This Sunday the sermon text is John 2:13-22 and Pastor Teresa’s sermon centers on hope for the future of the church.

“The gospel doesn’t need a coalition devoted to keeping the wrong people out. It needs a family of sinners, saved by grace, committed to tearing down the walls, throwing open the doors, and shouting, “Welcome! There’s bread and wine. Come eat with us and talk.” This isn’t a kingdom for the worthy; it’s a kingdom for the hungry.” ― Rachel Held Evans, Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church

as we continue our Lenten Journey. The sermons this season follow the lectionary Gospel readings and are inspired in part by the book “Hope is Here” by Luther Smith. In these next three Sundays, Pastor Teresa explores the theme of hope in our own personal lives, in the church, and in the world.

We begin the journey of Lent. Pastor Teresa will begin a new sermon series inspired by the book “Hope is Here: Spiritual Practices for Pursuing Justice and the Beloved Community” by Luther Smith, Jr. On this first Sunday, the Gospel lesson is Mark’s account of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness and the sermon title is “A Song of Hope.”

We welcome guest preacher Dr. Marlon Johnson and remember our church’s vote to affiliate with Reconciling Ministries Network. Dr. Johnson is Associate Professor of Counselor Education at Seminary of the Southwest. RMN is committed to intersectional justice across and beyond the United Methodist connection, working for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people throughout the life and leadership of the Church.

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.