# Sermon Notes — February 22, 2026 ## Liturgical Context ### Christian Calendar - **Season:** Lent - **Week:** First Sunday in Lent - **Liturgical Year:** Year C (Luke) - **Liturgical Color:** Purple — penitence, preparation, and royalty during the Lenten journey ### Hebrew Calendar - **Date:** 4 Adar 5786 - **Observances:** Purim approaches (15 Adar ≈ March 5–6, 2026) ### Ecumenical Observances - Ash Wednesday was February 18, 2026 — first Sunday of the Lenten fast begins today ### Revised Common Lectionary Readings (Year C) The congregation used Jeremiah 29:1-9 and Matthew 4:1-11 per the "Work of Imagination" Lenten series. Standard RCL readings for reference: - **Old Testament:** Deuteronomy 26:1-11 — [[Deuteronomy 26#1]] - **Psalm:** Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 — [[Psalm 91#1]] - **Epistle:** Romans 10:8b-13 — [[Romans 10#8]] - **Gospel:** Luke 4:1-13 — [[Luke 4#1]] --- ## Service Information - **Church:** St. John's United Church of Christ - **Date:** February 22, 2026 - **Time:** 10:00 am - **Pastor:** Rev. Caroline E. Saxton - **Denomination:** United Church of Christ - **Series:** "The Work of Imagination" — Lenten liturgy & commentary © 2026 Illustrated Ministry --- ## Order of Worship ### Gathering #### Gathering Song: "This Is the Day" #### Unison Welcome > "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here." #### Announcements #### Prelude #### Call to Worship *from The Work of Imagination* Come into God's presence, you who imagine and you who seek, you who disrupt and you who repair. **By the Spirit, we gather in hope.** Come into God's presence, you who live in this wide and wild world, navigating beauty and uncertainty, temptation and trial. **In Christ, we gather as children of God.** Come into God's presence, singing for joy and for justice; bringing prayer and worship, your most faithful acts of resistance. **To God be the glory! We gather to praise!** #### Hymn #418: "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" *See Hymns section below* #### Call to Confession *from The Work of Imagination* Siblings in Christ, let us confess our sins to God, for God knows our weaknesses and choices, and yet imagines for us a life of wholeness and peace. #### Prayer of Confession *from The Work of Imagination* Loving God, we confess that when the wilderness feels too chaotic, and the earth beneath our feet seems to shift with change, we fall easily into despair. **We forget to hope. We neglect to dream. We imagine paths of doom instead of journeys to glory. We panic, even as your Spirit holds steady within and around us. Help us to trust, to hope, to dream, and to walk forward in faith. And when the fears set in, help us to find support in the strength of community. Amen.** #### Kyrie *Hymnal Companion C-4* #### Assurance of Pardon *from The Work of Imagination* Beloved, God knows our anxiety, our aversion to discomfort, and our fears about the future. God equips us with hope to carry us through. Receive this free gift of grace and be at peace. Amen. #### Glory Be to the Father — Hymn #704 *See Hymns section below* ### Word #### Passing of the Peace As we walk through the wild wilderness of Lent, we imagine a world where all creation is at peace. We imagine a world without war, where creation flourishes and children are safe. Let these dreams of peace begin here as we share the peace of Christ with one another. May the peace of Christ be with you. **And also with you.** #### Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:1-9; Matthew 4:1-11 **Jeremiah 29:1-9** ![[Jeremiah 29#1]] ![[Jeremiah 29#2]] ![[Jeremiah 29#3]] ![[Jeremiah 29#4]] ![[Jeremiah 29#5]] ![[Jeremiah 29#6]] ![[Jeremiah 29#7]] ![[Jeremiah 29#8]] ![[Jeremiah 29#9]] **Matthew 4:1-11** ![[Matthew 4#1]] ![[Matthew 4#2]] ![[Matthew 4#3]] ![[Matthew 4#4]] ![[Matthew 4#5]] ![[Matthew 4#6]] ![[Matthew 4#7]] ![[Matthew 4#8]] ![[Matthew 4#9]] ![[Matthew 4#10]] ![[Matthew 4#11]] #### Responsive Reading: "Lord, Lord, Open Unto Me" *by Howard Thurman, from "Meditations of the Heart"* Open unto me – light for my darkness. **Open unto me – courage for my fear.** Open unto me – hope for my despair. **Open unto me – peace for my turmoil.** Open unto me – joy for my sorrow. **Open unto me – strength for my weakness.** Open unto me – wisdom for my confusion. **Open unto me – forgiveness for my sins.** Open unto me – tenderness for my toughness. **Open unto me – love for my hates.** Open unto me – Thy self for my self. **Lord, Lord, open unto me!