MVP Message

Preacher: Grace Rogers, Howard & Mary Martin Ministry Intern

Scripture: Luke 13:6-9

This Sunday, we will tackle the challenging parable of the gardener in the vineyard who knows the fig tree needs rest, nutrients, and time—and that it also needs to produce fruit. Together we will ponder the critical need of rest and growth and how in the between time—of nurture before fruit—is often where transformation begins.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol

Luke 10:38-42

In this episode, we tackle the binary of faith and works as we study another familiar text that is found only in the gospel of Luke. While we may have been tempted to believe that we are either a Mary or a Martha—always with a need to be more like Mary—both devotion to Jesus that leads to spiritual depth and ministry that provides generous hospitality to guests are always needed and good.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

In our world, many of our physical neighbors are strangers to us, and many of our neighbors—those closest to us—feel like strangers in divisive political climates. If we align our intentions and actions, then maybe we need to reconsider who we label “stranger,” and ask ourselves if we have acted as good neighbors.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

The Gospel of Luke will continue to guide our steps during Lent, the 40 days (not counting Sundays) that lead to Easter. Jesus responds by naming the real commitment he seeks—people who are willing to be rejected or persecuted while embodying hope, compassion, and peace. This Ash Wednesday we begin our Lenten journey with worship and the imposition of ashes which indicates the act of repentance as we turn away from our ways and towards Jesus and his ways.

Preacher: Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor

Scripture: Luke 9:28-45

This week, Luke takes us to a mountaintop where Peter, James, and John witness a sight that fills them with awe and wonder as Jesus's appearance is completely changed before he is joined by Moses and Elijah. The disciples then hear God beckoning them to listen to Jesus. It's an awe-filled story that beckons us to ponder how we might allow Jesus to awe us in similar ways that could impact everything.

Preacher: Rev. Laura Kigweba || Director of Grassroots Organizing at the General Board of Church and Society

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

People resist change because they are afraid of what it will cost them. This winter, we are exploring passages in which switches in posture, understanding, proximity, and power produce transformation that fills some people with fear and others with delight.

This week we will continue our current worship series as we welcome Rev. Laura Kigweba, Director of Grassroots Organizing at the UMC General Board of Church and Society, as our guest preacher.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor

Scripture: Luke 7:18-35

This week's Gospel lesson highlights questions around Jesus' identity. Is he the long-awaited Messiah? Or should people continue to wait for one who is more powerful to come? The questions demand more than a simple "yes" or "no" response; these questions beckon us to ponder who Jesus is, and what our answer requires from us. Do our lives point to the truth we profess? Or would it be better for people to wait for a more compelling power to guide how we live, move, and have our being?

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor

Scripture: Luke 7:1-17

This week's Gospel lesson includes two miracle stories: the healing of a centurion's slave and the raising of a widow's only son. While the two stories highlight Jesus' power to heal, they also reveal the limited power of the Empire and the unlimited power of compassion in ways that can bring abundant hope for the facing of these days.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol , Pastor

Scripture: Luke 6:1-16

The scribes and Pharisees read the same religious text, pray to the same God, and gather in the same synagogue. But when a real need is placed before them, they get tripped up over the established norms or beliefs and fail to embody the compassion demanded by the law and the prophets. How might we avoid their mistake, choosing instead to look at all of life through the lens of God's love?

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor

Scripture: Psalm 90:14-17 & Luke 5:1-11

Can you think of a time when fear prevented you from switching from where you are to where you want to be? When has fear held you back? When have you moved past your fear and discovered that whatever costs were involved in making a change were more than worth the investment? You’re invited to join us as we ponder how the switches we make in our lives to more faithfully follow Jesus have the power to bring about real and radical transformation.