Resurrection UMC Hastings

Loving Mothers and Others

Sun, 10 May 2026 10:37:23 -0500

It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday, but don’t expect a message about a mother’s love or about loving our own mothers. Instead, we focus on loving our mothers-in-law and on a farming/gardening practice called gleaning.

When Gardening Was Easy

Thu, 07 May 2026 11:38:33 -0500

Gardening/farming all began in the garden (of Eden), making it the first (and oldest) profession. It was easy and good. Then sin entered the picture. The result? Now gardening/farming is a lot of hard work.

Garden Basics

Thu, 07 May 2026 11:37:16 -0500

Jesus tells a parable about planting, and the disciples are like, “Huh?” So Jesus explains it: Good seeds + good soil = good growth, and an abundant harvest.

Why Not? (part 2)

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:12:19 -0500

Once you’ve seen all that Jesus is and does for us, perhaps the question to answer is not, “Why should I follow Jesus?” but instead, “Why not? Why not believe? Why not follow Jesus?”

Why Not? (part 1)

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:04:27 -0500

Once you’ve seen all that Jesus is and does for us, perhaps the question to answer is not, “Why should I follow Jesus?” but instead, “Why not? Why not believe? Why not follow Jesus?”

A Friend: Keeps Their Promises

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 09:55:47 -0500

If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, as promised, then he can’t keep a single other promise. But he did keep that promise. We are called to do the same. That’s what friends do. What a friend we have in Jesus!

A Friend: Would Die for You…(?)

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 21:18:36 -0500

Do you know a friend who would literally die for you, even if you treated them poorly? Jesus would, because that’s what he did. He’s the friend we have in Jesus! Is there anyone you would die for?

A Friend: Shares & Listens

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 12:07:46 -0500

A friend shares their deepest thoughts and feelings, and listens as you share yours. Jesus is such a friend and holds nothing back. We are called to do the same. Because that’s what friends do.

A Friend: Prays for You

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 18:33:20 -0500

The best friends are the ones who are always interceding for you and praying for all the aspects of your life. Because that’s what friends do. And that’s what Jesus does for his friends, i.e. all of us.

A Friend: Is Honest with You

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:52:57 -0500

Jesus is kind and loving, but he is also honest. He has the hard conversations and speaks the truth in love. We are called to do the same. Because that’s what friends do.

A Friend: Stands Up for You

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:37:40 -0600

On multiple occasions, Jesus stands up for someone who is criticized, pushed aside, or told to shut up. And we’re called to do the same. Because that’s what friends do.

A Friend: Helps

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 09:49:19 -0600

While the disciples knew Jesus intimately, the average person observing him knew one thing: he indiscriminately helps people. Because that’s what friends do. And we’re called to do the same.

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:33:01 -0600

Is everything determined by our own efforts? Nope, and that’s a good thing because “all have sinned and fallen short.” Instead, God helps the helpless and those who help others.

To Thine Own Self Be True

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:28:08 -0600

How do we strive to be true to God instead of ourselves? This can easily be boiled down to a matter of pride. And what’s the opposite of pride? Humility…something Jesus demonstrated time and again

Everything Happens for a Reason

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 09:30:54 -0600

"Everything Happens for a Reason" is a wonderful lie embraced by many. Sometimes the reason something happens is because of the choices we make, or simply not paying attention to what’s happening around us. Don’t overthink it.

God Never Gives You More Than You Can Handle

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:56:11 -0600

Live long enough or study history and you know that’s not true. Sometimes there is suffering and pain in life that we can’t handle ourselves. But God can. His power is made perfect in our weakness.

God Needed Another Angel

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:38:02 -0600

What really happens after we die? Well, we don’t become angels. Better yet, the bible promises that Christians are with the Lord in God’s house, every tear is dried, and there is joyful worship of God. Nice!

An Eye for an Eye

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:09:34 -0600

The message title is biblical, but was meant to limit retaliation – i.e., only an eye for an eye. But Jesus says no retaliation. Love your enemies just as God loves all, with unrelenting compassion and undeserving grace.

The Colors of Christmas: Gold

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 10:33:07 -0600

Gold is for the Magi’s gift and also for God’s glory. Will we offer God the best that we have this new year? Will we give God the Glory?

The Colors of Christmas: Silver

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 09:31:20 -0600

Silver is for reflecting Christ, as in a mirror. It’s also represents the 30 pieces of silver Judas took to betray Jesus. So in this coming year, will we reflect Christ or betray him?

