tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83651226098242834152024-03-07T21:04:39.948-08:00A Gentle ReminderA Gentle Reminder is the blog of Rev. Stephen Gentle, Senior Pastor at National City Christian Church in Washington, DC. National City Christian Church is the national Church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-75908149641437972382010-05-02T13:08:00.000-07:002010-05-02T13:09:15.421-07:00Will Heaven Be Boring?"<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20100502.mp3">Will Heaven Be Boring</a>?," a sermon delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle and Rev. Peter Morgan at National City Christian Church in Washington, DC on Sunday 5/2/10.Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-50284007906478522722010-04-25T18:37:00.001-07:002010-04-25T18:37:56.018-07:00Heaven on Earth"<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20100425.mp3">Heaven on Earth</a>," a sermon delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at National City Christian Church on Sunday 4/25/10.Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-30270501216325089332010-04-18T13:20:00.000-07:002010-04-18T13:21:54.191-07:00Hope of Heaven"<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20100418.mp3">Hope of Heaven</a>" - a sermon delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at National City Christian Church in Washington, DC on Sunday 4/18/10.Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-14127919852403353402010-04-11T16:54:00.001-07:002010-04-11T16:55:07.981-07:00Who Art in Heaven"<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20100411.mp3">Who Art in Heaven</a>" a sermon delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at National City Christian Church in Washington, DC on Sunday 4/11/10.Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-67530566164248340372010-04-04T18:06:00.000-07:002010-04-04T18:07:43.777-07:00What Happens After I Die?"<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20100404.mp3">What Happens After I Die?</a>" a sermon delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle on Sunday 4/4/10 at National City Christian Church in Washington, DCStephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-52934966119822488382010-03-28T13:21:00.001-07:002010-03-28T13:21:52.533-07:00Why Did Jesus Have to Die?<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20100328.mp3">"Why Did Jesus Have to Die?"</a> a sermon delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at National City Christian Church in Washington, DC on Sunday 3/28/10.Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-80880239912936372802010-03-16T17:06:00.001-07:002010-03-16T17:07:05.887-07:00Can a Broken Relationship be Healed?<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20100314.mp3">"Can a Broken Relationship Be Healed?"</a> a sermon delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at National City Christian Church in Washington, DC on Sunday 3/14/10.Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-35020201169308869442010-02-21T16:11:00.001-08:002010-02-21T16:12:10.255-08:00Why Am I Tempted Lord?<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20100221.mp3">"Why Am I Tempted Lord?"</a> a sermon delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at National City Christian Church in Washington, DC on Sunday 2/21/10.Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-31761951999330506462010-02-15T16:00:00.001-08:002010-02-15T16:01:07.710-08:00The Greatest"<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20100214.mp3">The Greatest</a>" - delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at National City Christian Church on Sunday 2/14/10.Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-75638683004403726302010-01-24T14:45:00.000-08:002010-01-24T14:47:08.122-08:00New Year. New Life. New Hope.Happy New Year! One of the great joys of our church life together is the welcoming of a new child into our faith community. Recently we have enjoyed five child dedications. Sunday, January 3, Mason Robinson Brown was dedicated at the 8:30 a.m. worship service. In November and December we welcomed Sydney Faith Ashton, Mia Skelly, and Peyton Marie Aklin. In September, we celebrated the dedication of Giovanni Malik Fulgham. National City Christian Church has been richly blessed with these beautiful children and their families. With a New Year and new life there is always new hope! We give thanks to God for all the children of the world. For the children that we have been blessed to dedicate, we receive them as a special treasure and honor. May our church family surround these families with our prayers, our support, our encouragement, and our love.<br /><br />It’s a new year, let us give thanks for new life and new hope as we step into 2010.Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-19612560115089580052010-01-24T14:33:00.000-08:002010-01-24T14:34:59.888-08:00Drink Of One Spirit<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20091227.mp3"></a><a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20100124.mp3">"Drink of One Spirit"</a> - a sermon delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at National City Christian Church on Sunday 1/24/10.Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-48218850377096583182009-12-28T15:34:00.001-08:002009-12-28T15:34:48.376-08:00Dedication<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20091227.mp3">"Dedication"</a> - a sermon delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at National City Christian Church on Sunday 12/27/09.Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-26892501637281827822009-12-06T13:26:00.000-08:002009-12-06T13:27:40.831-08:00Getting Ready Before Christmas<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20091206.mp3">"Getting Ready Before Christmas"</a>, a sermon delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at <a href="http://nationalcitycc.org">National City Christian Church</a> on Sunday 12/6/09.Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-16059029929493936652009-11-29T13:49:00.000-08:002009-11-29T13:52:27.220-08:00Sign of the Times<a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20091129.mp3">"Sign of the Times"</a> delivered by Rev. Stephen Gentle at National City Christian Church on 11/29/09Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-4254807471838604282009-11-01T11:24:00.000-08:002009-11-01T11:34:54.162-08:00The Loyalty Dinner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.americansmallbusiness.com/Editor/assets/loyalty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 354px; height: 284px;" src="http://www.americansmallbusiness.com/Editor/assets/loyalty.