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You are God's fruit.

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Spring is upon us, and aren’t we ready? I recognize spring’s arrival not just through the sight of the world changing around us - but especially the smells. - The smell of the woods around us after a spring shower - The sweet fragrance of flowers and trees beginning to bloom - And most definitely that oh so wonderful fragrance of manure and compost all around Yum! Now, I am being a bit sarcastic here, but it’s true - you don’t really get those bright and bold colors of spring and all this new life emerging like a gift from Creation without the rejuvenating,...

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(posted 3/27/19)

Right Where We Need to Be (Sermon)

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Sitting in our kitchen earlier this week, our family was enjoying our breakfast when somehow my sermon began to write itself. We were talking about the week ahead, including Ash Wednesday and the 40 day season we call Lent. I mentioned how we practice this 40 days of prayer and fasting to get ready for Easter Sunday just like Jesus spent 40 days in the desert getting ready for his ministry. One of my kids asked, “Why do so many people in the Bible like go to the desert?” I laughed, and then I said something like, “No one really wants to...

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(posted 3/14/19)

An Introduction to Bridge of Hope

What would it look like to help one homeless family at a time? Through Bridge of Hope, University Christian Church is excited to participate in a way to end homelessness, one family at a time. Today, our team of neighbors met with a single mother and her family who is working hard to begin rebuilding her life. These church volunteers will embody Jesus' love, walking alongside, praying for, and supporting this family as any good neighbor might do. We are proud to be a part of this ministry and partner with Bridge of Hope to impact the life of one family in...

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(posted 1/27/19)

What shall we bring to praise our God?

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6

By Rev. Nathan Hill I was part of the Boy Scouts when I was younger, and I loved it - not necessarily for all the merit badges and ranks to climb - but for the chance to be outdoors, sleep under the stars, and enjoy God’s creation. During one summer camp, an announcement was made that a volunteer was bringing his telescope out to the big central field that evening. It was a clear night, so we were invited to wander by and take a peak at the glory of the Oklahoma sky. After dinner, when things had quieted down, a buddy...

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(posted 1/11/19)

Rethink Christmas: Check Your Vital Signs

Scripture: Luke 21:25-36

Last Wednesday evening, my family and I made a commitment to kick off our Christmas preparation the right way - with joy and good cheer and eggnog and all that stuff. I hauled the boxes of Christmas ornaments and decorations up from our basement. We put on a Christmas music playlist. We unboxed our tree and got all the extension cords out. We unwrapped fragile Santas and glass angels and precious mementos with care and hung them from our suddenly colorful, festive tree, full of our memories and expectation for a special Christmas season. And then we turned on those Christmas lights. And...

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(posted 12/4/18)

What must I do to inherit eternal life?

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Most of you now that I like a good movie - but the best kind of movie is the one that tells more than a good story and goes deeper, challenging us to connect the dots of life. In 2006, the movie Akeelah and the Bee came out to rave reviews, the story of a young girl from South Los Angeles who has a natural gift of words. The plot of the movie follows her long journey and competition to the Scrips National Spelling Bee, having to put up with a cranky tutor, economic challenges, and peer pressure along the way....

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(posted 10/26/18)

Worship With Us Sunday at a New Time

It's a new season at University Christian Church! We continue to dream about new ways to worship and invite one another to engage with a God who loves us and calls us to make a difference. This Sunday, we begin to experiment with new worship times. You are invited to check it out and offer feedback. Worship Times: 9 AM and 11 AM Our 9 AM worship time invites you into conversation as we gather around Christ's table. All are welcome. Experience a mix of hymns and praise music. Join us for the sermon talkback session after worship. Our 11 AM worship continues to...

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(posted 10/9/18)

Update: Church Safety

The safety of our young people and children is of deep importance to our church and to our mission as a congregation and our effort to share the love of God. Key leaders, representing Christian Education, Administration, Membership, Trustees, and families, have been working hard on an update church safety policy which outlines are procedures and priorities when it comes to protecting children and vulnerable adults. We submit this for a period of review to the congregation before moving to a congregational vote later this year. We welcome your questions or clarifications. Please submit them to the church office - ...

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(posted 9/26/18)

What is my gift? | Sermon by Rev. Nathan Hill

Scripture: Mar 9:33-37

Dr. Gregory C. Ellison in his book, Fearless Dialogues, opens with this story about his childhood: This may come as no surprise to you, but I was a strange child who asked big questions. After all, I was reared in the home of activists, and I walked the hills of Atlanta in the shadows of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. In all her wisdom, my Aunt Dotty was unalarmed when I, at eight years old, asked how I could change the world. Honoring my boyish justice impulse, she responded, “Baby, I don’t know how to change the world, but I...

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(posted 9/25/18)

Why am I here? (Sermon: 5 Hard Questions)

Scripture: Mark 2:1-8

“Why am I here?” According to legend, Billy Graham, the famous evangelist and advisor to Presidents, told about the time in a small town when he asked a boy how to get to the post office. After getting directions, Mr. Graham invited him to come to his revival that evening. “I’ll tell everyone how to get to heaven,” he told the boy. The boy’s response? “I don’t think I’ll be there. You don’t even know your way to the post office.” Today, as we dig into one of the 5 Hard Questions from Dr. Gregory C. Ellison’s book, Fearless Dialogues - “why am I here”....

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(posted 9/21/18)

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