Unfinished: Encountering Jesus, Becoming Disciples - Failure Before Restoration (Matthew 16) - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarboror watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Summary:

In this week’s sermon, Pastor Donnell Wyche explores the tension between failure and restoration through the lens of Peter’s journey with Jesus. He begins by reflecting on our cultural obsession with success and how failure is often viewed as something to be avoided at all costs. Using a contemporary story of a student fabricating their achievements to appear more impressive, Pastor Donnell highlights how we often prioritize appearance over truth. He then turns to Peter, whose expectations of Jesus as a conquering Messiah clashed with Jesus’ actual mission. Peter, like many of us, struggled to trust God’s plan when it didn’t align with his assumptions, leading him to rebuke Jesus—a moment that resulted in Jesus’ sharp correction, calling him a “stumbling block.”

Pastor Donnell unpacks how Jesus radically redefined what it meant to be the Messiah. Unlike Judas Maccabeus, who led a rebellion, Jesus would defeat evil not through force but through selfless love and submission, ultimately going to the cross. This reversal of expectations unsettled Peter, just as it unsettles us when God’s plans challenge our understanding. Pastor Donnell draws parallels between Peter’s resistance and our own struggles to trust God, sharing personal experiences of advocacy and opposition. He emphasizes that when we stand for what is right, we will face resistance, much like Jesus did. The temptation, as seen in Jesus’ wilderness testing, is to take shortcuts—to trust power, control, and our own strength instead of surrendering to God’s way.

Bringing the message home, Pastor Donnell reminds us that failure is not the opposite of discipleship but an essential part of it. Peter’s failure in misunderstanding Jesus was not the end of his story; instead, Jesus later restores him, showing that grace is always present. As disciples, we must resist the belief that God is only on the side of success. Instead, we are called to trust God fully, even in failure. The sermon closes with a practical challenge: to reach out to someone we’ve been avoiding, acknowledging that reconciliation and restoration are core to following Jesus. Through Peter’s journey, we are invited to embrace both failure and grace, trusting that God is present in every part of our story.

Unfinished: Encountering Jesus, Becoming Disciples - Lord, Save Me! (Matthew 14:25-30) - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarboror watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Summary:

This week, Pastor Donnell continues the Unfinished series, exploring the life of Peter as a model of discipleship in progress. Peter’s journey is one of ups and downs, moments of bold faith followed by fear and doubt. In Matthew 14:25-30, we find Peter stepping out of the boat, walking toward Jesus on the water—only to begin sinking when he notices the storm around him. In this moment of crisis, Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!” and Jesus immediately reaches out to catch him. This passage invites us to reflect on how our fears hold us back, how we navigate uncertainty, and whether we trust in God’s faithfulness even when the waves threaten to overwhelm us.

Pastor Donnell challenges us to consider where we place our confidence—do we rely on our own ability to stay afloat, or do we trust in God’s presence and provision? Like Peter, we often step out in faith but waver when circumstances feel out of our control. Jesus’ response to Peter reminds us that he does not condemn us for our doubts but meets us with compassion and strength. Even in moments when our faith feels small, God remains faithful. Discipleship, then, is not about achieving perfect faith but learning to trust Jesus more deeply, even in the midst of life’s storms.

As the sermon closes, we are invited to examine our own posture—are we living with open hands, ready to receive and give in trust? Or are we clinging to control, fear, and self-reliance? The call to discipleship is an invitation to step beyond the boat’s security, to let go of our false sense of control, and to follow Jesus into the unknown, knowing that he will always reach out and catch us when we call.

“Two Steps Forward, One Step Back - Jonathan Hurshman - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarboror watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Summary: In a few verses, Simon Peter goes from being praised by Jesus to being sharply rebuked by him. Peter’s encounter shows that Jesus doesn’t ask his apprentices to always be right. Instead, he invites us to trust his way of life and to reject sketchy shortcuts to godly goals.

Unfinished: Encountering Jesus, Becoming Disciples - Self-Esteemies - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarboror watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Summary:

Pastor Donnell Wyche continued the Unfinished series on Simon Peter, focusing on Luke 5:11. He explored a key shift in the passage—the pronouns moving from “Simon” to “they”—emphasizing that faith is not a solitary journey but a communal experience. Jesus calls us not just to personal transformation but to a collective identity, where we find ourselves through relationships with others. The sermon highlighted that discipleship is not self-actualization but participation in the diverse, multi-generational, and multi-ethnic community that Jesus is forming.

