Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # FCC Marshalltown 150 Years in Marshalltown ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [FCC Bylaws](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/fcc-bylaws/) - 2025 By Laws 2021-ByLawsDownload - [Online giving](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/online-giving/) - There is a new way to give Tithes and Offering to First Congregational Church – Marshalltown. The Trustees have partnered with the company VANCO to support online giving as another option to allow our church members to give their tithes and offerings to the church. With the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become a challenging time - [Online sermons](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/online-sermons/) - Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we will be streaming weekly services at 10:30 AM on Sunday mornings. Please join us on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/FCCMarshalltown. If you miss the service, you can always watch a replay there as well. We had a few problems the first week, but those issues have been ironed out, - [Sausage and Rice casserole](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sausage-and-rice-casserole/) - Butter a 9X13-inch casserole Saute: 1 lg. onion, diced 2 lbs. grd. Sausage Add: 1 lb. fresh sliced mushrooms Simmer for 20 min. Add: 2 cans cream chicken soup ½ pint sour cream Combine with: 3 c. cooked white rice and slivered almondsOptional seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic saltPlace all in prepared baking pan and bake - [Friday, March 30, 2018](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/friday-march-30-2018/) - Genesis 17:1-27 (NKJV) An ancient covenant that involves a name change that ties in with us today because of Christ. 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. SFLB-"Almighty God" is here the English translation of "El Shaddai". This name for God ## Pages - [Homepage](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/) - [Newsletter](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/newsletter/) - 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 - [About Us](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/about/) - Location Location 312 West Main St, Marshalltown Iowa Pastor Dan Vellinga Phone (641) 752 - 4239 Links to related pages: Sunday Services, What to Expect, and What We Believe History First Congregational Church started with eleven people on July 9, 1868. The first few years they met in the property of the Presbyterian Church, the Baptist - [Documents](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/documents/) - Expenditure Form By-Laws - [Adult Ministry](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/ministries/family-ministry/) - "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:11 Adult Sunday School 9:30 - 10:15 Sunday Mornings. The Sunday Adult Bible - [What to Expect](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/what-to-expect/) - Sunday Morning Worship What happens? Questions regarding what it means? See the "Elements of Worship" section. Everything in the worship service has a meaning. None of it is random. 8:00 a.m. The Chapel Prelude Announcements Call to Worship Hymn Invocation Gloria Patri Scriptures Pastoral Prayer The Lord's Prayer Sermon Congregational Response Song Benediction 10:30 a.m. - [Renewal](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/renewal/) - FCC is excited about progress we are making in a Renewal Journey. As part of the journey, we are interviewing ALL members of the congregation who wish to participate in a three-phased conversation: 1) Who We Were 2) Who We Are Now 3) Who God Is Calling Us to Be. We believe these conversations help - [Who We Are Now](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/renewal/who-we-are-now/) - the Story of Who We Are Now 2nd Phase of Conversations Our journey in renewal thus far has been educational, enriching and inspiring. We have deep gratitude for the professional coaches mentoring the First Congregational Church (FCC) Renewal Coordinating Team (RCT) and the FCC Listening Team (LT): Ray Schulte, Director of Center for Parish Development - [Who We Were](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/renewal/who-we-were/) - The Story of Who We Were…. Cycle I Survey Highlights and Summary as of December 25, 2021 The FCC Renewal Listening Team thanks all of you for being involved in this process of developing a narration of us, First Congregational Church. This is a living document – one open for improvement. One we’ve adapted using - [Missions](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/ministries/missions/) - "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'" Mark 16:15 FCC 2020 Benevolence and Missions Click here to view 2020 Giving Guide document. HOUSE OF COMPASSION www.houseofcompassion.net The house is a nonprofit organization that helps people who are in need of food, a place to stay, or - [Online Giving](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/giving-2/) - The Trustees have partnered with the company VANCO to support online giving as another option to allow our church members to give their tithes and offerings to the church. This partnership gives our members and those that are viewing our worship online from afar a way to support our church. Please fill out the form - [Sermon Archive](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-archive/) - [Ministries](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/ministries/) - [Youth Ministry](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/ministries/mens-ministry/) - "But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, 'Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" Mark 10:14 Sunday School Preschool - 4th Grade 9:15 AM - Sunday Morning - the Loft 5th - 8th Grade 9:15 AM - [What We Believe](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/what-we-believe/) - Purpose Our purpose is Revealed in the Covenant of the Church - a committment to Christ and to each other that is made by people who join this church. "The purpose of this Church shall be to bind together followers of Jesus Christ, for the object of sharing in the worship of God and in - [Theological Position](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/theological-position/) - Theological Position First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa is a church comprised of a congregation of followers of Jesus Christ united voluntarily in love to God and one another by a covenant. Church members gather in the name of Jesus Christ knowing He is among them as He promised in Matthew 18:19-20. God the Father - [Our Purpose](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/our-purpose/) - Our Purpose The purpose of this church shall be to bind together followers of Jesus Christ, for the object of sharing in the worship of God and in making His will dominant in the lives of men and women, especially as that will is set forth in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. - [Where We Meet](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/where-we-meet/) - You can use the Locations template to list multiple locations on a page like this. If you have one location you can simply link to that location’s own page. Each location has its own page with full details. - [Elements of Worship](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/elements-of-worship/) - Elements of Worship - What we do and why Prelude Musical selection designed to give people an opportunity to settle themselves, leave their duties alone for awhile and prepare for worship Announcements Matter of interest for the church. It's included in the worship service as a reminder that the Holy Spirit interacts with all of - [Custom Pages](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/custom-pages/) - The theme has features for publishing your homepage, sermons, events, locations and team. WordPress itself includes blogging, photo galleries and the ability to create pages with your own content. You can create an unlimited number of pages and link to them from your menu and other places. Page Ideas About Us What We Believe What to Expect Ministries - [Church Blog](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/blog-2/) - [Sermon Topics](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-archive/topics/) - [Sermon Series](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-archive/series/) - [Sermon Books](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-archive/books/) - [Sermon Speakers](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-archive/speakers/) - [Sermon Dates](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-archive/dates/) - [Events Calendar](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/events-calendar/) - [Upcoming Events](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/upcoming-events/) - Upcoming events are listed on this page while events that have ended can be shown on the Past Events page. You can also show a Monthly Calendar. Events can be set to recur automatically. - [Past Events](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/past-events/) - [Staff & Leaders](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/people-profiles/) - The People feature can be used to publish profiles and contact information for pastors, staff, deacons and any other groups. You can optionally organize people by group. - [Photo Galleries](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/galleries/) - The Galleries template provides a listing of galleries inserted into pages, blog posts, events, etc. Whenever you create a new gallery somewhere it is listed here automatically (unless specifically excluded). - [Contact Form](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/contact-form/) - You can use a form plugin like Contact Form 7 to add a contact form anywhere. Insert your contact form shortcode here. - [Media Embeds](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/media-embeds/) - WordPress lets you embed video, audio and other media directly into your content. Read the Embeds page on WordPress.org for details. You can also upload your own audio and video files to be embedded into your content. This theme adds responsive support for embeds so that they look nice on mobile devices. Here are examples. YouTube - [Element Styles](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/element-styles/) - Here are examples of how this theme styles different elements. Styled Text This sentence demonstrates linked text plus bold text and italic text. Here is some subscript: H2O and superscript: E = MC2. Heading Two Heading 1 would not normally be used in content. Use Heading 2 since Heading 1 is already used for the page - [Page Gallery (3 Columns)](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/page-gallery/) - This page shows a WordPress gallery. You can choose the number of columns. The gallery is responsive so it looks good on mobile. You may optionally use the Jetpack Carousel plugin for lightbox image enlargement. Hover to see the individual sample images (all are gray). - [Testimonies](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/testimonies/) - This is a demonstration of the Child Pages template. It lists all pages that have this page as their parent. This is useful for creating an automatic list of testimonies. It can be used for other purposes similarly (see Ministries). - [Brian's Testimony](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/testimonies/brian/) - You can publish testimonies as text (example) or embed video like this example. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Omt0F3ifI - [Michael's Testimony](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/testimonies/michael/) - You can publish testimonies as text (example) or embed video like this example. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo4u8vHnp0k - [Janet's Testimony](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/testimonies/janet/) - In principio creavit Deus caelum et terram. Propterea sicut per unum hominem in hunc mundum peccatum intravit et per peccatum mors et ita in omnes homines mors pertransiit in quo omnes peccaverunt. Example Heading Let's test an example link. Omnis enim quicumque invocaverit nomen Domini salvus erit. In principio creavit Deus caelum et terram. Omnes enim ## Sermons - [The Wise Still Seek Him](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-wise-still-seek-him/) - The Wise Still Seek Him Sunday, January 5, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Matthew 2:1-12; Micah 5:2 Introduction Monday, February 6 is the holiday of Epiphany in which the wise men from the east came looking for Jesus, and this caused quite a stir in Jerusalem. The angelic invitation to - [Watch](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/watch-2/) - Watch Luke 21:36 Sunday, December 1, 2024 The First Sunday of Advent First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: The Titanic had six watchmen on board and two of them, Frederick Fleet and Reginald Lee, where on duty on the fateful night. It was very dark and the water was so calm that it - [The Waters of Baptism](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-waters-of-baptism/) - The Waters of Baptism Isaiah 43:1-2; Luke 3:21-22 Sunday, January 12, 2025 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction Today is the Sunday that we remember the baptism of Jesus, that He insisted in being baptized along with many others as part of the Ministry of John the Baptist. John had tried - [Pondering Things in Our Hearts](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/pondering-things-in-our-hearts/) - Pondering Things in Our Hearts Christmas Eve December 24, 2024 Luke 1:1-20 Introduction Somewhere in the back of my mind I remember reading something about an Italian philosophical group who maintained that our perception that life goes quickly is pervasive but untrue. I was startled by the claim, because it has always seemed to - [The Song of Mary](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-song-of-mary/) - The Song of Mary Luke 1:46-55; 1 Samuel 2:1-10 Sunday, December 22, 2024 The Fourth Sunday of Advent Luke 1:49 “For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” Introduction: Seeing the Holy Spirit’s work in the midst of challenging circumstances. The gift of discernment One of - [The Elect of God](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-elect-of-god/) - The Elect of God Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Peter 2:9-12 Dec. 29th, 2024 Introduction: Election is one of those topics that is hard to process because it involves a paradox; people have free will, yet God is completely in charge and has no limit to His power and authority. I, for one, have gotten used - [The Peace of God](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-peace-of-god/) - The Peace of God Philippians 4:4-7 Sunday, December 15, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Philippians 4:7 (NKJV) 7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Introduction Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and so peace is an appropriate theme - [Encourage One Another](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/encourage-one-another/) - Encourage One Another Hebrews 10:19-25; Micah 2:1-2 Sunday, November 17, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Opening Remarks: encouragement and wrath A key phrase in our text for today is the command to encourage one another toward good works and to meet together especially as you see the day coming. (that's - [The Day of Atonement](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-day-of-atonement/) - The Day of Atonement Sunday, October 13, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Leviticus 16:20-22; Hebrews 9:23-28 21st Sunday after Pentecost · Hebrews 9:24 (New King James Version of the Bible) For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, - [The Good Things to Come](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-good-things-to-come/) - The Good Things to Come Hebrews 8:11; Ephesians 1:3-14 Sunday, November 3, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction Today's message is called "The Good Things to Come" and it is based on our passage in Hebrews. Writing to people who grew up seeing the awesome spectacle of the High Priest - [How to Love Your Neighbor](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/how-to-love-your-neighbor/) - How to Love Your Neighbor Leviticus 19:17-18 First Congregational Church, Marshalltown, Iowa on October 20, 2024 One balmy day in the South Pacific, a navy ship espied smoke coming from one of three huts on an uncharted island. Upon arriving at the shore they were met by a shipwreck survivor. He said, "I'm so glad - [The Refiner's Fire](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-refiners-fire/) - The Refiner's Fire Malachi 3:1-4; Philippians 1:3-11 Sunday, December 8, 2024, at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Malachi 3:3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Live, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering - [The Cup](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-cup/) - The CupMark 14:32-38; Hebrews 5:7-10Mark 14:36"And He said, 'Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will but what You will.'"Sunday, September 29, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa • Introduction: cup as destinyA week from now we will have the Sacrament - [The Parable of the Mustard Seed](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-parable-of-the-mustard-seed/) - The Parable of the Mustard SeedMark 4:30-32Sunday, September 15, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” The words above are what it says - [The Lord of the Sabbath](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-lord-of-the-sabbath/) - The Lord of the Sabbath Mark 2:26Sunday, September 1, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaMark 2:26 "…how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests and also s gave some to - [Treasure in Heaven](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/treasure-in-heaven/) - Treasure in HeavenExodus 20:12-16; Mark 10:17-22Sunday, September 8, 2024, the 16th Sunday after Pentecost at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa • IntroductionOur consideration today is the idea of treasures in heaven and how to respond to them (found also in Matthew 6:19-21 and Luke 12:31-34) . I admit that I find the idea - [Bread From Heaven](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/bread-from-heaven-2/) - Bread From HeavenExodus 16:14-35; John 6:51-58Sunday, August 18, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa13th Sunday after Pentecost • Introduction: Faith as focusToday's message is called "The Bread of Life" because of the passage in which the Lord Jesus calls Himself by that title, but the core of the message is the importance - [Provision](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/provision/) - Provision Mark 6:30-44; Ephesians 2:11-22 Sunday, July 28, 2024 10th Sunday after Pentecost First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction Awhile ago I read an article in which a student asked a college professor what was the earliest sign of civilization? Instead of pointing to an archeological discovery, the professor pointed to a picture of - [Setting the Mind](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/setting-the-mind/) - Setting the Mind Colossians 3:2-4; Matthew 6:19-21 Sunday, August 11, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa 12th Sunday after Pentecost Introduction I have a photo up on the screen which I downloaded from the internet. The picture is of Alex Honnold, a celebrated mountaineer known for his daring ascents of mountains and - [Authority](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/authority/) - Authority John 6:1-21; Ephesians 3:14-21 Sunday, August 4, 2024 11th Sunday After Pentecost First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction Ma Lucado wrote this story about the power of authority that comes from within and from who the person in authority is. "In U.S. Navel Institute Proceedings, the magazine of the Naval Institute, Frank Koch - [Victory](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/victory/) - Victory Mark 16:14-20; Ephesians 1:3-14 Sunday, July 21, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: The Remains of the Day There's a movie, set in the 1930's, starring Anthony Hopkins as the very professional and completely devoted butler to a Lord Darlington. Convinced that service to a great man is a - [Access:  Prayer for the Nation](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/access-prayer-for-the-nation/) - Access: Prayer for the Nation 1 Timothy 2:1-7; 2 Chronicles 7:14 Sunday, July 7, 2024 Introduction As we leave the Fourth of July behind our thoughts naturally turn to matters of the nation, of patriotism and for Christians, prayer for the spiritual condition of the country. Some pastors turn to the passage we read from - [Earthen Vessels](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/earthen-vessels/) - Earthen Vessels 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; Psalms 116:10-15 Sunday, June 16, 2024 at the First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa 4th Sunday after Pentecost 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. Introduction: Hemingway's Old Man and - [The Weight of Glory](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-weight-of-glory/) - The Weight of Glory Sunday, June 9, 2024 at the First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at - [Lord of the Sabbath](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/lord-of-the-sabbath/) - Lord of the Sabbath Mark 2:23-28 Sunday, June 2, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: pleasing God or pleasing people. Which is harder? The passage this morning asks the question, is it easier to please God or to please people? I suppose it depends on the person, and someone considering - [The Bible and the Trinity](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-bible-and-the-trinity/) - The Bible and the Trinity Sunday May 26, 2024 Titus 2:11-14; Matthew 26: 36-46 Titus 2:13 ...looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,... Introduction Pablo G. Pérez González, an astrophysicist writing in the English language version of El Pais, indicated that we should not exist. - [](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/27835/) - Maidservants Sunday, May 12, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Luke 1:35-38 The Seventh Sunday of Easter and Mother’s Day Introduction The Rev. Dr. Ashley Cleere, the Executive Director of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, is taking leave of her work to respond to a - [Far Above All Powers](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/far-above-all-powers/) - Far Above All Powers Ephesians 1:15-23; Revelation 19:11-16 May 5, 20204 The Sixth Sunday of Easter at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Ephesians 1:20-21 "...which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and - [](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/27775/) - Christ Our Passover 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Exodus 12:1-8 