Rev. Dr. Jeff Garrison
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesJune 20, 2021Hebrews 13:18-25 I am sorry for the format issues in the bottom half of the sermon. I’m not sure what happened, and I have to now get ready to head to church! At least you can still read the text. Setting the stage: At the opening of Worship In … Read more A Proper Goodbye
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesJune 13, 2021Hebrews 13:7-14 Thoughts at the Beginning of Worship In preparation for today’s worship, I found myself rereading portions of Joseph Small’s wonderful book, Flawed Church, Faithful God. I like the title, for it accurately describes our situation. Toward the end of the book, he addresses the situation many churches find themselves … Read more Hebrews 13:7-17: Leadership
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesJune 6, 2021Hebrews 13:1-6 At the Beginning of Worship We gather on the first day of the week, on the day of resurrection, to worship. Why? What does it mean? Think about this in our time together. Today, we’re beginning our exploration of the last chapter in Hebrews. We have completed … Read more Christians Should be Outstanding Citizens
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesMay 23, 2021Hebrews 12:14-29 Sermon recorded on May 21, 2021 at Mayberry Church Introduction at the Beginning of WorshipToday is Pentecost. It’s a day to recall the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those disciples who gathered in Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension. We’re told in Acts that it appeared as if … Read more A Better Way to the Summit: Hebrews 12:14-29
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesMay 15, 2021Hebrews 12:1-13 Sermon taped at Bluemont Church on Friday, May 13, 2021 Thoughts at the beginning of worship: We’re on a journey. It’s a familiar Christian metaphor that we’ve seen through our time in the Book of Hebrews. As Christians, we are not settlers on this earth, we’re pilgrims. … Read more Keep Going: Hebrews 12:1-13
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesHebrews 11:23-40May 8, 2021c2021 The recording was made on May 7 at Mayberry Church. Thoughts at the beginning of worship For the past two weeks, I have been slowly reading Garrison Keillor’s memoir, That Time of the Year. I savor a chapter or two each night before bed. Keillor often gives praise for … Read more Be a Vehicle for Something Greater than Yourself
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesMay 2, 2021Hebrews 11:8-22c2021 Introduction at the beginning of worship: Again, this week, we’re talking about faith. Too often, we think of faith meaning we have arrived. It’s as if faith is our purpose.[1] However, the definition of faith we read last week, “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of … Read more Hebrews 11:8-22, Stepping Out in Faith
Jeff GarrisonMayberry and Bluemont ChurchesApril 25, 2021Hebrews 11:1-7 Sermon taped on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Mayberry Church Introduction to worship As I mentioned last week, the Session of both churches have spent time planning the future as we, God willing, come out of the COVID pandemic. Therefore, now is a good time to tackle … Read more Hebrews 11:1-7, The Difference Faith Makes
Jeff Garrison Bluemont and Mayberry Presbyterian Churches April 18, 2021 Acts 16:1-10 The sermon was recorded on Friday, April 16, at Bluemont Presbyterian Church At the beginning of worship The sessions of both congregations, Bluemont and Mayberry, are engaged in planning for the future as we come out of the COVID pandemic. While we all … Read more Times are Changing: Where is God leading us?
Jeff Garrison Bluemont and Mayberry Presbyterian Church Mark 10:23-27 April 11, 2021 Sermon recorded at Mayberry Church on Friday, April 9, 2021 At the beginning of worship As Christians, we need to laugh more. Too often we think of humor as inappropriate in churches. God is seen as some stern judge up in the sky, … Read more Laughter as a Spiritual Discipline