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Like the younger prodigal son we come to our heavenly Father empty of ourselves, bankrupt in our own efforts. But what happens if we respond with entitlement rather than emptiness? Join me in this audio version of tonight's sermon as we study the Parable of the Prodigals in Luke 15.
Subscribe to this audio podcast! It's available every week on iTunes or for any other mp3 player.
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This weekend we wrap up our Modern Parables sermon series with Prodigal Sons. Last week Nate Williams told me that after he previewed this 21-minute film, it was his favorite of the six. I can see why he would say that. Here's how the producers describe it:
Prodigal Sons has been influenced by the work of the great Orson Welles. With its non-linear structure, its constantly moving cameras, its oblique angles, its sequence shots, and its direct narration, the film seeks to pay tribute to one of America’s greatest directors.
We anticipate a terrific worship experience together this Sunday. To celebrate the ending of the series, we've changed things up just a bit from our normal sequence. So come to Church Requel Sunday and celebrate with us!
Remember - our new location is at Ontario Christian Fellowship, 636 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, just one mile south of Richland Mall. See you Sunday at 6PM!
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Last weekend Church Requel enjoyed one of its favorite pastimes: Potluck! The word, potluck, was especially descriptive as everyone who came considered themselves especially lucky. Thanks to our in-house photographer, Stacie, we now have 24 photos to remind us of our first potluck at Ontario Christian Fellowship. (Update: I've been informed that Caleb Williams was also responsible for some of the pics. Thanks Caleb.) Enjoy! Click here to go to photo album.
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This past weekend's sermon has been one of my most enjoyable. Church Requel enjoyed some great fellowship together with a potluck and then a great worship service. And our topic of spiritual growth is one of my favorites. Growth is a natural result of a healthy spiritual life. What can keep us from being healthy spiritually? Join me in this video sermon as we study the parable of the sower from Matthew 13.
The Sower from Mark Pierce on Vimeo.
I've made the following resources available to assist you with this sermon:
All of the Church Requel sermons are available either in the CR Video Library or the CR Audio Library or you can listen on the Church Requel Audio Blog. Would you like to subscribe to the weekly audio podcast and receive the sermon each week? Subscribe here for iTunes or here for all other mp3 devices. You can also subscribe to the weekly video podcast! Would you like to read my notes for this sermon? Just click on the "Continue reading" link below.
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We had so much fun last night at Church Requel. First we enjoyed a potluck meal together. Then Nate Williams and the full band led us in one of the best worship sets we've ever experienced. Our communion and prayer service was sweet. We watched the 13-minute documentary on The Sower. We could have stopped there and would have had a great night.
But the Holy Spirit led me in a terrific message, which included corny jokes from my friend Bill Geiger. We were also interrupted by a thunderstorm when many had to run outside to get their car windows up. We also had an invitation for people to come to faith in the middle of the sermon. And we had some good instructional teaching on what growth means in our spiritual lives.
Growth is a natural result of a healthy spiritual life. What can keep us from being healthy spiritually? Join me in this audio sermon as we study the parable of the sower from Matthew 13.
Subscribe to this audio podcast! It's available every week on iTunes or for any other mp3 player.
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One thing I know about Church Requel folks is that you LOVE potluck suppers! And this Sunday evening we are planning on sharing a potluck meal together before our evening service. So begin thinking about what you would like to bring... and dreaming about all that you'd like to eat!
What are the rules? There are none really, except to come hungry! We're asking every person or family to bring one dish of any kind. That's it. It's also why we emphasize the "luck" in Potluck! We never know exactly what is going to show up. One thing I know for sure based on history is that no one ever goes home hungry! The church will provide all the plates, eating utensils and cups. We plan to begin the Potluck at 5PM, so you might want to show up in the fellowship hall a few minutes before that. If you don't know, the fellowship hall is directly beneath the chapel where we usually have our church service.
After our potluck meal, we'll go upstairs together and worship together. We have lots of great things in store for this weekend's service. Nate Williams has again organized a full band (including Stephen, Ryan, Dave and Haleigh.) It's great to see Dave back after a long time off. And it will be great to see Haleigh up front for the second time!
