Sermon Video: Trust God, hold Man responsible - Mark 6:7-13

 Jesus sends out his 12 disciples in teams of two with a message of repentance and the power to cast out impure spirits and heal the sick. While we might wonder if the disciples are ready for such responsibility, the bigger surprise is that Jesus forbids them to take any supplies with them for the journey. Why? Not because God wants to reward poor planning or laziness, and not because God's servants should suffer from physical deprivation (as some sort of spiritual discipline), because they shouldn't. Rather it is an object lesson for the disciples, and for us, that when God promises to do something he will be faithful and fulfill it. In addition, the passage offers a stark warning to those who fail to heed the call to repent: the disciples are to symbolically 'disown' the town/village by shaking the dust of their sandals off as they leave. God is always trustworthy, our fellow man (including ourselves) needs to be held to account.

To watch the video, click on the link below:

Sermon Video: A prophet without honor - Mark 6:1-6

 "Local boy returns to a hero's welcome", that's what the headline should have read for the Nazareth newspaper (had there been one) when Jesus returned home. Instead, they recognized his wisdom and miracles, BUT scorned him anyway. Why? A toxic combination of pride and jealousy. This is not a rare phenomenon where 'familiarity breeds contempt', but it poisons our relationships and hinders both our churches and our communities. How much talent, passion, and energy have we lost because our pride/jealousy wouldn't recognize it and cultivate it in others?

To watch the video, click on the link below:

Sermon Video: "Don't be afraid, just believe." - Mark 5:21-43

 On the way to heal Jairus' sick daughter, Jesus is interrupted by a desperate woman who has suffered from a painful malady for twelve years. This woman only touches Jesus cloak, but is still healed. Stopping, Jesus seeks out the woman, and when she falls trembling at his feet, he does not scold her for her impudence, but says to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Meanwhile, Jairus' daughter has died, prompting Jesus' bold words, "Don't be afraid, just believe." How can this be? Faith is not meant to be irrational or absurd, so how can Jesus say such a thing? Simple. In the last 24 hours Jesus has demonstrated lordship over Nature (calming the storm) and the spiritual realm (driving out the Legion of demons), now he will demonstrate his lordship over Death as well. God is the giver of Life, all life, God can bring life back to the dead as well. Jesus then proves that faith placed in God's promises (Word) are well placed, as he precedes to bring the young girl back to life.

To watch the video, click on the link below:

Sermon Video: Don't turn away from God's presence - Mark 5:1-20

 Upon his arrival on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus is confronted by a man possessed by an 'impure spirit'. This frightening man does not challenge Jesus, but falls at his feet begging for mercy. Having just demonstrated his control over the physical realm (calming the storm), Jesus here demonstrates his lordship over the spiritual. Having delivered this man from spiritual darkness, Jesus then speaks with the local townspeople who rush to the scene. However, the people are afraid and ask Jesus to leave. Coming into the presence of God can be daunting, and these people would rather turn away. The healed man begs to go with Jesus, but Jesus has a better plan, and sends him to his hometown to share with them what God has done for him.

To watch the video, click on the link below:

An effort by the Venango County Christian Ministerium to show support during the pandemic to healthcare workers: signs available 11/17

 

In light of the new surge of COVID-19 cases both locally and nationally, many of the area ministers have been looking for a way to show support for both those who serve our community at UPMC Northwest in Seneca, and healthcare workers throughout our county. These brave men and women care for us when we need them, they need our support in return.

Our first step? We will be selling 18x24 yard signs (with stand) printed locally in Franklin by PMP Printing. The sign was created by my talented wife, Nicole Brzezinski Powell. {If you don't live in Venango County, please feel free to utilize the attached file to have signs/banners/etc. printed where you live; or at least, share the image on social media}

We have ordered 200 signs, they should be here at the church (1041 Liberty St. in Franklin) available for pick-up starting on the 17th. The office is open from 8-3, M-F; call 432-8061 for pick-up outside of that time window We are hoping to have them placed in front of every church in the county, and many homes as well. The signs will cost us appx. $7 per, and we will sell them for $10 each, with the $3 profit becoming a donation to our local food pantries to coincide with the offering we will take at our county-wide Thanksgiving service on the 22nd. The easiest method would be to convince your church to buy a batch and then distribute them, but we will also sell them directly at the church to individuals (the building has a mask wearing policy, thank you for your cooperation).