Foothills' Messages
Video of our sermons are posted here each week.
They can also be viewed on our Youtube and Facebook pages.
From Chaos into Community - 05.28.23
We celebrate the Day of Pentecost which marks the birth of the Church following Jesus' Ascension. In the passage from Acts 2, the event is marked by a violent wind and tongues of fire descending upon the Jewish pilgrims who were worshiping in Jerusalem. Peter interprets this phenomenon for the crowd as the arrival of the Holy Spirit, allowing each to understand one another even as they speak their own native language. This same Spirit has empowered the Church since its arrival on that first Pentecost, but like the wind it has shifted and changed through the ages. In what ways is the Spirit moving the Church in new ways today?
Jesus Prays for Us - 05.21.23
The scripture from the Gospel of John is from the end of Jesus' "farewell discourse" to the disciples. In these verses, Jesus explains that even as he returns to God in his Ascension, he prays for his followers. He prays for us personally and as a community of faith. As we prepare to celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church on Pentecost Sunday, Jesus reassures us we are not doing this alone - he is present with us through prayer.
A Mother's Nudging - 05.14.23
Jesus performs his first miracle after the nudging from his mother. The relationship between Jesus and his mother shows his tender humanity as he balances his earthly role with his spiritual purpose. Jesus, the son of Mary, and Jesus, the Son of God, come together in a celebration of God's glory. God often works through people who nudge us to live fully into ourselves.
The Way to the father - 05.07.23
The scripture from the Gospel of John is part of Jesus' "farewell discourse" to the disciples, following the Last Supper and before his crucifixion. In these verses, Jesus explains that he will be leaving them soon, but they know the way. Thomas and Philip are confused and ask for clarification. "I am the way, the truth and the life," Jesus explains (vs. 6). Jesus is the incarnation of God, the Word made flesh. "Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me" (vs. 11). We search for God's presence in our daily lives through our relationship with Christ. In worship, prayer, scripture, service and sharing the sacraments, we find our way to the Father as well.
Good Shepherds - 04.30.23
Jesus is the Good Shepherd and the sheep know his voice. The sheep follow the voice they recognize. In the absence of Jesus on earth today, each of us is called to be a shepherd -- using voices of love and kindness -- so that others will recognize God's presence.
The Next Journey - 04.23.23
Two disciples set out on a journey back to their home in Emmaus. They were discussing the events of Jesus' death and resurrection when the resurrected Christ joined them. The disciples didn't recognize him until he revealed himself through the breaking of bread. Along the way, Jesus talked with them, and their hearts burned. This next journey for the disciples led them on the path to understanding and a new life surrounded by Christ's presence.
To Believe - 04.16.23
The scripture from the Gospel of John recounts the appearance of Jesus to his disciples on the evening of his resurrection. One of his followers, Thomas, was not present when he met the others, and expressed his doubt that Jesus had truly returned from the dead. A week later, Jesus appears again, and confirms his physical presence by showing him the wounds from his crucifixion. Thomas now believes: "My Lord and my God!" he cries. How do we come to believe in the risen Christ when we cannot see him physically? "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe," Jesus says (vs. 29)
Earthquakes and Empty Tombs - Easter 04.09.23
Our observance of Holy Week culminates with the celebration of Easter. The women who witnessed Jesus' death and burial return early in the morning following the Jewish Sabbath to visit the tomb. Suddenly an earthquake shakes and an angel appears. "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for has been raised as he said" (Matthew 28:5-6) The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith. We are given new life by God through the resurrected Christ. Go and share the good news with the world!
Foothills UMC's Good Friday Service - 04.07.23
Join us as we go through the the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on this Good Friday.
Encountering Jesus: At the Basin & Table - 04.06.23
On Holy Thursday, we remember two acts Jesus did in the Upper Room with the disciples: foot washing and the Lord's Supper. Jesus washed the disciples' feet as an act of humility and service. Jesus instituted the Eucharist to create a channel of grace, symbolizing his humble act of service through his death and resurrection. Both of these acts are rooted in love, in which he gives a new commandment to love just as he loves.