Words of Courage, Words of Hope

When angels appear in the scriptures, they are a symbol of God speaking to humanity, of God's word given to us. Peter Whitelock preaches from Acts 27:18-26, June 13, 2010, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

He Has Been Raised

The Easter message is elegantly simple. But Peter Whitelock explains that it is intended to produce a mindset within us: God's activity in the world is confirmed. The call to discipleship is received. And we are reminded that we are claimed for eternity. From Matthew 27:62-65 and 28:1-10, Easter Day, April 4, 2010, about 11 minutes.    LISTEN

A Lament . . . and a Hope

Jesus has wept for us. But Jesus also has hope for us. Judy Durff offers this third lesson on Palm Sunday. From Matthew 23:37-39, March 28, 2010, about 9 minutes.    LISTEN

Drinking from the Cup

In the final week before the crucifixion of Jesus, there is the image of a cup of suffering, but also of the cup of communion. After a lesson for children, Judy Durff offers this second Palm Sunday lesson explaining that these cups are one and the same. From Matthew 20:20-23, March 28, 2010, about 12 minutes.    LISTEN

Called Toward Perfection

The standard of forgiveness that Jesus calls us to, as stated in response to one of the disciple Peter's outbursts, is couched in hyperbole . . . or is it? Peter Whitelock preaches from Matthew 18:23-35, March 21, 2010, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

Both In the Same Day

The best day that the disciple Peter had with Jesus was also the worst day that this disciple had with Jesus. Peter Whitelock talks about how his namesake, and how we, come to understand the cost of discipleship. From Matthew 16:13-23, March 14, 2010, about 24 minutes.    LISTEN

The Little Boat

Peter Whitelock preaches using this metaphor for the church - and for our lives - from Matthew 14:22-33, on an Intergenerational Sunday, March 7, 2010, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

Scary Stuff

We are not completely in control of our lives. There are parts within each of us that are simply unknowable. Yet Matthew recounts an episode from the life of Jesus that offers us hope. Peter Whitelock preaches from Matthew 8:28-9:1, February 28, 2010, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

The Forty Day Test

Jesus experienced a great test of temptation. Peter Whitelock probes areas of our lives where we too encounter this test. From Matthew 4:1-11, February 21, 2010, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

God Sightings

We are called to rise up each morning, wondering where will we encounter God. Judy Durff preaches from Exodus 34:29-35 and Luke 9:28-36, February 14, 2010, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

Coming Home

It could have been called "A Parable of the Loving Father", or "of the Grumpy Older Brother." On a Communion Sunday where children and adults of all ages are present, John Weems teaches about confession based upon "The Parable of the Prodigal Son." From Luke 15:11-32, February 7, 2010, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

Under the Broom Tree

The story of Elijah reminds us that when it seems we are accomplishing nothing, it is God's work we have been called to. God will send messengers who will minister to us, who will urge us onward. Peter Whitelock preaches from Matthew 6:25-32 and 1 Kings 19:1-8, January 31, 2010, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection

On January 30, 2010, a memorial service was held for Ted Ockels, a long-term and beloved member of this congregation. The Rev. Dr. Clayton Cobb, a former pastor at LOPC, delivered this message. In tender words, it lays out the hope we hold as to what happens at death. About 26 minutes.    LISTEN

Words for the Hometown Crowd

The scroll of the prophet Isaiah is brought to Jesus, who then reads what is essentially his personal mission statement. Peter Whitelock preaches from Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, and Luke 4:14-21, January 24, 2010, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN

Who Is My Neighbor?

The road from Jerusalem to Jericho passes through our communities and through our lives. The people who fall into various misfortunes are in plain view. When the lawyer correctly identifies who was the neighbor, Jesus says Go and do likewise.. Elmhurst Presbyterian Church Pastor Rev. Martha Taylor preaches from Luke 10:25-37 on a day that we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., January 17, 2010, about 25 minutes.    LISTEN

Washing Up

For the thousands of people coming out to the desert, baptism by John represented a cleansing. It meant having a fresh start with God. However when Jesus makes that same journey to the desert, his own baptism has different significance. Peter Whitelock preaches from Isaiah 43:1-7 and Luke 3:15-17; 21-22, January 10, 2010, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

Ho!

God is calling, all the time. How will we respond? Peter Whitelock preaches from Isaiah 55:1-5, January 3, 2010, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

Scripture to Make Us Squirm

Do our actions lend support to our faith in Christ, or do they contradict our faith in Christ? Director of Youth Zach Walker preaches from one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament, James 2:1-10, 14-17, September 6, 2009, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

Living Out Our Faith in Love as Dogs and Deadheads

Director of Ministry to Children and Their Families Joel Bullock tells a personal story about love in action. From James 2:1-10, 14-17, September 6, 2009, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN

Between the Times

We want a God who will sweep into the places where there is evil and suffering, who will fix things. But what we have is a God who gave us freedom . . . to love him, to love each other, and to ask him how we can be his hands and feet in a world of need. John Weems preaches from Acts 1:6-11, August 30, 2009, about 17 minutes.    a href="http://www.lopc.us/sermons/s2009-08-30b.mp3">LISTEN

Getting Ready To Go

Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church and the Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland have a rich tradition of working together. Today, Senior Pastor of Allen Temple The Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Jr preaches from Acts 1:6-11, August 30, 2009, about 28 minutes.    LISTEN

There was not a sermon in the usual form during the services on August 23rd.

We Are Called By Name

God takes initiative and grants ability in unlikely places. When it is to us that such gifts are given, it can seem strange or leave us feeling uncertain. John Weems preaches from 1 Kings 3:3-14, August 16, 2009, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

We Have Been Changed

And here's the kicker. Living as instruments of the Kingdom of God is apparently more about us just being who we are than it is about our somehow generating enough will and resolve to live a certain way. Peter Whitelock preaches from Psalm 130 and Ephesians 4:25-5:2, August 9, 2009, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

It's Not Just About Bread

On the first Sunday of each month we come to the communion table because we are hungry and thirsty for what only God can give us. Peter Whitelock preaches from John 6:24-35, August 2, 2009, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Just Enough - More Than Enough

From the only story recorded in all four of the gospels, we learn that God has a plan, even if we cannot see it. And there is more . . . Gerald Chinen preaches from John 6:5-15, July 26, 2009, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

Stone by Stone

In the first century of Christianity, as in our century, the divisions between people were many. So when the neighbors of the small Christian community within Ephesus saw who had come together, who were eating together, they were shocked. Judy Durff preaches from Ephesians 2:11-22, July 19, 2009, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

Risking Trust

We may not be prophets on a large stage. But we are called to speak truth to power and to wealth, and to speak peace to violence, in all the places where we live and work. And that's not an easy thing. Judy Durff preaches from Mark 6:14-29, July 12, 2009, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

Doorways

The practices of faith are doorways for most of us. It is possible for us to experience what is real in this life. Judy Durff preaches from 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, July 5, 2009, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

Rituals of Grief

Upon learning of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, David grieved for them at the right time, in the right way, for the right reasons. Perhaps that can be a model for us. Peter Whitelock preaches from II Samuel 1:1,17-27, June 28, 2009, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN

About Human Suffering

Where is God when we suffer? Is God accountable for our suffering? Peter Whitelock preaches from a classic work of ancient literature, Job 38:1-11, June 21, 2009, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

A Christian Worldview

Properly understood, the Christian faith is a worldview, telling us how the world works, who we are, what's right and what's wrong, what we should and shouldn't do, and perhaps most important what is real and not real. Peter Whitelock preaches from II Corinthians 5:6-10 & 14-17, June 14, 2009, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

Holiness

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is hoping . . . Gerald Chinen explores this demanding passage. From Isaiah 6:1-8 and 1 Peter 1:15-17, June 7, 2009, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

Come, Holy Spirit, Come

On the tenth anniversary of his call to this congregation, Peter Whitelock again preaches from Acts 2:1-21, retelling the story of the day of Pentecost. Afterward, there comes a great voice . . . May 31, 2009, about 13 minutes.    LISTEN

If we must worry, then . . .

General Secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi preaches from Psalm 24:1-6 and Matthew 6:25-33, on Creation Sunday, April 19, 2009, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Always Before Me

I keep the Lord always before me. As we live lives that become distracted by so many other things, will we understand that what we do and say, where we go and how we live matters to God? Peter Whitelock preaches from Psalm 16, February 22, 2009, about 13 minutes.    LISTEN

The Great Suggestion

Loving others as we love ourselves . . . but then that's not actually a suggestion. John Weems preaches from Leviticus 19:18 and Philippines 2:1-8, February 15, 2009, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

Alive! In Christ . . . in the World

Two scriptures from very different time periods, both about God's spirit being poured into us, making us truly alive. Peter Whitelock preaches from Ezekiel 37:1-14 and John 10:7-10, February 8, 2009, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

The Parable from the Box

Parables are sometimes hard to get inside of, to figure out what is going on. So apparently is the gold box from which this particular parable comes. Children's Ministry Director Joel Bullock leads the children in a Godly Play story from Matthew 13:44-46, during this Intergenerational Sunday Worship, February 1, 2009, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

Working Our Faith to Life

Faith or Works? Despite the seemingly opposite teachings of the Apostles James and Paul, these are not conflicting approaches to Christian belief. John Weems preaches from James 2:14-26, January 25, 2009, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

Doing Good

Towards the end of the 8th century B.C., the people of Judah were technically proficient with their worship. But Isaiah came to warn them that something was still very wrong. Peter Whitelock preaches from John 4:20-21 and Isaiah 1:10-20 on a Sunday that we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., January 18, 2009, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

To Die For

As recorded in the book of Romans, when the Apostle Paul was talking about God's grace, some people got the wrong idea. Peter Whitelock preaches from Isaiah 55:1-11 and Romans 6:1-14, January 11, 2009, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

Simple, But Not Easy

The Israelite people knew they were failing with God. They wanted to make some grand gesture to set things right. But the prophet Micah told them No, that's not what God wants. Peter Whitelock preaches from Micah 6:6-8, June 1, 2008, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

Quick, Slow - Slow

Like a figurative dance pattern, this scripture offers a pattern for relating to others. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Gerald Chinen preaches from James 1:19-27, May 25, 2008, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

Healing the Family

Jesus was very pro-family. But Jesus was redefining the meaning of kinship. Jesus wanted us to know that kinship is deeper than blood. Senior pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church Rev Dr. J. Alfred Smith preaches from Mark 3:31-35 and Mathew 13:53-57a, May 25, 2008, about 31 minutes.    LISTEN

Alive! In Christ . . . In the World

What makes a church come alive? The apostle Paul has offered an answer. Peter Whitelock preaches from Psalm 100 and Ephesians 2:1-10, May 18, 2008, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

When God Speaks

On Pentecost Sunday, John Weems, along with young people who are today joining this congregation, talk about hearing God speak. From Acts 2:1-21, May 11, 2008, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

Going Where We Don't Belong

Jesus often went where he didn't belong. He did that because that is where he was needed. Peter Whitelock preaches from John 4:1-42, May 4, 2008, about 8 minutes.    LISTEN

Celebrating God's Creation

God placed humans in the garden to keep it. And the same Hebrew word for keeping is used for guarding or keeping religious commands. Judy Durff preaches from Genesis 1:1-5, 28 & 2:4b-9, 15 and Romans 8:18-25, April 27, 2008, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

The 5 Things You Should Not Pray For

LOPC's second 2008 Groff visiting Scholar, Author Dr. James Bryan Smith preaches from Colossians 1:9-14, April 20, 2008, about 29 minutes.    LISTEN

An Invitation to Sabbath Rest

LOPC's first 2008 Groff visiting Scholar, Georgetown College Professor and Author Dr. Norman Wirzba preaches from Luke 13:10-17 and Leviticus 25:1-12, January 27, 2008, about 30 minutes.    LISTEN

On the Ship, All Together, Without Lifeboats

Singers from Temple Isaiah and B'nai Tikvah join with the LOPC congregation to hear San Francisco Theological Seminary Professor Rev. Dr. James Noel preach on the Sunday that we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. From 1 John 4:20-21 and Acts 27:30-44, January 20, 2008, about 32 minutes.    LISTEN

Really Big Questions

Who am I? Where did all of this come from? What is the purpose of my life? Peter Whitelock shares answers given to us by the ancient Psalmist. From Hebrews 1:1-4 and Psalm 8, January 13, 2008, about 15 minutes.    LISTEN

Meditation

The account of the the wise men who followed a star to Bethlehem reveals much about how God works -- and wants us to work -- in the world. Peter Whitelock, from Matthew 2:1-12, January 6, 2008, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

7-11 Time

Time is a gift from God, given to us daily. It's rather like the manna that God long ago gave to the Israelites . . . Judy Durff preaches from Exodus 16, December 30, 2007, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

The Deeper Law

A law, keeping people from doing what God really wanted them to do. What drove Jesus crazy was when he saw people obeying their laws, but using those laws to live in ways that were counter to what God wanted of them. Peter Whitelock preaches from Matthew 15:1-9 and Isaiah 29:13-16, December 23, 2007, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

In the Name of Religion

As they do today, people of all religious persuasions -- through the ages -- have believed that God calls them to exact violence upon God's enemies. To fight in the name of their religion. But Peter Whitelock makes clear that there is only one Holy War to which Christians have ever been called. From Matthew 11:2-6 and Isaiah 35:1-10, December 16, 2007, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

God Is With Us

The prophet Isaiah offers the beleaguered King Ahaz a sign, proof that the Lord would protect Judah from powerful external enemies. Ahaz does not take the prophet up on this. But still Isaiah declares the events that will foretell a very unexpected happening. Peter Whitelock preaches from Matthew 1:18-25 and Isaiah 7:10-17, December 9, 2007, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

Repentance Road

You and I don't like to hear about judgment. But God does judge. And Judy Durff explains that while it is right for us to have trepidation about this, God's judgment always comes with forgiveness, and with the promise of restoration. From Isaiah 40:3-5 and Matthew 3:1-12, December 2, 2007, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

Meditation

How do we give meaning to the run of holidays and special occasions that try to engage us at this time of year? Gerald Chinen preaches from Colossians 1:11-17 and Luke 23:33-43, November 25, 2007, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Saying No

The story of Daniel, set in the 6th century BC, was actually written in the 2nd century BC. At both times, Jewish culture was facing extermination and the people were having to make choices. Peter Whitelock preaches from Romans 12:1-2 and Daniel 1:8-20, November 18, 2007, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Communion Meditation

Who is the best? Who has the most status? On this Intergenerational Sunday, John Weems reminds us that status does not qualify us to enter the kingdom of Heaven. From Matthew 18:1-5, September 2, 2007, about 13 minutes.    LISTEN

There was no sermon in the usual form on August 26, 2007.

Stretcher Bearers

Four men bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus, lowering him through the roof. This Gospel story is for you. This is God's way of acknowledging what you have been and are going through now. And this story is God's encouragement that when you need to, do not be afraid -- or too proud -- to ask for the help and caring of others. Gerald Chinen from Matthew 11:28-30 and Mark 2:1-12, June 10, 2007, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

A Communion Meditation

The Psalmist's call to worship . . . everything and everyone in the creation is called to worship God. It's a beautiful vision of how the world should work. Peter Whitelock from Psalm 148, June 3, 2007, about 10 minutes.    LISTEN

The Gift of Reality

To have Christian fellowship, we have to share things in common with each other. Yes, that includes material resources. But also our fears and joys, conflicts and disagreements. When we share the real matters in life, then we get real community. Judy Durff from Acts 2:42-47 on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

A Shining Vision

This scripture is so powerful because it calls us back to a vision of who we should be. You all are the light of the world . . . Let your light so shine! Peter Whitelock from Isaiah 51:1-4 and Matthew 5:14-16, May 20, 2007, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

Living Faith

A meditation offered by John Weems following a children's musical presentation of the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den. May 13, 2007, about 9 minutes.    LISTEN

Confirmation

The church is never more than one generation away from extinction. Because faith is not passed down in any other way than by being received, believed, modeled and carried forward. Peter Whitelock speaks to the young people entering church membership on this Confirmation Sunday. From scriptures 2 Timothy 1:3-7, May 6, 2007, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

An Audience of One

The Apostle Paul was constantly suffering under the relentless judgment of people who knew him. His ministry was not considered to be all that successful. And yet he was okay with that, he was at peace. Because Paul realized there was only one opinion that mattered in judging his life, and that was God's. Peter Whitelock, from Psalm 103:8-14 and 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, April 29, 2007, about 28 minutes.    LISTEN

The Transforming Moment

A moment that conquers us, that forces us to re-open the question of what is real. Judy Durff recounts the experiences of disciples - then and now - on the road to Emmaus. From Luke 24:13-27 and 28-35, April 22, 2007, about 30 minutes.    LISTEN

Passing the Peace

God loves us and has a purpose for us. We will be provided for and cared for. And we will be turned loose into the world in some remarkable ways to extend the reign of God. That's what we understand it means to receive the peace of Christ. Peter Whitelock, from Psalm 150 and John 20:19-31, April 15, 2007, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

Christmas is Now

The woman had come to the well only seeking water. What she received there was so much more. Judy Durff, from scripture John 7:37-39 and John 4:7-14, December 31, 2006, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Kingdom Come

Jesus has never looked like any king that the world could understand. But the kingdom of God, the reign of God, is something that we enter into in faith when we listen to the voice of Jesus and believe that what he has to say is true. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Psalm 86:6-11 and John 18:33-37, November 26, 2006, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

The Things to Come

The book from the Hebrew scriptures that is quoted more than any other in the New Testament is Isaiah. The early Christian community found in Isaiah tremendous themes and messages from the Living God. Peter Whitelock preaches from John 7-37-39 and Isaiah 44-1:8, November 19, 2006, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

The Stewardship Lifestyle

What might happen if you and I chose to live our lives as if Christ could return in glory at any time? Would that change anything? We live in a world that is frequently out of our control, but we can make a difference! Peter Whitelock, from scripture 1 Peter 4:7-11, November 12, 2006, about 24 minutes.    LISTEN

Abundance

This church has discerned a vision of what God is calling us to be. The vision is about worship, spiritual formation, care, mission and fellowship. It takes time and money to make this happen. But there is always enough, because that is how the spirit of God works in our community. Peter Whitelock, from scripture Exodus 36:2-7, November 5, 2006, about 15 minutes.    LISTEN

Family Business

In its best form, people within churches can operate together as a family business. John Weems tells stories of his family's bowling alley business as he was growing up. All of us can be participants in the business. From scripture Psalms 118:19-24 and 1 Peter 2:4-10, October 29, 2006, about 15 minutes.    LISTEN

Alive Together With Christ

We must come together, we must bear with one another. Judy Durff and John Weems, while collaborating on this intergenerational service, discover that their musical tastes are . . . well, not exactly the same. First a children's story, then a meditation. From 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 and Colossians 3-12:17, September 3, 2006, about 31 minutes.    LISTEN

There was not a sermon in the usual form during the services on August 27th.

