Paradox - August 29, 2010

The paradox of Stephen's martyrdom was the subject of this week's sermon, based on the 7^th and 8^th chapters of the Book of Acts. Pastor Betsy Ouelette described how when Christians face persecution and suffering, Christ increases. What Satan tries to use for evil, God can use for good.

Stephen's martyrdom beautifully illustrated this paradox. Saul, who oversaw the stoning of Stephen, persecuted the early Christians to the point that they were forced to leave their homes and scatter. The Bible tells us that when they left their home base, "...they became missionaries," and preached the Good News about Jesus Christ wherever they went.

The paradox would go even deeper, Betsy explained, when Saul would ultimately be converted to Christianity himself. He would become Paul, one of the early church's greatest leaders, and because of the evil of his early life, a living example of the depth of God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Betsy explained that the paradox is true for churches, congregations, and individuals. God always prevails, she said, in the end. We must decide that we are going to believe, in spite of the pain, despite the fact that we can't always see the plan God has in store for us.

She illustrated this point with a story about a rainstorm. She was driving over the weekend, she said, and encountered a storm so sudden and so strong that she couldn't see more than a few feet in front of her car. "All I could do," she said, "is hang on and keep going." Every once in a while, the rain would stop and she could see a little further ahead. Many times our Christian journey requires the faith to hold on and believe, whether we can see the road in front of us or not.

Out of suffering and blindness, she said, comes the opportunity for faith to increase.

At that point, Steve Taff from the Praise Band stepped to the pulpit to deliver his personal testimony, a living example of pain and hardship resulting in greater faith and commitment to Christ. Steve explained the physical pain he endured as the result of a severe motorcycle accident. Doctors never expected him to walk again. Not only did he experience a physical miracle, defying doctors' expectations, but he also emerged from the hospital with a renewed heart and stronger Christian faith.

Pastor Betsy closed by asking the congregation to have hope, despite pain and adversity, because God is always with us.

Free to Listen - August 22, 2010

Today's sermon featured the last speech given by Stephen before he was stoned to death.  It is found in Acts 7. Pastor Betsy Ouellette recounted how Stephen spoke to the Fathers of the Faith and reminded them of what God had done in the past in order to get them to think about the future. 

In recounting the history of their faith, Betsy told how Stephen recalled Abraham's story, as well as that of Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David and Solomon. She said he was trying to  point out how God changes the way he shows himself to the people.  As it became more obvious they were not buying into his message of salvation through Jesus, Stephen was more energized and challenging. He called them "stiff necked people" and tried to point out how they were continuing to make the same kinds of mistakes their ancestors had made  Finally, they silenced Stephen by stoning him.  But his story lived on.

Pastor Betsy challenged each person to "Think back in your life and remember the faithfulness of God" then ask the question where are we missing God and His fresh developments?  Where are we stiff necked and closed to the Gospel?  She said each of us should ask what we need to let go off and put more stock in living faith than in dead men.  Then she reminded everyone that we serve a living God who speaks to us individually and as a congregation.

Now Stephen - August 15, 2010

"Nobody starts out to be a martyr," said Pastor Betsy Ouellette as she referred to the Biblical story of Stephen as well as the sad story of the 10 people who were killed this past week by the Taliban in Afghanistan.  Among those was Dan Terry, who was supported by Killearn Methodist and had visited Tallahassee a number of times.

Reading from Acts, the story of Stephen, Betsy said that he was "just in the crowd listening to Peter on the day of Pentecost.  Then he was converted and came out of the crowd. He was chosen to be one of 7 deacons to help distribute food to the widows." So as Betsy pointed out he was basically waiting tables, being faithful one day at a time and as his gifts began to emerge he was called out.  She said, "he didn't start out to be martyred he took it one step at a time and he was confronted and killed by those who were jealous."

Likewise none of the 10 who were accused of proselytizing in Afghanistan expected to be martyred.  The Taliban members who killed them lied because all these folks were doing was the good work they had been involved in for years in helping the poor people.  Among them there was a nutritionist, a dentist, an opthalmologist and others who were working to fill needs.  Betsy repeated what Dan Terry had said years before in our town, "We don't speak the gospel because that's forbidden, we are the gospel to those people." 

