During the Second Advent Service, Pastor Steve pointed out to the congregation that, "What others see as worthless, God sees as worth saving…and dying for..." Pastor went on to explain that the question about whether God cares for us was answered on the cross at Calvary. He noted that Jesus laid down his life by dying for us, but Jesus asks us to show our love by living for someone other than ourselves, by loving others, and by sharing the Good News of the Gospel. Pastor concluded that God’s love should lead us and guide us to the act of placing others before ourselves so that the Christian becomes the servant, the greatest among all.
Mark 20: 35-45 (NIV) Request of James and John
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
“We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
"We're told to be alert for the signs of new life, just as Spring follows Winter," Pastor Steve told the congregation at the First Advent Service.
Luke 21: 29-33:
He (Jesus) told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
Today's First Advent message was filled with hope and anticipation for the coming of the Christ Child.
In this sermon, Pastor expands on Matthew 6, verses 25 to 33, and the importance of having a thankful heart whether living through good or bad times. The focus on being thankful, rather than feeling anxious about events or the future, are reinforced as we approach Thanksgiving and the Advent Season of Christmas. Matthew 25 , verse 33, counsels, "But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." Pastor encouraged those in attendance to try and live by these verses of Matthew and to put control back in the hands of God.
Being prepared each and every moment to meet our Savior and The Parable of the Ten Virgins were the focus of Pastor Steve's sermon at the DCCC Holy Communion Service. Matthew 25, verses 1-13, uses the theme of a wedding to teach a lesson about the importance of living each day as a true follower of Jesus Christ. Pastor expanded on the teachings in this chapter of Matthew that conclude with these lines of warning and advice to those who are late and arrive unprepared for the marriage ceremony:
“Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."
.Frank Gagliardi as the "First Veteran" presented colors at the special DCCC Veterans Day Service with Gary Hackbart leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Call to Worship. There was a special reading, songs, and prayer and Pastor Steve gave the sermon listed below.
Hebrews 11 was the focus of the November 10 service: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Pastor Steve's sermon highlighted how God is at work in each of us and he discussed the emergence of discipleship as a journey that disciples today set out on. Like the religious leaders we learn about in the Old and New Testament, including Paul, Sarah, and Abraham, boldness of faith and a truly loving relationship with God ultimately blesses us with a Christian faith that is wonderful and unstoppable.
Luke 2, verses 1-20, was the focus of Pastor Steve's Christmas Eve sermon, recounting the birth of Jesus (NIV):
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.2(This was the first census that took place while[a]Quirinius was governor of Syria.)3And everyone went to their own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehemthe town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to himand was expecting a child.6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.9An angelof the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.11Today in the town of David a Saviorhas been born to you; he is the Messiah,the Lord.12This will be a signto you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peaceto those on whom his favor rests.”
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising Godfor all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
October 8 was Pastor Appreciation Day and love was in the air at DCCC. The congregation enjoyed special songs, readings, video and a wonderful sermon by Pastor Steve. After the service, an Italian lunch and fantastic desserts, along with lots of laughter and fellowship, were the perfect end to the day. Pastor delivered a message about the rich young man who asked Jesus about the way to get into heaven. The price was too high for the rich young man and Pastor reminded everyone in attendance that having a lot of money does not buy love, happiness, or a ticket into God's good graces.
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