Worship with EBPC
August 3, 2025 : Growing in Wisdom and Years Series
Jesus the Boy, Jesus the Adolescent
In the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we have many stories about the public ministry of Jesus. We know of his teaching and preaching. We know of Jesus, the Man. We know of his resurrection from the dead and his encounters with his disciples, and his ascension. But we know precious little about his life as a child and young person. Pastor John will explore some stories about Jesus the boy and the adolescent, especially how his growing up must have affected his teaching and his perspective.
The congregation will be introduced to an initiative called The Family Spiritual Project, and communion will be celebrated.
August 10, 2025: The theme of Growing in Wisdom and Years meets EBPC Goes to the Movies.
Over the summer, we have been looking at movies and the powerful stories that shape our understanding of who we are, especially when we see them through the eyes of a child. We turn to Pixar's “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2” to reflect on emotional growth, spiritual wisdom, and the complexity of being human. The film explores how growing up means embracing complexity—not just the emotions of joy, but sadness, fear, and even anxiety. The story is about Riley and her family; her journey is about learning that her identity isn’t built on perfection, but on the full spectrum of her experiences. Nate Strasser will surprise us with music from the soundtrack and songs that touch upon these core feelings, and John will weave themes from the film with scripture. Blessing of the Backpacks and an after church gathering for families with young children.
August 17, 2025: Growing in Wisdom and Years Series
“What Do We Tell Our Children?”
I think we can all agree parenting is getting harder all the time. Children are experiencing things we never imagined. How do we guide them? If you were going to share advice with your kids or grandkids or a younger person who trusts and looks up to you, what would you say?
The Book of Deuteronomy (6:20-25) says: “When your children ask you why you live the way you do, you are to tell them what matters to you.” We explore the assumption in this text and here at East Brentwood Presbyterian Church that if a child is going to become a grown-up in this confusing world and lead a mature life, the child needs teachers and mentors. Just as we all do, no matter our age. And children, teachers and mentors need a great set of listening ears. Pastor John invites Chris Peterson, Coordinator of Youth, into a podcast-style sermon. Praise band
August 24, 2025: Growing in Wisdom and Years Series
Is It Time to Be Countercultural?
The speed at which we live, at which we move through time, at which we see the people around us living and moving through time is a speed that Pastor John contends none of us really want. Especially for families. The scripture texts in the church year and as we approach Labor Day begs the question as to whether the ancient practice of the Sabbath has anything to say about how we live today. We are not interested in going back to boring Sundays with stores closed, but we do wonder: what is lifegiving about the ancient notion of Sabbath for today’s busy people. Choir sings.
Photo credit: John Philbrick
At the corner of Wilson Pike and Concord Road in Brentwood TN, we gather each week in person and virtually through livestream at 10:00 a.m. for a vibrant and thoughtful worship service of music, liturgy, and sermon grounded in an understanding that God’s Welcoming Table is extended to all! There is an open seat for all who wish to worship God and extend compassion to others!
Our services are livestreamed via our You Tube page and our Facebook page. To read the full sermons from a previous Sunday, click here. Revised sermon content can be found on our weekly Podcast Music, Word, Hope, and Prayer.
During the 10 a.m. worship service, children are invited to gather at the altar to hear a short message about the themes for the day in a fun, engaging manner.
Time with Children