This week on The Rest of the Sermon, we’re talking about Labor Day — not just as a long weekend, but as a chance to think about the meaning of our work. Whether we’re on the job, retired, or volunteering, God cares deeply about the work of our hands and our lives.

I’ll be walking through the new United Methodist Church vision statement:
“The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”

We’ll explore what it means to:

• Love boldly in a world that encourages division and contempt.

• Serve joyfully in everyday tasks, even when nobody notices.

• Lead courageously in our families, communities, and churches, especially when fear dominates the headlines.

At the end of the day, Labor Day is about more than jobs and paychecks. It’s about answering the question: What work has God placed before me this week? Big or small, seen or unseen, it can all become part of building God’s kingdom.

So join me as we reflect on what it means to live a life of love, service, and courage — a life of work worth doing.

In John 6, many walked away from Jesus when His teaching became too difficult. But Peter responded, “Lord, where else would we go? You have the words of eternal life.” This episode explores what it means to stay with Jesus when His way is hard, and why He’s still the only one worth following.

In John 6:51–58, Jesus gives one of His strangest invitations: “Eat my flesh and drink my blood.” What sounds unsettling at first is really an invitation into deep, daily relationship with Him. In this sermon, Chewing on Truth, we explore how Jesus calls us beyond surface religion and quick fixes into real intimacy with Him—through His Word, prayer, obedience, and community. In a world filled with fast food faith, outrage, loneliness, and distraction, Jesus remains the Bread of Life who alone satisfies.

When Believing Is Hard
John 6:35, 41–51

Faith isn’t always easy—sometimes it’s downright hard. Even those who saw Jesus with their own eyes struggled to believe. In this message, we explore why Jesus’ claim to be the Bread of Life was so controversial in His day, why believing in Him still stirs debate today, and how we can hold on when questions, doubts, and life’s challenges tempt us to walk away. When the path is unclear, stay close to Jesus—He is the Bread of Life who gives true and eternal life.

In a world full of noise, distractions, and endless cravings, what are we really hungry for? This week, we explore Jesus’ words in John 6:24–35 and challenge ourselves to stop chasing temporary satisfaction and start seeking the Bread of Life. If your soul feels restless or empty, this message is for you.

Jesus fed thousands with a few loaves and fish and He’s still meeting needs today. Whether you’re feeling empty, overwhelmed, or wondering if what you have is enough, this message is for you. Join us as we discover how Jesus meets both our physical and spiritual hunger—and invites us to be part of His miraculous work.

Today is week 5 of our new series "Empowered" and our scripture today is Mark 6:14-29.

Our website is currently on the move, but you can find us on Facebook @newhopewapwallopen.

Download a copy of the bulletin here: https://tinyurl.com/yw7ct73r

Online giving is now available through Tithely, just download the app and search for your church.

(CCLI #21906270 / Streaming #21906263)

Today is week 4 of our new series "Empowered" and our scripture today is Mark 6:1-13.

Our website is currently on the move, but you can find us on Facebook @newhopewapwallopen.

Download a copy of the bulletin here: https://tinyurl.com/3mm2hf8s

Online giving is now available through Tithely, just download the app and search for your church.

(CCLI #21906270 / Streaming #21906263)

Today is week 3 of our new series "Empowered" and our scripture today is Mark 5:21-43.

Our website is currently on the move, but you can find us on Facebook @newhopewapwallopen.

Download a copy of the bulletin here: https://tinyurl.com/abb2rd27

Online giving is now available through Tithely, just download the app and search for your church.

(CCLI #21906270 / Streaming #21906263)

Today is week 2 of our new series "Empowered" and our scripture today is Mark 4:35-41.

You can find us online at: newhopewapwallopen.org or on Facebook @newhopewapwallopen.

Download a copy of the bulletin here: https://tinyurl.com/4athsb2f

Online giving is now available through Tithely. Simply go to our website and select your church: https://newhopewapwallopen.org/give/.

(CCLI #21906270 / Streaming #21906263)