Mercy Hill Church

Same time at 10am. Different location for this Sunday. See y'all at the Rourks!

Daylight Savings Time goes into effect at 2 AM local time this Sunday March 10. Don't forget to change your clocks!

This Sunday Mercy Hill will gather at the Rourk's house for our Sunday worship: 1394 Seamist Drive in College Station.

This is a temporary one week move since our normal location is not available this week. We'll resume worship services at the Hilton Garden Inn on March 17th.

Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour!

Our next study in Psalm 23 involves perhaps some of the most well known words in the book of Psalms:

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil...."

In many ways, our experience of life this side of the Fall (Genesis 3) and this side of the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21) is lived in the valley of the shadow of death. Here and now, we don't escape its sting.

What does it mean for us to fear no evil, especially when death is viewed as an enemy--an intruder in God's good creation--and when it threatens to take away all I hold dear in this life?

And how does this tie in to the Good News of Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, who laid down his life for us?

Join us this Sunday at 10am as we continue our series on "The Good Shepherd."

Location: The Hilton Garden Inn
https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/03-03-24-worship-folder.pdf

We hope to see you then,

Pastor John

Many churches around the world set apart the six Sundays leading up to Easter as a time of special reflection and preparation to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday.

This year, our spring series will focus on Psalm 23, one of the most loved Psalms in the Scriptures.

Join us each Sunday as we examine this well known poem and all that it teaches us about the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, as we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep who laid down his life for us and for our salvation.

February 18: Psalm 23:1

February 25: Psalm 23:2-3

March 3: Psalm 23:3-4

March 10: Psalm Psalm 23:5

March 17: Psalm 23:6

March 24 (Palm Sunday): John 10:1-18

We hope to see you at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn: https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/02-18-24-worship-folder.pdf

See you Sunday!

Pastor John

What does a good life look like? A beautiful life? A noble life?

For some it looks like having a dream vacation. For others it looks like having all the money one could ever spend. For still others, it is having the perfect body or look.

According to the James, the writer of the New Testament document bearing his name, a beautiful life is seen by the fruit of good works done in humility that comes from a spiritual, divine wisdom.

In our study this Sunday, we'll examine James' instructions to 1st century followers of Jesus who are living by a kind of wisdom that is earthbound, unspiritual, and even devilish, and the fruit of such "wisdom" is not very pretty.

So what is the connection between a beautiful life and what James calls "wisdom from above?"

That's what we're going to talk about this Sunday at Mercy Hill Church as together we apprentice with Jesus in a new way of being human.

We hope you can join us at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn:
https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/01-28-24-worship-folder.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

This Sunday we jump back into our ongoing study of the New Testament letter of James.

Over the next two Sundays, we'll look at one of the most controversial and most misunderstood portions of the New Testament, namely, James' insistence that true faith works.

James wanted his original audience (& us) to know that there is such a thing as a counterfeit faith--one that is dead, useless, and cannot save.

Join us this week as we explore these sacred words and mine them for wisdom and insight into not only what it means to believe in Jesus, but what that faith looks like in real life.

We hope to see you this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn:
https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/01-07-2024-worship-folder.pdf

See you soon,

Pastor John

Make plans to join us for our Lessons and Carols Service on Christmas Eve.

Our service will have various readings of Scripture telling the story of the birth of Christ along with hymns to reflect upon and rejoice in the fact that our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ is the reason for the season.

As always, we will celebrate the Lord's Table.

Please note: there is no nursery for this service. Kids are welcome to join us!

We hope to see you Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn!
http://mercyhillbcs.org/about/location/

Recently I was in a store and the music that was playing in the background for all to hear contained the most amazing (and scandalous?) words:

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Please as man with men to dwell
Jesus our Emmanuel

I felt like jumping up and down and asking those around me if they heard what was just played! God took on flesh and became one of us! God isn't watching us from a distance, but was pleased to come and dwell among us. They called his name, "God with us!" That's what Christmas is all about!

The Gospel of John opens with similar jaw-dropping statements. In fact, as one modern author paraphrased the gospel writer like this, "The Word took on flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood."

Join us this Sunday as we reflect together on the opening words of Jesus' close friend and disciple, John the Apostle, as he stretches language to the breaking point in trying to tell us the Good News about Jesus and why he came for us.

We will meet this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn: https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/12-17-23-worship-folder.pdf

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/12-17-23-worship-folder.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

In our study of the New Testament book of James, we'll see how James continues teaching on the issue of favoritism, only this time he'll explain to us how showing favoritism or partiality based on superficial qualities actually flies in the face of God's design for us as human beings.

To live by the royal law of "love your neighbor as yourself" actually makes us into people who are marked by mercy instead of judgment as we follow Jesus in a new way of being human.

We'll explore this new way of being human marked by a love of mercy rather than the impulse of judgment this Sunday.