Ask

As Christians, we are called to live in the real world, working with that which is noble and positive. But there are also elements in this world that we need to resist, that we need to change. And it's not always easy to known which are which. When Solomon was faced with this dilemma, he asked for wisdom and understanding from the Living God. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures 1 Corinthians 1:18-21 and 1 Kings 3:3-15, August 20, 2006, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

The Promise is for You

Two thousand years ago, Pentecost must have been a pretty impressive event. But it's easy for us to focus on what happened, and to miss what's happening. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Acts 2:1-42, June 4, 2006, about 12 minutes.    LISTEN

An Easter Sermon

Yes, Jesus loved Mary Magdalene. Jesus also loves each and every one of us. We can respond to this love through our worship, through our studying of the scriptures, and by our loving others. Then we, like Mary, can make the confession of faith I have seen the Lord! Peter Whitelock preaches from John 20:11-18, April 16, 2006, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

A Beautiful Thing

The act of an unknown woman, pouring out an expensive gift, foreshadows the act of Jesus pouring out his life on a cross. Gail Doering offers her final sermon to this congregation. From scriptures Matthew 21:1-11 and Matthew 26:6-16, April 9, 2006, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

The Way of Inclusion

In Luke's Gospel, whenever we are told that a person is lost, it is simply to indicate they have lost sight of who they are. That they are living a life not consistent with how God has called us to live. And when a person is found, they have come to a sense of who they are as a child of the Living God. Peter Whitelock retells the story of the tax collector, Zaccheus. From scriptures Luke 19:1-10, April 2, 2006, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

The Way of Grace

One story in the Bible particularly captures the essence of the Christian faith. That the heart of our Father longs for us to come to our senses, and will welcome us back home. Peter Whitelock preaches on the parable of the Prodigal Son. From scriptures Luke 15:11-32, March 19, 2006, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

The Way of Commitment

Being a disciple of Jesus is really hard. It was that way twenty centuries ago, it is that way now. We make a commitment to being part of God's kingdom when we say we will follow Jesus. However we are not left to do this alone. Judy Durff, from scriptures Luke 9:57-62, 9:30 a. m. , March 12, 2006, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

The Way of Mercy

Sometimes we may know the answer to a question, but that doesn't mean that we are necessarily comfortable with that answer. Peter Whitelock explores this problem at several levels. From scriptures Luke 10:36-37, March 5, 2006, about 15 minutes.    LISTEN

Listen Up!

While on the mountain top, Jesus is transfigured, the glory of his divinity shows through his humanity. Moses and Elijah appear. Then from a cloud the voice of God says This is my Son, the beloved. Listen to him. Yet the disciples, especially Peter, don't get it . . . Peter Whitelock preaches from scriptures Mark 9:2-9, February 26, 2006, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

Vibrant Faith

Religious legalism has little in common with real faith. Peter Whitelock recounts the story of one of the people that Jesus healed to show faith in action, faith that we can see. From scriptures Isaiah 43:18-25 and Mark 2:1-12, February 19, 2006, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

In Trust

We live in a culture that values and encourages our ambition and busyness. This is not always good. The Psalmist tells us that we have choices, that we can choose to attend to those practices, disciplines and habits in life leading us to a place of calm and quiet. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Psalm 108:2, Psalm 100 and Psalm 2:1-4, February 12, 2006, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

Scarcity Assumptions / Abundance Realities

Christians are invited to participate in a variety of practices, like community, dependence upon God, prayer, solitude, study of scripture and meditation. New LOPC Associate Pastor for Spiritual Formation Judy Durff introduces herself, and presents the hope that through these practices both she and this congregation will grow in the coming years. From scriptures Luke 9:12-17, February 5, 2006, 25 minutes.    LISTEN

A New Thing

Guest pastor and author E. Stanley Ott has been talking to LOPC about ministry teams, and concludes with this sermon. From scriptures Isaiah 43:16-21, January 29, 2006, 26 minutes.    LISTEN

The God of Second Chances

God always sees people, regardless of how sinful and fallen they might be, as having the potential to turn and repent when given a second chance. Jonah, however, represents a different kind of problem . . . Peter Whitelock from scriptures Mark 1:14-20 and Jonah 3:1-5; 10, January 22, 2006, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

Being Well

The book of Deuteronomy is one of several places in the Bible containing a succinct explanation of what God requires of us. But the irony is that as we do what God requires of us, we receive what we most require from God. Peter Whitelock from ”The Law of God” (the 10 Commandments from The Book of Common Worship) and scriptures Deuteronomy 10:12-22, January 15, 2006, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

an untitled sermon

God loves us where we are. But God is never content to leave us there. Peter Whitelock didn't give this sermon a name. But his congregation fondly remembers it as The Great Potato Sermon. From scriptures Mark 1:9-11 and Romans 6:3-5, January 8, 2006, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

What’s in a Name

Names are special. Our own names, when spoken, have a beautiful sound. But the name Jesus has not only meaning, but power. That we can call on the name of Jesus is an unbelievable grace and privilege from our God. Gail Doering from scriptures Numbers 6:22-27, Philippians 2:5-13 and Luke 2:15-20, January 1, 2006, about 11 minutes.    LISTEN

Guess Who’s Moved in Next Door?

"Once upon a time . . ." Janet Russell uses a story in several versions to help us understand the Gospel of John's account of what it was that happened on Christmas Day. From scriptures Isaiah 52:7-10 and John 1:1-18, December 25, 2005, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

One True Peace

What exactly do Protestants believe about Mary, the mother of Jesus? Peter Whitelock explores Catholic and Protestant understandings that have emerged over the centuries. What Christians of all traditions hold in common is that Mary's life essentially defines the meaning of discipleship. From scriptures Luke 1:26-38, December 18, 2005, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

One True Joy

Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew from her Jewish heritage that when God moves in human history, it is frequently in a way that bypasses the rich, the powerful and the prideful. God is looking for people who are humble, who are willing to be useful, and who approach God with trust, reverence and awe. Peter Whitelock from scriptures Psalm 126 and Luke 1:46-55, December 11, 2005, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

Good News Begins

God doesn't choose which of us will be on his side, and which of us will oppose him. We make that choice ourselves. But if we choose to be on God's side, this story from the Gospel of Mark tells what needs to happen next. Peter Whitelock from scriptures Mark 1:1-8, December 4, 2005, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

The Face of Love

The season of Advent is a season of waiting, often laced with our own expectations. But God is God, and we are not. If we can realize this, then we can confess who we truly are. And by God's grace, we will find comfort and hope. Gail Doering from scriptures Isaiah 64:1-9, November 27, 2005, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

The Primacy of Love

We are an ambitious people, and that can be good. But our ambitions, in the absence of love, are without significance. Actually it's worse than that. Our offerings and even our understandings of love are frequently distorted. Now the Apostle Paul knew the limits of ambition, also a lot about the nature of real love. In a letter to the new church at Corinth, Paul talks about what real love is like. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures 1 Corinthians 13, October 23, 2005, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

Taming the Tongue

The tongue is capable of incredible damage. When we speak, we are not just describing reality. We are shaping it. What would God say if God were here in our place? How might God call us this week to speak words of encouragement and truth to everyone we encounter? Peter Whitelock from scriptures Proverbs 15:1-5 and James 3:1-12, October 16, 2005, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN

Faith’s Muscles

So faith without works is dead. Janet Russell addresses this essential teaching from the Letter of James. Works of charity, prayer, teaching and compassion. It matters what we do and it matters what we say. From scripture Genesis 15:1-6 and James 2:14-26, October 9, 2005, about 25 minutes.    LISTEN

A Communion Sermon

An early and not very successful experience as a chicken farmer (in downtown San Diego ! ? ! ) leads Peter Whitelock to reflect in wonder upon the care that Jesus, the good shepherd, shows for his flock. From scripture John 10: 11-15, October 2, 2005, about 13 minutes.    LISTEN

Rear View Mirror: Looking Back, Moving Ahead

The events of this past week have been hard, including national tragedy and international strife. Remember though, that the God who formed and made us, has also shown us graciousness, love and tender care. Gail Doering preaching from Luke 22:14-20 and Psalm 77:1-15, September 4, 2005, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

Resisting a Culture of Fear

How do we respond to chaos and ambiguity in the world? One possibility is to fall back upon black and white thinking, but that also has some problems. Pastor Bruce Reyes-Chow of the Mission Bay Community Church NCD, San Francisco, talks about being open to the possibilities of trust that God offers to us. From scriptures Psalm 115:9-18 and Mark 4:35-41, August 28, 2005, about 26 minutes.    LISTEN

