Sermons by Joleen

Name that Coach! In college basketball, the name of this Coach is synonymous with greatness and winning. This Coach is one who represents high principles, expectations and demands for his players, his coaching staff and, most of all, himself. But he is foremost an educator. His ability to teach young men the game of basketball … Read more

Proverbs 14.30Galatians 5.15-21 The sin of the evil eyeEnvy defined: from the Latin, “to look maliciously upon.” The New Testament Greek literally means “to have an evil eye.” Saul and David 1 Samuel 18.5-9, “Saul killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” This made Saul angry “So Saul eyed David from that day on.” … Read more

The seriousness of sinIt is the tradition at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for anyone who speaks to begin by saying, “I am name and I am an alcoholic.” Maybe we in the Christian community should begin in a similar way: “Hi. I’m Joleen and I’m a sinner.” (from “Rebuilding Your Broken World” by Gordon MacDonald.) Sin … Read more

Luke 15.11-32 This is a team message with all four of the lay speakers of the Charge participating. Ruth: the prodigal (the younger son); Ken: the father; Jeff, the elder son; and Jay, the servant. I am bringing the conclusion and that is what follows. Maybe you resonate with one of the four characters of … Read more

Matthew 9.35-38Matthew 10.1-8 (ff) The NeedThis is Super Bowl Sunday and as I have been out and about there are a lot of people out there suffering from Steeler-mania. The billboards sport the slogan, “Go Steelers!” People are dressed in their Steeler jerseys, from Emergency Room workers to little ole grannies in Sam’s Club. It … Read more

Matthew 13 Two weeks ago when I was with you we talked about "Our Mission: Saving Souls" and the image of the church as a life saving station. We talked about knowing who we are: sinners saved by God’s grace. Knowing what we are called to do: share the message of God’s saving grace with … Read more

Luke 2.8-20 Glory (Doxa)Notice the word glory or glorify in this passage. The angels have the glory of the Lord around them. They say, “Glory to God in the highest.” The shepherds response after they go and see Jesus is to glorify and praise God. In looking at the definition of the word, glory may … Read more

My Birthday: a letter from Jesus Dear loved ones, As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, … Read more

2 Peter 1.12-21 The Book of PromisesThe Bible is sometimes called the Book of Promises. And at Advent we look to a promise fulfilled: the promise of the Messiah, a Savior, whose birth we anticipate throughout Advent and celebrate on Christmas. The Promise of MessiahThe Old Testament scriptures promised a Messiah. Some of the prophecies … Read more

Matthew 25.31-46Luke 2.1-7 One of the first summers after college graduation, my college roomie, Trish and I went to a friend’s wedding. Following we decided on an impromptu trip to Niagara Falls, Canada. It was around fourth of July weekend, but we thought, oh well, we are going to another country, Canada, so what does … Read more