April 21, 2024 The Fourth Sunday of Easter First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction-Passover starts this Tuesday Jesus died on Passover, and in the structure of how these holidays are determined sometimes they take place at the same time, and this year one starts long - [An Open Understanding](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/an-open-understanding/) - An Open Understanding 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; Luke 24:45 Third Sunday of Easter April 14, 2024 First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: Sheldon, come home There’s an old story about a lady from the East Coast of the United States, who traveled to the farthest reaches of Tibet and there came to a remote - [The New Covenant](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-new-covenant/) - The New Covenant Resurrection Sunday March 31, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Jeremiah 31:31-34; John 6:44-45 Introduction: Citizenship, Marriage, Congregational Covenant important in Congregational Churches cf. the Mayflower Compact. A few years ago I visited several government websites to see, on a lark, how easy it would be to immigrate - [Believing and Seeing](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/believing-and-seeing/) - Believing and Seeing John 20:24-31; Romans 10:14-17 Sunday, April 7, 2024, The Second Sunday of Easter at the First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction Today's reflection is called "Believing and Seeing" and it notes that the order of faith and trust that our Lord Jesus prefers is the opposite of what is commonly done - [Authority in the Spiritual Realm](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/authority-in-the-spiritual-realm/) - Mark 1:21-28; Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Sunday, January 28, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa 4th Sunday after Epiphany Opening Remarks Authority-who belongs on the church board "There will be a meeting of the Church Board immediately after the service,” announced the pastor. After the close of the service, the Church Board gathered at - [Purpose](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/purpose/) - Purpose Sunday, February 4, 2024, at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Mark 1:38But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” Opening Remarks: A Joke about purpose I’d like to begin my remarks by mentioning a - [Out of the House of Bondage](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/out-of-the-house-of-bondage/) - Out of the House of Bondage Hebrews 2:15; Exodus 20:1 Sunday, March 3, 2024 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa The anxiety I felt after a few months in Ohio. The Spirit-if you stay long enough, then you’ve come to the place where you will die. Many years ago, I moved to - [A Chariot of Fire](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/a-chariot-of-fire/) - A Chariot of Fire Mark 9:1-9; 2 Kings 2:1-12 Transfiguration Sunday February 11, 2024 Introduction: Something rare Certain things are rare in Scripture and that makes it hard to see how it relates to following Christ today. For example, the experience of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is an experience that applies only to - [God of the Backwater](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/god-of-the-backwater/) - God of the Backwater Sunday, December 24, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. Our Story Begins in Backwater The regions mentioned in - [The Most Unruly Part of Us](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-most-unruly-part-of-us/) - Sunday,January7,2024 The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. New to the United States, a woman named Nitya was eager to meet people. One day she struck up a conversation with the only - [The Mind of Christ](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-mind-of-christ/) - The Mind of Christ Sunday, December 3, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,.. Introduction I read recently that the ancients believed that a person could get the "mind of God," that they learn, or somehow gain, the ability - [Building a Life](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/building-a-life-2/) - Building a Life Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. Sunday, November 19, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction I think that we - [Watch](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/watch/) - Watch Sunday, November 12, 2017 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Matthew 25:13 Used again November 12, 2023 Introduction: Vigilance, why gardening is a war of attrition. Gardening is a war of attrition. Weeds have developed means of surviving almost anything, and if there is even one small tip of a root left - [The Presence and the Purpose](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-presence-and-the-purpose/) - The Presence and the Purpose Romans 8:28; Genesis 29:31-32 Sunday, October 22, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa I remember the Promise Keepers movement For some time there was a movement among Christian men in the United States called "Promise Keepers". Some of their books are still in our church library. Founded - [The Fullness of Time](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-fullness-of-time-2/) - Sermon: The Fullness of Time Scriptures: Luke 2:25-32; Galatians 4:4-7 Sunday, December 31, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Intro. This sermon is for those followers of Christ who feel frustrated with themselves, who feel their imperfections acutely and wonder what will become of them. They struggle with this life, and feel - [The Beginning of the Gospel](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-beginning-of-the-gospel/) - The Beginning of the Gospel Mark 1:1-8; (Isaiah 40:1-11) Sunday, December 10, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction Mark is the Gospel that “gets right to the point.” Believed to be heavily influenced by the preaching of Peter, Mark spends no time on the birth of Jesus and gets to action - [Just as He is Pure](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/just-as-he-is-pure/) - Just As He is Pure 1 John 3:1-3; Revelation 7:9-17 Sunday, November 5, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction I recently read an article about purity, and that the many ceremonial works in the Old Testament had powerful symbolic meaning. The author wrote this: “Israel had an elaborate purification and cleansing - [What Was Denied Moses...](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/what-was-denied-moses/) - What Was Denied Moses... Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Hebrews 12:18-24 Sunday, October 29, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: Frustration and fulfillment I wept when I saw Jerusalem for the first time. What are some things that you have yearned to see for your whole life? It takes roughly one hour to drive - [The End of Death](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-end-of-death/) - The End of Death Revelation 21:3-4 Sunday, October 15, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction I remember visiting a woman who was in hospice and knew that she did not have long to live. Well into her 90’s, her heart had become weak and all medical science could do was - [The Ten Commandments](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-ten-commandments/) - The Ten Commandments (Sabbath variation) Exodus 20:11; Deuteronomy 5:15 Sunday, October 8, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Intoduction Friedrich Nietzsche I remember being in a meeting about spiritual care in a hospital setting and the presenter spoke of "making meaning," which I took to mean that reflection on life, or - [Authority To Judge](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/authority-to-judge/) - Authority to Judge Ezekiel 19:29-30 Sunday, October 1, 2023, at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Unpopular One of the most unpopular theological topics is that of judgement; the idea that we must stand before God as God judges our lives. The Book of Revelation depicts an awesome and grim scene in which the - [Wrestling with God](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/wrestling-with-god/) - Wrestling With God Genesis 32:28 Sunday, August 6, 2023 First Congregational Church of Wayne, Michigan Prayer not answered right away This strange story is fundamentally about prayer, and what can happen when someone meets God in prayer. Preachers are supposed to be people of prayer, and one day a preacher's five year old daughter noticed - [Creation and New Creation](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/creation-and-new-creation/) - Creation & New Creation Sunday, September 10, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he - [The Mercy Seat](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-mercy-seat/) - The Mercy Seat Leviticus 16:1-2; Romans 3:21-25 Yom Kippur, Sunday, September 24, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: Atonement answers the yearning to know God and yet survive. This is the week of Yom Kippur in the Jewish Calendar. It is the religious New Year and a day of great significance. - [God Does Not Let Go](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/god-does-not-let-go/) - God Does Not Let Go Sunday, August 20, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Matthew 15:21-28 Introduction Today's passage is one of the more awkward moments in the narrative of Scripture. Jesus and His disciples are in hostile territory and a person keeps bothering them. So much so that Jesus says some - [I Am](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/i-am/) - I Am Exodus 3:13-15; John 8:53-58 Sunday, September 3, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: The Pastor's Sermon Title I recently read about a discussion a pastor had with the church office manager about his sermon for the next Sunday. It's title, "Jesus was the Greatest" and the office manager took - [A Fork in the Road of Life](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/a-fork-in-the-road-of-life/) - The Fork in the Road of Life Luke 5:11 “So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.” Sunday, July 30, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: Life is a series of choices, a few of them are major, and most of them are small. - [Why We Do VBS](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/why-we-do-vbs/) - Why We Do VBS Sunday, July 23, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 24:32-35 Introduction: VBS is hard. Why is it worth it? Every year, the biggest and hardest project takes place in the Summer, usually near the end of July or the beginning of August. It is Vacation - [A Complex God](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/a-complex-god/) - A Complex God Genesis 1:1-2; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Trinity Sunday June 4, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: Have you ever talked with yourself? You may not want to make this too public, but I think most people have “interior conversations” in an effort to process some event and think a - [The Greatness of God](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-greatness-of-god/) - The Greatness of God Matthew 14:22-33; 1 Kings 19:9-18 Sunday, July 9, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: A husband and wife were having a bad day. They were arguing a lot until the wife got fed up and said to just write her a note if he really wanted to - [The Gift of