There was not a sermon in the usual form during the services on August 21st

Help for Our Unbelief

Doubt! A common experience of the Christian faith. How we deal with it determines whether our doubt will be a destructive force or a path to greater devotion. Returning Associate Pastor Janet Russell, from scriptures James 1:5-8 and Mark 9:14-29, August 14, 2005, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

A Summer Sermon

The first part of the Joseph story provides the setting for Peter Whitelock to talk with the children, youth and adult congregation about envy and jealousy. From Genesis 37:1-28, during inter-generational worship, August 7, 2005, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Have Faith

Through the centuries, each generation of Christians has exhorted the next with a singular idea. You gotta have faith! Peter Whitelock preaches from scriptures Isaiah 12:2-6 and John 14:1-7, July 17, 2005, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN

Led By the Spirit

Peter Whitelock, recalls the fundamental problem he had in committing himself to Christian faith. What kind of person would he become? The examples of many people around him, people calling themselves Christians, were not necessarily encouraging. But the answer to this question is succinctly contained in scripture. From John 15:12-17 and Galatians 5:22-26, July 10, 2005, about 26 minutes.    LISTEN

A God You Can Trust

Can God be trusted with our lives? This is a basic issue of faith which each of us must resolve. Peter Whitelock addresses this while studying Martin Luther's favorite Psalm. We trust in God because God is God. Because God has declared himself for us. And because there is no other safe or secure place. From Psalm 46, July 3, 2005, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

Healthy Confrontation

What do you do when someone sins against you? In her farewell sermon to LOPC, speaking from personal experience as well as from the explicit direction of scripture, Ruth Reinhold takes on this weighty question. Matthew 18:15-17 and Deuteronomy 19:15-21, June 26, 2005, about 26 minutes.    LISTEN

Those Who Welcome the Message

What is it that makes a person a Christian? It's not heredity, nor historical context. It's certainly not one's politics. And it's not just about knowing the story of Jesus. Peter Whitelock is preaching from the first recorded account of people becoming new Christians. From scriptures Psalm 51:10-12 and Acts 2:37-42, June 19, 2005, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

The Building That Matters

On the occasion of groundbreaking for a major new building at LOPC, Peter Whitelock preaches from the Apostle Paul's metaphor for the building of the church. There must be purpose, foundation, laborers, testing. And much of what is built up abides, but what does not have eternal value and quality does not. It is this process that allows the church to grow as a building that really matters. From scriptures 1 Corinthians 3:5-17, June 12, 2005, about 15 minutes.    LISTEN

Babeling Along

Recently returned from a trip to the Middle East, the account of the Tower of Babel has renewed meaning for Peter Whitelock . The biblical story is about a people who because of their pride and self-concern lost their ability to listen to and understand those around them, even those they loved. From scriptures Genesis 11:1-9, June 5, 2005, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

An Unknown God?

On the occasion of his final Sunday at LOPC, Seminary Intern Dan Holland begins with the Apostle Paul's message to the Athenians about their unknown god. For understanding who God is, is vitally important. Worship is an act of offering something freely to God. Maybe one's whole self. Then trusting that God will receive. And how could one trust an unknown god? Understanding also lets us ask the question: What difference should this make? Our God offers an invitation to the transformation of mind and then of heart . . . indeed, good news. From scriptures Acts 17:22-28, May 29, 2005, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

The Dancing God

Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Gail Doering delves into this important Christian concept. Also her personal struggle to fully accept and embrace a God in three persons. As it has for believers over the ages, this leads Gail to the metaphor of dance. From scripture 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, May 22, 2005, about 29 minutes.    LISTEN

Pentecost

It all started with 120 people. They were gathered together, praying, and waiting. And then they were filled with the exhilarating presence of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit fills us, it is always so that we can go out into the world to do and say the things of God. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Acts 1:1-5 and Acts 2:1-4, May 15, 2005, about 15 minutes.    LISTEN

When the Wine Runs Out

Wine is a symbol of life that is good, that is full, where things are going our way. So when life becomes hard, it is as if the wine has just run out. The account of Jesus turning water into wine is about the power of Christ to come into our lives at exactly that point, and to do miracles that bring new life. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Proverbs 3:5-10 and John 2:1-12, May 8, 2005, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

The Boat Afloat

Baptism! The ritual, the meaning, the scriptural basis. Ruth Reinhold preaches from a familiar old testament story, from church history and from intense personal experience. Based on scriptures Genesis 9:12-15 and selected verses taken from 1 Peter, May 1, 2005, about 28 minutes.    LISTEN

New Life in Christ

If the symbolism of baptism is true, if we have risen to new life in Christ, then by the power of the Spirit, over time, we should grow in our capacity to be compassionate, to be kind, humble, meek, patient, and to love. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Colossians 3:12-17, April 24, 2005, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

A Matter of Life and Death

So many of the core claims of the Christian faith cannot be validated by any kind of empirical process. Yet we Christians are people who choose to live our lives as if the Gospel were really true. The apostle Paul explains how this makes us a changed people. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Colossians 3:1-4 and Colossians 3:5-11, April 17, 2005, about 25 minutes.    LISTEN

Going Up by Coming Down

Zacheus, come down from your position of power. Come down from your comfortable lifestyle. Come down from that tree! For the only way up is through the one that we call Lord and Savior. Senior pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, from scriptures Luke 19:1-9, 9:00 a. m. , April 10, 2005, about 31 minutes.    LISTEN

There was not a sermon in the usual form during the services on April 3rd

The Christ Encounter

Woman, why are you weeping? Christ comes to us when we have lost our hopes and dreams. He comes when life looks bleak and we don't know how we are going to move forward. Just as he told Mary on that early morning, he tells us I have a plan for you. A purpose and a future for you. Nothing can diminish or destroy that. As we reach out to him, He reaches out to us. He will fill us with a new sense of purpose and destiny and future. This is the good news of Easter. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures John 20: 1-18, March 27, 2005, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

A Palm Sunday Sermon

The donkey who bore Jesus into Jerusalem was chosen, was obedient, and was not distracted. We can use that as a metaphor to think about what it means to follow Christ. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Matthew 21:1-11, March 20, 2005, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

Courage

Peter Whitelock finds himself being kidded by the visiting Father Chacour for having to preach about David and Goliath. Because too many people believe this story says that when something threatens us, we should find a big pile of rocks and start hurling them. Not so, these two pastors realize. It is true there are things in life that will cause us to be deeply afraid and anxious. But we can move toward trust in the living God. And we must not let other people define who we are. From scriptures 1 Samuel 17:1-51, March 6, 2005, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

On the Rise

From a magnificent passage in Isaiah, and on the occasion of his parting sermon, Jim Szeyller charges this congregation To humbly remember our limitations. To depend upon God. To embrace God's vision for the future. And to not be afraid to wait upon the Lord. From scriptures Psalm 25:1-10 and Isaiah 40:28-31, February 20, 2005.    LISTEN

The Right Choice

God asks the young King Solomon in a dream What do you need, what can I provide? And so Solomon asks for wisdom, the ability to discern right from wrong, good from evil. This story contains several profound lessons. Wisdom is something that we can – and should – ask God for. There is a relationship between wisdom and humility. And even the way we read this story can in itself be a lesson in wisdom. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures 1 Kings 3:1-14, February 13, 2005, about 24 minutes.    LISTEN

What’s the Right Way?

What is the right way to celebrate the Lord's supper? Through the long parade of Christian history, believers have practiced an obedience in the breaking bread, of re-enacting a mystery. The ways have had great variation. And sometimes the unexpected happens. But each form is a way in which we can find Christ. Ruth Reinhold, from scriptures Luke 22:7-20, February 6, 2005, about 27 minutes.    LISTEN

Blessed

Being down in spirit, mourning a loss, feeling humbled, being uncomfortable when others suffer. These are blessings? Yes , says the Gospel of Matthew in recounting the Sermon on the Mount. For these experiences draw us closer to God. They are the point of departure from which we enter into the kingdom. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Psalm 103:1-8 and Matthew 5:1-12, January 30, 2005, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Living the Law

Religious law can be made to appear really complicated. What often attracted people to Jesus was his was his ability to explain the law in concise and practical terms. For at the core, God simply commands that we love him with everything we've got. And God commands that we are to actively do for those around us the very things that we would want done for ourselves. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Exodus 20:1-17 and Matthew 22:34-40, January 23, 2005, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

Justice or "Just Us"

The prophet Amos brings a message from the heart of God to a prosperous and militarily strong nation. The form of your worship is right, but that worship is not changing you. There is no justice. There is no righteousness. And so God is displeased. This is a hard text for us to hear. But Peter Whitelock, points out that fundamentally it is a hopeful message. For Amos is lifting up a new vision of what worship can be, and what it can inspire us to do. From scriptures Amos 5:18-24, January 16, 2005, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

Finding the Light

We are trapped between the promise and the reality of life. Just around the corner from Christmas is darkness and evil. Famines, war, earthquakes, tsunamis. Will we ever understand all of this? The events of this life DO matter, to us and to God. Jim Szeyller, from scripture Matthew 2:1-12; 16-18 and Isaiah 9:2-7, January 9, 2005, about 24 minutes.    LISTEN

Servant Leadership

This scripture passage shows that James and John were ambitious, and that's not necessarily bad. But these apostles were having a hard time getting how things work in the kingdom of God. Success in the kingdom is not measured in terms of one's power and authority. For the kingdom moves forward based on innumerable acts of serving love, offered up by people who are simply giving service. If we want to be great in the kingdom, we have to serve. That is what Jesus calls us to do. Peter Whitelock, from scripture Mark 10:35-45, January 2, 2005, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

The Morning After

So quickly, the shimmer can come off of the Christmas story. For many, this season is hard, reminding us of events and realities that we would rather forget. But this is true to the story, for the birth of our Savior was also accompanied by dark events. And this gives each of us the opportunity to make a more faithful and conscious effort to meet and greet who this Savior really is. Gail Doering, from scriptures Matthew 2:13-23 and Isaiah 63:7-9, December 26, 2004, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

God's Love Revealed

Who am I, really? The apostle Paul proposes how each of us can answer this question. First, he suggests that we need to think big. Second, Paul says that our self-definition needs to include the word servant. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Romans 1:1-7, December 19, 2004, about 24 minutes.    LISTEN

The Prince of Peace?

