Light of the Canyon United Methodist Church

The Youth Are Taking Over!!!!

Jon — Sun, 11 May 2008 20:00:49 +0000

That’s right, on Sunday, May 18 the youth are leading worship. They will be leading prayers, music, and even giving the Word. This is always a very exciting, meaningful, and even a little amusing worship experience. The youth offer a fresh perspective on matters of faith and life. They often times have much to teach. Don’t miss this unique worship service. Come and be a part of the fun! Come and feel the spirit!

Vacation Bible Camp is Coming to LOTC!

Jon — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:06:40 +0000

Light of the Canyon 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”

Jon — Mon, 05 May 2008 03:35:02 +0000

The 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 family. 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.

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“All Things New”

Jon — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:29:45 +0000

We 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.

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“The Cross and the Sword”

Jon — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:28:10 +0000

Jesus 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?

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“Christians Gone Wild”

Jon — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:42:45 +0000

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?

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“Was Copernicus a Christian?”

Jon — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:27:57 +0000

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.

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“Go Ahead, Make My Day”

Steven — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 15:19:57 +0000

Romans 12:9-21 - Who’s story do we live by, Public Culture or Jesus’s Message?

“The Road Not Taken”

Jon — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:42:59 +0000

Matthew 28:1-10 - Death will 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!

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“Bread from Heaven”

Jon — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:59:33 +0000

1 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.

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“In Good Company”

Jon — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:34:01 +0000

Matthew 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?

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“Let Peace Begin With Me”

Jon — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 05:01:56 +0000

Matthew 5:9 - Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, they will be children of God.” When he said that he co-opted a term that Roman emperors used to describe themselves. Jesus criticism goes to the lack of imagination with which the Romans pursued peacemaking. Do we do any better?

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“Pure In Heart”

Jon — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 04:43:38 +0000

Matthew 5:8 - Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, was quoted as saying, “Success demands singleness of purpose.” While he was talkin about football, he could have been talking about today’s scripture lesson. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Pure in heart does not refer to moral purity only - simply obeying all of the rules and regulations (that would have been the mistake of the Pharisees). It meant - and means - have a singular focus, Jesus Christ and his mission for our lives. How do we do this? Let’s see…

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“Mercy Me”

Jon — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:17:56 +0000

Matthew 5:1-7 - Jesus said, blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” This is not as easy as it sounds. Mercy is the act of extending ourselves to show others God’s compassion and love. This is the call that Christ places on our lives, to extend mercy to everyone, not just people we like or are comfortable with, but everyone. (more…)

“Humble Thyself”

Jon — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:12:26 +0000

Matthew 5:5-6 - When Jesus sat down to preach the sermon on the mount, very few people understood what a radical message about the kingdom of God he was about to deliver. It is seldom that one speech can have such an impact. In our time, Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream Speech” delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial comes to mind. Jesus’ message was that radical. And the journey of discipleship that he invited people to participate in would be transforming.
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