Freedom](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-gift-of-freedom/) - The Gift of Freedom Exodus 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 3:17 Sunday, July 2, 2023 at the First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction I remember reading an old interview in Life Magazine with young people in India who were members of the "Untouchables." The interviewer asked of their goals, hopes and dreams for their life. They - [The Last Thing He Did Was Bless](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-last-thing-he-did-was-bless/) - The Last Thing He Did Was Bless Luke 24:51 Sunday, May 21, 2023 The Seventh Sunday of Easter at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: after graduation, a new chapter for a person Across the country people will be graduating from high school or college or something similar and it is almost always - [SHARED gIFTS](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/shared-gifts/) - Shared Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:12; Numbers 11:24-30 Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: a story about the delivery person I'd like to begin with a story about a delivery person, and I will explain why in just a minute. The story goes as follows: "Around 2004/2005, I - [Our Father's Business](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/our-fathers-business/) - Our Father's Business Luke 2:45-52 Sunday, June 11, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction Our sermon today is called, "Our Father's Business" and while I do not presume to exhaust the subject in one little sermon, I'd like to share some of what it does, and does not, involve. First - [THe SOund of Music](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-sound-of-music/) - The Sound of Music Revelation 5:8-10; Daniel 3:4-7 Sunday, June 18, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: The Hills are Alive The other day I looked up “youtube” and watched Christopher Plummer and the kids, and later Julie Andrews sing “The Hills are Alive” from “The Sound of Music.” It’s a - [Hearing the Voice of God](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/hearing-the-voice-of-god/) - Hearing the Voice of God Sunday, May 14, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa 1 Samuel 1:8-18; Luke 1:35-38 The Sixth Sunday of Easter Introduction I started putting together this sermon with the idea that I would feature two women in the Bible who heard the voice of God, and - [Ask](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/ask/) - [A Shared Community](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/a-shared-community/) - [A Shared Baptism](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/a-shared-baptism/) - A Shared Baptism Acts 2:36-41; 1 Peter 1:17-23 The Third Sunday of Easter, April 23, 2023, at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction Baptism is universal in the Christian church. Many years ago, I watched a documentary showing a baptismal service in an Orthodox church in Bulgaria, I think. I'm not sure - [At the Right Hand of God](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/at-the-right-hand-of-god/) - At the Right Hand of God Acts 2:33; John 20:19-31 Sunday, April 16, 2023 The Second Sunday of Easter at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: St. Stephen sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God just before he is martyred. Acts 6-7 tells the story of one of the first - [Newness of Life](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/newness-of-life/) - Newness of Life Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Resurrection Sunday, April 9, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Life - [Into this Shared Work](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/into-this-shared-work/) - Into This Shared Work John 9:4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Fourth Sunday - [Into This Shared Grace](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/into-this-shared-grace/) - Into This Shared Grace Exodus 17:1-7; Romans 5:1-11 The Third Sunday of Lent, March 12, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which - [A Multi-Generational Journey](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/a-multi-generational-journey/) - A Multi-Generational Journey Romans 4:1-5; Genesis 12:1-4 2nd Sunday of Lent March 5, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: The Japanese motel that has been in continuous operation since 703 AD, run by the same family for 53 generations. Imagine that you are an employee at a local motel. It's - [Every Word](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/every-word/) - Every Word Matthew 4:1-11 Sunday, February 26, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Matthew 4:44 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " We are dependent on a trustworthy God - [Up on a Mountain](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/up-on-a-mountain/) - Up On a Mountain Sunday, February 19, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Matthew 17:1-9 Introduction: Climbing the hill beside the high school in Kellogg, Idaho to get a bird’s eye view of the village below. During the years that I lived in Idaho, I made use of a trail by - [Cherish Relationships](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/cherish-relationships/) - Cherish Relationships Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Matthew 5:23-24 Sunday, February 12, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your - [The Message of the Cross](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-message-of-the-cros/) - The Message of the Cross Sunday, January 29, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Isaiah 29:13-16; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is - [Called to be Saints](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/called-to-be-saints/) - Called to Be Saints 1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of the Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. Sunday, January 8, 2023 at the First - [In the Same Mind and Judgement](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/in-the-same-mind-and-judgement/) - In the Same Mind and Judgment Sunday, January 22, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV) 10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that - [The God who was Faithful to the Defeated](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-god-who-was-faithful-to-the-defeated/) - Called to Be Saints 1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of the Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. Sunday, January 8, 2023 at the First - [Light](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/light/) - Light Isaiah 52:7-10; John 1:1-14 John 1:4-5 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:9 "That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. Sunday, January 1, 2023 at - [Watchers - Christmas Eve](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/watchers-christmas-eve/) - Watchers Luke 2:8-14; Daniel 4:13 Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: Is it worth buying a baby monitor? Earlier this week I did a Google search on the importance of a baby monitor, and this was the response I found. " Baby monitors are considered - [Youth Christmas Program](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/youth-christmas-program/) - [The Least in the Kingdom](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-least-in-the-kingdom/) - The Least in the Kingdom Matthew 11:11 Sunday, December 11, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction C.S. Lewis is alleged to have written that if we were to mee the simplest, humbled most ordinary soul in the Kingdom of Heaven they would be so august and radiant that we would - [Preparation for the Kingdom](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/preparation-for-the-kingdom/) - Preparation for the Kingdom Matthew 3:1-12 Sunday, December 4, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Intro: John the Baptist Prepares the Way One of the highest, dearest goals for a Christian is to grow spiritually, to learn more, to engage God in prayer on a deeper level, to become more like - [Putting on Christ](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/putting-on-christ/) - Putting On Christ Romans 13:8-14; Galatians 3:26-29 Sunday, November 27, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: You’ve got the uniform, now act the part. Soldier, police officer, clergy, etc. I went to a college and seminary that, at that time, had a fairly strict dress code. Young men were expected - [The King of Paradise](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-king-of-paradise/) - The King of Paradise Luke 23:33-43; Revelation 2:1-7 Christ the King Sunday, November 20, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction I remember visiting a man back out east who claimed that he was once a tenured professor of a local university. This fellow was in his 60's, with disheveled clothes, - [Justice from God](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/justice-from-god/) - Justice from God Genesis 32:22-31; Luke 18:1-8 Sunday, October 16, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction In the 1990's Johann Olav Koss was a premier speed skater representing Norway, who won numerous gold medals and several world records in his chosen sport. His training regimen was legendary and considered practically - [Unprofitable Servants](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/unprofitable-servants/) - [A Call to Contemplation](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/a-call-to-contemplation/) - A Call to Contemplation8:00 a.m. Worship on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaRevelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Introduction: Contemplative prayer is - [The Affliction of Joseph](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-affliction-of-joseph/) - The Affliction of Joseph Amos 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Sunday, September 25, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: I once was on a cruise with Jeanne to the Bahamas and when we arrived at port, I was startled at the size of the cruise ship. It was massive. In fact, - [Lost Sheep, Lost Coin](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/lost-sheep-lost-coin/) - [Building A Life](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/building-a-life/) - Building a LifeLuke 14:25-33; Deuteronomy 30:15-20Sunday, September 4, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa • Introduction-Years ago, I had a friend back in the days when we lived in Boston who always played Monopoly with a distinctly capitalistic flair. He bought as many properties as he could and then would offer to - [False Spiritual Leaders](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/false-spiritual-leaders/) - False Spiritual LeadersIsaiah 57:2-21; Jude 1:12-15Sunday, August 28, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa • Introduction:One of the classics we read in high school was Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, a series of medieval character studies involving a group of people on a pilgrimage. Several characters are people of authority in the church who - [A Permanent Kingdom](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/a-permanent-kingdom/) - A Permanent Kingdom Hebrews 12:25-27 Sunday, August 21, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Today's sermon is called "A Permanent Kingdom" because one of the purposes of church is not only to point us toward what will never change but in gathering as church, we participate in it. What you - [Christ Brings