Do you ever feel like it hurts too much to hope? This is how Thomas felt. Then, he received a new vision that changed him forever. This message is from John 20: 19-31, with readings from an essay by Rev. Dwayne Johnson, “Hope Without Fear.”

Rev. Dwayne explores how part of Mary died when Jesus died. Yet this “dead place” in her lives again when her grief turns to awe as Jesus calls her name. The scripture text is John 20: 1-18. This message includes reading from “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” by E. Lynn Harris.

It is difficult to move forward when stuck on the past. The call of Philippians 3: 7-14 is to shift from holding on to the past to being held by Christ. Readings from The Message (Philippians 4: 7-14) and Larry Harp’s “Leaving the City of Regret” (www.inspirationalstoires.com).

Whatever your day job may be, we are all have one job in common: Minister of Reconciliation. You can find the job description in 2 Corinthians 5: 16-21. Sources: “Embodying Forgiveness” by Gregory Jones, 180-181; “Limbo” by A. Manette Ansay, 74-75. “Embracing the World” by Jane Vennard, 27-28.

Lent is a time to consider our hungers, thirsts, and cravings. Our stomachs may be full, yet what about our hearts? What about our relationships? What about our lives? Rev. Dwayne Johnson challenges us to rethink what it means to be full and satisfied. Scripture Text: Isaiah 55: 1-9. Adapted readings from Eugene Peterson’s The Message, Williams Sloan Coffin’s “Why Haven’t We Don More Already? (Living Pulpit, Jan-Mar 2007, 25), “Help” (The Sun, Feb 2007, 29) and Henri Nouwen’s “Love Deeply” from The Inner Voice of Love, 59.

During this time of Lent, Rev. Patrick talks about how important it is to STOP and listen to the many ways which God and the Divine speak to us throughout our lives. God speaks to us through so many different ways (including our pets) and it is so important to take the time to stop, reflect and connect with the Spirit. Mindfulness and awareness are the focus of the sermon including the text, "Be Still and know that I am God." Scripture Text: Psalm 46:10-11 and Mark 4:35-41.

Scripture Text: Acts 16: 23-26

Rev. Dwayne Johnson completes the seven-part Creating A Life That Matters series with an affirmation that such a life is a process of ongoing transformation. One key to ongoing transformation is to listen to the voice that matters: the voice of Christ that guided the disciples from the mountain of transfiguration to a lifetime of ministry. The message includes readings from 2 Peter 1: 16-19 from The Inclusive New Testament, from Basil Pennington (Weavings XVI: 4, pp34-35; adapted), from Heidi Neumark (Christian Century, February 6, 207, “Altitude Adjustment” p 16; adapted) and from Henri Nouwen (The Innver Voice of Love, pp 89-90; adapted). Scripture Text: Luke 9: 28-36

What matters to us and what matters to God may not be the same thing. Our values are often influenced by the messages of our surrounding cultures that value power, money, and position. Jesus redefines what matters In Luke 6: 17-27 with a calling to the beauty of internal and eternal values. This message includes readings from “Inside Out Upside Down” by Rev. Dwayne Johnson. Scripture Text: Luke 6: 17-27

In Luke 5: 1-11, Jesus calls us to create a life that matters by living out our call. Jesus challenges us to “go deeper” and “don’t be afraid” as we embrace new visions for our lives and communities. This message includes readings from “Christ Appears” by Rev. Dwayne Johnson.