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Sermons

I am a storyteller. My hope is to help people engage with Biblical stories by connecting the themes to their daily lives. I preach from the lectionary, a schedule of Biblical reading for each Sunday.  For many years I preached from the Revised Common Lectionary, but after the seventh time through the same readings I began to feel called to find a new angle for my preaching.  I learned about the Narrative Lectionary which is a story based lectionary.  It begins with stories from the Hebrew Bible in the fall, moves on to Gospel stories in the winter and turns to stories from the Epistles in the Spring.  I switched to preaching the Narrative Lectionary and have found it refreshing and challenging.  Sometimes the readings are long because they try to give you the beginning, middle and end of the story rather than just a small piece.  The Narrative Lectionary lends itself to metaphorical and artistic expression of the Biblical Stories.  Sermons are meant to be heard, not read so I have included audio links for you to hear some of my preaching.

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Recorded Sermons

Please scroll to the bottom for the most recent sermons

Sermon Series: Got Faith?

January 7, 2018 - Come and See

Scripture Lesson - John 1: 35-51

January 21, 2018 - Water Into Wine

Scripture Lesson - John 2: 1-11​

January 28, 2018 - Darkness and Light

Scripture Lesson - John 3: 1-21​

February 4, 2018 - Deep Wells

Scripture Lesson - John 4: 2-42

February 11, 2018 - Seeing with New Eyes

Scripture Lesson - John 9: 1-41

February 18, 2018 - Listening to Jesus' voice

Scripture Lesson - John 11: 1-44

February 25, 2018 - Feet, Feet, Feet

Scripture Lesson - John 13: 1-17

March 4, 2018 - Parallel Stories

Scripture Lesson - John 18: 12-27

March 11, 2018 - What is Truth?

Scripture Lesson - John 18: 28-40

March 18, 2018 - Where is the Power?

Scripture Lesson - John 19: 1-16a

March 25, 2018 - Palm Sunday

Scripture Lesson - John 12: 12-27

March 25, 2018 - What Does Death Mean

Scripture Lesson - John 19: 16b-22

April 1, 2018 - Easter: Wait For It!

Scripture Lesson - John 20: 1-18

April 8, 2018 - Conversion of the Disciples

Scripture Lesson - Acts 20: 19-31

April 15, 2018 - Yes, No, Maybe So!

Scripture Lesson - Acts 9: 1-19a

May 6, 2018 - Thank You!

Scripture Lesson - Philippians 1: 1-18a 

May 13, 2018 - Alive in Me

Scripture Lesson - Philippians 2: 1-13

May 20, 2018 - Fresh Winds of the Spirit

Scripture Lesson -  Acts 2: 1-21 and Philippians 4: 4-7

Come and See - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Water into Wine - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Darkness and Light - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Deep Wells - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Seeing With New Eyes - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Listening to Jesus' Voice - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Feet, Feet, Feet - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Parallel Stories - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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What Is Truth? - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Where is the Power? - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Palm Sunday Part 1 - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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What Does Death Mean? - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Wait For It! - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Conversion of the Disciples - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Yes, No, Maybe So - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Thank You! - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Alive in Me - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Fresh Windes of the Spirit - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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I was on sabbatical for June, July and August of 2018. I returned to preaching in September with a sermon series "Where Do You Put Your Heart?" that is based on the Narrative Lectionary and connects with the Sunday School program.  The heart below is a visual that hangs from the pulpit. A "piece of the puzzle" is added each week with a symbol representing the Biblical story for the week. 

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September 2, 2018 - A Change of Heart

Genesis 6: 5-22; 8: 6-12; 9: 8-17

September 16, 2018 - Following Your Heart

Genesis 12: 1-9; Matthew 7: 7-18

Equal Access Celebration and Dedication

September 23, 2018 - Choices of the Heart

Genesis 39: 1-23; Matthew 5: 11-12

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September 30, 2018 - Family Sunday Mediation: Getting Unstuck

Exodus 14

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October 7, 2018 - Where Do You Put Your Heart?

Exodus 20: 1-17

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October 14, 2018 - A Servant Heart

Joshua 24: 1-15; Matthew 4:8-10

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October 21, 2018 - Teach Me the Truth in My Secret Heart

2 Samuel 12: 1-9; Psalm 51: 1-9

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November 4, 2018 -A Clean Heart

2 Kings 5: 1-14; Matthew 8: 2-3

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November 11, 2018 - What Does the Lord Require?

