August 2008

August 3

"This Holy Mystery"

Kevin R. Armstrong, preaching

It's Communion Sunday. The service is a little longer, and the liturgy sounds pretty solemn. You know it's important, but the wonder is lost. What does it all mean, really? Come experience how breaking bread, receiving communion, and eating together create a pattern for faithful living at home, school, work, and larger community.

August 10

"An Inconvenient Thanks"

Brian K. Williams, preaching

Offering is an outpouring of thanks for the Source of all gifts, and not simply managing resources. We graciously give to others through various offerings and ministries, but joy comes in sacrifice. We give easily but what does it look like to give sacrificially and receive with humility? God calls all of creation to depend on God, which is more than belief.

August 17

"Haven't Got a Prayer?"

Kevin R. Armstrong, preaching

Paul Tillich wrote that the person who truly knows how to pray is the person who says she doesn’t know how to pray. After all, according to Paul, prayer is about God praying through us not about the words that come from our mouth. So, how should we pray? Should our prayers beg? intercede? confess? praise? Today we’ll explore how our prayers begin in silence but often lead to places we wouldn’t have imagined.

August 24

Education Sunday

"Hymning Together Our Faith"

Lisa D. Schubert, preaching

At North Church, we love to celebrate with beautiful music. What really happens when we sing together? What should we be listening for? Whether we belt like Pavarotti or can’t carry a tune in a bucket, singing the words of our faith gives us the opportunity to praise God, to understand our faith, to be comforted in our pain, and to have hope for God’s future.

August 31

"Leaving or Being Sent?"

Kevin R. Armstrong, preaching

Many congregations share a familiar blessing: “Our service of worship has ended. Our worship through service begins.” How does participation in worship direct and equip us for faithful service in the world? And how do we bring our service of the previous week back into our life of worship?