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COME, PRAISE GOD!
EVENTS ARE POSTED BELOW WITH THE MOST RECENT FIRST:
Watch for an online Fall Bible Study beginning September 30, 2021, broadcast live on Thursdays at 11 a.m.
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The in-person sanctuary worship option for Sundays at 10:30 a.m. has been reinstated by Governance Board action. Live on-line worship will continue here in the section below and on our Facebook page, with local live radio broadcasts continuing also. If you would prefer a DVD recording of the service, please con-tact the church office and yours will be placed for pickup in the black box on the State Street front door, with no need to return it. Meanwhile, let's stay extra-safe as we wear masks where needed, maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet socially, and limit our residence indoor gatherings to households only.
A NOTE ABOUT YOUR CONTINUED GENEROSITY: In lieu of in-person giving for the Lord's work, you may mail in your check to Hart UMC at: 308 S. State Street, Hart, MI 49420. Otherwise, you may use the red "DONATE HERE" button on the opening home page for credit and debit card giving. Thank you! |
worship for august 1, 2021
On this Holy Communion Sunday, Pastor Steve reflects on the loaves and fishes miracle enabled by what was given by a little boy, and then multiplied by Jesus to feed a multitude of thousands and thousands. See John 6:1-15, Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:33-44, and Luke 9:11-17...it's the only story recorded in all four gospels, so it's important!
SUMMER BIBLE STUDY - "FAITHFUL JOSEPH" #4
Pastor Steve concludes the study on Joseph by looking at what Joseph and Mary faithfully did after the birth of Jesus according to Jewish law and tradition. Also, the visit of the magi is discussed as an early example of how Jesus is the world's Savior and Sovereign: the One who "shall reign forever and ever," as Handel's "Messiah" musically proclaims.
worship for july 25, 2021
Pastor Steve talks about the meaning of Christmas on this "Christmas in July" Sunday, featuring Christmas songs and prayers.
SUMMER BIBLE STUDY - "FAITHFUL JOSEPH" #3
In this next-to-least session of the Summer Bible Study on Joseph, Pastor Steve reviews the situation surrounding the story of Jesus' birth and the events leading up to that time, and also considers the story of the humble shepherds' visit to the baby in a manger.
worship for july 18, 2021
On this Sunday before the Summer Olympics begin, Pastor Steve talks about how our weaknesses can become strengths, just like St. Paul's weakness became his strength through God's power in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 12:2-10).
SUMMER BIBLE STUDY - "FAITHFUL JOSEPH" #2
In this second session of four in the study on Joseph, Pastor Steve summarizes the stages of Joseph and Mary's pre-teen and later betrothal/engagement, through which they became known as husband and wife, even before living together. He then discusses Joseph's response to Mary's news of becoming pregnant in this legally-bound relationship, which was, technically and by design of the betrothal custom, still an out-of-wedlock situation.
worship for july 11, 2021
In the midst of summer vacation time, Pastor Steve talks about Jesus' words, "let's take a break and get a little rest..." (Mark 6:31), particularly in view of the concept of the Sabbath.
summer bible study - "faithful joseph" #1
In what he calls "a little chat," Pastor Steve talks about Joseph, the earthly step-adoptive-foster father of Jesus, and imagines Joseph's strength of character and humble faithfulness, all of which and more undoubtedly becoming a strong influence upon Jesus while he was growing up as this carpenter's stepson.
worship for july 4, 2021
For this Fourth of July service, and after Jesus' words about having "little honor" in certain places, Pastor Steve talks about some dishonorable impulses that might entice us while we live out our freedom in this nation as God's responsible children.
worship for june 27, 2021
After hearing the story of Jesus calming the wind and the waves, Pastor Steve talks about the storms in our lives and how Jesus is present with us as we trust through the gift of faith.
worship for june 20, 2021
On this Father's Day, Pastor Steve talks about the story of one father, Jairus, whose young daughter is dying, and who comes to Jesus for help, even as this father and his situation is put on hold while Jesus ministers to another.
worship for june 13, 2021
Pastor Steve celebrates the characteristics of a mustard seed faith, even as Holy Communion is celebrated this day.
worship for june 6, 2021
After opening words by Pastor Steve and a time of prayer, we join in the Michigan Area UMC Annual Conference worship broadcast, featuring the Reverend Dr. Cynthia Wilson.
