Spring Forth

Want to be better at faith and discipleship? Train daily. Motivation Text: 1 Timothy 4:7 - 8

Fifth Sunday of Easter / You're Invited Music by Marilyn Swanson -Carol Grady & Peg Puhl - Vocalists Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Spring cleaning can be soul renewing.

Fourth Sunday of Easter / Psalm 23 Music by Marilyn Swanson - Linda Luber - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Just how much do we need to speak? Motivation Text: Matthew 9:1 - 8

Third Sunday of Easter / Reboot Music by Marilyn Swanson  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Pastor Gentry muses on St. Paul ... again.

We are always in the Easter season.

Maundy Thursday  / Loving like Jesus Music by Marilyn Swanson  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Pastor Gentry invites listeners to cultivate the appropriate level of disgust to appreciate the Easter promise. Motivation Text: Hebrews 12:1-3

Palm-Passion Sunday  / Of one mind. Music by Marilyn Swanson - Vocalist Linda Luber Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Pastor Gentry muses about our need to model new beginnings for all people. Motivation text: Philippians 4.8-9

Fifth Sunday of Lent  / Written on our hearts. Music by Marilyn Swanson - Vocalist Robert Rowe Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Finding community and identity in the mundane. Motivation Text: Philippians 2: 5-11

Fourth Sunday of Lent  / Enjoy the middle ground. Music by Jacki Sloan  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

The power of testimony.

Third Sunday of Lent  / Ground Rules For A New Relationship. Marilyn Swanson - pianist  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

A marriage steeped in the Reformation. Motivation Text: Philippians 3:7-11

Second Sunday of Lent  / End of life extravaganza Marilyn Swanson - pianist / William Grady - Soloist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Pastor Gentry reflects on 500,000 Covid-19 deaths. Motivation text: Philippians 1:27-30

First Sunday of Lent  / No longer a children's story Marilyn Swanson - pianist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Ash Wednesday  / Beginning our Lenten Journey Oh, That The Lord Would Guide My Ways by Mr. Douglas Shaffer - Organist/Director of Music at the First United Methodist Church  in Cedar Falls, Iowa Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Transfiguration Sunday  / Preparing for the Lenten Journey Marilyn Swanson - pianist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Pastor Gentry highlights another useful spiritual practice.          Breath Prayer          Scripture References     “whoever enters into God’s rest…strive to enter into that rest” Heb 5:10-11 “Blessed are the poor in spirit" Mat 5:3 “God sent the spirit of His Son into our hearts Gal 4:6 “O God…for you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts” Ps 63:2 “our soul waits for the Lord” Ps 33:20 “better a handful of quietness” Ecc 4:6 “It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord.” Lam 325-26 “Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self control” Gal 6:22-23   “My soul rests in God alone” Ps 62:2 “be still before the Lord; wait for God.” Ps 37:7 “the Spirit of God dwells in you” 1 Cor 3:16 “the Lord is in his holy temple; silence before him” Hab 2:20 “We do not know how to pray … but the Spirit itself intercedes.” Rom 8:26 “I have stilled my soul” Ps 131:2 “be still and know that I am God.” Ps 46:11 “by waiting and calm you shall be saved; in quiet and trust your strength lies” Is 30:15 “think of what is above, not what is on earth” Col 3:2 “for my thoughts are not your thoughts” Is 55:8 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" Ps. 23:1 "...do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God"  Micah 6:8 "perfect love casts out fear" 1 John 4:18 "We love because he first loved us" 1 John 4:19 "Your people shall be my people, and your God my God." Ruth 1:16 "Choose life, that you and your offspring may live" Dt. 30:19

The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany / Removing our infirmities Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Taking our devotions outside.

The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany / Fighting possession Marilyn Swanson - pianist "Be Thou My Vision" performed by Linda Luber Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

What intentions do we have, when we talk to God? Motivation Text: Luke 18:9 - 14

The Third Sunday After Epiphany / Jonah: He's just like us. Piano music performed by Marilyn Swanson "Amazing Grace" performed by Leigh Vorwald and Jeff Gaunitz "I love to tell the story" performed by Linda Luber Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Additional music, produced and edited by William Gentry  © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Another meditation on prayer. Motivation Text: Galatians 5:15 - 26

The Second Sunday After Epiphany / When God Calls.... Music performed by Marilyn Swanson  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

A meditation on loving neighbor as self.  Motivation text: Luke 10:25 - 29

The Baptism of Jesus / Gateway Sacrament Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Linda Luber - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Today is the feast of Epiphany, Pastor Gentry reminds us to always look for the incarnate God in the everyday.

Second Sunday after Christmas-Epiphany / A New Path Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Bill and Carol Grady - Vocalists Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Pastor Gentry's final reflection for 2020.

First Sunday after Christmas / Heirs Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Robert Rowe - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

The final part of Pastor Gentry's 2020 Advent meditation.

The 4th Sunday of Advent / Highly Favored. Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Linda Luber - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Part three of a four part Advent meditation.

The 3rd Sunday of Advent / Who are you? Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Peggy Puhl and Carol Grady - Vocalists Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Part two of a four part Advent meditation.

The 2nd Sunday of Advent / Time for self-reflection Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Linda Luber - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Part one of a four part Advent meditation.

The 1st Sunday of Advent / A Distant God... Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Are you ready to embrace that odd Thanksgiving holiday you are planning?

Christ the King Sunday Pentecost 25 / Who are the least of these? This is a live recording from our November 22nd worship service.

We are not out of the Covid woods yet, best to pray....

The 24th Sunday of Pentecost / Letting God be God. Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Danielle Niehaus  - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Pastor Gentry called on people of faith make a solid investment in healing our communities. Motivation text: Mark 7:14 - 23 *Correction: The film is called The Social Dilemma and it features former Google employee Tristan Harris.

