Pastor Jenny draws on the beloved song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" to remind us that, unlike the lion in the song, the devil never rests — he prowls constantly, seeking to devour those who falter in their faith. Through the words of the apostle Peter, she outlines three essential defenses against this enemy: humility, self-control, and God's grace. Though the lion snarls in this mighty world, he is no match for the grace of Jesus, the true Lion of Judah.

Pastor Jenny uses the names given to Hosea and Gomer's three children — Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah, and Lo-ammi — to show how deeply Israel's unfaithfulness had fractured their relationship with God. Just as Gomer wandered from Hosea, we too wander from God, yet like Hosea reclaiming Gomer at any cost, God reclaims us at the cost of His own Son. There is everything in a name when that name is Child of God.

Pastor Jenny uses the imagery of fruit - both good and sweet and bad and bitter - to explore what it means to live as a follower of Christ. Drawing from Galatians 5, she calls believers to examine the fruit they produce in their daily lives, recognizing that their words and actions may be the only encounter someone has with Jesus. Just as a vine must be pruned to bear healthy fruit, God sometimes allows painful seasons of loss and change so that something sweeter and more abundant can grow in their place.

In her first sermon at Sterling United Methodist Church, Pastor Jenny Day draws on the story of Esther to remind the congregation that God's plans are always greater than our own. Just as Esther was placed in her royal position "for just such a time as this," God has orchestrated this new chapter in the life of the church with purpose and intention. Rather than clinging to our own carefully laid plans, we are called to ask each day, "Where can God use me?"

Pastor Bert explores the mystery of the Trinity on Trinity Sunday, acknowledging that while no metaphor fully captures the nature of God, the dynamic of three is woven throughout creation and human relationship. Using the contrast between destructive triangulation and life-giving triangles, he invites the congregation to see their relationships with one another and with God as a reflection of the Trinity itself — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — always present, always interacting, always breathing life.

On Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Bert draws a vivid parallel between the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts and the surprising moment in Numbers when God's Spirit fell not just on the elders gathered with Moses, but on Eldad and Medad right there in the camp. Just as Moses declared, "Would that all the Lord's people were prophets," the Spirit refuses to be contained by our expectations of who, where, or how God should move. In a season of disorienting transition — both for the congregation and for the world — Pastor Bert's charge is simple and urgent: obey the Holy Spirit.

This Sunday was Confirmation Sunday as well as Youth Sunday at Sterling UMC. Drawing from Jeremiah 29, Pastor Bert reminds the congregation that even in the middle of life's messes — personal, communal, or generational — God's word remains the same: "I know the plans I have for you, plans for peace, not disaster." Whether you're a newly confirmed young person stepping into an uncertain world or a seasoned believer navigating life's later chapters, the invitation is to seek God wholeheartedly and trust that His plan is still unfolding.

Pastor Bert shares a preview of what you can expect in worship this Sunday at Sterling United Methodist Church!

Pastor Bert reminds us that while life is full of trouble and heartache, God is not a distant clockmaker who winds up the world and walks away — He is a compassionate Father who enters intimately into our suffering. Drawing from 2 Corinthians, Pastor Bert highlights that God comforts us in all our trouble so that we, in turn, can comfort others. We are called to practice true empathy — feeling with people in their pain — just as God Himself did by entering our world through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Bert uses the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus to explore the theme of astonishment — those disorienting "what the heck just happened" moments in life. Even in their confusion, Jesus walked alongside the disciples, opening their hearts and minds to a deeper truth than they had yet grasped. Pastor Bert invites the congregation to do the same — to bring their own chaos and confusion to Christ, and to listen for what He might be calling them into next.