The Colors of Christmas: White

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:55:53 -0600

White is for light and renewal. Like freshly fallen snow, it’s a clean slate, a new beginning. Jesus is the light of the world. Everything is brighter after his birth. Even us. We are given a fresh start.

The Colors of Christmas: Blue

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:04:44 -0600

Blue is the color of the Virgin Mary. She brought a new way of connecting (a new covenant) to God – Jesus. Mary also reminds us of the sorrow that we may face, even in happy times. Learn why there’s hope in the midst of Christmas blues.

The Colors of Christmas: Red

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 09:53:48 -0600

There are familiar reds at Christmastime: Santa’s coat, Rudolph’s nose, and poinsettias. But none of these qualify red as the color of Christmas.

The Colors of Christmas: Green

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 10:44:30 -0600

Green is the color of life. Evergreens (Christmas tree, wreaths, and garlands) symbolize everlasting life as they stay green all year round. In winter, when all the world looks dead, the green evergreens remind us of life – life that Jesus the Messiah brings.

The Colors of Christmas: Purple

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 09:40:16 -0600

Why do we associate certain colors with Christmastime (red and green, silver and gold, blue, white, and purple)? Besides just looking great on decorations, each color has a meaning that points to a crucial part of the Messiah’s birth story. Like the color purple, which stands for royalty. Find out as we kick off our Advent message series, The Colors of Christmas, and raise the question: What kind of King will you be celebrating?

The 12 Days of Thanksgiving

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 11:39:51 -0600

James 1:17 says that all good and perfect gifts come from God, so it’s appropriate to count our blessings and give God thanks. The “12 Days of Thanksgiving” song is a good way to remember to do this. Never heard of it? That’s because it’s brand new.

We Believe in the Holy Spirit

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:58:57 -0600

We wrap up our study of the Nicene Creed, looking at the section that tells us about the Holy Spirit, and how it helped guide the teaching of the truth of Jesus.

We Believe in Jesus Christ

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:11:09 -0600

In 2025, we celebrate 1,700 years since church leaders first gathered to form the Nicene Creed. In part 2 of our message series, we discuss what it tells us about the nature of Jesus, and why it is so important to our faith.

We Believe in One God

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 11:32:22 -0600

We begin this three-week message series with an introduction to the Nicene Creed and what it tells us about God the Father.

Soggy Bread

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 10:32:10 -0500

Can you dare to be generous, even when it seems like all you’ll get in return is soggy bread? Find out why getting soaked on an investment can actually work.

Access

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:00:53 -0500

God doesn’t just offer an eternal promise—he gives the reason he can keep it, along with all the inherent benefits.

Beautiful Savior

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 11:21:50 -0500

We have been looking at (and blessed by) beautiful things this past Fall. But of all the beautiful blessings we see each day, nothing is more beautiful than Jesus and his love for us.

Beautiful Church

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 20:02:16 -0500

Revelation describes the Church as like a beautiful bride of Christ. So, what actually makes it beautiful…and does it need an on-going makeover routine to maintain its appearance?

Beautiful Acts

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 10:11:17 -0500

The phrase “Good Samaritan” is used to describe the act of someone helping a stranger. But don’t just admire those who assist others. You can do beautiful acts (beautiful things), too.

Beauty for Ashes

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 09:27:58 -0500

Our world may be in ashes and our lives may be in ruins, but God transforms our situations (and ourselves) into things of beauty, all made possible through Christ. It’s a beautiful thing.

Beautiful People

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 07:05:09 -0500

The “beauty” industry generated $677B in revenue last year convincing us that looks matter most. But what really makes people beautiful can’t be bought or sold. It’s a matter of soul.

The Beauty of Creation

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 09:34:58 -0500

From majestic mountains and trees to color-drenched flowers and tiny bugs, we’re constantly provided a glimpse of God’s attributes throughout all of nature. All free of charge.

Hopewell Beach

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 11:00:43 -0500

What happens at the beach shouldn’t just stay at the beach. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Kitty Hawk Beach

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 11:01:24 -0500

Encountering one of life’s big “storms”? No problem. Try to remember that God is aware, has a plan, and always prevails. His advice is simple: abandon ship and head for the beach.

