Pastor Michelle Buckle's Sermon Schedule

8/24/2008
Text: Matthew 14: 26-30 

Title:   Crying Out in Fear:

     Managing our Fears before They Manage Us!

      Getting Our Fear Under Control Before it Undoes Us!

Theme:  But when the Disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified saying, ‘It is a ghost!”  And they cried out in fear.  But immediately, Jesus spoke to them and said,  “Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid.”

 Peter answered him, “Lord if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  He said, “Come.”  So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.  But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sin, he cried, “Lord, save me!”

                                                    Matthew 14: 26-30

 Helpful Quote: 

Nothing is so much to be feared as fear.

                                               --Henry David Thoreau

8/17/2008
Text: Matthew 14: 30-32  With references to Joseph from Genesis 37 and 45

Title: Seeing the Wind:  Your Resiliency Factor in the ‘Storms of Life’ and Why It Matters

Theme:  But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened and beginning to sin, he cried out, “Lord save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt. When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. “
Matthew 14: 30-32

Joseph: You Meant it for Harm…but God intended it for good

Helpful Quote: Jesus promised those who would follow him only three things: that they would be absurdly happy, entirely fearless…and always in trouble
Gregg Levoy

 

8/10/2008
Text: Matthew 14: 22-33

Title: Walking on the Water:  Finding the Courage to Live Outside our Comfort Zone

Theme: 

He said:  Come.  So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus

    Helpful quote:  I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately.. and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.  

                                                                Henry David Thoreau

8/3/2008
Text: Genesis 32: 22-31

Title: What’s In a Name?
Theme: 

 ·       Jacob wrestles with ‘God’ at the Ford of Jabbok/ receives a new name

·      So what happened actually?  And what’s with the name change

·       What does it mean to wrestle/struggle with God and come out OK?

·       What do we take away from our struggles…

·       Final thoughts on the Life of Jacob:

7/27/2008
Text: Genesis 29: 15-28

Title: When Life Throws You a Curve Ball
Theme: 

• Betrayal/deception
• Trusting man instead of God (will usually disappoint)—lower expectations?
• Is life really fair? 
• How do we deal with betrayal?  When life isn’t fair? 
• What can we learn from Jacob about his reaction to Laban’s deception?  (Don’t forget..Laban was his father-in-law!!)

7/13/2008
Text: Romans 2: 1-8
Title: Judge Judy, Move Over!
Theme:  Judging others
 

6/29/2008
Text: Philippians Euphasions 2: 1-11
Title: Lessons in Humility
Theme: What does it mean to be humble, especially in a world that does NOT seem to reward it
• We all know braggadocios people. Wonder WHY they brag so much?
• How we are proud ourselves….. Act ‘smug’
• Why is it hard to let others have credit for things? Why is it so important for us to get credit for having done things….as long as the job gets done and what needs to happen, happen?
• On the backside of a lack of humility is PRIDE
• Why are we proud? Won’t ask for help? Won’t admit our faults? Won’t confess our sins to God/others
• A healthy pride and a healthy humility: Finding the balance

 

6/22/2008
Text: Euphasions 4:  22-32
Title: Anger Management
Theme: Getting in Touch with our Anger
•  Anger in the Bible
•  What kind of things anger us?
•  What is the root cause of our anger (unresolved issues in our lives)
•  How does it manifest itself? What carnage does it sometimes cause?
    (personally relationally, globally)
•  Unchecked anger in words: conversation, e-mail, phone etc….
•  The value of role-playing….
•  Some of the HEALTHY roles of anger….
•  How do we get it under control?
    --The practice of spiritual disciplines
    --Understanding the root of our anger and how to resolve: Counseling
•  Staying healthy: Understanding our Anger
    Conquering or keeping UNHEALTHY anger in check
 

6/15/2008
Text: Euphasions 6: 1-4, 11-12
Title: Encouragement
Theme: The encouraging father.
 

