Claremont United Church of Christ Pastors Jen and Jacob
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- Religion & Spirituality
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Join Pastors Jen and Jacob at Claremont United Church of Christ for sermons that are engaging, inspiring, and challenging. Claremont UCC is an open and affirming congregation that welcomes ALL people regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability.
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Let The Flame Burn Brightly
In Mark 14, the Chief Priests and scribes are conspiring to find a way to secretly put Jesus to death. But in the middle of their plans comes the story of an unnamed woman with an alabaster jar. Her small act of kindness serves as a subversive act of goodness to counter the hatred of the Chief Priests' plans. And now, her amazing story calls us to join the revolution of kindness.
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But Now I See
In the blockbuster movie Inception, the characters travel into a dream within a dream within a dream. This week, Pastor Jacob explains that the Gospel of Mark is a story within a story within a story. But what all of these layers of stories reveal is that a life of faith doesn't mean we have all of the answers. There is never a pint where we have "arrived at faith." Instead, a life of faith is a continuous journey of learning more about ourselves and the world around us.
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When it's Tempting to Jump Off the Cliff
Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy serves as President of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. One of the UCC seminaries, PSR is a progressive, multidenominational seminary and center for social justice that prepares theologically and spiritually rooted leaders to work for the well-being of all. A committed pastor, a nationally recognized higher education and immigration leader, and a sought after speaker, Vásquez-Levy leads at the intersection of faith, higher education, and social change. His innovations have led to cinrease access in theological education and leadership formation. Originally from Guatemala, Vásquez-Levy has lived in four countries, including working on refugee resettlement in Canada, and taught courses and led international study and service trips across the globe.
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The Cost Of Discipleship
When Jesus sends the disciples to do ministry in the Gospel of Mark, the story of their ministerial exploits is interrupted by a flashback to the death of John the Baptist. We continue our series on a unique aspect of the Gospel of Mark where one story is hidden inside of another in something called a Markan sandwich. What does Mark have to teach us about the cost of following Christ? And if the cost is so high, what do we get in return?
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Stories Within Stories
Pastor Jen kicks off our Lenten sermon series by introducing the concept of a Markan sandwich and invites us to examine two stories that are intentionally placed together in the Gospel of Mark. What is Mark trying to tell us about Jesus’ purpose through the lens of these healings?
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From love you came & to love you shall return
Pastor Jen kicks off our Lenten season with a story from the gospel of Mark in which Jesus heals people, prays, and heals more people. If reconnecting with Divine Love is what keeps Jesus going, might we try and do the same?
Customer Reviews
All are welcome
I have been attending Claremont United Church of Christ for around three years now. Most people know my daughter who often has valuable input when Pastor Laurel is presenting the sermon on the stairs. (speaking to all of our Sunday school participants).
Pastor Laurel is kind and gracious as she redirects my outgoing daughter. Pastor Laurel is always ready with a smile and hug for the kids. It's evident that one of the missions of Claremont United Church of Christ is to learn everyone's names. Within two weeks of attending both Pastors Jen and Jacob addressed my family by name. Pastors Jen and Jacob are both very approachable and are dripping with empathy and compassion. The sermons are always insightful and entertaining, it's amazing to see the personalities of these two beautiful people shine through from the pulpit.
If you can imagine your safe place, a place that provides you with smiles, wisdom, and acceptance no matter what stage of life you are experiencing. That would look very similar to attending Claremont United Church of Christ. I absolutely love that our congregation prides itself on accepting everyone. Even more importantly I constantly see Claremont United Church of Christ reaching out to our community both in a spiritual and practical way.
I could go on and on about Claremont United Church of Christ. The amazing sermon series, Choir, Childrens Ministry, Adult Ministry, Holiday Events. However, I think it would be best if you stopped on by. You just might see a plus sized man with a grey beard chasing around a 4-year-old dressed as Elsa. We would love to say hi to you.
Thought provoking and inspirational
I always learn something and am uplifted.
Such a wonderful spiritual community
This church community has helped us to feel at home in Claremont. We have met so many lovely, caring, supportive people. Pastors Jen & Jacob put together such lovely services every week with fantastic sermons & beautiful music. It's a place that has made us better human beings in every way. We are so grateful for this spiritual community.