** #### Anthem: "Amazing Grace" *Setting by John Leavitt, Jr. — Marcella Diehl, oboe* #### Children's Message *Roxanne Davenport* Children's Corner offered following the Children's Message. #### Step Show Presentation *NETWork Ministries Step Teams* #### Sharing of Joys and Concerns #### Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer (Debts) #### Invitation to Giving #### Offertory #### Offertory Response: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (v. 4) > Were the whole realm of nature mine, > that were a present far too small; > love so amazing, so divine, > demands my soul, my life, my all. *Isaac Watts, 1707 — Public domain* #### Prayer of Dedication *from The Work of Imagination* Generous God, we bring our gifts before you and your church like tiny seeds from a dandelion. Send out these gifts on the mighty wind of your Spirit, bringing growth, bearing fruit, and nourishing both our faith community and our neighbors. May each gift of every size bloom with your holy imagination. Amen. ### Response #### Hymn #677: "When We Are Tested" *See Hymns section below* #### Affirmation of Faith *from The Work of Imagination* Let us affirm our faith as we participate in the holy work of imagination. We believe no wilderness is so dense that the Good Shepherd cannot find us. We believe no ocean is so vast that we cannot be saved from its depths. We believe no enemy is so strong that we cannot be rescued from its grasp. We believe no shame is so great that our liberator cannot free us. We believe no law is so rigid that it keeps us from grace. We believe no person is so powerful that they can rob us of our dignity. We believe no situation is so dire that we cannot find hope together, in community. **We believe we are wholly loved, worthy of care, and safe in the palm of God's hand.** ### Sending #### Charge & Benediction *from The Work of Imagination* #### Postlude *(seated)* --- ## Hymns ### Gathering Song: "This Is the Day" **Author:** Les Garrett, 1967 **Copyright:** © 1967 Scripture in Song (a division of Integrity Music)/ASCAP > This is the day, this is the day > that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made; > we will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it; > this is the day that the Lord has made, > we will rejoice and be glad in it; > this is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made. ### Hymn #418: "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" **Hymnal:** New Century Hymnal #418 **Author:** Martin Luther, ca. 1529; tr. Frederick H. Hedge, 1853 (Psalm 46) **Tune:** EIN FESTE BURG **Meter:** 8.7.8.7.6.6.6.6.7 **Composer:** Martin Luther, ca. 1529 **Copyright:** Public domain > Verse 1 > A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; > our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. > For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; > his craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, > on earth is not his equal. > > Verse 2 > Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, > were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing. > Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; > Lord Sabaoth, His name, from age to age the same, > and He must win the battle. > > Verse 3 > And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, > we will not fear, for God has willed His truth to triumph through us. > The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; > his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure; > one little word shall fell him. > > Verse 4 > That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth; > the Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth. > Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; > the body they may kill; God's truth abideth still; > His kingdom is forever. ### Hymn #704: Glory Be to the Father (Gloria Patri) **Hymnal:** New Century Hymnal #704 **Copyright:** Traditional / Public domain > Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; > as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, > world without end. Amen, Amen. ### Offertory Response: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (v. 4) **Author:** Isaac Watts, 1707 **Tune:** HAMBURG (Lowell Mason, 1824) or ROCKINGHAM (Edward Miller, 1790) **Copyright:** Public domain > Were the whole realm of nature mine, > that were a present far too small; > love so amazing, so divine, > demands my soul, my life, my all. ### Hymn #677: "When We Are Tested" **Hymnal:** New Century Hymnal #677 **Author:** Ruth Duck, 1996 **Tune:** SLANE **Meter:** 10.10.10.10 **Music:** Traditional Irish melody; arr. David Allen, 1986 **Copyright:** Words © 1996 Hope Publishing Company. Arr. © 1986 Word Music, LLC. > Verse 1 > When we are tested and wrestle alone, > famished for bread when the world offers stone, > nourish us, God, by Your word and Your way, > food that sustains us by night and by day. > > Verse 2 > When in the desert we cry for relief, > pleading for paths marked by certain belief, > lift us to love You beyond sign and test, > trusting Your presence, our only true rest. > > Verse 3 > When we are tempted to barter our souls, > trading the truth for the power to control, > teach us to worship and praise only You, > seeking Your