We hope to see you this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn:
https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/11-26-23-worship-folder.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

In this next section of the book of James, the author is going to raise the perennial problem of playing favorites, and he will ask us to take a hard look out ourselves.

In essence, James says that when we discriminate and show partiality based on something as superficial as someone's appearance, we are denying something fundamental about the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

This will be a good check up on our spiritual condition, and a reminder to root everything we do--including the way we relate to those who are different from us--in the Good News of Jesus.

We hope to see you this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn: https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/11-19-23-worship-folder.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

In our study of the book of James, we have seen that he is concerned that we would have a real life spirituality, that is, a faith and trust in Jesus that affects every part of our lives, down to even the words that we use.

Now we're going to see how James wants that same faith animated by allegiance to Jesus and empowered by his Spirit to have real life ramifications for our neighbors, especially for those who are down and out and marginalized.

What does this have to do with being a follower of Jesus?

Literally, everything.

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

In other words, the kind of Christianity that God is after is a real life spirituality that express itself in acts of "justice, mercy, and faithfulness" (to quote Jesus in Mt. 23:23).

Join us this Sunday as we seek to think through the real life implications of what Jesus and his half-brother James taught about caring for the most vulnerable.

We hope to see you this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/11-12-23-worship-folder.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

An extra hour of sleep tonight!

See y’all at 10am!

Sunday Preview - Every Good & Perfect Gift
I
n this week's study of the New Testament letter called James, we'll see the brother of Jesus continue to encourage his friends who are facing severe trials.

In the midst of these trials, he calls them to keep their eyes on their Heavenly Father who continues to give good gifts and who has given them new life in Christ.

Join us as we look at James 1:16-18. We'll find fresh courage for our lives and be reminded of the constantly giving God who is continually lavishing us with good and perfect gifts.

See you Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn: https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/10-08-23-worship-folder.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

There is a fascinating if not unsettling prayer found in the book of Proverbs by a man named Agur.

He asks God for something very peculiar:

Two things I ask of you;
deny them not to me before I die:
Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me,
lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the LORD?”
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God.
Proverbs 30:7-9

Agur seems to view both poverty and wealth as peculiar trials that may prove the end of him.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, picks up on this ancient wisdom as he writes to some of the first followers of Jesus who have been scattered because of persecution.

To those who are poor, James wants them to boast in their high position. And to those who are rich, James wants them to boast in their humiliation.

What does he mean by this? And how does the gospel inform both poverty and wealth? And how should we conduct ourselves as followers of Jesus if we are given the trials of poverty or wealth?

We'll dive into these questions and more as we join together this Sunday to study James 1:9-12.

We hope you can join us this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn: https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/09-24-23-worship-folder.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

In writing to Christians whose lives have been upended, James the half-brother of Jesus writes to them about their trials.

He wants them to know that even in the difficulties they are facing, God is at work in their producing a spiritual stamina.

James wants them to know that even in their difficulties, God is at work to make them more like Jesus.

That can sound good in theory, but how do we actually respond well when trials come at us from all directions?

Well, James says, we're going to need wisdom. Not just any kind of wisdom, but divine wisdom from God.

And that's good news because God is a constantly giving God who loves to give us wisdom more than we think we need it.

In fact, in the ways of God, Christ has become for us the wisdom of God.

Join us this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn:
https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/09-17-23-worship-folder.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

What would following Jesus look like in real life?

According to the half-brother of Jesus, it would look like seeking wisdom, being slow to speak and quick to listen, serving the marginalized, using our words to bless others, pursing humility, and actually learning to live like Jesus instead of just being a fan of his teachings.

In other words, it would a lot like learning to love God and love others.

We would love to have you join us this semester as we seek to learn from this ancient text of the New Testament written by the leader of the first church in Jerusalem.

Whether you are convinced or unconvinced, full of faith or full of doubt, a seasoned follower of Jesus or just simply curious, or maybe just cynical and jaded wondering if you could believe again, you are welcome among us!

https://www.mercyhillbcs.org

This Sunday, we begin our series on the book of James, the half-brother of Jesus.

In this New Testament letter, we receive ancient counsel for our modern times as we listen to this early leader of the very first church in Jerusalem give wise instruction for what it means to live as a follower of Jesus.

And he doesn't piddle around. In this week's passage, we'll see James giving us counsel on how to deal with the various trials we encounter throughout this life.

How should a follower of Jesus respond to the pressure and trials we experience?

Join us this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn:
https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/09-10-23-worship-folder.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

In this week's study of the final chapter of Jonah, we see Jonah furious that God has shown compassion to the enemies of his people.

And at the same time, we see God patiently seeking to calm the storm raging in the heart of his prophet.

This final chapter challenges us to view God's grace as available not only for people like us, but even for the most unlikely of recipients.

As Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...."

The One who is greater than Jonah shows us (and demonstrates) a better way of being human.

Join us this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn:
https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/09-03-23-worship-folder.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

Sunday Preview - The Stubborn Fierceness of God's Grace

This week we continue our journey through the ancient book of Jonah.

