Sugar River United Methodist Church, Verona WI
Sugar River exists for families, friends and neighbors to gather in faith, experience God, serve others and become devoted followers of Christ.
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Messages

A look back at previous Worship Messages



The Dog Days of Faith

August 8th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food for Thought

The Substance of Faith                     Text: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

The dog days of August often seem a time of spiritual lethargy. Today we begin a series from Hebrews chapters 11 and 12 as a plea for patience until schools reopen and life gets back to normal. We will live by faith, or at least we would like to live by faith. But, what is it? How can we understand our faith and relationship to God in a way that brings relief to the hot summer days of our lives...our spiritual lives? Welcome to Sugar River and may God bring you a faith that quenches your spiritual thirsts and sustains you through the dog days of faith.


August 15th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food for Thought

By Faith, We Race                     Text: Hebrews 11:29-12:2

Next we continue with the meaning of faith as we look further into Hebrews chapter 11. We are introduced to the idea of faith as the courage to endure, in an effort to develop Christian character in an often hostile world. Come gather at the River next week for some refreshing words that can relieve you from the sultry summer August days...of faith.


August 22nd, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food for Thought

Grace, Before Faith                     Text: Hebrews 12:18-29

Alright, I want more faith! How much do I need? How do I get it? What must I do? Questions that we may ask, but the reality is that faith is still a gift, first, and then it becomes our response to God. May God direct our worship and reflection this week as we gather at the River.

August 29th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food for Thought

Church, Steeple, Doors and People                     Text: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

Do you remember the hand game that you may have learned in Sunday School as a child? You would fold your hands together and put your thumbs up to form a steeple. The open the door and see all the people (your fingers). All fun. Next week we will look at the final in our series on Dog Days of Faith and see if we might be renewed to be the church that has open doors and people who move beyond the church walls. The power of faith is lived in service to others. Here is where we meet Christ in faithful ways...giving meaning to our lives and leading us through the dog days. By the way, the Dog Days are now ending! I pray it is true for your faith as well.




Lord, TeachUs to Pray

August 1st, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food for Thought

This week we will look at the meaning and purpose of prayer for our lives




God's Promises

July 25th, 2010           Download or listen to Ed's message

Special Speaker: Ed Emmons

All of us at one time or another have been confronted by a situation or circumstance far beyond our understanding and we find ourselves asking why. Why did this happen? Why am I in this situation? Sometimes we may even blame God for our circumstance. God, however, has given us firm promises that we are to grab hold off and claim for our own. We will examine some of promises that God has given us and how we can cling to these promises through the storms of life.

Ed is the Director of Children and Family Ministries at Asbury UMC



Summer Lectionary

July 4th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message

Form A More Perfect Union                     Text: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 9-14

Today we will worship God for the blessings we have been given as a people and nation. As we are blessed, how will we be a blessing to other nations? How do we understand the workings of God in the context of government? May we gain insight from this text regarding the providence of God in the life of our nation and our personal life...so that we may form a more perfect union.


July 11th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food for Thought

Faith, Love, and Hope                     Text: Colossians 1:1-14

This week we will explore the meaning of this text for our faith. Paul is encouraging the church in Colosse to apply what they know of Christ to their way of living. What we believe affects how we live, and I celebrate how the people of Sugar River bear the fruit of faithful living. What encouragement could you use to support your faith journey this summer?


July 18th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food for Thought

In Christ Alone                     Text: Colossians 1:15-30

This week we explore the meaning of Christ's life and ministry for us today. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to identify Christ as our savior? Do I really need one? Gather at the River next week as we explore what theologians call Christology. I believe it will bring meaning for your life and faith.




Follow the Leader

June 27th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Dave's message

Special Speaker: Pastor Dave McRoberts

There are many invitations to consider but certainly the most important is the one from Jesus to 'come, follow me'. But with all the challenges, changes, pressures of life it becomes so very difficult to Follow Our Leader. How can we possibly experience the promised 'rest for your souls' in today's world?