Betsy said: "I don't want to imply that any of you will have to die for your faith. But everybody starts out in a crowd.  Then there's a moment when you move into community grow in scripture and knowledge of God and self and receive the call."

She closed by asking:  "Are you in the crowd?  Are you in the community? Where are you in your spiritual life?  What is your call of the moment? " She pointed out that some have heard their call, but then stopped listening. Then the pastor encouraged the members to "come out of the crowd and consider the call in your life."

Lasting Faith - August 8, 2010

Guest Speaker Jim Crosby, the new District Lay Leader, chose as his sermon topic: "Lasting Faith."  Scriptural basis is found in Hebrews 11:1-6; 12:1-2 which was read to the congregation by Susette Crosby.

Jim related the story of the people in the movie, "Under the Tuscan Sun"  who, on faith, built railroad tracks across the Alps in 1848. This was, long before there was even a train designed that would negotiate that tricky route.  150 years later trains regularly run that route which was made possible because of the "Lasting Faith" of those folks.

As inspiration for the talk Jim referenced his mom, who on August 9^th celebrates her 97^th birthday.  He said she was a true "prayer warrior" who always prayed in faith and when her prayers weren't answered in the way she had hoped for, instead of becoming discouraged and having her faith weakened, she would say: "well, that's just a blessing in disguise." The Lord has rewarded her lasting faith with a long life.

Jim referred to the way Good Samaritan UMC was formed in faith.  He talked about the faith factor in drawing up plans, not for just one building, but for three.  Jim said that to get those other two buildings built it will take a lasting faith that is demonstrated by setting a target date for the completion of each building, being faithful in our giving, praying, getting involved, inviting people to come to church and being the friendliest most welcoming church in the city.  Then, believing it will happen.  St Augustine said:  Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe." With an acitve lasting faith, Jim said, those two buildings will be built

Jailbreak - July 25, 2010

The story of John and Peter boldly preaching after the angel of the Lord had released them from prison is found in Acts 5: 12, 17-19.  In the continuing series on Acts Pastor Betsy Ouellette said they were "reminding the early church that those early days of Holy Boldness were still happening."

Betsy said that John and Peter "knew in their knower that Jesus lives so they will live."  They had just been miraculously rescued from prison by an angel of the Lord.  The jail cell was still locked and the guards were on duty.  But the jail break occurred anyway.

The pastor explained that some people today are" in prison but there are no bars on the doors."  They can be imprisoned by many things but the angel of the Lord is still working through that holy boldness.

She read a story from India where a student minister went to a home where two sisters were stricken with incurable diseases. One had leukemia, the other cystic fibrosis.  But, the people didn't know they were "incurable."  So they gathered all the believers together for a week of prayer and fasting and the sisters were completely healed.  Such miracles of healing are still being done. 

Peter and John were told to "Go.  Stand" and "Tell" Betsy asked, "What kinds of things are locking you up?"  To escape those, to have a jailbreak, she told the congregation to "Go. Stand and Tell."

 

God's Amazing Power and Presence of Healing July 18, 2010

Reverend Karen Pellett, filling in for Pastor Betsy, preached on healing.  She gave a number of examples of God's healing power in the Bible, drawing on both Old and New Testament stories.

Reverend Pellett said that God moves us from brokenness into healing because He loves us "beyond all imagination and wants us to live in wholeness."  She said "God's redeeming/healing love began in the beginning (of time) and is revealed in all the scriptures.  Healing is the deepest gift of love God gives us."

Pellett pointed out five areas of healing that God addresses:

1)      Physical

2)      Mental and emotional

3)      Spiritual

4)      Healing Prayer

5)      Sacaramental

Pastor Betsy returns  to the pulpit from vacation next week!

 

One Heart, One Mind - June 27, 2010

In her continuing sermon series on Acts Pastor Betsy Ouellette reviewed how the Holy Spirit made the believers "of one heart and one mind:" and how they sold their goods and shared with the needy.  Then, she recalled how Peter and John, when they were released from prison, were warned not to go out and preach the Gospel anymore.

In today's sermon lesson from Acts 4:23-31 Betsy talked about how the two disciples then went to a safe place. They took refuge among like minded people and gathered with others who believed in Jesus.

