senses. The death of a loved one affects our ability even to function in the world. When the two Mary’s went to the tomb on Easter Sunday, they expected to find a Jesus’ body in the tomb. That is not quite the way it turned out. Christ has arisen! And nothing - neither life nor death - would ever be the same again. We all have “tombs” in our lives. But, Jesus has brought life where once there was death. Hallelujah! Christ is risen!
“Bread from Heaven”
Thursday, March 20th, 20081 Corinthians 11:23-26 - We 
often say “famous last words” when we are worried about the outcome of something. But, Jesus’ last words to his disciples were very important. When we remember them as he commanded, and take them to heart, we become more closely connected to Christ. The meal that Jesus shares is the feast of heaven.
“In Good Company”
Sunday, March 16th, 2008Matthew 5:10-12 - Christianity is not a religion of comfort and ease. In fact, Jesus went through great pains to let people know that following him would not be easy. In the beatitudes, he actually tells people, “Blessed are you when people persecute you…” You probably won’t see that on any church brochure. But, the truth is, suffering is part of living in the kingdom of God. Christianity started on a cross, so should suffering be a surprise to anyone?
