For The Spirit Of The City

Jesus was a wisdom teacher, speaking and acting with an authority that continues to undermine conventional - and not so conventional - ways of life. Though disruptive to the status quo, the wisdom way of Jesus offers hope for us all. Rev. Joel Blunk preaches "By What Authority" in today's sermon.

As we listen to Jesus' call to follow him in the fist chapter of Mark's Gospel, Rev. Lindsey Franklin asks us to reflect on our own call to discipleship. She encourages us to see our call in relation with and interwoven with one another.

Weeks after the insurrection at the nation’s capitol the country is still divided as ever. The day after MLK’s observance and a day before the Inauguration of the 46th president; Anthony Gaboton Jr. ponders on how we can hear the voice of God in such turbulent times.

In this week's message Rev. Dr. Lisa Johnson calls for us to know that the Lord is God; that he made us; that he is good and his mercy is everlasting.

While there are many things that vie for our attention each and everyday, the epiphanies in our lives are reminders that God must come first. Rev. Joel Blunk preaches from the sermonic title: "Follow that Star."

For the final Tuesday night service of 2020, long-time Richmond Hill resident, DeBorah Cannady, shares a generational prayer/blessing for our community and country. A reminder that ‘Faith Makes All Things Possible.’

On this fourth week of Advent Anthony Gaboton delves into the story of the Virgin Birth of Christ. Does it still matter in the 21st century and how is it even relevant after such a challenging year?

On this third week of Advent Rev. Lindsey Franklin explores how Mary's Magnificat calls us to find "joy in the present tense."

"We must be willing to press into not just the Lord's garment but we must press into his presence and touch his heart, if we want our situation to change. I encourage you, whatever is going on in your life - instead of focusing on your issues, focus on the presence of an all loving, all powerful, all knowing God. Have faith, – and see if things don’t change in your life!" - Rev. Dr. Lisa Johnson

Rev. Joel Blunk kicks off our first preaching series during Advent, live from Richmond Hill's chapel. His eschatological sermon, "Stay Alert" encourages the church to grow in discipleship, justice, and love; with renewed vitality.

This week of Thanksgiving Rev. Ben Hadley-Goggin reflects on gratitude from Richmond Hill”s vegetable garden. He Interweaves the Gospels, Paul’s epistle (1 Thes. 5), and the life of 17th-century pastor Martin Rinkart to show how we benefit by finding reasons to be grateful.

While half of American voters celebrated the result of last week’s presidential election; the other half were upset, in denial, and/or fearful. Min. Anthony Gaboton looks to the Prophet Amos to present a balanced approach to these divided times.

Rev. Dr. Lisa Johnson looks to Psalm 51:10 ("Create in me a clean heart...") to explore the places in our lives that are causing our heart to be out of alignment with the will of God.

During this Election Day, Rev. Joel Blunk looks to the 'Beatitudes' in his sermon, "God's Great Turning." In trying times, as in all times, he encourages us to trust in the promise of God's blessing.

With a week to go until the elections, we continue our series on "Staying Faithful". Min. Anthony Gaboton Jr. looks to the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes to gain insight from divinity in such unsteady times.

In reading Jesus' call to "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperors, and to God the things that are God's," Associate Pastor for Development Lindsey Franklin finds some wisdom in how to stay focused on what matters in a time of distraction and injustice.

During these difficult times the perseverance of the human spirit is vital. Rev. Dr. Lisa Johnson juxtaposes St. Paul's letter to the Phillipians with the story of 1992 Olympic track star, Derick Redmond and his father, as a model for "continuing to run the race" in spite of the obstacles we face.

Rev. Joel Blunk presents the basis of ‘The Parable of the Tenants’ as loving your neighbor, which is simple yet very challenging. We are challenged to place our egos aside to do the challenging work of justice and God’s righteousness.

DeBorah Cannady, Richmond Hill Ministries Coordinator, shares how the classic tale of “The Good Samaritan” is so relevant for these challenging and distressing times. She reminds of us to not forget about our neighbors, but also finding ways to show care towards them.

Associate Pastor Lindsey Franklin explores truth-telling as a part of healing our city. She takes inspiration from Jesus' parable of the laborers in the field in seeking God's kingdom, here on earth.