Division](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/christ-brings-division/) - [Pilgrims](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/pilgrims/) - PilgrimsHebrews 11:8-16; Genesis 15:1-6Sunday, August 7, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa • IntroductionWay back in 16th century England, the original Congregationalists were meeting in people’s homes and calling themselves “pilgrims”. It had a special connotation back then. The Church of England, or Anglican Church (Episcopalian is the US version of the - [He Kept the Scars](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/he-kept-the-scars/) - He Kept the ScarsJohn 20:19-22; Genesis 2:7Sunday, July 31, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa • IntroductionThere was once a famed football player named Ray Nitschke, who was a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers. He was famous for his tough and aggressive play and eventually ended up in the Pro Football - [He Partook of Flesh And Blood](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/he-partook-of-flesh-and-blood/) - He Partook of Flesh and Blood Hebrews 2:14-18 Sunday, July 24, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction Today, in this series of worship services that involves Christmas in July, I wanted to reflect on the participation of Jesus in terms of what He did for us. Now, before I say - [It's All About Family](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/its-all-about-family/) - It’s All in the Family Job 1:1-5, Ephesians 3:18-19 Sunday, June 19, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction With today being Father's Day, I wanted to mention a passage rarely discussed in churches from one of the most ancient episodes of the Bible. It mentions the importance of the older - [The Missionary Savior](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-missionary-savior/) - [He Emptied Himself](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/he-emptied-himself/) - He Emptied Himself Sunday, July 17, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Philippians 2:5-7 "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form - [The Word Made Flesh](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-word-made-flesh/) - The Word Made Flesh John 1:14; Revelation 21:1-3 Sunday, July 3, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction pilgrims vs. settled and belonging Today’s sermon is the first in a series that touches on the Biblical truth brought forward by the events of the birth of the Lord Jesus, honored every - [Embracing a Life of Discipline](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/embracing-a-life-of-discipline/) - [The Spirit of Truth](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-spirit-of-truth/) - The Spirit of TruthJohn 16:12-15Sunday, June 12, 2022, at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa • Introduction: Reaching back to find the right connection for a loose cable in the tv system.I find that when I have to reach back behind the television/vcr/dvd system to reattach a loose cable, being able to see complicates - [By Patience you Possess your Souls](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/by-patience-you-possess-your-souls/) - Scriptures: Luke 21:19 - [A Time for Thanksgiving](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/a-time-for-thanksgiving/) - Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - [Good fruit](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/good-fruit/) - Scriptures: Daniel 4:23; Matthew 3:9-10 - [The Great Blessing](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-great-blessing/) - Numbers 6:24-27 Sunday, January 3, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: The priestly blessing Our worship service, and most worship services, end with a benediction, a sort of blessing and then sending you back out into the world to make the most of your days until we gather again for - [Going to Church](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/going-to-church/) - Going to Church Hebrews 10:19-25; 1 Samuel 4:19-22 Sunday, November 14, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: Our need for the glory of God When I began preparing this sermon, I planned to focus on the end of the passage in Hebrews: the part that tells us to be steadfast - [December 26 Sermon](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/december-26-sermon/) - Readings: 1 Samuel 2:18-20,26 Luke 2:41-52 - [Of Wineskins and Old Clothes](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/of-wineskins-and-old-clothes/) - Isaiah 6:1-8 Luke 5:36-39 - [My Word](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/my-word/) - My WordThird Sunday of Lent March 20, 2022The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaIsaiah 55:11 "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth, it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."• IntroductionI remember, some - [Maunday Thursday - Tenebrae Service](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/maunday-thursday-tenebrae-service/) - [Jesus Prays For All Believers](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/jesus-prays-for-all-believers/) - Jesus Prays For All BelieversJohn 17:20-26Sunday, May 29, 2022 In certain parts of the Bible God is depicted as building a structure using people instead of stones, with Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone. Jesus reflects this in the complex prayer that He offers as the role of a great High Priest. In it He - [Unanswered Prayer-Living With the Mystery](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/unanswered-prayer-living-with-the-mystery/) - [How the World Will Know](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/how-the-world-will-know/) - How the World Will Know 1 Corinthians 14:24-25; John 13:31-35 Sunday, May 22, 2022 at the First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction Josh McDowell, before his conversion to Christianity, once asked a group of Christian students the central point of the Christian story and learned that it was the Resurrection of Jesus. - [Not Yet Time to Go](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/not-yet-time-to-go/) - [Breaking Some Rules](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/breaking-some-rules/) - [Hurry up and Wait](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/hurry-up-and-wait/) - Hurry Up and Wait Acts 9:1-6; John 21:15-19 Sunday, May 1, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction I once spent nearly four hours waiting to see a doctor. He was an ears, nose and throat specialist and I was recovering from surgery. Sometime soon after I arrived for my - [Kings and Priests](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/kings-and-priests/) - Kings and PriestsSunday, April 24, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaRevelation 1:6 “…and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” • Introduction:People believe in prayer. Why? 282 prayer requestsWhen I was preparing this sermon, I looked up the - [Ash Wednesday Service](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/ash-wednesday-service/) - [Easter Sunday - Newness of Life](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/easter-sunday-newness-of-life/) - Newness of Life Sunday, April 17, 2022 Resurrection Sunday at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Romans 6:4 "Therefore we are buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - [Palm Sunday - Triumph and Tears](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/palm-sunday-triumph-and-tears/) - Triumph & TearsPalm Sunday, April 10, 2022 - First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaLuke 19:43-44 “For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave - [Christ in the Flesh](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/christ-in-the-flesh/) - Christ in the FleshSunday, March 27, 2022 - First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa2 John 7 “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” • IntroductionThe Apostle John wrote the Gospel that bears his name, three - [Looking For Loyalty](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/looking-for-loyalty/) - Looking for Loyalty2 Chronicles 16:7-9Sunday, April 3, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall - [Transfiguration Sunday](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/tranfiguration-sunday/) - Guest Pulpit: Bob Spilger - [When Satan Tempted the Lord Jesus](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/when-satan-tempted-the-lord-jesus/) - When Satan Tempted the Lord JesusLuke 4:1-13; Psalm 91:1-12Sunday, March 6, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa • Introduction:The root of temptation is, I believe, that notion that we can be our own gods. We don’t need the real God and we can hold that God accountable to meet our needs without - [The Exodus](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-exodus/) - The Exodus Luke 9:31 and other Scriptures Sunday, March 13, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa “And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” Luke 9:30-31 Introduction This morning's sermon - [Children of the Most High](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/children-of-the-most-high/) - Children of the Most High Luke 6:35 "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil." Sunday, February 20, 2022 at the First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, - [The Beatitudes](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-beatitudes/) - The BeattitudesJeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 6:17-26Sunday, February 13, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa• Intro. it is better to have a few good friends than many friends who are shallow.Several years ago, when I was working at a summer camp in Ohio, a young man asked me for some advice about friends. He - [Humility Before The Lord](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/humility-before-the-lord/) - Jeremiah 1:4-5 Luke 4:21-28 *Video is a little choppy, audio is good* - [Give the Sense](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/give-the-sense/) - Give the Sense Sunday, January 23, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Nehemiah 8:8 Introduction: the little girl asks “why” A pastor, after the church service was over, found a bulleting with several comments in the "notes" section written in the hand of a young lady in 5th or 6th grade. - [Christmas Eve Service - Lessons and Carols](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/christmas-eve-service-2/) - Luke 1-3 - [Water Into Wine](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/water-into-wine/) - Water Into WineSunday, January 16, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaSecond Sunday after EpiphanyJohn 2:6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. • Introduction: wash your hands“Cleanliness is next to godliness” is an old saying - [Gifts For Jesus](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/gifts-for-jesus/) - Gifts for Jesus Sunday, January 9, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaMatthew 2:1-12; Ephesians 3:1-7 Matthew 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him, - [The House of God](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-house-of-god/) - The House of GodJanuary 3, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa1 Chronicles 17:3-10; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 • IntroductionI once saw an advertisement for a gym membership that included the words, “the body is a temple.” Did the ad writers know what that phrase meant? I don’t know, but it is, like