New Year’s series: “Ancient-Future Wisdom: Wise Words to Live By”
At the start of a new year it is common to look for ways to improve our lives. From diets to time management, we “resolve” to re-shape our lives. Rather than picking up the latest self-help book, we might try turning to the ancient words of Ecclesiastes. With scathing honesty, the writer recounts his own search for meaning and purpose – as well as the failures and findings along the way. His journey offers ancient wisdom for the 21stcentury traveler. We’ll explore his message, supplemented by some of the wisdom sayings of Proverbs, to help us align our lives at the start of this new year.
Jan. 10: 1st Sunday of Epiphany
Texts: Ecclesiastes 1:1 - 2:26; 3:9-14
Message: “How To Avoid Dead End Living”
The writer of Ecclesiastes has reached a crisis in his life. Has he lived without meaning? Is life futile, empty (vanity)? The book of Ecclesiastes serves as a kind of confessional by the writer, who shares openly the mistakes he has made in his search for meaning. Today’s message explores the paths of philosophy (wisdom), knowledge, pleasure, materialism and even religion. The writer confesses that these were, for him, dead ends. But in the end, he does discover where meaning is found: in a personal relationship with God (as opposed to being “religious”), in sacrificial living for others, in cooperation instead of competition, and in a life of simplicity and gratitude.
To listen to Michael's address to the congregation, click here.
To read a copy Michael's address to the congregation, click here.
Jan. 17: 2nd Sunday of Epiphany
Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; 7:1-22; Other select passages
Message: “Making the Most of the Times”
In perhaps the most famous set of lines from the book, the writer of Ecclesiastes notes the rhythms of life that affect us all. What he seems to imply is that finding meaning in life means understanding what time it is, and seizing the moment to make the most of it. The message will explore the writer’s advice for making the most of time: starting with the end in view, concentrating on building a name, practicing patience, cultivating wisdom, and avoiding religiosity and rebellion.
Jan. 24: 3rd Sunday of Epiphany
Texts: Ecclesiastes 7:1-22, 9:1-12; Chap. 10
Message: “Choices Worth Making”
Life is a series of choices, said the writer of Ecclesiastes. There are many good things; wisdom helps us choose what is better than good, however. In this message, we listen to the wisdom of an old man as he advises us to choose the better part. He reminds us that we can learn more in the house of sorrow than in a house of laughter (7:2-3, 6), to learn from our critics (7:4), to live with honesty and integrity (7:8). In the face of a lot of chaos, it’s still better to choose life (9:1-6), and that means finding ways to celebrate through the ordinary, with family and friends, and with God (9:7-10). Finally, in chapter 10, he offers a list of character traits to cultivate for the better life.
Jan. 31: 4th Sunday of Epiphany
Texts: Ecclesiastes 11, 12; misc. Proverbs
Message: “Finding Balance”
Trying to balance our various roles and responsibilities presents challenges to all of us. From his own struggles, the writer of Ecclesiastes offers some advice on how we achieve balance in life.
Feb. 7: 5th Sunday of Epiphany
Texts: Proverbs 12:18, 21, 25-26; 15:23; 16:24; 26:20-21; Ecclesiastes 5:2; Colossians 4:6
Message: “The Power of Words”
The Bible tells us that the power of the tongue can be used for good or ill. Learning to control what we say and how we say it can lead us to experience life in fuller ways, and can allow us to be a source of encouragement and blessing to the people around us. The sermon offers some practical tips for using the power of our words for positive benefit.
Feb. 14: 6th (Last) Sunday After Epiphany
Texts: Luke 5:1-11
Message: "But If You Say So" (“State of the Church” sermon)
A pastoral assessment of the state of the church, highlights of ministry for the past year, the priorities for the coming year, and the challenges we must address.
