First Cary UMC

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – April 12, 2026

In the face of deep grief and losses that feel like they take the very breath out of us, God is not absent. Just as God heard the cries of the widow and worked through Elijah to restore life to her son, God meets us in our despair. This story reminds us that even in our lowest valleys, God’s Spirit is already present, listening, and bringing hope where we thought there was only silence.

Scripture:  1 Kings 17:17–24

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Martha McLean – April 12, 2026

In the face of deep grief and losses that feel like they take the very breath out of us, God is not absent. Just as God heard the cries of the widow and worked through Elijah to restore life to her son, God meets us in our despair. This story reminds us that even in our lowest valleys, God’s Spirit is already present, listening, and bringing hope where we thought there was only silence.

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:17–24

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Kollin Absher-Baer – April 5, 2026

Scripture: Psalm 150 and Matthew 28:1-10

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – April 5, 2026

Scripture: Psalm 150 and Matthew 28:1-10

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Kollin Absher-Baer – March 29, 2026

When we pray the Psalms, they help us see how God’s grace works its purposes over centuries.

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone…This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it…Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – March 29, 2026

When we pray the Psalms, they help us see how God’s grace works its purposes over centuries.

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone…This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it…Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – March 22, 2026

When we pray the Psalms, they help us to proclaim our amazement and joy in seeing afresh what God has done and is doing for us.  

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”

Scripture: Psalm 27

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – March 22, 2026

When we pray the Psalms, they help us to proclaim our amazement and joy in seeing afresh what God has done and is doing for us.  

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”

Scripture: Psalm 27

First Cary UMC’s First on Chatham Sermon – Natasha Arnold – March 15, 2026

When we pray the Psalms, they shape us to approach God with humility, remembering that we depend on mercy and that God’s grace moves at God’s own pace.  

“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.  Lord, hear my voice!  I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope…”

Scripture: Psalm 130

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

When we pray the Psalms, they shape us to approach God with humility, remembering that we depend on mercy and that God’s grace moves at God’s own pace.  

“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.  Lord, hear my voice!  I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope…”

Scripture: Psalm 130