First Cary UMC

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

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

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

First Cary UMC’s First Sanctuary Sermon – Rev. Martha McLean – January 4, 2026

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

First Cary UMC Community-Wide Worship – Rev. Ben Alexander – December 28, 2025

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

First Cary UMC's First on Chatham Sermon – Rev. Kollin Absher-Baer – December 21, 2025

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel interrupts Mary’s life with unexpected news of a coming baby. At first Mary is perplexed. Then, in faith, she asks questions. Then she arrives at an open willingness, submitting to God’s marvelous plan. How might Mary’s process remind us of the process of Advent? To be unhurried is to keep ourselves out of the center and to let God’s plan unfold on God’s schedule.