In this week's sermon, Rev. Dr. Shively Smith engages Howard Thurman’s spiritual practice of centering down, and a sermon rooted in Mark 4:35-41. Rev. Dr. Smith explores a close reading of the storm on the sea, asking how stillness, courage, and faith shape the way believers respond when life feels unsteady. She shares how Thurman’s language of the “great silence” helps reframe the story: Jesus is not absent in the storm, but resting in a deeper peace that speaks when needed. The sermon also draws out the difference between ordinary fear and cowardice, connecting the text to modern storms like layoffs, rent increases, racism, misogyny, homophobia, and xenophobia.

This week's scripture: Mark 4:35-41
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And waking up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Be silent! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Chapters
01:30 - “How Great Is Our God” sets the worship atmosphere
06:37 - Welcome to the Fifth Sunday Community Choir
14:38 - Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost and the Thurman-centered service
16:20 - Howard Thurman’s legacy and why he matters now
18:57 - “Centering Down” begins
24:03 - Breath, presence, and worship in a centering space
27:30 - Call to worship: resting this day in God
28:53 - Morning hymn: “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”
31:47 - Thurman’s prayer from The Inward Journey
42:33 - Announcements, prayer concerns, and community updates
47:05 - Visiting guests are welcomed
52:55 - Stewardship invitation and the vision for debt freedom
59:00 - Guest introduction for Rev. Dr. Shively T. J. Smith
60:43 - Scripture reading: Mark 4:35-41
00:01 - the Spirit has met us here
03:47 - Why hearing Thurman matters, not just reading him
05:57 - “God speaks without words” and the great silence
08:26 - Jesus sets out “just as he was”
11:41 - The disciples mistake Jesus’ sleep for absence
14:47 - Stillness and power are not separate things
16:29 - Jesus wakes unbothered and speaks to the storm
20:04 - Greek word study: fear versus cowardice
23:24 - Thurman on courage and cowardice
26:26 - What the disciples’ great fear reveals about Jesus
28:50 - Modern storms: rent, layoffs, racism, misogyny, xenophobia
31:28 - Peace, joy, hope, and creativity already at work
33:20 - The invitation to listen when Jesus speaks
34:37 - Thurman’s centering down as a practice of rest
36:36 - Invitation into Metropolitan’s community and spiritual family

Action Items

• Practice centering down by taking a breath, releasing tension, and sitting quietly before prayer.
• Notice the difference between reacting out of panic and responding with courage.
• Rest in God’s presence before trying to solve every storm immediately.
• Join the church community in worship, fellowship, and the post-service book celebration.

In this week's sermon, Rev. Nichele Carter-Peterson explores themes of community engagement, stewardship, and identity within the church, particularly focusing on the African American experience. She emphasizes the importance of embracing one's cultural heritage and the role of the church in fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Rev. Carter-Peterson reflects on the significance of generosity in worship and the need for the church to be a place of justice and support for marginalized communities. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural references, the message encourages individuals to recognize their identity and take action in creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

This week's scripture: Matthew 16:13-20
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist but others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Takeaways

• Every member has a role through prayer, participation, service, and giving.
• We can invest more in our children and youth by eliminating debt.
• The church should prioritize community ministries and support families.
• Understanding our identity is crucial for empowerment and justice.
• The church must not imitate dominant culture but embrace its unique heritage.
• We are called to create a world that reflects God's kingdom on earth.
• The importance of discernment in understanding spiritual authority.
• We must recognize and challenge internalized racism within our communities.
• Celebrating our blackness is essential to our identity and faith.
• The church has a legacy of social justice and empowerment.

Chapters
00:05 Welcoming Guests and Community Engagement
05:53 Stewardship and Generosity in Worship
13:46 Introducing the Speaker and Scripture Reading
15:38 Guest Artist and Musical Worship
29:41 Reflections on Identity and Life's Journey
32:34 Imitation of Life: A Deep Dive into Identity
54:41 Invitation to Embrace True Identity and Community

In this week's sermon, Rev. Kendal McBroom explores the profound message of Isaiah 55, challenging societal lies about worth, productivity, and abundance. This sermon invites us to trust God's economy of care, community, and divine sovereignty over the oppressive systems of empire.


This week's scripture: Isaiah 55:1-5, 8-11
Hear, everyone who thirsts;
    come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread
    and your earnings for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me;
    listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
    my steadfast, sure love for David.
4 See, I made him a witness to the peoples,
    a leader and commander for the peoples.
5 Now you shall call nations that you do not know,
    and nations that do not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
    for he has glorified you.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
    and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose
    and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.


Takeaways

• God's first declaration over humanity is that it is good.
• The economy of God is based on need, not possession.
• Empire's lie is that some are expendable and others deserving.
• God's invitation is inclusive, regardless of economic status.
• The visible hand of power shapes society, not the invisible.
• We are called to imagine and live beyond systemic lies.
• Rebuilding trust and covenant is essential after exile.
• God's ways challenge the dominant narratives of scarcity.
• The prophetic imagination offers hope amid despair.
• Living out God's economy requires active care and community.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Power of Isaiah 55
01:46 The Context of Exile and Disillusionment
04:05 God's Invitation to Come Without Money
07:06 The Lie of Scarcity and Empire
12:01 Babylon's Control and America's Empire
16:00 God's Alternative Economy: Abundance and Need
22:11 Questioning the Invisible Hand of Markets
23:57 The Call to Trust God's Sovereignty
27:09 Cultivating a Culture of Care
28:48 Rebuilding Covenant and Community
30:54 Living in the Difference: God's Ways
32:54 The Invitation to Live and Organize Differently
34:01 Conclusion: The Final Word of God

In this week's sermon, Rev. Moya Harris shares a powerful message on becoming a good ancestor, emphasizing the importance of blessing the next generation, recognizing the Spirit in others, and the ongoing fight for justice and faithfulness in a challenging world.