Worship for may 30, 2021
On this Trinity Sunday during Memorial weekend, Pastor Steve talks about the significance of the Trinity concept for God, as the centuries-old doctrine helps us to know God in three persons. [And sorry for the "frozen" glitch about 4 minutes into the service, lasting for about 4 minutes--please skip through it...or just wait.]
the gospel of john study #6: summary and eternal life
In this final session on the Gospel of John, Pastor Steve gives a summary of what's been said in this study of John's Gospel, and concludes with some thoughts on life and eternal life in the resurrected life of Christ, the restorer of God's Everlasting Garden.
worship for may 23, 2021
On this Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Steve talks about three stances taken in response to the presence of God's Holy Spirit in Christ.
the gospel of john study #5: the holy spirit and pentecost
For this fifth session in a series of six on the Gospel of John, Pastor Steve talks about Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit in John's Farewell Discourse at the Last Supper and just prior to Christ's crucifixion and death. Pastor Steve also presents the Jewish back-ground to Pentecost, even as we, in the Christian tradition, celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the "birthday of the Church" on the Day of Pentecost, with lots of creative symbolism--including a wild goose! Please finish reading John's Gospel for next time.
worship for may 16, 2021
On this Ascension Sunday, Pastor Steve talks about waiting even as we're working for God's mission in Christ.
the gospel of john study #4: the farewell discourse
For this fourth session in a series of six on the Gospel of John, Pastor Steve talks about the section now called "The Farewell Discourse," highlighting some of Jesus' conversation with his disciple-learner friends at the Last Supper (a Passover Seder Meal). This section comprises Chapters 13-17, which can be read on your own for more content. Also, please read Chapters 18 and 19 of John's Gospel for next time.
worship for may 9, 2021
On this Sixth Sunday of Easter and Mother's Day, Pastor Steve talks about Jesus' commandment: "...love each other..." from John 15:12 as well as in John 13:34.
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN STUDY #3: "I AM," PART 2
For this third session in a series of six on the Gospel of John, Pastor Steve continues discussing the seven "I AM" sayings of Jesus, particularly "I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world," and "I am the vine..." Please read Chapters 12 through 17 of John's Gospel for next time, too.
worship for may 2, 2021
On this Fifth Sunday of Easter, Pastor Steve talks about John 15:1-8, in which Jesus says, "I am the vine, you are the branches."
the gospel of john study #2: "i am," part 1
In this second in a series of six sessions studying the Gospel of John, Pastor Steve gives some background and talks about the "I am" statements of Jesus, a subject which will continue next time as well. Please continue reading John, Chapters 6 - 11.
worship for april 25, 2021
On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, Pastor Steve talks about Jesus' words: "I am the Good Shepherd," even as 2 lambs visit (see below).
the gospel of john bible study #1: Introduction
Pastor Steve gives an introduction to John's Gospel and reads the first eighteen verses ("The Prologue"). Please read the rest of Chapter 1 as well as Chapters 2 through 5 this week.
worship for april 18, 2021
Pastor Steve talks about how the early church shared everything in common and had no needy persons among them. We as the church today can share with the needy--which means all of us, in some way or another--just as Christ commands us to love.
worship for april 11, 2021
On this Second Sunday of Easter, and looking at Luke 24: 36b-48, Pastor Steve talks about Jesus being made known in everyday reality, and especially every day through our own appreciative witness to Christ's presence through what we say and do.
worship for easter, april 4, 2021
On this Easter Resurrection Sunday, Pastor Steve talks about how Easter is important to us and is a never-ending story of life and love, looking at the end of Mark's Gospel.
april 2 good friday service link:
vimeo.com/512223239
Worship Leader: Rev. Julie Liske / Liturgists: Raj Wiener, Jay Makowski / Music Director: Eric Strand (Approximate length: 20 minutes).
