Blog of FPC Lebanon

Bible Reference(s): Luke 18:9-14 Sermon by Rev. Terri Thorn Note: Max Lucado’s children’s book You Are Special used during Children's Sermon Is it any wonder that more than once Jesus encouraged, “Let the little children come to me?"  Sometimes the biggest lessons in life are found in simple, child-like words.   It’s pretty easy to picture the Wimmicks walking around putting stars and spots on each other isn’t it?  Creating separation based on someone's established set of parameters or personal bias.    Not all that different from  the first century Pharisee.  After all, Pharisees were perceived to be THE most righteous of all Jews. The holiest...most faithful.   They were the kind of folks you would want in your church. They prayed, they fasted, they tithed.  They were most assuredly deserving of stars.  In fact, their name meant “the separated ones”, implying that they were unique in their pious observation of the law.  However, it also came to be interpreted that Pharis

Bible Reference(s): Jeremiah 31:27-34 / Luke 18:1-8 Sermon by Rev. Terri Thorn Most of us probably remember radio personality Paul Harvey, but for those who do not, he was notorious for a regular segment called, " The Rest of the Story."   As I recall, The Rest of the Story  consisted of stories presented as little-known or forgotten facts on a variety of subjects with some key element of the story (usually the name of some well-known person) held back until the end. The broadcasts always concluded with a variation on the tag line "And now you know the  rest  of the story."  (quoted from wikipedia) Well, today, our reading from Jeremiah serves a similar purpose. He gives the exiled Israelites the rest of their story...by revealing a new thing about God. As a brief recap, last week we heard Jeremiah show some "tough love" to the Israelites who were about to enter into exile.  False prophets had been telling them that they would only be captive for a little

Bible Reference(s): Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Sermon by Rev. Terri Thorn There is a saying that has been attributed to Mother Teresa, which supposedly hung on the wall of the orphanage where she did much of her work. Now, it may come as surprise to learn that these words are not original to the beloved saint.  In fact, they were adapted from the writings of man named Kent Keith who called the collection of sayings, the paradoxical commandments.  Nevertheless, it speak volumes about Mother Teresa's understanding of her vow to God.  Let me share it with you now. People are often unreasonable and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway. The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway. Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. 

Bible Reference(s): 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Sermon by Rev. Terri Thorn Many of you have probably heard folks talk about going to their happy place.  I, on the other hand, happen to have a happy box.  Actually several of them.  You see, years ago, early in my ministry, I got into the habit of saving little things and eventually storing them in boxes like these.  Oh, but only the good things...only things that bring me joy and happiness.  I have a special circular file for all the other things.  Seriously, these boxes are filled with a variety of items that are important to me. There are notes and pictures that the children of the church and the preschool have made for me. Cards and letters of encouragement that I've received from some of you; clippings, articles and newspapers from when our congregation has been commended for something significant.  Photos and other little knick-knacks with special meaning. The items I keep may have deep significance for me, or they may also just be littl