First Cary UMC

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – October 4, 2026

What if holiness isn't something reserved for extraordinary moments? Paul points us toward a very ordinary kind of holiness in Colossians 3:12-17: compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, gratitude, and love. These aren't abstract virtues; they're lived out in the places where life actually happens: around the dinner table, in family relationships, during disagreements, and in the daily routines we sometimes take for granted. This week, we'll discover that God is forming us not only through worship and prayer, but through the seemingly mundane moments of everyday life.

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – October 4, 2026

What if holiness isn't something reserved for extraordinary moments? Paul points us toward a very ordinary kind of holiness in Colossians 3:12-17: compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, gratitude, and love. These aren't abstract virtues; they're lived out in the places where life actually happens: around the dinner table, in family relationships, during disagreements, and in the daily routines we sometimes take for granted. This week, we'll discover that God is forming us not only through worship and prayer, but through the seemingly mundane moments of everyday life.

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kristyl Kepley – September 27, 2026

What if the fear that we’re not enough keeps us from believing we have a place at the table? In 2 Samuel 9, Mephibosheth, the disabled grandson of Saul, is living in obscurity, likely expecting to be forgotten or even eliminated. Instead, David seeks him out, restores what was lost, and invites him to eat at the king’s table. This story reminds us that God’s grace moves toward those who have been forgotten, offering belonging where we expect rejection. This Sunday, we’ll explore the courage it takes to make room for others - and to trust that there is room for us, too.

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – September 27, 2026

What if the fear that we’re not enough keeps us from believing we have a place at the table? In 2 Samuel 9, Mephibosheth, the disabled grandson of Saul, is living in obscurity, likely expecting to be forgotten or even eliminated. Instead, David seeks him out, restores what was lost, and invites him to eat at the king’s table. This story reminds us that God’s grace moves toward those who have been forgotten, offering belonging where we expect rejection. This Sunday, we’ll explore the courage it takes to make room for others - and to trust that there is room for us, too.

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – September 20 , 2026

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas find themselves in prison. An earthquake erupts. Doors are flung open and chains are unfastened. They could have escaped - but they choose to stay in jail.  Instead of fearing for their lives, they have the courage to remain, trusting God with their lives. Their courage ends up bringing life to the fearful jailer and his whole household, who are saved and baptized. The jailer’s fears are overcome; he has new-found courage, taking Paul and Silas into his own home, caring for them, washing their wounds and setting food before them. When we take courage, we often do so for the sake of others.

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander  – September 20, 2026

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas find themselves in prison.  An earthquake erupts. Doors are flung open and chains are unfastened. They could have escaped - but they choose to stay in jail.  Instead of fearing for their lives, they have the courage to remain, trusting God with their lives. Their courage ends up bringing life to the fearful jailer and his whole household, who are saved and baptized. The jailer’s fears are overcome; he has new-found courage, taking Paul and Silas into his own home, caring for them, washing their wounds and setting food before them. When we take courage, we often do so for the sake of others.

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – September 13, 2026

Even with the fear of  his past catching up with him, his concern about leading, and his present context after being on the run, Moses is able to say yes to God’s call. Signs from God follow, offering reassurance, along with the calling/gift of Aaron to come alongside. 

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – September 13, 2026

Even with the fear of  his past catching up with him, his concern about leading, and his present context after being on the run, Moses is able to say yes to God’s call. Signs from God follow, offering reassurance, along with the calling/gift of Aaron to come alongside. 

Scripture: Exodus 3-4, selected verses

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Natasha Moulton – September 6. 2026

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Martha McLean – September 6. 2026