She asked "Where do we go when we feel threatened or when our faith is challenged?  The pastor explained that we have the same opportunity that Peter and John had.  We can go to our friends in Christ and ask for prayer support.  She admitted that even though she knows that's the thing to do that she doesn't always do it.  Smiling Betsy, said that sometimes she goes out and shops for shoes.  But she said that the thing to do is to raise our voices together to the Lord when we are threatened by circumstances and our faith is challenged.    

Betsy said the Holy Spirit fills and equips us over and over again to face these faith challenges.  She said it's like drinking a glass of water when you get thirsty.  It's not that you do it once and never get thirsty again.  You do it over and over.  In such a way the Holy Spirit continues to fill the hearts of believers and prepare them to cope with difficulties.  

Pastor Betsy's sermon can be heard on-line.

Standing Together - May 30, 2010

Continuing the sermon series on Acts, Pastor Betsy read from Acts 2: 14, 21-41.This was the second part of Peter's  powerful sermon at Pentecost.  Jesus said that He was giving His followers the keys to the kingdom.  Betsy said, "Peter started using those keys that day to open doors for new believers and the pastor read: "Those who believed what Peter said and were baptized and added to the church "about three thousand."  Now that was one powerful sermon!

But, as Betsy pointed out "Peter did not stand alone that day."  The 11 other disciples stood with him and the other believers were there and of course, the Holy Spirit was with Him as he preached.  They were all standing, waiting, praying and expecting with Peter.  Betsy said: "faith = expectation.  Behind his words there was the power of the Spirit. There was unity of experience"

The Pastor said like these early believers we should prayerfully consider our next move as a church.  While our numbers have been consistent we have been maintaining not growing to the level we had anticipated.  She said no one is challenged to go into ministry alone.  We must be "a praying church."  That's how we got to this point and our growth will be dependent upon praying together and expecting great growth and achievements as we stand together and are led by the Holy Spirit.

The Pastor talked about the exciting things happening in the "spiritual gifts" class and challenged all who had not taken the class to do so next time.  Discovering these gifts will enable each person to attain growth and Good Samaritan will grow as well.

Pastor Betsy's sermon can be heard on-line.

I Believe in the Holy Spirit - May 22, 2010

On Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Betsy Ouellette's sermon based on Acts 2:1-21 was entitled "I Believe in the Holy Spirit."

Pentecost is the 50^th day after Passover which makes it seven full weeks after that event.  Betsy said that sometimes people are frightened by the Holy Spirit.  But, she pointed out that the Holy Spirit is a person and doesn't draw attention to self, but to the Godhead of the Heavenly Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

It is through the Holy Spirit we are transformed to live a life like Jesus.  Betsy talked about experiencing the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit.  She read the Nicene Creed and brought attention to the focus on the Holy Spirit as being fully Divine and how enabling the Spirit to work through us requires a posture of expectation.

The pastor spoke from personal experience of seeing the Holy Spirit at work on a mission trip to India.  There was great healing there because the expectations it would occur were present.

Betsy invited the church to watch and see God working through the Holy Spirit in our congregation during the coming weeks as the sermon series on Acts continues.

Pastor Betsy's sermon can be heard, in it's entirety, on-line.  

You Shall Receive Power - May 16, 2010

Many Good Samaritan members were greeted at the door by Pastor Betsy Ouellette with the question: "What does the Holy Spirit look like?"  Later, the pastor admitted that she was interviewing those folks to gather information for the sermon.

The answers Betsy received included that the Holy Spirit appears as an aura surrounding people.  One person said that the Holy Spirit looks like a smile or laughter. Still another perceived the Spirit as community. 

Pastor Betsy was beginning a sermon series on the book of Acts and the first lesson came from Acts 1:1-9 in which Jesus told His disciples "when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will receive power..."  This scripture prompted the search to discover just what this power looks and feels like.

Jesus said this power would enable the disciples to tell people everywhere about him.  Betsy said this meant more than just "going out and handing out ‘Jesus Saves' tracts to people."  She related that this power from the Holy Spirit  enabled us to form a new church; it is the power to heal broken relationships; it is the power to do things we don't want to do."