many - [O Little Town of Bethlehem - Chilrens Pageant](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/o-little-town-of-bethlehem-chilrens-pageant/) - O Little Town of Bethlehem 8:00 a.m. worship on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Micah 5:2-4 Introduction: Charles Dickens began one of his novels with the words, "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times." There's something to that in his passage from - [Bearing Good Fruit](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/22365/) - Bearing Good FruitSunday, December 12, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaLuke 3:8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. • Introduction: - [The Paths of Peace](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-paths-of-peace/) - The Paths of PeaceSunday, December 5, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa2nd Sunday of AdventLuke 2:79 • IntroductionI found this old story about peace that seems appropriate for this day in age. It goes like this: "Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that satisfied, he - [Seeking God and God Seeking Us](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/seeking-god-and-god-seeking-us/) - Seeking God and God Seeking Us Matthew 6:31-34 Luke 21:25-36 - [Partakers of the Divine Natur](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/partakers-of-the-divine-natur/) - Partakers of the Divine Nature Sunday, November 21, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa 2 Peter 1:4 "...by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." - [The Journey Home](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-journey-home/) - The Journey Home Sunday, November 7, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Genesis 2815 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” Introduction: - [The Party at the End of the Age](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-party-at-the-end-of-the-age/) - The Party at the End of the AgeSunday, October 31, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaRevelation 21:4"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."• Intro: All Saints' - [The Journey Christ Took](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-journey-christ-took/) - The Journey Christ Took Sunday, October 24, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Galatians 3:10-14 "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.')" Verse 13 Introduction One of the highlights of - [The Spirit and the World](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-spirit-and-the-world/) - [Sometimes You Can't Go Back Home](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/sometimes-you-cant-go-back-home/) - Sometimes You Can’t Go Back HomeGalatians 3:1-9Sunday, October 17, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaGalatians 3:5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?• IntroductionIn 1940 Edward Aswell, editor for the - [When it's All About Trusting Someone](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/when-its-all-about-trusting-someone/) - When It's All About Trusting SomeoneGenesis 12:1-4; Romans 4:16-18Sunday, October 2, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa• Introduction: the boys in the flooded caveI remember, a few years ago, of a group of boys in Asia who explored a cave only to have the cave flood, trapping them deep inside. Professional divers - [The Long March](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-long-march/) - The Long MarchHebrews 11:10; Genesis 12:1-4Sunday, September 19, 2021 at The First Congregational church of Marshalltown, Iowa• Intro. the journey of the people of God is a journey to heaven. Or maybe it is a journey through time to return to our home."When the world my heart is rending With its heaviest storm of care, - [The Christ](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-christ/) - The ChristMark 8:27-30 2 Timothy 1:10Sunday, September 12, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa• Introduction: your goal in life is a person, not an accomplishmentIn ancient times the empire of Rome considered Christianity an illegal religion, so it was dangerous to be public about your faith. From what we understand of those - [Jesus Gets Pestered](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/jesus-gets-pestered/) - Jesus Gets PesteredMark 7:24-30Sunday, September 5, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa• IntroductionMany years ago I heard a divinity student from a prestigious university preach on this passage. His main point is that Jesus had to outgrow cultural biases just like the rest of us and this mother, whose child was very - [Mary and the Great Prayer](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/mary-and-the-great-prayer/) - Mary and the Great PrayerSunday, May 9, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaLuke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. (repeated on Sunday, May 9, 2021, Mothers' Day, at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa) There - [Promise](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/promise/) - PromiseLuke 24:49 "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high."Sunday, April 18, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa• IntroductionThe best definition of faith that I know is in Hebrews 11:6, which says, "But without - [Peace](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/peace/) - PeaceJohn 20:21 "So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.'"Sunday, April 11, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa• IntroductionThere's a joke about peace involving Charlie Brown and Lucy. "In the Peanuts cartoon Lucy says to Charlie Brown, 'I hate everything. I - [Honor from the Father](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/honor-from-the-father/) - Honor from the FatherSunday, March 21, 2021Fifth Sunday of Lent at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaJohn 12:26 "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor."• Introduction: The Remains of the DayThere's a famous novel - [The Good Shepherd](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-good-shepherd/) - The Good ShepherdJohn 10:14 I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and am known by My own.Sunday, April 25, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa• IntroductionLloyd Ogilvie, the former Chaplain of the Senate and Pastor of Hollywood Presbyterian Church tells of being in the Middle East and watching a - [The Power of Words](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-power-of-words/) - The Power of WordsSunday, August 22, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaJohn 6:60-63Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?" When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, "Does this offend you? What then - [Taught By God](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/taught-by-guide/) - Taught by GodSunday August 15, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaJohn 6:44-45 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, "and they shall all be taught by God." Therefore everyone - [Some of the symbolism of Holy Communion](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/some-of-the-symbolism-of-holy-communion/) - Some of the Symbolism of Holy CommunionSunday, August 1, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaJohn 6:53-55Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks - [Bread From Heaven](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/bread-from-heaven/) - Bread From Heaven August 8, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa John 6:26-27 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but - [Mission to Ethiopia](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/mission-to-ethiopia/) - Mission to Ethiopia Acts 8:26 Sunday, May 2, 2021 Fifth Sunday of Easter at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: a critical moment in missions I recently read on the webpage of Wycliffe Bible Translators that they have a new process, whereby they use technology, trained scholars and linguists as well as - [A Beloved Sibling](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/a-beloved-sibling/) - A Beloved Sibling Philemon 1:16 Sunday, March 14, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa. Introduction: Judges 19: One of the Darkest Episodes of Scripture One of the darkest stories of slavery, as I see it, is found in the Book of Judges (chapter 19). A woman is attacked by a group of - [The Spirit is Willing](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-spirit-is-willing/) - The Spirit is WillingMark 14:38 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa IntroductionI stopped making New Year's Resolutions many years ago, mainly because the resolution to stop making resolutions is the only resolution I - [The Easy Yoke](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-easy-yoke/) - The Easy YokeMatthew 11:25-30Sunday, May 16, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction:A former Marine started a new career as a teacher. Just before the school year started, he injured his back. He was required to wear a plaster cast around the upper part of his body. Fortunately, the cast fit under - [The Reality of Kingdom Living](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-reality-of-kingdom-living/) - Mark 1:9-15 - [God Our Savior](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/god-our-savior/) - God Our SaviorSunday, February 28, 2021Titus 3:5 "...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,..." Introduction: You don't have to...you get to...Look at all the good works mentioned in this letterI remember some friends in - [From Life to Life](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/from-life-to-life/) - From Life to LifeFebruary 14, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa2 Kings 2:1-12 Introduction: upon meeting someone importantThis time, ten years ago, I was working as a chaplaincy resident at a large hospital in Toledo, Ohio. One of the most embarrassing moments that whole year was when I was asked to attend - [Why Jesus Came](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/why-jesus-came/) - Why Jesus CameHebrews 2:17 "Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people."Sunday, February 7, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: Mark Twain toward - [DAvid and the Showbread](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/david-and-the-showbread/) - David and the Showbread1 Samuel 21:6"So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread which had been taken from before the LORD, in order to put hot bread in its place on the day when it was taken away."Sunday, January 24, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of - [Saul At En Dor](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/saul-at-en-dor/) - Saul at En Dor1 Samuel 28:13-15Sunday, January 31, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa IntroductionPeople try to somehow contact the dead, and interest in spiritualism has been longstanding. It was widely practiced in ancient times, yet worship of ancestors continues to this day in some parts of the world. I remember the - [David and Goliath](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/david-and-goliath/) - Sunday, January 17, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa 1 Samuel 17:51 "Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they - [The Fullness of Time](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-fullness-of-time/) - Scriptures: Luke 2:25-32; Galatians 4:4-7 Sunday, December 27, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Intro. This sermon is for those followers of Christ who feel frustrated with themselves, who feel their imperfections acutely and wonder what will become of them. They struggle with this life, and feel that if they were better - [Childrens Christmas Service 2020](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/childrens-christmas-service-2020/) - [The Established Life](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-established-life/) - Romans 16:25-27 4th Sunday of Advent Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all - [Life as a Mission](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/life-as-a-mission/) - John 20:21 3rd Sunday of Advent Introduction: purpose in life I remember, just a few days ago, watching part of a documentary about Hasidic Jews, who are fluent in Yiddish as well as English and live in certain parts of Brooklyn. A resident of the neighborhood was guiding the filmmaker down the street when all - [Beyond Our Understanding](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/beyond-our-understanding/) - Isaiah 64:4 1st Sunday of Advent Introduction: The once and future king Today marks the first day of the Season of Advent, recalling the events preceding the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. It has an ancient history and marks a wondrous theological truth; that in His birth Jesus, the eternal Son of God who is - [1,000 Years Like a Day](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/1000-years-like-a-day/) - 2 Peter 3:8 Second Sunday of Advent Introduction: Waiting is not always wasting time. On this second Sunday of Advent we consider that waiting is not wasting time. This runs counter to our fast-moving culture. We usually are in a hurry to get things done, and that is not always bad. Such people are - [Christmas Eve Service 2020](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/christmas-eve-service/) - [The King's Priorities](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-kings-priorities/) - Matthew 25:31-46 Verse 34 "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;...'"Introduction: Once, some years ago, Jeanne and I took at trip that involved driving our car into the hold of a ferryboat. The - [From Every Generation](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/from-every-generation/) - 2 Corinthians 1:1-6 2 Timothy 2:7-13 ❖ IntroductionSome people would prefer to face trouble now if it meant that they next generation would enjoy peace. Others are just the opposite. Hezekiah, a righteous king in the Bible (2 Kings 21:19), was content to know of trouble for his descendants as long as it was after - [From Every Nation](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/from-every-nation/) - Hebrews 8:4-5; Revelation 7:9--10 9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,... IntroductionEvery year, except this year, we have a Rally Sunday - [With All Your Heart](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/with-all-your-heart/) - Jeremiah 17:7-10; Matthew 22:36-40 IntroductionI remember listening to the story of a professor who led a student short term missions trip to a hostile country. He and his group had a wealthy benefactor who promised them all the financial support that they would need, only to abandon them once they arrived in the country. They - [Chosen](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/chosen/) - 1 Peter 2:9 IntroductionLast Sunday I spent a few minutes speaking on the parable of Jesus that ended with the phrase, "many are called, but few are chosen." In common use, it referred to a selection process in which many were invited to compete, but few would be selected in the end. In the Kingdom - [Many are Called Few are Chosen](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/many-are-called-few-are-chosen/) - Matthew 20:16 "So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen." • IntroductionOne of the teachings of Scripture is that, in addition to natural skills, the Holy Spirit gives people gifts to be used for the benefit of others. They include gifts such as healing and prophecy, - [The Chief Cornerstone](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-chief-cornerstone/) - Matthew 21:42-44 IntroductionI remember a year of hospital chaplaincy training led by a former Catholic priest from Ireland named Steven. He was a wonderful guy and did a great job as our leader and teach in this program. One of his projects was a sort of group therapy in which the chaplaincy residents sat in - [The Wedding Feast People Tried to Avoid](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-wedding-feast-people-tried-to-avoid/) - Matthew 22:1-14 IntroductionI don't know about poorly attended wedding feasts. As a young minister I once lead a funeral for a man who died of alcoholism. He sister was there, his wife wanted to come but she had too much to drink and took the wrong train. The funeral home staff sat with the sister - [Some Thoughts on Forgiveness](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/some-thoughts-on-forgiveness/) - Scriptures: Genesis 50:15-21; Matthew 18:21-35 IntroductionI remember several visits with Mr. Jones, some years ago. He was an amazing conversationalist. I literally could step into his living room, sit down, check my watch and say, "hello, Mr. Jones, how are you?" Those would be the last words I would say for the next two hours. - [Taking Vengeance](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/taking-vengeance/) - Taking Vengeance2 Thessalonians 1Sunday, September 6, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: If justice is denied you, don't stoop to vengeance (Romans 12:19 "beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for is it written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord." [quote from Deuteronomy 32:35])One - [God’s Timing is Always Perfect](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/gods-timing-is-always-perfect/) - Isaiah 11: 1-10 Matthew 3:1-12 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 - [Take Up Your Cross](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/take-up-your-cross/) - There's a Cost to Following ChristTake Up Your CrossMatthew 16:24-28Sunday, August 9, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaMatthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "if anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Introduction: He's nearly 80 now, but an evangelist - [8-16-2020 Service](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/8-16-2020-service/) - [More Thoughts on Intercession](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/more-thoughts-on-intercession/) - Some More Thoughts on IntercessionDaniel 9:2-7; 1 John 5:16-17Sunday, August 2, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa IntroductionLast week I spent some time talking about intercession and felt it warranted a few more thoughts on the subject. Whole books have been written about what Scripture teaches about how to pray and how - [Some Thoughts on Intercession](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/some-thoughts-on-intercession/) - Some Thoughts on IntercessionSunday, July 26, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaRomans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.Romans 8:34 Who is he - [People Are Interconnected](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/people-are-interconnected/) - People Are InterconnectedMatthew 13:24-30Verse 29 But he said, "No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them."Sunday, July 19, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa IntroductionI remember once, years ago, volunteering in a hospital for the poor in the Boston area that held a number of - [Gideon](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/july-12th-2020-service/) - Judges 6:11-16 - [With Freedom Comes Responsibility](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/june-28-2020-sermon/) - Isaiah 5:1-7Phillipians 3:7-14Matthew 21:33-46 - [The Nation](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-nation/) - The Nation Sunday, July 5, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Zechariah 9:9 "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey." Introduction: John - [The Appointed time](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-appointed-time/) - The Appointed Time Sunday, June 14, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Genesis 18:14 "Is anything too heard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." Introduction:Esther, born for such a time as this. Ephesians, to - [The Established heart](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-established-heart/) - The Established Heart Sunday, June 21, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IA 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and - [Some Thoughts on the great commission](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/june-7th-sermon/) - Some Thoughts on the Great CommissionSunday, June 7, 2020Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)18And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Introduction: mission statements I recently read part of an article about mission statements, popular with churches and businesses alike. It turns out that some companies - [Stand your ground](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/stand-your-ground/) - Stand Your Ground Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Introduction: Many of us, I suspect, had to read Spoon River Anthology, by Edgar Lee Masters, a classic collection of poems that chronicle life - [Pray against temptation](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/pray-against-temptation/) - Pray Against TemptationSunday, May 17, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Luke 22:40 "When He came to the place, He said to them, 'Pray that you may not enter into temptation.'" Introduction: I recently found a story about a man who is part of the "While Helmets" brigade in Syria, working to - [More Than Overcomers](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/more-than-overcomers/) - More Than Overcomers Sunday, May 10, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; - [What prophecy looks like](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/what-prophecy-looks-like/) - What Prophecy Looks LikeSunday, April 19, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaActs 2:31 "...he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption."Isaiah 44:28 "Who says of Cyrus, 'He is My shepherd, and he shall perform all My - [An hour in the garden](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/an-hour-in-the-garden/) - An Hour in the GardenSunday, May 3, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaLuke 22:41-42“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’” • Introduction - [How To have success](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/how-to-have-success/) - How to Have SuccessJoshua 1:7-9Sunday, April 26, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa IntroductionWhen I was a boy, I would sometimes listen to a speaker on the radio that my father recommended. His name was Earl Nightingale and he was a motivational speaker of sorts. The only thing I remember specifically from - [Newness of life - Easter Sunday](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/newness-of-life-easter-sunday/) - Newness of Life Sunday, April 12, 2020 Resurrection Sunday at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Romans 6:4 "Therefore we are buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - [A Face Like Flint - Palm Sunday](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/17235/) - A Face Like Flint Isaiah 50:4-9; Luke 9:51 April 5, 2020 Palm Sunday at the