by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, June 27, 2021 Matthew 9:27-30 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES  I. We may not hear the important question if we’re not following. II. Faith is ready when the opportunity comes. III. Jesus’ question gave them a chance for joy. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Name something you almost always over-prepare for, and describe why. Name something you almost always under-prepare for, and why. - Describe some obstacles the blind men might have faced in following Jesus? - What sorts of responses ..read more

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, June 20, 2021 Matthew 8:23-27 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Jesus cares deeply. He’s just not stressed about it. II. Let Christ’s peace be more contagious than our anxiety. III. Perfect love casts out all fear.   FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Tell about a time when you got caught in a bad storm. What were you thinking? What were you feeling? - Look at the scripture that follows this passage in Matthew 8. Why was Jesus crossing the lake? - Imagine if the disciples would have allo ..read more

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, June 13, 2021 Matthew 6:24-27 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES  I. We’re trapped when we make anything other than God our master. II. Walking in trust undoes our worries. Dwelling in our worries multiplies them. III. Worry is a thief and a murderer. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - What is your favorite place to get ice cream or custard, and what do you order? - What are the ways people would have had money as their master in Jesus’ day? What are ways people have money as their master to ..read more

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, June 6, 2021 Matthew 21:28-32 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Jesus will answer your question with a question. II. Obedience is not just knowing, but doing right things. III. It’s more about being on the right path than having a perfect pedigree.   FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Have you made a public profession of faith (like becoming a church member)? Tell about that experience. - What are the benefits of challenging people’s thinking with questions instead of answers? What are t ..read more

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 30, 2021 2 Kings 2:5-15 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES  I. The friendships we forge in the faith become an enduring part of our legacy. II. Witnessing true godliness causes us to hunger for a deeper faith in our own lives. III. It’s up to us to take up the cloak. It’s up to God to provide the power. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Has the "Memorial" part of Memorial Day worked into your plans for this long weekend? If so, how? - Read 1 Kings 19:19-21 to learn about how Elisha was ..read more

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 23, 2021 1 Timothy 4:7-16 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES  I. To pass on hope, we can't major in the minors. II. Young disciples are called to exemplary love, faith, and purity. III. Youthful boldness is a great tool when guided by the Holy Spirit. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - If you were invited to give a commencement speech, what would be the title? - Paul talks about the risk of "wasting time" when it comes to training for godliness. What is at stake when churches bicker over ..read more

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 16, 2021 Psalm 78:1-8 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES  I. To be a part of the relay, we have to put ourselves into the race. II. We’ll be held responsible for hiding Jesus from future generations. III. God’s salvation stories are filled with warnings and wonders. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - What's a song you learned to help teach you something (besides the alphabet)? Do you still know the tune? - What does "apply the instructions of scripture to my life" mean to you? - What are some ways we hide Jesus fr ..read more

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 9, 2021 Exodus 2:1-10 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Not everything is working in favor of the nurturing community. II. Nurturing community requires a great deal of trust in God. III. Personal compassion can have an impact well beyond helping an individual.   FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - If you had a comfort item (like a blanket or stuffed animal) as a child, what was it? Do you know what became of it? - Where do you see examples of the mighty Pharaoh being made to look like a fool in these stories? W ..read more

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 2, 2021 Genesis 1:26-32 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION Please feel free to use these notes for personal devotion and reflection, as well as spiritual conversation with your small group and family.   SERMON NOTES I. We’ve been given the image of our Creator. II. We’ve been given responsibility and authority. III. We’ve been handed goodness that Jesus restores and we pass on.   FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - What's your favorite family heirloom, or what do you think will be something you'd ..read more

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, April 25, 2021 Galatians 5:13-26 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Our freedom in Christ leads us to serve and not destroy one another. II. The Spirit sets us free from legalism, and free from the sin that separates us from God. III. In all circumstances, the faith of disciples can be exhibited through the fruits of the Spirit.   FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Are you a garage sale fanatic? Why or why not? - Paul saw the Galatian church being undermined by internal strife and division. What do you think he mea ..read more