Micah 5: 2-4; 6: 6-8; Matthew 9: 13

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November 18, 2018 A Heart-Centered Vision

Isaiah 36: 13-20; 37:1-7, and 2: 1-4

Matthew 6: 21

A Change of Heart - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Following Your Heart - September 16, 2018 - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Choices of the Heart and Anthem "Close Every Door To Me" - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen and the NCC Choir
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Family Sunday Meditation-Getting Unstuck - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Where Do You Put Your Heart? - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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A Servant Heart - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Teach Me the Truth in My Secret Heart - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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A Clean Heart - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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What Does the Lord Require? - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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A Heart Centered Vision - Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Advent Sermon Series: Proclaiming Christ's Coming

December 2, 2018 Proclaiming Christ's Coming

Habakkuk 1: 1-4; 2: 2-4; 3: 17-19

Luke 3: 2-6

Proclaiming Christ's Coming - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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December 9, 2018 Peace and Justice

Isaiah 42: 1-9

Matthew 12: 15-21

Peace and Justice - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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December 16, 2018 Who Needs a Savior?

Isaiah 12: 2-6

Matthew 1: 18-25

Who Needs a Savior? - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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December 23, 2018 Christmas Cantata

"Go Sing it on the Mountain"

Cantata: Go Sing it on the Mountain - Nelson Choir
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Epiphany Sermon Series: On the Way

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January 6, 2019 Epiphany

Matthew 2: 13-23

Being Wise - Rev. Dawn E Garrett-Larsen
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January 13, 2019 Baptism of Fire

"Matthew 3: 1-17

Baptism of Fire - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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January 20, 2019 Overcoming Temptation

"Matthew 4: 1-17

Overcoming Temptation - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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February 3, 2019 Co-Creators on the Way - Cultivate

"Matthew 6: 7-21

Co-Creators on the Way - Cultivate - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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February 10, 2019 Co-Creators on the Way - Connect

"Matthew 7: 1-29

Co-Creators on the Way: Connect - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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February 17, 2019 Co-Creators on the Way - Inspire

"Matthew 13: 24-43

Co-Creators on the Way - Inspire - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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February 24, 2019  Co-Creators On the Way: Trust

Family Sunday - Two Short First Person Stories

Matthew 14: 13-33

Co-Creators on the Way - A Disciple's Story: Trust - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Co-Creators on the Way: Peter's Story - Trust - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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March 3, 2019  Co-Creators On the Way: Transform

Transfiguration Sunday - Holy Communion

Matthew 16: 24 -17:8 

Co-Creators on the Way: Transform - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Lenten Sermon Series: You Want Me to Do WHAT?

March 6, 2019  You Want Me to Do WHAT? 

Ash Wednesday - Holy Communion

Matthew 18: 1-5 

You Want Me To Do WHAT? To Follow - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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March 10, 2019  You Want Me To Do WHAT? - To Forgive

First Sunday in Lent

Matthew 18: 15-35

March 10, 2019  You Want Me To Do WHAT? - To Receive

Second Sunday in Lent

Matthew 20: 1-16

You Want Me To Do WHAT? - To Forgive - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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You Want Me to Do What? - To Receive - Rev. Dawn E. Garrett-Larsen
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March 24, 2019  You Want Me To Do WHAT? - To Invite

Third Sunday in Lent

Luke 14: 7-24

You Want Me to Do WHAT? To Invite - Rev. Dawn E. Garrett-Larsen
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April 7, 2019  You Want Me To Do WHAT? - To Incarnate

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Matthew 25: 31-46

April 14, 2019  Two Hosannas

Sixth Sunday in Lent - Palm Sunday

Matthew 25: 31-46

You Want Me to Do WHAT? To Incarnate - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Two Hosannas - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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April 32, 2019  What Are We Holding On To?

