Spring Forth

Season 4 - Episode 16 To Live Again

Season 4 - Episode 15 By the Well

Season 4 - Episode 14 Nic @ Night

Season 4 - Episode 13 The Safety Harness of Hope

Season 4 - Episode 12 Up A Mountain

Season 4 - Episode 11 A choice to make.

Season 4 / Episode 10 Salt and Light

Season 4 / Episode 9 Micah’s Call for God’s People

Season 4 - Episode 8 ”Immediately”

Season 4 / Episode 7 ”Come and See”

Season 4 / Episode 6

Season 4 / Episode 5 A message for the first Sunday after Christmas

Season 4 / Episode 4 A message for Christmas Day

Season 4 / Episode 3  A Message for Christmas Eve

Season 4 / Episode 2 Advent 3 / Shouts or Whispers

Season 4 / Episode 1 Advent 2 / Redemption via Repentance  

Today in Paradise a sermon for the Reign of Christ Sunday. www.fccmcgregor.org YouTube Facebook 

Season 3 / Episode 57 Pentecost 3 / Freedom to...

Season 3 - Episode 56  Trinity Sunday / The Spirit of Truth

Season 3 - Episode 55 The Day of Pentecost / New Wine

Season 3 - Episode 54 Easter 7 / What Must Be Done

Season 3 - Episode 53 Easter 6 / Judged Worthy

Season 3 - Episode 52 Motivation Text: Mark 8:31 - 33

Season 3 - Episode 51 Easter 5 / Bring Them Inside

Season 3 - Episode 50 Motivation Text: Ecclesiastes 7:16 - 22

Season 3 - Episode 49 Where did the passion go for church involvement?

Season 3 - Episode 48 Easter 3 / A New Perspective

Season 3 - Episode 47 Daily devotions are a wonderful spiritual practice that keep us tethered to the word of God in small but signifiganct ways. Any time spent reflecting on the scriptures is always time well spent. 

Season 3 / Episode 46 Easter 2 / If Only I Could See

Season 3 - Episode 45

Season 3 - Episode 44 Easter / To Be Believed

Season 3 - Episode 43

Season 3 - Episode 42

Season 3 - Episode 41 Palm Sunday / Cloaked Enthusiasm

Season 3 - Episode 40 It is a good time to focus on Holy Week.

Lent 5 / Gratitude Through Awareness

Season 3 - Episode 38 We are mostly through Lent, it is time to start thinking about how we will apply these lessons we have learned in the seasons to come.

Season 3 - Episode 37 Lent 4 / Grace Misunderstood

Season 3 - Episode 36 The skills we learn in Lent we can apply throughout our life. 

Season 3 - Episode 35 Lent 3 / Repent or Perish; some choice...

Season 3 - Episode 34 We are now two weeks into Lent.  Are you having difficulty being still?

Season 3 - Episode 33 Lent 2 / The Prince, The Prophet and The People.

Season 3 - Episode 32 We are one week into our lenten journey. Are you making progress?

Season 3 - Episode 31 Lent 1 / Shortcutting the Cross?

Season 3 - Episode 30

Season 3 - Episode 29. Online Lenten Devotional from Princeton Theological Seminary

Season 3 - Episode 28 Epiphany 8 / Those Who Came Before Us Music by Jacki Sloan Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Podcast recorded, mixed and edited by William Gentry Theme to Spring Forth composed by William Gentry © 2022 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 27 An old coat with a story.

Season 3 - Episode 26 Epiphany 7 / Results Will Vary.... Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Podcast recorded, mixed and edited by William Gentry Theme to Spring Forth composed by William Gentry © 2022 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 25 As spring nears, it is probably time to start thinking about liberating needed space in your church.

Season 3 - Episode 24 Epiphany 6 / Living the New Life Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Podcast recorded, mixed and edited by William Gentry Theme to Spring Forth composed by William Gentry © 2022 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 23 Evangelism is difficult work. Articles of Interest The Lonley Crowd by Mike Frost Why Churches Should Drop Their Online Services by Tish Harrison Warren

Season 3 - Episode 22 Epiphany 5 / ...as to why we are here... Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Podcast recorded, mixed and edited by William Gentry Theme to Spring Forth composed by William Gentry © 2022 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Motivation Text: Sirach 21:1 - 3

Season 3 - Episode 20 Epiphany 4 / This is not a romance text Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Podcast recorded, mixed and edited by William Gentry Theme to Spring Forth composed by William Gentry © 2022 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 19 I am sharing an old devotion I wrote many years ago, it still rings true. Motivation Text: Luke 18:9 - 14

Season 3 - Episode 18 Epiphany 3 / The Bulgarian Harvesters Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Podcast recorded, mixed and edited by William Gentry Theme to Spring Forth composed by William Gentry © 2022 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 17 What motivates us to support our to local church?

Season 3 - Episode 16 Epiphany 2 / Sharing the Work of the Church Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Podcast recorded, mixed and edited by William Gentry Theme to Spring Forth composed by William Gentry © 2022 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 15 Serving and being served is so difficult We need to trust the gifts we have and those we receive from others. Motivation Text: Acts 3:1  - 10

Season 3 - Episode 14 The Baptism of Jesus / Hope for the exiles Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Podcast recorded, mixed and edited by William Gentry Theme to Spring Forth composed by William Gentry © 2022 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 13  We made into 2022, now what do we do in it?

Season 3 - Episode 12 Christmas 2 / The Wider Promise Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Podcast recorded, mixed and edited by William Gentry Theme to Spring Forth composed by William Gentry © 2022 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 11 Singing Bowls to help you meditate on the coming year.  Happy New Year from your friends at First Congregational in McGregor, Iowa!