will in the work that we do. > > Verse 4 > When we have struggled and searched through the night, > sorting and sifting the wrong from the right, > Savior, surround us with circles of care, > angels of healing, of hope, and of prayer. --- ## Comprehensive Sermon Analysis **Preacher:** Rev. Caroline E. Saxton **Title:** "Return and Be Renewed" **Date:** February 22, 2026 (First Sunday in Lent) **Texts:** Joel 2:12-14; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 **Recording:** [`21:58–29:49`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1318s) > **Source**: [YouTube Recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk) — Transcribed by Merlin AI --- ### Sermon Summary **Central Message:** The sermon calls the congregation to authentic, private faithfulness rather than performative religion. Lent is framed as an invitation to return to God and be renewed — not through public displays of piety, but through genuine relationship with the divine. The emphasis falls on personal transformation (choosing intentional devotional practices) and communal responsibility (the little free pantry, gift cards for those in need), with both held together under the banner of sincerity. **Liturgical/Thematic Focus:** Tightly integrated with the lectionary texts. Joel 2:12-14's call to "return to me with all your heart" provides the sermon's refrain ("We are invited to return and to be renewed"), while Matthew 6's teaching on secret piety drives the central argument against performative faith. The sermon explicitly names the tradition of reading from the Sermon on the Mount on Ash Wednesday every year across all three lectionary cycles, grounding the congregation in the recurring rhythm of the liturgical calendar. **Score: 5/5** — Strongly integrated. Both texts are woven throughout, and the liturgical occasion shapes every section of the sermon. --- ### Preaching Style Assessment **Primary Style(s):** - **Topical** (theme-based: authenticity vs. performance) - **Narrative** (story-driven: TikTok experiment, chameleon analogy, personal disclosure) - **Conversational/Dialogical** (informal tone, direct address, humor about pet preferences) - **Prophetic** (justice-oriented: naming care for the marginalized through gift cards and free pantry) **Blend of Styles:** The sermon moves fluidly between topical exposition of the Matthew text, narrative illustrations, and conversational asides. The prophetic element is understated — present in the concrete examples of church outreach rather than in fiery rhetoric. This blend suits the contemplative tone of the Lenten season. **Appropriateness:** The conversational, narrative approach fits a smaller community well. The humor (blue-tongued skink, "not a reptile person") creates warmth and accessibility. The style respects the reflective mood of the season without being heavy or somber. **Score: 4/5** — Style is clear and well-suited to the occasion. A slightly deeper engagement with one of the texts (rather than glancing across both) would push this to a 5. --- ### Storytelling and Illustration **Stories/Analogies Used:** 1. **TikTok Social Experiment** [`23:08`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1388s) — A creator called churches pretending to need baby formula. Some responded with compassion, others with coldness. The internet judged. The pastor asks: was this exposing a growing edge, or seeking clicks? This effectively mirrors Matthew 6's tension between genuine and performative righteousness. 2. **The Chameleon** [`27:41`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1661s) — Chameleons blend in to focus on feeding, not on being seen. Lenten practices should work the same way. The analogy is original, memorable, and theologically apt — it reframes Jesus' teaching about secret piety through a natural-world lens. 3. **Pastor Jessica's Blue-Tongued Skink** [`27:43`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1663s) — A humorous personal aside that humanizes the pastor and sets up the chameleon metaphor. Light, warm, effective. 4. **Bible and a Beer** [`24:23`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1463s) — References the Monday gathering where some participants were unfamiliar with Ash Wednesday, "like visiting a foreign country where you don't know what utensils to use." This normalizes unfamiliarity and makes the season accessible to newcomers. 