by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, June 27, 2021 Matthew 9:27-30 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC

SERMON NOTES I. We may not hear the important question if we’re not following. II. Faith is ready when the opportunity comes. III. Jesus’ question gave them a chance for joy.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Name something you almost always over-prepare for, and describe why. Name something you almost always under-prepare for, and why. - Describe some obstacles the blind men might have faced in following Jesus? - What sorts of responses do people offer when Jesus asks if they believe He can heal or save them? - What are you doing to build your faith so that it’s ready for the opportunity Jesus may present to you? - What does the church need to do to build faith to be ready for the opportunity Jesus presents to us? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, June 20, 2021 Matthew 8:23-27 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, June 13, 2021 Matthew 6:24-27 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC

SERMON NOTES I. We’re trapped when we make anything other than God our master. II. Walking in trust undoes our worries. Dwelling in our worries multiplies them. III. Worry is a thief and a murderer.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - What is your favorite place to get ice cream or custard, and what do you order? - What are the ways people would have had money as their master in Jesus’ day? What are ways people have money as their master today? - How does God’s kindness towards other creatures help you trust in God’s kindness and provision for you? - Where have you witnessed worry take away from life? - What is the major source of worry for you? How would God have you walk in trust? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, June 6, 2021 Matthew 21:28-32 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 30, 2021 2 Kings 2:5-15 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC

SERMON NOTES I. The friendships we forge in the faith become an enduring part of our legacy. II. Witnessing true godliness causes us to hunger for a deeper faith in our own lives. III. It’s up to us to take up the cloak. It’s up to God to provide the power.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Has the "Memorial" part of Memorial Day worked into your plans for this long weekend? If so, how? - Read 1 Kings 19:19-21 to learn about how Elisha was called to be a prophet. How is that similar to our calling to follow Jesus? - Who has inspired you to pursue a deeper faith? How might your life be inspiring others towards a deeper faith? - What is a calling God has invited you to pick-up? Do you have worries about taking on that responsibility? - What is one way you can make certain the torch of faith is passed on through your life this week? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 23, 2021 1 Timothy 4:7-16 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC

SERMON NOTES I. To pass on hope, we can't major in the minors. II. Young disciples are called to exemplary love, faith, and purity. III. Youthful boldness is a great tool when guided by the Holy Spirit.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - If you were invited to give a commencement speech, what would be the title? - Paul talks about the risk of "wasting time" when it comes to training for godliness. What is at stake when churches bicker over non-essentials? - Where do you witness exemplary love, faith, and purity at work in disciples who are maybe a generation or two younger than you are? - How does the church nurture some of the risk-taking and questioning nature of youth? How does the church stifle that? - Name a young person you know who you lean on to help mentor you into the future? How has that relationship blessed your life? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 16, 2021 Psalm 78:1-8 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC

SERMON NOTES I. To be a part of the relay, we have to put ourselves into the race. II. We’ll be held responsible for hiding Jesus from future generations. III. God’s salvation stories are filled with warnings and wonders.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - What's a song you learned to help teach you something (besides the alphabet)? Do you still know the tune? - What does "apply the instructions of scripture to my life" mean to you? - What are some ways we hide Jesus from future generations, whether intentionally or unintentionally? - Why do you suppose it's important that the stories of scripture contain both wonders and warnings? - What specific thing can you do this week to take your place in the generational relay? What would keep you from doing that? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 9, 2021 Exodus 2:1-10 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC