Sunday, November 22, 2020
Light Burdens
Matthew 11:1-7, 20-24, 23:1-131
Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities.
Messengers from John the Baptist
2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah[a] was doing, he sent word by his[b] disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers[c] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
Jesus Praises John the Baptist
7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind?
20 Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven?
No, you will be brought down to Hades.
For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.”
23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear,[a] and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6 They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students.[b] 9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah.[c] 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them.
You are welcome here.
Left. Right. Struggling. Settled.
Confident. Scared. Excited. Seeking.
Southern. Yankee. Old-Timer or Newby.
We are more than labels.
You are welcome here.
TO LOVE &
TO BE LOVED
Previous Sermons and Music
Sunday, November 8, 2020
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Sunday, November 15, 2020
Sunday, November 1, 2020
Sunday, October 4, 2020
Sunday, October 11, 2020
Sunday, August 23, 2020
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Sunday, September 6, 2020
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Sunday, September 20, 2020
Stories Of
Hope
Focusing on what Jesus taught us to do.
There are still a lot of things we can't do right now. Let's focus on what we can do.
Who we can be.
There are ways we can all make a difference: for our faith, for our church, and to help our neighbors.
This summer sermon series will focus on Jesus' life and teachings, to help us continue to focus on what we CAN do.
Preaching in Pandemic:
A People of Sharing: Yourself
Preaching in Pandemic:
A People of Sharing Hope
Preaching in Pandemic:
A People of Sharing Honor
Preaching in Pandemic:
A People of Sharing Money
Preaching in Pandemic:
A People of Sharing Talent
Preaching in Pandemic:
A People of Sharing Time
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OUR COMMUNITY
"To Love & Be Loved" is
our congregation's motto. It reminds each of us of our God-created call, an awareness that we are beloved of God, and that we are invited to care for others as we grow in faith.
We have resources available if there is need.
Our church family can maintain giving commitments, tithes and offerings, by clicking the Givelify button above. Please give what you would usually give so we can sustain our commitments and ministry priorities.
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Resources
Past Videos
COMMUNITY NEWS
Did you know FCC RM offers Christian Education opportunities all year long?
Take a look at our latest newsletter here, or click on the Calendar to find a place to join us!
Be engaged and edified at
First Christian, Rocky Mount!
GO SOCIAL
Local Outreach
The church driveway got a facelift when we introduced a new way for our church to reach out and share with our local community.
The FCC Youth Blessing Box is a way for us to share with those in our neighborhood who need a helping hand.
Non-Perishable food, sundries and information is available 24/7
for any who need. You can help refill the box by bringing items and placing them in the hallway adjacent to the sanctuary, or by contacting the church office at (252) 446-4943.
First Christian Church of Rocky Mount regularly sponsors events and mission opportunities.
Stay tuned to this space for information and registration links. Get involved at FCC!
“A wonderful congregation. You feel the warmth of Christian love and fellowship as soon as you walk in!” -Lorenzo Q
The Thanksgiving Offering benefits the Colleges, Universities, Seminaries, and Divinity Houses affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Higher education has been an important focus for Disciples since the very beginning of the movement. Throughout our history, Disciples have founded institutions of higher learning to educate students and form leaders to make a difference in the world. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is still committed to higher education. Your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering helps support the education of thousands of students at our fifteen colleges and universities as well as our seven seminaries and divinity houses.
The Colleges and Universities of the Christian Church provide quality education through classes offered by some of the nation’s top undergraduate and graduate faculty. Many of the campuses are comprised of state-of-the-art facilities, offer diverse degree programs, include dynamic student life activities, offer exciting athletics programs, and much more. The Thanksgiving offering supports everything from scholarships, to religious life offices, to faculty growth and development. By giving to the Thanksgiving Offering you are helping our institutions invest in students as they prepare themselves to become leaders.
The Thanksgiving Offering also provides scholarship and support for our theological education institutions. Each of our seminaries and divinity houses is committed to educating and forming Christian leaders for church and society. Generations of pastors, community leaders, and agents of social transformation have been educated at our theological institutions. They have flourished and made a difference in the world, thanks to gifts from Disciples congregations and individuals throughout the ages. These institutions continue to prepare leaders for the present age and the age to come.
In the midst of national and global challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, our higher education institutions are facing unprecedented challenges and they need our support now, more than ever. Even as they work diligently to ensure safe and healthy learning environments, the financial realities faced by many or our schools is adding additional stress to students, faculty and staff.
Support for Disciples Mission Fund and gifts to the Thanksgiving Offering are a critical part of the ongoing collaborative work of church and higher education that is such a foundational part of the heritage of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Please give generously to this offering. You gift makes a difference in the lives of our students and it makes a difference in the world.