This meditative service faces the crucifixion through art from around the world, accompanied only by piano and scripture texts from Isaiah and John. May this special worship bring blessing in the forgiveness and freedom God shares with us in Christ, so that we may share God's blessings with the world in the name of Christ.
Worship Leader: Rev. Julie Liske / Liturgists: Raj Wiener, Jay Makowski / Music Director: Eric Strand (Approximate length: 20 minutes).
This meditative service faces the crucifixion through art from around the world, accompanied only by piano and scripture texts from Isaiah and John. May this special worship bring blessing in the forgiveness and freedom God shares with us in Christ, so that we may share God's blessings with the world in the name of Christ.
holy maundy thursday service, April 1, 2021
After a welcome and introduction by Pastor Steve, the service produced by the Michigan Conference UMC is shown, featuring Bishop David Bard's message on showing tenderness. A "washing" ceremony is remembered and Holy Communion is celebrated.
worship for march 28, 2021 - palm/passion sunday
In this Palm/Passion Sunday worship service, Pastor Steve brings a message about Jesus weeping after his entry into Jerusalem long ago, and then reads a shortened version of the Passion of Jesus from Mark, Chapters 14 and 15. (This is a re-post of the live broadcast, without the gap.)
worship for March 21, 2021
On this Fifth Sunday in Lent, Pastor Steve talks about how to handle those many, many times in life when our anticipated but unrealized expectations clash with the actual unexpected reality, similar to when Jesus' disciple/learners had to face the reality of Christ's death on the cross.
worship for march 14, 2021
On this Fourth Sunday in Lent, Pastor Steve talks about the New Covenant as promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34, and how we can live beyond the former Covenant laws as God's Instructions are now placed upon our hearts and wills through Christ.
worship for march 7, 2021
On this Third Sunday in Lent, Pastor Steve continues talking about God's covenant with us, focusing on the Ten Commandments.
February, 2021worship: 2/28/21On this Second Sunday in Lent, Pastor Steve talks about the faith of Abraham and Sarah in response to God's covenant, and how we can learn about faith from their example.
Worship: 2/21/21Here is the worship service for February 21, 2021, the First Sunday in Lent. Pastor Steve talks about how rainbows repre-sent God's covenant promise to us. Sorry that it did not post live--not sure why. ALSO, the Lenten Devotional Series will begin this THURSDAY, February 25, and every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. (rather that the Wednesday date mentioned in the service announcements). Thanks again for your participation in worship, and your patience!
ash wednesday service for 2/17/21This brief service features the blessing and self-placement of ashes, with both the actual ashes and spiritually.
worship: 2/14/21On this Transfiguration Sunday and Valentine's Day, Pastor Steve talks about listening to Christ.
worship: 2/7/21Pastor Steve talks about St. Paul's words, "run to win," comparing the Christian life to athletic events on this Super Bowl Sunday.
november, 2020worship: 11/29/20On this First Week of Advent, with its theme of hope, Pastor Steve talks about feeling God-forsaken, like Isaiah and his people, because of hardships and sin, yet knowing that, as the coming of the Christ-Child of Christmas reminds us, God never has, does, nor will forsake us.
worship: 11/22/20Our Generosity/Stewardship Emphasis concludes as Pastor Steve talks about how generosity produces Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving produces generosity, along with a mindset of abundance and joy, all to be shared.
worship: 11/15/20Our Generosity/Stewardship Emphasis continues as Pastor Steve talks about managing our lives, remembering that life is a very valuable gift, with wonderful opportunities for using our lives and resources (or else losing them along the way) for God's dreams and purposes.
worship: 11/8/20As the Generosity/Stewardship Emphasis begins, Pastor Steve talks about our allegiance and giving to God.
worship: 11/1/20On this All Saints Day, Pastor Steve talks about how to handle the death of our loved ones.
