First Cary UMC

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer  – June 21, 2026

Jesus says something in Matthew 16 that feels almost impossible to hear: “Take up your cross and follow me.” In a world that tells us to protect ourselves, build our brand, and chase comfort, Jesus offers a very different path - the way of surrender, sacrifice, and true life. But what if losing your life for Christ isn’t actually loss? What if it’s the way we finally discover who we were created to be? This Sunday we’ll wrestle with one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings and explore why the way of the cross is still the way to life.

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Kristyl Kepley  – June 21, 2026

Jesus says something in Matthew 16 that feels almost impossible to hear: “Take up your cross and follow me.” In a world that tells us to protect ourselves, build our brand, and chase comfort, Jesus offers a very different path - the way of surrender, sacrifice, and true life. But what if losing your life for Christ isn’t actually loss? What if it’s the way we finally discover who we were created to be? This Sunday we’ll wrestle with one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings and explore why the way of the cross is still the way to life.

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – June 14, 2026

When James’ and John’s Mother challenges Jesus about promoting her sons, and when the disciples erupt in a feud of jealousy, Jesus challenges them to see how he offers a different way than worldly greatness. How can we model our lives after the one who came to serve? 

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander  – June 14, 2026

When James’ and John’s Mother challenges Jesus about promoting her sons, and when the disciples erupt in a feud of jealousy, Jesus challenges them to see how he offers a different way than worldly greatness. How can we model our lives after the one who came to serve? 

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – June 7, 2026

When the Pharisees challenge Jesus about violating the Sabbath, he fires back by forcing them to think about the purpose of the Sabbath. How can we rise above the letter of the law and  honor God’s intent?

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander  – June 7, 2026

When the Pharisees challenge Jesus about violating the Sabbath, he fires back by forcing them to think about the purpose of the Sabbath. How can we rise above the letter of the law and  honor God’s intent?

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer  – May 31, 2026

We are inundated with words clamoring for our attention. Words we know, but words that know nothing about us. God’s Word is different. In Hebrews 4 we’re reminded that God’s Word doesn’t just speak to us - it knows us. It cuts through our defenses and reveals what is real, not to shame but to set free. The author of Hebrews reassures us that Jesus understands our human finitude and meets us with compassion as our great high priest. The same Word that exposes our hearts also heals them - inviting us to live honestly, humbly, and boldly in the presence of God.

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Carl Frazier – May 31, 2026

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – May 24, 2026

The Risk of Witness: Speaking Boldly Through the Spirit
On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), God’s Spirit breaks in, empowering the timid disciples to become witnesses as tongues fall like fire. There is amazement, there is confusion, and there is skepticism. Peter, the same man who denied Jesus now risks everything to proclaim him. In a moment of boldness, Peter preaches the first sermon of the church. This risk of witness ripples out to renewal and transformation in others as 3,000 are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. How is the Spirit filling us not for comfort, but for courage?

Scripture: Acts 2: 1-24

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Kristyl Kepley – May 24, 2026

The Risk of Witness: Speaking Boldly Through the Spirit
On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), God’s Spirit breaks in, empowering the timid disciples to become witnesses as tongues fall like fire. There is amazement, there is confusion, and there is skepticism. Peter, the same man who denied Jesus now risks everything to proclaim him. In a moment of boldness, Peter preaches the first sermon of the church. This risk of witness ripples out to renewal and transformation in others as 3,000 are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. How is the Spirit filling us not for comfort, but for courage?

Scripture: Acts 2: 1-24