She also said this power is available to all of us if "we are willing to receive it, then our hearts will be transformed.  When we admit that we are weak then the Holy Spirit will make us strong. "

Pastor Betsy's sermon can be heard on-line.

The Flow - May 2, 2010

How can we each be a conduit for good to work through us? You have to get a "flow" going, said Jim Crosby, frequent Lay Speaker and author of You Can't Become a Football Overnight, Monday Morning Devotions, and Devotions for the Armchair Quarterback. "A life that is flowing is going places."

A life flowing smoothly like a river is a good way to visualize the peace of the Lord celebrated in the 23rd Psalm. There are times, however, when an object in the river gets hung-up, when rain swells the river, or the current is rough. How do we get back on track when we encounter "flowmongers" such as problems in our jobs, broken relationships, or feelings that our provisions are just not enough? Jim shared that he restores his flow by being open to the Holy Spirit. When you are open to the Holy Spirit, you flow toward becoming the person that God wants you to be.

It is never too late to begin anew, or to maneuver around what we might see as the flowmongers of time and age. Jim related from Colossians 2:7 that by letting your roots grow toward Christ you will strengthen in faith and overflowing with thankfulness. From 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Jim shared how the Lord can make our love increase and overflow to others if we just ask.

When contemplating your day, each day, "commit all of it to the Holy Spirit," urged Jim. "Ask God to grow your capacity to love."

The Walk to Emmaus - April 25, 2010

Pastor Betsy Ouellette taught how each day is a day to have an encounter with the living Christ as she shared from Luke 24:13-35.

Two followers of Jesus had left Jerusalem and were grieving his death as they walked to Emmaus. They were joined by Jesus who hid his identity from them. Jesus engaged them in conversation about the recent events of the crucifixion and the empty tomb, and then explained how these events were really Scripture come to fruition. When the two followers came to their destination, they invited the stranger [Jesus] to stay with them, when it appeared he planned to continue down the road. They shared a table with him. As Jesus gave thanks over the bread and broke it for them, they suddenly recognized Him. He disappeared, but they recalled how their hearts were warmed as He walked with them and revealed the meaning of the Scriptures to them.
As Betsy is fond of saying, "God comes to us disguised as our lives." She urged everyone to be open to those moments in everyday living when you can share your walk with Him. Betsy also suggested that the two followers probably would not have recognized Jesus had they not extended the gift of hospitality to Him. The simple gesture of hospitality opened the door to this miraculous experience and the wondrous testimony that they would share upon their immediate return to Jerusalem.

Christian hospitality is an act of receiving strangers or guests without receiving a reward. It is not "entertaining." It's an opportunity to share Jesus - even if you don't mention the word "Jesus."We can extend hospitality in countless ways, from being a host to "couch surfers," to holding a home group supper, to opening your home to children in a travelling children's choir. Yes, said Betsy, there is a risk when you let people see how you really are, but the possibility to deepen our relationship with the Lord and one another is far greater.

Love Action - April 18, 2010

Reverend Karen Pellett shared a message based on John 21, the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples while fishing following the resurrection. At first, the disciples in their boat did not recognize Jesus standing on the shore. Jesus calls to them and tells them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. When they do this, their net fills with so many fish that they cannot bring the haul aboard.

"Often we do not recognize Jesus bidding us," said Pellett. Yet, He is inviting us to follow Him and rely on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

When the disciples realize the man on the shore is Jesus, they rushed to the shore to meet him. Jesus tells them to bring some of the fish, and they have breakfast. After breakfast, Jesus asks Peter three times if Peter loves him, and gives Peter his calling.

"We are all given our call in some way," said Pellett who recounted how she felt God's call since she was six years old. "God will give us the gifts we need when we are called," said Pellett. "How is it that you will follow Jesus and love Him?"

Reverend Pellett is an Elder from the West Ohio Conference and is a Bishop appointed to serve as Chaplain at the Big Bend Hospice.

Believing is Seeing - April 11, 2010

"The more we see Jesus the more we want to see Him," said Pastor Betsy Ouellette in her message "Believing is Seeing."  The scripture lesson was based on John 20: 19-30. She began by pointing out how this time of Easter is a time of rejoicing and how this scripture is jam packed with celebratory messages. 

