Audio file of Christmas II Sermon by Mother Barb Russo.
Sermons from Father Phil Eberhart Resurrection Anglican Fellowship Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA
About Me
- Fr. Phil+
- Pastor at Resurrection Anglican Fellowship in Greenwood Village, CO
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Christmas Eve 2019
https://www.spreaker.com/user/4720376
Click for audio file of Fr Phil Eberhart Christmas Eve sermon
THE BEST GIFT ... EVER!
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Christ the King Sunday with Africa Pix
Christ the King Sunday
November 24, 2019
Fr. Phil Eberhart
I feel like I need to be three people this morning - a trinity ... or maybe just wear three hats.
The regular sermon hat... this is the last Sunday of the Church year and our subject is Christ, The King!
The missionary hat... having just come back last week from Africa... some want to see pics and hear stories.
And the big hat in the back... is the wrap up of our Giving ... our generosity campaign for next year's pledges. So far we've gotten in three maybe four!
If you want to be thinking about that, we're going to actually give everyone some time to pray and fill it out before leaving today! Every bulletin has a tear off last page for your use!
So let me put on my Africa hat first... actually my South African Rugby hat. They won the world cup in Japan three weeks ago!
Time in Africa was great. I went to attend the graduation of our medical student, Olivier, from the University of Rwanda on the 8th.
It was a soccer stadium ceremony with the Prime Minister as the speaker! There were several thousand graduating.
Our Olivier graduated with honors and has been chosen to represent the medical school with his professor at a symposium on Community Health in Istanbul in early December! He will sit for the national board's exam in March.
That will grant him a license to practice in Rwanda, everything except surgical procedures.
Needless to say, we had a joyful and bumpy ride to home in Ngarama, with the diocesan Archdeacon, a friend since my 2007 trip, joining us. We were welcomed at the Parish by the new pastor and the old one, both Jean de Dieu! We grew in fellowship and partnership more deeply through this celebration of one of their native son's success.
I was also able to meet with Peter, our business student, who graduates next year. Both of our young men are anxious to get to work and make a difference in the world, and we're hoping they will work with us in their respective capacities in the Rwandan Hope Project.
==================================
Let me switch hats to the regular Rez hat. The thing about Christ, the King that I want to bear witness to is the concept of His Sovereignty!
We really don't have any idea here in America how to even think about having a king! We just need to say it.
Sovereignty means that God thinks He's in charge! That he's in control. ... like ACTUALLY in control!
We have developed a history here at Rez of expectation! We expect that God is going to set up what we call "divine appointments." Meet ups, new faces, God-incidences... things that prove He's in charge and in control, no matter what the circumstances appear to be.
Just one Africa story here... on the morning I was flying from Kigali to Johannesburg, I and Pius went to our favorite coffee shop for breakfast. I was scheduled to meet the new bishop of Kigali. He didn't make it. Fr. Stanley did make it.
But wait there's more!
There was a bible study with American business men going on at the next table!
We engaged a few of them in conversation on their way out and it turned out the three guys that talked with us were the owner and a board member of Asiili Oils, a moringa oil producer in Kigali that we've known about for two plus years. And a missionary who works in Rwanda with Farming God's Way. Both of these contacts are vital to the agricultural development that we're engaged with in Rwanda! And as it turns out was a precursor to my time in South Africa.
Nothing is wasted in God's economy, nor in God's time! As Oak used to say, "His ways are perfect!"
So let me key off of that thought to encourage you to consider your commitment for this next year. Because of all these divine appointments I was headed to the airport at 910 for a 1010 flight!
It was clear that all that had happened in the hour before was straight from the Throne! And so, rather than feeling anxious about possibly missing the flight I thought of what I've been preaching about for a month:
This is a Rez translation...
"Live, I beg you brothers and sisters, with your eyes wide open to the mercies of God! Give yourself fully to Him as a living sacrifice. It's the most reasonable response you can have as you worship God for his amazing grace, favor and provision."
