First Cary UMC

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kristyl Kepley – March 8, 2026

When we pray the Psalms, they quench a thirst deeper than our knowledge and understanding, and undergird us with a hope in the face of our challenges.

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.”

Scripture: Psalm 42

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer  – March 8, 2026

When we pray the Psalms, they quench a thirst deeper than our knowledge and understanding, and undergird us with a hope in the face of our challenges.

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.”

Scripture: Psalm 42

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – March 1, 2026

When we pray the Psalms, they help us to focus our attention on our deliverer.

“I lift my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from?”

Scripture: Psalm 121

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Ben Alexander – March 1, 2026

When we pray the Psalms, they help us to focus our attention on our deliverer.

“I lift my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from?”

Scripture: Psalm 121

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

When we pray the Psalms, they lead us to the source of abundant life.  

“their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither.”

Scripture: Psalm 1

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

When we pray the Psalms, they lead us to the source of abundant life.

“their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither.”

Scripture: Psalm 1

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