Calico Rock United Methodist Church
Calico Rock United Methodist Church
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
A Caring Family of GOD, FAITH, and LOVE
 

Rev. Mike Smith's Sermon Notes

Sunday, June 16, 2013

"Father Knows Best"

Scripture:  Luke 13 (selected verses)

Last Sunday, as we looked at Colossians 3, we discovered characteristics Christians should display in our daily living, which includes compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness.   Unfortunately, in our individual lives and in our collective church lives, we live more for the kingdom of self rather than the Kingdom of God.  We fail to remember that, “whatever we do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).

 

This Sunday morning, as we continue to contrast the kingdom of self and the Kingdom of God, we will examine the familiar parable of the prodigal son/forgiving father.  In this parable, we find significant lessons for living from the actions and attitude of the younger brother, the older brother, and the father. One would think that in this family, we would find an ideal role model for families, but a closer examination reveals rebellion, jealously, resentment, rivalry, and anger.  Perhaps this family is not much different from our own. 

 

Through the perfected gift of story-telling, Jesus uses this parable to teach God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness to those who were seeking, while challenging the religious leaders to put away their arrogance and condemnation.  Had we been there for the telling of this story, in which group would we find ourselves?  Do we need forgiveness for our rebellious nature and selfish perspective?  Or are we so content in our faith that we look down upon and condemn those we to perceive to not be as faithful as we consider ourselves? The good news is that God’s love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness is available to all of us.          


How can you help those affected by the recent tornadoes?  Read the following notice from the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church to learn more.

Please note, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) disaster response donations for those affected by yesterday's tornadoes or any other U.S. disaster may be sent via text, online, phone or mail or through your local church. Thank you.

  • Text RESPONSE to 80888 to send a $10 gift immediately
  • Online: US Disaster Response, Advance #901670
  • Phone toll-free: 1-800-554-8583
  • Mail:  Write check payable to UMCOR with the memo line: US Disaster Reponse, Advance #901670. Mail your check to: UMCOR, P. O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087.
  • Local church: Write check payable to UMCOR with the memo line: US Disaster Response, Advance #901670 and place it in the offering plate.


 Upcoming Events at Calico Rock UMC 

Wednesday, June 26, 2013 – Moving Day for UMC Pastors - Rev. Bill Sardin and family arrive in Calico Rock.
 
Sunday, June 30, 2013 – Rev. Bill Sardin's first Sunday at CRUMC. 
 

Tuesdays, – Celebrate Recovery - Calico Rock Mennonite Fellowship, 6:00 p.m., meal provided, open to all ages.  For additional information contact (870) 373-3677 or (870) 297-3197.  


 Please check the online church calendar for additional church events.

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Calico Rock United Methodist Church

   1611 Highway 56, Post Office Box 369

Calico Rock, Arkansas 72519

(870) 297-8878

crumc@centurytel.net

The Calico Rock United Methodist Church is a family and community oriented church.    

Our doors are always open for visitors and new members of the community
that wish to join our small but growing fellowship.

 Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

 The People of the United Methodist Church