5. **Personal Lenten Practice** [`25:03`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1503s) — The pastor discloses that "it has been a hard year" and is choosing devotional intentionality over giving something up. This models vulnerability and gives permission for diverse approaches to Lent. **Inclusivity:** The stories draw from contemporary culture (TikTok), nature (chameleon), personal life, and church community. They span generations (social media for younger listeners, traditional Lenten practice for older ones). No explicit representation of diverse theological voices (Black, feminist, global church perspectives). **Balance with Scripture:** Stories serve the text rather than overshadowing it. Each illustration circles back to Matthew 6's core teaching. **Score: 4/5** — Engaging and balanced. The TikTok story and chameleon analogy are particularly strong. More diverse voices would strengthen this further. --- ### Intonation and Delivery **Note:** Assessment based on audio transcript; some nuance may be lost. **Vocal Delivery:** The pastor's tone is warm, conversational, and unhurried. There are clear shifts between reflective passages ("It is about our deep abiding relationship with the divine"), humorous asides ("I am not a reptile person"), and direct exhortation ("Give your attention to the things of God"). Pacing allows space for the congregation to absorb key phrases. **Inclusivity of Tone:** Welcoming and non-judgmental. The repeated UCC welcome ("No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey") sets the tone. The pastor normalizes not knowing liturgical traditions and offers multiple valid approaches to Lent. **Sensory Engagement:** Primarily auditory. No evidence of visual aids or kinesthetic elements in the sermon itself, though the broader service includes multi-sensory liturgical elements. **Score: 4/5** — Dynamic and warm delivery with good tonal variation. The sermon is primarily auditory; visual/kinesthetic learners are served by the broader liturgy rather than the sermon itself. --- ### Content Structure **Introduction** [`21:58–22:40`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1318s): Frames the beginning of Lent as an annual call to faithfulness. Introduces the Matthew 6 text as a "divine to-do and not-to-do list." Clear thesis: Jesus tells us to focus on him, not on what others are doing. **Body:** Three movements: 1. **Competing voices** [`22:44–23:43`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1364s) — The world's noise (AI, social media, TikTok experiment) vs. listening to Jesus. 2. **Genuine faith** [`23:43–27:37`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1423s) — The heart of the sermon: faith is not for show, it's about relationship. Concrete examples of quiet service (gift cards, free pantry). Personal disclosure about Lenten practice. 3. **The chameleon** [`27:41–29:31`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1661s) — A closing metaphor that reframes the entire teaching. Focus on what matters, not on being noticed. **Conclusion** [`29:31–29:49`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1771s): Brief and benediction-like: "May we together begin with courage to tell the truth and live with mercy. May we indeed return and be renewed by the love and mercy of God." **Transitions:** Smooth. The TikTok story flows naturally into the teaching on genuine faith. The personal disclosure about Lenten practice transitions via the skink anecdote into the chameleon analogy. The refrain "We are invited to return and to be renewed" appears twice, providing structural cohesion. **Retention Aids:** The refrain acts as a structural anchor. The chameleon metaphor is vivid and memorable. The "divine to-do and not-to-do list" gives the Matthew text a sticky label. **Score: 4/5** — Clear three-part structure with smooth transitions and a memorable closing metaphor. The introduction could be slightly more engaging (it's somewhat procedural), but the body and conclusion are strong. --- ### Engagement and Application **Congregational Participation:** The sermon addresses the congregation directly ("What you do in these 40 days will be determined by what you need this year") and invites them into personal discernment rather than prescribing a single Lenten discipline. The Bible and a Beer reference includes those outside the liturgical tradition. **Marginalized Groups:** The free pantry and gift card examples center people experiencing food insecurity, housing instability, or poverty. The emphasis on dignity and choice ("$15 doesn't go very far, but it does give dignity and choice") is notable. The TikTok story implicitly critiques churches that respond coldly to those in need. No explicit naming of racial, gender, or LGBTQIA+ dimensions. **Practical Applications:** - Choose a Lenten discipline that draws you toward God (not necessarily giving something up) - Practice generosity quietly — through the free pantry, gift cards, or personal acts - Focus on relationship with God rather than being noticed by others **Interactive Elements:** The sermon itself is monological, but the broader service includes responsive liturgy and other participatory elements that embody the sermon's themes. **Score: 4/5** — Strong invitation to personal discernment with concrete examples. The emphasis on dignity for those in need is a highlight. More