Lake Dillon

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 17:14:31 -0500

During the time of King Hezekiah and the siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrian army, God encouraged his people to trust in his protection, presence, and power. Advice that never grows old.

Outer Banks

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 11:52:36 -0500

The Outer Banks in North Carolina have been there throughout history, but the actual sand is always shifting and moving. It never stays the same…unlike God, who never changes.

MN Adult & Teen Challenge Choir

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 09:44:44 -0500

The MN Adult and Teen Challenge Choir will lead us in worship at both services with music and testimonies of hope. For over 60 years, Adult & Teen Challenge has operated on a holistic model of drug and alcohol recovery. Their vision is to see all people freed from addiction through the power of Jesus Christ!

Boundary Waters Beach

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 10:46:35 -0500

Nothing is beyond reconciliation. If you doubt that, then the story of Jesus forgiving Peter’s denial of him is a good reminder. Jesus restores Peter, but not without a hard conversation first.

Herman Beach

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 09:41:11 -0500

Beaches are those places where the water meets the land, and where God’s power faces the forces of chaos and defeats them. Even when the beach seems to have disappeared.

Rio Grande Beach

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 10:42:11 -0500

There are three stories of miracles where God literally made a way on the beach and saved the people’s lives. God still opens paths when it seems impossible, literally saving our lives.

Topsail Beach

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 09:34:32 -0500

When things seem beyond reason or our capabilities, we often discover with Jesus we can do far more than we could ask or think. Nothing is impossible for Jesus.

Why VBS?

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 12:56:20 -0500

This past week, 54 kids descended upon Resurrection to attend VBS each day from 9:00a to noon. And they had a wonderful time and got to see and hear God’s love in action. Wondering what you missed? Check it out.

Crystal Lake Beach

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 12:05:34 -0500

We can cause chaos if we don’t show compassion for others, i.e. refuse to listen to God. But this loving God of second chances doesn’t ever give up on us. Here’s a whale of a tale about it.

Thomsonite Beach

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 10:30:17 -0500

The Kingdom of God is like…buried treasure, priceless pearls, and sorting fish. But what does Thomsonite, a very rare and valuable Lake Superior gemstone, have to do with that?

Banks of the Jordan

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 09:32:46 -0500

Perhaps nothing symbolizes God’s conquering of the “forces of chaos” better than when the waters of chaos become the waters of baptism and Christ’s people are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life of freedom, peace, and power.

Beach Patrol

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 10:41:50 -0500

During times of chaos, believers can take comfort in the fact that God is on the lookout 24/7 to bring protection and peace in the midst of life’s rough waters.

No Unknowns

Sun, 25 May 2025 12:43:01 -0500

Like the “unknown soldier” commemorated on Memorial Day, there are many persons who play significant roles in the bible whose names are unknown to us. But there are no “Nobodies” (no “Unknowns”) to God. We are all God’s “Somebody.”

Spin the Bottle

Sun, 18 May 2025 09:26:02 -0500

Some think this game of chance may lead to love. Anyone who’s played it knows better. Real love is best demonstrated by God in his daily love for us, courtesy of Jesus.

Annie I Over

Sun, 11 May 2025 15:09:48 -0500

This game only works when played together as a group. It’s no fun with just two players and almost impossible alone. So, too, the Christian faith—it is made to do together with each other and together with the risen Jesus.

Red Light Green Light

Sun, 04 May 2025 11:03:49 -0500

This game is simple: The green light means “Go!” and the red light means “Stop!” In practical terms, move it when Jesus says “go” and stop what you’re doing when he says “stop”.

Hand Slap

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 09:41:35 -0500

Jesus’ sermon on the mount (turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, love your enemy, etc.) hits us hard where it counts most: how we treat others. Be honest…do you even want to do this?

Red Rover

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 09:56:47 -0500

In this game, you run to try and break through the linked arms of opposing players. Jesus’ resurrection broke the barrier of sin & death. For us now, nothing more to fear; in its place: peace.

The Floor is Lava

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 19:56:51 -0500

To win this game, avoid the floor (hot lava) while navigating between objects above the ground. Because one slip and you fall to your destruction. Kind of like avoiding temptation, isn’t it?

Hot Potato

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 05:56:26 -0500

This game is all about giving an item to others as quickly as possible, because if you get stuck with it, you lose. For believers, the same principle holds true: it’s wiser to give than to get.

