Lenten Worship Series
Please join us any worship any weekend in Lent for our “Embracing the Uncertain” series. Each sermon “stands alone” so, if you aren’t able to be with us for a week or two, it’s ok! Here are the topics: Feb. 29/Mar. 1 “The Uncertainty of Faith” Mark 9: 14-29 Mar.7/8 “The Uncertainty of Forgiveness” Mark 18:21-22 Mar. 14/15 “The Uncertainty of Worry” Luke 12:1-34 Mar. 21/22 “The Uncertainty of Mortality” John 11:1-44 Mar. 28/29 “The Uncertainty of Surrender” Luke 19:1-10 Apr. 4/5 “The Uncertainty of Obedience” Matthew 26:36-46 |
PASTOR JIM SHIRBROUN
Jim is the spouse of one (Beverly), the parent of three (Mark, Greg and David), the parent-in-law of one (Jenny) and Grandpa of two (Elliot & Callen...Mark and Jenny sons).
Jim received his Bachelor’s degree (in Animal Science and Ag. Journalism) from Iowa State in 1980 and graduated from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1985 with a Masters of Divinity degree. He has served the following United Methodist congregations: Immanuel (Des Moines), First (Ankeny), St. Paul's (Cedar Rapids) and Collegiate/Wesley (Ames). Jim loves to cook (beyond the thousands of omelets he's prepared for students in the last 20 years). He has been collecting and researching antique horse bridle bits since he was a teenager and has one in his collection which is 3,000 years old. Jim claims his hobby is semi-biblical, citing James 1:26 and 3:3. |
Sunday Morning Book Club
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You’re invited to come be a part of the Sunday Morning Book Club for Lent.
We’ll gather each Sunday morning at 8:45 in the large conference room to discuss “Embracing the Uncertain: A Lenten Study for Unsteady Times”. Get your copy and begin reading at your convenience, if possible, before the first discussion. The books are available in the church office for just $8.
This book was co-written by Rev. Magrey DeVega, co-author of our recent Advent study resource, “Almost Christmas”.
We’ll also be using the book as the basis for our Lenten Worship Series. You’ll find more information about that series elsewhere in this issue of the Chimes.
Here’s what the publisher has to say about “Embracing the Uncertain”…Just turning on the news lets us know we are living in uncertain times. Economic instabilities, eruptions of violence, and natural catastrophes can alter the lives and landscapes of entire communities. Our individual lives are often just as unsteady: relationships can break, plans can falter, and confidence can fail.
Uncertainty can definitely be uncomfortable. Many of us prefer stability and a predictable future to an unknown fate. We are wired to want to control our destiny.
The reality is that in our fast-changing, unpredictable world there are few guarantees in life. It's those who are willing to embrace uncertainty and make the risky decision to follow Jesus despite the many "unknowns" who will reap the greatest rewards.
Embracing the Uncertain invites readers this Lent to engage and wrestle with life’s uncertainties, not ignore them.
We’ll gather each Sunday morning at 8:45 in the large conference room to discuss “Embracing the Uncertain: A Lenten Study for Unsteady Times”. Get your copy and begin reading at your convenience, if possible, before the first discussion. The books are available in the church office for just $8.
This book was co-written by Rev. Magrey DeVega, co-author of our recent Advent study resource, “Almost Christmas”.
We’ll also be using the book as the basis for our Lenten Worship Series. You’ll find more information about that series elsewhere in this issue of the Chimes.
Here’s what the publisher has to say about “Embracing the Uncertain”…Just turning on the news lets us know we are living in uncertain times. Economic instabilities, eruptions of violence, and natural catastrophes can alter the lives and landscapes of entire communities. Our individual lives are often just as unsteady: relationships can break, plans can falter, and confidence can fail.
Uncertainty can definitely be uncomfortable. Many of us prefer stability and a predictable future to an unknown fate. We are wired to want to control our destiny.
The reality is that in our fast-changing, unpredictable world there are few guarantees in life. It's those who are willing to embrace uncertainty and make the risky decision to follow Jesus despite the many "unknowns" who will reap the greatest rewards.
Embracing the Uncertain invites readers this Lent to engage and wrestle with life’s uncertainties, not ignore them.