explicit inclusion of diverse experiences would strengthen this. --- ### Scripture Handling **Scriptures Referenced:** - **Joel 2:12-14** — Read earlier in service - **Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21** — Read earlier in service **Depth of Exegesis:** - **Historical/cultural context:** Not explored. No discussion of first-century almsgiving practices, the meaning of "hypocrites" (actors) in Greek theater, or the social dynamics of public prayer in synagogues. - **Original language insights:** None offered. - **Cross-references:** Joel 2 and Matthew 6 are connected thematically (return/renewal + secret piety), but no other passages are brought in. **Text-Driven vs. Theme-Driven:** The sermon uses scripture as a launchpad for the theme of authenticity. The Matthew text provides the framework ("don't practice righteousness to be seen"), and the sermon builds outward from that into contemporary application. The Joel text supplies the refrain. Neither passage receives close exegetical attention. **Justice Lens:** The emphasis on care for the marginalized (gift cards, free pantry, dignity) implicitly connects to Matthew 6's teaching on almsgiving. The pastor doesn't make the justice connection explicit, but it's present in the examples. **Score: 3/5** — Both texts are used meaningfully but not deeply. The sermon effectively applies the texts' themes without exploring their historical, linguistic, or theological layers. A brief word study on "hypocrites" (Greek: *hypokrites* = actor on a stage) would have deepened the performativity critique considerably. --- ### Logical Reasoning **Strong Reasoning:** 1. **Ethical reasoning** (deductive): Jesus teaches that righteousness practiced for public approval misses the point → therefore our Lenten practices should be oriented toward God, not toward being seen. Valid and clearly argued. 2. **Analogical reasoning**: Chameleons focus on sustenance rather than display → Lenten disciplines should focus on spiritual nourishment rather than public performance. The analogy holds well and is internally consistent. 3. **Cause-and-effect**: The TikTok experiment is presented with appropriate nuance — the pastor doesn't rush to judgment but poses it as a genuine question about motives. **Potential Fallacies:** 1. **Mild False Dilemma** [`23:32–23:41`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1412s): "Was she attempting to point out a growing edge for the church? Was it meant to be a good deed or just a way to seek attention and clicks?" — Framed as two options when a spectrum of motives is possible. However, the pastor presents these as questions rather than conclusions, which mitigates the fallacy. 2. **Hasty Generalization** (minor): The leap from "our phones seem to have more capacity than our brains" to the broader point about competing voices is colloquial rather than argued. It's a rhetorical device more than a logical claim, so the impact is minimal. **No significant fallacies detected.** The sermon's reasoning is straightforward and sound. The central argument (secret piety over performative religion) is well-supported by the Matthew text and consistently applied through illustrations. **Score: 4/5** — Strong ethical and analogical reasoning throughout. The TikTok example is handled with appropriate nuance. Minor rhetorical generalizations don't undermine the argument. --- ### References **Theologians/Scholars Cited:** - None explicitly named. **Marginalized Voices:** - No citations from Black, feminist, womanist, mujerista, or LGBTQIA+ theology. - "The Work of Imagination" (Illustrated Ministry) provides the liturgical framework but isn't referenced in the sermon itself. **Historical/Secular References:** - TikTok social experiment (November 2025) — contemporary culture - Artificial intelligence / technology — general cultural observation - Natural history (chameleon behavior) — used as analogy **Score: 2/5** — The sermon relies on personal observation and contemporary examples rather than theological or scholarly sources. No named theologians, no marginalized voices cited. The TikTok and chameleon references are effective but represent a narrow range. --- ### Quotes and Illustrative Stories **Standout Quotes:** > "These might be considered a divine to-do and not-to-do list." [`22:27`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1347s) > — A sticky, accessible label for the Matthew 6 text. > "It is about our deep abiding relationship with the divine, about sustaining ourselves as we walk in a weary and broken world." [`24:03`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1443s) > — The sermon's theological core in one sentence. > "Our faith isn't for show. It cannot be bought or bargained for. It is to be genuine." [`26:33`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1593s) > — Direct, punchy, memorable. Connects