Sermons & Worship (Page 3)
Passion Fruits
By Dr. Mark Borchert An ordained minister, Mark Borchert is a Professor of Business and Communication and the Dean of Management and Creative Arts at Houghton University. Scripture: Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Our Paschal Journey: Transitions from Death into New Life
By Bob Donius Bob Donius is a retired lecturer in Theology and Franciscan Studies and former Vice President of Ministries at St. Bonaventure University. Scripture: Genesis 32:23-33:10 Lana sent me this email: “You asked about a possible focus for June 25th and I’m thinking about “transitions.” People in the old and new testaments are constantly on the move: the Israelites, Paul, Jesus…on the road, transitioning in one way or another from point A to point B to point… and it…
In His Footsteps
By Rev. Wendy Fambro Rev. Fambro is an ordained American Baptist minister who retired 2 years ago after serving a variety of churches and campus ministries. She now works full-time teaching tai chi and wellness classes to older adults in the Finger Lakes region. Scripture: Deuteronomy 34:5-12; Matthew 25:14-21 On October 14, 2001, my father, Donald W. DeMott, died following nearly three years of health struggles beginning with fluid on the brain and ending in a series of strokes. I…
Seeing through the Crowds
By Pastor Tory Bonners Tory Bonners is the pastor at Sojourners Mennonite Fellowship and a hospital chaplain. In May 2021, she graduated from her MDiv program at Denver Seminary and this spring, finished the last of her chaplaincy training at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Scripture: Mark 9:9-12; 18-26 As we just heard this passage, I wonder if the phrase: “As Jesus went on from there…” stuck out to you too? For me, that phrase brings to mind a picture…
Our One Wild and Precious Life
By Bob Donius Bob Donius is a retired lecturer in Theology and Franciscan Studies and former Vice President of Ministries at St. Bonaventure University. Scripture: Luke 4: 14-22 Song: You are Mine by David Haas What is your vocation? What are you called to? This story in the Gospel tells us how Jesus has come to understand his mission, his vocation, his calling, who he is and what he is meant to do. Like Isaiah he is called to the…
The Power of Pentecost
Scripture: Leviticus 23:15-21; Psalm 81:1-5; Acts 2:1-8, 22-24, 38-41 So that we can more clearly appreciate the Christian celebration of Pentecost, we must also understand the setting in which it happened. This is an eventful time in the city of Jerusalem. It is the annual Harvest Festival celebration at the Temple. Two great events, both ordained by God, will happen in the city of Jerusalem this week. This Sunday we celebrate one of those great events, the celebration of Pentecost,…
God’s Syllabus: Justice, Mercy, and Humility
By John Buckwalter, a member of UUC who preaches from time to time. Scripture: Micah 6:1-8 Alfred is a community focused on education. Many of us focus on education for our life work, or are retired from it. We represent many different disciplines, but there’s a tool common to all – the syllabus. I’ve probably put together more than 100 in my career; the most recent was for a computer skills course in Ethiopia 4 years ago. (For non-educators –…
Community Property
A Mother’s Day Sermon by Rick Stephens, a member of UUC who preaches from time to time. Scripture: Luke 1:39-55 I’m not sure of all the various forces or accidents of timing conspired to have me giving a sermon on Mother’s Day, of all days. Aside from not actually being a preacher of any kind, I’m mostly a teacher. Rather than some kind of inspirational message, I usually had something more practical, or even utilitarian in mind for any specific…
Must You Go?
Scripture: Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 121; Matthew 28:16-20 On the 40th day after the resurrection the physical presence of the Lord upon the earth is completed. It is time for Him to return to his rightful place in glory. It is time for Him to go home. Those who gathered with Jesus on the Mount of Olives that day were there by the special invitation of Jesus himself. This was a very personal time for them. This was a day long…
Breakfast on the Seashore
Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3; Psalm 92: 1-4; John 21:1-13 Jesus was coming to the end of his ministry on earth. He was about to demonstrate to the disciples on that morning by the seashore that He possesses the same powers and more than He had possessed before the crucifixion. Peter was always a man of action, but he, along with the other disciples must now feel like a group without purpose or direction. Waiting is hard work. The disciples were no…