Marco Polo

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 09:39:21 -0500

This game is based upon responding to what is heard, i.e. “listen up” if you want to win. And when Jesus says “listen up” he means for us to pay attention and do what he says.

Sardines

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:59:58 -0500

The game of Sardines is over when everyone ends up gathered together in the same place. Coincidentally, it mirrors Jesus’ vision for the church: everyone together in the same place.

Duck, Duck, Grey Duck

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 09:44:53 -0500

In this game, saying “Duck, Duck, Goose” will leave a Minnesota kid just sitting there, clueless. Only using all “Ducks” makes it work. Using the right words is important.

Hide & Seek

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 20:41:05 -0500

We’re told to seek the things of God, just as a child seeks out the hidden children in “Hide and Seek.” Jesus says, “Make the things of God a priority. Seek them first.” Okay…let’s go do it!

The Real Jesus

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 10:37:31 -0600

Social worker…miracle worker…magician…blasphemer…prophet…revolutionary…future king…the list kept going. So, who was/is Jesus? Perception versus reality: the real Jesus is more than meets the eye.

The Future

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 23:45:15 -0600

Worried about the future? Many do, but God’s already seen it with perfect clarity and lets us know that the future will turn out well for his followers. While we can’t see into the future, can we trust the one who can?

The Real Situation

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 11:17:32 -0600

Our eyes are often blind to our true situations when we think it’s “us against the world” and God is nowhere to be seen. What peace would come to us if we looked at our situation from God’s perspective?

The GOAT

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 09:58:54 -0600

What do people see as the greatest thing they could ever have? Wealth…Wisdom…Health…Reputation…? Admirable, but nothing really that great about them contrasted with God’s ultimate GOAT: Love.

The Past

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 09:42:12 -0600

Mistakes happen. But ever feel like every day seems like a clone of the one before, where you are doomed to repeat the same old mistakes? Here’s some good news: The past doesn’t define us in God’s eyes.

The Prayer

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 09:35:44 -0600

We often view prayer as an impersonal, cosmic Amazon order –“Give us what we want, when we want it, with free shipping.” But the Lord’s prayer is quite the opposite. It’s a relationship-based talk with God. Big difference.

The Fair Thing

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 09:31:33 -0600

Our view of what’s fair is often a strict “tit for tat”…an “eye for an eye” kind of justice, usually colored with a lot of self-interest. God looks at fairness through the lenses of mercy, a much healthier perspective. See why.

The Right Choice

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 09:31:04 -0600

We often make choices based on outward appearances and superficial characteristics. God looks at the inside – at the heart –and judges by those things that really matter.

Road Trip…via Persia

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 09:25:12 -0600

After visiting the baby Jesus, the wise men were warned to go home by another way…a new road trip. Now that we’ve taken the journey to Christmas, do we follow our same old pathways or listen to God for some new routes?

Road Trip…via Egypt

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 15:25:29 -0600

God works for good in all things, but that doesn’t mean everything is good. For example, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, i.e. good news for mankind. But also bad news since King Herod wants him dead, no matter what the cost.

Road Trip…via Bethlehem

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 23:54:44 -0600

It was baby-birthing time as Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem. No cushy room was to be had, though; instead, a lowly manger. And the Savior of the world was born. When there is no room, God finds a way.

Road Trip…via Nazareth

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 09:51:08 -0600

The plain, ordinary town of Nazareth. We trek here and take note of the surprising places and people God uses to bring about the miracle of Christmas.

Road Trip…via Ein Karem

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 10:34:56 -0600

God is on the move as joy breaks in at a place not mentioned in the Bible to accompany our long, wayward journey to Christmas and the birth of Jesus.

Road Trip:…via Jerusalem

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 08:04:10 -0600

Part of living is to trust that God is at work, even in the waiting, and that, when we might least expect it, God shows up in our lives.

Road Trip…Via Rome

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 12:42:00 -0600

Our Advent message series covers the strange journey to Bethlehem via an unexpected route. In the end, it all worked out, because it’s where Christmas began. But it started in Rome. Find out why God chose places we’d never dream of to bring about the miracle of Jesus.

Practice

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 09:54:17 -0600

We wrap up our “Predicting A Winner” message series with the final key for living a victorious life: Creating “practices” of goodness. Make hospitality (and the other keys from this series) your default setting.

Swap Places. Go Low.

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 09:39:21 -0600

There are two keys to living a victorious life that don’t need any lengthy theological interpretation. They just need to be put into practice.

