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Let Both Grow: Resisting the Urge to Uproot (Psalm 86:11–17; Isaiah 44:6–8; Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43) (July 18, 2026)

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Date: July 12, 2026 (Second Sunday after Pentecost) Location: Eden UCC, Chicago Part Two — July 19, 2026 “Let Both Grow: Resisting the Urge to Uproot” Psalm 86:11–17; Isaiah 44:6–8; Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 Good morning. Last Sunday, we began this two-part sermon series called “God’s People in God’s Field.” We listened to Jesus’ parable of the sower, and we asked: What kind of soil are we becoming? Are we a people where God’s word can take root? Are we a congregation where grace can grow? Are we a church where the seed of God’s love can bear fruit—not just for ourselves, but for Jefferson Park, for our neighbors, for Chicago, and for the wider world? This week, Jesus keeps us in the field, but the question changes a little. Last week, the question was: What kind of soil are we? This week, the question is: What do we do when something grows beside us that we did not plant, did not expect, and maybe do not want? Jesus says, “ The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone wh...
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Good Soil: Becoming a People Who Can Receive the Word (Good Soil: Becoming a People Who Can Receive the Word) (July 12, 2026)

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Good Soil: Becoming a People Who Can Receive the Word Part One of “God’s People in God’s Field” Isaiah 55:10–13; Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23 Date: July 12, 2026 Location: Eden United Church of Christ, Chicago *sermon stats at 28:30 of the worship service https://youtu.be/VN6vNndMJRc?si=sKC_x0dVfRzy8fBJ&t=1713 Good morning. Thank you, Pastor Jacki, for inviting me to share the reflection today. It is my honor. Also, the greetings from the National Moderator of the Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries of UCC, moderator Eppie Encabo. Thank you for your prayers and supports that the Convocation in Irvine, CA went well and Eden's presence is recognized. And, the moderator also wants to visit Chicago in person soon! Today we begin a two-part sermon series called “God’s People in God’s Field.” This Sunday, we listen to Jesus’ parable of the sower. Next Sunday, we will listen to Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the weeds. Together, these two Sundays invite us to wonder what it ...
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自由，是為著甚麼？獨立紀念日與基督的軛 (羅馬書7:15-25a、馬太福音 11:16-19, 25-30) (July 5, 2026 )

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Date: July 5, 2026 (Sixth Sunday after Pentecost) Location: TPC of Greater Chicago Sermon title: 自由，是為著甚麼？獨立紀念日與基督的軛 Scriptures: 羅馬書 7:15-25a 、馬太福音 11:16-19, 25-30   Sermon recap staring at 20:40 of the worship video https://www.youtube.com/live/HJFYf6gkMpQ?si=aAL6sNqj5ltzYDqa&t=1240 0- 問安 各位主內 ê 兄弟姊妹，大家平安！ 昨暝是七月四日，美國 ê 獨立紀念日。佇芝加哥及全美國各所在，咱看著美國的國旗、煙火、遊行、音樂會及家庭聚會。對真多人來講，這是一個歡喜記念自由 ê 日子；對真多移民家庭來講，這也是一個感謝 ê 日子，感謝來到這個國家了後，所得著 ê 新機會、新生活及相對安全 ê 環境。 全美台灣同鄉會，也在這個禮拜在芝加哥舉辨三區的聯合夏令營。我們中間有很多兄姊都有參與，其中，我們的蔡昇峰長老今天還負責了夏令營的祈禱與禮拜。咱們的教會實在是非常投入於台美人的社團，也非常關心台灣的前途與發展，包括了在前幾天，在咱教會舉辨的 FAPA 講座，來關心台灣和美國的軍事合作和安全。 所以，我認為，也要邀請在座的以及網路線上的兄姊，一起來思考：七月四日過後 ê 今日，咱做基督徒 ê ，特別是台灣人、台灣美國人，又是長老宗 ê 信徒，咱需要閣問一個比煙火、國旗及慶典更加深 ê 問題： 自由，是為著甚麼？   獨立紀念日通常提醒人問：「 美國是對甚麼權勢得著獨立？ 」但是信仰閣進一步問：「 得著獨立了後，咱欲成做甚麼款 ê 人？欲建立甚麼款 ê 社會？上帝賞賜自由，是只欲互咱保護自己 ê 權利，抑是也欲互咱有能力疼鄰舍、承擔責任、追求公義？ 」 換一句話講，自由毋只是「脫離甚麼」；自由也是「進入甚麼」。自由毋只是拒絕受人支配，也是學習按怎毋去支配別人；毋只是爭取家己 ê 聲音，也是學習聽見別人 ê 聲音。   1. 開始的禱告 咱一起來禱告： 耶和華我ê石磐，救贖我ê主 ah ； 願我ê嘴所...
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