First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction First, a little joke about being stubborn. It goes like this; Little Josh was brought to Dr Gill cause he hadn't eaten anything for days. Dr Gill offered him all the goodies - [Led by the Spirit of God](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/led-by-the-spirit-of-god/) - Led by the Spirit of GodRomans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.Sunday, March 29, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: I can imagine that, centuries ago, a parent who was part of the fledgling nation of Israel, en route to - [The Works of God](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-works-of-god/) - The Works of GodSunday, March 22, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaScripture: John 9:3 "Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.'" Introduction: The parrot that quoted Scripture There is a story of an elderly widow who had three hardworking, - [The Inheritance of the Saints](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-inheritance-of-the-saints/) - Scripture: Colossians 1:12 - [All the Families of the World](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/all-the-families-of-the-world/) - Scripture: Genesis 12:3 - [Of the Knowledge of Good and Evil](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/of-the-knowledge-of-good-and-evil/) - Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17 - [Transfiguration](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/transfiguration/) - Scripture: 2 Peter 2:19 - [The Message of the Cross](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-message-of-the-cross/) - Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18 - [Salt of the earth](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/salt-of-the-earth/) - Scripture: Matthew 5:13 - [Gaining Christ](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/gaining-christ/) - Scripture: Philippians 3:8 - [There's Bethlehem](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/theres-bethlehem/) - Scriiptures: Numbers 24:17; Matthew 2:9-12 - [To Fulfill All Righteousness](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/to-fulfill-all-righteousness/) - Scripture: Matthew 3:15 - [The High Priest](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/the-high-priest/) - Scripture: Hebrews 2:17 - [He Shall Be Called Immanuel](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/he-shall-be-called-immanuel/) - Scriptures: Isaiah 7:10-17; Matthew 1:18-25 - [God of the Living](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/god-of-the-living/) - Scripture: Luke 20:37-38 - [How to watch](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermons/how-to-watch/) - Genesis 6:5-8; Matthew 24:36-44 ## Events - [Youth Night](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/events/youth-night/) - FCC Youth night 4:45-6:15 Junior Pilgrim Youth (6th-8th Grades) 6:30-8:00 Pilgrim Youth (9th-12th Grades) - [D.O.G.S. Youth Night](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/events/d-o-g-s-youth-night/) - FCC Youth Night D.O.G.S - Depends on God (preschool -5th grade) 5:00-6:30pm - [women's Ministry](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/events/womens-ministry/) - Meetings are scheduled for the first Monday of the month. There will be prayer, light refreshments, fellowship time, and a short business meeting to answer questions and establish direction for future meetings. We will be adding a program chair and prayer leader to our planning team. - [women's ministry bible study](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/events/womens-ministry-bible-study/) - Jane Vermulm has graciously agreed to lead our Women’s Ministry Bible study opportunity which will be offered the second and fourth Mondays of the month beginning Monday September 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the library. - [adult Bible Study](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/events/young-adult-bible-study-yabs/) - An Adult Bible Study opportunity will begin Sunday, September 11th in the Loft of FCC at 6:30pm. We will be going through the TV series The Chosen season 1 & 2 and having a Bible lesson and discussion after each episode. The Chosen is the first multi-season series about the life and ministry of Jesus and the people who - ["Co missioned" Bible Study](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/events/co-missioned-bible-study/) - The new Bible Study is called "Co Missioned" and looks at the four Gospels with the eyes of a missionary. Both have been provided by the good people at the Center for Parish Development, our consultants in our Renewal Project. The learning, discussion and fellowship around these Bible Studies have been wonderful and all are - [Power Hour Sundays](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/events/power-hour-sundays/) - Power Hour (preschool - 12th grade) 9:15-10:20AM - [Pastor Appreciation month](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/events/pastor-appreciation-month/) - October is National Clergy Appreciation Month, a time set aside to recognize the contributions and service of pastors, priests, reverends, ministers, and all other clergy members. Within Clergy Appreciation Month is Pastor Appreciation Day, which is the second Sunday in October. - [Sunday Worship Services](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/events/sunday-services/) - Sunday Services Chapel Worship: Begins at 8:00 AM, usually finishes about 8:30. Sanctuary Worship: Begins at 10:30, usually finishes at 11:30, a little later on Communion Sunday (first Sunday of the month) Childcare is available during the 10:30 a.m. worship service What to Expect What to Expect ## Locations - [Marshalltown, IA](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/locations/marshalltown-ia/) ## People - [Rev. Dan Vellinga](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/people/rev-dan-vellinga/) - Dan Vellinga grew up in Marshalltown, part of the High School Class of 1978. He married the former Jeanne Reben, his high school sweetheart, and went to college and seminary at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After nearly 30 years in ministry, he got to come back to his hometown. On his days off, ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/category/uncategorized/) - [Church](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/category/church/) - [Announcements](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/category/announcements/) - [Community](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/category/community/) - [Recipe](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/category/community/recipe/) - [Giving](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/category/giving/) ## Tags - [recipe](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/tag/recipe/) - [casserole](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/tag/casserole/) - [bylaws](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/tag/bylaws/) - [administration](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/tag/administration/) ## Sermon Books - [Exodus](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/exodus/) - [Genesis](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/genesis/) - [Hebrews](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/hebrews/) - [Joshua](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/joshua/) - [Mark](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/mark/) - [Matthew](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/matthew/) - [Psalms](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/psalms/) - [Revelation](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/revelation/) - [Daniel](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/daniel/) - [Luke](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/luke/) - [Deuteronomy](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/deuteronomy/) - [Isaiah](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/isaiah/) - [Numbers](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/numbers/) - [Philippians](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/philippians/) - [1 Corinthians](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/1-corinthians/) - [2 Peter](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/2-peter/) - [Colossians](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/colossians/) - [John](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/john/) - [Romans](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/romans/) - [Acts](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/acts/) - [Samuel](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/samuel/) - [Ephesians](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/ephesians/) - [1 Thessalonians](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/1-thessalonians/) - [Zechariah](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/zechariah/) - [Judges](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/judges/) - [Kings](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/kings/) - [1 Kings](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/1-kings/) - [2 Thessalonians](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/2-thessalonians/) - [1 Peter](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/1-peter/) - [Jeremiah](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/jeremiah/) - [2 Corinthians](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/2-corinthians/) - [2 Timothy](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/2-timothy/) - [Galatians](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/galatians/) - [1 Samuel](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/1-samuel/) - [2 Kings](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/2-kings/) - [Titus](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/titus/) - [Philemon](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/philemon/) - [Micah](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/micah/) - [1 Chronicles](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/1-chronicles/) - [Nehemiah](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/nehemiah/) - [Jude](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/jude/) - [2 Chronicles](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/2-chronicles/) - [2 John](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/2-john/) - [Job](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/job/) - [Amos](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/amos/) - [1 Timothy](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/1-timothy/) - [Habakkuk](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/habakkuk/) - [Leviticus](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/leviticus/) - [1 John](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/1-john/) - [Malachi](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-book/malachi/) ## Sermon Series - [Chosen](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-series/chosen/) - [Advent](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-series/advent/) ## Sermon Speakers - [Dan Vellinga](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-speaker/dan-vellinga/) - [Harlan Nuss](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-speaker/harlan-nuss/) - [Bob Spilger](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-speaker/bob-spilger/) - [Jean Bower](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/sermon-speaker/jean-bower/) ## Event Categories - [Children](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/event-category/children/) - [Community](https://www.fccmarshalltown.org/event-category/community/)