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Pastor Ashley’s sermon reflected on Elijah’s story as a reminder of the power and purpose of pausing. She began by noting the simple wisdom of rest—sometimes all we need is “a nap and a snack.” Through Elijah’s exhaustion and despair, God met him not with judgment but with care, providing food, rest, and renewal before speaking in a gentle whisper. Pastor Ashley reminded us that God often works most deeply when we stop striving—when we rest, listen, and allow space for His presence. Pauses, whether chosen or forced, can be sacred interruptions where God restores, redirects, and renews our strength and purpose.

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Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

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Pastor Ashley’s sermon reflected on Jesus raising Lazarus and the deep lessons it offers about grief, faith, and hope. She reminded us that even Jesus experienced profound sorrow, showing the depth of His love and His reliance on prayer. Through His example, we learn to grieve honestly, pray expectantly, and trust that God is always working for redemption. Pastor Ashley emphasized that “Sozo Jesus” — the rescuer, healer, and restorer — continues God’s redemptive work in our lives. Though pain may not fully end, it softens as we cling to faith and community, trusting that God will redeem and restore all things.

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Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

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Pastor Ashley’s sermon, “Wounded Healer,” reminds us that while pain and grief are unavoidable parts of life, God’s faithfulness sustains us through them. Using examples from scripture and personal stories, she emphasizes that God comforts us not just to ease our pain, but to equip us to comfort others. True healing comes through partnership—with God and with one another—as we journey through life’s deserts together. Like Jesus, who wept with Mary and Martha, we are called to sit with others in their grief, offering presence, compassion, and faith that healing and hope still lie ahead. We are comforted to be comforters.

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Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

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This sermon opens a new series, “A Time to Heal,” focusing on grief as both a personal and communal experience. Pastor Ashley invites prayer that God be glorified through reflection and healing. Grief, they note, takes many forms—loss of loved ones, relationships, dreams, or stability—and affects everyone. Drawing from the story of Jesus weeping for Lazarus, the message shows that grief is not weakness but a shared human and divine experience. Jesus’ deep emotion reveals that outrage and compassion coexist in faithful mourning. Pastor Ashley urges embracing grief together, allowing it to connect us, heal us, and lead to new life in Christ.

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Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

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Father David Lucey reflects on faith, hope, and God’s enduring presence amid loss and exile. Drawing from Jeremiah’s letter to the exiled Jews, Father David emphasizes that God’s plans are for restoration and hope, even when life feels disoriented or uncertain. Using humor about Methodist and Episcopal traditions, Father David connects ancient exile to modern experiences of displacement and hardship. The message underscores that God is not bound to one place or people—He is with us everywhere, sustaining and guiding us through pain toward renewal. Communion symbolizes this truth: in every circumstance, God remains faithful, present, and restorative.

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Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

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Pastor Ashley explores the meaning and purpose of the Sabbath as a divine invitation to rest, resist busyness, and restore balance. Rooted in obedience, which C.S. Lewis called “the key to all doors,” Sabbath opens the way to God’s intended goodness. Pastor Ashley reminds us that neglecting rest harms God’s creation within us and that true Sabbath is intentional, restorative, and peaceful. Drawing from Scripture and Jesus’ example of retreat and renewal, the message emphasizes that Sabbath bridges loving God and loving others. It is not idleness but soul regeneration—a sacred pause that sharpens our spiritual “axes” for God’s work.

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Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

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Pastor Ashley’s sermon continues exploring the Ten Commandments, highlighting their depth beyond a list of “don’ts.” Last week focused on honoring God; this week turns to six commandments guiding relationships with others. These rules—honoring parents, not murdering, stealing, lying, committing adultery, or coveting—emphasize respect, integrity, and valuing life. Pastor Ashley reframes them as life-giving invitations: to act with integrity, prioritize relationships, and value community. Though living with others is messy, these commandments serve as God’s gift to simplify and enrich life. The challenge: send a note of encouragement or gratitude this week, choosing love in action. 

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Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

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Pastor Ashley began a new sermon series on the Ten Commandments, focusing this week on the first three that call us to honor God. She reminded us that these commandments, given to Moses during Israel’s uncertain journey, were not rules to restrict but a covenant to guide God’s people into right relationship. The first three—no other gods, no idols, and not misusing God’s name—teach us to place God first, trust His greatness, and speak of Him with reverence. Grace always precedes obedience, and when we honor God first, every other part of our life and relationships flows rightly. 

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Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

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Peri Bever’s sermon focused on the theme of worth—not as defined by money, status, appearance, or the opinions of others, but by God’s love and design. Using examples like a Tiffany lamp at a yard sale, a violin in an auctioneer’s hands, and even a crumpled dollar bill, she illustrated that true value is not situational but constant. Our worth doesn’t depend on shifting measures such as jobs, relationships, or numbers on a scale. Instead, it is declared by God, who prizes us as His children. Peri urged the congregation to stop comparing, speak truth, and see others as treasured. 

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Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

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Reverend Doctor Michelle Holmes Chaney reflects on Psalm 139 and the assurance that God is always present with us—past, present, and future. Using both scripture and personal stories, Dr. Holmes Chaney reminds us that although we often let distractions and obstacles block our awareness, God has never moved away from us. Just as a parent senses the presence of their child, we are invited to recognize God’s closeness, even as near as our own breath. By uncluttering our lives and focusing on God, we can live fully as disciples of Jesus Christ, transformed by His Spirit and empowered to transform the world. 

http://www.warrrentonumc.org

Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

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