Grand View Dubuque Sermons

Pastor Tom discusses Mark's Gospel and the Parable of the Soils. This points us to consider what kind of soil we are - with the hope that we are all working at becoming better and better dirt!

This week, in "What's the Point?," Rev. Tom Shinkle looks at our call as Christians to care about people. In particular, what are we doing for those people that feel isolated and alone? How are we, as the Church, making opportunities for others to find true community and a group of Christian Friends? And, for those who are searching for this, how are you putting yourself out there to make new frie...

Christians should care about others and about the state of our culture and nation. In this week of "What's the Point?" Rev. Tom looks at the call to care for others - including those who may seem to be different or think differently than we do. How can we be more of an example of still loving other people when we disagree?

Rev. Tom continues looking at "What's the Point? What Should Christians Care About?" In week 2, all of us are challenged to look at what we are doing for ministry for our kids and youth. We can say that we care about the future generations, but what actions are we doing right now to make that known?

Rev. Tom kicks off the Grand View summer sermon series, "What's the Point?," by looking at the reality of apathy in our lives and in the world around us. With so much information, so many opportunities, and so much confusion - it's easy to say things like - "Meh." "Whatever." and "What's the Point?" Rev. Tom helps frame this situation and encourage us to find new hope and purpose in God's work.

Rev. Tom uses the inspiration from VBS 2022 and talks about what it means to be lighthouse people. First, we are called to receive the light that God offers us. And then, we are called to share that light with other people.

How do we keep our memories of people alive? We tell the stories. Rev. Tom Shinkle on this Memorial Day weekend looks at the promises and good news of the Christian faith and what the things are we should never forget. Never forget you matter, never forget Jesus died for you, never forget you belong in community, and many more. How do we keep these memories alive? Tell the stories of Jesus and the...

Rev. Tom Shinkle preaches about the theological and historical explanation for baptism. In the end, it is about God's work in you to bring you more deeply into the family of God and a proclamation of the faith you possess. This moving sermon led into Grand View's first "Baptism Sunday" with full immersion baptism.

Rev. Tom continues in our short series on Divine Healing by looking at examples of healings from Jesus ministry and asking, "What do these teach us about how God works today?" In the midst of any brokenness - physical, spiritual, relational, emotional - are you taking the time and asking God to heal you? And if you do ask, do you believe truly that God can make a difference?

Rev. Tom kicks off a short series about Divine Healing by looking at examples of healing found throughout the Gospels. If we believe God still works this same way, we can have hope for healing in our lives today. The toughest part is acknowledging that God, as a perfect parent, knows what's best for us even when we don't see it.

Rev. Tom shares the words God put on his heart this week - "You Belong Here." No matter who you are, where you're from, what differences we have - you belong here - you belong with Jesus, with Jesus' people, and - on this communion Sunday - you belong at Jesus' table. Why? Because People (every person) needs Jesus.

It's been 7 days since we celebrated Easter - "Jesus Christ is Risen Today." In this week's message, Rev. Tom asks all the simple questions - "How has it changed you?" If Easter is the ultimate win of God over death, evil, destruction, and darkness - how are you living differently because of that news? Are you looking for God in your life daily, and are you sharing the good news of Jesus with othe...

It's Easter Sunday! Death is defeated and God's light through Jesus is shining on us all! Rev. Tom uses the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus to look at how God can be present in our lives, shining on us all - if we take time to look for Him. May our prayer in this new season be, "Heaven let you light shine down," in me and through me.

On this Good Friday, Rev. Tom takes time to look at both what is good about Good Friday, and what was accomplished on Good Friday. Once we know what Jesus meant when he said, "It is Finished," it gives us as Jesus' followers hope and a promise to give those things in our life that are weighing us down to Jesus to finish for us. What do you need to let go of and let Jesus help you with?

On this Palm Sunday, Rev. Tom reminds us all that yes, for those gathered this could have been a joyful and hopeful parade entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. But Jesus knew the rest of the story, there was about to be a smackdown between God and Evil on Good Friday. Does evil still exist in this world? Who decides what's evil and what isn't? Is spiritual warfare still happening and what do Christians...

Following last week's message on Joy and Laughter, this week we look at Hope and how it is in plain sight, it's just sometimes hard to see. Alec Amosson walks us through first looking at our reality in the world, but then reminds us that as Jesus' people we have a different opportunity. How would your life look different if your hope was built on the solid foundation of Jesus?

It's the fourth week of Lent, and for many throughout Church history this means "Laughter Sunday." Also called "Holy Humor Sunday," "Lighten Up Sunday," or another name - this week is set apart to remember the gift of laughter that comes from God - it is in plain sight - don't miss it!

In week 2 of "In Plain Sight" Rev. Tom invited all to start keeping track and making note of the blessings we have in our lives. "Count your blessings, one by one." In this sermon, "Seeing Your Benefits," from week 3 of Lent 2022, Rev. Tom asks "What are the blessings you experience by being part of the Christian Community?" And, there are opportunities that come from being in the Christian Commun...

Jesus taught us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." How are you thanking God for the ways that he answers this simple prayer everyday? In the midst of a society that focuses on the things we don't have - and the things that have changed to be more expensive - how can we show gratitude to the God that still provides?

In this first week of Lent, Rev. Tom starts to unpack our Lenten theme "In Plain Sight" - seeing Jesus in the midst of the ordinary and the everyday. Specifically, this week, how do people see Jesus in your actions and in how you live in this world? We are called to act and live differently, so that others may see Jesus in us.

As we kick off Grand View's Lenten theme, "In Plain Sight," Rev. Tom starts this Ash Wednesday by acknowledging the frailty of life. And, instead of seeing that as a reason to be fearful, what if we all lived more fully into the life to which God has called us? How would these next 40 days be different if you moved from busy to intentionally seeking God everyday?

Rev. Tom finishes up the sermon series, "I Believe" by looking at the last parts of the Apostle's Creed. What does it mean to believe in the "communion of saints," especially in a world that focuses on the differences between people - not the unity? How can we as Christians live differently to find those essentials that we share and live counter our culture?

Rev. Tom Shinkle continues breaking down and looking at some of the most basic, agreed upon tenants of the Christian Faith - this week with the role of the Church. In particular, what does it mean for us to be a part of a "Holy, Catholic Church" as it says in the Apostle's Creed? How does that change our actions as the church and in the world?

Rev. Tom continues talking about the tradition Christian beliefs by looking at the third person of the trinity - the Holy Spirit. What is the Holy Spirit? What are common misconceptions about the Holy Spirit? And, what do you believe about the Holy Spirit?

Rev. Tom continues the "I Believe" sermon series by looking into the traditional Christian views on Jesus - including his saving work on the cross. What does the Apostle's Creed say about Jesus? What does the Bible tell us about the work and person of Jesus? And, what do YOU believe about Jesus?