After the crucifixion and resurrection the disciples were meeting behind locked doors when Jesus walked through those doors and instantly was right beside them.  Betsy said that just as Jesus was not restricted by those secured doors, he can walk right through those doors in our life and stand right beside us in difficult times.  He walked through the door and showed them his wounds, so seeing led to believing.

The disciples believed because they were eye witnesses that Jesus had risen and was back with them.  Betsy said blessed are those who do not see Him and still believe.  He is ascended so we do not physically see Him, but we are asked to believe.

Pastor Betsy's sermon can be heard on-line.

"Daybreak" Easter Sunday Service-April 4, 2010

Pastor Betsy Ouellette told the congregation that this Easter Sunday Service would be about darkness and light. She said although some enjoy the dark that often we find ourselves waiting for the light, when we are afraid or something ominous has happened.  The Worship Band had played "Here Comes the Sun" and Betsy referred to hanging on and waiting for the sun to come out.

Steve Taff read the Resurrection Story in John 20: 1-18.  Betsy related how Mary Magdalene had stood at the cross and watched Jesus suffer, had seen them take Him off the cross, take Him to the garden and place Him in the tomb.  She had waited all night for the sun to come up so she could go, see the body and anoint it with oil.  Betsy told about the despair of the disciples who had followed Him and now their hopes were broken; their dreams shattered.

The pastor asked if we had ever felt like that?  Then she talked about Holy Saturday and how Jesus was at work going to Sheol and emptying the tombs. That says to us no matter how dark things seem in our lives there is light because Jesus is at work and as the Bible says:  "Death is swallowed up in victory.           

The sun will shine again, the pastor said, just as it did on that Sunday when Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene.  He had triumphed over death.  The service was closed with the traditional recitation by the congregation.  The Pastor said aloud:  "Christ is Risen." The people followed with "He has risen indeed!  This was recited three times with each one getting louder until the last one was a very loud shout.           

Betsy closed by saying, "I know my Redeemer lives.  He offers us new life.  He offers us eternal life this moment.  Because He lives we can face tomorrow."

Pastor Betsy's sermon can be heard on line.

Go Move Mountains March 21, 2010

Tracie Ashley was guest speaker today.  Her family members were charter members of Good Samaritan UMC and she has been a member of the Worship band from the start.  Her husband Erick Ashley, former Assistant Pastor of the church is now Youth Director at Hyde Park UMC, Tampa.  The family will move after school's out.

Tracie called on several scriptures today with the key ones being Matthew 17:14-21 and Mark 4:30-42.  She kept returning to the term  "Oh you of little faith" as she talked about how the faith of the disciples kept wavering, only to be reinforced again by Jesus.  Then she referred to the story in Mark of the mustard seed and how Jesus said if a person has faith only as big as a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, it can grow into something big. 

Tracie said she recently had a quiet session with her children and reminded them how God had found a place for them at Good Samaritan for a reason.  There was something in this church that appealed to each of their desires. She pointed out His plan was to prepare them for their new home in Tampa. When they questioned how she knew that she told them how God has a plan for everyone and how it says in the Bible He is always faithful to keep his promises.

She said that "God is a relational God and wants to spend time with us." So, if we have faith only as big as the mustard seed we can move mountains, but don't be surprised if he hands us a shovel. Then, one day you will be standing on the top with that mountain beneath your feet and Jesus by your side."

Tracie closed by saying it had been the privilege of her life to worship, serve, learn and play together with us at Good Samaritan United Methodist Church.

Tracie's sermon can be heard on-line.

“Hungry” March 14, 2010

The parable of the prodigal son was the Sermon Topic approached by Pastor Betsy Ouellette in today's worship services. As usual the Good Samaritan Pastor managed to take a familiar Bible story, put an interesting twist on it and aim it directly at the congregation in a way that each member could determine where they could see their own lives in this story.

After Worship Band leader Steve Taff read the story found in Luke 15:11-31, Betsy said that she wanted us to look at the old familiar story with fresh eyes.  She pointed out that the younger brother, the prodigal son, came back home because he was hungry. He took his money and ran in the first place because he was hungry to meet new people, see new places, do new things.  Betsy said, "sometimes you just have to go and do it to find out. That didn't make him a bad guy.   When he came to his senses and his sense of hunger was overwhelming he realized there was always something eat in his Father's house."

