The Kingstowne Communion

Pastor Michelle relates the classic Christmas story to "The Polar Express" and discusses the effect of the "uncanny valley" on our perceptions of Jesus.

In our Traveler's Christmas service, Michelle recounts the life of Dr. Seuss and his writing of the Christmas classic, while asking whether our personal images of Jesus are filled with the kind of transformative, cosmic wonder that saved the Grinch.

Rev. Michelle Matthews talks about "The Santa Clause" and "The Christmas Chronicles," relates a brief history of St. Nicholas, and discusses the disconnect of being good to be on the nice list, when we can only truly be saved by the grace of Jesus.

Rev. Michelle Matthews discusses how Home Alone is the perfect Christmas movie, and how we can take Gabriel's message to Zechariah to heart this Advent season.

Michelle Matthews kicks off our Coming Soon series by discussing what Christmas Vacation can teach us about Advent.

In the conclusion of our sermon series on the book of Nehemiah, Michelle Matthews reads from Nehemiah 13, discusses how the demographics of the DMV affect our follow-through, and how we can refocus by going deep instead of wide.

Continuing our sermon series on the Book of Nehemiah chapters 8-10, Michelle Matthews preaches about the Feast of Booths (aka the Feast of Tabernacles), and how the modern resurgence of building sukkahs points to a need to counteract the loneliness of living in today's world.

Preaching on Nehemiah 5-7 in the wake of the 2024 election, Michelle Matthews reflects on her pilgrimage to England, the concept of "Heartedge," and how Kingstowne can use these lessons to grow as a community that can offer compassion for others.

Michelle Matthews preaches on Nehemiah 4 on All Saints Sunday, discussing how Nehemiah displays a leadership combination of self, skills, and spirit that still applies today. The sermon is followed by a prayer for our nation on the eve of the 2024 election.

From our costumed & collaborative All Hallows service, Rev. Dawn Jefferson from Hope UCC reads the Scripture, while Pastor Michelle joins Rev. Amber Neuroth from Hope UCC in a pastoral reflection on the meaning of All Hallows Eve. Rev. Melissa Porter-Miller closes in prayer.