A Father's Love

June 20th, 2010           Download or listen to Brian's message           Sermon notes and Food for Thought

Special Speaker: Brian Earley

Tthis week we reflect on the story of the Lost Son, sometimes called the Parable of the Prodigal Son. When we reflect upon this story we may find that the word prodigal (having or giving something on a lavish scale) applies as much to the Father's expression of love and compassion as it applies to the son's extravagant and wasteful living.




To Serve: With Love

May 30th, 2010           Download or listen to Nick's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

God's Shining Mission...Light Into the World
Special Speaker: Nick Cocalis

Do you know how God has called you to serve? Where do we look for our instructions? In a self-indulgent world how can we turn to Jesus to learn to be the light of the world through service. This week we will start looking at how Jesus served, how we are serving, and how closely do they match up?


June 6th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Food For Thought

Our Shadow Mission

In order to help us understand our mission in life, it will helpful to identify what is not our mission. According to author John Ortberg, "...everybody has a shadow mission. Our lives, and the lives of the groups we're part of, can drift into the pursuit of something unworthy and dark. To give in to our shadow mission is--or should be--our greatest fear." This week we will look at the story of Ester and try to understand how we can overcome our shadow mission and live more fully into God's mission for our lives today. Then, our ability to serve God and others in love can mature and reach its full potential.


June 13th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Food For Thought

Mission and Commission

Proclaiming the Gospel AND living it out in service to others, honors God. This week we will commission our youth and Adult leaders for their mission trip to Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota (June 19-27).


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WeFit: Developing Our Community Fitness

May 2nd, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

WeFit: Checkup

This week we begin our first in a four part series on developing a fit community of faith. We begin by assessing how we are doing in light of Paul's words to the church at Philippi and what we know about how church environments can be. How fit are we to reflect the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ?


May 9th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

WeFit: Fitness Goals

This week we begin looking at some healthy goals to help us become a more fit community of faith. What is the Sugar river story, purpose, impact and witness to the Verona Community? How does this information form our community fitness? May God guide our experience of Worship!


May 16th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

WeFit: Training

This week we will look at the practice of God-honoring relationships in the life of Sugar River Church. We will examine the three simple rules of Congregational Fitness offered by John Wesley: Do No Harm (sounds easy...is it?), Do All the Good You Can, Attend to your relationship with God. This will be an exciting service as we begin our look at the development of a relational covenant for our community. Please take the time to answer the relational covenant questions on the Growth Guide or here on our SR website Congregational Covenants.


May 23rd, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

WeFit: Weigh In

This week we conclude our series on Congregational fitness, and invite all the people of Sugar River Church to sign the Relational Covenant that will be a compilation of all the input we receive from growth groups and people who respond to the relational covenant questions.


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That Our Joy May Be Complete! 2 John 1:12

April 11th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

Our Source

This week we will explore the source of our Joy. What role does our faith and relationship to God and others play in our ability to experience joy? Several times in the Bible, there is a reference to making our joy complete. What does that mean? Could it happen? What is the source of this joy?


April 18th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

Our Strength

This week we examine the meaning of the joy of the Lord is our strength. Wow, to think that we could find God's joy as a source of meaning, healing and strength for everyday life. Could you use some joyful strength in your life? We will examine the importance of developing your joy through emotional wholeness. Remember that your emotions reveal the quality of your thinking.

April 25th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

Our Witness

This week our attention will be upon the witness of our joy. How do others experience our joy...or lack of it? How might we begin to improve, step by step, our ability to bless others with the joy that reveals our love for God, neighbor, and self.

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Lenten Series: Our unfolding Story

February 21st, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

Andrew

This week we begin our Lenten series about people who encounter Jesus. We begin with Andrew, the brother of Peter. Andrew plays a quiet and very supportive role in his faith. His sacrificial love played a huge part in the development of the Christian faith. Do you know someone like Andrew? Are you like Andrew? How does your story unfold in light of Andrew's story? Please join us at the River for worship during this season of Lent


February 28th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

Bartimaeus

This week will examine the story of Bartimaeus and learn about the transformation that took place in his life after his encounter with Jesus. Do we have the passion and resolve of Bartimaeus to call out to Jesus and go when we are invited to respond? What are our needs before Jesus and where is Jesus calling us to go?


