Verona United Methodist Church

This Sunday we begin a new sermon series entitled "The Journey to Christmas" based on an Advent series created by Pastor Adam Hamiltion of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Each Sunday  from now until January 1 we'll share in the journey taken by the primary characters in the Christmas story. On November 27th we begin in Nazareth with Mary, the angel Gabriel, and "The Annunciation." The announcement to Mary of God's grand plan of a Kingdom without end, established through a son she would carry in her womb, could not have been easy for her to comprehend or accept. She was troubled and wondered about its meaning. Still, she submitted to the will of God and his purpose for her life. What is God announcing to us on our journey to Christmas and our journey through life? Are we open to God breaking in on our carefully laid plans and dreams and doing the unexpected?

This Sunday's Message:  "The Mustard Seed Principle"  Sermon Text:  1 Samuel 4:1-11 and Matthew 17:14-23 Mustard seeds are mentioned twice in the Gospel of Matthew, once in Mark, and twice in Luke. The tiniest of seeds used by the Judean farmers, the mustard seed reminds us of an important Kingdom of God principle:  within the smallest and the least lie the secrets of the Christian life. This Sunday we begin two Sundays of looking at "The Blessings of a Thankful Heart." In regard to giving thanks, The Mustard Seed Principle reminds us that:  1) we must give thanks in all things, including the seemingly insignificant moments of life; and 2) God's greatest blessings come from places we might easily overlook.  

All of creation resounds with redemption - the cycle of the seasons, death breaking forth into new life, the insignificant contributing to the miracle of God's new creation. Jesus redeems not only the sinner, but all of creation and the promise of Scripture is clear - there will be a new heaven and a new earth and on that day a river will flow forth and the tree of life will grow by it, its leaves healing the nations. Pastor Bob shares how the work of redemption flows forth from the cross through the church, into all of creation.