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The Bible isn't just a collection of writings from thousands of years ago, it is often remarkably relevant to living today. For example, we can mourn the state of our divided world. Or we can find hope and sustenance as we pursue a world that is open, inclusive, just, and compassionate through the teachings of Jesus and the prophets. Listen to Rev. Dr. David Bahr from Mission Hills United Church of Christ in San Diego make connections to scripture for living faith-fully today. Learn more abo ...
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On this Easter morning, we may not be optimistic about the state of the world, but it is the world Jesus lived in too. Christianity has much to teach us. If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one ti…
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There is more to the story of Zacchaeus than we were taught If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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Why was one sheep separated from the other 99? Listen to a parable of Jesus in Luke 15: 1-7 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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This sermon is based on the parable of the fig tree in Luke 13:6-9 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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This is the story of Mary and Martha from the Gospel of Luke. But there are more stories that deepen our appreciation for them and all women called to preach the gospel. Read Luke 10: 38-42 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills U…
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This sermon based on the parable of the Good Samaritan adds a surprising recipient of mercy Read Luke 10: 25-37 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhill…
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Extreme Love: What Does Turn the Other Cheek Really Mean
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Listen to this interpretation of one of Jesus' most difficult sayings from Luke 6: 27-37. How do we apply this to what is happening to our country today? If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one ti…
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This sermon explores Jesus call to the first disciples and addresses our calling as Christians in these times today The text is Luke 5: 1-11 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurri…
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Using First Peter as the text, this sermon preached at the ordination of Rev. Barbara Christensen explores our Christian vocation as members of the United Church of Christ in the toxic political environment we now inhabit. If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to suppor…
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Mercy is a powerful word when spoken to power. Paul reminds us, we need each other - especially the most vulnerable people in our world. If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring c…
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A sermon in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his call to be creatively maladjusted If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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The terrible ongoing devastation in Los Angeles calls us to wrestle with a faith response. The text is Isaiah 43: 1-7 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missi…
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Find your own star word for 2025 at missionhillsuc.org - click the link and then click the wheel If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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Did Mary know? Absolutely. Because exactly the kind of thing God does. This sermon includes images. To see them, please go to www.davidbahr.weebly.com for the sermon titled Yes, She Knew If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills Unit…
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John the Baptist invited people to change their hearts and lives. He offered a few examples of how. If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/giv…
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The Day is Coming: The First Sunday of Advent
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Advent begins in terrible reality and asks us, where do we find hope? If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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When we have imagined together, look what our church has done! And what more can we do? If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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You may know the story of the widow with only two coins. Listen to what is behind the story. Read Mark 12: 38-44 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhil…
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The world changed this week. And "When the world spins crazy, spins wild and out of control spins toward rage and hate and violence, spins beyond our wisdom and nearly beyond our faith, When the world spins in chaos as it does now among us…" We turn to scripture which ground us If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our …
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A Not Quite So Happy Ending: Esther Part 3
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The third and last in the story of Esther If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/giveBy Mission Hills UCC - United Church of Christ
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It is Just Such a Time: The Story of Esther
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The story of Esther continues with a reversal of fortune If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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Here's a biblical character you may not have heard of. She is remarkably relevant for today. Read chapter one of the Book of Esther If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contri…
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The Bible makes a surprising source for erotic poetry. Be surprised when you read the Song of Songs, also known as the Song of Solomon If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring con…
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Discerning Mind and Listening Heart: The Wisdom of Solomon
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Our series has moved on to Bathsheba and King David's son Solomon with a note for our anxious political times today Read 1st Kings If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contrib…
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The story of Bathsheba concludes with the unlikely rise of her son, Solomon Read 1st Kings 1 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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David is confronted by what he did to Bathsheba. And God. Read 2nd Samuel 12 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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We continue in our series now at one of the most famous stories in the Bible: David and Bathsheba. Have you heard it told like this before? See 2nd Samuel 11 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a on…
