Unlocked Doors – Aug. 11, 2019

Rachel brought the message this morning and began by telling us about recently being locked in the walk-in refrigerator at Anathoth Community Garden. She weaved this story and several readings into the teachings from the Hebrews passage about Christ as our high priest.

Jesus, as our priest, makes us whole, by reminding us that there is a locked door but also by opening it. By reminding us that we’re in a pit, but that God is there to pull us out. He also reminds us that our gifts and efforts are not what saves us, because the gift of Jesus’ life has already done that.

Unlocked Doors – Aug. 11, 2019

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The Promise of Pentecost – June 9, 2019

Acts 2:1-4, Romans 8:14-39

Rachel draws from Trevor Noah’s memoir Born a Crime to recount the power of understanding many languages. Pentecost calls us to welcome others, to be changed, to be vulnerable, to learn new languages.

“The promise of Pentecost is that we are being made into a people, speaking many languages, to praise God and yet understand each other. ”

The Promise of Pentecost – June 9, 2019

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Laughing Together – April 28, 2019

Matthew 28:18-20

On this Sunday after Easter, we celebrate “Holy Humor.”

We’re called to laugh. Laughter is not an escape. It’s not a weapon. It’s not something to be hoarded. Laughter is something we’re called to nurture. It’s something we’re called to grow in. Laughter is a way to celebrate God’s reign now, and in the future.

Laughing Together – April 28, 2019

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Pondering Parables – Feb. 10, 2019

Rachel helped us take a broader view of a number of Jesus’ parables found in the Gospel of Matthew, providing some background and giving the congregation an opportunity to reflect on them in a new way.

Pondering Parables – Feb. 10, 2019

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An Advent Story – Dec. 23, 2018

Rachel tells the story of William Kamkwamba, a boy in Malawi whose family faced starvation due to extreme drought. Ultimately a story of resilience and hope, along with creativity and ingenuity, what makes this an Advent story is because of the faithfulness and trust in the midst of incredible adversity. We may be longing for food, for shelter, or for clarity or friendship, or for justice or a sense of God’s nearness. The Magnificat is a prophetic word for God’s hungry people. Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a.

An Advent Story – Dec. 23, 2018

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Doug Luginbill preaching at RMC on Nov. 18, 2018

Poeting the Word – Nov. 18, 2018

Doug Luginbill, Central District Conference minister, joined us this Sunday to ordain Melissa and install Rachel. This recording includes the ordination and installation, as well as Doug’s sermon from the lectionary reading of Isaiah 36:14; 13-20; 37:1-7; 2:1-4. Together pastors and congregations clarify the vision to which God is calling them. They discern the gifts of the congregation, identify where God is at work, and join the journey.

This service was also webcast and is available on YouTube.

Poeting the Word – Nov. 18, 2018

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Rachel Taylore preaching at RMC July 15, 2018

Loving by Overcoming Our Fear – July 15, 2018

Rachel preached from I John 4:7-21. We’re not alone on our journeys. Together, we encourage each other, share resources, catch each other when we fall, and simply enjoy each other. As our journeys become real and we’re brought to the edge of ourselves, we’ll encounter God’s love there too. Through loving each other and through discovering God’s love at the deepest part of who we are, we are given what we need to do the impossible.

Loving by Overcoming Our Fear – July 15, 2018

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Rachel re-telling the story of Tabitha at RMC on April 29, 2018

Tabitha’s Story – April 29, 2018

This Sunday Rachel told the story of Tabitha, in Acts 9:36-43, but from the perspective of one of Tabitha’s widowed friends in Joppa. Tabitha shows how our whole life can be defined by little resurrections, little renewals of life, little affirmations that death, sin, division and brokenness do not have the last word. Her story serves as an invitation for all of us to practice resurrection; inviting in the outcast, lifting up the poor and lowly, and doing all this through the power of Yeshua, whom we now call Jesus.

Tabitha’s Story – April 29, 2018
Raleigh Mennonite Church Sermons

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Rachel Taylor speaking at Raleigh Mennonite Jan. 1, 2017

The Fire of God’s Love – March 4, 2018

Rachel brought the sermon based on John 18:17-27, reflecting on the oft-told story of Peter denying he knew Jesus, his teacher. Peter was later able to take the experience of his failure, look at it with God’s eyes, and use it to imagine something new. She links the charcoal fire they were gathered around in this story, with the charcoal fire over the lake where Peter is redeemed by Jesus and told to “feed my sheep.”

This is the liturgical season for us to collectively face what we’re capable of, for us to examine the ways we are and who God is. For us to take an honest look at our failures. A time to gently, carefully and deliberately open up ourselves to God’s loving judgement, to God’s eyes, so that God can bury all that is within us that keeps us from God.

The Fire of God’s Love – March 4, 2018
Raleigh Mennonite Church Sermons

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