august, 2020worship: 8/30/20Pastor Steve talks about how Christ gives us rest from our weariness and goes alongside us in life, linked in a partnership--like being "yoked" together.
worship: 8/23/20Pastor Steve talks about just two or three together in Christ and how we are not alone and shouldn't try to go it alone in this world.
worship: 8/16/20Pastor Steve looks at some questions concerning the question Jesus asked: "Who do YOU say that I am?"
worship: 8/9/20During in-person worship, Pastor Steve talks about Jacob (Israel) and wrestling with God about the past, the future, and the present, and how we need to let God be in control.
worship: 8/2/20IN-PERSON SANCTUARY WORSHIP BEGINS! Lay Minister Wayne Brunt concludes his six-week pulpit supply during Pastor Steve's voice rehab (thank you, Wayne!), giving his final message on Matthew 14:22-33, where Jesus and Peter walk on water.
May, 2020WORSHIP: 5/31/20 - PENTECOSTPastor Steve, still with laryngitis, reflects on the coming of God's Holy Spirit upon the disciples at Pentecost and the birthday of the Church, concluding that the Spirit is still the true power of the faithful and the uplifting inspiration for service to others.
worship: 5/24/20Pastor Steve "talks" about Christ's Ascension and the disciples' response of awe, apprehension, and awareness of Jesus' absence.
--Here's the link for "Open the Eyes of My Heart" by Sonic Flood (with others out there on the Internet, too, if you want to look): youtu.be/N6yw3OTGeaM (this one kind of rocks...) --To make a donation to help the Midland area flooding response, click this link (and it's in the article's next-to-last paragraph): https://michiganumc.org/michigan-responding-to-glbr-flooding/? utm_source=Michigan+Area+Master+Communication+List&utm_campaign=333866ff0d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_08_01_02_55_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1e193f36cb-333866ff0d-411507525. --For the next webinar series session #2, click the "www.umcjustice.org" link at the end of the "Worship for May 17" box below. worship: 5/17/20Pastor Steve, with laryngitis, talks about how in suffering God is with us, and how, like Jesus, we can bring our world to God and God's presence to our world in the good we do, particularly by alleviating suffering.
Two additional helpful song videos are at these links: youtu.be/l1lyTPbeZfc (David Archuleta of American Idol fame singing “Be Still, My Soul” from his home on April 26) and https://youtu.be/vACn9kwWU8Y (The Imperials with Russ Taff singing a forty-year favorite, “Be Still My Soul”—but not the same as the hymn). Last, here's a related webinar series on relieving suffering: www.umcjustice.org/what-you-can-do/seminar-program/covid-19-webinars?emci=f019fc5f-5694-ea11-86e9-00155d03b5dd&emdi=56f2d11d-3995-ea11-86e9-00155d03b5dd&ceid=2695263 WORSHIP: 5/10/20 - NO VIDEO: PASTOR STEVE HAS LARYNGITISPlease DOWNLOAD THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT for a written summary of this week's message and other worship suggestions from Pastor Steve, who has laryngitis. You may also revisit any of the worship videos below, and/or check out a host of other United Methodist links at michiganumc.org/easter-2020/online-church-by-city/. Thank you for your understanding and God Bless You!
worship: 5/3/20After reading Psalm 23 as sheep graze, Pastor Steve discusses the age-old image of God as a Shepherd who provides for us, protects us, and blesses us abundantly, even under our shadowed circumstances.