Pastor Donnell then examined how our self-image shapes our faith journey. He illustrated this with personal stories, including his own realization of aging and vision changes, drawing a parallel to how we often construct false identities based on external validation. He cautioned against the influence of curated images in social media and advertising, reminding the congregation that our worth is found in God, not in how others perceive us. Using the story of Peter’s encounter with Jesus, he emphasized that true discipleship requires leaving behind not just material possessions but also the false self we construct for security and approval.

The sermon concluded with a call to embrace our true identity in Christ. Just as Peter had to surrender his old self to follow Jesus, we, too, must let go of self-centered pursuits and the layers of pretense we build around our identity. Pastor Donnell encouraged the congregation to see themselves as God sees them—beloved and whole. He ended with a practical exercise: taking a selfie, not as a tool of vanity, but as a reflection of God’s love for each of us as we are.

Unfinished: Encountering Jesus, Becoming Disciples - I Am a Sinner - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarboror watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Summary:

In this week’s sermon, Pastor Donnell Wyche explores the transformative encounter between Simon Peter and Jesus in Luke 5:1-11. The message unpacks the profound moment when Simon recognizes his own sinfulness in the presence of the divine, confessing, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.” Through the lens of proclamation and demonstration, Jesus reveals God’s boundless generosity, freedom, and joy, offering Simon an invitation into a life shaped by trust in God rather than self-reliance. This encounter challenges Simon—and us—to embrace God’s grace in the midst of our imperfections and fears.

Pastor Donnell Wyche highlights how Jesus’ actions mirror His words. He proclaims God’s good news to the poor and oppressed and then demonstrates it through the miraculous catch of fish, showing Simon that the kingdom of God is one of abundance and freedom. Simon’s confession of sin arises not just from the miracle but from a deeper realization of God’s intimate care and presence, which disrupts Simon’s worldview and invites him to trust God in the “deep waters” of life—spaces where control falters, and faith is required.

The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that we are seen and loved by a God who meets us in our brokenness, not to condemn but to redeem. Just as Jesus reassured Simon with the words, “Don’t be afraid,” He extends the same comfort to us, inviting us to lay down our defenses and step into a fuller, freer life. The call is clear: trust in the God who sees you, loves you, and demonstrates His goodness in both ordinary and extraordinary ways.

 

Unfinished: Encountering Jesus, Becoming Disciples - Are you Willing? - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarboror watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Summary:

This week, Pastor Donnell Wyche shared the story of Simon Peter’s life-changing encounter with Jesus in Luke 5:1-11. As Jesus teaches from Simon’s boat, He commands Simon to lower his nets into the deep water despite Simon’s skepticism and prior fruitless efforts. The miraculous catch of fish that follows demonstrates both Jesus’ divine authority and His personal care for Simon. Pastor Donnell highlighted how this moment challenges the false separation between the divine and the secular, showing that God’s presence infuses every aspect of our lives, from our work to our relationships.

Through the story, Pastor Donnell emphasized that Jesus meets us where we are, entering our world and using what we know to reveal God’s kingdom. For Simon, this meant realizing that his skills as a fisherman had new meaning in the context of God’s purposes. This encounter is not about Simon’s worthiness but his willingness to trust and follow. Despite Simon’s initial sarcasm and doubt, Jesus calls him into a deeper life of dependence on God, transforming his priorities and inviting him to join a mission far greater than himself.

The sermon concluded with a reflection on the grace of God, who accepts us as we are but also calls us to live differently. Just as Jesus told Simon, “Don’t be afraid,” He extends the same invitation to us, asking if we are willing to live in the fullness of God’s kingdom. Pastor Donnell urged listeners to read and reflect on Luke 5:1-11, allowing the story to reveal how God’s blessings and invitations meet us in our everyday lives.

Unfinished: Encountering Jesus, Becoming Disciples - You Aren’t Who You Think You Are (Luke 5:1-3) - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarboror watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Summary:

In the opening sermon of the Unfinished: Encountering Jesus, Becoming Disciples series, Pastor Donnell Wyche reflected on Luke 5:1-3, where Jesus begins His relationship with Simon Peter by asking for his help. Pastor Donnell explained how this simple yet profound invitation reveals the heart of God. Jesus communicates to Simon that He trusts him, believes in him, and sees him—not just as a fisherman but as someone with a greater purpose in God’s unfolding story. This moment challenges us to consider our own identity and worth through God’s eyes, reminding us that God meets us where we are, even in our frustration, disappointment, or uncertainty.

Pastor Donnell highlighted Simon’s reluctance and irritation at being asked to assist Jesus after a long, unsuccessful night of fishing. Yet, even in his weariness and doubt, Simon agrees to Jesus’ request. This sets the stage for a transformative encounter. Through this act of obedience, Simon begins to see himself in a new light—not defined solely by his profession or failures but as someone invited into partnership with the divine. Pastor Donnell emphasized that Jesus calls us to discover who we truly are, not in isolation but in relationship with God, who knows us better than we know ourselves.