6/8/2008
Text: Acts 2: 36-42
Title: Conversion
Theme: • Conversion, ‘being saved,’ what is it?
• John Wesley and Conversion
• The necessity of ‘conversion’
• Why United Methodists are sometimes afraid to talk about it….
• What it ‘looks’ like: Different for different people
• The Fruits of Conversion: you will know them by their fruits
• How to nurture our faith: Small group, prayer, spiritual disciplines etc…
• I Will open altar and will talk about use of the Prayer Chapel, small groups, accountability partners in faith as a way to nurture/grow our faith

 

6/1/2008
Text: Psalm 63
Title: Thirsting for God
Theme: How it is in our finitude that we can plumb the depths of things spiritual? How is it that in our finitude, we can find God? While there are many spiritual disciplines that serve as vehicles to greater spirituality, some have suggested that Prayer is the central discipline that connects us to God. The Psalmist is an excellent model for how to develop a vital interior life. Not only does he talk about prayer, but also praise through singing and the lifting of hands. (Ps. 63) Further, he mentions meditating upon God in the ‘watches of the night.’ “Prayer” is a multi-faceted thing, with many ways of practicing it and many settings where it can meaningfully occur. Today, we will explore how ‘prayer’ connects us to God, deepens our faith, and therefore makes us lovingly available to others. As a finale, we will take a tour of our new Prayer Chapel and understand the role it/its ministries may play in quaffing our thirst for God and our need to respond to others.

5/25/2008
Text: Matthew 6: 24-34
Title: Pew Bibles Dedication - No Worries…?
Theme: Part of being human is to be worried and anxious about many things: food, shelter, clothing, finances, financial security, our health, our children etc… It seems that living in a nation of ‘plenty’ serves to further exacerbate these issues. We can scarcely imagine what it would be like to be a survivor of the Chinese earthquake and/or the Burmese cyclones, with life laying in rubbles around us. The Gospel lesson is clear, and when combined with the Psalm, the message is resounding: Do not worry or be anxious about your life or about tomorrow! When we look at nature-- the birds, lilies, we are reminded of their care-free existence and a God who always cares for them. Is it really possible to live without worries? Or is it that somehow in the midst of all that life brings, we learn the sweet peace of trust?

5/18/2008
Text: Mark 1: 21-28
Title: Day Care Celebration Sunday - Teacher of the Year
Theme: It is Day Care Celebration Sunday and during the service, we will honor both our teachers and our new daycare board. This will be part of the order of worship With this education emphasis, it seems appropriate to address an education or teaching theme. What better model than Jesus the Master Teacher?

This text has as it focus, Jesus leaving Disciple-recruitment in Galilee for his next stop of Capernaum. When the Sabbath came, 'he entered the synagogue, and began teach.' BUT they were astonished at his teaching....for unlike the scribes, the taught AS ONE WHO HAD AUTHORITY.

Together in worship, we are going to remember together what traits some of our favorite teachers across time have possessed. What made us love them so? What was it about their teaching and/or their person that left an indelible impression on us? We may even name some of them aloud. as way of paying tribute to them. With the assistance of Philip Gulley, one of my favorite Quaker writers, we will hear the story of Miss Rosemary Helton, one of Gulley's favorite teachers and why.

As the centerpiece we will look at what was really so different about Jesus' teaching...and what it truly means to be able to 'teach and lead "with authority. " Make no mistake, 'authority' is not always about having a loud and commanding presence; often it is about a quiet and gentle spirit whose leadership is earned NOT by virtue of their position, but by virtue of their person and character. I suspect we may not be surprised to find that THIS quality is, in part, what some of our favorite teachers possessed.

5/11/2008
Text: Acts 2: 1-21
Title: Pentecost/Mother's Day Sunday - Tongues of Fire: What Can This Mean?
Theme: More to follow.....

5/4/2008
Text: Revelation 21: 1-7
Title: What will Heaven be like?
Theme: No matter how we look at it, Revelation is NOT an easy book! Biblical scholars have debated among themselves for years, the appropriate way to interpret the rich and varied images and symbols of this wonderful book. In the last chapter of this apocalyptic text, is a rich image of heaven and what it may be like. Humans in their finitude are naturally curious! Doubtless, many of us who have attended funerals will confirm hearing the words of Revelation 21 offered in comfort.... 'then I saw a new heaven and a new earth...and I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven..." What do these words mean? Are we to interpret them literally or symbolically? What are the implications of how we read this biblical story? Can we say, with certainty, what heaven will be like? Join us in our spiritual inquiry.

4/27/2008
Text: Luke 17: 1-6
Title: On Forgiveness and Faith
Theme: Pending....

4/20/2008
Text: Job 1 and 2, selections
Title: Why Do the Good and Innocent Suffer?
Theme: It seems many folks live with the presumption that if one attempts to live a good Christian life, then all will be well. We all know the truth....life does not always work that way. Scripture itself reminds us that 'it rains on the just and the unjust.' Both Paul and Peter echo it in their epistles as well. Job was a good man, an honest and decent man, yet it would appear that God 'allowed' Satan to both tempt him and destroy him. What could this mean? If being good guarantees us nothing, then why do should we be so? Join us as we discuss these weighty matters!