But, the pastor pointed out the older son, the one who had stayed at home and worked hard and was now angry that the foolish brother was being welcomed back with a party, was hungry too.  He was hungry for his Father's approval.  He had everything, but for some reason he didn't feel the love he was so hungry for.

The fact is that both of the sons had their Father's love. Likewise we have our Heavenly Father's love.  We can always go home.  When things aren't going well, when we are having a bad day we can return home.  Our Father is waiting to throw a party and celebrate our return because He loves us.

Pastor Betsy's sermon can be heard on-line. 

Guatemala Mission Trip March 7, 2010

Ten men representing Good Samaritan UMC recently completed a mission trip to Panajachel, Guatemala where they helped build houses for two very poor families.  They worked with Lloyd and Melanie Monroe of Porch de Salomon, whose hometown is Waukeenah, FL, but now reside there. The "ten desk-jockies", as they referred to themselves, were Jason Roper, Scott Shalley, Tom Dennig, Terry Cole, Matt Davis, Steve Taff, Pastor Erick Ashley, Mike Roper, Mike Brandon and Nelson Munn.  The team presented the worship program this morning and shared their experiences with the congregation.

After Scott Shalley (9:30) and Terry Cole (11 am) made the morning announcements. Team member Tom Dennig led the morning prayer; Matt Davis presented the Stewardship Moment and Offertory Prayer; Steve Taff read the scripture lesson from Matthew 14: 13-21.  Then three team members spoke about the trip and the fulfilling experience of building homes for the families.

Jason Roper shared that the town where they were working had both Spanish and Mayan-speaking people.  The team spoke neither and worked through an interpreter.  They started each day with a devotion.  Then reality hit...as Jason described it there was a lot of manual labor; ditch digging, carrying concrete blocks up a hill, digging sewer lines, etc.  In describing the experience he uses the terms incredible; encouraging; phenomenal and life changing. 

Tom Dennig talked about interacting with the people especially the kids.  They played soccer and basketball.  The schools let the kids come watch the work during recess. He shared how the trip was on his "bucket list" of things to do, but he wasn't seriously considering it until his wife encouraged him to go to the intitial planning meeting.  There he got hooked. Building the houses changed his life and the families they were built for.

Scott Shalley said that the team had a somewhat condescending attitude towards the people, when they first arrived, but discovered it could be the other way around.  When they observed how much joy there was in that village it was if these poor people really had blessings beyond what the team members possessed. He also became aware of how important it is "not to talk himself out of something" even if it seems hard to do before trying it. He said he learned from this experience that everyone has riches and areas of needs.  He closed by saying the best thing he learned might have been a basic lesson of just being more aware of the way we lead our lives and represent the Lord.

The Pana Team worship service can be heard on-line.

"Testing" February 28, 2010

The baptism of Jesus was the beginning of his public ministry. After being anointed, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tested. "The wilderness represents a wild place where nothing makes sense but you are discovering who you are," said Pastor Betsy Ouellette. "Some of you may be there right now."

Luke 4:1-13 describes how, in the wilderness, Jesus was tested by the devil. He faced real struggles. Rather than make easy choices that would short circuit God's plan, Jesus remained true to what God had called him to do. He answered every test with the word of God. Just as Jesus did, we can integrate the word of God into our lives.

The same struggles of the wilderness presented themselves to Jesus again and again. It would have been easy for Jesus to lose focus on what God had fully intended for him. He could have limited himself to relieving the pain of the world, devoting himself entirely to healing and feeding. The fullness of his ministries, however, was to eternally reconcile people's souls to God.

In occupied Palestine, there were those who would have liked Jesus to assume the mantle of a worldly king, Betsy reminded the congregation. He did not follow the temptation to step into this role.  His true calling was to be King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Jesus was also tempted to protect his physical safety. Yet, he chose the hard path. "He chose the way of the cross for us," said Betsy.

What tempting voices test your resolve to become whole? In spite of our failings, God will never leave us. In times of trial, the Holy Spirit will teach you, and in confession you will be made new.

