Sermon Themes

September Sermon Series:

Nothing to Fear, Nothing to Prove.

Truth be told, we have nothing to fear because God is always with us and we have nothing to prove because the love and grace of Christ Jesus sets us free. In this three week sermon series, we will be looking at these truths from 1 John which will strengthen our faith as we proclaim the love of God in our lives. We will be encouraged to share this same love of God with others so that they, too, will have nothing to fear and nothing to prove.

September 15: Love No Matter What ~ 1 John 4:7-21

We are called to love others no matter what because of the great love and grace of God that is ever present in our lives. Jesus modeled how to live a life of love. How are you loving others? Remember, through Christ we have nothing to fear and nothing to prove because of the love of God that has been poured into our lives. Still, this concept of loving others no matter what is difficult and challenging. May the Holy Spirit fill us and use to share the love of God with others.

September 22: Worship & Church Picnic ~ Annville Church Of The Brethren Pavillion

There is one worship service at 10:30 am led by "Brothers In Grace
Gospel Quartet" and then followed by the church picnic. Worship and the picnic are held at the Annville Church of the Brethren pavilion.

September 29: The Power Of Prayer In Community ~ James 5:13-20 Guest Speaker: Chris Ritchie

The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. We are called to pray in all circumstances, whether in suffering, joy or sickness. Within the context of community we can hold one another up in mutual support, confession and restoration so that in all ways the body of Christ may be built up to the glory of God.

October Sermon Series:

"Pressing On"

Pressing On sermon series:

It seems as though each day we are doing whatever it is to press on and move one step forward. If we are honest with ourselves, we will acknowledge there are many things that overwhelm us such as, changes, failures, grief, uncertainties, and even our schedules. As we continue to press on, let us look at some Scripture passages to guide us toward living a life that is full and abundant both individually and as a church. As we press forward, may we seek the good and grace that our Lord has gifted to us. As we are pressing on, may we do so with purpose and intention as we live the lives God has called us to and as we engage the work God has called us to, together. May we know who we are and whose we are.

October 6: That I May Gain Christ; Philippians 3:4b-14

Who are you? Who and/or what defines you? It is important to look at our accomplishments. In our passage, Paul claims who he is from a worldly point of view, but also claims all of his accomplishments mean nothing if it wasn’t for Jesus. Paul was focused on living a life that was pleasing for God. He pressed on toward the goal. What are you pressing on toward? What must you get rid of in this world to live for Jesus?o

October 13: Think on These Things; Philippians 4:1-9

What do you find yourself thinking about these days? What floods your thoughts? Let us reorient our thinking and how we process our thoughts? Our actions and deeds are often a result of our thinking. Together, we are called to grow in faith and to build up the kingdom of God which is here and now. We need to begin somewhere, so let us start with ourselves, with our families, with our church family and continue to reorient our thinking for good, as we press on. Pressing on cannot and will not happen without changing our minds and without thinking about the things that are holy, joyful, right, and true. May we always rejoice in the Lord and give God the glory and praise.

October 20: Known by Name; Exodus 33:12-23

The Israelites knew something about pressing on as they were in with wilderness. Maybe you know what it is like to be wandering and in the wilderness. During these times, we are seeking identity in who we are and whose we are. Pressing on can be challenging, especially when aimlessly wandering. But, you are known by God, who is our strength and refuge. You are loved by God who calls you by name. God in His goodness calls us and continues to reach out to us. God in His goodness knows us and loves; therefore, we can press on in faith and love and we can press on sharing the love of Jesus with others.

October 27: On These Two Commandments; Matthew 22:34-46

The Pharisees were trying to test Jesus by asking Jesus which commandment was the greatest. In this passage, we receive the Greatest commandment about loving the Lord our God and loving our neighbors. Everything we are and who we are to be about should be hinged on this greatest commandment. It is challenging. Pressing on in this life should be about living the greatest commandment. This is what gives us hope and purpose. Let us press on to embrace these truths and to live into the strength and perseverance that God gifts us.