First Cary UMC

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon –  Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer  – July 27, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 45:1-15

Joseph’s reunion with his brothers is not a clean or comfortable moment—it’s a collision of past wounds and present mercy. He doesn’t ignore the pain they caused, but he also doesn’t let that pain have the final word. Reconciliation, in this story, is raw and sacred, built not on forgetting but on the courage to extend grace when it costs the most. As we finish our journey with Joseph, may we explore what it means to come closer - to risk vulnerability, to offer mercy without guarantees, and to trust that God can redeem even the most fractured relationships.

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon  –  Rev. Ben Alexander  – July 27, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 45:1-15

Joseph’s reunion with his brothers is not a clean or comfortable moment—it’s a collision of past wounds and present mercy. He doesn’t ignore the pain they caused, but he also doesn’t let that pain have the final word. Reconciliation, in this story, is raw and sacred, built not on forgetting but on the courage to extend grace when it costs the most. As we finish our journey with Joseph, may we explore what it means to come closer - to risk vulnerability, to offer mercy without guarantees, and to trust that God can redeem even the most fractured relationships.

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon –  Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer  – July 20, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 41:14-41

Joseph’s rise from prison to power isn’t a triumph—it’s a testimony. His past isn’t erased; it's carried into his leadership, where forgiveness becomes an act of quiet courage. Justice never came, but Joseph chooses healing over bitterness, offering wisdom where he could have sought revenge. His story challenges us to consider what it means to forgive when the wound still aches and resolution never arrives. As we continue to lean into the journey of Joseph, may we explore how God can transform pain into purpose - even when healing feels unfinished.

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon  –  Rev. Ben Alexander  – July 20, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 41:14-41

Joseph’s rise from prison to power isn’t a triumph—it’s a testimony. His past isn’t erased; it's carried into his leadership, where forgiveness becomes an act of quiet courage. Justice never came, but Joseph chooses healing over bitterness, offering wisdom where he could have sought revenge. His story challenges us to consider what it means to forgive when the wound still aches and resolution never arrives. As we continue to lean into the journey of Joseph, may we explore how God can transform pain into purpose - even when healing feels unfinished.

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon  –  Rev. Ben Alexander  – July 13, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 37:12-34

After a plot to end his life, Joseph is thrown into an empty pit with no water by his brothers - and the story doesn’t get easier from there. A story that includes betrayal and pain, how does Joseph learn to tell the truth without losing hope? As we lean into Joseph’s Journey, might we wonder about the steadfastness of stubborn hope as we live in the tension of stories that haven’t fully healed.

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon –  Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer  – July 13, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 37:12-34

After a plot to end his life, Joseph is thrown into an empty pit with no water by his brothers - and the story doesn’t get easier from there. A story that includes betrayal and pain, how does Joseph learn to tell the truth without losing hope? As we lean into Joseph’s Journey, might we wonder about the steadfastness of stubborn hope as we live in the tension of stories that haven’t fully healed.

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon “The Audacity to Dream” –  Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – July 6 2025

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-11

Joseph’s dream wasn’t just a glimpse of his future—it was a calling into something bigger than himself. Answering God’s call upon our lives is not as linear as a one-time “yes.” But instead, the courage to believe that God might use your life, even when others don’t see it. As we encounter Joseph’s journey, may we wonder what it means to follow a God who speaks through dreams and silence alike.

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon “The Audacity to Dream” –  Rev. Ben Alexander – July 6 2025

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-11

Joseph’s dream wasn’t just a glimpse of his future—it was a calling into something bigger than himself. Answering God’s call upon our lives is not as linear as a one-time “yes.” But instead, the courage to believe that God might use your life, even when others don’t see it. As we encounter Joseph’s journey, may we wonder what it means to follow a God who speaks through dreams and silence alike.

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon “The Story of Stephen” –  Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – June 29, 2025

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen’s story ends in violence—but not defeat. He stands firm in truth, speaks with grace, and dies with his face shining like an angel. Sometimes, doing the right thing costs more than we want to give. But God's glory shines brightest when we remain faithful, even when the world resists. What story will your faith share alongside the large church body?

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon “The Story of Stephen” –  Rev. Ben Alexander – June 29, 2025

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen’s story ends in violence—but not defeat. He stands firm in truth, speaks with grace, and dies with his face shining like an angel. Sometimes, doing the right thing costs more than we want to give. But God's glory shines brightest when we remain faithful, even when the world resists. What story will your faith share alongside the large church body?