Easter Sunday

Matthew 28: 1-10

What are We Holding On To? - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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April 28, 2019  Lorax/Lo I am With You Always

Earth Day Celebration - First Sunday after Easter

Matthew 28: 16-20

May 5, 2019 God Shows No Partiality 

Second Sunday after Easter

Acts 1-17; 34-48

May 19, 2019  Mental Health Sunday

Fifth Sunday after Easter

Luke 8: 26-37

June 2, 2019  Grace-Full

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Matthew 6: 24

Romans 6: 1-14

June 9, 2019  Pentecost: Fresh Winds of the Spirit

Pentecost

Acts 2: 1-21

Romans 28: 18-39

June 16, 2019  Wisdom - The Spirit of Truth

First Sunday after Pentecost

Proverbs 8: 1-4, 22-31

John 16: 12-15

June 23, 2019  What Are You Doing Here?

Second Sunday after Pentecost

1 Kings 19: 1-4, 8-15

Luke 8: 26-38

June 30, 2019  Youth Mission Trip Reflections

Third Sunday after Pentecost

John 13: 33-35

Galatians 5: 16-23

The Lorax - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Lo I Am With You Always - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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God Shows No Partiality - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Casting Out Demons - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Grace-Full - Rev. Dawn E. Garrett-Larsen
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Fresh Winds of the Spirit - Rev. Dawn E Garrett-Larsen
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Wisdom -The Spirit of Truth - Rev. Dawn E. Garrett-Larsen
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What Are You Doing Here? - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Youth Mission Trip Reflections - Nelson Youth
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Who is My Neighbor Sermon Series

July 7, 2019  Neighbors: Sending and Sharing

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20

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Neighbors: Sending and Sharing - Rev. Dawn E. Garrett-Larsen
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July 14, 2019  Neighbors: Healing and Supporting

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 10: 25-37 

Colossians 1: 1-14

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Neighbors: Healing and Supporting - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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July 21, 2019  Neighbors: Listening and Learning

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 10: 38-42

Colossians 1: 15-19

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Neighbors: Listening and Learning - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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July 28, 2019  Neighbors: Seeking and Finding

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 11: 1-13

Acts 8: 26-38

Family Sunday, Baptism Stories and four baptisms

Congregational stories about baptism, seeking and finding God

August 4, 2019  Neighbors: Caring and Giving

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Psalm 107: 1-9, 43

Luke 12: 13-21

Neighbors: Caring and Giving - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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August 11, 2019  Looking Back, Looking Ahead, Living Today

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Hebrews 11: 1-3, 8 – 16

Luke 12: 32-40

Looking Back, Looking Ahead, Living Today - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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August 18, 2019  A Just World For All

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Micah 6: 6-8

Luke 13: 10-17

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A Just World For All - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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August 25, 2019  Reflections

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Farewell Service

Isaiah 8: 1-8

1 John 4: 7-12

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A Just World For All - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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August 25, 2019  Reflections

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Farewell Service

Isaiah 8: 1-8

1 John 4: 7-12

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Reflections - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Sermons from

First Congregational Church of Canandaigua

September 8, 2019  Reflections

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Rally Day and Welcoming Day (Dawn's first Sunday in Canandaigua)

Isaiah 6: 1-8

Matthew 19: 13-15

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Leading From Any Chair - Rev. Dawn E. Garrett-Larsen
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September 15, 2019  Let Everything that Breathes

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Celebration of Edie Rice's 20th Anniversary as Choir Director

Psalm 150

Colossians 3: 12-17

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Let Everything that Breathes - Rev. Dawn E. Garrett-Larsen
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September 22, 2019  Prodigal Love

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Psalm 113

Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32

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Prodigal Love - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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September 29, 2019  The Face at the Gate

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Psalm 146

Luke 16: 19-34

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The Face at the Gate - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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October 6, 2019  World Communion Sunday

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Communion Service from the Iona Community

1 Corinthians 11: 23-25 

 

We read the scripture lesson in eight different languages and used the Iona Communion Service. Two of those litanies are recorded below. There was no traditional sermon on this day. 

