Fire, Shipwrecks and Serpents: Worship for Preparation and Easter

March 8, 2017March 9, 2017 / Rev. Alan Van Hooser / Leave a comment

Pour it out4

You are invited to join our Cheatham Memorial Church family for worship! This is a brief sketch of our Lent and Easter worship. You can also follow us on Facebook and our website www.cheathamumc.net . If you are in our corner of East Texas, don’t drive by, drive in. We would be honored to show you our “Welcome Home”. Here is our worship journey toward Easter

We need a breakthrough. In our hearts, homes and communities we need that breakthrough of awareness of God. God is already at work in the parts of our lives that hold us spiritually hostage. Have we intentionally sought God? Have we taken personal responsibility for a breakthrough of Grace. What we lack is the intimacy with God that is key to breaking the chains.

For our part of the breakthrough, we will focus on three spiritual practices. They are to GIVE-time talent or tithes, FAST-at least missing lunch on Wednesdays, and PRAY-specifically for that particular move of God we desperately want and need. This is not a weight loss program nor manipulating God for a new car but a celebration of the living resurrection of Jesus! God will provide direction and BREAKTHROUGH

Where is God moving in your life? What is holding you hostage-habits, addiction, relationship, employment, finances fear, health, or other?

The sermons are a 5 part journey through Acts . We will gather each Wednesday Evening at 5:30 for studies, centered on our Spiritual Gifts and practices. We will have many of our traditions but our goal is to be prepared for a personal, walking around, and living resurrection.

March 1: Ash Wednesday

Matthew 4:1-11 “The Desert Journey”. We are setting the stage for our Lenten preparation by meeting in the desert. In the desert we are all on the same level and totally reliant on God. The contest for the Christ’s will is the same temptations that we experience in our daily living. Where will our BREAKTHROUGH come? It starts with intentionally becoming more intimate with God.

March 5: The First Sunday of Lent , Lent Begins, Holy Communion Sunday

Acts 2:42-47 “A Community on Fire”

Pentecost started a spiritual fire in the homes and workplaces of the believers. After the overwhelming breakthrough, the new “Christian” community responded by church worship, personal worship, prayer, charity, and fellowship. Faith was for everyday living. Where are we being led to take the Pentecost fire?

March 12:The Second Sunday of Pentecost

Acts 6:8-7:3, 7:54-8:1 “Discipleship’s Cost

The walk with Christ is free of charge but very Costly. What will we pay? What riches will be receive?

March 19: The Third Sunday of Pentecost- We will have a guest Preacher, Jesse Brannen

Acts 8:25-40 “Living Water Alive” (This is my study text for the series.

We wear our baptisms and others find the living water for themselves. There is not shame in needing a guide! In our words, ways and relationships, we will share our water with others.

March 26: The fourth Sunday of Lent

Acts 9:1-31”The New Transfiguration

Paul’s conversion mirrors the Christ at the mount of Transfiguration. Where did God meet you on the road. Where is the road before you headed?

April 2: The Fifth Sunday of Lent Holy Communion

Acts17:16-31 “Knowing the Unknown”

God is made known to us with the images and experiences of daily living. God is shared with those who live with and around us. It is not accidental that we have the story in the exact way we need to share with those around us.

April 9: Palm Sunday: with a reading by a child at the beginning, A Children’s Play, Special Music, Procession of Palms!

Matthew 21:1-11 read by a young person or persons and possibly using the “Voice” version as a format.

Acts 28:1-23 “The 29^th Chapter of Acts”

Help me read the 29^th chapter of acts! Oh wait, you must write it first. The Holy Spirit is writing it through you! Thank you Terry Teykl-Check out his book here!

April 10-15: Holy Week

We will focus our attention on a Good Friday ,“7 Final Words Service, with several speakers . We will also offer a prayer Labyrinth and a time of praying through the Scriptural Stations of the Cross. Pat and are using the stations with Children’s Church. We will plan further use of the art work throughout the church.

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April 16: Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday will be tradition rich with special music, breakfast at 8:30, Easter Eggs by age group at 9:00 and rousing worship! Watch for further details on the CMUMC Website

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June 2016 Sermons at Cheatham Memorial

May 18, 2016 / Rev. Alan Van Hooser / Leave a comment

compass of faith

The Cheatham Memorial Family invites you to join us for worship at 10:00 am each Sunday. We have a variety of activities and service projects that you can check out at our WEBSITE!

Do you ever feel like you have lost direction? We will discuss ways to “Face the Fire by Faith”. What do I do with faith in a world that seems so random. Transformation is a mystery that begins and ends with faith. The fun stuff lies in the middle. Find your way with us as we seek Christ together.

June 5: The 3rd Sunday of Pentecost, Communion Sunday,

Text: 1 Kings 17:8-24 “Now What”

Transformation in the soul is built by our experiences in the day to day. We need companions for the journey and our eye on God. With each day’s ups and downs, let’s face it, faith can just be difficult. And yet we grow through these experiences.

June 12: 4^th Sunday of Pentecost.

Text: Galatians 2:15-21,” Faith is Dead Right”

The way to faith is faith. God is faithful to plant the seeds of faith within us and water them with our experiences. Faith expressed leads us to faith experienced. “Paul speaks of what kind of sinner he is and asks, “what kind of sinner are you?”

June 19: 5^th Sunday of Pentecost, Father’s Day

Text Luke 8:26-39 “Hey, those are my pigs!”

A dad’s promise does not come from a perfect life but by following a perfect Jesus. Faith opens our eyes to our own brand of distress and randomness. Rather than excuse our lives as “Just the way it is”, a new way is given, by faith, to all who will fearlessly face the challenge.

June 26: 6^th Sunday of Pentecost

Text: 2 Kings 2:1-14 “Pass it on”

Faith is not a possession to hold but one to nurture and pass on. Our companions in life feed our faith but also depend on us to build them up too. Leadership is successful when we let god and watch another grow.

Check our out main website at cheathamumc.net

Monday School: 1-16-15 Our “Spiritual Underwear” Final Week

November 18, 2015 / Rev. Alan Van Hooser / 1 Comment

The goal of this short study is two-fold: first to understand more of our BASIC Methodist beliefs, and second, how to better express our beliefs to others. We used the foundation of the Articles of Religion and the General Rules as a framework for our study. Just as Underwear is the foundation of our clothing, usually unseen, intimate, different preferences on different people and keeps the rest of our ensemble together, so are our theological doctrines .

You can read the one-page General Rules with us by clicking here.

You can read the 2- pages of the Articles of Religion with us by clicking here.

Let me begin with my thanks to our group. I rarely get to discuss theology at any depth and have never had as much fun as I have with YOU GUYS!

Methodists begin by teaching the method to growing into our theological understanding. we start with Scripture, use our God given brains to reason, reflect that with our Christian tradition and then translate into our living experience. Add to that the fact that we are wonderfully mad as Biological, Psychological, Social and Spiritual and we look for balance in all things as we discern and discuss the words about God that we use.

THE THEOLOGICAL BALANCING ACT

We discussed our assumptions, or better our deepest beliefs, and how they color our understanding of God. I shared mine, which are varied and admittedly overanalyzed. Things like my role as a pastor to a community and not a congregation, the Bible as a touchstone, connection to God and people, the sacraments as a source of amazing comfort , on an on. We encouraged to know our assumptions, non-negotiables and grow a willingness to be both “Critical and Constructive”. See page 78-89 of the Book of Discipline.

The articles give us a language of faith but it is up to us to make them personal. They are precisely written and intentionally placed in an order of importance. Everything flows from God, trinitarian in our understanding, but ONE GOD. We spent most of our time speaking of the sacraments.

The sacraments, specifically, Baptism and Holy Communion ( or the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist as you choose), are also a language of faith. They are a doing of the story of God as Creator, Jesus as prophet, priest, King and redeemer, and the Holy Spirit as the real worker in these powerful acts of faith. It is amazing how common touchable elements such as water, juice and bread can reach to the invisible part of ourselves and awaken our relationship with Christ.

We also discussed the five sacramental acts of worship that other Christians count as sacraments, namely-confirmation, penance, orders, matrimony, and extreme unction. They aren’t bad, just don’t carry the weight that the Baptism and Communion do.

Each of us had stories of a time where the sacraments helped us to make sense out of something or met a spiritual need. We had an “All Saint’s Sunday” a few weeks ago that was particularly powerful to me. Each of us had a different take of what name we use for God when we pray. Ultimately, the goal of any sacramental experience is to form our lives into a living Holy Communion.

The question was asked, “how do you do that”. This study must become more than words. The short answer is to “attend to the ordinances of the church”, whether that is worship, study, prayer or service, in such a way that God is made real to us personally. If God is that real to us personally then it will leak out into the lives of others.

I will not outline the 125 articles here but will point you to the link above and invite anyone of any denomination to look through them and discover your stance on the individual parts. Please don’t stop there though. Look at the whole of who God is and how overwhelming his love and grace is for you. Studying these different pieces is not meant to just tickle your ears but to open your heart to a deeper working and practical walk with Jesus!

All of this and we never discussed the organizational structure once. We will get to that on our next installment sometime after New Year’s

Next week we will take a November 23, 2015 off for the Thanksgiving holiday. Our new study will be announced soon. All are welcome to join in the study at any time on Mondays at 6:00. Everyone is welcome to add with a comment on the doctrinal statements below.

Click here to check out our main website!

Thank you Captain Underpants for adding a little humor to a serious subject.

