Although Paul, Silas, and other prisoners are liberated from prison in a miraculous earthquake, it turns out that true liberation came to the jailer. What would liberation mean for us?

Children's Moment 5/8/2016

In a town that apparently has no synagogue, Paul and his companions find a gathering of women at prayer on the Sabbath by a nearby stream. Among them is a Gentile, named Lydia, who winds up inviting Paul and his companions to her house. It was a radical departure from the unexpected, and it says something about our openness or lack thereof today.

The first Bedrock Belief of West End UMC is, "God loves everyone unconditionally." Communion services in the United Methodist Church are open to everyone, whether Christian or not, whether baptized of not. But how do we deal with the fact that in the midst of this apparent openness the UMC plays favorites, in that some people are, in truth, excluded from certain things like marriage?

Youth Sunday. For some time the youth have been studying Psalm 23. The focus for the day and the title of the sermon(s) comes from the verse they selected as the most meaningful for them.

Children's Moment 4/17/2016 (Youth Sunday)

In the moment of crisis, Peter, "The Rock," perhaps the disciple closest to Jesus, three times has denied even knowing Jesus. Now, in this post-resurrection story in the Gospel of John, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him. Each time Peter insists that he does. Even after an epic failure in Peter's faith, Jesus has welcomed him back and told him to feed/tend his sheep. Three strikes?

Children's Moment 4/10/2016

Years ago, a group of Michael's friends adopted and re-used something a music producer has said when asked if Eric Clapton had become a Christian, which was, "That may very well be, but I doubt it seriously." Michael uses this to look at the group of disciples around Jesus after the resurrection, and most especially at Thomas.

In the Gospel of Luke the appearance of the risen Christ is delayed. Two are left journeying home and telling their stories of grief to a stranger. Jesus is with them though they do not know yet. Many of us are like these two, waiting in grief, unaware of the risen Lord with us already.

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