Sermons by Rev. Elizabeth Horton (Page 2)

Sermons by Rev. Elizabeth Horton (Page 2)

TIME TO DECIDE

As we move into Sunday, we begin the series LENT 2020: Training for the Body.  We will gather around the Table of Christ and hear the words, “This is my body, given for you.  Do this in remembrance of me.”   Jesus walked upon this earth in a real-life flesh-and-bone body – just like ours.  During Holy Communion, we remember that in the body of Jesus, the church becomes a body.  This year Lent will be a time of training our own bodies as…

LIVING IN THE LIGHT

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one…

THE PROMISE OF FREEDOM

Sunday we finish our series on God’s Promises with the last promise as Freedom.  In Deuteronomy 30: 15-20, God addresses the Israelite people, “I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity.” Sometimes freedom feels like a gift, and at other times feels like a curse. Sometimes it isn’t always clear which choice leads to life and which one leads to death.  Sometimes we would rather the choice be made for us.  We always have the freedom to…

THE PROMISE OF GUIDANCE

This Sunday we will be reminded that God gives us the Promise of Guidance. Sunday’s Scripture is from Matthew 5: 13-20, which is still part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In what ways do you need guidance in your life?….Matthew 5: 13-20

THE PROMISE OF BLESSING

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7“Blessed are the merciful,…

THE PROMISE OF MINISTRY

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13>He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:……Matthew 4: 12-23

The Promise of Faithfulness

This Sunday we focus on the Promise that God is faithful to us from I Corinthians 1: 1-9.  Monday, January 20 is the anniversary of First Reformed UCC, which is also the same day as Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. We will remember God’s faithfulness during 119 years of ministry in uptown Lexington and in the continued call for us to work toward reconciliation and peace for all humanity.

The Promise of New Life

This Sunday we begin a new series entitled “New Year, Same Promises.” We will explore the promises God makes to us.  The first is the Promise of New Life.  Our scripture is Matthew 3: 13-17. Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan.  He rises from the waters and emerges with a calling to serve and carry out God’s justice, radical love, and hospitality in this world.

When God Makes a Way

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public………Matthew 1: 18-25. 

Getting Ready

But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be…