The sermon concluded with a practical spiritual exercise, inviting listeners to meditate on Luke 5:1-11. Pastor Donnell encouraged the congregation to reflect on the story by imagining themselves in various roles—Simon, Jesus, or even an observer. This practice allows us to explore how Jesus’ words, “I trust you,” “I believe in you,” and “I see you,” speak to our own lives. Pastor Donnell urged everyone to embrace the ongoing journey of discipleship and discover their identity in the presence of God.

A New Your for the New Year - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Summary:

Pastor Donnell Wyche welcomed the congregation into the new year with a message of hope and transformation, inviting everyone to embrace the promise of “A New You for the New Year.” Drawing on the spirit of renewal inherent in the season, Pastor Donnell highlighted how the new year offers us the opportunity to leave the past behind and step into a future filled with hope, promise, and potential. He explored how Jesus’ desire for us aligns with our resolutions: to live lives of joy, meaning, and freedom from worry, rooted in trust and dependence on God. Using John 10 as a central text, Pastor Donnell unpacked Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd, who offers us abundant life, care, and protection, inviting us to experience life in its fullness.

In a reflective and practical exercise, Pastor Donnell encouraged the congregation to examine the fears and struggles they carried from the past year. He led them to write down what disrupted their peace in 2024 and the missed opportunities to trust Jesus. This act of naming the challenges was a step toward letting go of burdens and stepping into 2025 with renewed trust in God’s provision. Pastor Donnell emphasized that Jesus knows each of us intimately and is present in every moment, ready to transform our fears into opportunities for growth and trust.

The sermon concluded with an invitation to discernment. Pastor Donnell encouraged the congregation to listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, step into the gaps in the world where God’s kingdom has yet to fully break through, and take risks to reflect God’s generosity and love. Through practical acts of faith and obedience, we can cultivate a deeper sensitivity to God’s presence and experience the abundant life Jesus promises. The new year is an opportunity to let go, take risks, and live as joyful, free, and faithful disciples.

The Good News Worth Sharing - A Christmas Message (Luke 2:1-20) - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Summary: In this Christmas Eve message, Pastor Donnell explores the nature of genuine good news through Luke's nativity narrative, contrasting it with today's overwhelming information landscape. Drawing from Luke 2, he unpacks three essential qualities of authentic good news: its relevance for today, its reliability, and its inherent shareability. Through the lens of the shepherds' experience, he illustrates how God's news breaks into our lives unexpectedly but precisely when needed.

The sermon delves into the practical implications of trustworthy news in our "post-truth" era. Using the shepherds' journey to find Jesus as a metaphor, Pastor Donnell emphasizes how specific, verifiable details - like the manger mentioned three times in Luke's account - serve as reliable markers guiding people to truth. He challenges the congregation to consider their role as bearers of reliable truth in a world saturated with misinformation.

The message culminates in a powerful Christmas prayer focusing on practical love and empathy. Pastor Donnell weaves together themes of neighborly love, enemy love, and self-awareness, emphasizing that true good news transforms how we treat others and ourselves. He concludes by encouraging the congregation to embrace humility, practice forgiveness, and trust in God's unchanging love, even in moments of failure.

Advent Sermon #4 - The Loving Gospel (John 3:16-17, Luke 1:26-27) - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Summary: In this final Sunday of Advent, Pastor Donnell explores the transformative power of love through the Christmas narrative. He challenges our understanding of love beyond mere feelings, presenting it as an active force that moves toward us, exemplified perfectly in God's decision to enter human history as a child. Through engaging illustrations, including a conversation with a four-year-old about the nature of love, he demonstrates how love transcends emotion to become tangible action.

The sermon traces humanity's complex relationship with God, from the Garden of Eden through various covenants, leading to God's ultimate expression of love in sending Jesus. Drawing from John 3:16-17 and Luke 1:26-27, Pastor Donnell illustrates how Christmas represents God's decisive move toward humanity, choosing vulnerability over power to demonstrate perfect love. This divine approach reveals that love isn't passive but actively seeks connection, transforms relationships, and overcomes barriers.

The message culminates by exploring how God's love enables our own capacity to love others. Referencing Matthew 22:36-40 and 1 John 4:18-19, Pastor Donnell explains that authentic love flows from experiencing God's love first. He concludes with a practical breathing exercise designed to help listeners internalize God's unconditional love, emphasizing that receiving God's love forms the foundation for loving others effectively.