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Loyalty is an expression that has fallen out of fashion in the 21st century. Companies and employees are no longer expected to be loyal to each other. As consumers leap to the latest commodities, brand loyalty is a thing of the past. When looking for a church, most people seek ou the one that best meets their needs regardless of the denominational label or lack thereof. Perhaps the final refuge of loyalty is left to our canine companions, unaware that loyalty is no longer in vogue!<br /><br />What does it mean to be loyal to something or someone at the end of the first decade of the new millennium?<br /><br />Loyalty means first and foremost: "You can count on me!" That is the affirmation of National City Christian Church's Loyalty Dinner on November 22. It affirms that in an age of transient affiliations, we want to be part of something larger...part of a special work that can make a difference in our communities and the world.<br /><br />National City Christian Church's special luncheon at the time of Thanksgiving - by any other name: Thanksgiving meal, Commitment Sunday, or Loyalty Dinner - is a special tradition. And long after "loyalty" has become passe in our world, we celebrate our commitments to Christ and his Church. On NOvember 22, plan on worshipping with us - and eating together - as we acknowledge that all of our loyalities are secondary to our love for God in Christ Jesus.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Please make your reservation for the Loyalty Dinner by signing up in the Atrium or by calling the church at 202-232-0323.</span>Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-56937822378322123082009-10-25T16:30:00.001-07:002009-10-25T16:31:12.716-07:00Prayer SupportSermon on <a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20091028.mp3">"Prayer Support"</a> - National City Christian Church, Sunday 10/25/09Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-90832585676535591692009-10-18T14:22:00.000-07:002009-10-18T14:23:47.538-07:00Virtuous PatienceSermon on <a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20091018.mp3">Virtuous Patience</a> delivered at <a href="http://nationalcitycc.org">National City Christian Church</a> on October 18, 2009Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-67557030074053849272009-10-11T18:49:00.000-07:002009-10-11T18:51:06.095-07:00What Is Your Life?<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://www.nationalcitycc.org/uploads/20091011.mp3">What Is Your Life?</a> - October 11, 2009Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-18347988904363498652009-09-29T09:37:00.000-07:002009-09-29T09:42:45.268-07:00Making a Way in Desert TimesGod declared to Isaiah: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19<br /><br />By any indicator I can imagine, our world's economy is experiencing "desert times." While there are promising signs, no one is forecasting happier days - just yet. Yet, God promised in Isaiah that a hopeful path is planned for our lives and our ministry. The world's economy and our own economic realities are significant, still God promises a new way in desert times, producing streams of water even in a wasteland.<br /><br />The challenge of Christian ministry in this postmodern world seems overwhelming at times. The church must continually pursue a "new thing" by constantly analyzing whether or not yesterday's methods still bear fruit. Which means it is time for a....<br /><br />Congregational Planning Event<br />October 24 at 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Howland Center<br /><br />All members and friends of National City Christian Church are invited to participate as we pursue plans and strategies for our congregational life in these "desert times." in previous years this has been a time for brainstorming, but this year our congregation planners will be asked to think creatively about our development case statement, mission statement, and model for ministry.<br /><br />Your input and participation is vital! Tough economic times call for tough new strategies in ministry. Your voice is important as we discern God's way in these "desert times."Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-45463560826070593142009-05-28T10:53:00.000-07:002009-05-28T10:58:36.977-07:00Pentecost - An Offering And So Much MoreEach year National City Christian Church receives a Pentecost offering for the New Church Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This offering provides support for new church planter training, coaching, special project grants, and additional services to support new congregations. Half of the money collected through our Pentecost Offering remains in our region to benefit new churches here. Give generously to the evangelistic ministries of our church, when we receive this special offering on May 24 and 31 - our special Pentecost.<br /><br />Yet Pentecost is more than an offering. This anniversary of the birth of the Christian Church universal is celebrated 50 days after Eater Sunday. We remember a special time in Jerusalem when many nations of people gathered and received the Holy Spirit for the work of the Gospel.<br /><br />Pentecost is a reminder of God's great providence in drawing together people of many nations, many languages, many theological sensibilities, and many political persuasions into Christ Jesus. Refresh your memory about this exciting moment in church history by reading the first couple of chapters in the book of the Acts of the Apostles.<br /><br />Join the whole people of God on May 31 to give thanks for the birth of the church that continues to be an expression of God's presence in the world, and make a generous offering during Pentecost, so God's church may be extended through this land.<br /><br />Stephen GentleStephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-89374514659390239812008-12-26T08:55:00.000-08:002008-12-26T09:06:44.738-08:00Happy New SyllabusCall me a little peculiar.<br /><br />Some of my fondest memories in school were related to the first days of the semester. It was in this week that professors would often distribute the semester's syllabi. With syllabus in hand, I would review the course outline and a summary of topics to be covered. I would consider the books to be purchased and the chapters to be read. And I would anticipate - with great expectation - all of the learning objectives that would be realized in my life over the course of the next couple of months.<br /><br />I told you I was a little peculiar.<br /><br />What thrilled my soul were not the tests for which I would prepare or the papers over which I would agonize. What excited me was the promise of all the learning that would take place during that semester. I could see a road-map that would lead me through challenging exercises and open up a whole world of new knowledge for me. I could imagine how much wiser and better prepared I would be at the end of this course of study.