As we observe Transfiguration Sunday, we remember the glory of God revealed in Jesus before he begins his wilderness journey.

“Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy, it will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.” ― Henri Nouwen

We are thrilled to welcome guest preacher Dr. Diana Butler Bass to preach on Mark 1:21-28.

“This year, I’m wondering: What it would be like to expect epiphanies? Not just in stars, but in the more normal course of things. What if we “attuned” ourselves to “sacred surprise”? – Diana Butler Bass, from “The Cottage” January 4, 2024

“Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” – Mary Oliver

Pastor Teresa preaches on the lesson from Mark’s Gospel when Jesus calls the disciples to follow Him.

“We are safer and happier when we care for each other in community, when we do things for each other.” – Diana Butler Bass

“Imagine if every church became a place where everyone is safe, but no one is comfortable. Imagine if every church became a place where we told one another the truth. We might just create sanctuary.”  ― Rachel Held Evans

We welcome guest preacher Dr. Marcus Freeman as we remember our baptism. Dr. Freeman is District Superintendent of the Capital and Crossroads Districts of The UMC.

Pastor Teresa preaches on the story of the Magi’s visit to the Christ Child from Matthew’s Gospel.

“Look closely at the present you are constructing: it should look like the future you are dreaming.” – Alice Walker

“Pick a star on the dark horizon and follow the light.” – Regina Spector, “The Call”

“An epiphany is not an experience that we can create from within, but one that we can only be open to and receive from another. Epiphanies leave us totally out of control, and they always demand that we change.” – Father Richard Rohr

On New Years Eve before all the parties Megan Otto preached about endings, beginnings, and most importantly the wise church ladies.

Our theme for Advent this year at University UMC has been centered on dreams and the Christmas story reminds us that we are all dreamers. Like those gathered around the manger, we come to this night each year with awe, wonder, and holy imagination for what is possible. Like Mary, we treasure God’s dream in our hearts and commit to keeping it alive. Like the holy family, we believe and trust in a God who comes to us in the vulnerability of a child.

Join us for worship as we celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Advent and light the candle of JOY!

“Ultimately dreams sow joy, even if that joy doesn’t immediately spring forth. Sowing seeds into the soil always feels risky and feeble - how can something so small become something so beautiful, so big, and so nourishing? Like Mary, we are called to tend and nurture the dreams God has woven into us.” – A Sanctified Art

Join us for worship as we celebrate the 2nd Sunday of Advent and light the candle of Peace. The sermon text is the story of John the Baptist and Pastor Teresa’s sermon is “Prepare the Way.”

”To prepare the way for just peace is a choice that we must make daily. Messengers know that what we see is not all there can, will, or should be. Messengers face the troubles of the world receptively, perceptively, and attentively, as they proclaim, ‘We shall overcome.’” – Dr. Marcia Riggs, Professor of Christian Ethics Columbia Theological Seminary

On this First Sunday of Advent, Pastor Teresa will be preaching and the sermon text is Mark 13:24-37. The words from Psalm 126 “We were like those who dreamed” inspires our sermon series for this season. The Advent and Christmas season is filled with dreamers. The prophets and John the Baptist; Mary and Joseph; Simeon and Anna; the shepherds and the Magi. They all received and discovered dreams. It is true that we live at a time when our hearts are often weighed down by the worries of the world. And it is also true that dreams are still being born. If we dare to notice and wonder. If we dare to step into the mystery and awe of God’s dreams. If we dare to pray they shape our reality. 

“It is a strange way to begin this time of Advent. Beginning Advent with weeping and lament? That is unusual! And powerful. This is where we need to begin. The coming of Advent jolts the church out of Ordinary Time with the invasive news that it’s time to think about fresh possibilities for deliverance and human wholeness.” – Patricia E. DeJong