Beech Grove UMC Sermons

Scripture: John 1:1-14

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

Synopsis

In this sermon, we explore the essence of what it means to be the church in the 21st century. Reflecting on John 1:1-14, we examine how the church is called to embody Christ's presence in the world, much like Jesus was the incarnate Word of God. The message challenges us to reconsider the traditional notion of church as merely a building and instead embrace the idea that the church is wherever God's people are.

We are encouraged to step beyond our walls, not just inviting others in but going out into our communities, workplaces, and neighborhoods to build relationships and reflect the light of Christ. Drawing from the example of John the Baptist, who ministered in the wilderness, we are called to meet people where they are, both physically and spiritually, and to bring the church to them.

This message invites us to rethink how we "practice church" and challenges us to live out the incarnational nature of our faith in today's world.

More Information

To watch the full service, click here.

We currently have 2 worship options and invite you to join us in the manner in which you are most comfortable at this time:

* 10:30 AM - Community Worship

* Virtual Service on our Youtube Channel or Website (usually available Sunday evenings)

If you feel led to give to Beech Grove and its mission and ministries: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

If you need to contact us you can reach us at:

* Email - ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠,

* Call our office - (757) 538-8353

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beechgroveumc.substack.com

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

13 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

14 ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Synopsis

In this sermon, we explore the parable of the lonely ember, a powerful illustration of how our spiritual fire can dwindle when disconnected from community. While this story is often used to encourage church attendance, today’s message invites us to go deeper. It’s not just about being present in church but about how the church community kindles and sustains our faith.

As we navigate the challenges of living in “unprecedented times,” we often feel exhausted, retreating to what feels safe and familiar. But the church is called to adapt, sparking new fires and taking the light of Christ into the world, beyond the comfort of our buildings. Drawing from Christ’s teaching that we are the salt and light of the earth, we are reminded that God’s grace shapes us, and our light must shine in ways that welcome and transform others.

We are called to rekindle our own spark and ignite the faith of others, embodying Christ's presence in the world. How is your light shining today?

More Information

To watch the full service, click here.

We currently have 2 worship options and invite you to join us in the manner in which you are most comfortable at this time:

* 10:30 AM - Community Worship

* Virtual Service on our Youtube Channel or Website (usually available Sunday evenings)

If you feel led to give to Beech Grove and its mission and ministries: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

If you need to contact us you can reach us at:

* Email - ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠,

* Call our office - (757) 538-8353

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beechgroveumc.substack.com

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ 25 In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

In this sermon, we explore Communion as a profound expression of grace within our faith practice. Rooted in the scriptural foundation provided by 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Communion is described as a means of grace, a holy mystery, where Christ is spiritually present and the invitation is open to all.

We emphasize that Communion is not about our worthiness but about Christ's invitation to share in this sacred meal. Paul’s concern for the Corinthian church reminds us of the meal's holiness and the importance of engaging with it respectfully and frequently. We are transformed as Christ’s body through the meal, becoming more Christlike in our daily lives.

Rachel Held Evans beautifully illustrates the inclusivity and transformative power of Communion, reminding us that this meal is about grace, presence, and the communal act of dining with Christ.

Join us as we delve into the significance of this holy meal and its role in our spiritual journey. AMEN!

To watch the full service, click here.

We currently have 2 worship options and invite you to join us in the manner in which you are most comfortable at this time:

* 10:30 AM - Community Worship

* 10:30 AM - Livestream Service @ ⁠⁠⁠beechgroveumc.org⁠⁠⁠

If you feel led to give to Beech Grove and its mission and ministries: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

If you need to contact us you can reach us at:

* Email - ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠,

* Call our office - (757) 538-8353

• • Message us on Facebook

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beechgroveumc.substack.com

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

In the United Methodist Church, holy conferencing focuses on the ability of laity and clergy to come together and discuss and discern difficult topics guided by the Holy Spirit, which can be a witness to the world. The local church can also engage in holy conferencing through its ministry and decision-making.

To watch the full service, click here.

We currently have 2 worship options and invite you to join us in the manner in which you are most comfortable at this time:

* 10:30 AM - Community Worship

* 10:30 AM - Livestream Service @ ⁠⁠⁠beechgroveumc.org⁠⁠⁠

If you feel led to give to Beech Grove and its mission and ministries: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

If you need to contact us you can reach us at:

* Email - ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠,

* Call our office - (757) 538-8353

* Message us on Facebook

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beechgroveumc.substack.com

Scripture: Micah 6:6-8

John Wesley said, “There is no holiness but social holiness.” Salvation and a full life in Christ are seen in personal and social holiness. This holiness calls us to a missional connection with our communities and the world.

