Epiphany Lutheran Church

04-09-2014 Majoring in the Minors- Malachi - Pastor Mark Rossgington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:50:00 +0000

One things that tends to happen when one goes to church a lot is that we tend to go through the motions. We say the right words, we pray, we listen to the sermon, sing some hymns, and then leave. Wash, rinse, and repeat. We also have a habit of not taking repentance very seriously as an outcome of going through the motions, and it's not that we don't care it's just worship has now become a part of a routine. We might even think that when he ask for God for something He might not be listening, or that we don't think He's keeping a promise that He made to us. What do we do about it? In the final part of the series, Pastor Mark talks about Malachi, and how he has the answers to those questions and more. The words he spoke hundreds of years ago can still be applied to us and help us along in our journey with God. The whole sermon series can be found right over here.

04-06-2014 Majoring in the Minors- Zechariah - Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:42:00 +0000

As this massive sermon series almost comes to a close, one theme that seems to be around is that the people during that time needed to be reminded of what God can do for them. When life gets really complicated and difficult, it's easy to forget that someone, especially God, has your back through all of it. For them, being conquered and put into slavery made them forget that God was with them and can help them out if they ask. So, what does this have to do with Zechariah? Pastor Mark goes into the background of the situation with the Israelites in more detail, and how Zechariah has a lot to say about God keeping His promises. He even talks about the life and coming of Jesus, so that book is jam packed full of information that is still very much relevant to our lives. Even if it doesn't look like it at a glance. That sermon can be found right here.

04-02-2014 Majoring in the Minors- Haggai - Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:34:00 +0000

With life comes responsibilities that we take on as we get older and older, and at some point we have to make a list of what's important and what isn't. We have to prioritize our life so that we don't get bogged down with a bunch of stuff that isn't important, or are just fun stuff that can put on the back burner until we get some free time. When we do make a list, what goes at the top? Family? Work? What about God? The next minor prophet that Pastor Mark talks about is Haggai, and he was all about placing God at the top and making sure that He is a top priority. While he may be talking about the Israelites rebuilding the Temple and having God come first, that message is still pretty important to us today since we tend to put Him last in our lives. That part in the series, as well as the others, can be found right here.

03-30-2014 Majoring in the Minors- Zephaniah - Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 23:55:00 +0000

When we hear something over and over again we tend to not take it so seriously, or even might make it into something that's part of a routine. In any case, it goes in one ear and out the other. It's not out of irritation or exasperation, but we've heard it one to many times and we don't care to hear it anymore. Is that always a good thing though? Just because we heard it one too many times, does that mean we can take it for granted? In the ninth part of Pastor Mark's "Majoring in the Minors" series, the book of Zephaniah is explored. While Zephaniah's life is pretty much vanilla when compared to the other minor prophets, his message certainly isn't and is more like a rocky road in his words to all of us. That sermon, as well as the previous ones in the current series, can be found right here.

03-26-2014 Majoring in the Minors- Habakkuk - Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 18:44:00 +0000

There are things that happen in life that are incredibly unfair, and the question that always pops is, "why?". It's a fair question to ask, but it seems like no one has an answer for it. Anger and frustration start to mount and normally resentment comes not too far behind. The toughest of questions are typically met with silence, so it's safe to assume that there isn't answer, right? Not quite. In the eighth part in the series called Majoring in the Minors, Pastor Mark talks about Habakkuk and how he's the perfect guide on the road to getting those answers. His book in the Bible will surprise many since not a whole lot of people know what he has to say, and what he does have to say is rather helpful. That sermon, as well as the others before it, can be found right here.

