Northaven United Methodist Church

Out Into the World

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:08:17 -0500

Rev. Eric Folkerth
Matthew 25
An abbreviated meditation prepares Northaven members to go out into the world, on this our day of service. Immediately following this sermon, the entire congregation departed for a day of service in various settings around the city.

Three Simple Rules

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 13:16:55 -0500

Rev. Eric Folkerth

As our Chautauqua series continues, we unpack the “Three Simple Rules” of the United Methodist Church, otherwise known as “The General Rules.” The chorus in the midst of this sermon was written by Northavener, Rob Bobbitt.

The Pursuit of Happiness

Sun, 4 Jul 2010 13:47:31 -0500

Rev. Eric Folkerth
Luke 10: 1-20
The 4th of July offers the chance to compare and contrast our national celebration of the day, and Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel.

Of Vampires and the Fruits of the Spirit

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 12:30:42 -0500

Rev. Eric Folkerth
Galatians 5: 1, 13-25
Eric unpacks the meaning of Paul’s “fruits of the spirit,” and reminds us that his main point was that we “love one another” and see each other as holy. The fruits comes out of that kind of life.

Still Small Voice

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:24:21 -0500

Rev. Eric Folkerth
1 Kings 19: 9-15
Luke 8: 26-35
Eric connects the story of Elijah on the mountain and the story of the man “in his right mind,” and suggests how difficult it sometimes is to stop and listen for the “still small voice.”

Developing Gratitude

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:32:52 -0500

Rev. Eric Folkerth
Luke 7: 36- 8:3
Eric suggests that we can develop our grateful hearts, and that sometimes our gratitude comes from letting go of expectations or entitlement. Gratitude comes from comprehending and experiencing God’s love first.

Counting On God

Sun, 30 May 2010 08:59:09 -0500

Mary Clair Lowrance
As Pentecost season continues, Mary Clair Lowrance guest preaches, and suggests that life in the Spirit is a life where God counts on us, and we count on God.

Native Tongue

Sun, 23 May 2010 12:30:26 -0500

Rev. Eric Folkerth
Acts 2
On Pentecost Sunday, Eric reminds us that God speaks to each of us in our “native tongue” and that God’s Spirit is present in each moment of life.

Youth Sunday

Sun, 16 May 2010 11:55:23 -0500

Christina Nelson
John 15:1-17
On Youth Sunday, one of our youth, Christina Nelson, delivers the sermon, and uses the story of the “vine and the branches” as a backdrop for describing our youth’s work in mission, and how mission work changes each of us.

Miracle and Mystery

Sun, 9 May 2010 12:32:47 -0500

Rev. Eric Folkerth
John 14: 23-29
On confirmation Sunday, Eric talks about how important family and church friends have been to all of us. He quotes the lyrics of Billy Crockett --written for one of our confirmands-- and reminds us that we’re all on a journey of faith together.

Welcoming the Stranger

Sun, 2 May 2010 12:39:38 -0500

Rev. Eric Folkerth
John 10: 22-33
Jesus’ admonition that we should “love one another” serves as a backdrop for this sermon on immigration issues, and Eric’s stories about yesterdays MegaMarch. He attempts to explain the theological and justice reasons why he supports immigration reform and the aims of the march.

Knowing the Shepherd

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:13:22 -0500

Rev. Eric Folkerth
John 10: 22-33
Eric acknowledges that we don’t like to be called “sheep.” Even still, Jesus stands as the “Good Shepherd,” ready to be sure we are safe in God’s hands.

Stars Upon the Water

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 14:30:49 -0500

Preacher: Rev. Eric Folkerth
Scripture: Various Passages
As Northaven celebrates Earth Day, Eric reminds us of our calling to be good “stewards” of the planet; and suggests that God yearns for us to hear the spiritual messages the earth needs to teach us.

The Power of Belief

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:46:38 -0500

Preacher: Rev. Eric Folkerth
Scripture: John 20: 19-31
As we unpack the story of “Doubting Thomas,” Eric talks about the power of belief, the power of doubt, and the power of fear in our lives, and suggests that those who believe without seeing are truly blessed.

When Chains Turn Into Flowers

Sun, 4 Apr 2010 16:05:25 -0500

Preacher: Rev. Eric Folkerth
Scripture: John 20: 1-18
On the high holy day of Easter, Eric suggests that Resurrection is God’s truth about life, as message that is true no matter what befalls us.

In Remembrance of Her

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 19:42:25 -0500

Preacher: Rev. Eric Folkerth
Scripture: John 12: 1-8
Eric suggests that the story of Mary using costly ointment to wipe Jesus’ feet is an extravagant gesture that models the best of “servant leadership.”

Lick Your Chops or Protect the Chicks

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:59:17 -0600

Preacher: Rev. Eric Folkerth
Scripture: Luke 13: 31-35
As Northaven continues through Lent with the theme “Claiming God’s Dream,” Eric unpacks a part of that dream: that God might protect his “chicks” from the evil “foxes” of the world. Unfortunately, foxes are cunning; leading to Jesus’ famous “lament” over Jerusalem.

The Temptation to Deny Who We Are

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:27:29 -0600

Preacher: Rev. Eric Folkerth
Deuteronomy 26: 1-11, Luke 4: 1-13
Northaven celebrates Lent with the theme “Claiming God’s Dream: Living As Easter People.” Today, we focus on the temptation of Jesus and how it speaks to us about staying true to who we are and our calling as God’s people.

You’ll Know it When You Feel It

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:04:35 -0600

Rev. Eric Folkerth
Luke 9: 28-36
On Transfiguration Sunday, Eric talks about transformational moments, when we feel a presence beyond ourselves, and how sometimes we do not *see* these moments, but we often “feel” them.

How Long?

Sun, 7 Feb 2010 10:06:51 -0600

Isaiah 6:8-13
Luke 5:1-11
Eric notes that in both scriptures, there is a sense of wondering "how long" a time of struggle will last. The message of the Gospel, however, challenges us to "keep fishing" no matter how long it takes, because God is always with us.