[This sermon was given as part of a series of ecumenical, community Lenten services.] Good evening. I am Pastor Stephen from the Reformed Church of Stout. Way back at our first Lenten evening service this year, Pastor Robby remarked that Colfax Center is often listen as being in rural Holland. Well, we live in urban... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Messy Hospitality
I invite you to turn in your bibles with me to Luke, chapter 14, beginning in verse 1. Luke 14, beginning in verse 1. Luke is in the New Testament - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. If you do not have a bible with you, feel free to grab one from the pew in front... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Jesus Provides A Banquet
I invite you to open your Bibles with me to the gospel of Luke. Luke 9, beginning in verse 1. Luke is in the New Testament - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Luke 9, beginning in verse 1. This Lent, we are joining Jesus around the table. We have been exploring the meals of Jesus... Continue Reading →
Sermon: The World’s Worst Dinner Party
According to Robert Karris, “In Luke’s Gospel Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal.” It seems that Jesus, like the people of Stout, doesn’t do anything without food. He enjoyed eating and drinking with people so much that he was called ‘a glutton and a drunkard, a... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Feasting with Jesus
Three times in the gospels, Jesus begins a sentence with “The Son of Man came…” If you were with us last week, can you remember any of those three? The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10) The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Remember the Mission
This last Wednesday, we entered the season of Lent - the 40 days before Easter where we intentionally join our steps with the steps of Jesus as he heads to the cross in Jerusalem. At all times, our worship is about Christ, leads us to Christ, is empowered by the Spirit in union with Christ,... Continue Reading →
Sermon: A Song of Hope
I invite you to open your Bibles with me to Micah, chapter 7. Micah 7, beginning in verse 1. For the last seven weeks, we have been listen to God’s Word through the prophet Micah, listening for the very heart of God. I invite you, one more time, to listen with me to the very... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Empty Hands
I invite you to open your Bibles with me to the book of Micah. Micah, chapter 6, beginning in verse 1. Micah is in the Old Testament - Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk. Micah 6, beginning in verse 1. Before we hear God’s word this morning, please take a moment to pray with me. Father,... Continue Reading →
Prayer: Too Big, Too Small
A prayer on reading Micah 6:8, "He has shown you, o mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Exalted God, you ask too little and too much of us. You show us justice and mercy and... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Peace and Disruption
I invite you to turn in your Bibles with me to Micah, chapter 5. Micah 5, beginning in verse 1. Micah is in the Old Testament - Obadiah and Jonah on the left and Nahum and Habakkuk on the right. Micah 5, beginning in verse 1. As we listen to God’s word this morning, I... Continue Reading →
Etz Pri 