A sermon based on Mark 10:35-45 with Psalm 104 and Job 38:1-7 and 34-41
by the Rev. Dr. Brian Schofield-Bodt, Executive Director of
The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, Inc.

My message today is titled “Today, you vote!”  When I ran across this story and shared it with Pastor Hooper, he said, “That’s great, because our church is a polling place.”  With that in mind, here’s the story:  While walking down the street one day, a member of Congress is tragically hit by a truck and dies.  His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance. (more…)

Mark 10: 2-16
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper
I heard a story recently about an American pastor who visited a dynamic, thriving, growing congregation in Africa one Sunday.  He was amazed by the lively worship service, and was impressed by, if a little uncomfortable with, the evangelical fervor that was evident in the congregation.  This congregation took hell very seriously, and the preacher freely talked about demonic possession and miraculous healings.  It all seemed a little superstitious to him.  As the service progressed, some of the people near him found out he was a minister, and word quickly spread through the crowd that a minister from America was worshipping there.  When word reached the chancel where the presiding preacher was, he stopped the service and said, “We have a very important guest here today!  We have a preacher all the way from America amongst us today.”  The American was flattered, and a little embarrassed.  Then the preacher said: “I would like to invite this preacher to come forward now and perform today’s exorcism!” (more…)

Consecration Sunday is set for October 28, 2007. Plan to be with us on this special day as we envision our church’s future. We will welcome to the pulpit The Rev. Cathy Gilliard, Minister of Christian Nuture at Christ Church in New York City. A catered luncheon will be provided to all in attendance after worship. Last year’s event was lots of fun and a great success. Help make this year’s Consecration Sunday even more successful. Keep the Consecration Sunday process in your prayers. Make your luncheon reservation before Oct. 24 by calling the church office.

Consecration Sunday is a unique approach to stewardship. We will focus on discipleship and calling, not on budgets and buildings. To be sure, we have many financial needs. But more important is your need to respond to God’s calling in your life. So as you consider how you can support your church financially, ask yourself this basic question: What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?

Mark 9: 38-50
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper
Vision Statement Summary:

Be rooted in God’s love.
Grow in grace.
Bear fruit of justice and peace.

This vision is organic – it describes a natural process – a divine process.  If we are rooted, we will grow.  If we grow, we will bear fruit.  Each one leads to the other, and it all begins when we decide to put our roots in God’s love.   (more…)