I was suddenly at complete peace on the way to the airport. He had all of this "in hand! " And He has all of this "in hand. "
And everything that concerns you ... every one of you... is well "in hand."
That, my friends, is what it means for us to have Jesus Christ as King!
Let's pray.
Tear the back sheet off of your bulletin and hold it.
Great and holy God, our Father.
We declare our whole trust is in You.
With all our heart we trust in You Lord.
Say it...
With all MY heart I trust in You Lord.
We declare that we are not leaning on our own understanding.
Say it...
I LEAN NOT ON MY OWN UNDERSTANDING.
We declare our acknowledgement of You in all our ways...
I ACKNOWLEDGE YOU LORD IN ALL MY WAYS.
We declare that Your ways Jesus, will be ours...
I WILL WALK IN YOUR WAYS, LORD, AS YOU LEAD ME DAY BY DAY.
And so, Lord, work in us and through us as we commit our way to you.
For the sake of your kingdom, Lord Jesus, and the fame of your name.
Amen
November 24, 2019
Fr. Phil Eberhart
I feel like I need to be three people this morning - a trinity ... or maybe just wear three hats.
The regular sermon hat... this is the last Sunday of the Church year and our subject is Christ, The King!
The missionary hat... having just come back last week from Africa... some want to see pics and hear stories.
And the big hat in the back... is the wrap up of our Giving ... our generosity campaign for next year's pledges. So far we've gotten in three maybe four!
If you want to be thinking about that, we're going to actually give everyone some time to pray and fill it out before leaving today! Every bulletin has a tear off last page for your use!
So let me put on my Africa hat first... actually my South African Rugby hat. They won the world cup in Japan three weeks ago!
Time in Africa was great. I went to attend the graduation of our medical student, Olivier, from the University of Rwanda on the 8th.
Our Olivier graduated with honors and has been chosen to represent the medical school with his professor at a symposium on Community Health in Istanbul in early December! He will sit for the national board's exam in March.
That will grant him a license to practice in Rwanda, everything except surgical procedures.
Needless to say, we had a joyful and bumpy ride to home in Ngarama, with the diocesan Archdeacon, a friend since my 2007 trip, joining us. We were welcomed at the Parish by the new pastor and the old one, both Jean de Dieu! We grew in fellowship and partnership more deeply through this celebration of one of their native son's success.
I was also able to meet with Peter, our business student, who graduates next year. Both of our young men are anxious to get to work and make a difference in the world, and we're hoping they will work with us in their respective capacities in the Rwandan Hope Project.
==================================
Let me switch hats to the regular Rez hat. The thing about Christ, the King that I want to bear witness to is the concept of His Sovereignty!
We really don't have any idea here in America how to even think about having a king! We just need to say it.
Sovereignty means that God thinks He's in charge! That he's in control. ... like ACTUALLY in control!
We have developed a history here at Rez of expectation! We expect that God is going to set up what we call "divine appointments." Meet ups, new faces, God-incidences... things that prove He's in charge and in control, no matter what the circumstances appear to be.
Just one Africa story here... on the morning I was flying from Kigali to Johannesburg, I and Pius went to our favorite coffee shop for breakfast. I was scheduled to meet the new bishop of Kigali. He didn't make it. Fr. Stanley did make it.
But wait there's more!
There was a bible study with American business men going on at the next table!
We engaged a few of them in conversation on their way out and it turned out the three guys that talked with us were the owner and a board member of Asiili Oils, a moringa oil producer in Kigali that we've known about for two plus years. And a missionary who works in Rwanda with Farming God's Way. Both of these contacts are vital to the agricultural development that we're engaged with in Rwanda! And as it turns out was a precursor to my time in South Africa.
Nothing is wasted in God's economy, nor in God's time! As Oak used to say, "His ways are perfect!"
So let me key off of that thought to encourage you to consider your commitment for this next year. Because of all these divine appointments I was headed to the airport at 910 for a 1010 flight!