03-16-2014 Majoring in the Minors- Jonah - Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 00:07:00 +0000

We all know someone that we either can't stand to be around, or even down right hate because of something they've done. We might even go so far as to mentally wish that not matter what they try to accomplish that they fail miserably, and if they try to change their life around it doesn't work. While we may think that we are in the "right" to think and hope that, but is it really fair? Continuing on with the sermon series on the minor prophets, Pastor Mark talks about Jonah and the famous Bible story of him being eaten by a big fish. While that may be the most well-known part of the book, but there are some details in that book that are not as well-known. The events in his life may not be applicable because of the extra-ordinary nature of it, but his thoughts on who deserves what and what God has to say about it certainly does. That sermon can be found right here.

03-12-2014 Majoring in the Minors- Obadiah - Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 19:40:00 +0000

People bullying other people around isn't something new, nor is it something that's left behind in the various grade school levels. It evolves when people are grown up and are into their chosen career fields, so it's something that everyone must have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. It's easy to feel alone and isolated, and even give up hope after a while, so what can be done about it? Who has our backs when this happens? Pastor Mark talks about the next minor prophet, Obadiah, and is probably the least known and preached about. Even though it's a short book in the Bible, Obadiah has a lot of history in it and gives some really good insight and advice that can be used today. If you would like to know more, you can find that sermon right here.

03-09-2014 Amos- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 19:10:00 +0000

One of the unfortunate aspects of life that we hear all the time is people of power taking advantage of people who do not have very much power, or none at all. Those are the ones that we catch, and there are many others that go by unnoticed. It's situations like those that change history and human condition, and it even goes way back to ancient times, even described in the Bible before Jesus came along. While it may not be something new, was there someone talking about it? If there was, what did they have to say? Pastor Mark talks about the minor prophet Amos, and his life is actually full of surprises. Amos had a lot to say about the powerful in the various nations that were around in those times, and what he did have to say is still very much relevant for us today. That Sunday sermon on Amos, as well as the others, can be found right here.

03-05-2014 Ash Wednesday- Joel - Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 18:43:00 +0000

We've now come to the time known as Lent and that starts things off with Ash Wednesday, and it's also a time of personal reflection. A time where we look back at the things we've done right and the things we've done wrong, and to make some course corrections in the latter area. Basically a time to repent for the things we've done to others. On this Ash Wednesday service, Pastor Mark continues on with his sermon series called "Majoring in the Minors" by talking about Joel. So what does this farmer from the Old Testament have to do with Lent and repenting? Plenty, actually. So why don't you head on over here, and give it a listen, won't you?

03-02-2014 Majoring in the Minors- Hosea - Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 23:57:00 +0000

If you were to ask anyone about the name's of the prophets from the Bible you would probably get the major ones like Elijah and Isaiah. Which is fair since they are the most popular prophets, and even the most talked about. Not a whole lot of people will even know about the minor ones, and not even realize that they even get their own book in the Bible. They may not be very long, but that doesn't mean that they're not relevant. So, who are they? What were they about? Pastor Mark brings about a new sermon series called "Majoring in the Minors", and starts off with Hosea. Hosea's life was perfectly relevant to the people of Israel to how to stay with God, and you might be surprised by how his life is still applicable to today. The sermon that starts everything off is located right here.

02-23-2014 Making the Most Out of the Bible- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 00:17:00 +0000

Reading is something that most of us do when we are either waiting for an appointment, or do it as a leisurely activity for the joy of it. There are so many books out there to suit anyone's needs that it's really rare that someone can't find something to read. When you ask someone what they like to read a myriad of answers will come about, and they will even tell you what they don't care to read. Now, if you ask someone if they've read the Bible, most of the time the answer will be a 'no' and a whole bunch of reasons will come out. One of which will be because it's too long or because they don't understand it. What can be done about this? Is there a solution? To kick off a series that will be used occasionally, Pastor Mark starts off by talking about how anyone can approach the Bible and the teaching in it. It turns out that it's not as scary or as tasking as it appears to be. That new and here-and-there sermon series can be found right here.