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january, 2021worship: 1/31/21Pastor Steve talks about God having a change of mind, which can be our inspiration to repent and change, too, God being our helper.
worship: 1/24/21Pastor Steve talks about how our worth-while endeavors, whether through our employment or not, are callings from God--vocations, as we maintain a proper attitude about and a commitment to accomplishing God's purposes through our lives.
worship: 1/17/21Pastor Steve talks about how, like young Samuel in the Bible, we can come to know God's presence with us (what he calls "the 3 H's").
worship: 1/10/21At this Baptism of the Lord Sunday worship, Pastor Steve talks about Jesus' baptism by John the Baptizer and leads a baptismal reaffirmation and renewal service.
worship: 1/3/21Pastor Steve talks about the coming of the magi ("wise men") and how we can follow their example as we set out into this new year with hope and faith.
october, 2020worship: 10/25/20Pastor Steve talks about Jesus's words to love God and to love others without being a critic.
worship: 10/18/20Pastor Steve talks about how to rejoice in the Lord always.
worship: 10/11/20Pastor Steve talks about having a focused life like that of St. Paul.
WORSHIP: 10/4/20On this World Communion Sunday, Pastor Steve talks about how all of us are invited to God's banquet festivities of life in Christ. (Don't forget: if you would like to participate in Holy Communion while watching this, you may pick up a nonperishable "combo" bread and cup from the black box on the Church Office front door anytime the week before and after the first Sunday of the month.)
july, 2020worship: 7/26/20Wayne Brunt talks about being "more than conquerors" through prayer as he preaches on Romans 8:26-39. Wayne is a certified United Methodist Lay Minister. Pastor Steve does the opening and clo-sing of the service with the announce-ment that IN-PERSON SANCTUARY WORSHIP BEGINS NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 2. (Worship services will still be posted to this website after each service.)
worship: 7/19/20U.M. Certified Lay Minister Wayne Brunt continues preaching on Romans 8, obser-ving that, as Children of God and as debt-ors, we owe everything to God in Christ.
worship: 7/12/20Wayne Brunt, U.M. Certified Lay Minister, preaches on Romans 8 and being alive in the Spirit of Christ. Pastor Steve, still having voice rehab, has short talks to begin and end the service.
worship: 7/5/20Speaker Wayne Brunt, a Certified United Methodist Lay Minister, talks about freedom in Christ. Pastor Steve, with on-going therapy for his voice, also says a few words at the beginning--but not too loudly, following rehab rules.
april, 2020worship: 4/26/20After sharing an outdoor walking rendition of the story of the Emmaus Walk, Pastor Steve points out that Christ is already and always present with us, being principally revealed through scripture, with service to the 'least of these,' and in community togetherness
worship: 4/19/20Pastor Steve talks about Jesus' fearful disciples being locked behind doors after the Resurrection, and how Christ brings peace for our fears. (Please excuse the uncentered screens, and the low battery alarm distracting me at the end of the message--cute story, too!--not to mention the mismatched audio "lip-syncing" during the sermon message on, particularly...)
worship with Bishop bardOur bishop, David Bard, requests that Michigan United Methodists and others watch this service--anytime during the Easter Season actually--produced by the Michigan Area Conference UMC as recorded at the East Lansing University UMC facility. You can also visit the Michigan Conference website pages at:
michiganumc.org easter worship: april 12, 2020Pastor Steve talks about how our empty sanctuaries are like Christ's empty tomb, serving as signs of life and a testimony of love for others as we stay home, not caged up but dispersed in Christ's freedom. The poem "How the Virus Stole Easter" is shared, as well as a worldwide virtual choir singing, Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (click here for a clearer version of the song: youtu.be/Pr54po5s0nQ).
4/9/20 holy maundy Thursday serviceBe ready to participate in this brief interactive service with a piece of bread (or cracker), a drink, and a hand-washing station.
worship: 4/5/20 palm-passion sun.After a Palms celebration, Pastor Steve compares watching recorded athletic events after the victory is known, to re-hearing the crucifixion story, knowing the victory of Christ. Here are links to the Vanderbilt Divinity School's slideshows for better viewing: lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/slides/Ax_LiturgyofthePalms.pdf& lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/slides/Ax_LiturgyofthePassion.pdf (with some additional slides).