It was clear that all that had happened in the hour before was straight from the Throne! And so, rather than feeling anxious about possibly missing the flight I thought of what I've been preaching about for a month:
This is a Rez translation...
"Live, I beg you brothers and sisters, with your eyes wide open to the mercies of God! Give yourself fully to Him as a living sacrifice. It's the most reasonable response you can have as you worship God for his amazing grace, favor and provision."
I was suddenly at complete peace on the way to the airport. He had all of this "in hand! " And He has all of this "in hand. "
And everything that concerns you ... every one of you... is well "in hand."
That, my friends, is what it means for us to have Jesus Christ as King!
Let's pray.
Tear the back sheet off of your bulletin and hold it.
Great and holy God, our Father.
We declare our whole trust is in You.
With all our heart we trust in You Lord.
Say it...
With all MY heart I trust in You Lord.
We declare that we are not leaning on our own understanding.
Say it...
I LEAN NOT ON MY OWN UNDERSTANDING.
We declare our acknowledgement of You in all our ways...
I ACKNOWLEDGE YOU LORD IN ALL MY WAYS.
We declare that Your ways Jesus, will be ours...
I WILL WALK IN YOUR WAYS, LORD, AS YOU LEAD ME DAY BY DAY.
And so, Lord, work in us and through us as we commit our way to you.
For the sake of your kingdom, Lord Jesus, and the fame of your name.
Amen
Friday, November 15, 2019
Audio of Mother Barb Russo on the Case for the Resurrection
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/19959867
Monday, November 4, 2019
2020 Giving Worksheet
2020 Giving Worksheet (PRINTABLE)
2020 Stewardship Commitment Worksheet
Resurrection Anglican Fellowship
P O Box 2127 Centennial, CO
REZANGLICAN@AOL.COM
--------------------
(Note: If you desire to give anonymously, please leave the top part blank and mail to the above box number or return this portion in the offering plate by Nov 17, 2019)
Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone numbers:
Home:
Mobile:
( ) please check if you text on your mobile
Email address:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check all that apply;
( ) Member of REZ
( ) Regular Attender/Giver
( ) Occasional Attender/Giver
( ) Non-attending giver
( ) One time gift
( ) Special needs/projects giver
( ) Friend of REZ on Facebook
( ) I/We receive the weekly CC email or
( ) I/We would like to receive it.
My / Our giving commitment ;
( ) Annual $____________________
( ) Quarterly $____________________ X 4
( ) Monthly $ ___________________ X 12
( ) Bi-monthly $___________________ X 24
( ) Weekly $ ___________________ X 52
( ) Special $ ___________________
Total Giving Commitment $_______________
If you desire to give to the building and the "Capital campaign" needs please do so by checking here [ ] and include a separate check with this worksheet.
( ) I am interested in talking about giving non-liquid assets to REZ. (Car, business interests or stocks/bonds/insurance assets) (This may be accomplished by setting up a donor-advised fund through the National Christian Foundation and can have huge tax benefits. Ask Fr. Phil or Pam Bradbury for info or to set up a consultation appointment)
( ) I would like to give through my bank, bank card or other fund transfer methods.
We encourage you to set up a regular transfer through your bank's automatic payment system. We can help you get it set up.
Please call with questions
Fr. Phil 720-219-0055.
God will bless you as you give.
Fr. Phil Eberhart+
2020 Stewardship Commitment Worksheet
Resurrection Anglican Fellowship
P O Box 2127 Centennial, CO
REZANGLICAN@AOL.COM
--------------------
(Note: If you desire to give anonymously, please leave the top part blank and mail to the above box number or return this portion in the offering plate by Nov 17, 2019)
Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone numbers:
Home:
Mobile:
( ) please check if you text on your mobile
Email address:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check all that apply;
( ) Member of REZ
( ) Regular Attender/Giver
( ) Occasional Attender/Giver
( ) Non-attending giver
( ) One time gift
( ) Special needs/projects giver
( ) Friend of REZ on Facebook
( ) I/We receive the weekly CC email or
( ) I/We would like to receive it.