March 7th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

Mary and Martha

If you are one that has little tolerance for those who seem to have time to sit when there is work to be done, there may be a lesson for you this week. Why would Jesus tell Martha that Mary has chosen the right thing to sit at Jesus feet? Take time this next Sunday to come and gather at the River...and understand the importance of sitting at Jesus feet...it will give more direction and power to when you are busy again.


March 14th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

The Rich Ruler

This week we will examine the story of the Rich Ruler from the Gospel of Luke. This ruler was a faithful Jew. He attended to the rituals and practices of his faith...a good church goer. Yet, Jesus saw in him a discontentedness. Jesus saw that all the exterior practices were not leading him to a deeper relationship with God. The practices were only satisfying the law without fulfilling the need to nurture his relationship with God.


March 21st, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

Zacchaeus

Zacchaeus was excited to see Jesus, but did not anticipate Jesus coming to fellowship with him in his home. The encounter changed his life forever. Salvation had come to his home and his relationships were transformed. Zacchaeus looked at others differently and sought to be fair and just to all. Can an encounter with Jesus really change us?


March 28th, 2010

Palm Sunday           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food for Thought

The Commom People

This week we will celebrate Palm Sunday, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. We will again see our unfolding story in the lives of the people who surrounded Christ in the last days. Please don't forget to invite your family, friends and neighbors as we celebrate Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter this coming week.


April 4th, 2010

Easter Sunday           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food for Thought

Peter

This week has been filled with the drama of Holy Week, the week leading to the celebration of Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday. We celebrate the blessing of God's unfolding love revealed in the resurrected Christ. As we reflect upon the unfolding story of Peter, we will see our own stories unfold. This is a story of God making all things new...even our lives.

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A Celebration of Love: Lips and Hearts

February 14th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food For Thought

Today is a celebration of Love. God's love for us, our love for God, and the love we share with our family, friends, and neighbors. What is the quality of love you experience and share with God and others? May this be a service to encourage your experience of love with God and others.

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When Christians Get It Wrong

January 3rd, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food For Thought
When We Act UnChristian: Hypocrisy to Christ-like

This week we begin a new series that takes a hard look at how non-Christians view the Church. This is a challenging topic that will lead us to seek the wisdom of God. Yet, many of the observations made about Christianity are founded and an embarrassment to Christ's Church. Today we begin a look at the view that we in the church are hypocritical. What can we learn about ourselves and the way others see us?

January 10th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

When Bad Things Happen: Heartless to Compassionate

This week in worship we will ask some questions about our assumptions of God. So what can Christians get wrong about the issue of when bad things happen? How do we deal with the issue of God's sovereignty? What can we learn from the Bible about God's activity in the human experience? If we assume certain things about God, can we cause others unnecessary guilt, anger, or pain? How do people outside the church experience God through our witness? I pray we can all learn more about who God is and who God calls us to be as we gather at the River this week. Could we learn to be more compassionate?

January 17th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Growth Guide

When Talking about Other Religions: Arrogant to Humble

This week we will explore our assumptions and perceptions of how we deal with other faiths. How do we deal with the many people of different faiths? How wide is God's mercy? What kind of witness are we to our faith? How do we dialogue with others who are different? If you know someone from a different faith, this may be an important service for you.

January 24th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food For Thought

When in Conflict with Science or Married to Politics

This week we will examine our assumptions regarding science, politics, and religion. I might be able to offend everyone this week with these topics. Seriously, how do we deal with such volatile issues? How can we be less closed-minded and more teachable? What can we learn from our ability to reason...reason is a gift from God. Please prayerfully prepare for this topic and invite family, friends, or neighbors that may appreciate a fresh biblical and God-honoring view on these topics.