Are you the one, or should we be looking for another? When John the Baptist first asked this question, Jesus responded in essence, Listen to what I am saying, look at what I am doing, take me for who I am. When people today ask this question, the answer has not changed. This has profound implications for those of us who would call ourselves members of the body of Christ. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Isaiah 35:1-6 and Mathew 11:2-11, December 12, 2004, about 27 minutes.    LISTEN

Communion

How do we in the church share communion, that is share a sense of deep connectedness? Even with our differences and diversity, scripture offers us these ways: Through our hope, our shared expectation of the future. Through our harmony, our community focusing on what unites us rather than what divides. Through our hospitality, when we are genuinely open to one another, receiving one another in Christ. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Romans 15:4-13, December 5, 2004, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

Waiting for God

Isaiah offers some of the most hopeful words in old testament prophesy about nations beating swords into ploughshares, no longer learning how to make war. Appropriate sentiments for the start of the Advent season, but how can we really believe them? Gail Doering, from scriptures Psalm 122 and Isaiah 2:1-5, November 28, 2004, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

The Supremacy of Christ

The text from a first century hymn is quoted in the letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians. It is an incredibly complete and succinct statement of who Jesus is, what he did, and where he is now. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Isaiah 32:1-8 and Colossians 1:15-20, November 21, 2004, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

Fearless Giving

A virus has Peter Whitelock by the throat. Yet he preaches powerfully about gaining and keeping peace. What are we focusing on? We are called to focus on what is good, what is pleasing, what is noble. Because what we focus on is what we become, and what we are building up in the world. From Philippians 4:4-9, November 14, 2004, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

Love Casts Out All Fear

A box arrives in the mail containing a piece of Peter Whitelock 's childhood. Elementary school art works and writings, saved by his mother from years before, remind him vividly of the fundamental nature of love. From scripture 1 John 4:16-21, November 7, 2004, about 13 minutes.    LISTEN

Walking on Water

Stepping out in faith . . . a contemporary expression that comes from a biblical story. But the scriptures imply how to actually do this, beginning with recognizing that we need help, finding that we must change our perspective, realizing we must change our behaviors, ultimately discovering we can take some risks. The story is about stepping out on the water to meet Christ. Peter Whitelock, from Psalm 46 and Matthew 14:22-31, October 31, 2004, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

Can’t I Just Be Salt?

A boy on a camping trip in the Tennessee mountains gains a great insight. Finding common ground with people very different from us is hard work. Yes, it is hard work to find what God expects of us. It is hard work to apply those lessons to our daily relationships. But God goes with us, and God has given us each other. Rarely are we called to do this labor alone. Jim Szeyller, from scriptures Matthew 25:31-40 and Ephesians 2:8-10, October 24, 2004, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Pursuit That Leads to Peace

Scripture tells the dramatic story of a really bad king and his seriously evil queen. So what is it then that we are fixing our passions on? Have we been caught up in the ways of the world? Are we depending on the grace of God to help us live our desired lives? Peter Whitelock, from scriptures James 4:1-6 and 1 Kings 21:1-16, October 17, 2004, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Life in the Vine

Only in a limited sense are we truly individuals. Because we are also highly interdependent, bonded to one another in many ways. Fellowships are one of the greatest forms of this bonding. Fellowships of Christians help God in God's great purpose of creating a whole, healthy world community. Guest preacher John Turpin, from scriptures Psalm 133 and 1 John 1:1-4, October 10, 2004, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

The Heart of Worship

Gail Doering paints vivid images of our many experiences of worship. They can occur in joy or in sadness, in exhilaration or quietness, in our youth or in our maturity. The heart of these worship experiences is always the moment when we come face to face with the Living God. From scriptures Isaiah 45:18-19, September 26, 2004, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

Improving Our Serve

If a people are going to gather in God's name, they have to be concerned with those among and around them who are the poor and the weak. This is a core value of our faith, it is not negotiable. Peter Whitelock explores a model of how this happened in the earliest church, and how it is happening today. From scriptures Acts 6:1-7, September 19, 2004, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

The Jesus Movement

Jesus was the head of a movement. A vital church is filled with people who are hungry to be a part of this movement. The church is not to be too much about doctrine or theology. Rather it must be about deepening people's involvement in the movement and strengthening them in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Matthew 23:1-12, September 12, 2004, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

Who’s at the Table: an End-of-Summer Tale of Hospitality

Memories of an unusual woman who taught the neighborhood children about welcoming and about being welcomed. The Rev. Joyce Mercer, from scriptures 1 Corinthians 12:4-13, September 5, 2004, about 25 minutes.    LISTEN

Humility and Hospitality

Humility is simply the ability to live with the truth of who we are. Our culture is based on self promotion and self exultation. But the kingdom of God doesn't work that way. For when we can accept both our own strengths and our weaknesses, this has a profound effect upon ourselves and upon the people around us. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Luke 14:1 and 7-14, August 29, 2004, about 25 minutes.    LISTEN

The Safe Place

Taking eldest daughter Coleen to her college campus for the first time brings Anne and Peter Whitelock face-to-face with the issue of trust. It's hard to trust God to look after one's child. Are we really sure that God is not just that imaginary friend for grownups? So Peter reaches again to the bases of his own faith: the creation, our intuition, our experience, the scriptures. Also the profound benefits and gifts that occur when we take even a small step towards trust in God. From scriptures Matthew 6:25-30 and Psalm 71:1-6, August 22, 2004, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

There will not be a sermon in the usual form during the services on August 15th.

What Makes God Weary

Religious rituals carried out by insincere hypocrites! God's people in worship, doing everything they are supposed to do, but whose lives are fundamentally in the wrong place, with the wrong values, their hearts not open and disposed to God in love with a willingness to be changed. Isaiah describes this problem. He also prescribes a solution: Cease to do evil. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, August 8, 2004, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

Not For Children Only

Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven. This parable needs to be analyzed with more than sentiment. Children show presence. They become totally involved with the here and now, giving the gift of their complete attention, concern and love. Children can trust. They trust those who love them, relying on that trust, and letting it shape their response to the unknown. LOPC 2004 Family Forum speaker Ray Campton, from scriptures Matthew 18:1-5, August 1, 2004, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

The One Thing

What is the one thing Jesus wants us to know that is ultimate, eternal and imperative? Gail Doering consults community sources, finding words that are different, but an idea that is highly consistent. The scripture is the story about Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42, July 18, 2004, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN

Go and Do Likewise

Loving God means loving others, loving potentially anyone. We don't do this for recognition. And we do this despite our busyness, despite our fears. We do this with our minds as well as our hearts. We do this because God first loved us. Peter Whitelock, from the parable of the good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37, July 11, 2004, about 25 minutes.    LISTEN

Under God

It is a tenet of our Reform theology that all governments, religious or secular, are established by God. And God expects those who govern to lift up justice and fairness, especially for those who are poor or weak. Peter Whitelock, from Psalm 72:1-7, July 4, 2004, about 13 minutes.    LISTEN

The Posture of Perseverance

Following Christ is about listening, discerning, acting. The journey will never be easy, it will not be fair. But we make the journey out of gratitude that God has blessed us with so much in our lives. Pastor Bruce Reyes-Chow of the Mission Bay Community Church NCD, San Francisco talks about his life and his ministry, from 2 Kings 2:1-2; 6-14 and Luke 9:51-62, June 27, 2004, about 33 minutes.    LISTEN

Rocks or Redemption?