To watch the full service, click here.

We currently have 2 worship options and invite you to join us in the manner in which you are most comfortable at this time:

* 10:30 AM - Community Worship

* 10:30 AM - Livestream Service @ ⁠⁠⁠beechgroveumc.org⁠⁠⁠

If you feel led to give to Beech Grove and its mission and ministries: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

If you need to contact us you can reach us at:

* Email - ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠,

* Call our office - (757) 538-8353

* Message us on Facebook

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beechgroveumc.substack.com

Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-10

Grace is a gift from God given freely to all people; because of this gift, we are saved. This grace is the spark that makes the Methodist fire burn, the starting point and an essential root of our theology.

Unfortunately, we do not have a video for the full worship service due to technical difficulties.

We currently have 2 worship options and invite you to join us in the manner in which you are most comfortable at this time:

* 10:30 AM - Community Worship

* 10:30 AM - Livestream Service @ ⁠⁠⁠beechgroveumc.org⁠⁠⁠

If you feel led to give to Beech Grove and its mission and ministries: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

If you need to contact us you can reach us at:

* Email - ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠,

* Call our office - (757) 538-8353

* Message us on Facebook

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beechgroveumc.substack.com

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Baptism is God’s cleansing of our original sin, initiation into Christ’s Holy Church, incorporation into the body of Christ, and empowerment by the Holy Spirit for a lifelong process of discipleship in the community. Through Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, we understand what being a part of God’s Kingdom means within our faith.

To watch the full service, click here.

Join us each week by joining us at 10:30. You can join us in our church sanctuary at 4251 Driver Ln. Suffolk, Va, or online at beechgroveumc.org/worship:

* 10:30 AM - Community Worship

* 10:30 AM - Livestream Service @ ⁠⁠⁠beechgroveumc.org⁠⁠⁠

If you feel led to give to Beech Grove and its mission and ministries: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

If you need to contact us you can reach us at:

* Email - ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠,

* Call our office - (757) 538-8353

* Message us on Facebook

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beechgroveumc.substack.com

Scripture: Hebrews 5:12-6:12

Our theological task, within our faith, is to learn and grow in our understanding of our most basic Christian affirmation and what that means for us. Hebrews invites us to recognize what within our faith is necessary for growth. In the Methodist tradition, we often view what is called, The Quadrilateral, to help us in our development of faith. We draw from different faith areas to help us grow as we more deeply understand scripture.

To watch the full service, click here.

We currently have 2 worship options and invite you to join us in the manner in which you are most comfortable at this time:

* 10:30 AM - Community Worship

* 10:30 AM - Livestream Service @ ⁠⁠⁠beechgroveumc.org⁠⁠⁠

If you feel led to give to Beech Grove and its mission and ministries: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

If you need to contact us you can reach us at:

* Email - ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠,

* Call our office - (757) 538-8353

* Message us on Facebook

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beechgroveumc.substack.com

Scripture: Hebrews 5:12-6:12

The original affirmation of our faith is that of affirming our belief in the Lordship and Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. This affirmation rests at the heart of our faith and informs how we interact with God and one another. Through Paul’s affirmation of what is at the heart of our faith, we create space for the work that flows through us and our expression of faith.

To watch the full service, click here.

We currently have 2 worship options and invite you to join us in the manner in which you are most comfortable at this time:

* 10:30 AM - Community Worship

* 10:30 AM - Livestream Service @ ⁠⁠⁠beechgroveumc.org⁠⁠⁠

If you feel led to give to Beech Grove and its mission and ministries: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

If you need to contact us you can reach us at:

* Email - ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠,

* Call our office - (757) 538-8353

* Message us on Facebook

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beechgroveumc.substack.com

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13

We currently have 2 worship options and invite you to join us in the manner in which you are most comfortable at this time:

* 10:30 AM - Community Worship

* 10:30 AM - Livestream Service @ ⁠⁠⁠beechgroveumc.org⁠⁠⁠

If you feel led to give to Beech Grove and its mission and ministries: ⁠⁠⁠Donate Here⁠⁠⁠

If you need to contact us you can reach us at:

* Email - ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠,

* Call our office - (757) 538-8353

* Message us on Facebook

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beechgroveumc.substack.com