First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – February 15, 2026

In Matthew 17, Peter, James and John follow Jesus up a high mountain. Once again Jesus is named as God’s Beloved. Only this time Jesus is transfigured before them, as more of his identity is revealed. The disciples respond by falling down in worship. This glimpse of God’s glory transforms the disciples. Encountering Christ in worship transforms our hearts as disciples so that we might reflect and embody God’s glory in all we do.

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon  – Rev. Ben Alexander – February 15, 2026

In Matthew 17, Peter, James and John follow Jesus up a high mountain. Once again Jesus is named as God’s Beloved. Only this time Jesus is transfigured before them, as more of his identity is revealed. The disciples respond by falling down in worship. This glimpse of God’s glory transforms the disciples. Encountering Christ in worship transforms our hearts as disciples so that we might reflect and embody God’s glory in all we do.

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – February 8, 2026

As Jesus watches a crowd donate money in Mark 12, he notices the rich contributing much. He also notices a poor widow give two small copper coins.  Jesus calls his disciples together, and teaches them who has contributed more.  The rich gave routinely out of excess, while the widow gave abundantly with next to nothing.  Following Jesus calls us to generosity that trusts God and serves others, even when it costs us.

Scripture: Mark 12:41-4

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon  – Rev. Ben Alexander – February 8 2026

As Jesus watches a crowd donate money in Mark 12, he notices the rich contributing much. He also notices a poor widow give two small copper coins.  Jesus calls his disciples together, and teaches them who has contributed more.  The rich gave routinely out of excess, while the widow gave abundantly with next to nothing.  Following Jesus calls us to generosity that trusts God and serves others, even when it costs us.

Scripture: Mark 12:41-44

First Cary UMC’s Sermon (community-wide worship) – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer  – February 1, 2026

The disciples encounter Jesus praying in Luke 11 and ask Jesus to teach them to pray.  Jesus responds with the Lord’s prayer. The language Jesus uses is that of a community: give us, forgive us, do not bring us. When Jesus teaches, he does so from a communal lens.  Discipleship grows in community. As we learn to pray and follow together, we discover God’s work in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

Scripture: Luke 11:1-8

First Cary UMC’s Sermon (community-wide worship)  – Rev. Ben Alexander  – January 25, 2026

Early in the morning, Jesus retreats from his community to a deserted place to pray. Only then is Jesus ready to begin his preaching tour in Galilee. Jesus shows us the importance of devotion and prayer.  Making space to slow down and connect with God amidst the hurry of life nurtures our souls and equips us for the work of discipleship.

Scripture: Mark 1:35-39

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – January 18, 2026

Early in his ministry, Jesus is filled with the Spirit, and returns to his home church. In a sobering moment we hear of Jesus reading scripture, within scripture, to fulfill scripture. And what scripture does Jesus choose to read? The prophet Isaiah.  Jesus has arrived to bring good news to the poor and freedom to the captives. Following Jesus means aligning our lives with God’s mission of justice, mercy, and hope. We are called to serve the poor, release the captives, and live out the good news of God.

Scripture: Luke 4:14-21

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – January 18, 2026

Early in his ministry, Jesus is filled with the Spirit, and returns to his home church. In a sobering moment we hear of Jesus reading scripture, within scripture, to fulfill scripture. And what scripture does Jesus choose to read? The prophet Isaiah. Jesus has arrived to bring good news to the poor and freedom to the captives. Following Jesus means aligning our lives with God’s mission of justice, mercy, and hope. We are called to serve the poor, release the captives, and live out the good news of God.

Scripture: Luke 4:14-21

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – January 11, 2026

In the beginning of the Jesus story, Jesus goes into the waters of baptism first and calls his disciples to follow. In the end, Jesus commissions his disciples on a mountain top, encouraging them to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” As those who have followed Jesus into the waters of Baptism to receive the name Beloved, how might we as disciples invite others into the life-changing waters of baptism?

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander  – January 11, 2026

In the beginning of the Jesus story, Jesus goes into the waters of baptism first and calls his disciples to follow. In the end, Jesus commissions his disciples on a mountain top, encouraging them to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” As those who have followed Jesus into the waters of Baptism to receive the name Beloved, how might we as disciples invite others into the life-changing waters of baptism?

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20