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Sun Prairie United Methodist Church Podcasts
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Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Peace in the Stable
Written by --Pat Harrington, Outreach Team Chair
Read by Bill Anciaux
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and souls in Christ Jesus.
-- Philippians 4:7
Years ago, while living in Atlanta. Georgia, I owned a horse. He was stabled about 40 miles away, so whenever I went out to ride, it meant getting home from work, changing clothes, eating a quick dinner and then driving 45 minutes to the stable. By the time I got there it was usually night, but the barn and riding ring were well-lit. Inside, it was warm and smelling of horses and hay and tack. Everyone there was caring for an animal, helping younger riders, keeping the barn clean. It was a welcoming and safe place, a community in a stable.
As I think about the Christmas story, and especially think about the peace of God that transcends all understanding, I wonder if perhaps we’ve gotten the story a bit wrong. Perhaps being born in a stable was a good start — safe in a warm place, surrounded by sleepy animals — peaceful indeed. We fill the birth story with camels and sheep and a donkey and cows.
Maybe this is God’s way of reminding us that we are all part of God’s glorious creation. Maybe that peace and understanding that we seek comes from a small start, such as in a stable, with the animals. Maybe my memories of my welcoming stable will help me to better celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus in his own peaceful stable.
Let us celebrate the peace that can come from small places. Let us appreciate all of God’s creatures, both animal and human. Let us seek to understand our connectedness to all living things. Let us give thanks for the joy of Christ’s birth. Amen
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
Stability
by Russ Abarr, Confirmation Mentor
Read by Chase Rimrodt
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the
promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Why did the horses have such a long marriage? They had a “stable” relationship!
We all want stability in our lives. We want it in our marriage, our job, our relationship with our family and friends. When there is not stability in our lives, we can feel disconnected from God. A stable relationship with God is what we all strive for. How is that manifested? It starts with a daily connection with God through prayer, Bible reading, devotion time, and reflection.
In the passage from Jeremiah, God promises that Jerusalem will live in safety. This is a promise of stability at a time when Israel is going through a period of storm and stress. The promise of stability must have been welcomed, but hard to believe.
We can all believe during this Advent season that God truly wants stability in each of our lives. We all have different “destabilizers” in our lives that can be minimized if we turn them over to God.
Gracious God, we look to you to bring stability to our lives. Help us to allow the baby Jesus, born in a stable, to come into our hearts. Amen
Monday Dec 06, 2021
Monday Dec 06, 2021
Stable Relationships Built on Trust
by Brooke Bandli, High School Senior
read by Tian Brooks
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid,
for the Lord God is my strength and my might;
he has become my salvation.
–Isaiah 12:2
When reflecting on this year’s Advent theme of ‘Stable Relationships’, I quickly realized that the stable relationships in my life are all built on a foundation of trust. Trust is not easy. It does not mean that we are free from all worry or doubt. Trust does not assure that nothing will ever go wrong. Rather, trust is the force that assures us that if something does go wrong, or our worries become a reality, we won’t stand alone in our struggles.
As a high school senior, I am working to trust God’s plan for me as a venture into a new stage of my life. It is very possible that you are also experiencing a change in your life as well. It is during these times of change that trust can be the most challenging. I encourage you to embrace the challenge of trust during this advent season, because through our trust in God, and those who love us, we will never walk alone.
Dear God, help us to trust you more completely and to fully invest in our relationship with you and with others during this advent season. Amen.
Sunday Dec 05, 2021
Sunday Dec 05, 2021
Lesser Than
By-Barbara Nelson, Financial Secretary
At that time, I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue
the lame: I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and
honor in every land where they have suffered shame.
--Zephaniah 3:19
I had a meaningful conversation with my sister-in-law (SIL) recently about my niece, Alexa. Alexa is a sweetheart. Alexa is also half-Black. On our vacation this summer, an incident occurred that made me stop and think. My white SIL told a story about how she and Alexa were at the post office, making separate transactions. The clerks were rude to Alexa, yet they were very attentive to my SIL. When SIL related the experience to us, I was rather dismissive of the outrage that she had for her daughter’s dignity. In my naivety, I thought it couldn’t have been discrimination based on skin color. Perhaps, it was because Alexa was a still a young person. We got back to WI, and three months later, I was still thinking about that conversation.
I called my SIL and apologized for my dismissiveness. I always like to think the best of people, but it blinded me to the reality of my niece’s life as a person of color. This was something that Alexa had been subjected to her entire life. I can only imagine how my niece feels every day in a society that treats her as a perceived “lesser than.” I will never know what she faces day to day, or what any person of color might experience daily on a much bigger basis. I cannot see through a Black woman’s eyes, but I am grateful that my own eyes are opening, thanks to a careless comment and the willingness to talk with someone who knows more than me.
Father, blind us to color, make us deaf to discrimination, and mute to unsavory words. May we see beauty wherever we look, hear the sounds of peace everywhere we go, and speak only in love to everyone we meet. Amen
Saturday Dec 04, 2021
Saturday Dec 04, 2021
Change is Hard, But…
by Mike Vavrus, Confirmation Mentor
Read by Marcia Flaherty
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields,
keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of
the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone
around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said
to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you
good news of great joy for all the people.