Matthew 6 to lived practice. > "Jesus doesn't invite us to put on a performance. He invites us to offer our hearts and lives in relationship." [`27:01`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1621s) > — Performance vs. relationship: the sermon's central contrast stated plainly. > "Our Lenten practices are a little bit like being a chameleon. They're not about standing out. They are about helping us to focus on what matters." [`28:47`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1727s) > — The sermon's signature image. > "I still believe that Lent is about love — the love that God had for Jesus and that Jesus had for the whole world." [`27:24`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1644s) > — Reframes Lent from deprivation to love. Theologically generous. > "May we together begin with courage to tell the truth and live with mercy." [`29:35`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1775s) > — Benediction-like closing that ties courage, truth, and mercy together. **Connection to Theology and Life:** The quotes consistently bridge the Matthew text's teaching on secret piety to the congregation's lived experience. The "divine to-do list" and "chameleon" frames make the teaching accessible and retainable. **Score: 5/5** — Multiple memorable, theologically grounded quotes. The chameleon metaphor and "divine to-do list" label are original and sticky. Each quote connects scripture to lived experience. --- ### Calls to Action **Steps Invited:** 1. **Personal:** Choose a Lenten discipline based on what *you* need this year — either setting aside something that keeps you from God, or taking up something that draws you toward God. [`24:47–25:34`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1487s) 2. **Communal:** Continue stocking the little free pantry; use the gift cards to help those in need with dignity. [`25:54–26:33`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1554s) 3. **Dispositional:** Be like a chameleon — less concerned with what others think, more focused on relationship with God. [`29:18–29:31`](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1VXQDMtvk&t=1758s) **Tied to Justice/Generosity/Discipleship:** The calls are tied to generosity (free pantry, gift cards), discipleship (intentional devotional practice), and dignity (giving choice to those in need). The justice dimension is implicit rather than systemic. **Modalities:** Primarily spoken. The broader service provides experiential modalities. No visual aids or written takeaways mentioned in the sermon itself. **Score: 4/5** — Clear, practical calls that offer multiple valid paths for diverse congregants. The emphasis on personal discernment ("what you need this year") respects individual agency. Could be strengthened by a more explicit systemic/justice call. --- ### Style Effectiveness Analysis **Did the chosen style effectively communicate the text's intent?** Yes. The conversational-narrative-topical blend suits Matthew 6's practical, direct teaching style. Jesus speaks plainly in this passage ("when you give alms... when you pray... when you fast"), and the sermon mirrors that directness. The chameleon analogy adds originality to a well-worn text. **How would the message shift if delivered as:** - **Fully expository:** A verse-by-verse walk through Matthew 6:1-21 would provide more exegetical depth (the Greek *hypokrites*, the socio-economic context of almsgiving, the meaning of "treasures in heaven") but might lose the warmth and accessibility of the personal stories. - **Prophetic:** A justice-oriented version could press harder on systemic dimensions — why do people need gift cards and free pantries? What structures create poverty? This would sharpen the sermon's implicit critique but might feel heavy for the occasion. - **Inductive/Contemplative:** Starting with silence, questions ("What does it mean to be dust? What does it mean to return?") before arriving at the Matthew text could deepen the meditative quality. The chameleon revelation could serve as the inductive payoff. - **Narrative first-person:** Telling the story from the perspective of someone in the Matthew 6 crowd — a Pharisee who prays loudly, then encounters Jesus' teaching — could make the text viscerally immediate. **Learning Styles Served:** - **Auditory:** Well served (clear verbal delivery, memorable phrases, tonal variation) - **Interpersonal:** Partially served (references to community, Bible and a Beer, but no small-group interaction) - **Intrapersonal:** Well served (invitation to personal discernment about Lenten practice) - **Visual/Kinesthetic:** Served by the broader liturgy rather than the sermon itself **Optimal Style-Blend for This Congregation:** The current blend works well for St. John's UCC — a mainline Protestant congregation with a mix of liturgically experienced and newer members. Adding a brief