1/6/2008 (Epiphany Sunday)
Text: Jeremiah 31: 31-34
Title: Written on the Heart
Theme: As we stand on the divide of a new year, our lives seem ripe with possibility, hence resolutions are abounding!  Our intentions are many and they are good but ultimately, only time will tell the tale.   As far as promises go, God holds the track record, with his best promises, always covenantal in nature. Out of his great love for us, God then seals those words in our minds and writes them on our hearts. As we remember all these themes, Wesley’s traditional New Year’s Covenant Service will provide a context for promise-making, and by His grace, promise-keeping.

1/6/2008 (Epiphany Sunday)
Text: Jeremiah 31: 31-34
Title: Written on the Heart
Theme: As we stand on the divide of a new year, our lives seem ripe with possibility, hence resolutions are abounding!  Our intentions are many and they are good but ultimately, only time will tell the tale.   As far as promises go, God holds the track record, with his best promises, always covenantal in nature. Out of his great love for us, God then seals those words in our minds and writes them on our hearts. As we remember all these themes, Wesley’s traditional New Year’s Covenant Service will provide a context for promise-making, and by His grace, promise-keeping.

12/16/2007 (3rd Sunday of Advent)
Text: Luke 1:26-38
Title: Mary Did You Know?
Theme: Christian history is strong in its suggestion: Mary was but a young teen when the angel Gabriel visited her with an announcement that would turn her world upside down.  Little did she know!   A baby?  How can this be?  How could she explain this?  Before the surprise had worn off, Mary heard herself saying, ‘yes!”  Let it be with me according to your word…for with God, nothing shall be impossible.   What it this?  Such faith for one so young?   Surely she had her doubts?  Whether we embrace it or not, Mary has something to teach us…

Video: Watch "Mary Did You Know?" Here

12/9/2007 (2nd Sunday of Advent)
Text: Matthew 6:1-11
Title: “Who Would have Ever Guessed It?”
Theme: In Matthew’s deliberate and early introduction of the gruff and unpredictable John the Baptist, our pristine Advent story seems greatly compromised.  John’s appearance is less than acceptable, as is the strange message he brings. That’s before we come to realize that in order to be truly prepared to receive the Messiah, repentance of some sort will always be in order.  And who said that the one who called us to task had to look and act a certain way?   The truth is this: the action of God in history is often sudden, unexpected and even seemingly intrusive, just like some of his messengers.   Yet it is often in those unexpected times, places and people that God’s presence is most deeply felt.

Video: Watch "Who Would have Ever Guessed It?" Here

12/2/2007 (1st Sunday of Advent)
Text: Matthew 24:36-44
Title: “Keep Awake!”

Video: Watch "Keep Awake!" Here

11/25/2007
Text: John 18:33-38
Title: “Beginning with the End in Mind”

Video: Watch "Beginning with the End in Mind" Here

11/18/2007
Text: Psalm 100
Title: “Giving Thanks”

Video: Watch "Giving Thanks" Here

11/11/2007
Guest Preacher Rev. Bill Kilday
Text: 2 Samuel 24:18-25
Title: “I DARE YOU!”

Video: Watch "I DARE YOU!" Here

11/4/2007
Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-11
Title: “The Secret of Contentment”
Theme: If you’ve ever wondered what brings pure joy and contentment in this life, the world has quite a list for you!   (Hollywood, slick magazines and saucy advertisers) For Christians, Scripture has something to say about joy-producers (and it has a lot to say about our money!!)  In this sermon, we will allow the words of Scripture and the life of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church to speak to us about the secrets of contentment.  With Wesley’s life mantra of ‘earn all you can, save all you can and give all you can,” what lessons can we learn from one who eventually learned to live on 2% of his income and tithed 98% of it?  Isn’t this a bit radical?  Surely scripture doesn’t demand this of us?

Video: Watch "The Secret of Contentment" Here

10/28/2007
Text: Luke 6:32-38
Title: “Giving Away Your Life”
Theme: We’ve heard it said, we could never out love the Lord; neither can we out-give him!   It is a curious thing, God’s economy!  When we give ourselves away (money, time talent, intellect), we receive back many-fold what we gave.  We don’t give to receive, but receiving IS a by-product of giving in God’s economy. (and those returns may be $ but usually come in other ways)   What kind of business sense does God have anyway!?