My / Our giving commitment ;
( ) Annual $____________________
( ) Quarterly $____________________ X 4
( ) Monthly $ ___________________ X 12
( ) Bi-monthly $___________________ X 24
( ) Weekly $ ___________________ X 52
( ) Special $ ___________________
Total Giving Commitment $_______________
If you desire to give to the building and the "Capital campaign" needs please do so by checking here [ ] and include a separate check with this worksheet.
( ) I am interested in talking about giving non-liquid assets to REZ. (Car, business interests or stocks/bonds/insurance assets) (This may be accomplished by setting up a donor-advised fund through the National Christian Foundation and can have huge tax benefits. Ask Fr. Phil or Pam Bradbury for info or to set up a consultation appointment)
( ) I would like to give through my bank, bank card or other fund transfer methods.
We encourage you to set up a regular transfer through your bank's automatic payment system. We can help you get it set up.
Please call with questions
Fr. Phil 720-219-0055.
God will bless you as you give.
Fr. Phil Eberhart+
2020 Giving Letter
Nov 1, 2019
Dear friend,
God has brought us nearly to the finish line on our building project. Some still remains for us to raise and likely some more to finance, as the year draws to its close. I can't even tell you how important your part in this has been! Whether giving sacrificially or praying overtime or, hopefully, both, we're all vitally important to the work that God is doing in and through Rez.
As 2019 ends we will enter fully into a new life as a congregation, one in which, we believe, God's purpose and plan for us as a congregation will be most fully revealed. We are a congregation moving into our destiny and we are all called to this journey.
2020 will be crucial for us as we transition from the mess and stress of construction to a more settled pace of "normal" life in our parish. I believe that our calling to be a worshipping, loving, healing, welcoming Family of God will remain central to who we are and what we will do in the coming years.
But even more than that, God is calling us to grow! Already we're seeing a number of new faces, many of whom are excited to be here and already finding their places of gifting and service in our midst.
All of this takes money! Big revelation! All of us have gone the extra mile, some 2 and some 10 miles, to get Rez to the place we're at right now. We cannot stop! As we move into 2020, I'm asking you to continue to give generously and hilariously! We have not finished, we've just begun.
Please look at the worksheet that is attached and pray about your giving in the light of God's favor and his supply. All that we have is from Him, and it's in that knowledge that we return a portion to His House, in thanksgiving and in loving obedience to his leading.
May God richly bless you as you give throughout this next year.
Fr. Phil Eberhart
Rector
Resurrection Anglican Fellowship
Dear friend,
God has brought us nearly to the finish line on our building project. Some still remains for us to raise and likely some more to finance, as the year draws to its close. I can't even tell you how important your part in this has been! Whether giving sacrificially or praying overtime or, hopefully, both, we're all vitally important to the work that God is doing in and through Rez.
As 2019 ends we will enter fully into a new life as a congregation, one in which, we believe, God's purpose and plan for us as a congregation will be most fully revealed. We are a congregation moving into our destiny and we are all called to this journey.
2020 will be crucial for us as we transition from the mess and stress of construction to a more settled pace of "normal" life in our parish. I believe that our calling to be a worshipping, loving, healing, welcoming Family of God will remain central to who we are and what we will do in the coming years.
But even more than that, God is calling us to grow! Already we're seeing a number of new faces, many of whom are excited to be here and already finding their places of gifting and service in our midst.
All of this takes money! Big revelation! All of us have gone the extra mile, some 2 and some 10 miles, to get Rez to the place we're at right now. We cannot stop! As we move into 2020, I'm asking you to continue to give generously and hilariously! We have not finished, we've just begun.
Please look at the worksheet that is attached and pray about your giving in the light of God's favor and his supply. All that we have is from Him, and it's in that knowledge that we return a portion to His House, in thanksgiving and in loving obedience to his leading.
