Grand View Dubuque Sermons

On this first day of the new year, Alec Amosson looks at the opportunity we have to set our priorities and purpose fresh this year. If we believe God has redeemed us through the work of Jesus - we should be living differently with a purpose. How would your year look different if you truly believed that and lived into that purpose?

Have you ever been given a surprise gift for Christmas? How did that make you feel? Think of the surprise that was found in the birth of Jesus. Not what they were expecting, not in the way they were expecting - the birth of Jesus was a prophesied event, but nevertheless it was a surprise. This Christmas, how has Jesus' birth changed anything for you? How can this Christmas be different and give yo...

On this most special night of the year, we look at the importance of light in the Christian story. Jesus came into the world to be light in the midst of the darkness that was all around. That was true then, and it is true for us now. What darkness do you need Jesus to shine light into for you this year? And, how can you better know and live into God's love for you this season?

In week 4 of our advent sermon series, "Redeeming Christmas," Rev. Tom looks at the history of the Christmas tree. How does the Christmas Tree represent the different trees that you hear of in the Bible? How has God used trees to help redeem you? And, in this season, how can you help other people hear and know the story of God's redemption in their life?

Following up from last week's sermon on "Redeeming Santa," Rev. Tom this week looks at our history of gift giving for Christmas. Giving gifts to one another is not a bad tradition - but it is worth taking time to look at what we give and why we give. What could you give to someone in your life this year to help them grow in their connection with God and the Christian Community?

In week 2 of "Redeeming Christmas" Rev. Tom looks at the history and importance of Santa (aka St. Nicholas). The true story of the man Saint Nicholas helps us understand how we can redeem the importance of Santa. This Christmas/Advent season, how can you start to ask "What can I give to others?" more than asking "What am I getting from others?"

Rev. Tom kicks off Grand View's Advent sermon series, "Redeeming Christmas" by giving the background that got us to how we celebrate the holiday today. And, in the midst of all that the world does to celebrate Christmas, how can we as Christians use even secular themes to point us to the birth of Jesus? Some say, "culture takes the Christ out of Christmas" - but, is that true for you? Only you can...

In week 4 of "Can I Get a Witness," Alec Amosson looks at the phrase - "You'll Never Believe What I've Seen" and how that should be true when we talk about Jesus and the church. Our hope and prayer is that everyone has had an unbelievable experience with God through the church. So, what's the next step? 1) Go out and tell other people about it. 2) Keep following the ways of Jesus so that others th...

Rev. Tom continues Grand View's series "Can I Get a Witness?" by looking at Jesus' call to his people to be salt and light in the world. How does that look in our world today? What influence do you have in the people around you to help point them to Jesus?

Rev. Tom takes time on this communion Sunday to look at our call to not only receive grace and mercy from God - but to also give it. When you are in situations where you feel out of control, confused, frustrated, or worried - are you showing the same kind of love, grace, and forgiveness that God shows you? And, as Grand View and other United Methodist Churches look at their future - how can we hav...

In week 1 of the new series, "Can I Get a Witness?", Rev. Tom looks at the call for all people to share Jesus in their everyday lives. It may be through words, or it may be through how you chose to live your life - different than those around us. This week take time to look back on those Christian Influences in your life and how they impacted your journey with Jesus - and give thanks for them.

Joshua 1:9 reminds the people in the bible and reminds us today that God promises to be with us, therefore we should be strong and confident. In this week's message about "Damka Matters" past mission trip participants Melissa, Blaine, Joie, and Matt share their stories and encourage you to act! How are you called to either support this ministry, or how are you called by God to be in ministry in yo...

Rev. Tom takes time to revisit and remind the congregation of how God has been at work through Grand View since 2012 with the people of Damka, Nigeria. This partnership is Grand View's best attempt at letting God work through the church as we try to live out the scriptures: "Serve the Least of These," and "Here I Am, Send Me."

As Grand View finishes up reading the Gospel of Mark as part of Grand View Reads, Rev. Tom Shinkle looks at some challenging teaching from Jesus in the end of this book. What does it mean for Jesus' followers to be able to withstand snakes and poison? Rev. Tom look at this call and promise from Jesus as an invitation and reminder that with God, you can handle any of the poison and evil that is fou...

On this World Communion Sunday 2022, Rev. Tom reminds us of the importance of communion - not just the bread and juice - but what they represent. The main thing for the church is to help people be in connection with God and with God's people. Starting today, may we be reminded that all we do must move people into deeper connection.

"You Will" ...be strengthened. This promise from God to God's people is not that you will be physically strong to do impressive things - but rather that you can endure, you can get through, you can come out the other side of any battle or issue with God's strength.

What do you do in those times where it feels like you are surrounded by fear? In this week's Big Promise, Rev. Tom looks at God's promise to Israel, God's promise to the early disciples, and God's promise to you - "You Are...not alone."

In Week 2 of "Big Promises," Rev. Tom looks at the promises made to the community in Jeremiah 29 - promises of hope, purpose, and a future. How do those promises look for our community today and for the people that make up that community? Especially after failing God, how do you know God has a bigger, better plan for you yet?

Rev. Tom Shinkle kicks off this new sermon series, "Big Promises," by looking at the promise of God's ability to do anything - and your ability to do anything with God. In Mark 11, Jesus teaches his disciples to speak to the mountains and they will be moved. What are the mountains in your life? And, do you believe that with faith in God YOU CAN overcome them?

Whether you have kids or not, the back to school season impacts our lives and the life of the church - it serves as a mile marker to the last four months of the year. Rev. Tom looks at this reality and Mark 10 to ask - What are your expectations? and What are your hopes? In this week's message Rev. Tom clearly defines how these two are different and how focusing on one leads to a better, God-cente...

Alec Amosson continues the series, "The Gospel According to Grand View," by looking at the importance of having both something old and something new. We at Grand View, and hopefully us all as Christians, value the importance of the Bible, the Creeds, and the historic understanding of the Trinity as the basis of our faith. It's only from that strong foundation that we can look at doing new things t...

Alec Amosson continues our series, The Gospel According to Grand View, by looking at the emphases at Grand View of the Bible and positive relationships (between God and God's people.) We are called to be in God's words so that we may know him more - and that we may find others that share a similar foundation. When is the last time you opened your Bible? What is your foundation?

Week 2 of the series, "The Gospel According to Grand View" is like no worship celebration we've done before at Grand View. This special time of worship focuses on music - in particular the songs that help define our worshipping body and the scriptures and stories behind them. Through readings, singing, prayers, and teaching may we all connect more deeply with the God that we worship and live lives...

Rev. Tom kicks off a new sermon series at Grand View, "The Gospel According to Grand View" by looking at 2 things that are central to how we live the faith out in our Christian Community. It's not the Gospel of Grand View, but rather it's about how we embody and follow what Jesus taught us. This includes our understanding that Jesus is available to all - and all means all; and we are called to Lov...

One of the things Christians should care about: our spiritual health and salvation / getting right with God. But do we understand salvation? Many people "bumped into Jesus," or had contact with him when he was in a crowd. Yet not all of them were changed nor saved just from this casual or accidental contact. But there was a woman who deeply believed Jesus could heal her and deliver her from sickne...