We'll be announcing the details of our next sermon series called "Belong," which will begin in a couple weeks. You'll want to hear all about this because we will be taking in our charter membership before the end of this year. Who knows? You may become a charter member of Church Requel!
We also have a very special Bible Reading for this weekend. Last week we had six different CR regulars record a video for us. You'll not only want to see the video of the reading (which is very good), but you'll also want to watch the bloopers reel after the service (which is hilarious!)
After our communion and prayer we'll watch this week's film, The Sower. Each week the style of our movie has been different and this week is no exception. The Sower is a documentary; although the documentary has seen many forms throughout its history, the producers have attempted a simple, self-narrated exploration of a farmer and his field. I'll be surprised if you don't learn something new.
After the movie, I've prepared a talk about The Sower Parable. We'll consider four ways we each can allow or deny God's Word to grow. I think the talk will be a good one and I'm looking forward to the way it may bless your Christian walk.
Remember - our location is now at Ontario Christian Fellowship, 636 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, just one mile south of Richland Mall. What a great weekend for Church Requel! See you Sunday at 6PM!
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The Widow and Judge parable teaches us to change our perception of God and our perception of our relationship with Him in our prayer life. Join me as we study Jesus' parable in Luke 18:1-8.
The Widow and Judge from Mark Pierce on Vimeo.
I have uploaded the following resources to support this sermon.
All of the Church Requel sermons are available either in the CR Video Library or the CR Audio Library or you can listen on the Church Requel Audio Blog. Would you like to subscribe to the weekly audio podcast and receive the sermon each week? Subscribe here for iTunes or here for all other mp3 devices. You can also subscribe to the weekly video podcast! Would you like to read my notes for this sermon? Just click on the "Continue reading" link below.
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The Widow and Judge parable teaches us to change our perception of God and our perception of our relationship with Him in our prayer life. Join me in this audio sermon as we study Jesus' parable from Luke 18:1-8.
Subscribe to this audio podcast! It's available every week on iTunes or for any other mp3 player.
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Mary Kay and I are back in town and getting back into the routine of life after our eight days of the surf and sun of a Myrtle Beach vacation. We are both looking forward to reconnecting with our many friends and family at Church Requel Sunday night. Frankly, we hope you missed us too. Though I have heard nothing but great reports of last weekend's CR service. I'm greatly appreciative of the CR leadership team and my brother Todd, who brought a great message on being a S.H.R.E.W.D. Christ-follower.
This weekend we move on to the parable of the Widow and Judge from Luke 18. We will learn about the special connection between our frequent talks with God and remaining steadfast in the midst of disappointment. The study time for me has been rich as I've prepared for this particular lesson and I'm really looking forward to getting back into teaching mode with you.
Others involved in this weekend's service include Nate Williams, who will lead our worship time. Also, for the first time ever on the Church Requel platform, will be Helga Rein playing her violin! You won't want to miss that. Nate told me that practice went very well and that Helga is most talented! Jean McKinney will read our Scripture.
Then we'll watch the 18-minute film from Modern Parables of "The Widow and Judge." This movie is based on the style of the film To Kill a Mockingbird directed by Robert Mulligan. Set in a small Southern town and presented in black and white, it attempts to paint a gentle portrait of an old widow. The film also bears the slight influence of Frederico Fellini’s masterful 8 1/2. Here is a one-minute preview!
Sunday night should be a very special time together. You won't want to miss it. In fact this would be a great opportunity to bring someone new to Church Requel. Remember - our location is now at Ontario Christian Fellowship, 636 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, just one mile south of Richland Mall. See you Sunday at 6PM!
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The parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16:1-13 is an ironic comedy about a dishonest farm manager who is fired and so must think quickly to figure out a way into his next job. This parable can easily be confusing. Fortunately Church Requel invited Pastor Todd Pierce to explain how we can be S.H.R.E.W.D. Christ-followers. I have often said that my brother is my favorite preacher. Here, Todd replaces me and gives me a chance to enjoy a week of vacation. Clearly this is a win win win. I got a chance to recharge my batteries. Todd got an opportunity to use his great gifts. And Church Requel got the chance to hear a great talk. Click below to see what I mean!
The Shrewd Manager from Mark Pierce on Vimeo.