02-16-2014 Lessons From Joseph- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 00:31:00 +0000

One of the things that harped on all the time when looking for a vocation of sorts is knowing what kind of characteristics or skill sets one has. There are some that people know right away, but then there are others that take some time in figuring out what exactly they are really. When we do know what they are and use them fully we become an asset, but what happens until then? How exactly do we find them? When we do, what do we do with them? In the final part in Pastor Mark's sermon series, he uses the story of Joseph from the Bible as an illustration on what can happen when we use our skills set to their full potential. Even how to find them if we are unsure of what they are. That final part in the series, as well as the previous parts, can be found right here.

02-09-2014 How To Make Wise Decisions- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 23:58:00 +0000

There are times in our lives where we run into situations that require us to make really tough decisions, and it can be a real challenge. We don't really know where to go or who to turn to for answers that will help in the decision making. The trouble is, there's so much out there that it can be overwhelming at times when looking for answers. So, what do we do? Pastor Mark continues on with his sermon series and talks about making wise decisions. It's not just about praying and wishing for the best, but action is required on the part of everyone who are looking for answers. The third part in the sermon series, as well as the previous parts, can be found right here.

02-02-2014 What is the Work God Shaped You to do?- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 23:47:00 +0000

We all try to find something that really clicks with us when looking for a vocation or a volunteer position. Sometimes is doesn't take very long to find it, and sometimes it does take a while to find it since it's not something that just falls into your lap. How do you find it though? What needs to be done in order find the one thing that really resonates with us? In the next part in Pastor Mark's new sermon series, "Doing Business With God", he continues on with the various ways that we can really find our niche, and how it really isn't as difficult as it seems to be. The next part in the series can be found right here.

01-26-2014 The Purpose of Work- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:28:00 +0000

Work is something that just about everyone does because they have to in order to live in society, and it's also something that has to be done to get money out of it. Some people even view it as that, as a way to earn money and nothing more. Many view work as boring, with dread, and even a certain amount of disgust because of some things that might be going on in their work place. Very few view work as fun or even enjoyable, why is that? Is there a way to make work fun when it has long since stopped being just that? In the first part of a brand new sermon series, Pastor Mark talks about work and how we can change our view of it to make it more enjoyable. He even talks about those who either don't work or are retired, and how even they can enjoy their current vocation. The first part in the sermon series can be found right here.

01-19-2014 Preparing For The Lord's Supper- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:20:00 +0000

One of the acts that Jesus did before he was taken away to get crucified was installing the Lord's Supper, and he did it with his disciples. It has become one of the most important parts of the Christian faith, which is also called communion, and is seen as something really sacred. Since it is a sacred act, how are we supposed to approach reaching communion? Are there rules governing how we are to do it? Pastor Mark talks about the Lord's Supper and how we are to approach it which may come as a surprise. Just because it is a sacred act it doesn't mean that it is completely off limits to everyone, but something that should be shared with everyone. That sermon, as well as others before it, can be found right here.

01-12-2014 Seeking and Saving - Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 23:46:00 +0000

It's a special day for Epiphany because it's the 50th anniversary of our church! It's a time to look back into the past and see how far we've come as a congregation and a time to look toward the future to see what's to come. One of which is how to continue the message of Jesus Christ in this modern era and the future to come that is widely unknown. Every church faces this, and so does the people in the church since it's all about the message and nothing else. Pastor Mark talks about how us Christians can still go out and find the lost and save them rather than waiting for them to come to us. That sermon can be found where the other previous sermons are, and that's right here.

01-05-2014 Christ in Your New Year! - Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 23:35:00 +0000

It's another year, and it's also that time where people compile a list of things that they would like to improve on, change, or do in the new year. Sometimes it works and things get done, and sometimes it's just a list that we write out and don't even bother to follow through. It can be simple things like going to the gym, or stop smoking, or it can be more involved like going back to school or getting a new job. However, a good portion of lists leave out God, but how would you insert Him into such a list? How easy is it for that to happen? With the first sermon in the new year, Pastor Mark tackles how anyone can put Christ and God into their new year, and how easy it really is. It's a new year, so why not involve the big guy? That very first sermon of the new year can be found right here.