This week's text: Luke 1:26-45
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. 39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Takeaways

• Good ancestors plant seeds of blessing for future generations even without seeing the harvest.
• Black women are under attack in many spheres, yet their spiritual and community leadership remains vital.
• Mary and Elizabeth exemplify how women can work together across generations to fulfill God's plan.
• Every act of love, mentorship, and faithfulness contributes to becoming a good ancestor.
• We are called to love boldly, bless others, and leave a legacy of faith and justice.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Opening Prayer
03:01 Scripture Reading and Context of Luke 1
04:50 The Call to Become a Good Ancestor
08:54 The Attacks on Black Women in Society and Church
11:03 The Significance of Generations and Biblical Examples
12:54 Mary and Elizabeth: Models of Courage and Blessing
15:59 The Power of Blessing Future Generations
17:24 Lessons for Elders and Young People
21:58 The Call to Love, Lead, and Leave a Legacy
23:54 Invitation to Community and Church Membership

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of hunger, compassion, and community through the biblical stories of Herod, John the Baptist, and Jesus, emphasizing how faith and action can transform scarcity into abundance.

This week's scripture - Matthew 14:13-21
13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled, and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.


Takeaways

• Hunger is a unifying and scarlet thread in biblical narratives.
• Herod's hunger for power leads to violence and bloodshed.
• Jesus' compassion moves him to feed and heal the people.
• The miracle of feeding the 5000 challenges scarcity mindset.
• We are called to share our resources and combat systemic hunger.
• Jesus' solitude reminds us of the need for spiritual renewal.
• Faith requires action, not just prayer, to address real needs.
• The systemic hunger in society is rooted in exploitation and greed.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Theme of Hunger in Matthew 14
02:05 Herod's Hunger for Power and Its Consequences
08:54 The Feast and the Blood: Herod's Party and Violence
13:00 Jesus' Hunger for Solitude and Connection
18:58 Jesus' Compassion and the Miracle of Feeding
24:05 Resources, Scarcity, and the Call to Share
26:07 Living in a Wilderness: God Provides in Scarcity
27:42 The Little Bird and the Worm: God's Provision in Nature
30:07 The Feast in the Wilderness: Trusting God's Abundance

In this week's sermon Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound meaning of the parable of the mustard seed, emphasizing that God's kingdom often manifests in small, everyday acts and humble beginnings. This reflection challenges us to see God's work in the small things and partner with divine purpose in our lives.


This week's scripture Matthew 13:31-32
31 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 32 it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

Key Topics
The parable of the mustard seed and its spiritual significance
Misinterpretations of the parable influenced by American capitalism and imperialism
The kingdom of God is present now, in small and tangible ways
The importance of partnering with God to bring about justice and peace
The kingdom of God is small, but its impact is profound and far-reaching

In his week's sermon, Rev. Keila Mumphord explores the profound message of individual worth and collective unity through biblical insights and the story of Encanto, emphasizing that our true value lies in who we are, not just our gifts.


This week's scripture 1 Corinthians 12:14-21
14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many members yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

Key Topics

• The metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12
• The importance of diverse gifts for community health
• Lessons from Encanto about self-worth and gifts
• The danger of comparison and self-doubt
• The role of marginalized voices in the church
• Healing and reconciliation through inclusion
• The significance of intergenerational wisdom
• The value of individual uniqueness in collective success

This week celebrating our 188th anniversary, Rev. Dr. Stephanie Crumpton shares a powerful sermon on God's love, faithfulness, and the importance of building bridges of faith through prayer, reflection, and action. She explores how life's challenges and systemic injustices call us to trust in God's ability to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or imagine.

This week's scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit  and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth  and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Takeaways

• Building spiritual bridges requires intentional prayer and reflection.
• Trust in God's ability to do more than we can ask or imagine.
• Moments of crisis are opportunities for divine intervention and growth.
• Community support and intercession are vital for resilience.
• Remembering past victories strengthens faith for future challenges.

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV reflects on the power of words, tools, and collective action in shaping justice and community on the day after America's 250th celebration.

This week's scripture: John 1:1-4
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.

Key Topics

• The significance of words as divine tools
• The historical misuse of words and power
• The importance of building, fixing, tearing down in community
• The role of faith and collective action in justice
• The critique of American history and ideals

Chapters
00:00 Scriptural Reflections and Teachings
03:03 The Power of Words in Preaching
25:54 Building, Fixing, and Tearing Down Systems

In this week's sermon, Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson explores the power of persistent faith and activism through the parable of the persistent widow, emphasizing the importance of bothering systems for justice and trusting God's power.

This week's scripture - Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my accuser.’ 4 For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8 I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Takeaways

• Persistent prayer and faith can shift even the most unjust systems.
• Trust in God's power is essential in the fight for justice.
• Bothering systems is a divine act that can lead to change.
• The widow's persistence demonstrates unwavering faith.
• God's justice is swift for those who cry out day and night.