In this week's study, we'll see Jonah doing what he dreaded most -- namely, walking into the ancient terrorist state the Assyrian Empire right into the heart of its military capital, Nineveh.

And there he speaks the words God had given him to speak, and the unbelievable happens.

No, Jonah doesn't get captured and tortured. He isn't skinned alive (as the Assyrians loved to do).

In fact, the exact opposite happens.

God sheds his amazing grace upon this ancient empire from the least to the greatest.

What can we learn from this? And what does this have if anything to do with the message that Jesus proclaimed about the coming Kingdom of God? And how do we apply this to our lives?

Join us this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn:
https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/08-27-23-worship-folder.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

If you were to close your eyes and think of "God," what would enter your mind?

If you were to think of God as all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere present, you would not be wrong for the Scriptures teach us this.

If you were to think of God as loving, you would not be wrong, for Jesus taught us this.

If you were to think of God as kind and patient, slower to anger and abounding in steadfast love, you would not be wrong, for this is how God revealed himself to Moses.

But would the word, "Holy" come to your mind? After all, the Scripture teaches us that God is holy, and we sing songs praising God for his holiness.

But what does this mean? And what possible significance could this have for our lives today?

This Sunday we'll look at one of the classic texts in the sacred Scriptures which highlights heavenly beings around the throne of God singing non-stop, "Holy, holy, holy."

Please join us on Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn: https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/06-25-23-worship-folder-copy.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

In this final chapter in the book of Ruth, we are given a bird's eye view of what God has been up to all along.

Indeed, all along the ups and downs of the microcosm of the lives of Naomi and Ruth, God has been at work in the macrocosm of his grand plans for the redemption of the world.

Not only do we witness the reversal of the Ruth-the-widow's fortunes, but we catch a glimpse that the best is yet to come.

In fact, when our trust is in Christ, the best is indeed yet to come.

Join us this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn: https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/06-11-23-worship-folder.pdf

See you then,

Pastor John

In Charles Dickens' classic book, A Tale of Two Cities, he opens with these memorable words: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...."

I always think about that line when I begin reading the book of Ruth.

Even though Ruth is, as one scholar put it, a literary masterpiece that "features thematic reversals as it moves from famine to fullness, barrenness to fruitfulness, isolation to community, death to life," it still begins with tragedy. It begins in "the worst of times."

Which begs the question, "Where is God in the worst of times?"

Join us this Sunday as we begin our 5-week study in the much beloved book of Ruth that teaches us about the lives of ordinary people like us, the hidden providence of God, and the mysterious ways he works all things together for our God and the glory of our Lord Jesus.

As Tim Mackie of the Bible Project put it, "These seemingly mundane ordinary events of this story are woven into God’s grand story of redemption for the whole world, and so the book of Ruth invites us to consider how God might be at work of the very mundane ordinary events of our lives as well."

We hope to see you this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn: https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

Here’s a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/05-14-23-worship-folder-2.pdf

See you there!

Pastor John

We are so excited to start our news series in the book of Ruth.

Join us this Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden in in Bryan / College Station.

https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

In this final study of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, we learn much about gifts, grace, and glory.

And we come across one of Paul's most well known sayings, "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory."

What do these final words of Paul to the Philippians have to teach us? Plenty.

And we'll learn about a surprising way God has been arranging everything that happened to Paul to bring the gospel to the highest levels of power in the Roman Empire.

Here's a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/04-30-23-worship-folder.pdf

Join us Sunday at 10am at the Hilton Garden Inn: https://www.mercyhillbcs.org/location

See you Sunday!

Pastor John

What comes to mind when you think of contentment?

For me, it's almost always a relaxing beach vacation, watching the waves gently roll in, letting all my worries melt away as I watch a beautiful sunset.

Which means, since I am usually not at the beach, I am discontent most of the time, right?

But what if contentment does not have anything to do with beaches and sunsets, or nice retirement accounts, or perfect families, or going viral and becoming famous, or the thousand and one ways we dream of becoming content?

What if contentment has *nothing* to do with circumstances?

Join us this Sunday as we look at some of the final words of the Apostle Paul to the Philippians as he tells about discovering the secret of contentment.

Here's a copy of the worship folder:https://www.csmedia1.com/mercyhillbcs.org/04-23-23-worship-folder.pdf

Hope to see you this Sunday at the Hilton Garden Inn at 10am: https://us16.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/__31__

All the best,

Pastor John

Join us Friday at 4pm at the Hilton Garden Inn as we reflect upon the final hours of the life of Jesus.

Our service will consist of some readings from the Gospels as well as songs that help us remember the significance of His sacrifice for us and for our salvation.

This will be a shortened service of remembrance, reflection, and devotion. We will observe the Lord's Table in silence as well.

Note: There will be no childcare provided for this brief service, but children are more than welcome to be with us in the ballroom.

Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour!

This is happening tonight! See you there!