contemplative pause or a single exegetical insight (e.g., the meaning of "hypocrites" as stage actors) would strengthen the sermon without changing its character. **Score: 4/5** — Style well-chosen for the occasion and congregation. The conversational warmth and memorable imagery serve the text effectively. A touch more exegetical grounding would elevate the whole. --- ### Side-by-Side Comparison: Narrative/Topical vs. Fully Exegetical #### Preaching Style | Aspect | Narrative/Topical (This Sermon) | Fully Exegetical Version | |---|---|---| | **Primary Style** | Narrative-topical with conversational tone and moral application | Verse-by-verse exegesis with historical-critical depth | | **Stories** | TikTok experiment, chameleon analogy, personal disclosure, Bible and a Beer | Minimal outside stories; the text itself drives the entire sermon | | **Scripture Depth** | Texts as thematic launchpad; refrain from Joel, framework from Matthew | Explores first-century almsgiving, Greek *hypokrites*, treasure/heart theology | | **Application** | Personal reflection (choose your Lenten practice) and quiet service (free pantry) | Begins with original meaning, then moves to communal/systemic application | #### Scripture Handling | Aspect | Narrative/Topical | Fully Exegetical Version | |---|---|---| | **Historical Context** | Not explored | Explains synagogue culture, public prayer norms, almsgiving as social obligation | | **Word Study** | None | Greek *hypokrites* (actor/performer) directly supports the authenticity theme | | **Justice Lens** | Focus on individual generosity and dignity | Highlights systemic dynamics: why do people need baby formula from churches? | | **Cross-References** | Joel 2 + Matthew 6 only | Integrates Isaiah 58 (true fasting), Micah 6:8, James 2 (faith and works) | #### Logical Reasoning | Aspect | Narrative/Topical | Fully Exegetical Version | |---|---|---| | **Strengths** | Narrative persuasion, ethical reasoning, analogical thinking | Strong deductive reasoning, consistent theological logic | | **Fallacies** | Mild false dilemma in TikTok framing | Avoids anecdotal fallacies by grounding entirely in scripture | | **Balance** | Emotion and story anchor moral points | Scripture-driven reasoning; emotion flows from the text itself | #### Key Takeaway - **Narrative/Topical (This Sermon):** Accessible, warm, story-driven, strong personal application, memorable imagery, light on textual depth. - **Fully Exegetical:** Text-driven, historically grounded, theologically richer, potentially less warm for an intimate service. --- ### Scoring Summary | Section | Score | |---|---| | Sermon Summary | 5/5 | | Preaching Style | 4/5 | | Storytelling & Illustration | 4/5 | | Intonation & Delivery | 4/5 | | Content Structure | 4/5 | | Engagement & Application | 4/5 | | Scripture Handling | 3/5 | | Logical Reasoning | 4/5 | | References | 2/5 | | Quotes & Stories | 5/5 | | Calls to Action | 4/5 | | Style Effectiveness | 4/5 | | **Total** | **47/60** | **Overall Assessment:** A warm, accessible, well-structured sermon that effectively communicates the Matthew 6 text's core teaching through original imagery (the chameleon) and contemporary examples (TikTok). Its strength is relational warmth and practical application. Its growth edge is exegetical depth and engagement with diverse theological voices. This is effective pastoral preaching that meets the congregation where they are. --- ## Personal Reflections > [!note] Fill this section after the service ### What Spoke to Me ### Questions Raised ### Challenges to My Thinking ### Liturgical Context Reflections <!-- How does the wilderness of Lent / purple / Year C shape the message? What does "Rooted Resistance" mean in the context of Matthew 4? How does Howard Thurman's "Open Unto Me" prayer connect? --> --- ## Applications ### Action Items - [ ] - [ ] - [ ] ### Prayer List <!-- People or situations mentioned for prayer --> ### Follow-Up Study <!-- Passages or topics to study further --> - Jeremiah 29 — the letter to the exiles; "seek the welfare of the city" - Matthew 4:1-11 — temptation in the wilderness - "Meditations of the Heart" by Howard Thurman - Psalm 46 — the source text for "A Mighty Fortress" --- ## Connections ### Related Notes <!-- Links to other notes in your vault --> - ### Related Bible Studies <!-- Links to bible studies of passages referenced --> - ### Previous Sermon Notes <!