"Step of Faith" Feb. 21, 2010

When the Lord said to Abraham "I will make you a great nation" in Genesis 12:1-9, He gave Abraham both an imperative and a promise. As God called Abraham and Sarah to leave what seemed secure, He took them from barrenness to blessing, said Pastor Betsy Ouellette.

The promises of God are always fulfilled.  In Luke 3:33-38, the lineage of Christ's Hebrew family is traced back through Abraham. In Luke 3:21-23, at the baptism of Jesus, God announced that Jesus is His Son.  God's voice from heaven overcomes the barrenness of humanity.

Following a call from God is a pilgrimage of faith without a map. Faith is trusting the One who knows all things to accompany us on the journey. "If you aren't a little bit scared, it's probably not a calling," said Betsy.

Yet, to stay in what we think is safety is to stay in barrenness. The reality is that the world is not as safe and secure as we pretend it to be. "Well being" cannot be conjured up by humans, despite attempts to do so as in the story of the Tower of Babel.

When we are willing to be humbled by God, we truly receive a gift. "Do not underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit to change you and those around you," said Betsy. Our willingness to be obedient to God can be a blessing to others. Abraham's decision to follow the call of God had global implications. So could an obedient decision from any of one of us. A Holy adventure may await you in a decision to travel to Guatemala to build houses for families (as a group of GSUMC men did recently) or to volunteer in an area such as Children's Ministry.

Like Abraham, we can also journey in stages and make symbolic "altars" or markers that honor God.  In such a way, Betsy concluded her sermon by inviting the congregants to remember their own baptisms at the baptismal font during communion time.

"A Shaky Center" - February 14, 2010

In Genesis, God told the people to multiply and cover the earth. "God loves diversity," said Pastor Betsy Ouellette. Yet, the people settled together, spoke one language, and began building a tower to make a name for themselves. God looked at what the people were building and said "let us scatter them."

With hubris and conformity, the people of Babel were disobedient to God. The people did not want to scatter; they wanted a shared identity of power and control.

Belonging to a cause becomes destructive if it is born out of fear and pride, said Betsy as she related Genesis 11:1-9 to modern life. Although extreme examples would include Nazi Germany and today's al-Qaeda, it can occur in lesser degrees. A fortress mentality that leaves others out can divide families and organizations. "Unity around a false center can never produce fruit," said Betsy.

The Tower of Babel is the hinge point for introducing the story of Israel, related Betsy. After confusing their speech and scattering the people, God set apart a special people - the Israelites- who did not have a shaky center. These people would have God at their center, and out of Israel would come our Lord Jesus.

We are to be unified in Christ, explained Betsy. The Book of Acts, Chapter 2, depicts the reversal of Babel at Pentecost. A violent rush of wind bought tongues of fire to rest on the gathered Christian believers. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the believers began to speak and be heard in other tongues.

"Go forth and be better listeners in spirit," urged Betsy in conclusion. "Look at each other and celebrate your differences."

“A Promise We Can Count On" February 7, 2010

In continuing the "God Gave us Stories" sermon series today Pastor Betsy Ouellette shared insights from the familiar story of Noah and the great flood.  "A Promise We Can Count On" was derived from Genesis 6-9.

After leading the congregation in a peppy, children's song about Noah's ark, Betsy talked about the promise God made to all creation and how the rainbow was a sign and a reminder that He would keep that promise.

In the beginning of this series Betsy talked about the boundaries God established when he created the world.  Adam and Eve stepped outside those boundaries and so did Cain in the murder of his brother Abel.  Now, people had stepped so far outside of those boundaries, forgotten about Him, and allowed so much evil to creep into the world, that God decided to destroy the world and start over.

But, because of one righteous man, Noah, he spared one family and the animals they selected to go on the ark with them.  The pastor said that this story of the flood is only one of 250 stories containing floods that ancient people told.  One such version was that a god sent the destructive flood because the people woke him up from his nap.

Betsy pointed out that our flood story, taken directly from the Bible is different because it is all about one God---Yahweh---and incorporates sin, judgement and grace into it.  As far as the grace goes, because of one man, creation was saved and a promise was made by God that he would never destroy creation by a flood again.  As a sign he created a rainbow and every time we see one we should be reminded of His great promise.  She said other symbols that arise from this story are the flood as symbolic of cleansing of the earth just as baptism is a cleansing of our souls.  Also, the ark, and the protection it afforded Noah and his family, is a symbol of the church.