Video: Watch "Giving Away Your Life" Here

10/21/2007
Text: Matthew 6:25-33
Title: “Living Simply”
Theme: When we choose to live more simply, more of our goods, time, energy and focus are available to God and others.   The Discipline of Simplicity is one of the classical Disciplines of the Christian faith, yet society pushes us to spend more and more!   Which voices are strongest?  How are we to live as Christians? What would it take for us/our families to choose simplicity in many areas of our living?

Video: Watch "Living Simply" Here

10/14/2007
Guest Preacher Dr. Wayne Andrews
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:1-12
Title: “Whom Shall We Follow?”

Video: Watch "Whom Shall We Follow?" Here 81.2MB 16:2min

10/7/2007
Text:  2 Timothy 1:1-7
Title: “Fanning the Flame”

Video: Not Available

9/30/2007
Text: Matthew 20:20-28
Title: “A Service of Healing”

Video: Watch "A Service of Healing" Here 74.6MB 23min

9/23/2007
Text: Matthew 20:20-28
Title: “The Life Worthwhile”

Video: Watch "The Life Worthwhile" Here 74.6MB 23min

9/16/2007
Text: Matthew 12:47-50 and John 1:12
Title: “On Teamwork and Family Gatherings”

Video: Not Available

9/9/2007
Guest Preacher Larry Easterling
Text: Psalm 136
Title: “Change”

Video: Watch "Change" Here 72.2MB 16:2min

9/2/2007
Text: Matthew 6:19-23
Title: “As Good As It Gets?!"

Video: Watch "As Good As It Gets?!" Here 80.3MB 27.82min

8/26/2007
Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Title: “Coffee Shop Conversations"
Theme: Christian Education

Video: Watch "Coffee Shop Conversations: Christian Education" Here 79.7MB 28:2min

8/19/2007
Text: Matthew 5:21-26
Title: “Making Things Right”
Theme: The Role of Forgiveness in Effectual Prayer

Video: Watch "Making Things Right" Here 80.4MB 23:32min

8/12/2007
Text: James 5:13-17
Title: “When Gods People Pray........”

Video: Watch "When Gods People Pray......." Here 89.4MB 28:44min

8/5/2007
Text: Mark 1:35-39
Title: “This Thing Called Prayer........”

Video: Watch "This Thing Called Prayer......." Here 74.9MB 28:44min

7/29/2007
Guest Preacher Leanna Robertson
Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Title: “That’s My Story and I’m Stickin’ to It”
Theme: Each of us has a story, unique and special in our own way, of our faith, of our salvation decision/process, and important events that have formed our faith.  That story is a tool for sharing God’s love and grace with others.  Some stories are dramatic, some may seem mundane but all are just perfect in that they are our personal “lifesongs”.  Before we are able to jump out there and expect to bring others to Christ or be a conduit of sorts, it is wise for us to be grounded in our story – to understand it, recognize the process that we have gone through and find great joy in our stories as we anticipate sharing them with others to increase the community of believers.

Video: Watch "That's My Story and I'm Stickin' to It" Here 66.2MB 21:00min

7/22/2007
Text: Acts 2:37-42
Title: “I Believe........In the Church”

From the Modern Affirmation:

 We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of Christian love

As set forth in the example of our blessed Lord

To the end that the kingdom of God

May come upon the earth…

Theme: Building on our Trinitarian faith, we believe that the church is Christ’s instrument on earth through which God works to heal and redeem the world.  This week, we will learn how the church provides a crucial context in which we can: discover/practice our spiritual gifts, grow in love and grace with God and others and sharpen both our desire and capacity to win souls for Jesus Christ.

Video: Watch "I Believe.......In the Church" Here 72MB 22:44min

7/15/2007
Text: John 14: 15-17; 25-27
Title: “I Believe........In the Holy Spirit”

Video: Watch "I Believe.......In the Holy Spirit" Here 52.5MB 28:44min

7/8/2007
Text: 2 Corinthians 5: 14-20
Title: “I Believe........In Jesus Christ”

Video: Watch "I Believe.......In Jesus Christ" Here 54.9MB 28:44min

7/1/2007
Text: Genesis 1:1-5 and selections from 1 John 3 and 4
Title: “I Believe in God........”

