Every part of our body serves a purpose. Every organ, every digit, every muscle and bone, all of our parts are important to our body's ability to function properly. The same goes for us as a human family, an organization, or even a church. During the protests in Minneapolis these past few weeks, members of the community there have come together, bringing their strengths and abilities to serve those who have been victims of the federal government's abuse and overreach there. It's proof of the truth in the Apostle Paul's words, "If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it."

MESSAGE: "We Need Us" by Kenny Bishop

SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

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Because of a major winter storm that brought snow, sleet, freezing rain, and frigid temperatures to the area, we had an online-only service today. Kenny shared some thoughts from his home on the tragic killing of Alex Pretti in Minnesota at the hands of the federal government, our response, and the consequences of a silent church in the face of a tyrannical government.

MESSAGE: "A Moral Reckoning: What to do about Alex" by Kenny Bishop

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 3:13-17

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BUCC got its beginnings in October of 2010 when the United Church of Christ called Rev. Marsha J. Charles as pastor of a new church start in Lexington, Kentucky. The new congregation held its first service in the chapel at the Lexington Theological Seminary on January 9, 2011. On September 8 that same year, the church officially adopted the name Bluegrass United Church of Christ and adopted its founding document, "Who We Are." We've been holding ourselves to that document and the ministry it describes for 15 years now, and when we take the time to look back, we see many great things God has inspired us and equipped us to do.

MESSAGE: "Pay Attention: A BUCC Reflection" by Pam Lee-Miller

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 3:13-17

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From time to time, we get to hear from Grace Ellen, the fictional character inspired by Pam's great-grandmother. Pam draws a lot from her time and experiences with her relatives and weaves them into gospel stories and lessons. Today, she shares an experience that happened with a neighbor while she visited family in Alabama. Things were hard for Hollis, and it was when he decided to trust God with his worries that things turned around.

MESSAGE: "Lifted by Love" by Pam Lee-Miller as Grace Ellen

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 3:13-17

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As we end our Advent/Christmas series, Herod is still in power. Christ is born, yet it feels as if the world has not changed. The temptation to give up is strong, especially in the face of violence. But the magi don't let Herod's fear-driven demands stop them from honoring the newborn, or returning home by a different way. They model to us what it looks like to be led by hope, moving through fear without letting is paralyze us. As this series ends and a new year begins, we proclaim that our journey continues, and fear will not have the last word.

MESSAGE: "A Christmas Discovery" by Kenny Bishop

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:1-12, 16-18

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Advent is over, Christmas has come, the baby was born. He and his family are now migrants on the run, fleeing from a jealous and paranoid leader who will not jeopardize his power, even for an innocent child. The family eventually ends up in Nazareth, a town known for nothing. Power did love reside in Nazareth, it had no influence, it's name was common enough to be forgotten. But it was the place that shaped Jesus' earliest memories, it motivated his mission to heal and serve, and it provided the perspective he needed to understand a poor person's plight. Can anything good come out of Nazareth?

MESSAGE: "He Came From Nazareth" by Kenny Bishop

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

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This Advent season, we're asking: What do you fear?
This week, Pam shares how Joseph moves through his fears of rejection and shame in order to stand in solidarity with Mary, shielding her from harm. Their bond makes them each stronger. We don’t live out our callings in isolation—our communal flourishing depends on each person stepping into their calling despite their fear. How can we offer support to one another? Where can we reach out when fear makes us feel isolated? When do we need to accept an outstretched hand? And can we use our power and privilege, like Joseph, to stand in solidarity with people whose lives are at risk?

MESSAGE : "Choosing Love Over Fear" Pam Lee-Miller

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25

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Because of severe weather, the December 14th service at BUCC was canceled. The following week, Kenny shared a short homily with some of the highlights of what would have been the Advent 3 message.

This Advent season, we're asking: What do you fear?
This week, sometimes saying “yes” to God’s call fills us with fear. Like Mary and Jeremiah, we fear that we aren’t enough. That we’ll be alone. That no one will listen, and yet, God calls us forward, inviting us to live fully into who we are created to be and promising to be with us every step of the way as we move forward through our fear.

MESSAGE: "Mary's Yes" by Kenny Bishop

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:26-29

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