First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer  – September 21, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 8

It is inspiring when we see the magnificence of God’s creation, and realize that God invites us to participate and join in this work! It may make us ask, “Who are we that God is mindful of us, and trusts us with continuing this work?” Yet this is God’s plan: for us to care for one another – our families and friends and neighbors – and also to care for the world we live in. It is inspiring when we see the value that God places in us to carry on the redemptive work of creation.

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer  – September 14, 2025

Scripture: Acts 2:37-47

It is inspiring when we are doing life together, bound together in God’s eternal love! Like the early church, we come  together in Christ, crossing perceived boundaries and conventions. Like the early church we come together for worship and study, for mutual learning and accountability. We come together in faith to encourage and welcome, to connect and care and serve, making a positive impact in our congregation and greater communities. In community God inspires us and calls us to inspire others!

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – September 14, 2025

Scripture: Acts 2:37-47

It is inspiring when we are doing life together, bound together in God’s eternal love! Like the early church, we come  together in Christ, crossing perceived boundaries and conventions. Like the early church we come together for worship and study, for mutual learning and accountability. We come together in faith to encourage and welcome, to connect and care and serve, making a positive impact in our congregation and greater communities. In community God inspires us and calls us to inspire others!

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer  – September 7, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 2:4b-8

It is inspiring when we think that God, who has everything, (who lacks nothing!) still desires relationship with us! With this in mind, God speaks and breathes creation into being. God forms us in his image and breathes into us the breath of life just as he does Adam in Genesis 2. It is amazing that God chooses  to do this – to share God’s own life with us – even though this relationship and desire to be with us will come at a cost.

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – September 7, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 2:4b-8

It is inspiring when we think that God, who has everything, (who lacks nothing!) still desires relationship with us! With this in mind, God speaks and breathes creation into being. God forms us in his image and breathes into us the breath of life just as he does Adam in Genesis 2. It is amazing that God chooses  to do this – to share God’s own life with us – even though this relationship and desire to be with us will come at a cost.

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Brittany Absher-Baer  – August 31, 2025

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

On Labor Day weekend, Matthew 20:1-16 reminds us that in God’s kingdom, our worth is not measured by our work, but by God’s grace and generosity. Just as the landowner gives every worker the same wage, God offers his love freely, not based on merit but on his goodness. Instead of comparing our efforts to others, may we celebrate the gift of grace and approach our work with gratitude, remembering that all we have is a gift from God.

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – August 24, 2025

Scripture: Exodus 2:1-10

As a baby, Moses was placed in a basket, often called an “ark,” in the waters of the Nile. Despite the dangerous reputation of this river, God uses this very water to lead Moses to salvation.  Sometimes the things we fear most become the path to our purpose.

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – August 24, 2025

Scripture: Exodus 2:1-10

As a baby, Moses was placed in a basket, often called an “ark,” in the waters of the Nile. Despite the dangerous reputation of this river, God uses this very water to lead Moses to salvation. Sometimes the things we fear most become the path to our purpose.

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – August 17, 2025

Scripture: Luke 8:22-25

In Luke 8:22-25, a violet storm breaks out, pushing the disciples and Jesus toward capsizing. In the boat, the disciples spiral while Jesus sleeps. Upon waking him, Jesus calms the waters with a simple word. In the midst of life’s chaos, how might we respond to the question of Christ: where is our faith? What might it mean for us to experience the calming peace of Christ’s presence?

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon  –  Rev. Ben Alexander  – August 17, 2025

Scripture: Luke 8:22-25

In Luke 8:22-25, a violet storm breaks out, pushing the disciples and Jesus toward capsizing. In the boat, the disciples spiral while Jesus sleeps. Upon waking him, Jesus calms the waters with a simple word. In the midst of life’s chaos, how might we respond to the question of Christ: where is our faith? What might it mean for us to experience the calming peace of Christ’s presence?