Daniel

Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesFebruary 27, 2021Daniel 12:5-12 At the beginning of worship This week, we have watched in horror what’s happening in the Ukraine. We need to trust that God is in control in the chaos. That’s the message of Daniel. But we also need to strive to do what is right to help … Read more The Conclusion of Daniel: Promised Rest

Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesFebruary 20, 2022Daniel 11-12:4 At the beginning of worship: I’ve been reading a modern translation of the Norse poems, myths, and legends. It’s a weird world which probably comes from huddling around the fire on those long winter nights in Scandinavia.[1] These stories are often violent and set in a tough world. … Read more Daniel foresees the future

Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesFebruary 13, 2022Daniel 10 At the beginning of worship: I think it was C. S. Lewis who once said we’ll spend half of eternity thanking God for prayers not answered. Think about this for a minute. One of the reasons for prayers not being answered is that we don’t know all … Read more Daniel learns of the ongoing cosmic battle

Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesDaniel 9:1-19February 6, 2022 At the beginning of worship: It’s good to be back with you. Last weekend, I was on Skidaway Island. Saturday afternoon I officiated at the funeral of my friend, Andy Lohn. I had agreed to help the new pastor of the church with the funeral, but he … Read more Daniel 9: The Prophet’s Confession

Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesJanuary 23, 2022Daniel 8 At the beginning of worship It’s good to be with you this weekend. Last Sunday, we were facing a storm. Early in the morning I was worried if we’d done the right thing in cancelling the service. It hadn’t started to snow at sunrise. But by 9 … Read more Butting Heads and History

Jeff GarrisonMayberry and Bluemont Presbyterian ChurchesJanuary 16, 2022Daniel 7  Because of the winter storm in our area, neither church will be worshipping in person this morning. To help you in your worship times at home, I have added the bulletin and prayers for today after the sermon. The announcements for both churches are below the … Read more Daniel dreams of the future

Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesDaniel 6September 26, 2021 Introduction at the Beginning of Worship: The late Eugene Peterson wrote a book on the Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120-134) titled A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.[1] I read it back in the 90s and have long since lost my copy. But I still remember how Peterson opened … Read more Daniel in the Lion’s Den

Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesDaniel 5September 19, 2021 Added on April 21, 2022 and I wish I had seen this before writing this sermon: from @churchcurmudgeon: “Usually when there is writing on the wall, it portends the death of a culture. But hey, fine, throw out the hymnals and use a projector.” At the Beginning … Read more The Writing on the Wall

Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchDaniel 4September 12, 2021 At the beginning of worship In Proverbs, we’re told that pride comes before the fall. It’s a central theme in scripture. We’ve been looking at the opening stories in the book of Daniel. All these stories warn us about hubris or pride. Thinking that we’ve done everything … Read more Learning Humility

Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesSeptember 5, 2021Daniel 3 Introduction at beginning of worship We’re back in Daniel this week. We’ll be looking at the third chapter and story in Daniel, but one that doesn’t mention Daniel. Instead, his three friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—take center stage. If you remember from my sermon two weeks ago, at … Read more Into and out of the furnace