Dear Brothers and Sisters in ministry, I know we’re all praying for those who have suffered loss and those still in harm’s way in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey that has devastated parts of Texas and Louisiana. For a report on how our members in the affected areas fared and how you can help, click here. … Continue reading "From Greg: Celebrating Our Transformation" Read the article
Scripture readings: Ex.32:1-14 and Ps. 106:1-6, 19-23 (or Isa. 25:1-9 and Ps. 23) Phil.4:1-9, Matt. 22:1-14 Sermon by Josh McDonald from Philippians 4:4-9 Practicing Aggressive Gratitude In Phil. 4:4-9, Paul urges believers, rather than being anxious, to practice “prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.” Today I want to elaborate on that thought, discussing what we might call … Continue reading "Sermon for October 15, 2017" Read the article
This article is from Josh McDonald, lead pastor of GCI’s congregation in Indianapolis, IN. It is excerpted from a sermon Josh gave to his congregation in casting a vision for outreach to the community surrounding their church. I ended college with student teaching. Every day, I had 80 tenth-graders staring at me. They all pretty much … Continue reading "Hospitality “Outside the Walls”" Read the article
Scripture readings: Ex. 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 and Ps. 19 (or Isa. 5:1-7 and Ps. 80:7-15) Phil.3:4b-14, Matt. 21:33-46 Sermon by Ted Johnston from Philippians 3:12-16 (drawing on commentary by Warren Wiersbe in The Bible Expository Commentary and Francis Foulkes in The New Bible Commentary) Running Strong with Jesus Introduction In Philippians 3, Paul rejoices in … Continue reading "Sermon for October 8, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Ex. 17:1-7 and Ps. 78:1-4,12-16 (or Ezek.18:1-4, 25-32 and Ps. 25:1-9) Phil. 2:1-13; Matt. 21:23-32 Sermon by Martin Manuel from Philippians 2:1-13 Sharing in Jesus’ Incarnational Living Each year, Time (magazine) names a Person of the Year. In 2014, Time gave that award not to an individual but to the group of people who … Continue reading "Sermon for October 1, 2017" Read the article
Due to GCI’s Denominational Conference this month, this issue of “Equipper” has limited content. We’ll return in September with a full issue. In the meantime, enjoy the conference and the rest of your summer! Kid’s Korner: RCL-synced lesson plans Here is a resource you can use to prepare Children’s Church or Sunday School lessons that … Continue reading "August Equipper" Read the article
Scripture readings: Ex.16:2-15 and Ps. 105:1-6, 37-45 (or Jonah 3:10-4:11 and Ps. 145:1-8) Phil. 1:21-30; Matt. 20:1-16 Sermon by Linda Rex from Mat. 20:1-16 GENEROSITY, FAIRNESS & GOD’S GRACE Introduction Last week, in the sermon from Matthew 18:21-35, we rejoiced in God’s unlimited, unmeasurable forgiveness. Because of what Jesus has done in our place and … Continue reading "Sermon for September 24, 2017" Read the article
Does your congregation follow the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) in its worship planning and preaching? If so, you might be interested in syncing your children’s church (or children’s Sunday school) lessons with the RCL weekly Scripture readings. To help you do that, the Episcopal Church publishes RCL-synced lesson plans designed for young (non-reading) children, older … Continue reading "Kids Korner: RCL-synced lesson plans" Read the article
Scripture Readings: Ex. 14:19-31 and Ps. 114 (or Gen. 50:15-21 and Ps.103:1-7, 8-13) Rom. 14:1-12; Matt. 18:21-35 Sermon by Martin Manuel from Matt. 18:21-35 Immeasurable, Unlimited Forgiveness Introduction Our readings today address God’s justice, judgment and mercy. In justice, God judges our sin and in mercy provides forgiveness. He then invites followers of Jesus, who … Continue reading "Sermon for September 17, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Ex. 12:1-14 and Ps. 149 (or Ezek. 33:7-11 and Ps. 119:33-40) Rom. 13:8-14; Matt.18:15-20 Sermon by Ted Johnston from Matt. 18:10-20 and Rom. 13:8-10 EXHORTATION TO RADICAL GRACE Introduction In our readings today from Ex. 12, Ezek. 33, Rom. 13 and Matt. 18, we are confronted with the way of the Lord, which … Continue reading "Sermon for September 10, 2017" Read the article