--Luke 2:8-10
It has been almost two years since the pandemic was declared and think of how we were all impacted by it. The changes that occurred since then have been vast, and difficult for most of us. People lost jobs or had to drastically change how they work. Kids were suddenly going to school from home--and grownups had to figure that out.
And yet here we are, almost two years later. We find ourselves expecting to get back to the normal that was before the big event. We're waiting for the next change--maybe even looking forward to it.
When the angels appeared to the shepherds, those people were afraid. Angels showing up was a big deal! The good news is that those angels' message to the shepherds, and to all of us is simple: Don't be afraid! Change can bring good news--God is here to help you!
We find ourselves this Advent, as always, looking ahead to good news, knowing that there is big change happening. But look how far we've come with all the changes of the past year and more! Don't be afraid of the change--know that God will be with us to sustain and strengthen us. Change is hard--but with God through Jesus Christ, we can find joy in what the future holds.
God, you are amazing. As we wait expectantly for the changes that come to this world, we can look forward with open hearts and perhaps even joy, knowing that with you, we can handle the change. Amen
Friday Dec 03, 2021
Friday Dec 03, 2021
Accepting God
by Chase Rimrodt, Confirmation Student
Read by Chase Rimrodt
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God.
–John 1:1-14
A personal story that I have experienced, and maybe what others have experienced also. Everything was shut down and we were scared to go anywhere outside our homes. Why was this happening? It was hard to stay connected with God when my whole world was turned upside down. Safe at home, but it felt more like stuck at home. I particularly veered from my faith and was less connected to the Church and prayed less. I was feeling anxious, and every moment was filled with uncertainty. I needed to eventually learn to cope with the uncertainty and leave what was going to happen in God's hands.
According to the scripture in John 1:1-14 it states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God, and the Word was God. Then there was a man sent from God whose name was John. He himself was not the light but came to testify to the light. People do not accept him but all who received him, he gave power to become children of God who were born not of the blood or of the will of the flesh or the will of man, but of God.”
This passage from the Bible teaches me that all who accept God and the people God has sent will have the power to be children of God.
What I think about my personal story and the scripture of John 1:1-14 is that it may not always be easy to accept God, but God is our light; we do not create our own light. However, if we accept God, He gives us light and the power to be children of God.
God, I pray that you reach out your light for the people that follow your light. Especially, in our darker moments, so that we can become closer to God and to be children of God, Amen
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
Gratefulness
by Tian Brooks, Confirmation Student
Read by Tian Brooks
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”
Therefore, Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor bears a son,
and the rest of his brothers return
to join the Israelites.
He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth
And he will be our peace
when the Assyrians invade our land
and march through our fortresses.
We will raise against them seven shepherds,
even eight commanders
–Micah 5:2-5a
Ask yourself, what are you grateful for?
A lot of people will say “My house and my health;” but being grateful for something is more than that. Especially throughout the pandemic we all have something we are grateful for--you are alive.
Being grateful doesn’t mean convincing yourself that everything is fine. Living your life with gratitude means choosing to focus on the things you really appreciate and care about. The goal is not to block out difficulties but approach those difficulties from a different perspective and know that God will help us along the way. Gratitude can help us see that not everything is terrible. Practicing gratitude to God with thankfulness can keep our hearts open to the tenderness in our daily experiences.
So, I want you to ask yourself again, what are you grateful for? People who are grateful to God are grateful for those who care for them, as well as God's blessings to them. The main cause of ungratefulness is not knowing by experience the grace and mercy of God. Grateful people are happy people. Grateful people are content with how God has dealt with them. So are you one of these people, if not it is ok, start with being grateful for the little things. Be grateful for God, and God will help you on your path.
Dear God, I am extremely grateful for all your blessings in my life, Lord. I pray that you remind me of just how blessed I am and that you never allow me to forget to show my gratitude in prayer and returned acts of kindness. Amen
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
The Gift of Music
Read by: Denise Utter
O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
–Psalm 96:1-2
When I think about Advent, I think about music. As a child, I loved sharing the Christmas story through the songs in the Christmas Program. This experience brought me pure joy. As an older youth, I enjoyed sharing the story by caroling in our church neighborhood to shut-ins. This experience brought me comfort knowing I had touched the lives of others.
As a young parent, it meant sharing the story in a stable service as Mary and Joseph with our first child as the baby Jesus. The songs in the barn that night gave me a sense of peace I will never forget. What is it about music you may ask that made these experiences so powerful? I truly believe music is a way to feel God’s presence. That is why some songs give a sense of peace or comfort, chills of power and strength, or simply pure joy. I encourage you to listen and let music be a gift to you this Advent season.
Dear God, thank you for the music, and the power it gives us to share your story and feel your presence during this Advent Season. Encourage us to take the time to listen and appreciate the gift music can bring to our lives. Amen
--Jill Bandli, LOGOS Leader
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Peace from the Barn
But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being.