May God richly bless you as you give throughout this next year.
Fr. Phil Eberhart
Rector
Resurrection Anglican Fellowship
The Joy of Giving Up, Part 4
November 3, 2019
Part 4... The Joy of Giving Up
Fr. Phil Eberhart
Now for the rest of the story!
There was a discussion between three pastors, a Baptist, a Pentecostal and an Anglican. They were discussing how the offering is divided in each church between our needs and God's. How much does God get and how much do we get?
The Baptist pastor said they drew a circle on the floor, threw the money up and what fell inside the lines of the circle was God's and outside was theirs.
The Pentecostal pastor said just the opposite. What fell outside the lines was God's and inside was the church's.
The Anglican pastor, wanting to be the most inclusive, said, "No circles for us Anglicans. We just throw it up in the air: What God wants He can keep!
______________
This morning I want to give you, actually... remind you, of what Paul Harvey used to call, "the rest of the story."
Today is the Feast of All Saints! But I dare say that few of the actual Saints would claim that the day or even their "saint hood" waswasU about them. I think it's probably some kind of a prerequisite that real saints know Who it's all about.
And WHO the main ACTOR is in all of this drama we call our life.
Paul said it's "in Him we live and move and have our being! " Later the writer to the Hebrews says, "He is both the Author and the Finisher of our faith." Jesus own words tell us that "apart from Me ... you can do ... NOTHING!"
Friends, the joy we're talking about isn't just from the act of giving, that is simply an overflow - an outcome of a life that is GIVEN UP.
Remember the old 50's song, where you threw your hands up in the air and sang with the tune, "I surrender - I Surrender!"
That is a life that is GIVEN UP. A surrendered life; one that is counted as no longer your own. This kind of talk is everywhere in the New Testament writings. In Jesus' words and throughout the whole body of the letters!
You must die to self to live for God!
"Take up your cross daily," Jesus said.
"It's no longer I who live," Paul said,
"But Christ who lives in me."
And it's not just in the New Testament either.
Over and over and over through the whole history of God's dealings with us, the people He created, He reminds himself, "I know that you are dust."
God takes both the initiative to call us; to pursue us... and the responsibility to finish for us what we cannot complete for ourselves.
Over and over again God said, "I will do it. I will take your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh!"
"I am the faithful One and I will do it."
My point here is that all we are doing is following... we are willing participants, we are available to Him and His purposes and we are obedient to his direction in the moment. Whether it be in offering a smile to a stranger or writing a check for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, whenever and whatever we do, we are following Jesus' leadership. It's His direction we walk, not ours.
That is a "surrendered heart... a surrendered life"
Willing ... Available ... Obedient.
In his little book , Absolute Surrender, Rev Andrew Murray says...
O, become nothing in deep reality, and, as a worker, study only one thing—to become poorer and lower and more helpless, that Christ may work all in you.
Commenting on The Vine and branches of John 15, Murray says...
"Christ Jesus said: “I am the Vine, ye are the branches.” In other words: “I, the living One who have so completely given myself to you, am the Vine. You cannot trust me too much. I am the Almighty Worker, full of a divine life and power.” You are the branches of the Lord Jesus Christ. If there is in your heart the consciousness that you are not a strong, healthy, fruit-bearing branch, not closely linked with Jesus, not living in Him as you should be—then listen to Him say: “I am the Vine, I will receive you, I will draw you to myself, I will bless you, I will strengthen you, I will fill you with my Spirit. I, the Vine, have taken you to be my branches, I have given myself utterly to you; children, give yourselves utterly to me. I have surrendered myself as God absolutely to you; I became man and died for you that I might be entirely yours. Come and surrender yourselves entirely to be mine"
Simple, not easy.
Let's pray.
This is the covenant prayer by the Rev John Wesley.
Please repeat it after me...
[93. A Daily Covenant Prayer
Prayed daily by John Wesley]
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt,
rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing,
put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee
or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee
or brought low for thee.