An Encouraging Word

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 10:58:06 -0600

What’s the encouraging word for the believer who feels despair? We’re not talking about election results here. No just day-to-day living. (Guest speaker, Bill Robertson.)

No Paybacks

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 09:59:38 -0600

Want to get even with someone who’s wronged you? It’s easy: Forgive them and let God merit out justice. Yeah, so “easy”…

You Do You

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 09:56:17 -0500

We all have some gifts from Christ to be used for the common good. So use what you got in order to experience a winning life in Christ.

Noah and Her Sisters

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 08:10:35 -0500

Think there’s a typo in the title? Nope. But it’s got you wondering. This message is about dealing with life’s realities and possibilities, seeking truth, taking Godly action, and trusting the Lord with the outcomes. Guest speaker: Duane Sarazin

Do What You Can

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 10:02:07 -0500

Ever try to make someone love you or make someone kind and considerate who isn’t? Doesn’t happen, because on our own we can’t actually make peace happen. But, you can be a peacemaker.

Don't Fake It

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 13:09:44 -0500

The fourth key to a victorious life is to really love others and not fake it—where you don’t have to hide your true self because you truly do love others, showing devotion and honor. It’s a life free of hypocrisy.

Be Passionate

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 09:50:12 -0500

The third key to a victorious life is to maintain your enthusiasm, energy, and passion for Christ. It’s a combination of hope, patience, and faith that are all needed in the quest to emerge as a winner.

Get Real

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 09:31:09 -0500

The second key to a victorious life in Christ is to take a clear, honest look at ourselves. Reality check: The world doesn’t revolve around us and we are not nearly as important as we may/usually think we are.

Dare to Be Different

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:14:09 -0500

We’re not here to predict the outcome of the U.S. presidential race. But we are here to win the race of life. There are 10 keys that not only predict the likelihood of having a victorious life, they practically guarantee it. Here's the first key to winning the race.

Apple Pie

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:05:33 -0500

What better way to wrap up a message series than with an all-time favorite dessert, apple pie. But there’s more to the apple in the bible than meets the eye.

Hinbeh b'Zeit

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 09:45:20 -0500

(Translation: Dandelion Leaves in Oil.) While dandelions are a tasty weed, oil is the duct tape of the bible– with a plethora of uses–including anointing with oil. Later, God uses the Holy Spirit in its place to anoint Jesus. And the rest is (our) history.

Figs with Labneh Cheese

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 15:31:51 -0500

The fig tree is referred to often in the bible, usually as a sign of blessing and goodness. But fig trees that don’t produce fruit get the ax. And Jesus applies this illustration to our present lives. The good news on is it’s not over until it’s over!

Apicius' Roast Lamb

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 09:28:35 -0500

It’s written that Jesus is referred to as the “lamb of God.” Well, if Jesus is the lamb of God, why in the world is Pastor Mark giving us a recipe for roast lamb?! It’s time to explore this entrée mystery.

Cato’s Grape Must Cakes

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 15:10:07 -0500

Ever seen grapes grow without being attached to a vine? Doubt it. Same goes for Christians, i.e. the only chance of having a fruitful life is by staying connected to Jesus.

Red Stew

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 09:45:46 -0500

Think God doesn’t understand “dysfunctional family”? Look no further than the messed up home of twin brothers Jacob and Esau, where mere food was considered more important than a birthright.

The Gospel

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 09:26:47 -0500

We take a short break from our summer message series, Heaven’s Kitchen, and instead feast on the Good News (a meal unto itself, specially prepared by the head chef, God), with a message from guest speaker and new Hastings resident, Pastor Bill Robertson.

Milk & Honey Custard

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 22:28:15 -0500

Pastor Mark explains why God used milk & honey to describe prime real estate as part of our summer message series, Heaven's Kitchen.

Grilled Tilapia

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 20:52:51 -0500

Bible people ate more fish than meat. Not for heart health, weight loss, or because it was so tasty (it is), but because it was cheap and available. And Jesus chose fish because he knows us and speaks our language.

Babylonian Unwinding Stew

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 09:43:53 -0500

Imagine going back to slavery just to get veggies. The Israelites were leaning that way. And we’re already making similar trade-offs.

Za'atar

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 10:45:58 -0500

Stories of biblical spices and their relevance to the power of confession, faith, and focus.