Betsy closed by saying that she learned many years ago that she could never lead a life that was good enough to earn her salvation.  It comes as a free gift.

Pastor Betsy's sermon can be heard on-line!

"East of Eden" January 31, 2010

Many theories abound as people have tried to answer why God did not accept Cain's offering in the story of Cain and Abel found in Genesis 4:1-25. It's disturbing to us that God rejected Cain's offering. "We want to let God off the hook," said Pastor Betsy Ouellette. Yet, it's worth considering that God chose to introduce crisis and choice in this instance. 

As Cain struggled with crisis and sin, he made the wrong choice. Cain murdered his brother Abel, whose offering was favored by God. Cain is then judged by God, who punishes Cain by sending him out from His presence. Still, God gives Cain a mark of protection when Cain fearfully pleads with God. 

On the other side of crisis is great learning, said Betsy. We see that God is merciful. Cain went on to build a city and father children. His descendants introduced culture and innovation. "Life is never over when you cry out to God," said Betsy.  

We have the protective mark of God in our lives through baptism, said Betsy. This mark does come with instructions, though. God teaches us to love one another. He wants us to give up bitterness and anger in reconciliation with one another as we offer Him our gifts. 

"Reconciliation is always the right decision," said Betsy. By reconciling ourselves to God through Christ, we become participants in extending His kingdom.

Pastor Betsy's sermons can be heard on-line.

 

“In the Garden” January 24, 2010

Continuing the sermon series "God Gave us Stories" Pastor Betsy Ouellette's sermon was taken from Genesis 2 through 3:24.  It's title "In the Garden" comes from God's creation story and the Garden of Eden.

As the story leads to the creation of woman Betsy pointed out that this story has everything.  It has joy, sorrow, resolution and hope.  She talked about how God made  boundaries when he created everything.  He set up boundaries to take the chaos away as he created heavens and earth, then the waters and separated them by land.

Then, in creating man and woman he gave Adam and Eve boundaries.  But, instead of focusing on all the good things within those boundaries that focused on the one thing that was outside of those boundaries, the forbidden fruit of the tree that was off-limits.

The pastor related that to everyday life wherein we can do all kinds of good things, but one thing that is, outside the boundary, the one bad thing is the one that folks will focus on.  All of those good "inside the boundaries" things we do are overwhelmed by the one bad thing.

The consequences of Adam and Eve going outside of God's boundaries was their banishment from the Garden of Eden.  Then they were required to till the earth...to support themselves by the sweat of their brow.  Betsy explained that we have been "given freedom of thought and movement."  But, when we choose to step outside the laws within God's boundaries we sin.  As John Wesley said: "Sin is fully violating the known law of God."  Fortunately as Betsy said, "God clothes us with mercy, love and forgiveness."

Pastor Betsy's sermon can be heard on-line.

 

“In the Beginning” January 17, 2010

Today marked the beginning of a new sermon series, "God Gave Us Stories" based on the Old Testament  and led by Pastor Betsy Ouellette.  Where better to begin than "In the Beginning?"  The Pastor read from the first and second chapters of Genesis.

Betsy pointed out that Genesis sets the tone for the entire Bible and our relationship with God.   She referred to the recurring phrase; "God saw it was good" and said to hang on to that because everything God created was good.  She stated that Genesis is not a scientific writing nor is it historical or myth.  It is "a piece of poetic writing" attributed by most to Moses.  It's purpose was to "encourage the exiles in pointing out that their God is special." 

It was a writing that enabled them to ask: "Did you hear what our God did?"  The God that they worshipped created the moon, the stars and the sun.  So there was no need to worship these things as some other cultures did.

The pastor pointed out that even though there is distance between God and us we are "invited to be in relationship with Him...not controlled but invited."

The series continues on January 24^th and the 11 am service will be followed by a chili lunch on the church grounds as a send-off for the 10 men from the church who are going on a mission trip to Guatamala in February.  Cost of admission is one large bottle of any type of multi-vitamin that the mission team will take with them to distribute.

Pastor Betsy's sermon can be heard on-line.