The 23rd Sunday of Pentecost / Lifelong work. Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Robert Rowe  - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

...

The 22nd Sunday of Pentecost / The most important label we wear. This is a live recording from our November 1st worship service. Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Peggy Puhl  - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Jesus is still waiting on us to find unity. Motivation Text: John 17:10 - 26

The 21st Sunday of Pentecost / Paul proclaims without deceit. This is a live recording from our October 25th worship service. Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Linda Luber  - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Are we a troublesome people? Motivation Text: Exodus 16:2 - 8

The 20th Sunday of Pentecost / Imitation of Christ. This is a live recording from our October 18th worship service. Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Linda Luber  - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Jude offers us advice on how to deal with contrary opinions. Motivation Text: Jude 1:17 - 23

The 19th Sunday of Pentecost / The Goal of Christian Community. This is a live recording from our October 11th worship service. Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and William Grady  - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Pastor Gentry muses on the healing of the Syrian commander Naaman. Motivation Text: 2 Kings 5:1 - 19

The 18th Sunday of Pentecost / Forgetting what lies behind. This is a live recording from our October 4th worship service. Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Robert Rowe - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Pastor Gentry ponders how a disrupted year has skewed our sense of community. Motivation text: 1 Kings 3:16 - 28

The 17th Sunday of Pentecost / Two sons. This is a live recording from our September 27th worship service. Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Pastor Gentry explores the seasons of life and how to handle them gracefully. Motivation Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1 - 8

The 16th Sunday of Pentecost / Jonah's jealousy. FB Video Link This is a live recording from our September 20th worship service. Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist and Linda Luber - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

The psalms of King David are a source of comfort. Motivation text: Ps. 102:18 - 28

The 15th Sunday of Pentecost / Forgiveness: Do it for selfish reasons FB Video Link This is a live recording from our September 13th worship service. Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Pastor Gentry encourages the faithful to challenge their communities of faith to teach them how to practice faith in action. Motivation Text: Galatians 6:1 - 10

The 14th Sunday of Pentecost / The debt we owe to our neighbor  FB Video Link This is a live recording from our September 6th worship service.  Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Pastor Gentry invites listeners to consider adopting a new online persona.  Motivation text: 1 Corinthians 9:19 - 23

The 13th Sunday of Pentecost / In so far as it depends on us.... This is a live recording from our August 30th worship service. FB Video Link Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Pastor Gentry continues to reflect on the importance of daily devotion.

The 12th Sunday of Pentecost / St. Paul's earnest appeal. This is a live recording from our August 23rd worship service. FB Video Link Music performed by Marilyn Swanson - Organist  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Pastor Gentry encourages us to dust off our shelves to reconnect with our lost treasures of spiritual knowledge.

The 11th Sunday of Pentecost /  Crumbs of Mercy This is a live recording from our August 16th worship service. FB Video Link Music performed by Jacki & Mike Sloan Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Pastor Gentry ponders the humility of face coverings.

The 10th Sunday of Pentecost /  Have you ever had that sinking feeling? This is a live recording from our August 9th worship service. FB Video Link Music performed by Jacki & Mike Sloan Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Pastor Gentry explores ways to set up a home altar or sacred space in anticipation of participating in remote Holy Communion. 

The 9th Sunday of Pentecost /  You give them something to eat. This is a live recording from our August 2nd worship service.  Video Link for FB  Music performed by Jacki & Mike Sloan  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Pastor Gentry reflects on changes to worship, both locally and remote.

The 8th Sunday of Pentecost /  What is the Realm of God like.... This is a live recording from our July 26th worship service. Video Link for FB Music performed by Jacki & Mike Sloan Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

The Seventh Sunday of Pentecost /  Wheat and Weeds This is a live recording from our July 19th worship service. Video Link for FB Music performed by Jacki & Mike Sloan Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

The Sixth Sunday of Pentecost / God, is an extravagant farmer. This is a live recording from our July 12th worship service. Video Link for FB Music performed by Jacki & Mike Sloan Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Jesus and the helping harness. This is a live recording from our July 5th worship service, back in our church space! Here is a link to the video feed. Today's music is performed by Leigh Vorwald & Jeff Gaunitz. Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

Being in the world.

Serving with everything we have.

Jesus sends us into the world.

Two pastors celebrate the Holy Spirit

Audio highlights from the live confirmation day worship service held at Turner Park in McGregor, Iowa on May 31. 2020.

Musings by Pastor Gentry as we close out the month of May Video Link

United in Christ Video link

The Advocate Video Link

A place for us. Video link

Lessons from the early Christian church. Video Link

Walking with Jesus. Video link

Doubting Thomas.  Video Link Please remember to support the church with your offering, follow this link to learn more.

Happy Easter friends and members of First Congregational Church of McGregor.  This podcast special is aimed at helping you get through the isolation blahs with word and song! Also for those of you wishing to get a bit of video time with your podcast, two video links are available for your worship pleasure.  Pastor Gentry's video message can be viewed here. This podcast features organ music by Mr. Douglas Shaffer - Organist/Director of Music at the First United Methodist Church  in Cedar Falls, Iowa In addition, we have a special music contribution from Mrs. Dawn Colsch - doing a rendition of "Blessings" by Laura Story you can see Dawn in action here. May your Easter be a happy one, thank you for listening and viewing.  Please remember to send your gift to support the ongoing ministry efforts of FCC McGregor! Christ is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654

The Way of the Cross - a devotional for Good Friday.

A message for Maundy Thursday.

A message for Palm Sunday.

A meditation on the raising of Lazarus.

A sermon meditation on John 9.