We have made the following resources available for this sermon:
All of the Church Requel sermons are available either in the CR Video Library or the CR Audio Library or you can listen on the Church Requel Audio Blog. Would you like to subscribe to the weekly audio podcast and receive the sermon each week? Subscribe here for iTunes or here for all other mp3 devices. You can also subscribe to the weekly video podcast!
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This past Sunday night we watched an ironic comedy about a dishonest farm manager who is fired and so must think quickly to figure out a way into his next job. This is the parable of the shrewd manager, a parable that can easily be confusing. Fortunately Church Requel invited Pastor Todd Pierce to explain how we can be S.H.R.E.W.D. Christ-followers. Enjoy this audio sermon focused on Luke 16:1-13.
Subscribe to this audio podcast! It's available every week on iTunes or for any other mp3 player.
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This weekend those who attend Church Requel will be in for a special treat. Todd Pierce, brother to Pastor Mark, will be speaking on the topic of "How to Be a S.H.R.E.W.D. Christ-Follower."
We will be continuing the Modern Parables sermon series with a short film entitled, "The Shrewd Manager." Those who haven't already seen it should check out this one-minute preview. It is an ironic comedy about a dishonest farm manager who is fired and so must think quickly to figure out a way into his next job. The Shrewd Manager film, 18 minutes in length, tips its hat to Woody Allen with its long takes, simple zooms, and dry humor. The film was shot in Adairville, Kentucky and used a number of townspeople for extras.
Todd will follow with his talk from Luke 16:1-8 on becoming a shrewd Christ-follower. Many Bible students struggle to understand why Christ would hold up a dishonest manager as an example for them to follow. If this describes you in any way, you'll not want to miss out on Sunday evening.
Of course we'll all enjoy a great Church Requel worship night together. CR folks love to get together and talk and visit - so come early and stay late. Nate, Jean, and Jana will be leading our worship music and communion time. Mark Shaw will lead our prayers and Jana will read our Scripture reading.
Remember - our new location is at Ontario Christian Fellowship, 636 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, just one mile south of Richland Mall. Don't miss Church Requel this Sunday at 6PM!
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In this video sermon we learn four changes that must take place within us if we are to become compassionate Christ-followers. Join me as we consider the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37.
Samaritan from Mark Pierce on Vimeo.
I have made the following resources available for this sermon:
All of the Church Requel sermons are available either in the CR Video Library or the CR Audio Library or you can listen on the Church Requel Audio Blog. Would you like to subscribe to the weekly audio podcast and receive the sermon each week? Subscribe here for iTunes or here for all other mp3 devices. You can also subscribe to the weekly video podcast! Would you like to read my notes for this sermon? Just click on the "Continue reading" link below.
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In this talk we learn four changes that must take place within us if we are to become compassionate Christ-followers. Join me in this audio sermon as we consider the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37.
Subscribe to this audio podcast! It's available every week on iTunes or for any other mp3 player.
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Some people are naturally gifted to be merciful. Then there's the rest of us, and I'm most definitely including me in us! This week as I've studied the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, I've been thinking about Paul's instructions in Colossians 3:12 to "put on compassionate hearts." That statement, it seems to me, is not optional for the Christ-follower. So this weekend at Church Requel, we are going to take a most different slant in our teaching of the Samaritan. Think of it as "Compassion for the Rest of Us!"
Before the talk we'll watch the movie, "Samaritan." This film won "Best Narrative" for the 2007 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. The style is described by its creators as a tribute to the Swedish film director Ingmar Bergman. Modern Parables describes it this way: "We kept the camera still and tried to frame shots simply and with sensitivity to mise en scene. Our score uses a chamber ensemble for a more classical, austere sound."
Our worship team will be led by Nate Williams and will include Ryan, Stephen and Jana. Nate and Jana have also prepared special music for our communion time together. Nancy Roop will read the original Good Samaritan verses for us out of Luke 10.
It should be a very special service this weekend. So don't forget to use the tickets you received last weekend and invite someone new to Church Requel Sunday night.
Remember - our new location is at Ontario Christian Fellowship, 636 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, just one mile south of Richland Mall. See you Sunday at 6PM!
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