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Complex and Compelling: The Nasty Woman Named Michal
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Read more in 2nd Samuel 6 about an obscure character who shows we have choices in our non-choices If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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In the middle of stories about wars and death is a surprisingly tender story of two warriors. Read it 2nd Samuel If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhil…
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Our series continues with the transition from King Saul to David - a prelude. I hope today is not a prelude to a new king in America If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contr…
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Here's a fresh take on a story so iconic, even non-religious people know it. Read 1st Samuel 17 for more If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.or…
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Listen to the story of how David was chosen to become the new king of Israel. Based on 1st Samuel 16 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/gi…
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Our series continues with the demand to Samuel to give them a king, to be like everybody else. People are faith are meant to be different. If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring…
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She Nevertheless Persisted: Hannah and Prayer
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This is the first in our ongoing series leading up to and beyond the reign of King David - a series of meaningful, heartbreaking, and funny stories. Come along for the journey this summer. It all starts with Hannah, mother of the great prophet Samuel Read First Samuel 1-3 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church…
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This is the conclusion of our series on Peter. Read Acts 12 Christianity isn’t about achieving perfection. Can I get an amen? Christianity isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s always an aspiration and commitment to start again. So, my question: Do you aspire to do better? Forgive more often, slow you’re your anger, practice patience, love a littl…
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Peter and Cornelius both had unusual dreams. They are why we belong. See Acts 10 for the whole story If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/gi…
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UMC Reversal: What Does This Have to Do with Us?
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The General Conference of the United Methodist Church just voted to overturn its prohibition against openly LGBTQ clergy. Some are celebrating while others may be embarrassed to be associated with a denomination that would do such a thing. I was raised in the UMC and this decision is not so far removed from all of us. If this sermon was meaningful …
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This is less an inspiring story as it is a cautionary tale about a couple named Ananias and Saphira and their motivations Read Acts 5 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring cont…
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Peter and John did something extraordinary “In the name of Jesus.” As I thought about my sermon title today, the phrase “in the name of Jesus” kept coming to mind, but I hesitated – picture the over-the-top antics of a television evangelist. “In the name of Jeee-sus!” But I kept the title because I want to tell you about something extraordinary don…
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Peter decided what criteria should be met for a 12th apostle to fill the seat of Judas Iscariot. He overlooked the one and only candidate that should have been considered. Why? Read text from Acts 1 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Missio…
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Puzzled by Life: Peter Expected to Find Death
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Listen to the story of Peter from the beginning to Jesus' post-resurrection question: Do you love me? If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/g…
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More Humility: Jesus Teaches Peter and Us a Central Lesson
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From John 13, this text teaches that Christians in America don't need more power, they need more humility. If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.…
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Read Matthew 17: 1-9. Peter wasn't sure how to respond to something that couldn't be explained - the way Jesus had been transformed right in front of his face. So he proposed something to do. If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills…
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What Kind of Messiah: Does Peter Really Understand?
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The text is from Matthew 16: 13-20 Peter succeeds and then fails to understand who Jesus really is If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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We continue to focus on the life and faith of Peter and today learn about a little-known hero of Black History - Diane Nash. The text is Matthew 14: 22-33 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one t…
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Peter’s names pop up in story after story, but not as a complete narrative of his own. This Lent, we’re going to take a deeper dive into the faith of this one individual, and yet even so, we’ll only get to skim the surface of this impetuous, impulsive, and unfiltered character. A deeply flawed but even more deeply passionate and committed disciple …
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Haven't You Heard: Septima Clark and the Power of a Word
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Hear the story of The People Who Could Fly, learn more about the Mother of the Movement - Septima Clark, and be inspired by Amanda Gorman If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring …
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The Fifth Stream - Expanding the UCC Story
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A little mix of UCC and Black history to begin February If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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She Ministered to Jesus: Simon's Mother in Law and Gender Stereotypes
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There is more to her than appears on the surface. Let's dig a little deeper. Read Mark 1: 29-39 If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contribution - missionhillsucc.org/give…
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The Book of Jonah is a hilarious and true story - if what you mean is that it is full of uncomfortable truths about human behavior. If this sermon was meaningful to you, learn more about the rest of our church at missionhillsucc.org. You are invited to support the ministry of Mission Hills United Church of Christ with a one time or recurring contri…
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