Unfortunately, the current status of the Covid-19 outbreak in Virginia has caused the congregation to cease meeting in person until the Stay at Home Order is lifted by Governor Northam. As such, we have developed worship materials for each Sunday that mirror what we would find in a typical worship service. These materials are ever-evolving, and your feedback is welcomed using this form.
Reverend James Hicks provided a wonderful message for Easter Sunday! Keep Hope Alive is based on Matthew 28: 1-8.
Reverend David Shumate (Virlina District Executive) delivered his message live via Zoom, but the text of the message as well as the songs, scriptures, etc. are on the page linked above.
Take a new look at the story of the woman at the well in Reverend Brent Seusy's message She Had the Virus based on John 4: 1-42.
The concept of Jesus as Shepherd has been around for ages, but Jesus as a gate? Check out Reverend James Hick's message Jesus the Gate based on John 10: 1-10 to learn more!
Reverend James Hicks is on fire for the Lord in his message Jesus our GPS based on John 14: 1-17!
John 14: 15- 21 has some good reminders for us in these uncertain times in which we live. Check out this week's scripture reflection for some words of comfort during this pandemic.
This week's message, brought to us by Reverend James Hicks is "Reasons Jesus Prays for Us." It is based on John 17: 1-16.
Pastor Hicks reminds us that we always have Reasons to Rejoice! Despite what we might have going on in our lives, check out his message of hope and promise!
Be stirred to action by this week's message, "Spreading the Message of Salvation." Reverend James Hicks has based this message on Matthew 28: 16-20.
This week's sermon will be delivered via Zoom by David Shumate, Virlina District Executive. Please see the email or check out the Ivy Farm's Facebook page for the link to join us. Check out the link above for the rest of the worship materials.
This week's sermon is brought to us by Reverend James Hicks, reminding us that we must "...stand Firm. Let nothing move you." Click the picture to read the sermon.
Are you ready for some "Radical Hospitality?" Reverend James Hicks based this radical sermon on Matthew 10: 40-42. Click above to check out the sermon and all of the worship materials for June 28!
Are you stressed out? Do you need to take a break? Based on Matthew 11: 28-30, Reverend James Hicks gives you the tools you need to find rest and relaxation with his sermon Come to Jesus. Click above to check out the sermon and all of the worship materials for July 5!
"He throws the ball... and the catch is... Good!"
This morning's message, based on Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23, will help you decide which type of receiver you are... Reverend James Hicks uses football imagery to help us become better "Receivers of God's Word."
Have you planted a garden this year? How long does it take you to weed that garden? Maybe you don't need to...?? Check out Reverend James Hicks's sermon Living with the Weeds to find out more!
"Are you a good witch or a bad witch?" Those famous words from The Wizard of Oz are echoed in this week's sermon by Reverend James Hicks: Good Fish. Click above to access the sermon and this week's other worship materials.
Are you awake? Great! Now it's time to hear about that "kingdom work" referenced in the special music! Click the link above to hear that special music and read this week's sermon where Reverend James Hicks reminds us to step out in faith like the disciples did in Matthew 14:13-21. Click above to access the sermon and this week's other worship materials.
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” John 20:29 These words are echoed in this Sunday's sermon from Reverend James Hicks Don't Ever Doubt What the Lord Can Do! Click the link to read this week's sermon and check out the other online worship materials.
Persistence is a skill possessed by most dogs, especially when food is involved, but persistence is something WE also need. Click on the link above to learn how dogs come into play in Reverend James Hicks's sermon Persistent Prayer.
"What day is it?" That's usually a pretty easy question to answer.
"What should we have for dinner?" That one could prove more difficult, but isn't much more significant than the first.
"Who do you say Jesus is?" How you answer this question could have eternal consequences. Click the link above to read this week's sermon from Reverend James Hicks to learn more.
"Know your worth." It's a common theme going around social media, especially with the focus on self care and women's issues. Reverend James Hicks reminds us that this concept isn't just a fad. Click the link to read his sermon and view the other worship materials.