-- Link to last week's notes --> - --- ## Announcements and Church Life ### This Week at St. John's **Today — Sunday, February 22** - NETWork Ministries Step Teams perform in worship - No Bible Study with Pastor Caroline — resumes 3/1, Chapter 2 **Monday, February 23** - 10:00 am — Chi Gong/Zazen silent body energy and soulful meditation — Parlor Room 104 - 1:30 pm — Monday Afternoon Book Study — No book study; resumes 03/02, Chapter 3 - 7:00 pm — Boy Scouts — Fellowship Hall **Tuesday, February 24** - 5:30 pm — Yoga — Room 202 - 6:00 pm — Ladies' Bible Study — Zoom - 6:30 pm — Cub Scouts — Fellowship Hall/then break into smaller groups **Wednesday, February 25** - 7:00 pm — CMC Lenten Service — Calvary UMC (150 Norlo Drive, Fayetteville, PA 17222) **Thursday, February 26** - 11:00 am — NETWork Ministries Meal Prep — Kitchen - 6:00 pm — Bell Choir Practice — Bell Room 117 - 6:15 pm — Girl Scouts — Room 116 - 6:30 pm — Council Meeting — Conference Room 111 - 7:15 pm — Choir Rehearsal — Choir Room 103 **Sunday, March 1** - 8:45 am — Godly Play Class — Room 119 - 8:45 am — SPARK! Elementary Church School Class — Room 115 - 8:45 am — Teen Discussion Class — Room 206 - 8:45 am — Combined Adult Church School / Sunday Morning Caffeine — Fellowship Hall - 10:00 am — Sunday Worship — Sanctuary ### Pastoral Coverage Pastor Caroline is away February 22–25 and 27–28. Rev. Julia Brown of Solomon's UCC in Chambersburg is "on call." Contact the church office for pastoral emergencies. Pastor Caroline returns to lead worship on Sunday, March 1. ### Upcoming Events | Date | Event | Details | |------|-------|---------| | Mon, Mar 2 | Monday Afternoon Book Study — Ch. 3 | Norman Wirzba's *Love's Braided Dance* — 1:30 pm, Conference Room 111 | | Sun, Mar 1 | Sunday Morning Caffeine launch | Continental breakfast + "when Jesus erases the lines we draw" — 8:45–9:45 am, Fellowship Hall | | Sat, Mar 8 | Camp Sticky Bun Sale — orders | Before and after church; $12/dozen, $7/half dozen | | Sat, Mar 15 | Camp Sticky Bun Sale — orders | Before and after church | | Mon, Mar 16 | Bible and a Beer | Trojan Diner, 6:30 pm | | Wed, Mar 18 | Blueberry Bliss Tea tickets go on sale | $35/ticket, cash or check | | Sun, Mar 22 | Sticky buns on sale after church | $2 each; ready-to-bake available morning of | | Sat, Mar 28 | Nursery School Smith's Chicken Sale | SJUCC — details to follow | | Mon, Mar 30 | St. John's Craft Night | Room 202, 6 pm, $15 — paint/decorate gourd birdhouse; sign up by 3/23 | | Sat, Apr 25 | Blueberry Bliss Spring Tea | Fellowship Hall, 1:30 pm, $35/ticket | ### Other Announcements - **February First Fruits** — Lenten offerings support: African Mission Healthcare, Peru School Project, and UCC Disaster Emergency Fund - **2025 Year-End Giving Statements** — available by request; call the church office to receive by mail or email - **Little Free Pantry** — nonperishable food donations welcome; drop at church office or grocery cart in back lobby - **March/April Upper Room** devotionals at Welcome Center — $1 small print / $2 large print; contact office to have one mailed - **Monday Afternoon Book Study** — reading Norman Wirzba's *Love's Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis*; resumes March 2, Chapter 3 - **Winter Weather** — if worship is canceled, a special e-blast goes out; M–F activities follow the CASD school district schedule - **Bible and a Beer** — 3rd Monday of each month, Trojan Diner, 6:30 pm; next gathering March 16 - **Sunday Morning Caffeine** — new adult class launching March 1; subsequent classes in Parlor (Room 104), 8:45 am Sundays; contact Pastor Caroline, Harold Collier, or Mark Shoap - Thank you to everyone who helped make the **Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner** a success! ### Birthdays This Week - 2/23 — Harold St. Clair - 2/27 — Allen Frantz and Sophie Hoger ### Nursery The "Nursery Nook in the Narthex" quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available during worship. Age-appropriate activity bags also available. ### Worship Resources - Responsive reading from "Meditations of the Heart" by Howard Thurman - "The Work of Imagination" Lenten liturgy & commentary © 2026 Illustrated Ministry - Bulletin cover: "Jesus" © 2026 Illustrated Ministry (Matthew 4:1-11 · illustratedministry.com) --- ## Church Information - **Church:** St. John's United Church of Christ - **Location:** Chambersburg, PA - **Website:** sjucc1811.org - **Pastor email:** [email protected] - **Pastor cell:** (641) 260-1868 - **Office email:** [email protected] - **Office phone:** (717) 263-8593 ### Staff | Role | Name | |------|------| | Pastor | Rev. Caroline E. Saxton | | Pastor Emeritus | Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman | | Office Administrator | Tonya Schwartz | | Music Director / Choir Director | Gary Crum | | Organist | Barbara Motichka | | Director of Children & Youth | Roxanne Davenport | ### Worship Participants — February 22, 2026 | Role | Name | |------|------| | Pastor | Rev. Caroline E. Saxton | | Lay Leader | Jerry Thomason | | Organist | Barbara Motichka | | Choir Director | Gary Crum | | Deacon in Charge | Mike Blumberg | | Lector | Diana Kongkeattikul | | Children's Corner | Step Team | | Media Coordinators | Calvin Frantz & Muneath Ham | ### Welcome Statement > "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here."