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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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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