If you were in church with us last Sunday, you know that I’ve been battling a cold for the past several days. I had something of a voice on Sunday, but by the following day, my entire voice was gone. Have you ever had that experience – where you can whisper, but not much more comes out? Well, as the day wore on, I began to think about just how “noisy” I usually am – especially before the Lord.
God’s Intent for the Church: To the Praise of His Glory
We have just begun having Sunday evening services at Mt. Haley. If you missed the first one, we’ll have one again next Sunday at 6pm! Throughout these services, Pastor David will be leading us through a study of Ephesians. The theme for this study is “God’s Intent for the Church” – looking at what Ephesians can teach us about healthy church life. This Sunday’s passage was Ephesians 1:1-14. Click the link below to hear what this passage says about being “to the praise of his glory.”
A Myth of Church Growth
On Sunday morning, October 10, Pastor David preached from Luke 17:11-19, the story of Jesus healing ten lepers. What does this story have to do with (a) last week’s installation service, (b) Pastor David’s subsequent cold, and (c) church growth issues? Click the link below to hear this message.
Preview: A Myth of Church Growth
Every church wants to grow, right? In fact, spreading the gospel is something Jesus commanded us to do. But growth for the sake of numbers isn’t always healthy – especially when it comes to “sheep-stealing.” What does this have to do with Luke 17:11-19, the story in which Jesus heals ten lepers and only one returns to thank him? Come worship with us on Sunday and we’ll explore together!
–Pastor David
Installed…now what?
This past Sunday, we shared in a wonderful experience: the installation of Mt. Haley’s new pastor, yours truly. I’ve never been “installed” before, since this is the first church I’ve pastored. From my perspective, it was a exciting, humbling, and beautiful time. But now the question that begs to be asked is this: Now what?
It’s Not About Me
In Luke 17:5-10, the apostles ask Jesus for more faith. He responds by challenging them to consider themselves unworthy (or unnecessary) servants. What does this have to do with church life today (and Forrest Gump)? Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s sermon on this passage.
Preview: It’s Not About Me
This Sunday, I’ll be preaching from Luke 17:5-10, a passage of scripture that may sound familiar but probably sounds strange in a couple of places. At least, that’s how I feel about it! Did Jesus really want us to go around replanting trees in lakes?
As you might know, this Sunday we’ll also hold an installation service to install Mt. Haley’s new pastor. It’s only somewhat tongue-in-cheek that the morning sermon’s title is “It’s Not About Me.” Come worship with us and find out what all this is about!
–Pastor David
Breathless Worship
This Monday, I had the privilege of attending the funeral service of Rev. Sam Dunbar, pastor of two nearby churches and friend to many at Mt. Haley. I never knew Sam personally, but my parents did, and I know his daughter Jenny from my seminary days. Something that happened at the end of the service was very striking, very powerful, and I’d like to share it with you.
World Falling Apart? Buy a Field.
In Jeremiah 32:1-15, the prophet Jeremiah gives an answer to the ultimate question: why is there evil in the world? But his answer is a little strange; he explains how the Lord told him to buy a field. Click the link below to hear Pastor David explain the situation and apply this passage to today’s world.
Funeral for Rev. Sam Dunbar
Rev. Sam Dunbar, pastor of St. Louis Church of God and North Bradley Church of God, passed away after a long illness on Thursday, September 23. Here are the details for the visitation and funeral:
Visitation is at Smith Funeral Home in St. Louis, Michigan on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be held on Monday at 1 p.m. at the Church of God Campground in St. Louis.
We will collect a love offering for the Dunbars during our worship service this Sunday morning. Please continue praying for the Dunbar family and our two sister churches during this difficult time of mourning.
–Pastor David