First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – November 2, 2025

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Along a mountainside in Matthew 5, Jesus offers his most memorable teaching about Red Letter Life on earth. Early on, Jesus speaks to his disciples about being the salt of the earth,  and light of the world. On this All Saints Day, may the saints present and past be a living reminder of what it means to live as the salt that “brings out the God-flavors of this earth”, and as the light, which “brings out the God-colors in the world” (Matthew 5, the MSG).

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – November 2, 2025

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Along a mountainside in Matthew 5, Jesus offers his most memorable teaching about Red Letter Life on earth. Early on, Jesus speaks to his disciples about being the salt of the earth,  and light of the world. On this All Saints Day, may the saints present and past be a living reminder of what it means to live as the salt that “brings out the God-flavors of this earth”, and as the light, which “brings out the God-colors in the world” (Matthew 5, the MSG).

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – October 26, 2025

Scripture: John 13:3-10a

The story of the washing of the disciples’ feet offers two incredible perspectives about serving. On the one hand, we see the humility of the Son of God who submits to a menial task. On the other hand, we see the humility of being willing to receive a gift. How does this story remind us of our call to be a humble people who can give and receive? 

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander  – October 26, 2025

Scripture: John 13:3-10a

The story of the washing of the disciples’ feet offers two incredible perspectives about serving. On the one hand, we see the humility of the Son of God who submits to a menial task. On the other hand, we see the humility of being willing to receive a gift. How does this story remind us of our call to be a humble people who can give and receive? 

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kristyl Kepley – October 19, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 33:1-4

One of the most humbling experiences in life is when we have done wrong and experience the mercy of forgiveness. That’s where Jacob is in Genesis 33. After tricking their father Isaac into giving him Esau’s blessing, Jacob lights out of town for a period of more than a decade.  Making his way back, Jacob knows his brother is likely to have stoked resentment and anger, yet Esau does something remarkable. How have we been given the humbling gift of forgiveness, and how are we called to extend it? 

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander  – October 19, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 33:1-4

One of the most humbling experiences in life is when we have done wrong and experience the mercy of forgiveness. That’s where Jacob is in Genesis 33. After tricking their father Isaac into giving him Esau’s blessing, Jacob lights out of town for a period of more than a decade.  Making his way back, Jacob knows his brother is likely to have stoked resentment and anger, yet Esau does something remarkable. How have we been given the humbling gift of forgiveness, and how are we called to extend it? 

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer  – October 12, 2025

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5

It is very easy to look around and see what everyone else is doing wrong. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus powerfully reminds us of our need to recognize our need to grow before we try to fix the world. How can we develop the practices of self-reflection required to see our own shortcomings?  How can we be open to criticism and growth by letting others give us input?

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Martha McLean – October 12, 2025

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5

It is very easy to look around and see what everyone else is doing wrong. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus powerfully reminds us of our need to recognize our need to grow before we try to fix the world. How can we develop the practices of self-reflection required to see our own shortcomings? How can we be open to criticism and growth by letting others give us input?

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer  – October 5, 2025

Scripture: John 3:22–30

John the Baptist was a renowned prophet with a huge following. Yet after he realized that Jesus was the Christ, he humbly recognized that he needed to make room for Jesus, saying “he must increase, but I must decrease.” How does John’s willingness to decrease reflect our calling in the light of Jesus? Where do we need to step back so that Christ might come forward?

First Cary UMC's First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – October 5, 2025

Scripture: John 3:22–30

John the Baptist was a renowned prophet with a huge following. Yet after he realized that Jesus was the Christ, he humbly recognized that he needed to make room for Jesus, saying “he must increase, but I must decrease.” How does John’s willingness to decrease reflect our calling in the light of Jesus? Where do we need to step back so that Christ might come forward?