Sermons on Hawking:

The Da Vinci Code:

Contributed by Don Hawks on Aug 20, 2004

· WHAT DAN BROWN GOT RIGHT · WHAT BROWN GOT WRONG · WHO CARES? Web resources and congregational outline at the end

SLIDE 1 WELCOME, ATTENDANCE PAD You may want to refer to today’s outline that I’ve provided to follow some quotes from the book I’m discussing, as well as some other quotes and Bible readings. SLIDE 2 THE DA VINCI CODE (Dan Brown): WHAT’S THE STORY ABOUT? First of all I want to address why I am ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:9-14

Denomination: Methodist

What We Believe About Communion Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Aug 20, 2004

What Christians Believe about the Lord’s Supper from a Methodist perspective.

SLIDE 1 Welcome, attendance pads, prayer God of powerful voice, speak once again your words of majesty and love. So often we hear only sounds of uncertainty and anxiety; we long to sense your powerful presence among us. To those who feel fear and powerlessness, speak your life-giving words, “Do ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 11:23-26

Denomination: Methodist

The Faith Of A Methodist Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Sep 11, 2004

The first of A 50th Anniversary Preaching Series

(Inspired by a series of sermons by Rev. Adam Hamilton, UM Church of the Resurrection). SLIDE 1 I want to remind you about the 50th Anniversary event tonight—the Ice Cream Social—dinner starts at 6 but come early for fun and social time. You don’t get any ice cream until you eat your dinner. SLIDE ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-38

Denomination: Methodist

What We Believe About Baptism Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Jun 21, 2004

Baptism is the symbol for our initiation into the Christian faith and church life.

Romans 6:3-6 (NRSV) SLIDE 1 (3) Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:3-6

Denomination: Methodist

"How To Make My Church A House Of Bread” (Sourdough Spirituality)

Contributed by Don Hawks on Jul 31, 2002

A Communion message with Discussion on how to build a strong church family so that the church might be the body and blood of Christ for the world.

[This sermon ws inspired by Lonard Sweet’s "Sourdough Spirituality" and Rick Warren’s article on building a stronger church] (Have bread baking in church kitchen before service as people are entering building sot hey can smell the aroma of fresh baked bread.) Bring a sourdough starter into ...read more

Scripture: John 6:35, Matthew 13:33-34

Denomination: Methodist

Harry Potter Or The Stone?

Contributed by Don Hawks on Aug 26, 2002

This outline is based on a sermon by Sermon Central Contributor William Groover on Harry Potter. I have added video clip suggestions and presented the message in more of a "life-changing" format, with Biblical passages to reinforce each point.

Harry Potter or the Stone? (Don’t Be a Muggle!) [Expanded powerpoint available based on this outline: don_hawks@hotmail.com] Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honor. Present yourselves as building stones for the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-5, Psalm 37:4

Denomination: Methodist

What Does 9.11 Make Of Us?

Contributed by Don Hawks on Sep 6, 2002

In spite of the tragedy, what “man meant for evil, God used for good”, thus how will Christians and American citizens be a part of the reshaping of culture since 9.11.01?

(Power Point available--email author) SLIDE 1 “WHAT DOES 9.11 MAKE OF US?” 8:30 with Video presentation (adapted from Leonard Sweet’s message on 9.11) Slide 2 “Night fell on a different world.” These are some of the first words President George Bush used to reflect on September 11, 2001. Slide ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:20, Romans 13:8-10

Denomination: Methodist

Memory And Hope In The Face Of Despair: A 9.11 Anniversary Service

Contributed by Don Hawks on Sep 10, 2002

A complete service outline for Bethany Church’s 9.11 Anniversary Service, including a message of hope in the face of despair.

(Powerpoint available--email author) 9.11.01 REMEMBRANCE SERVICE 9.11.02 7pm Instrumental Music Welcome (video clip interviewing people with question “Where Were You?” From NAMB) Remember Sept. 10—Last Day of Normal? (see NPR.org)—No? But remember where you were and what you did Sept. 11? ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:20

Denomination: Methodist

Memory And Hope In The Face Of Despair Outline

Contributed by Don Hawks on Sep 10, 2002

This outline accompanies full manuscript sermon by the same title; includes outline for establishing spiritual base

Remembering September 11 Even though the tragic events of September 11, 2001 are behind us, we are still mourning. In addition to all the losses, we live with a new uneasiness. But not all the effects of 9.11 are bad. Many people have found a new respect for others. We have been reminded that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:20

Denomination: Methodist

Doing The Miraculous With God—potential Results From The Jabez Territory Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Apr 4, 2002

What would it take to step over the boundary of my comfort zone to respond to the destiny That God has planned for me?

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that I might not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10 1. AN ANCIENT “JABEZ” ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

What About Heaven? Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Apr 13, 2002

Some common questions about what heaven is like are addressed.

(Adapted from a message by Tom Holladay at Saddleback Church) There’s a story about a wealthy Christian who somehow got obsessed with the idea of taking some of his wealth to heaven. Now he knew the Bible clearly teaches that you can’t take it with you. But so obsessed was he with this desire that ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-15, Revelation 21:4-5

Denomination: Methodist

Where Is God In This Crisis?

Contributed by Don Hawks on Apr 14, 2002

A message in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks-spiritual anchors for your soul in a changing world.

Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! 4 A river brings joy to the city of our ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:25-29, Psalm 46:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

What About Jesus?

Contributed by Don Hawks on Apr 30, 2002

Some responses are shared to questions people might have about Jesus.

What do we do when you see a police car? Some say "Slow down," some say "Break!" "Scream." Just even when we’re at a stoplight and a police car pulls up behind us how many of us get nervous? You’re already thinking, "What did I do?... Did they see me run that stop sign last week? I’m making ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-10, John 3:16-17

Denomination: Methodist

What I Learned From Jesus' Mothers

Contributed by Don Hawks on May 8, 2002

Today’s lesson for this Mothers day worship service is "What I Learned from Jesus’ Mothers"—yes that’s right Jesus had more than one mother.

(Powerpoint presentation and audience outline accompanies this message). Slide 1 Happy Mothers Day to you from BUMC. If you are a mother or have been like a mother to someone please stand so we can recognize you. Today’s lesson for this worship service is What I Learned from Jesus’ mothers—yes ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-5, Matthew 1:16

Denomination: Methodist

What Is God's Plan For My Finances? Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Jan 25, 2003

First in a series on Getting a Grip on My Finances looks at the meaning of stewardship.

(Powerpoint slides available) SLIDE 1 [Opening Activity Begin The following items are needed: 1. An empty, old bottle 2. A large key made of cardboard and spray painted gold. The key will have the verses of Matthew 6:19-21 printed and attached to one side. "Don’t store up treasures here on earth, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-31, Romans 14:12

Denomination: Methodist