The Courage to Embrace Joy   (December 21, 2025)

by | Dec 21, 2025 | Sermon Text

Advent 4 21 December 2025 Vineville Baptist Church Macon, Georgia Gregory Pope THE COURAGE TO EMBRACE JOY  Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11. Psalm 126. Philippians 4.4. Luke 1.46b-55 In her poem “Don’t Hesitate,” Mary Oliver counsels us with these words: If you suddenly and...

When God Comes Near   (December 7, 2025)

by | Dec 7, 2025 | Sermon Text

Advent 2 Hanging of the Green 7 December 2025 Vineville Baptist Church Macon, Georgia W. Gregory Pope WHEN GOD COMES NEAR Isaiah 58:6-14. Mark 1:1-15. Philippians 4.5 Nestled quietly inside Paul’s letter to the Philippians between the call to joy and the path to peace...

The Gift of Laughter   (November 16, 2025)

by | Nov 16, 2025 | Sermon Text

Pentecost 24 Holy Humor Sunday 16 November 2025 Vineville Baptist Church Macon, Georgia Gregory Pope THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER  Psalm 126. Proverbs 17.22. Ecclesiastes 3.4. Luke 6:21b.        Going back to the early centuries of the church, on a Sunday after Easter, Greek...