Season 3 - Episode 10 Christmas 1 / Carrying God's Light Forward Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Podcast recorded, mixed and edited by William Gentry Theme to Spring Forth composed by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 9 Christmas Eve  Music by Marilyn Swanson / Soloist - Nanci Boten Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654  Podcast recorded, mixed and edited by William Gentry Theme to Spring Forth composed by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 8 Fourth Sunday of Advent the theme is Love. Love is the heart of the gospel message.

Season 3 - Episode 7 Advent 4 / Children's Christmas Program Music by Marilyn Swanson and Children of First Congregational Program director Casey Evanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 6 Joy requires personal sacrifice, but... it is worth the effort.

Season 3 - Episode 5 Advent 3 / Where's the joy in this lesson? Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 4 Peacemaking requires accepting responsibility for our action in every conflict.

Season 3 - Episode 3 Advent 2 / The Opportunity Paper Music by Jacki Sloan and Theresa Thostenson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Season 3 - Episode 2 Advent is an important season, let's not rush it.

Season 3 - Episode 1 Advent 1 / We Bring Hope Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

There are benefits to forgetfulness.

Reign of Christ / An Odd Conversation Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

What are your best memories from your community of faith?

Pentecost 25 / The importance of church gatherings. Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

A powerful lesson of faithful dependence that the affluent will never appreciate. Motivation Text: Mark 12:38-44

Pentecost 24 / Only Faith Remains Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

It never hurts to be reminded that God is always with us. Closing Track: Precious Lord, Take My Hand Performed by Elizabeth Johnson

Pentecost 23 / The Two Greatest... Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

How much do you know about the people you worship beside?

Pentecost 22 / Eager to be blessed Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

People seem to like a simple church with plenty of social activities.

Pentecost 21 / Follow the Leader Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

It's okay to trust your congregation with nerdy research, they can handle it. The Barna Group

Pentecost 20 / Getting Closer  Music by Marilyn Swanson  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry  © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

We have to see our ideas through if we want to realize those goals.

Pentecost 19 / The Perfecter of Our Faith Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

A quick word on spiritual journaling.

Pentecost 18 / The work of the church Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Sin, confession and forgiveness, it's a process.

Pentecost 17 / Draw Near to God Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

God wants to hear all of our concerns.

Pentecost 16 / Words and Deeds. Music by Jacki and Mike Sloan Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

What compels us to pray?

Pentecost 15 / Faith and Fruit.  Music by Jacki and Mike Sloan  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry  © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

...

Pentecost 14 / Who are we in relation to God? Music by Marilyn Swanson - Special Music by Tara Newman Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Do we actually listen to the things we say?

Pentecost 13 / Consistent messengers Music by Marilyn Swanson  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

What are the benefits of congregational involvement?

Pentecost 12 / Think Carefully Music by Marilyn Swanson - Carol and Bill Grady - special music. Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

What does your dream congregation look like? Can you help it reach that goal?

Pentecost 11 / Building Up Music by Marilyn Swanson - Bob and Millie Rowe - special music. Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

The only thing we need from our communities of faith is for them to be understanding.

Pentecost 10 / Spoken in Love Music by Marilyn Swanson - Peg Puhl - special music. Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

There are times when our worries are simply an impediment to God's greatness. Motivation Text: Matthew 6:25 - 34 

Pentecost 9 / Pulling The Thread of Ruin. Music by Marilyn Swanson - Larry Brummel - special music. Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

What would a creative ministry look like in your church? Motivation Text: John 2: 13 - 22 Closing Track: Nothing Left to Say by Kai Malcolm from the album Janky

Pentecost 8 / Who is this for anyway? Music by Marilyn Swanson - Tara Newman - special music. Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

More reflections on King David celebrating before the Art of the Covenant.

Pentecost 7 / Show Some Enthusiasm, For God's Sake Music by Marilyn Swanson  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Life is noisy, but do not let that rob you of time with God.

Motivation Text: Romans 5:1 - 5

Pentecost 5 / Saul: In Memoriam Music by Marilyn Swanson - Special Music by Tara Newman Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

I think weekend fun is when you bring it with you.

Pentecost 4 / Transitions Music by Marilyn Swanson - Special Music by The Evanson Family Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

A prayer for those of you on the go (and those of you about to move again soon).

Pentecost 3 / Exterior vs. Interior Music by Marilyn Swanson Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

God has given us more than enough to serve this world. Motivation Text: Proverbs 30:5 -9

Pentecost 2 / Samuel's Woes Music by Marilyn Swanson   Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

What happened to the all those great ideas we had in quarantine? It is time to find them again. Motivation Text: James 5:19 - 20

Trinity Sunday / I Volunteer. Music by Marilyn Swanson  -  Linda Luber - Vocalist Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa

Effective Christian witness does not require an audience.

Pentecost Day / How is the Holy Spirit Moving in your life? Music by Marilyn Swanson  -  Bill and Carol Grady - Vocalists Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa Congratulations to our baptismal candidates: Madison, Paul, Bo and Bella and to our graduates: Anna, Abby and Jack!

Time for graduation, but this program is different.

Seventh Sunday of Easter / Is this prayer still valid?  Music by Marilyn Swanson  -  Robert Rowe - Vocalist  Music used in this episode under permission of CCLI #2764654 Title music, produced and edited by William Gentry © 2021 First Congregational Church of McGregor, Iowa   Links of Interest: https://www.barna.com/research/denominational-distribution/  http://www.philvaz.com/apologetics/a106.htm

Jesus leaves the disciples in charge... for good. Motivation Text: Luke 24: 44 - 53

Sixth Sunday of Easter / A few final remarks. 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

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.