Here is a story that the earliest church tried to exclude from the Bible. A woman is caught in adultery and brought before Jesus for judgment. The story's ending challenged the church then, and it does so now. For when is it the role of God's people to be judgmental , and when are they to be redemptive? Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Psalm 25:1-7 and John 8:2-11, June 20, 2004, about 24 minutes.    LISTEN

And You Give Yourself Away

Most of us love to give charity, but not to receive it. We even somehow think we are above needing God's grace. But who are we to imagine that we are above the charity of God? Why is it so hard for us to lay down our pretense that all is well? Gail Doering, from scriptures Luke 7:36-8:3, June 13, 2004, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

Christ at the Center

On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of this congregation, Peter Whitelock reminds us that our purpose remains unchanged. We are to preach the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are to do so in humility, acknowledging our own limitations, and being accepting of others. We are to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to transform our lives. From scriptures 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, June 6, 2004, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

I Will Pour Out My Spirit

A witness is simply someone who has something to share about how their life has been changed in an encounter with the risen Jesus Christ. A witness tells a personal story of transformation, renewal and hope. Peter Whitelock explains on this Pentecost Sunday. From scriptures Acts 2:1-21, May 30, 2004, about 24 minutes.    LISTEN

It’s Time

It is part of the human condition that we try to manage our future. But life is uncertain, and we are not in control. Faith is a hard thing to come by under this circumstance. Do we have the courage to believe that God is for us? Happiness is possible, in fact God wants us to be happy. If we choose to look at life expecting grace, mercy, love and goodness to be present, then we will see it. And we will find joy. The only place we can truly know happiness is in the present. That is the only place that it resides. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 and Romans 8:28, May 23, 2004, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Confirmation

Effective leaders understand human nature. Good leaders use this knowledge to bring the best out of other people, poor leaders can use it to bring out the worst. Peter Whitelock probes this idea relative to the prisoner abuse reports from Iraq, also the processes being used by this congregation to plan and support our building program. From scriptures 1 Chronicles 29:1-9, May 16, 2004, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

The Look of Grace

Grace is when we receive a gift, undeserved and unexpected, that meets a need we have and causes us to be filled with joy and gladness. When we come to God in Christ, we are being led into a state of grace. We become graceful. We become conduits through whom God's grace can flow to others. The apostle Paul absolutely had no mental category for a graceless Christian. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, May 9, 2004, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN

Risky Business

At every age, life presents us with opportunities to use our abilities and wealth . . . the blessings our God has given us. These opportunities are risky. We could lose, and we could be hurt. Yet hiding these blessings to avoid both risk and gain is not what God asks of us. How we respond to these opportunities says much about our convictions and our faith. Jim Szeyller, from scriptures Matthew 25:14-18, May 2, 2004, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

Finding Our Way

How does God build up nations, congregations, even individuals? A favorite story in the Bible helps answer this question. God gives us great freedom so that we can grow and develop as people. While doing this, He takes into account our capabilities. He leads in ways we can follow. He leads in ways that build our faith and trust. Peter Whitelock, from scripture Exodus 13:17-22, April 25, 2004, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

The Water's Gonna Win

The Walter Wangerin Jr. poem Water, Come Down! as a sermon by Gail Doering, from scripture Acts 10:44-48, April 18, 2004, about 11 minutes.    LISTEN

Do Not Be Alarmed

Joy and fear can be mixed together. The Gospel of Mark suggests that the resurrection of Jesus Christ should cause us to be a little fearful. Because if we take the resurrection seriously, everything we know is changed. Jesus is no longer held in the tomb. He is out in the world. He is looking for men and women who can look past their fears, who are seeking a mission and purpose in life, who will follow him. Peter Whitelock, from scripture Mark 16:1-8, Easter Sunday, April 11, 2004, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

A Time to Shout

God is active in our world. He wants to change it and make it more like the Kingdom of Heaven. So for those of us willing to receive God's call, there are missions to be sent on. And miraculous things can happen because the Spirit goes ahead to prepare the way. Then when people glimpse the coming of the Kingdom, they cannot help but to shout God's praise. This is the message of Palm Sunday. Peter Whitelock, from scripture Luke 19:28-40, April 4, 2004, about 12 minutes.    LISTEN

The Scent of Love

A story of two disciples, one of whose love in action is a model for all those who follow Christ, and another who comes to stand for discipleship gone horribly wrong. Peter Whitelock , from scripture Psalm 126 and John 12:1-8, March 28, 2004, about 25 minutes.    LISTEN

Hide and Go Seek

Makeovers are a favorite subject of today's reality television. The idea is not new. The ninth chapter of John's Gospel deals initially with such a transformation of a blind beggar for whom Jesus restores sight. But the real makeover happens to those who think they understand the limits and the boundaries within which God works in our world. Jim Szeyller, from scriptures John 9, March 21, 2004, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

The Jar at the Well

A woman bearing a jar, goes out to the village well as an outcast, as a broken person filled with cynicism, anger, failure and regret. But then she returns to the village literally as an apostle, as one who shares the good news of God's love, forgiveness and reconciliation. The jar and much of her former self are left behind. Now that's a story. Peter Whitelock, from scripture John 4:7-42, March 14, 2004, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN

Shoes Off!

Shoes offer protection. They also have high symbolic value . . . it is not just in our day that they convey social status. In the Bible, shoes are the basis for a great spiritual metaphor. We must leave our protection and our status behind when we go to stand on holy ground. Peter Whitelock talks to the children and adults on this Sunday of Intergenerational Worship. , from scripture Exodus 3:1-5, March 7, 2004, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

Test Time

Can the ends justify the means? Well yes, at least in a technical sense. But Peter Whitelock points out some problems here. Also that Jesus was offered means at the beginning of his ministry that must have been incredibly tempting. The problem lay in achieving God's desired end. From scriptures Isaiah 6:1-8 and Luke 4:1-13, February 29, 2004, about 26 minutes.    LISTEN

Glorification

When we follow the way of the Master, as we love, serve, forgive, are a people of compassion and of mercy, then God's glory shines through us for all to see. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Exodus 34:29-35 and Luke 9:28-36, February 22, 2004, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

Use It or Lose It

God gives to each of us the gift of being able to serve others. Such gifts of service that have been granted to any two people are not likely to be the same, and God does not rank or order these gifts in importance. However He does ask us to use them well. Gail Doering, from scriptures Romans 12:1-8, February 15, 2004, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

Body Building

This is Paul's vision of what the church is called to be: Modeling the Kingdom of God. All members in healthy relationship with one another. The members absolutely committed to building up each other in love. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Psalm 139:13-18 and Ephesians 4:15-16, February 8, 2004, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Hearing God's Call

God calls us . . . often to tasks of which we are naturally fearful. We can test a call. Against scripture. With other people. Over time. As we get better at listening, the call becomes increasingly specific. And one last point. The call never comes until God is ready. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Acts 9:10-15, February 1, 2004, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

Chosen

It's not always apparent out in the world. But God plants Christians into communities. He gives these communities everything they need to flourish. And here's the uncomfortable part . . . All in the community are priests of God. Peter Whitelock explains, from scriptures Exodus 19:1-6 and 1 Peter 2:9-10, January 25, 2004, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

To Bear Witness

The witness of John the Baptist helps the church understand who it is, and what is its essential mission. It provides a standard against which the church can determine its priorities and evaluate its life. San Francisco General Presbyter Rev. James Diegidio, from scriptures Psalm 29 and John 1:29-34, January 11, 2004, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

There was no a sermon in the usual form during the services on January 4th.

Carpe Diem

Seize the day. Make your mark on the world today, for tomorrow you will die. Jim Szeyller examines this traditional philosophy as portrayed in a popular movie. Contrast this with Christians who can define their identify as belonging to God. Who define their life's purpose as every minute reflecting the will and intentions of God. Who reject the separation between the secular and the sacred. Who can love, teach, forgive and serve as Christ rules in their hearts, and then truly become extraodinary. From scriptures Psalm 139-1-18 and Colossians 3:12-17, December 28, 2003, about 31 minutes.    LISTEN

Blessed

God Bless You! We traditionally associate God's blessing with health, wealth and having a big family. But Mary and Elizabeth knew better. The people who have received God's greatest blessing are those who are able to recognize their hunger and thirst for God, who are caught up in God's work to make the world right! Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Matthew 5:3-11 and Luke 1:39-45, December 21, 2003, about 15 minutes.     LISTEN

Something to Show for It

By any standard, John the Baptist was a strange and even wild character. Yet to the people who came asking what they must do to prepare for God's coming, he offered direct and practical advice. Be generous with each other. Be honest in your work. Don't abuse the power that you have over others. Peter Whitelock preaches from scriptures Luke 3:7-18, December 14, 2003, about 21 minutes.    LISTEN

Communion

What does it take for us to become really well connected with each other? Even when in prison, the apostle Paul remained in communion with the new Christians in Philippi. They could maintain these ties because they prayed for each other, they labored together in service, and they encouraged one another. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Philippians 1:3-11, December 7, 2003, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

On That Day

Advent is the season for waiting. It points to a longed for but future event. Our longing is not a need to be met immediately, there is more waiting to be done. During another time of waiting an old testament prophet, Zechariah, provided apocalypic glimpses of a future when God would return. Today we tend to find these images at least as disturbing as they are hopeful. But Gail Doering finds here a lesson in patience. She tells of her realization that she must put off the secular sport of Christmas and celebrate the season of Advent. We are waiting for God. Also God is waiting for us. From scripture Zechariah 14:1-9, November 30, 2003, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

What's the Big Deal about Jesus?