Let me be full,
let me be empty.
Let me have all things,
let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratifed in heaven.
Amen
Part 4... The Joy of Giving Up
Fr. Phil Eberhart
Now for the rest of the story!
There was a discussion between three pastors, a Baptist, a Pentecostal and an Anglican. They were discussing how the offering is divided in each church between our needs and God's. How much does God get and how much do we get?
The Baptist pastor said they drew a circle on the floor, threw the money up and what fell inside the lines of the circle was God's and outside was theirs.
The Pentecostal pastor said just the opposite. What fell outside the lines was God's and inside was the church's.
The Anglican pastor, wanting to be the most inclusive, said, "No circles for us Anglicans. We just throw it up in the air: What God wants He can keep!
______________
This morning I want to give you, actually... remind you, of what Paul Harvey used to call, "the rest of the story."
Today is the Feast of All Saints! But I dare say that few of the actual Saints would claim that the day or even their "saint hood" waswasU about them. I think it's probably some kind of a prerequisite that real saints know Who it's all about.
And WHO the main ACTOR is in all of this drama we call our life.
Paul said it's "in Him we live and move and have our being! " Later the writer to the Hebrews says, "He is both the Author and the Finisher of our faith." Jesus own words tell us that "apart from Me ... you can do ... NOTHING!"
Friends, the joy we're talking about isn't just from the act of giving, that is simply an overflow - an outcome of a life that is GIVEN UP.
Remember the old 50's song, where you threw your hands up in the air and sang with the tune, "I surrender - I Surrender!"
That is a life that is GIVEN UP. A surrendered life; one that is counted as no longer your own. This kind of talk is everywhere in the New Testament writings. In Jesus' words and throughout the whole body of the letters!
You must die to self to live for God!
"Take up your cross daily," Jesus said.
"It's no longer I who live," Paul said,
"But Christ who lives in me."
And it's not just in the New Testament either.
Over and over and over through the whole history of God's dealings with us, the people He created, He reminds himself, "I know that you are dust."
God takes both the initiative to call us; to pursue us... and the responsibility to finish for us what we cannot complete for ourselves.
Over and over again God said, "I will do it. I will take your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh!"
"I am the faithful One and I will do it."
My point here is that all we are doing is following... we are willing participants, we are available to Him and His purposes and we are obedient to his direction in the moment. Whether it be in offering a smile to a stranger or writing a check for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, whenever and whatever we do, we are following Jesus' leadership. It's His direction we walk, not ours.
That is a "surrendered heart... a surrendered life"
Willing ... Available ... Obedient.
In his little book , Absolute Surrender, Rev Andrew Murray says...
O, become nothing in deep reality, and, as a worker, study only one thing—to become poorer and lower and more helpless, that Christ may work all in you.
Commenting on The Vine and branches of John 15, Murray says...
"Christ Jesus said: “I am the Vine, ye are the branches.” In other words: “I, the living One who have so completely given myself to you, am the Vine. You cannot trust me too much. I am the Almighty Worker, full of a divine life and power.” You are the branches of the Lord Jesus Christ. If there is in your heart the consciousness that you are not a strong, healthy, fruit-bearing branch, not closely linked with Jesus, not living in Him as you should be—then listen to Him say: “I am the Vine, I will receive you, I will draw you to myself, I will bless you, I will strengthen you, I will fill you with my Spirit. I, the Vine, have taken you to be my branches, I have given myself utterly to you; children, give yourselves utterly to me. I have surrendered myself as God absolutely to you; I became man and died for you that I might be entirely yours. Come and surrender yourselves entirely to be mine"
Simple, not easy.
Let's pray.
This is the covenant prayer by the Rev John Wesley.
Please repeat it after me...
[93. A Daily Covenant Prayer
Prayed daily by John Wesley]
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt,
rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing,
put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee
or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee
or brought low for thee.
Let me be full,
let me be empty.
Let me have all things,
let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratifed in heaven.
Amen
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