12-24-2013 Christmas Is For All People- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 19:01:00 +0000

When it comes to Christmas and the birth of Jesus, there's this notion that it's for Christians and for us to celebrate, and no one else. There's almost like a exclusive attitude about it, and if anyone wants to be involved then it's treated like a process. Is that what Christmas really means? It is the celebration of Jesus, so shouldn't it be the opposite of that? Pastor Mark gives a sermon on just that on Christmas Eve, and discusses that there was a reason for Jesus being born, and that God isn't some being up in the sky judging everyone for every little thing. That Christmas Eve sermon can be heard right here for your listening enjoyment.

12-15-2013 Gospel For Everyone- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 19:54:00 +0000

There's a passage in the Bible where John the Baptist hears about Jesus while he is in prison and he has one of his disciples ask Jesus a question. He wants to know why Jesus isn't going preaching about repenting like he has been doing before his imprisonment, and the answer he received is surprising. When Jesus says that the message is for everyone, what does it mean? Is it right for John to preach the way he has been, or is it Jesus? On the third week of Advent, Pastor Mark gives a sermon on what Jesus meant on the Gospel being for everyone, and how much of an impact it really has for everyone. That sermon can be found, among the other ones before it, right here.

11-27-2013 Seven Blessings- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 00:09:00 +0000

It's Thanksgiving time! That means we gather together with our families and friends and give thanks for all the things that we are given and have. Now as Christians, what should we be thankful for? We give thanks to God all the time for a myriad of things, so what now? Pastor Mark gives a little sermon on Thanksgiving Eve and lists seven things that we as Christians should be thankful for. So, get out of that turkey coma and give this one a listen, won't you?

11-24-2013 The Final Day or Your Final Day- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 23:40:00 +0000

It's now that time of the church calendar where sermons are geared towards talking about the final days since it's end of the church calendar and the week before churches start celebrating Advent. However, the sermon that Pastor Mark gives isn't a typical sermon you would find at this time of year, and this time it's geared towards more of a break down on what happened to Jesus as he was dying on the cross. Every single part of that story means something and there's a lot going on than what's going on with a quick read through. That sermon of the break down and what everything means in that story can be found right here.

11-17-2013 Commitment Sunday- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 23:51:00 +0000

It's finally that time at our church where we make our commitment to the Capital Campaign in how much we are going to give to it for the next three years in order to keep our church around. So, it's another sermon about money that Pastor Mark is giving, right? Well, yes and no. Yes, it is another sermon about money, but it's a high level sermon on what giving to God actually means. There are points made in the sermon that might be surprising seeing as popular opinion on giving to God means that you have to do it no matter what. That little message can be found right here.

11-10-2013 Vision Sunday- Pastor Mark Rossington and Others

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 00:30:00 +0000

The moment has come to Epiphany Lutheran Church where the congregation makes their pledges to the Capital Campaign that will decide the church's future. It's a special occasion, and as such there are three testimonies given with a short homily by Pastor Mark. Joni Fairbrother talks about the past, Aaron Schmidt talks about the present, and Susan Fleischer talks about the future of Epiphany with the main theme from all of them is how the church is like a family. Those testimonies and the homily can be found right here if you feel so inclined to listen.

11-03-2013 Living as Children to a Generous God Part 4- Pastor Mark Rossington

susanf@epiphanychandler.org (Susan F.) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 00:23:00 +0000

We take risks all the time in various degrees, and we even label certain people as risk takers. It could be because of the thrill of it, or it could be because they know the odds of success and take them. So, if we take risks towards certain things in our lives, can we take risks with God? Is that even a thing we can do? In Pastor Mark's final part of his sermon series, he talks about what can happen if we see what God can do for us if we trust Him, and take the leap. That final part, along with the other parts, can be found right here.