The book of Revelations contains a vailed but powerful message. The imprisoned author has to use imagery and symbols to obscure from Roman authorities his revolutionary text about the radical lordship of the risen Christ. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Psalm 72:1-7 and Revelation 1:4b-6, November 23, 2003, about 15 minutes.     LISTEN

God's Entrepreneurs

The parable of the talents . . . that familiar story of the master who gives each of his servants a large amount of money to invest during his absence. It's about our taking on responsibilities as stewards of our gifts, abilities and resources. It's about our taking risks as God has not called us to play it safe. It's about our being faithful, trusting God rather than being afraid. Since earliest times Christians have understood this story as being about how we are to live our lives as we wait our Master's return. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Romans 12:4-8 and Matthew 25:19-29, November 16, 2003, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Ambassadors for Christ

As Christians, we live on earth as ambassadors of the kingdom of God. We have much to say about how this culture holds wealth and power, about how our society ensures that the goodness of creation is shared by all. The communities and nations in which we live do not necessarily rejoice in the fact that we are here and have this task. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Psalm 51:10-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, November 9, 2003, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Transformed Seeing

The gospel of Jesus Christ is intended to be something that changes, at a foundational level, the way we see everything. Ourselves. Others. Our behavior. Our time, talents and treasure. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures 2 Corinthians 5:11-16, November 2, 2003, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN

Grace Extending

God has given all of the world a great and undeserved gift. Christians have been called to receive this gift. They are called to speak of this gift. They are called to extend this gift, through the living of their lives, to all of humanity. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Psalm 116 and 2 Corinthians 4:13-15, October 19, 2003, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Clay Jar Christians

So here's The Deal. God claims everything that we are and everything we can become. And, God has placed inside each of us a treasure, a great resource, just waiting for us to call it out. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Isaiah 64:8 and 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, October 12, 2003, about 23 minutes.    LISTEN

The Face of Jesus

The glory of God shows throughout the creation. But at no time is this more evident than when we let God's light shine into our lives. Guest Minister John Turpin describes the radiance of our changed lives, of the face of Jesus Christ, for the children and adult congregation gathered at this service of Intergenerational Worship. From scripture 2 Corinthians 4:1,5-6, October 5, 2003, about 16 minutes.    LISTEN

Christ's 'Letters' to the World

The world judges Jesus Christ by those of us who dare to claim that we are Christians. Yes, our private and personal relationship with God is still important. Critically so. However the faith connection between God and believer must have public consequences for how we live our lives, and for the things we choose to do. We are the letters of recommendation for Jesus Christ. Jim Szeyller, from scriptures Jeremiah 31:31-34 and 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, September 28, 2003, about 22 minutes.     LISTEN

Sent

God sends us out into the world to build his kingdom. Actually it's worse than that, he often sends us where we fear to go. God doesn't promise that we will be kept from all ills, pain and suffering. But God is committed to us and will not leave us in the face of anything, not even that which we fear the most. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Ephesians 6:10-17 and 1 Samuel 17:40-49, September 21, 2003, about 25 minutes.     LISTEN

Equipped

God equips each of us for the role we will play in his kingdom. Our gifts and our callings differ. A congregation must discern and encourage the unique skills and passions that each of us bring to serving God in the world. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Ephesians 4:11-16 and 1 Samuel 17:31-39, September 14, 2003, about 25 minutes.     LISTEN

Called

God does not keep a Do Not Call registry. By his very nature, our God is a calling God. He calls us to faith, to discipleship, to prophetic witness, to the priesthood and to stewardship. The real issue is how do we respond? Peter Whitelock, from scripture 1 Samuel 16:4-13, September 7, 2003, about 15 minutes.     LISTEN

The Heart of the Matter

Our culture and our faith tend to emphasize ritual. But Jesus cautions that ritual purity may be a deceptive path towards holiness. Gail Doering illustrates the pervasivness of our rituals, and also how God is at work softening our edges. How might we bring our hearts closer to the heart of God? From scriptures James 1:17-27 and Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, August 31, 2003, about 21 minutes.     LISTEN

There was no sermon in the usual form during the services on August 24th.

Cross Purposes

If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. LOPC 2003 Family Conference speaker Ray Campton deals with perhaps the most difficult passage in all of scripture. From Romans 12:9-21 and Mark 8:27-38, August 17, 2003, about 30 minutes.    LISTEN

The Unfairness of Grace

Our human perceptions of fairness, of justice, are based upon assumptions of what we deserve. But the biblical idea of grace comes from an understanding that we deserve nothing , that God gives us unmerited gifts. The Rev. Dr. Philip Butin, President of the San Francisco Theological Seminary, from scriptures Deuteronomy 32:4, 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 and Matthew 20:1-16, June 22, 2003, about 26 minutes.    LISTEN

Salutation

This world is not my home, I'm just passing through. If we can understand that we are citizens of God's kingdom, in this world but not of this world, then we can live with great hope. This identity gives us courage to do the right thing here and now. It makes it OK for us to travel light. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Psalm 29 and 1 Peter 1:1-2, June 15, 2003, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN

Veni

Pentecost! Jesus was gone. He had risen from death and then ascended into heaven. The disciples were praying, studying the scriptures, organizing themselves and waiting. Then comes the Holy Spirit, drawing it all together, providing the plan, the courage, the zeal and the gifts. That is the way it worked then. That is the way it works today. Peter Whitelock, from Acts 2:5-21, June 8, 2003, about 22 minutes.     LISTEN

Gospel

It is easy for us to believe that God loves the good parts of us and of our world. What about the bad? What about our imperfections, fallenness and sin? The Good News from God is that He loves the world in its entirety and wants to redeem all of it. If this is the way that God loves, then how are we to love? Peter Whitelock, from scriptures 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and John 3:16, June 1, 2003, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN

Graduation

Graduation marks the point in life where we have learned all we will need for whatever is to come next . . . right? Peter Whitelock reflects on this with respect to his newly minted Doctor of Ministry degree. Also on the graduation of the disciples following the events of Easter. The answer in both cases is the same. Based on scriptures Psalm 98:1-6 and John 15:9-17, May 25, 2003, about 22 minutes.    LISTEN

Stay With Us

Following the death and resurrection of Jesus, the scriptures tell of two disheartened followers, walking the road to Emmaus. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Jesus was thought to have been the Messiah, but he had died at the hands of the religious leaders and soldiers. Gail Doering uses this as a departure point to tell of a year of unexpectedly finding herself working with the LOPC youth. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Both stories end in unanticipated grace. From scriptures Luke 24:13-24, Luke 24: 25-29 and Luke 24: 30-35, May 18, 2003, about 15 minutes.    LISTEN

We Need Each Other

This is the final Sunday that Tom Schwartz will be with us. For his farewell sermon, he chooses to revisit the story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. The man's friends have lowered him through the roof of a house in which Jesus is teaching. Tom first focuses on the character of the friends, their compassion and sympathy for their sick comrade. Then he turns to the willingness of the paralyzed man to accept the help of his friends. Tom's great hope is that as members of this congregation we will actively seek to support each other, and that we will willingly accept this kind of support from one another. Based on Philippians 2:1-8 and Mark 2:1-12, May 11, 2003, about 24 minutes.    LISTEN

We Will Be Changed

What happens when we die? The apostle Paul speaks of a place of great joy, thanksgiving and celebration, one where we are free to become everything that God wants us to be. Paul understood that our very being changes as we pass from this life. But Paul's great hope for and confidence in this resurrection was actually changing him right then – in profoundly powerful ways. Peter Whitelock, based on scriptures Psalm 23 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, April 27, 2003, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

The Day Everything Changed

Among the four gospel accounts of the resurrection, Mark's is unique. It ends abruptly when three women who had loved Jesus approach his tomb, only to find that everything they thought they understood about the world had been turned upside down. Their response was very human. In amazement and terror they ran and hid. Yet their intial terror was to become their great joy. Because when God acts in human history, the world really is turned upside down. That is what we are celebrating at Easter. Peter Whitelock, based on scripture Mark 16:1-8, April 20, 2003, about 15 minutes.    LISTEN

Hosanna

Palm Sunday is the annual Christian observance of the final time that Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem. This time Jesus was returning as the liberator of his people, freeing them from their fear and ignorance, their sins and their pasts. People looked at him variously with great hope, with skepticism, and with outright hostility. In that day as in ours, promises of liberation were not always what they seemed. Peter Whitelock , from Psalms 118:1-2 & 19-23 and Mark 11:1-11, April 13, 2003, about 14 minutes.    LISTEN

A Good House Cleaning

At times, Jesus got angry. All four gospels record one such occasion. The practices of the priests running the temple had been profoundly hurtful to ordinary Jews and also Gentiles, many of them poor, people who were simply trying to worship, to make offerings, and to pray. Out of his love for these people, Jesus undertakes what Peter Whitelock describes as a good house cleaning. But Peter reminds us that this is more than a colorful story. Jesus still wants there to be room in our community – and in our lives – for worship, for making offerings, and for prayer. Based on Isaiah 56:5-:7 and John 2:13-17, April 6, 2003, about 19 minutes.     LISTEN

Does It Really Make A Difference?

