Sermons

All of the other essentials of Anabaptism are upheld through the power of the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit caused [early Anabaptists] to be people of insight, courage and effective witness” (Palmer Becker, Anabaptist Essentials, p. 166).  Only the Holy Spirit could nudge them to re-baptize. Only the Holy Spirit could empower them to withstand persecution and to continue in nonviolent resistance. The Holy Spirit gave them the words to the hymns and Scriptures they shouted

“I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least.” – Dorothy Day   Scott Sprunger grew up at JSMC and is now a student at Union Theological Seminary. He brought us a powerful message that compared cheap reconciliation to costly reconciliation. Cheap reconciliation maintains the status quo while covering up problems so that everyone appears happy. Costly reconciliation requires conflict that is done well. Along the way injustices

Matthew 5:21-26 Pastor Stan preached “The Practice of Love.” He reminded us that reconciling with each other is hard work. Yet, when we actively follow Jesus, it is important to pursue the relational (and physical) welfare of our neighbors. As we chase after our neighbors’ wellbeing, we need to remember that rules are the easy way out. Sitting down with each other, understanding contexts and relationship building is the difficult path. This path is the

Anabaptist faith in action can be summed up with one word: Reconciliation. It starts with God first. Today Pastor Carmen preached that “God’s Reconciliation” looks a lot like the father character in Jesus’ story in Luke 15, which is usually called “The Prodigal Son.” Like the father, God extends compassion toward and runs toward those who are far off. At the same time he is transforming those nearby to be more compassionate, merciful and trusting.

From July 2-6, JSMC Youth served with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) in Bloomington, TX. They helped Hurricane Harvey (2017) victims rebuild houses. Thanks for sharing!!