Pastor Bert shares a brief reflection on what to expect in worship this Sunday! We also feature a special interview with our incoming pastor, Rev. Jenny Day, as she introduces herself!

Pastor Bert explores the story of Thomas doubting Jesus's resurrection, arguing that Thomas gets an unfair reputation as "doubting Thomas" when doubt is actually a necessary and helpful part of faith. He emphasizes that the opposite of doubt isn't faith but certainty, and that faith can coexist with doubt as we navigate life's uncertainties. Pastor Bert challenges the congregation to see doubt not as the enemy of faith, but as a doorway where Christ continues to meet us.

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

Pastor Bert explores Jesus's Great Commission given to his disciples despite their natural doubts and uncertainty. Jesus commands his followers to go into all the world, make disciples, baptize them in the name of the Trinity, and teach them to follow his commandments, promising that he will be with them always. Pastor Bert emphasizes that this same calling continues for Christians today - to follow Jesus and make a difference in the world.

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

Pastor Bert begins this Easter sermon with a joke about a resurrected rabbit, following the ancient tradition of Easter laughter, before exploring the paradox of resurrection joy found in the Gospel of John. The central message focuses on how true Easter joy isn't simple happiness that erases life's struggles, but rather a profound paradox where grief and gratitude, pain and beauty can coexist as the risen Christ draws near to us in our ordinary, unfinished lives. Even though the world remains broken and we still face daily struggles, the resurrection means we are not alone, and God accompanies us through all of life's complexities.

Pastor Bert shares a preview of what you can expect at Sterling UMC this Easter weekend!

Pastor Bert explores the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead in John 11, emphasizing that while Lazarus had his life handed back to him as a gift from God, this miracle points to something greater. He challenges the congregation to consider how Jesus offers to hand our lives back to us right now through resurrection power that begins in this life, not just after death.

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

Pastor Bert explores the healing of the man born blind in John chapter 9, focusing on how the question "who sinned?" gets turned upside down by Jesus. While the religious authorities become spiritually blind by rejecting Jesus' miraculous work because it happened on the Sabbath, the formerly blind man gains both physical sight and spiritual insight, ultimately worshiping Jesus even after being thrown out of his religious community.