Jim Szeyller tells a story in sermon of how every aspect of secular life can become sacred. He describes moving beyond being a high-school jock, coming to a reconciliation with God over the loss of a father killed in Vietnam, and how the touch of a girl could lead to a whole new view of the Christian faith. Then the considerable issues of the world can become issues of faith, and one's every effort and endeavor becomes a faith offering to God. Based on scriptures Hebrews 12:1-2 and 1 Kings 18:21-39, March 30, 2003, about 28 minutes.    LISTEN

Rise

War in Iraq has begun. This is a time of dismay and wonderment for many at LOPC. What is it that God is up to in this day and time? What would Christ have us do? Peter Whitelock preaches from scripture describing another time of great uncertainty. Regardless of our understandings and positions on the present conflict, Jesus lays out for us words of encouragement, also a great role for faithful people in a divided and stormy world. Based on Psalm 42 and John 14:25-31, March 23, 2003, about 18 minutes.    LISTEN

Contagious Christianity

Peter Whitelock tells of his experience while in college of beginning his return to the church. He is caught, under somewhat hilarious circumstances, with the realization that being associated with the church, with Christ, works to draw out of us compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. It calls us to change. From Proverbs 3:1-8 and Colossians 3:12-17, March 16, 2003, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

The Easy Yoke

At the middle of his ministry, Jesus is increasingly showing compassion for faithful people who are having to follow a great burden of religious code and law in order to please God. As he raises contrary ideas here, the scribes and Pharisees begin to come together in an opposition to him that will eventually lead to the cross. Yet Jesus teaches that we honor God in ways that fit us as individuals. Our Christian faith is not one-size-fits-all! The law comes down to this: Love God, love neighbor, as we love ourselves. Peter Whitelock, based on Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 and Matthew 11:28-30, March 9, 2003, about 15 minutes.    LISTEN

Tough Love

Presbyterians are not from the tradition of unconditional pacifism. However, scripture records Jesus as teaching that we must love our enemies, and pray for those who persecute us. Peter Whitelock deals with this very specific directive in the context of events in today's world. Based on scriptures Matthew 5:43-48, March 2, 2003, about 21 minutes    LISTEN

The Penitent People

Do you need to repent? Most of us might struggle a bit to answer that question. We go through life trying to do the best we can, and hoping God's grace will carry us when we fall short. Still, the act of repentance is an essential component of our life with God. Peter Whitelock preaches the sermon based on the Old Testament story of Jonah. Ephesians 4:17-24 and Jonah 3:1-5, January 26, 2003, about 31 minutes    LISTEN

And Who Is My Neighbor

"The real tragedy is that we see people as entities or merely as things. Too seldom do we see people in their true humanness. A spiritual myopia limits our vision to external accidents. We see men as Jews or Gentiles, Catholics or Protestants, Chinese or American, Negroes or whites. We fail to think of them as fellow human beings made from the same basic stuff as we, molded in the same divine image. The priest and the Levite saw only a bleeding body, not a human being like themselves. But the Good Samaritan will always remind us to remove the cataracts of provincialism from our spiritual eyes and see men as men."
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King urged us to look beyond the categories of race and class to see one another as neighbors. He understood that the problem is not so much that we don't know how to be neighborly, but rather that we are selective in whom we choose to see as our neighbor. Peter Whitelock preaches on the parable of the Good Samaritan. Based on Luke 10:25-37, January 19, 2003, about 23 minutes    LISTEN

Becoming a Good Person

Dr. Gary Demarest, 5:30 pm service, January 12, 2003, about 35 minutes    LISTEN

Whatever Became of Sin?

Dr. Gary Demarest, based on scriptures Deuteronomy 5:6-7; 6:4-9 and Matthew 6:24-33, January 12, 2003, about 30 minutes    LISTEN

Tough Love

A recent trip to the Middle East has led LOPC Jim Szeyller deeper and deeper into a complex set of issues. What would justice even look like in a place such as Israel or Palestine? Jim notes in sermon that biblical justice has less to do with punishment of the guilty than with protection of the innocent. In the words of Israeli Supreme Court Chief Justice Aharon Barak, Are we striving for security at the expense of our souls? Based on scriptures Amos 5:18-24 and Luke 4:18-19, January 5, 2003, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN

We're Expecting

Two figures in the Gospel of Luke, Simeon and Anna, are recorded as recognizing and proclaiming that the infant Jesus was to be the Messiah. How did they know? How might we have vision to see what Simeon and Anna saw? Simeon was hopeful and watchful and faithful. Anna prayed night and day. They were looking for the face of salvation. So can we. Gail Doering, December 29,2002, about 24 minutes    LISTEN

... and Mary said

Christians all too easily view Mary simply as a gentle, meek and humble young woman, when there is ample evidence that she was also possessed of a truly revolutionary spirit. In response to the news that she will bear God's Messiah, Mary bursts into a song called the Magnificat. In this hymn of praise, she outlines the revolutionary nature of God, and how this nature will be manifested in the Messiah. Peter Whitelock, from scriptures Psalm 89:1-4 and Luke 1:45-55. December 22, 2002, about 17 minutes.    LISTEN

The Annunciation

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary with the request that she bear the Messiah, she was faced with an awesome choice. She could choose to be of use to God in this remarkable way, or she could choose to say "No. " God called Mary so long ago to a remarkable level of service, but God still calls people to be agents of God's work in the world. How will we respond? Peter Whitelock preaches from Luke's gospel, December 15, 2002, about 16 minutes     LISTEN

The Beginning of the Good News

The Bible tells us that the act of repentance is essential in our relationship with God. This seems strange in light of God's great love for all people. But the ministry of John the Baptist sheds light on how important it is for us to come clean with God. Peter Whitelock talks about how we can learn and grow through confession. It's good for the soul! December 8, 2002, about 22 minutes    LISTEN

The Presence of Absence

Have you ever felt that God was distant, or possible absent, from your life? Sometimes when this happens we can get to thinking that we've done something wrong, or that God is not a good God. The prophet Isaiah wrestled with this experience, his words provide great help in moving through spiritual hardship. Peter Whitelock preaches on how we can deal with the presence of the absence of God. December 1, 2002, about 19 minutes     LISTEN

God's Power at Work

How powerful is God? Perhaps that's not really the issue most of us struggle with, especially if we dare to believe that God is responsible for the creation of the cosmos. Rather most of us want to know how God's power can be turned loose in our lives. The Apostle Paul was one who believed that the resurrection of Jesus Christ turned loose the power of God in the world in a remarkable way, and that you and I can experience it. Peter Whitelock preaches on God's power at work in us. November 24, 2002, about 19 minutes     LISTEN

Your Unrecognized Companion

God comes to us without our even asking. He comes into the pains and questions, the doubts and struggles of our lives. And lots of times we don't recognize it is the Lord. Former LOPC Chair of Contemporary Theology holder Ben Johnson preaches to us during his brief return visit. November 17, 2002, about 20 minutes    LISTEN

The Unfamiliar Passions of God

What is God really passionate about? Gary Haugen, a lawyer with the International Justice Mission, answers from scripture and from his encounters with various societies, judicial systems and just a few of God's miracles. God loves his creation. God hates injustice. We are God's plan for bringing justice into his world. October 20, 2002, about 31 minutes     LISTEN

What's In a Name?

When life gets hard and difficult to understand, we can so easily feel alone in the universe. Moses had to deal with such feelings. He was invited to understand (through a burning bush of all things! ) that God was with him and for him. Peter Whitelock explores the promise of God's presence in our lives. September 1, 2002, about 26 minutes.     LISTEN

Confession Is Good for the Soul

Matthew tells us in his gospel of a great confession of faith made by the Apostle Peter. This basic statement of faith provides a foundation for understanding how Jesus Christ wants to relate to us, and how we belong to each other. What difference does what we believe about Jesus make in our daily lives? Peter Whitelock, August 25, 2002, about 24 minutes.    LISTEN

Bearing Witness

LOPC high school students reflect on how Matthew 5:1-12, the Beatitudes, call us to be Christians and Christ-like in our faith. Robert Calbeck, Katie Kelley and Wendy Dryden recount their first-hand mission experiences on their recent trip to Thailand. August 18, 2002, about 24 minutes, with musical interludes by Without Measure.    LISTEN

Actions Speak Louder than Words

Only the gospel of Matthew tells the story of Jesus and Peter walking on the water. Gail Doering asks us to put ourselves squarely in the middle of the Sea of Galilee and imagine what this narrative could have meant then (when it was written) and now. August 11, 2002, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Our Capacity to Care

From the time of Moses, God has called us to care for others. Also to allow others to care for us. As people of faith, we are to be interdependent. Tom Schwartz explores the biblical tradition of caring, and presents ideas the LOPC session is studying for expanding the caring that happens within this congregation. August 4, 2002, about 24 minutes.     LISTEN

A Question of Talents

Did you know that from God's perspective you are a phenomenally talented person? In this sermon based on Jesus' Parable of the Talents, Peter Whitelock describes the ways we can choose to maximize our potential for good and for God in the world. Jesus clearly wanted to form a community of faith capable of changing the world, and he has you in mind to be part of the team! July 28, 2002, about 20 minutes.    LISTEN

Taming the Tongue

Many years ago, James the brother of Jesus gave some powerful advice concerning the power of words. The human tongue, which produces about 18,000 words in an average day, can do great harm or great good. How can we get the tongue under control and recognize the effect our words have on other people? Peter Whitelock, July 21, 2002, about 22 minutes.     LISTEN

The Power to Forgive

Forgiving those whose actions have hurt us is one of the most difficult tasks in life. Jesus seemed to think that our ability to forgive determines our relationship not only with others, but with God. Peter Whitelock explores this relationship in a sermon based on the Lord's Prayer. July 14, 2002, about 26 minutes.    LISTEN

The New Life

What practical difference does Christian faith and belief make in a person's life? Is Christianity just about believing certain things, or does it encompass something much more; a new way of living? Peter Whitelock focuses on this important topic in a sermon based on Ephesians 4. July 7, 2002, about 19 minutes.    LISTEN