How do you handle conflict?
Jesus lays out a specific plan for achieving conflict resolution in Matthew 18: 15-20. Reverend James Hicks breaks it down for us in his sermon this week. Click the link above to read it.
"Forgive and forget!" It's easier said than done. Forgiving someone doesn't always come naturally, and forgetting can be even harder! Thankfully, we are only required to forgive. Reverend James Hicks illustrates why forgiveness is such a crucial aspect of a Christian's life in this week's message. Click the link above to read it.
"How many points did you get?"
It's a common question when playing a game or discussing the results of a test. Have you ever considered how many points you have towards your admission to heaven? Click the link above to read Reverend James Hicks's sermon to learn more.
"Have you done what God has told you to do? Have you believed in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord?"
Examine the context and importance of these questions by clicking the link to read Reverend James Hicks's sermon and view the other worship materials.
Are you a home owner? A car owner? But are you really? Click the link above to read Reverend James Hicks's sermon and check out the other worship materials.
"There's a party Friday night! Wanna Come?" Perhaps in your youth, you had an opportunity to ask this question, but when was the last time you invited someone to the best, most important party of their life? Click the link above to read Reverend James Hicks's sermon to learn more.
"Nothing is certain in life except death and taxes." A popular lament by many, but one must wonder... What happens after death? Are you certain of your destination? Click the link above to read Reverend James Hicks's sermon to learn how to check your image.
Love. Could it be more simple?
But love can be hard... especially when it's the all-encompassing love Jesus talks about in Matthew 22. Click the link above to read Reverend James Hicks's sermon to learn more.
Reverend James Hicks reminds us this morning that Jesus isn't lounging on the throne eating bon bons! He is a hands-on Savior! He knows what we are going through, and he is actively PRAYING for US. Click the link to read about it and check out the other worship materials.
Every good Boy or Girl Scout knows the motto well -- Be prepared! But preparation is not just a scout thing; it's a Christian thing too. Reverend James Hicks highlights the ways we need to be prepared for Christ. Click the image below to check it out!
Everyone wants a room with "a view," but what "view" do they want exactly? Every room has some kind of view, right? Is there a right view? A wrong view?
When you're considering your view of God, it turns out that there definitely is a right and wrong view. Reverend James Hicks addresses those views as they relate to the Parable of the Talents. Click on the link above to read his sermon.
"The Christmas Guest" is a holiday rendition of the parable Jesus told in Matthew 25: 31-46 and is a great reminder as to why God sent his one and only son to earth. Pastor James Hicks reminds us that it only takes small, simple actions to be the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth. Click the link above to read his sermon.
How long have you ever stayed awake continuously? By the end, were you still aware of your surroundings, or were things starting to blur together?
In today's scripture from Mark, Jesus reminds his disciples that they must "stay awake" and "be aware," because the hour of his return is unknown. Does Jesus really want us to not sleep? No. But, he does want us to be ready for his return at a moment's notice. Read more by clicking the link above.
Hot off the presses! Read Reverend James Hicks's sermon to learn more about this breaking news just coming in this morning! Click the link above to read it and view the other worship materials.
"If you're not first you're last."
"Second place is just the first loser."
But what if being #2 was really the best place to be? Read Reverend James Hicks's sermon to learn more about the rank you really want to have by clicking on the link above.
Unfortunately, there have been technical difficulties with this week's sermon, so until that is rectified, please enjoy this scripture reading and reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, as well as some beautiful music of the season!
Please enjoy the familiar scriptures and carols of the Christmas season to help you feel near to the Lord this Christmas Eve. A Blessed Christmas to all from the Ivy Farms Church of the Brethren!
Jesus Christ or Santa Claus. Have you made your choice?
Please enjoy last week's sermon this Sunday, as the technical difficulties have been resolved. The Lord works in mysterious ways, but he is always good!