Thoughts From the Back Porch: October 1, 2015

October 2, 2015October 2, 2015 / Rev. Alan Van Hooser / Leave a comment

This is the view from my back porch, my sacred spot. This is where I feel closest to God and can separate for a few quiet minutes each day. I Hope you have a sacred spot and find your time with God today. It makes a life of difference. Here’s whats on my heart today………

Just past the full of the “Blue Corn Moon”

Establish your sacred space out of doors whenever possible. I am blessed to have a large yard that backs up to a wooded property to charge me up with calm. This is the view from the space that is engineered to center me on God Dawn and dusk provide the best time for me to be immersed in the presence of God. Amazing things happen as God creates a new day right before your eyes.
This morning is dark, 60 degrees and silent. No air conditioners or wind interrupt the stillness. The only traffic is from farm workers and night shift-ers. I hear my first flock of geese for the year fly overhead. The only light is the full moon hanging high but still they cannot be seen. In that moment the unseen Creator is as real as those unseen geese

The early risers go about their day

My scripture meditation is Exodus 3-Moses and his angelic messenger found in the burning bush. There is a difference between being still and simply being outside. Moses, the prince of Egypt and convicted murderer, was now a humble hired son-in-law working at the family sheep business. His wandering was God ordained and went on for many years. However, when the voice of God spoke through this angel, he recognized both the speaker and the holiness of this place.

Moses was on Mr. Horeb, the mountain of God! A sacred space set aside for the spiritual searcher. How many other hired men might have grumbled about their work all self absorbed and missed this moment with God almighty? Did it take more than one try to get Moses to notice? After so long Moses was blinded by self pity and poor self esteem, as suggested in Verse 11 suggests. It would be easy to lose sight of God in the midst of it all.
How many of my neighbor’s this morning rushed out and missed this sacred time and the connection of the invisible honking geese with the majesty of God? How many bad days could be avoided by a mere 15 minutes of intentional stillness. God brought Moses to that moment and changed his world. Where will God meet you today and change yours?

My sacred spot is a covered porch but yours could be a hammock, car or a spot near a window. I keep plants to nurture in my sacred spot, you might choose to surround yourself with icons, artwork or a place to write or study instead. A bench in a public park can be as holy as a pew in a sanctuary.

Actively Seek your space and surround yourself with things that point you to God. Rise a little early and intentionally give God some time-as little as 15 minutes make a difference.

Search your Bible and other books for those images and activities that lead you to true prayer. The ultimate life skill in these matters if to craft your sacred spot wherever you are standing.

The point of this is not what you do in your sacred space but what being in that sacred space does to you.

c. Alan Van Hooser 2015

October 2015 Sermon Schedule

October 1, 2015October 1, 2015 / Rev. Alan Van Hooser / Leave a comment

We will continue to discuss the many tools that God gives us to discern our life’s direction Concentrating God’s word as our compass and the Holy Spirit as Guide. We will cut the clutter and discuss as much about what the Bible doesn’t say as what it does say. We will hone our discernment skills to refine our “Vision Statement” as a congregation and to develop our personal life statement as well. Come and see us at 10:oo worship!

October 4: Exodus 3:1-15 “Tell Them I-Am Sent You”

The word of the day: God’s Direction for our lives and our congregation. This direction is Knowable and Do-able. What God requires, God Directs and provides. Moses was endorsed by God, and In Christ, so are we.
October 11: “Laity Sunday!”The message will be brought by Lay Person Jackie Fitzgerald from 1 Peter 4:10-11. Judi Yarbrough will also present a mission report in word and photos.
“October 18: 21st: Mark 10:17-31 ”Oh, Come on….You know this!”We know the basics of Christ, some of us even from childhood, but we still have to be reminded of them from time to time.
October 25: James 3:1-12 “But we must all learn”Not all can or should teach. It is a gift and a craft. BUT we must all learn from our many teachers. Christ is teaching all things everywhere. Listen, and learn…..

“Monday School”: A precept study of James-Week 1

September 28, 2015September 28, 2015 / Rev. Alan Van Hooser / 1 Comment

Tonight we had a small group with a BIG discussion! We have set aside Monday Evenings at 6:00 for Adult Bible Study This is an Inductive study where we look at the whole to see where God’s direction comes from.

In Monday School, It is as important to know HOW to study as it is to know the information. We are not seeking simple intellectual knowledge but God’s wisdom. To do this we will hone three skills: Observation-spiritual reading, Interpretation-spiritual seeking, and Application-putting truth into practice.

Tonight was James, Chapter 1: CLICK HERE for the full text: Hey the book in only 5 pages!

What we observed:

It was written by a powerhouse guy, but a real person who really knew Jesus. He had a solid grasp of a mixed Christian culture and Jewish wisdom literature. This is the New Testament book of proverbs.
People of faith have problems. Seeking God uses them to build us up, strengthen us, to stay standing and motivate us to DO faith instead of folding when times get tough. We shared stories about carrying on. Tough times build a Faith that stands when the heat is on and an untested faith is no faith at all.
One likened to simply hearing as reading a novel, when tired, looking away, and looking back to forget what we read. Faith leads to Wisdom which moves us from a forgetful hearer to an effectual doer. Talk+love= action.
Wisdom that builds faith listens, then speaks and doesn’t get mad. Mad takes our mind off of God.
Finally wisdom is shown by keeping our mouths under control and our moral decision inline with God’s word. This is hard BUT we have everything we need to observe, interpret and they bravely apply. We don’t have to feel inferior to ANYONE but carry on.

Next week Chapter 2: How is a growing faith lived out with others. Excellent Group! Group members and others are welcome to add a comment

THE THOUGHTFUL PASTOR

Rev. Alan Van Hooser

christian living