Author Archives: Steve LaMotte
Refuse to Die to the Status Quo
Do you remember going to Blockbuster Video (or whatever video store was in your community) on Friday Nights? Even my small community of Sheakleyville, PA, had a video rental store (which is saying something.) Friday nights were full of possibilities … Continue reading
Live As Those Prepared to Die
I was up at 5:00 a.m. this past Saturday to prepare for the day, including Abbie’s graduation, a softball tournament, and a soccer match. What really woke me up was a message from a congregant alerting me to the tragic … Continue reading
The First Sunrise Service
[Sermon from sunrise service at Avenue United Methodist Church on April 20, 2025] This morning, you intentionally decided to get up, get dressed, and come to church. We don’t usually hold 6:15 a.m. worship services. Why did you come this … Continue reading
GOOD FRIDAY | Leave It At The Cross
[Good Friday Meditation From Avenue United Methodist Church, April 18, 2025.] On Holy Thursday, we gathered to remember how Jesus humbled himself and took the position of a servant, washing the feet of his disciples. Tonight, we will recall how … Continue reading
Break My Heart for What Breaks Yours
There is a worship song by Brooke Fraser and Hillsong United called “Hosanna.” It has been one of my favorite songs since it first came out in 2007. The song echoes the Triumphal Entry when all the people shouted “Hosanna!” at the arrival … Continue reading
Finding Hope In Struggles
“I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent against you.” Joel 2:25 “Even when I don’t see it, you’re working.Even when I don’t … Continue reading
The Integrity of Our Witness
In my message at Avenue last week, I said that apprentices (followers/disciples) of Jesus Christ will do what Jesus did. Even a cursory reading of the Gospels will give us clues about what Jesus did during his lifetime: proclaim the … Continue reading
Formed By Love
“Love is the acid test of spiritual formation.”-John Mark Comer Spiritual formation is the act of allowing God to shape us so that our lives look like the life of Jesus. Spiritual formation does not miraculously happen. It takes place … Continue reading
God Remembers
The other day I read the story of Hannah in the Bible. It’s found in 1 Samuel, chapter one. Hannah loved God but was childless. We’ve discussed this before, but being childless in ancient culture was seen as a curse. … Continue reading
Celebrating Those Who Pass Along the Faith
Sunday is Mother’s Day, and the Bible is filled with stories of women essential to the Gospel. Jesus’ genealogy contains the names of five women central to his story and mission: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Mary Magdalene was … Continue reading
Exiled Community 