<br /><br />As we stand on the precipice of 2009, I am nostalgic for such a syllabus. What does this year hold in store for us? What challenges will we face? How will you and I learn and grow in the coming months?<br /><br />Though I long for a day when there was a clearer road-map for the months ahead, such direction does not exist - at least not in syllabus form. Rather we step out into the New Year, trusting that God will be moving ahead of us. We put our faith in The One who will not only direct our steps, but give us everything we need to face the challenges in the days ahead.<br /><br />Perhaps our learning objectives for this coming year could be summarized in the hymn by Hugh T. Kerr:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">God of our life, thorugh all the circling years, we trust in you;<br />In all the past, through all our hopes and fears, your hand we view.<br />With each new day, when morning lifts the veil,<br />We own your mercies, Lord, which never fail.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">May God grant do you and yours - and to God's church - a New Year filled with learning and growth, faith and understanding.</div></div>Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-88066381086488079652008-12-19T13:37:00.000-08:002008-12-19T13:44:35.669-08:002008 at National City Christian ChurchMerry Christmas to you and yours! National City Christian Church and I send to you our very best wishes for a memorable holiday season.<br /><br />The year of our Lord 2008 will be remembered for many things in our life and witness:<br /><ul><li>The annual summer program enriched the lives of inner-city children as they focused for five weeks on music, art, science, and reading.</li><li>Youth "bunkhouse ministry" house hundreds of young people visiting Washington, DC from as far away as France</li><li>Our food pantry provided groceries to feed thousands of families.</li><li>The Hispanic congregation continues to grow in enthusiasm and numbers.</li><li>Heads of faith communions gathered here for a prayer service with the U.S. Conference for the World Council of Churches.</li><li>NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) gathered in our facilities to assist thousands needing help with their finances and mortgages.</li><li>The congregation hosted the neighborhood on its steps for Capital Pride.</li><li>National City Christian Church Foundation had a significant presence at the HIspanic and Bilingual Assembly in New Jersey, the National Convocation in Memphis, and the World Convention in Nashville, TN.</li><li>In addition, I participated in leadership ah the 100th birthday anniversary of Preisdnet Lyndon B. Johnson, and I will be featured next January in a PBS documentary on Presidential churches.</li></ul>We have many reasons for offering thanks to God in this season. Your prayers and financial support have made all the difference! Thank you for all the ways that you continue to lift up this ministry on behalf of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).<br /><br />Your contribution at the end of this year is so very much appreciated. With your support, we look forward to serving many people on your behalf in 2009.<br /><br />Merry, Merry Christmas!Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8365122609824283415.post-33149343825072845472008-12-09T12:27:00.000-08:002009-02-05T09:29:39.856-08:00Having a Merry Little Christmas<span style="font-family:arial;">The Associated Press recently released an article about consumer cutbacks: “Consumers, taking a beating from the worst financial crisis in seven decades, cut back sharply on their spending, pushing retail sales down by a record amount. Retailers are braced for what could be the worst holiday shopping season in decades...”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I suspect that each of us is eyeing this holiday season with a close watch on our personal bank accounts. And as a congregation, we are also weighing carefully our spending as we make plans to celebrate this holiday season and enter the New Year.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I am reminded of the perennial holiday classic, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and the lyrics which are not all that merry. Originally the words were: “Have yourself a merry little Christmas / It may be your last / Next year we may all be living in the past" and "Faithful friends who were dear to us / Will be near to us no more.” Though he initially resisted, songwriter Hugh Martin made several changes to make the song more upbeat. For example, the lines “It may be your last / Next year we may all be living in the past" became "Let your heart be light / Next year all our troubles will be out of sight.” (Source: Wikipedia)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is important to remember because the Advent/Christmas/New Year holidays are often met with a mixture of sadness and hope, melancholy and cheer, nostalgia and anticipation. Perhaps the memories that you and I can make during the holiday season of 2008 are not ones of over-the-top holiday spending. This may very well be the time for us to focus on the merry</span><span> </span><span style="font-family:arial;">“little things” that give this season its greatest meaning.</span><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Volunteer in a local charity</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Invite someone to join you for worship and then share a light Sunday meal</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Offer to share with someone a talent that you have</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Make your own Christmas cards out of recycled paper</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">“Re-gift” something that you don’t use anymore</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Purchase an inexpensive craft at Hilda’s Gift Shop to help third world artisans</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Make a special gift to National City Christian Church in honor of a loved one, and tell them</span><br /></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">about your gift</span><br /></li></ul><span style="font-family:arial;">This is the season to focus on the little things: the tiny child of God coming to the world in a humble manger, a young man and woman who risked everything they had on an angelic promise, the lowly shepherds making their way through the Bethlehem night to honor the new-born king. Little things, that mean so very much.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So… let us have ourselves a merry “little” Christmas.</span>Stephen Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16550738909322524596noreply@blogger.com0