Harvard Avenue Christian Church

text : 1 John 2: 7 – 11 theme verse : “Whoever says, ‘I am in the light,’ while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness.” (1 John 2:9) // A friend once said, “I only have five slots for friends in my life.” It was a curious statement; his way of […]

text : Mark 4:35-41 theme verse: “And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’.” (Mark 4:31) // Trust in a bottle –it’s out there! A New York City lab claims to have bottled trust. They say:After showering in […]

text : Ephesians 3:14-21 theme verse: “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21) // It is easy […]

text : Mark 1:9-15 theme verse : ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near – repent, and believe in the good news.’ (Mark 1:15) // ‘Repent’ is such a churchy word. How often did your parent or some authority figure yell at you in reaction to a poor choice, “REPENT!” […]

text : Isaiah 43: 1 – 9 reader : Rev Kevin Howe preaching : Rev Mark Briley

text : Colossians 1: 15-20 theme verse : “… and through [Christ] God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven…” (Colossians 1:20) // In our day, there is a growing distrust of many institutions, especially among younger generations. But whether you like them or not, we are all […]

text : John 1:1-18 theme verse : “The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”(John 1:17) // We often speak of our lives as a unique story. We even use phrases like, “I’m an open book,” or “You need to turn the page,” or “I’m starting a new chapter,” […]

text :: Colossians 3:12-17 theme verse :: “Above all, clothe yourself with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14) // Character has long been among our greatest treasures as humans. “Don’t call into question my character!” we exclaim. You might serve as a Character Reference for someone applying for a job. Of […]

text : Matthew 16:13-19 theme verse : “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”–Simon Peter to Jesus (Matthew 16:16) // What do you believe? It’s such a simple, yet loaded, question. We all believe something about most things. We didn’t come out of the womb with these well-thought-out, deeply structured convictions. We […]

text :: 1 Peter 1:13-16 theme verse :: “As he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) // If there is any truth to “We are what we eat,” there may also be some credence […]

text :: Isaiah 64:1-9 theme verse :: “O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isa 64:8) // It’s the first Sunday of the year. We all step back into the same seats we sat in the year before, a […]

text : Luke 2 : 22 – 40 theme verse : “And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.” (Lk 2:33) anthem : ‘Peace’ (M.McDonald) :: Kelly Ford, tenor; Billie Kay Sawyer, piano reader : Barbara Crider preaching : Rev Courtney Richards closing : ‘Some Children See Him’ […]

Christmas Eve Traditional Candlelight Communion Service 6pm // text : Luke 2: 1 – 20 :: reader : Rev Courtney Richards preaching : Rev Mark Briley  

Text : Romans 16:25-27 Theme Verse : “Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed…” (Romans 16:25) // Soft spoken and humble preacher, Fred Craddock, once […]

Text : Psalm 126 Theme Verse : “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.” (Psalm 126:1) // Poet Czeslaw Milosz said simply, “It’s madness to live without joy!” I would agree. I know, however, that the pain of life can often suffocate the joy within. At Christmastime, we […]

“Hosanna in Excelsis”

Christmas in Tune IV

text : Mark 13:24-37 theme verse : “And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’” (Mk 13:37) // Bell-bottoms, Razor scooters, Livestrong wristbands, The Crimper, flash mobs, “Vote for Pedro” t-shirts, speed dating, sideburns, Tebowing, Pogs, the “Macarena.” Fads: “An intense but short-lived fashion; craze; notion, manner of conduct, etc., especially […]

text : 1 Samuel 1:4-20 theme verse : “Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I have asked him of the Lord.” (1 Samuel 4:20) // What first comes to mind when you hear the word‘seconds’? Perhaps something to do with a period of time? Racecar drivers might dwell […]

text : 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 theme : “To keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh…” (2 Cor. 12:7) // Any time a sales advertisement says, “As Is,” we get a little leery. “What’s wrong with it?” we wonder. We know we’re dealing with something less than perfect; maybe […]