Scripture: Genesis 12:1-4a, John 3:1-7Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerWe do not ask to be born. We do not ask to be born again. But when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior, we ARE born again! We have no more control over it than our p

Don't Be Deceived

Mar 1st, 2020

Scripture: Romans 5:12-17, Matthew :1-11Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerIt is not a sin to be tempted—giving in to temptation is. We cannot deal with temptation by ourselves, but with the Word of God, we can. Get into the Word this Lenten Season

Ashen People (Ash Wednesday)

Feb 26th, 2020

Scripture: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17Speaker: Rev. Carla StengelLent is the holiest of seasons in the Christian Life. A time of introspection—time to look deep into our souls, to realize our fragile state, our mortality and our deep need for God. When w

Coming Attraction

Feb 23rd, 2020

Scriptures: Exodus 24-12-18 & Matthew 17:1-9Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerJesus’ transformation took place while he was praying. We cannot experience the mystery of God without first connecting to God in prayer. How many miracles happen just b

It's a Choice

Feb 16th, 2020

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 & Matthew 5:21-37Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerWe face choices every day of our lives. Do we choose light or darkness—life or death? God loves us and cares for us. In the eyes of God we have great worth. Because

Let Go, Let God (U.M. Women's Sunday)

Feb 9th, 2020

Scripture: John 12:1-8Speaker: Deaconess Marcia Florkey, Miami Valley District UMW PresidentCelebrating the many women in 150 years of history who sacrificed and served for the betterment of the Kingdom of God. We often think of “sacrifice” as

Simply Blessed

Feb 2nd, 2020

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerDo you take the blessings you have for granted? What are you doing with the blessings you’ve been given? The saying goes, “You are blessed to be a blessing.” Look around for opportunities

Unity

Jan 26th, 2020

Scripture: I Corinthians 1:10-18Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerPaul appeals to the Corinthians to be united in Christ and United with one another. Is Jesus still the focus of your Christian life?

Broken But Enriched

Jan 19th, 2020

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerEnriched lives have meaning and are fulfilling. Because we have drifted away, God has to draw us back to Him. We are a broken people, but God enriches our lives every day so we are pr

Remember Your Baptism

Jan 12th, 2020

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerRemembering our baptism is to remember the covenant and to renew our commitment to live out that covenant every day of our lives. God takes the initiative in our baptism to invite us into

The Royal Visit (Epiphany)

Jan 5th, 2020

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerAs we are forgiven, we must also forgive. We have all heard the phrase forgive and forget. But forgiveness does not involve forgetting—rather remembering graciously.

We Are Family

Dec 29th, 2019

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerHow do you respond to the let-downs in life? We must not let the world change our smile; we must use our smile to change the world around us. Look upward when we are down for, “My help co

Glory to God in the Highest

Dec 25th, 2019

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerOur world has become a pretty dark place. There is a lot of good too, but so much darkness. The event of the birth of Christ brings light into the darkness. Our darkness is turned into joy.

His Advent: The Birth Narrative

Dec 22nd, 2019

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerEspecially at this time of year, the phrase “Home for Christmas,” brings a sense of peace and security. With the situations occurring in our world, our nation and our communities, we are

Celebrating 175 Years... What is Our Best Next?

Dec 8th, 2019

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12Speaker: Bishop Gregory PalmerIs there any better place to hear the voice of God than in the wilderness? John the Baptist implores us to prepare the way—to re-position ourselves for what’s next. Let’s join God in writin

The King is Coming

Dec 1st, 2019

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerAdvent is a season of preparation. Preparation for the coming of the Christ child. But our lives are preparation for the return of Christ. Are you ready? On what are we wasting our time?

Our Royal Gratitude

Nov 24th, 2019

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-6Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerIn this season of Thanksgiving, find reasons to be thankful to God. Christians are also celebrating Christ the King Sunday today. Scripture is full of instances where Jesus is referred to

Stewardship: The Creator's Request

Nov 17th, 2019

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-4, 26-27, 31Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerTruths: Everything we have belongs to God. God is always present and active in our lives. Stewardship is equal to discipleship. As disciples of Christ, we are called to bless oth

Stewardship: Intentional Giving

Nov 10th, 2019

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerIntentional giving is planned giving. God giving us His best (his Son) was never accidental. God doesn’t give us His leftovers. The Apostle Paul instructs us to give out of a cheerfu

Stewardship: A Commendation

Oct 27th, 2019

Scripture: Luke 21:1-4Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerAs God blesses you, does your standard of living increase or does your standard of giving increase? We are blessed to be a blessing—stewards one to the other. Give in obedience to your covena

Fix Your Eyes (Laity Sunday)

Oct 20th, 2019

Scripture: Joshua 23:6,8 & Hebrews 12:2Speaker: Ms. Jane Wise, Missionary to the Democratic Republic of the CongoGod’s words to Israel still speak to us today. Stay the course. Anchor our faith in God, no matter how hard society pulls in the op

Stewardship: It's Inclusive

Oct 13th, 2019

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerStewardship is not about appearances, but about action. We can all make a difference in the lives of people around us by using our God-given gifts. Stewardship is a commitment.P

Stewardship: It Matters

Oct 6th, 2019

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerA steward is one who manages something for someone else. Everything belongs to God—we are His stewards. God is not looking for a perfect steward—just one who makes good use of the resour

Saved to Save

Sep 29th, 2019

We are not saved to feel better ab out ourselves. We are saved to serve and save others.

Everyday Clothes

Sep 22nd, 2019

Scripture: I Peter 5:1-5Speaker: Rev. Carla StengelPeter extols us to clothe ourselves in humility. God is the center of the universe—not us. Humility is the internal bowing of ourselves before our Creator. C. S. Lewis said, “Humility is not th