--Job 12:7-10
A tradition in our farm family was that the children would go out to the barn on Christmas Eve and wait for Santa to visit and leave presents under the tree. Going out to the barn was usually a cold walk but once we got in the barn, we felt the warmth of the cattle around us. The barn smelled of hay and the beautiful Holstein cows peacefully chewed their cud, lowed softly, and observed the humans who seemed to be waiting for something important to happen.
The children nervously awaited a sign from the house that Santa had arrived. But as we watched for the house light to blink the children seemed to be calmed by the quietness of the animals and they too recognized that an important event had happened long ago and was much more significant than Santa. Did Mary and Joseph experience the same calm and quiet from the animals they shared the manger with? Did the warmth of the animals and their lowing make the wait for Jesus a little easier?
What a wonderful experience to share with these wise and gentle animals the anticipation of such a significant event. They knew that a child was coming who would change the world and they made Mary and Joseph’s wait a little easier, just like the cattle in the barn at our farm on Christmas Eve.
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to wait with patience and silence for your arrival like the cattle in our barn and in the stable in Bethlehem taught us to wait. Amen
--Claire and Jack Krause, Confirmation Students
--Pat Cook, Confirmation Mentor
Podcast read by Bill Anciaux
Monday Nov 29, 2021
Monday Nov 29, 2021
"Enduring Turbulence"
Written by Hillary Lobenstein, Confirmation Mentor
Read By Marcia Flaherty
Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again, I will say, Rejoice.
--Philippians 4:4
The last two years have been turbulent in society and in my classroom. I teach high school, and that tumult and turmoil has spilled into my classroom. I have students struggling with their mental health, with how to get along with other students, and with their academic work. Recently, I found myself at the precipice of stress. I walked into my first hour class with tears still in my eyes from reaching that breaking point from that overwhelming feeling of stress. A few students expressed genuine concern, and for that, I am grateful.
The next day one of my colleagues came into my classroom before school and asked me, “How do you always have it together?” and she had tears in her eyes from that same level of stress. I laughed out loud and told her I had just been crying at school the day before! I grabbed my box of Kleenex, and we walked back from the metaphorical cliff of extreme stress.
In Philippians 4:4-9, Paul advises the congregation in Philippi. He suggests the following: Rejoice, be gentle, avoid anxiety, pray, be thankful, and be open to the peace of God. He also advises that we stay focused on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Then, Paul recommends that we should put those qualities of the Lord into practice to invite God and peace into our lives.
Dear God, Grant us understanding in our daily struggles so that we may become closer to you. Allow us to experience stress and turbulence so we may grow in our faith. Provide guidance so that we may help others during difficult times. Allow us to be your hands and feet to do your good work in the world. Amen.
Sunday Nov 28, 2021
Sunday Nov 28, 2021
Putting the Stable in Relationships
…the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned. --Matthew 4:16
We all go through times in life that we might call our own “dark night of the soul.” It is hard to believe in the dark. Finding our way through the darkness requires us to have markers along the way. We need those signs that remind us that we are not alone. Sometimes that may be another person that assures us of their presence; or it might be words of a phrase or song that speak of goodness and the reassurance of life itself.
One such sign was found in a small house in Germany after World War II. The home had been a “safe house” for hiding Jews trying to flee the horrors of the German death camps. These words had been scratched into the baseboard in one of the bedrooms.
“I believe in the sun when it does not shine. I believe in love when I cannot feel it. I believe in God when God does not speak.”
Often, the word that inspires, the witness that encourages us, the marker that points the way, can come to us from the darkness itself. In turn, our own “dark night of the soul” will often turn into a handhold, a marker, and a sign along the way for another who travels the darkness.
One of the assurances of Advent is that God still comes into the darkness of humanity and the events of this world and transforms lives. This transforming presence has come to us through Jesus the Christ. When we can picture that the coming of Jesus into our lives began in a humble stable, it may be the sign or marker we need to remind us that God is with us in all the seasons of our lives and in all our relationships.
Loving God, thank you for the stable that reminds us of the birth of Jesus the Christ that is a sign of your presence with us in our relationships and in the midst of all things. Amen.
-- Jenny Arneson, Lead Pastor
Podcast read by Bill Anciaux
Saturday Nov 27, 2021
Saturday Nov 27, 2021
This week is the first Sunday of Advent, which has a theme of Hope. Our theme for the four weeks of Advent is Stable Relationships. We will light the first Advent candle and hear scripture from Romans 5:1-5. We will also hear Luke 21:25-36. Pastor Jenny's sermon is titled Stay Alert to Hope.
Thursday Nov 25, 2021
Thursday Nov 25, 2021
Happy Thanksgiving!! Please join us for a short Thanksgiving Day Devotion.
Monday Nov 22, 2021
Monday Nov 22, 2021
The Scriptures in worship this week will be Psalm 126 and Matthew 6:25-33. Pastor Jenny's sermon is titled "Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart".
Sunday Nov 14, 2021
Sunday Nov 14, 2021
The Scriptures in worship this week will be Genesis 3:1-13 and Matthew 7:15-20. Pastor Brad's sermon is titled, Episode 92