Idlewild Presbyterian Church

This morning, on the heels of Hebrew 101, we will launch a new sermon series entitled Greek 101 where we will learn four additional ancient words every Christian should know. We will begin with paraklētos which can be translated as Advocate, Helper, or Comforter.

In John 14, Jesus uses this word as he prepares his disciples for a future they cannot yet imagine. He promises that God’s presence will remain with them through the Holy Spirit. It is a promise we may need to hear as much as they did: we are not left to navigate life on our own. God meets us in the Spirit, surrounds us through the community of faith, and remains near even when that presence is difficult to recognize. What might change if we trusted that we are never truly alone?

Sermon on John 14:15-21, delivered by the Reverend Lucy Cummings on October 11th, 2026.

This morning, we conclude our Hebrew 101 sermon series with the word zakar which means "to remember.” In Deuteronomy 8:7–20, Moses warns the people that one of the greatest dangers of abundance is forgetting: forgetting where they came from, forgetting how they have been sustained, and ultimately forgetting God. However, biblical remembrance is about more than looking backward; it is allowing the memory of God’s faithfulness to shape how we live in the present. What changes when we remember that all we have is a gift, that grace has carried us, and that we belong to God? We hope you will join us as we conclude the series and consider what it means to become a people who remember.

Sermon on Deuteronomy 8:7-20, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on October 4th, 2026.

This morning, we continue our Hebrew 101 series with Mitzrayim, the Hebrew name for Egypt. In Exodus 1:8-14, Egypt becomes more than a place on a map; it becomes a place of fear, oppression, and bondage for the people of Israel. Scripture invites us to consider the “Egypts” that still hold people captive and the ways we sometimes become accustomed to living within them. Yet the story of God’s people reminds us that bondage is never the end of the story. We hope you will join us as we listen for the God who leads people toward freedom in Christ.

Sermon on Exodus 1:8-14, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on September 13th, 2026.

This morning, as we celebrate the official start of the programmatic year with Kick-off Sunday, we will begin a series entitled Hebrew 101 - Ancient Words Every Christian Should Know, exploring four ancient Hebrew words that deepen the way we understand and live our faith. We will begin with Shema - a word that means "hear" or "listen," drawn from Deuteronomy 6:1-9. In the passage, God's people are called not only to hear God's word, but to carry it into their homes, their relationships, and the rhythms of everyday life.

Sermon on Deuteronomy 6:1-9 , delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on September 13th, 2026.

This morning, we turn to the Gospel of Matthew as we wrestle with what it means to follow Jesus. In Matthew 16:21-28, Matthew foretells his passion and death while also clearly stating what true discipleship means. Together, we will reflect on how well we follow Christ, along with the obstacles we let stand in the way.

Sermon on Matthew 16:21-28, delivered by the Reverend Mary Newberg Gale on September 6th, 2026.

This morning, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Catherine Meeks back to Idlewild as our guest preacher. A nationally respected scholar, author, and leader in the work of racial healing, Dr. Meeks served as the founding executive director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing and now leads the Turquoise & Lavender Institute for Transformation and Healing.

Sermon on Hebrews 11:1–6, delivered by Dr. Catherine Meeks on August 30th, 2026.

This morning, we will conclude our I Pledge Allegiance series with a message entitled “A More Perfect Union.” Our worship will grow from Jeremiah 29:4–7 and Mark 10:42–45, and we will be invited to consider what faithful citizenship looks like when God calls us to seek the welfare of the place where we have been planted. Together, we will wrestle with what it means to create a more perfect union between our personal faith and our public witness.

Sermon on Jeremiah 29:4-7 and Mark 10:42–45, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on August 23rd, 2026.

This morning, we will continue our series, I Pledge Allegiance, with a sermon entitled My Fellow Citizens. Through Galatians 3:23–29, Paul will remind us that our deepest identity is found in Christ rather than in the categories that so often divide us. Together, we will consider what it means to be faithful citizens of the kingdom of God while also living responsibly as citizens of the United States.

Sermon on Galatians 3:23–29, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on August 16th, 2026.

This morning, we will continue our sermon series I Pledge Allegiance by turning toward the honesty, courage, and hope required to help our nation live more fully into its highest promises. Through the prophet Amos, we will hear God’s warning that worship and public virtue ring hollow when they are separated from justice.

Sermon on Amos 5:18-24, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on August 9th, 2026.

This morning, we will inaugurate a new sermon series entitled I Pledge Allegiance. In a time when faith and national identity are often blurred, this four-week study will help us wrestle with what it means to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Sermon on Philippians 2:5–11, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on August 2nd, 2026.