Seekers recognizes that any member of the community may be called upon by God to give us the Word, and thus we have an open pulpit with a different preacher each week. Sermons preached at Seekers, as well as sermons preached by Seekers at other churches or events, are posted here, beginning with the most recent.
Click here for an archive of our sermons.
Feel free to use what is helpful from these sermons. We only ask that when substantial portions are abstracted or used in a written work, please credit Seekers Church and the author, and cite the URL.
A Sermon by Larry Rawlings
July 31, 2016
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture
Ecclesiates 1:2; 2:21-23
Psalm 90:3-6, 12-7
Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Luke 12:13-21
P-U-S-H is an acronym for Prayer Until Something Happens. Sadly, that something was the death of my grandfather yesterday at the age of 100. Through death, there is life, and today we will celebrate the upcoming birth of our friend Jackie’s child. These things happen for a reason. It is always God’s plan. It reminds me that none of us; absolutely none of us; one more time: none of us; will leave this earth alive. May he rest in peace, “Triple R’s,” Roland Raymond Rawlings, and welcome to Jackie’s little one.
The news this summer, of course, is full of sobering reminders too, that life in this world encompasses tragedy as well good times.
“A Message of Love and Hope from Hosea” by Teresa Ramsey
July 24, 2016
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Good morning. I am back this morning to share with you what I didn’t have time to share during my May sermon about spiritual awakening, that is the importance of sharing our spiritual wealth with others. My own spiritual awakening began as a result of following the suggestions of a 12 step program, but a large part of my spiritual growth has occurred as a result of participation in the life of the Seekers community; attending the classes at the School of Christian Living, going to silent retreats, and listening to the wisdom of men and women of God. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to have been blessed by this community. I am so grateful that I want to share with others the gifts I have received here. I have compassion for those who do not have spiritual companions on their journey through life, who do not know how much a worship community can support their inner journey. As I spoke of previously, I feel called to stand by the door and help those seeking God to find the door into His presence. For me, finding the door of Seekers was part of that journey.
“Listen & Don’t Fret” by Michele Frome
July 17, 2016
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Jesus and his disciples are traveling. They come to a village, and Martha welcomes them into her home. Martha’s sister, Mary, sits at Jesus’s feet, hanging on his every word. Martha, meanwhile, is preparing the meal for the guests. Now, Martha is good at fixing guest meals, but usually Mary helps her, and she starts resenting having to do it all herself. She turns to Jesus to recruit an ally. “Jesus, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that I do all the work and my sister just sits here? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” Jesus replied, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better”.
“Gratefulness is Good for You!” by David Novello
July 10, 2016
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
You might not know that, as the website www.elementsofgratitude.org proclaims at the top of its home page, “After decades of research, the scientific evidence is clear. Being grateful is good for you and your loved ones.” Alongside this statement, we’re told that “grateful people have 10% fewer stress-related illnesses,” and “grateful people are 25% happier.” You can also play a video on the page that begins by asking, “Do you want to be happier, healthier, and an all-around better person?” Well, it’s hard not to be pulled in by that promise, so if you keep watching you’re told, “There’s a way that’s free, easy, and totally up to you. It’s gratitude.” And now, totally hooked, you learn more interesting health findings from the video: grateful people have 10-16% lower blood pressure, exercise 1.5 hours more per week, sleep 10% longer and 15% better, and have 23% lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
“God Works in Mysterious Ways—Through Us!” by Cynthia Dahlin
July 3, 2016
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
We are all in this together. I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together. God works in mysterious ways—through you and I and our little community, Seekers Church. Our lectionary readings this week are unified by a theme of humility about how we are to do God’s work in the world and how we treat and care about others doing God’s work. There is a common theme of listening to those around us for wisdom and guidance, even the foreign born female slave, and remaining with those who share in peace and hospitality, and leaving those who do not welcome us, wiping off the dust of their village from out feet in protest. God will help up, even preserve his disciples from serpents and scorpions, (a phrase taken perhaps a bit too far by some Christian sects who bring this blessing into a challenge to prove courage and faithfulness, but, the Psalm sets a boundary: if we then use God’s help to bring so much worldly success that we separate ourselves up on a mountain, we will feel separated from God. So much guidance in just a few pages—let’s break it down a bit so it can be digested!