Video: Not Available

6/24/2007
(Michelle Buckle's First Sermon as Pastor)
Text: Genesis 12:1-8
Title: “Beginnings”

Video: Watch Michelle Buckle's first sermon "Beginnings" Here 54.9MB 28:44min

6/17/2007
Father's Day (David's Last Sermon)
Text: Luke 7:36-8:3
Title: “Grumbling over Grace”
Theme: Is there anything more gracious than the grace of God in Jesus Christ?  The graciousness of God in Christ is the most wonderful aspect of the Christian faith.  Or is it?  When the graciousness of God comes through to us with power and clarity, grace does not always feel so gracious!

Video: Watch David Woody's last sermon "Grumbling over Grace" Here 44.8MB 23:44min

6/10/2007
Text: Luke 7:11-17
Title: “God of Compassion”

Video: Watch "God of Compassion" Sermon Here 44.8MB 23:44min

6/3/2007
Trinity Sunday
Text: Romans 5:1-5
Title: “Was Jesus Really God?”
Theme: We know God only because God has been dramatically revealed to us in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  The second person of the Trinity gives content and shape to the Trinity.  The foundational Christian claim is that, in Jesus, we have seen as much of God as we ever hope to see.

Video: Watch "Was Jesus Really God?" Sermon Here 45MB 23:44min

5/27/2007
Pentecost
Text: Acts 2:1-21
Title: “The Prevailing Spirit”
Theme: Despite all of the roadblocks, barriers, prejudices, and hindrances, the Holy Spirit has prevailed, sweeping all in its path.  The Holy Spirit, the power of God in our midst, continues to prevail.

Video: Watch "The Prevailing Spirit" Sermon Here 45MB 23:44min

5/20/2007
Text: John 17:20-26
Title: “Goodbye"
Theme: As Jesus prepares to leave his disciples, he prays for them in their struggles.  Our relationship to Jesus is characterized by periods of presence and periods of absence.  Yet, whether close or far away, Jesus continues to intercede for us.

Video: Not Available

5/13/2007
Text: John 5:1-9
Title: “The Undeserving Poor"
Theme: Jesus reaches out to each of us on the basis of his unconditional love and our need, not on the basis of our merit. Having been loved, even when we did not “deserve” such love, we are to reach out to others, not on the basis of their deserts, but on the basis of Christ’s love for us all.

Video: Watch "The Undeserving Poor" Sermon Here 37MB 22:39min 

5/6/2007
Text: Acts 11:1-18
Title: “When the Outsiders Become Insiders”
Theme: The story of the church is a long story of how the church has been dragged, kicking and screaming, into the surprising work of God by the Holy Spirit. The church, born of the Spirit, continues to be prodded by the Spirit into new areas of ministry where we would not have gone if left to our own devices.

Video: Watch "When Outsiders Become Insiders" Sermon Here 38MB 25min 

4/29/2007
4^th Sunday of Easter – fifth Sunday – Eagle’s Wings?
Text: Revelation 7:9-17
Title: “Who Are These, Robed in White?”
Theme: Clothing plays a prominent role in Scripture and in our daily lives.  Our clothes reveal much about us, our needs and our fears.  Revelation promises a gracious re-clothing in which we shall be clothed, not by our own efforts, but by the lamb, the lamb who sits upon the throne.

Video: Watch "Who Are These, Robed in White?" Sermon Here 38MB 28min 

4/22/2007
Guest Preacher Joe Gann
Text: Acts 9:1-20
Title: "Who Was That Masked Man?”
Theme: If we can't see Jesus, it's not because he's wearing a mask, but because we're wearing a blindfold.

Video: Watch "Who Was That Masked Man?" Sermon Here 38.3MB 28min 

4/15/2007
Guest Preacher Eddie Brittain
Text: 1 Corinthians 12: 12-18
Title: “A Puzzling Lesson: Discovering Strength in Unity”
Theme: We all play a key part in the completion of the work God has called us to do at Cherokee United Methodist Church. We will strengthen the body and we will produce a beautiful picture when we all do our part in the big picture. Consider where you fit in accomplish our task.

Video: Watch "A Puzzling Lesson: Discovering Strength in Unity" Sermon Here 47.7MB 33min 

Video: Watch "Christ Is Risen!" Sermon Only Here 37.1MB 20min   

Video: Watch "Christ Is Risen!" The Full Service Here 76.2MB 45min

Video: Watch The Children's Choir Easter Performance Here 9.41MB 2min