There are always ups and downs in life - how do we deal with them?  How do we live God's way when things are great, and when things are horrible?  The amazing life of Joseph (Genesis 37-50) teaches us as we read about someone who experienced the lowest of lows and the highest of highs.  The heart of the message on Sunday was "Serve no matter what you deserve."   Sermon Notes  

Now there is good news and bad news.  The bad news is that the sermon was not recorded.  The good news is that in the wedding the day before at ERC I summarized the sermon.  So, if you want a quick summary and an encouragement for your life, you can listen to what I shared with Dave and Erica from Romans 12:9-18 and Colossians 3:12-16 - two passages I used on Sunday as well.

LISTEN ONLINE: Serve each other - Ward Wedding - 10/8/16

On the family front, things are not functioning as well as they once did.  Divorce and depression are at levels that were once unthinkable.  But the reality is, there is nothing new under the sun, and there have never been perfect times, because there have never been perfect people.  But faith can overcome our faults.  Inspired by the life of Abraham, and guided by Romans chapter 4, this sermon can change your life.  Sermon Notes

LISTEN ONLINE: Nobody's Perfect - 10-02-16

You have heard of Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, and the other classic stories from the beginning of the Bible?  It is easy to think they are simply children's stories which don't matter today, the alternative is to get so focused on the details and how they interact with modern science that we miss why they are there.  The first stories of the Bible are so important if you want to understand everything else in the Bible.  Hear why in this message.  Sermon Notes

LISTEN ONLINE: In the Beginning 9-25-16

If it was simple, everyone would do it.  People don't read the Bible for many reasons, but there a few main reasons.  

1 lack of time

2 not knowing where to start

3 is not getting anything out of it

Listen to this message to help get you going in reading the Bible in a way that changes your life.  Sermon Notes.

LISTEN ONLINE: Getting into the Bible - 9/18/16

How is this for a great image of a wonderful life: 

"…like a tree planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season, with leaves that never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”

This line is from the first poem in the book of Psalms in the Bible.  It is surrounded by great advice to have a rich and prosperous life.  Sermon Notes  

LISTEN ONLINE: Prosper and Grow - 9/11/16

How good is your memory?  God has many desires for you, and one of them is for you to remember.  To remember what God has done, what God has promised, what God has commanded.  Because when we do things God's way, it just works better.  This message get's to God's message which calls out to you, "Don't Forget."  Sermon Notes  Deuteronomy 6:1-9

LISTEN ONLINE: Don't Forget - 9/4/16

God never calls people to be brave, but you are called to be courageous!  What is courage, where does it come from, and how does it grow in your life?  You are encouaged to listen to this message, and be more courageous in the face of fear!  Sermon Notes

LISTEN ONLINE: Courage! 8-28-16

Does Jesus matter in day to day life?  There are spiritual blessings, but what about everyday blessings which impact what's happening right now?  This sermon lays out why Jesus is relevant today.  See what you think.

LISTEN ONLINE: Is Jesus Relevant? 8/14/16

The name is Emmanuel Reformed Church - What does Reformed mean?  It ties into history, it is definitely a theological matter, and it impacts how people function as a church.  In this message Pastor Dirk takes on a huge topic and gives you the highlights.  What does Reformed mean, and more importantly, how can this branch of Christianity guide you to a great life with God.  A life of gratitude not guilt.  Sermon Notes

Pastor Dirk's working definition of Reformed:

A historical movement within the Church which sought to realign belief and practice based on reverent and thoughtful study of the Bible, and continues today; highlighting the sovereignty of God with people who recognize their guilt, receive God’s grace, and live in gratitude as local churches governed by assemblies with Christ at the lead.

LISTEN ONLINE: Reformed, What is it? 8/7/16

Trusting God can be hard.  It is easy to quote verses about trusting God, about God having good plans, but when push comes to shove - we actually have to trust God if we are to find the peace and prosperity God can give.  Do you struggle with trust?  Whether you have known God for a long time, or are just awakening spiritually, this message can guide you to trust better.  Sermon Notes

LISTEN ONLINE: Trust God - 7/31/16

How to build relationships - How to build community.  These are important topics in today's fractured world.  While most people start looking for techniques and methods, the Bible points to something deeper.  If you want to do it God's way, you need to listen to God's advice - and "Love your Neighbor as Yourself" contains an important truth we often skip over.  Take time to listen to this sermon on relationship building, it might just change your life!

Listen Online: Building Relationships - 7/24

With decades of ministry experience, Pastor Chuck Gieser comes to share reasons why we should pray.  Are we changing God's mind when we pray?  Are we changing ourselves when we pray?  What difference does prayer make in the world?  Listen to this helpful message.

LISTEN ONLINE: Why do we pray? 7/17 - Chuck Gieser

Request a Sermon #1 - how do our decisions impact our lives?  Well, they do even more than that - they imact our minds.  In this sermon Pastor Dirk digs into modern neuroscience and ancient wisdom - all to help you live the life God wants for you, a transformed life from a renewed mind.  Sermon Notes

LISTEN ONLINE: Day by Day - 7/10/16

We can easily divide the world into us vs. them.  We can seek to try and figure out who is in and who is out.  But when we openly examine the Bible, it often challenges us to make our circle wider, encompass more, and extend God's grace further.  Pastor Abby Norton-Levering (RCA, Synod Ministry Coordinator) shares about how this has challenged her, and can guide you in your journey of faith.  

LISTEN ONLINE: A Wider Circle - 7/3 - Pastor Abby

What does it take to become great?  If we want the whole package, we need something beyond ourselves.  We need a confidence in more than ourselves, we need God-confidence - and God-confidence comes from God.  With God as your helper you can accomplish so much more!  Sermon Notes

LISTEN ONLINE: Becoming Great - 2/26/16

Stephen might be able to claim the title of the first church staff member - actually there were seven who started at the same time - had a life which changed the world.  He was called out based on a lie about Jesus, but boldly stood his ground.  Sermon Notes

LISTEN ONLINE: Stephen - 6/19/16

Some of our high school students shared this Sunday, basing their reflections on a statement they developed:  The church should be people who look beyond this world for their hope, joy and peace.

LISTEN ONLINE: Hope, Joy, Peace - 6/12/16

The barrier was broken, something new began - it was in the house of a soldier in a newly founded port city.  Hear and learn from this important story in Acts chapter 10.  Sermon Notes & Encounter Guide

LISTEN ONLINE: Acts chapter 10 - 6/5/16

Pastor Dawn Alpaugh from Wynantskill Reformed Church comes and shares a message of hope taken from Acts chapter 9, the story of a devoted woman who was raise to life - Tabitha.

LISTEN ONLINE: Tabitha - 5/29/16

A few years back there was a movement of "random acts of kindness."  In the Bible we find something a bit different, we find amazing acts of kindness.  Literally acts which left those who saw them filled with wonder and amazement.  In Acts 3 we find one of these acts of kindness, and can learn from what happened way back then...  Sermon Notes and Encounter Guide

LISTEN ONLINE: Acts of Kindness 5-22-16