January 31st, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message            Sermon notes and Growth Guide

Homosexuality and the Church: Judgmental to Loving

This week we will examine a challenging topic, with the intent to move us all closer to God's call to be less judgmental and more loving. This will not be about convincing anyone to comply with a belief system, but rather gain a deeper understanding of how we receive truth from God. May we prayerfully open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit in this time of worship.

February 7th, 2010           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food For Thought

When Christians Get It Right

This week we will let up on our self-criticism as a church. I pray we have all learned more about how God would like us to live in a Christ-like, compassionate, humble, teachable, and loving way. Today we will seek to recognize when the Christian church gets it right. We will explore the basic teaching of Jesus and celebrate our life in faith. Welcome to Sugar River!

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Advent Series: The Stars of Bethlehem

November 29th, 2009           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food For Thought

First Sunday: Waiting on God

This week we will learn about the challenges of waiting upon God. Advent is a season of waiting. We wait for the birth of Jesus, but it is also a season of waiting for the return of Christ. Zechariah and Elizabeth waited so long for God to provide them with a child, that they had essentially given up. Yet, God provides. What are you waiting on God for? Let's learn from these stars of Bethlehem about the faithfulness of God...even when we are forced to wait.

December 6th, 2009           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food For Thought

Second Sunday: Mary and Gabriel: Fear Not Again?

This week we hear the story of Mary's' encounter with the angel, and her response to God's call upon her life. Wow, no small task. Could this very young woman face the challenges before her? When she was unsure, God was not. God saw in her a strength of faith that would allow her to be a blessing to all of humanity...the mother of the Christ Child. What fears do we face? How might we seek the wisdom and guidance of God for our lives? Today we will learn from Mary, a star of Bethlehem's story

December 13th, 2009           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes and Food For Thought

Third Sunday: Joseph and a Dream: Silent Partner

This week we continue our series on Bethlehem's stars by reflecting upon the story of Joseph. What do we know about Joseph? Why is he so quickly out of the picture in Jesus life? Yet, what scripture does reflect is the silent partner who was faithful. Join us next week as we get one week closer to the celebration of Jesus Christ.

December 20th, 2009           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           

Fourth Sunday: Elisabeth and Mary: News for Good

This week is the final Sunday in Advent. We will reflect upon the story of Mary and Elisabeth. Both mothers expecting the birth of their child as God had foretold. This is great news! Life is changed forever by the events that about to take place. Do we understand this good news? Is there room in our Christmas for the reason for this season? Yes, and it can transform our lives!

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Giving Thanks

November 22nd, 2009           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes, Prayer Guide, And Growth Guide

Today we seek to honor God with our giving thanks. How do we demonstrate our thankfulness to God? I pray we can join together in a celebration of thankfulness and praise. Today is also consecration Sunday. At the end of the service we will invite those individuals and families to come forward to offer their estimate of giving for the coming year. If you do not have a Estimate of Giving Card, the ushers have extras available. If you do not have an estimate ready, please complete and return a card by next week. If you are unable to contribute this year, please indicate that on a card and bring it forward at the end of the service as well.

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Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

October 25th, 2009           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes, Prayer Guide, And Growth Guide

"When Dreams Become Nightmares"

This week at Sugar River we will begin our series on Enough. We look at the promises of the American Dream and how it often leads to nightmares. What does God have to say through scriptures about our goals and practices of life? May we all gain a deeper sense of joy through our commitment to simplicity and generosity.

November 1st, 2009           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message            Sermon notes, Prayer Guide, And Growth Guide

Today in worship we will look closely at biblical principles of money management and learn how they apply to our daily lives. We will review some common pitfalls and cultural traps and discover how to avoid them. We also will receive a reminder of the Six Key Financial Principles. We hope you will take time this week to read these principles and Scriptures. They will make a great table devotional for you and your family. By practicing these biblical principles, all of us can find greater simplicity, contentment, generosity, and joy for our lives.

November 8th, 2009           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes, Prayer Guide, And Growth Guide

"Cultivating Contentment"

Do you have a tough time separating "wants" from "needs"? Do you sometimes feel consumed by the desire to have more? Do you ever look at your surroundings and feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things? When is enough, enough? Today in worship, we will release these burdens, address our human tendency head-on, and learn how to consciously change our ways.

