Luke 1:26-38

Carrying a child is hard enough, but Mary has even greater challenges heaped upon her—from being pregnant out of wedlock to the pressure of bearing the Son of God. Mary displays incredible resolve when she accepts this calling, but it took more than courage. It took a deep sense of peace, and Advent invites us to experience that same peace in our lives.

Sermon Series ~ Expecting

Scripture ~ Genesis 18:9-15; 21:1-6

There is more than one way to laugh, and in the story of Sarah, we see her laugh twice. The first laugh is done in hiding with a spirit of disbelief, but her second laugh is one of contagious joy. As we continue through the season of Advent, we can ask ourselves: where are we struggling to wait for God to move in our life, and how might we anticipate the joy that comes when God’s promises are fulfilled?

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Luke 1:13-17, 39-45

The headliners of the opening of Luke’s Gospel are Mary and Jesus, but Mary’s relative Elizabeth giving birth to Jesus’ cousin John was no less a gift from God. And in both Elizabeth and John, we see a humble, self-giving love that supported Mary and Jesus. During the season of Advent, we are invited to keep our eyes open for the people in our lives who need our love and support.

John 18:33

We all have lenses through which we see and interpret the world around us. They shape how we understand things, how we respond emotionally, and even what we think is or is not possible. One of the ways we can become aware of the lenses we and others are looking through is to examine the questions we ask.

1 Corinthians 8~

The dinner table is where we come to share about our days, be surrounded by our loved ones, and of course eat. It can also be a place where family tensions linger. As Thanksgiving approaches and we prepare our homes and hearts for time with our families, we’ll look to Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth for wisdom.

Esther 4:12-17

The story of Esther is, in part, a reminder that we can be stewards of the resources, influence, and opportunities we have been given no matter the circumstance. On this Stewardship Sunday, Pastor Dan and Finance Committee Chair Audrey France-Lanas reflect on practical ways we can all make a difference.

Matthew 25:35-40

When we think about serving impactfully, it is easy to picture the mission trip or the big service project. But the opportunity to serve and make a difference isn’t just occasional or out-of-town, but it can be a part of our everyday lives. As we wrap up our Wesley Rooted series, we embrace the opportunity to continue the centuries-old tradition of Wesleyan Methodists making a difference for the Kingdom of God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The vast majority of Christians, United Methodists included, believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. But what does that mean, and what does it not mean? And how does that meaning affect the way we engage with Scripture and allow it to guide and shape our lives?

Acts 2:47

As we gather to give thanks to God and celebrate 25 years of ministry, we reflect on the cycle recorded in Acts that demonstrates how churches survive and even thrive. Though there are a million details and challenges to living it out, staying faithful to the calling of all churches can begin to build momentum. The partnership of God’s grace and a faithful community can lead to long-standing and fruitful ministry.

Preacher┃Rev. Jeremy Green

Scripture┃Luke 15:20-24

As Christians, we are called to love God and neighbor, but who exactly is our neighbor? Our Wesleyan heritage guides us toward casting a wide net and accepting all. As we explore the words of John Wesley and the parables of Jesus, we’ll consider how we can be unified in love despite our deeply held differences.