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december, 2020worship: 12/27/20On this Sunday after Christmas, Pastor Steve talks about Simeon and Anna at the Temple when the 40-day-old Jesus was presented according to Jewish tradition. They both knew the significance of the coming of Christ, and we can, too, as we reflect on what Christmas means.
christmas eve worship, 2020At this Christmas Eve worship, after a message from U. M. Bishop, David Bard, Pastor Steve reads the story of birth of Jesus from Luke 2. Christmas carols are interspersed with the reading, and Pastor Steve talks about the names of Christ. To conclude, we light a candle while a candle-passing video is shared, even as many Midwest District U.M. churches are represented, with the song, "Silent Night," featured in the background.
worship: 12/20/20For this Fourth Week of Advent, Pastor Steve talks about God's "Phase 1 rescue" of us through the coming of Jesus, with all of Christ's uniqueness and in the beauty of the simple and the ordinary, all because of God's love, which is what Christmas is about.
worship: 12/13/20On this Third Week of Advent, Pastor Steve talks about Mary's song known as the Magnificat and how we can learn with Mary that God was and is at work in us, and that God's Reign has and is come, knowing that the Child of Christmas is what we all need.
worship: 12/6/20On this Second Week of Advent, with its theme of peace, Pastor Steve talks about Isaiah's word of comfort and how we can realize that comfort in God's pardon, pre-sence, and passion in the love of Christ.
september, 2020worship 9/27/20Pastor Steve finishes the sermon series about our work and service for the Lord by talking about our spiritual gifts. Here is the link to find out more about YOUR spiritual gifts: www.umc.org/en/content/spiritual-gifts (and note that a con-densed paper version is available at our Welcome Center, too).
worship: 9/20/20Pastor Steve continues to talk in this series about our gracious work and service for the Lord, as we distribute God's grace and generosity to all of God's children, regardless.
worship: 9/13/20In the first of a series, Pastor Steve talks about our work and service for the Lord, and how we need to have availability, sensitivity, and accountability for that service.
worship: 9/6/20On this first-of-the-month communion Sunday--and the first such communion since March 1--Pastor Steve talks about how Holy Communion and Jesus' words to take and share can teach us about economic justice and justice in general.
june, 2020worship: 6/28/20We welcome U.M. Certified Lay Minister, Wayne Brunt, as our worship leader and preacher. NOTE: FIRST, YOU MAY WANT TO WATCH THE SONG WAYNE REFERS TO ABOUT HALF-WAY THROUGH AS IT HAD COPYRIGHT ISSUES FOR POSTING. WATCH IT BY CLICKING THIS LINK:
WORSHIP: 6/24/20 - WITH MEARS/SHELBY & CLAYBANKS U.M.C'SPastor Steve is still resting his paralyzed vocal cord, so this week we're joining with Mears/Shelby & Claybanks United Methodist Churches for worship through this download:
WORSHIP: 6/21/20 optIONSPastor Steve says he's as tired and frustrated with his paralyzed vocal cord as you are tired and frustrated of hearing about it. But, for this Sunday, June 21, three options are being pro-moted for your worship alternative. Click this download for instructions:
worship: 6/14/20Please refer to some of the other wor-ship links listed previously. Thank you!
WORSHIP: 6/7/20 - "GUEST PASTOR" REV'D BILL HAGGARDAs Pastor Steve rests his voice with a paralyzed left vocal cord, the Rev'd Bill Haggard, pastor with Pentwater UMC, will be our featured "guest" preacher this Sunday, as we join in with their live Sunday service. Here are the links:
march, 2020worship: 3/29/20Pastor Steve talks about not being robbed of life during fearful times. See a related article: www.umc.org/en/content/jesus-wept-finding-gods-comfort-when-times-are-bad?
worship: 3/22/20Watch the Lenten Series "Conversations with Christ" with the story of Jesus' talk with Nicodemus in John's Gospel, Chapter 3, featuring the verse John 3:16, "God so loved the world..."
worship: 3/15/20Watch the worship service for Sunday, March 15. Note that the middle song is muted due to music copyright issues.
pastor steve recommends:See Pastor Adam Hamilton's message about fear and the COVID-19 outbreak which he gave at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City.
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