Sermons on Ann Douglas Vaughan:

Restorative Justice #5: Abigail, The Peacemaker Series

Contributed by Anne Grant on Oct 22, 2001

In a culture that said women had no power, Abigail successfully leads a peace delegation and stops a war between the two most powerful men in the region. We, too, must use our power to make peace.

Restorative Justice #5: Abigail, The Peacemaker 1 Samuel 25:2-44 Trinity United Methodist Church, Providence October 21, 2001 Rev. Anne Grant We displayed a transparency that said: USE YOUR POWER TO MAKE PEACE 1. Beware of anger. 2. Act with holy boldness. 3. Humble yourself. 4. Be ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:26, 1 Samuel 25:2-44

Denomination: Methodist

Restorative Justice #2:the Massive Search Series

Contributed by Anne Grant on Sep 19, 2001

The attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon brings new awareness of our sins and God’s search.

The Massive Search Matthew 18:1-14 Rev. Anne Grant Trinity United Methodist Church, Providence, RI 02907 Sunday, September 16, 2001 (following 9/11/01 attacks on World Trade Center and Pentagon) For the rest of our lives, we will remember what we were doing on September 11th. Phil and I had ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-14

Denomination: Methodist

Restorative Justice #1: Zaccheus Pays Reparations Series

Contributed by Anne Grant on Oct 11, 2001

Jesus’ treatment of Zaccheus and the tax collector’s response is a model of God’s restorative justice.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE #1: Zaccheus Pays Reparations Luke 19:1-9 Restorative Justice Series #1 Trinity United Methodist Church, Providence, RI September 2, 2001 Rev. Anne Grant Introduction to scripture: Has anybody here climbed a tree recently? It’s not something adults do very often. Children ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-9

Denomination: Methodist

Restorative Justice #3: Two Josephs Series

Contributed by Anne Grant on Oct 11, 2001

Two 17-year-old Josephs, one 3900 years ago and one this week show us how God intends to bring good from even the worst human behavior. We must never let ourselves get so low or so high that we forget who we belong to.

Two Josephs Genesis 37:2-50:21 Restorative Justice Series #3 Trinity United Methodist Church, Providence, RI September 30, 2001 Rev. Anne Grant The theme today is that God intends to bring good From the worst human behavior. As the deadline for deporting Liberians has once again been extended ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

Restorative Justice #4: Samson's Revenge, Jesus' Redemption Series

Contributed by Anne Grant on Oct 11, 2001

Two men made for God’s purpose: one chooses his own pleasure and becomes a terrorist bent on revenge, fighting a holy war. He commits suicide bringing down a building, killing thousands. The other gives up his rights, chooses death, and redeems the world.

Samson’s Revenge and Jesus’ Redemption, Judges 13-16 Restorative Justice Series #4 Trinity United Methodist Church, Providence, RI October 7, 2001 Rev. Anne Grant We have been hearing some powerful stories about heroism Over the past few weeks. We read them in newspapers and magazines. We hear ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Methodist

Couldn't You Send Someone Else?

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Sep 4, 2008

God has a plan for us, and like Moses, we resist it, but God is persistent and patient.

“Couldn’t You Send Someone Else?” Romans 12:9-12; Exodus 3 and 4, Various Verses The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, August 31, 2008 Introduction: Today, we will continue the story of Exodus. We’ll hear the story of the burning bush and God’s call to Moses. Since the story ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Lord Of Second Chances

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Sep 9, 2008

Throughout the Bible, God offers person after person a second chance. He’s offering you a second chance. Use it faithfully.

As people came into the sanctuary they were asked to take a stone from pails of stones. Immediately following the sermon, they were invited to come forward to place the stone representing their sin at the foot of the cross. I also took 8-1/2 by 11 sheets with a name for each Biblical person, taped ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Becoming Good Dirt

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jul 14, 2008

The Parable of the Sower teaches us not only what not to be, but what we can be to become fertile soil for the seed of the Spirit.

Introduction: The first recorded parable of Jesus is “The Parable of the Sower.” It is the only parable which Jesus explains line by line. One of the important things for us to understand is that fields in biblical times were not like our fields today which have been prepared by modern ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Be Strong And Courageous

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Dec 3, 2007

Practicing our faith daily is the way to become strong and courageous.

Be Strong and Courageous Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Joshua 1:6-9 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, October 21, 2007 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Moses said to the Israelites, “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:6-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Seeing Things In A New Light

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 14, 2008

When we see in the Transfiguration that Jesus is fully human and fully divine, listening to Him takes on great power.

Introduction: Our scripture passage took place six days after Jesus asked the disciples who people thought He was, and Peter recognized that He was the Messiah. Still the disciples didn’t really understand. As Jesus began His journey to Jerusalem, He was transfigured in front of Peter, James and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Word We Hate The Most

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 19, 2008

The word we hate the most is "no" and yet practicing Lenten disciples of fasting, praying, and giving can enrich us when we say "no" to the world and "yes" to God.

Introduction: The passage we will read tonight is the traditional reading for Ash Wednesday. It focuses our attention on the three disciplines of Lent: Praying, Fasting, and Giving. You will hear each one described. Tonight we’re going to discuss how to practice those disciplines. Hear now the ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Renewed In The Wilderness

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 19, 2008

The power of Lent is in the wilderness of letting go and disengaging with the world so that we can reconnect to God.

Introduction: The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness is a pivotal event in His life. It is recorded in Mark, Luke, and Matthew. This week we read Matthew’s account. It comes right after Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan and before His formal ministry begins. Hear now the word of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

He's Waiting At The Well

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 27, 2008

Like the woman at the well, we are thirsty for salvation, and Jesus waits for us with living water at the well.

Introduction: Our reading today is so completely rich with meaning that I am going to go through it verse by verse. I hope in this way to open the text that it might address us where we are, for Christ always comes to us no matter where we are. Prayer: Lord God, we come thirsty. We live in a ...read more

Scripture: John 9:5-41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Enemies

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 4, 2009

Our greatest enemies are the traits within us that cause us to sin. We see those traits in others, can’t control others, and can find healing only in Christ.

Enemies Mark 1:9-13; Psalm 25:1-10 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, March 1, 2009 Introduction: Today’s scripture lesson is one of David’s psalms. In it he pleads for help from God against his enemies. Listen to how he describes the forces against him. Psalm 25:1-10 To ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

So Little Time, So Much To Do

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 5, 2009

We have all received grace upon grace; therefore, we are called to share our talents just as Peter’s mother-in-law did.

So Little Time, So Much to Do Isaiah 40:27-31; Mark 1:29-39 Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, February 8, 2009 Introduction: We continue with the first chapter of Mark. As always, Mark tells the story well and fast. His favorite word is “immediately.” There is very little ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:29-39

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed