Midway Christian Church sermon for April 6, 2026

Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY

Worship Series: “Rooted in the Good News”

“Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. We often describe Jesus’ ministry as “radical” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.”¹ Therefore, Jesus’ ministry brings us back to our roots: loving our neighbor, caring for the vulnerable, pursuing justice and mercy, and resting in God’s unending grace. These roots are the foundation of our faith. These roots allow us to become the person God created and calls us to be. These roots are the Gospel message! The Gospel of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Good News, is extravagant, untamed, illogical, and persistent. It invites us to root ourselves in the goodness of God which infinitely flourishes and grows. For us as people of faith, the Good News is not just a set of beliefs but rather a way of life grounded in hope, love, justice and peace.

This Lent, we will be exploring how the good news takes root in our hearts, minds and very beings, reminding us that “in our hoping, in our searching, one thing remains true. Jesus Christ is still the Good News!”

The Good News is ...

Part 7: “alive in the world!”

Matthew 28:1-10

Death cannot stop the good news. It is alive, unbound, and wild in the world. Like the mustard seed, it grows without limit. Like water turned into wine, it surprises us with joy. Like loaves of bread, it multiplies to feed each hungry soul. And now, even in the face of death, it will not be buried or silenced. Just as the angels in Advent, the angel at the empty tomb delivers good news: “Do not be afraid.” On the way to Galilee, Jesus greets the women with this same message, but adds: “Go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” As we celebrate the good news of Easter, let us also go out seeking Christ in the faces of neighbors and strangers, and in the good works that are alive in this world. (from sanctifiedart.org)

www.midwaychristian.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Tuesday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sermon Library⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:

CCLI: 948745

Streaming: 20256756

One License: 737814-A

CVLI: 505440248

Midway Christian Church sermon for March 29, 2026

Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY

Worship Series: “Rooted in the Good News”

“Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. We often describe Jesus’ ministry as “radical” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.”¹ Therefore, Jesus’ ministry brings us back to our roots: loving our neighbor, caring for the vulnerable, pursuing justice and mercy, and resting in God’s unending grace. These roots are the foundation of our faith. These roots allow us to become the person God created and calls us to be. These roots are the Gospel message! The Gospel of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Good News, is extravagant, untamed, illogical, and persistent. It invites us to root ourselves in the goodness of God which infinitely flourishes and grows. For us as people of faith, the Good News is not just a set of beliefs but rather a way of life grounded in hope, love, justice and peace.

This Lent, we will be exploring how the good news takes root in our hearts, minds and very beings, reminding us that “in our hoping, in our searching, one thing remains true. Jesus Christ is still the Good News!”

The Good News is ...

Part 6: “the stone shouting out even if we were silent”

Luke 19:28-40

Today, Palm Sunday, we proclaim Jesus as our king, but not a king as the world understands. The Kingdom of Jesus reframes and “redefines our understanding, transforming it into one of humbleness and hope, one of compassion and love, one of healing and wholeness”. By proclaiming Jesus as king, we are reminded that a new reality is being ushering into our midst, one that transcends our understanding of power, one that transcends our understanding of might, one that transcends the kingdoms of the world and ushers in the beloved community of God, one that invites us to fully embrace the peaceable Kingdom of God.⁠www.midwaychristian.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Tuesday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcasts⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sermon Library⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:

CCLI: 948745

Streaming: 20256756

One License: 737814-A

CVLI: 505440248

Midway Christian Church sermon for March 22, 2026

Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY

Worship Series: “Rooted in the Good News”

“Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. We often describe Jesus’ ministry as “radical” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.”¹ Therefore, Jesus’ ministry brings us back to our roots: loving our neighbor, caring for the vulnerable, pursuing justice and mercy, and resting in God’s unending grace. These roots are the foundation of our faith. These roots allow us to become the person God created and calls us to be. These roots are the Gospel message! The Gospel of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Good News, is extravagant, untamed, illogical, and persistent. It invites us to root ourselves in the goodness of God which infinitely flourishes and grows. For us as people of faith, the Good News is not just a set of beliefs but rather a way of life grounded in hope, love, justice and peace.

This Lent, we will be exploring how the good news takes root in our hearts, minds and very beings, reminding us that “in our hoping, in our searching, one thing remains true. Jesus Christ is still the Good News!”

The Good News is ...

Part 5: “rooted in justice, mercy, and faithfulness”

Isaiah 61:1-11

As people of faith, we have a complicated relationship with the Good News. We love the passages which speak of turning swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks but become angry when the Good News holds us accountable, calling us to do concrete acts of healing, and justice-making in our communities. Or to take it one step further, we would rather do small acts of kindness yet never take a step back to see where the system is causing the brokenness.

www.midwaychristian.org⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Tuesday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcasts⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sermon Library⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:

CCLI: 948745

Streaming: 20256756

One License: 737814-A

CVLI: 505440248

Midway Christian Church sermon for March 15, 2026

Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY

Worship Series: “Rooted in the Good News”

“Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. We often describe Jesus’ ministry as “radical” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.”¹ Therefore, Jesus’ ministry brings us back to our roots: loving our neighbor, caring for the vulnerable, pursuing justice and mercy, and resting in God’s unending grace. These roots are the foundation of our faith. These roots allow us to become the person God created and calls us to be. These roots are the Gospel message! The Gospel of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Good News, is extravagant, untamed, illogical, and persistent. It invites us to root ourselves in the goodness of God which infinitely flourishes and grows. For us as people of faith, the Good News is not just a set of beliefs but rather a way of life grounded in hope, love, justice and peace.

This Lent, we will be exploring how the good news takes root in our hearts, minds and very beings, reminding us that “in our hoping, in our searching, one thing remains true. Jesus Christ is still the Good News!”

The Good News is ...

Part 4: “community connection”

Romans 21:1-21

"As God shapes our lives as individuals and the shared life of the community of faith, that life is characterized by love. But we need to remember that this love does not get lived out in perfect environments but is given birth, meaning and essence when people truly live in relationship with one another which includes conflict."

⁠⁠www.midwaychristian.org⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Tuesday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcasts⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sermon Library⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:

CCLI: 948745

Streaming: 20256756

One License: 737814-A

CVLI: 505440248

Midway Christian Church sermon for March 8, 2026

Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY

Worship Series: “Rooted in the Good News”

“Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. We often describe Jesus’ ministry as “radical” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.”¹ Therefore, Jesus’ ministry brings us back to our roots: loving our neighbor, caring for the vulnerable, pursuing justice and mercy, and resting in God’s unending grace. These roots are the foundation of our faith. These roots allow us to become the person God created and calls us to be. These roots are the Gospel message! The Gospel of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Good News, is extravagant, untamed, illogical, and persistent. It invites us to root ourselves in the goodness of God which infinitely flourishes and grows. For us as people of faith, the Good News is not just a set of beliefs but rather a way of life grounded in hope, love, justice and peace.

This Lent, we will be exploring how the good news takes root in our hearts, minds and very beings, reminding us that “in our hoping, in our searching, one thing remains true. Jesus Christ is still the Good News!”

The Good News is ...

Part 3: “the way, the truth, and the life”

John 14:1-14

Do not be troubled" is a message to all of us as Jesus' disciples as a reminder that we are rooted in the Good News, that we are people of the Way of love and grace, the Truth of God at work in this world, and the abundant Life as the beloved community of God....all because we dwell in the presence of God, because we dwell with God.

⁠www.midwaychristian.org⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Tuesday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcasts

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sermon Library⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:

CCLI: 948745

Streaming: 20256756

One License: 737814-A

CVLI: 505440248

Midway Christian Church sermon for March 1, 2026

Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY

Worship Series: “Rooted in the Good News”

“Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. We often describe Jesus’ ministry as “radical” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.”¹ Therefore, Jesus’ ministry brings us back to our roots: loving our neighbor, caring for the vulnerable, pursuing justice and mercy, and resting in God’s unending grace. These roots are the foundation of our faith. These roots allow us to become the person God created and calls us to be. These roots are the Gospel message! The Gospel of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Good News, is extravagant, untamed, illogical, and persistent. It invites us to root ourselves in the goodness of God which infinitely flourishes and grows. For us as people of faith, the Good News is not just a set of beliefs but rather a way of life grounded in hope, love, justice and peace. This Lent, we will be exploring how the good news takes root in our hearts, minds and very beings, reminding us that “in our hoping, in our searching, one thing remains true. Jesus Christ is still the Good News!”

The Good News is ...

Part 2: “great love for God and neighbor”

Luke 10:25-37The parable of the Good Samaritan is a message of connection, of relationship; a message of love and grace in all things and through all things, for all people and with all people. It is rooted in the Good News…which is great love for God and neighbor, a great love which has the power to transform the narrative from suspicion to acceptance, a great love which opens our eyes to the Spirit of God in our midst, a great love which call us to embrace all people as Beloved Children of God.

www.midwaychristian.org⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Tuesday⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sermon Library⁠⁠⁠⁠

 Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:

CCLI: 948745

Streaming: 20256756

One License: 737814-A

CVLI: 505440248

Midway Christian Church sermon for February 22, 2026

Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY

Worship Series: “Rooted in the Good News”

“Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. We often describe Jesus’ ministry as “radical” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.”¹ Therefore, Jesus’ ministry brings us back to our roots: loving our neighbor, caring for the vulnerable, pursuing justice and mercy, and resting in God’s unending grace. These roots are the foundation of our faith. These roots allow us to become the person God created and calls us to be. These roots are the Gospel message! The Gospel of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Good News, is extravagant, untamed, illogical, and persistent. It invites us to root ourselves in the goodness of God which infinitely flourishes and grows. For us as people of faith, the Good News is not just a set of beliefs but rather a way of life grounded in hope, love, justice and peace. This Lent, we will be exploring how the good news takes root in our hearts, minds and very beings, reminding us that “in our hoping, in our searching, one thing remains true. Jesus Christ is still the Good News!”

The Good News is ...

Part 1: “the fullness of God”

Ephesians 3:1-21

Our God is loving from generation to generation. Our God is faithful and steadfast. Our God sees us. Our God is with us. Or as one commentator put it, “Our God chooses to dwell among us. God’s glory fills us. This is sheer grace. This is impossible possibility. This is living giving hope.” This is what strengthens us. This is what encourages us. This is what lets us know that death and destruction will not be the last word. Because we know our God, our God who loves us more than we could ever imagine, our God who has claimed us and named us, our God who is moving in and among us bringing forth new life!

www.midwaychristian.org

⁠⁠⁠Theology Tuesday⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Sermon Library⁠⁠⁠

 Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:

CCLI: 948745

Streaming: 20256756

One License: 737814-A

CVLI: 505440248

MidwayChristian Church sermon for February 8, 2026

Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian, Church, Midway KY

"Can its Saltiness be Restored?"

Matthew 5:13-20

We don’t get to pick and choose what we follow and what we don’t. We don’t get to pick who we show grace to and who we won’t. We are called to be salt of the earth, light of the world, in all things, through all things, to all God’s people, for all God’s people. And be open to where the Spirit is moving in and among us.         

⁠https://www.midwaychristian.org⁠

TheologyTuesday - ⁠https://www.midwaychristian.org/theology-tuesday/⁠

Podcast- ⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midway-christian⁠

SermonLibrary - ⁠https://www.midwaychristian.org/sermons/⁠

Midway Christian Church sermon for January 25, 2026

Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian, Church, Midway KY

“Lord, Prepare Me to be a Sanctuary”

Psalm 63:1-3

NOTE: Since inclement weather cancelled in-person services, today’s video message is a conversation with the congregation about Pastor McColl’s plans for a sabbatical in the fall of 2027, which will be to focus on being a living sanctuary.

⁠⁠⁠https://www.midwaychristian.org⁠⁠⁠

Theology Tuesday - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.midwaychristian.org/theology-tuesday/⁠⁠⁠

Podcast - ⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midway-christian⁠⁠⁠

Sermon Library - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.midwaychristian.org/sermons/⁠

Midway Christian Church sermon for January 18, 2026

Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian, Church, Midway KY

“Proclaiming the Good News”

Matthew 4:12-23

Knowing that Jesus was executed as a criminal by the powers that be for what he said, for what he did, for not following the orders of Rome, we still answered the call to follow Him. We pledged our loyalty to a different kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven, the Beloved Community of God. We answered the call to create a new community, to embrace a new mission, to share the good news, to bring healing and wholeness to one and all, and to place our bodies between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable.

⁠⁠https://www.midwaychristian.org⁠⁠

Theology Tuesday - ⁠⁠https://www.midwaychristian.org/theology-tuesday/⁠⁠

Podcast - ⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midway-christian⁠⁠

Sermon Library - ⁠⁠https://www.midwaychristian.org/sermons/⁠