Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

preached on August 17, 2008 by Rev. Winton Boyd
2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Before our oldest son left to study in Norway, we had a family conversation about the ability to understand and communicate even if you don’t know another person’s language. I told my kids about my first day at a school in Honefoss, Norway in 1978. All 100 students and most of their parents gathered for an opening session with the teachers and headmaster. In the midst of this rather formal gathering, there was one young man, Morten, who repeatedly interrupted the speaker with jokes, laughter and attention getting comments. It did not require an understanding of Norwegian, I told my kids, to know what he was doing. It also did not require an understanding of Norwegian to know that his humor would get old in about a week. What I knew, regardless of language, was we often use humor to cover our anxiety or uncertainty. It appeared to me on that first day, and was later confirmed as I got to know Morten, that he masked his insecurity and uncertainty socially by using humor. Continue Reading »

Hear a digital version of Associate Pastor Ree Hale’s sermon from August 3, 2008.

Preached by Winton Boyd on July 20th

As a parent, I often find myself in the dilemma of having raised very good young lawyers. While I appreciate and respect – really I do – the articulation and passion of my children’s view and beliefs – I am a bit flummoxed by the use of those skills against me! Couldn’t you try them out on someone else? I am often reminded of conversations I had with my own parents in which they questioned my independence, differing political opinions and the way I challenged some of their values. Be careful what you pray for I would say – you raised your children to be independent thinkers and actors – and that’s what I am demonstrating right now. There is quite a difference between being raised to be politically conservative and being raised in a politically conservative house to be clear thinking!

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Preached by Winton Boyd on June 22, 2008
Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17-26;

Early this week, we expect to receive 18 handmade drums direct from Ghana. Because of the internet and international banks and friendships – we were able to dream about, order, partially design, purchase and ship those drums in a matter of a couple of weeks. As we were ordering, our friend Nani was in touch with his friend in Ghana who was literally in the jungles looking for appropriate trees. So, in the matter of a few short weeks, trees that stood in that jungle will be used as drums in this sanctuary. It is amazing. Continue Reading »

Preached by Winton Boyd
Text: Matthew 16:13-17

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.

Introduction –
I had the opportunity, for the second time, yesterday to attend the graduation ceremony of one of my children. If we are honest about it, we know that there are a few minutes of peak interest in an otherwise unremarkable ceremony – those minutes that one’s child lines up, walks the platform and receives the handshake. We may be mildy interested in the graduation speeches, but mostly we are there in recognition of years of studying and work. Continue Reading »