University UMC Sermons

“I look upon all the world as my parish.”

– John Wesley

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

“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.” – Vision Statement of The UMC

"There isn't anyone you couldn't love once you've heard their story." – Benedictine Sister Mary Lou Kownacki

“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. This vision statement complements the Church’s longstanding mission statement, inspired by Matthew 28:1-20: “The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

– The United Methodist Church’s new vision statement
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“Today is the day
God cries with the masses of starving people,
despises growing disparity between rich and poor,
demands justice for workers in the marketplace.
And so shall we.” – from The Social Creed of The UMC

Maybe home is not a place. Maybe it’s the version of yourself that finally feels safe, calm, and free. – Cia in “A Life In Between Zones”

“Gather us in, and hold us forever; gather us in, and make us your own; gather us in, all peoples together, fire of love in our flesh and our bone.” – from the hymn “Gather Us In”

“Some kids are smarter than you, some kids have cooler clothes than you, some kids are better at sports than you. It doesn’t matter. You have your own thing too. Be the kid who can get along. Be the kid who is generous. Be the kid who is happy for other people. Be the kid who does the right thing. Be the nice kid.” – Bryan Skavnak

“As we celebrate 70 years of women’s ordination, we give thanks for the faithful witness of those who have gone before and for the many women whose ministries continue to enrich and transform The United Methodist Church today. With gratitude for the past and hope for the future, may we continue to affirm the full participation of all God’s children in the life and mission of the Church, trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead us into ever greater faithfulness and inclusivity in the years ahead.” – Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of Archives and History for The UMC

“When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, ‘The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables.’”

– Mark 4:10-11