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The Drama of Salvation - First Congregational Church of Canandaigua
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The Drama of Celebration - First Congregational Church of Canandaigua
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October 13, 2019  

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Jeremiah 29: 1, 4-7

Luke 17: 11-19

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Returning to Give Thanks - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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October 20, 2019  

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Genesis 32: 22-31

Luke 18: 1-8

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Hold On - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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October 27, 2019  

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Reformation Sunday

Joel 2: 23-32

Luke 18: 9-14

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Thank God I Am Not Like That! - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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November 3, 2019  

All Saints Sunday

Psalm 149

Luke 6:20-31

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Who Brings You Blessing? - Rev. Dawn E. Garrett-Larsen
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November 10, 2019  

Veterans Day Sunday

Job 19: 23-27a

2 Thessalonians 2: 13-17

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Fruitfulness - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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November 17, 2019  

Re-dedication of Organ and Bell Tower

Isaiah 65: 17-25

2 Corinthians 5: 16-20

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New Beginnings - Rev. Dawn E. Garrett-Larsen
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November 24, 2019  

Thanksgiving Sunday

Deuteronomy 26: 1-11

Philippians 4: 4-9

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Thanksgiving and Being Brave - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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December 1, 2019  

First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 2: 1-5

Matthew 24: 36-44

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Advent 101 - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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December 8, 2019  

Second Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 11:1-10

Matthew 3: 1-12

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O Shoot! - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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December 15, 2019  

Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 35:1-10

Luke 1: 47-55

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Song of Joy - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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December 22, 2019  

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7: 10-16

Matthew 1: 18-25

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What is a Family? - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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December 24, 2019  

Christmas Eve

Jesus the Light of the World

Luke 2: 1-20

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Sermon Series: Christian Cliches

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Jesus the Light of the World - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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January 5, 2020

Epiphany Sunday

Christian Cliches Sermon Series

God Never Gives You More Than You Can Handle

Matthew 2: 1-12

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January 12, 2020

Christian Cliches Sermon Series

Which is it? "Let Go and Let God" or

"God Helps Those Who Help Themselves"?

Matthew 3: 13-17; Isaiah 42:1-9

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God Never Gives You More Than You Can Handle - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Which is it: "Let Go and Let God" or "God Helps Those Who Help Themselves"? - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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January 19, 2020

Christian Cliches Sermon Series

"The Bible Clearly Says..."

Psalm 40: 1-11; John 1:29-42

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The Bible Clearly Says... - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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January 26, 2020

Christian Cliches Sermon Series

"When God Closes a Door, He Opens a Window"

Psalm 27: 1, 4-9; Matthew 4: 12-23

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When God Closes a Door, He Opens a Window - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Sermon Series "If The Church Were Christian..."

Reflections on the Lectionary and Phillip Gulley's book 'If the Church Were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus"

February 9, 2020

"If The Church Were Christian" Series

Gracious Behavior Would be More Important Than Right Belief

Isaiah 58: 1-9a; Matthew 5: 13-16

Gracious Behavior Would Be More Important Than Right Belief - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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February 16, 2020

"If The Church Were Christian" Series

Jesus Would be a Model for Living rather than Just an Object of Worship

Deuteronomy 30: 15-20;  1 Corinthians 3: 1-9

Jesus as a Model for Living - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Personal Exploration Would Be More Important than Communal Conformity - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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February 23, 2020

"If The Church Were Christian" Series

Personal Exploration Would Be More Important than Communal Conformity

Exodus 24: 12-18;  Matthew 17: 1-9

Inviting Questions - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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March 1, 2020

"If The Church Were Christian" Series

Inviting Questions Would Be More Important

than Providing Answers

Psalm 13;  Matthew 4: 1-11

Affirming Our Potential - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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March 8, 2020

"If The Church Were Christian" Series

Affirming our Potential Would Be More Important Than

Condemning Our Brokenness

Genesis 12: 1-4a;  John 3: 1-17

March 15, 2020

Fear and Hope

Corona Virus Response

Exodus 17: 1-7; Romans 5: 1-5

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Fear and Hope - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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March 22, 2020

New Eyes to See

Corona Virus Response

1 Samuel 16: 1-13; John 9: 1-11

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New Eyes to See - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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March 29, 2020

Breath of God 

Corona Virus Response

Ezekiel 37: 1-14; John 11: 1-45

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April 5, 2020

Hosanna, Save Us!

Palm Sunday

Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-26;  Matthew 21: 1-11

April 12, 2020

Easter Sunday

I Come to the Garden Alone

Genesis 9: 8-17; John 20: 1-18

Breath of God - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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Hosanna, Save Us! - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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I Come to the Garden Alone - Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen
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I have begun to post sermons on the First Congregational Church of Canandaigua website. You will find audio sermons and then video sermons followed by live streamed sermons.  Please go to canandaiguachurch.org for services and sermons starting after Easter 2020. 

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