November 15th, 2009           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes, Prayer Guide, And Growth Guide

"Defined by Generosity"

This week we explore how we can be defined by our generosity. What defines your life? Is it wealth? Belongings? Faith? Many of us live with a scarcity mentality, worried that we must gather and hoard as much as possible, saving for some imagined "rainy day." Or we focus on self-gratification. But the Bible promises both God's blessings and joy for those who choose to live another way. During next week's service, we will take action to change our lives by setting five specific personal goals to work toward over the next year. We invite you to complete a "Personal Goals and Commitment" card and place it in your Bible for your personal reference in the coming year. We will continue to discover joy through simplicity and generosity.


Click here to read Pastor Gary's Financial Principles Letter and to access his financial planning and budgeting worksheets.

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Sugar River Charter Sunday Celebration!

October 18th, 2009           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message            Sermon notes, Prayer Guide, And Growth Guide

This week is a very special celebration of God's love in our world. We will take time to celebrate the blessings of our shared faith in Christ, and our opportunity to Connect, Grow, and Serve in Christ's name. We have experience incredible blessings as a new church start, but we have just begun to see our potential to love God and others with our Heart(Connect), Head(Grow), and Hands(Serve). Please don't miss this very special Sunday service at either of our regular worship times of 8:30 AM or 10:15 AM. For those ready for membership at Sugar River, we will take the vows of membership and sign the Charter Membership Book. Then, join the Sugar River family for a wonderful fall celebration carnival starting at 2:30 PM, our Charter Conference at 4:00 PM and a potluck at 5 PM. Next week invite your family, friends and neighbors to come gather at the River!

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Facebook@SugarRiverUMC

September 27th, 2009 - Connect            Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message            Sermon notes, Prayer Guide, And Growth Guide

This week we begin our charter series on developing a Christ-centered community of faith that Connects, Grows, and Serves in our relationship with God and others. I pray the worship service connects you with the presence of God and encourages you in your faith journey. Worship and fellowship are the focus and my hope is that between our preparations as worship leaders and your desire to serve in God in this Worship Service, God will be honored and you will be blessed. Remember that belonging is as important as believing. The order of service can be found on the back page of this newsletter.

October 4th, 2009 - Grow           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message            Sermon notes and Growth Guide

This week we explore the meaning of growing in our faith through Christ-centered relationships and biblical study. We have begun our Growth Groups and encourage every member to participate in at least one session each year (fall, winter, and/or spring). For more information on Growth Groups please contact Jackie Roessler or Brian Early. There are also opportunities for Adult Study classes through out the year. Remember that for information on the River you can go to the Source (the Sugar River Newsletter).

October 11th, 2009 - Serve           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           Sermon notes, Prayer Guide, And Growth Guide

This week's text has been called the Nazareth Manifesto. It is the story of Jesus identifying the message and action of his ministry as he quotes from Isaiah 61. It becomes a clear direction for Jesus life and ministry in obedience to his Heavenly Father. It also becomes the mission of Christ's Church, in completing the work of Christ in this world. In our service we incarnate the presence of God and experience the power of the Gospel to alleviate suffering in broken and hurting world while offering hope for a God-filled future.

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Schools In - Time to Crack THE Book - Why This Book?

September 6th, 2009           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           

We begin a three week series that is intended to assist all of us to experience the power of Bible study. We will try to remove the fear of opening the Bible and open our lives to the excitement, challenge and power of God's living Word for our lives. Please bring your Bibles to church for this series. If you don't have a nice study Bible, we will have some available at the River. Gather with your family, friends, and neighbors this week at the River! Since school is in, lets see what we can learn!

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Life Lessons: As Seen On TV

August 30th, 2009 - ENCOURAGE           Download or listen to Pastor Gary's message           

This week we conclude our series on Life Lessons: As Seen On TV with a look at encouragement. How often do your receive encouragement? How often to you offer it to others? I pray today will encourage you to know and experience the value of encouragement!

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