What Child is This?



Thanksgiving is here.  It’s hard to believe that on the following Sunday billions of people will shift the focus to Christmas, looking forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus.  We’ve probably heard some version of the story ourselves.  But who exactly is this Jesus?  Why all the hoopla?  What does his birth have to do with me?  Join us at Sharon United Methodist Church for the discussion on Sundays in December as we ask the question, What child is this? 

 
12/1/13  Buzz Killer
12/8/13  Publishers Clearinghouse Big Check Bringer
12/15/13 Jail Breaker
12/22/13 Re-Gifter

Just Your Average Day at Taco Bell



Earlier this week, I was in Taco Bell enjoying some fiery Doritos tacos.  (Note to self and stomach: the enjoyment was short-lived!).  Two sophisticated well-dressed ladies sat at the table next to me, venting to one another about their workplace while on a lunch break.  They were dropping the F-bomb like crazy and openly sharing their wish for something very specific and very bad to happen to a colleague.  And a Happy Thanksgiving to you!  Their story opens my message this Sunday at Sharon United Methodist Church.  Find out what happened and how it connects to God, the Bible, and you.  9 and 11:15 AM.

Desert Pete



A man named Pete is lost in the desert dying of thirst.  He stumbles upon an oasis.  There’s an old-fashioned pump, one glass of water, and a note.  The note says not to drink the water, but to pour it into the pump to prime an unseen leather gasket.  Then pump all the water you want, and refill the glass for the next traveler.  Is this a test?  A cruel joke?  Pete needs water now.  There’s no guarantee the pump will work.  Should he risk pouring the precious water into a hole in the ground with the hopes of getting water that cannot be guaranteed?  What would you do? 

This Sunday we'll have an opportunity similar to Pete's, as we make a commitment of our resources to God for the coming year.  Will we clutch what we have with a death grip, or pour it out with the hope of being a part of generous blessings that are yet to be seen?

Prosperity Gospel?



God prospers generous people.  Is that true?  If so, in what ways?  Some people say that God wants to prosper us with wealth and luxury.  Others say that God prospers us through spiritual blessings, such as peace, joy, and contentment.  Some say both these approaches are right.  Others disagree.  What do you think?  Join us for the discussion this Sunday at Sharon United Methodist Church, 9 and 11:15 AM.