Gray Memorial United Methodist Church Sermons

In this sermon, Pastor Beth explores how the kingdom of God often comes near in quiet, ordinary ways—through healing, kindness, courage, and presence. From ancient stories to present-day heartbreak and hope, we’re invited to open our eyes to the holy ground beneath our feet. The kingdom isn’t far off; it’s closer than we think.  Scripture is read by Todd Clark. To access the bulletin for this serv...

When we get a driver's license, it can bring a new sense of freedom, but it's the freedom to share the road. Christian freedom is similar. We are free to love our neighbor, not free to live selfishly. Scripture is read by Davison Tekseni. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Psalm 42 invites us to let the deepest parts of ourselves (the parts we try to keep hidden) reach out for the deepness of God's love and mercy. Scripture is read by Tony Daniels and the congregation. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

The Trinity is a relationship between God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit - not a puzzle to solve, but a truth to lean into. The Trinity reflects God's majesty and intimacy - God is both far above us and deeply present with us. The Trinity is not an abstract idea, but a lived reality that shapes how we are to live our lives in relationship with God and one another. Tr...

Art Varnadore shares examples with us of how God's Holy Spirit has been present in his life. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

This week we have a sermon by a guest preacher, Rev. Bob Gibbs, our retired District Superintendent. Scripture is read by Susan Hutchison. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In Acts 11, Peter tells the story of what happened in Acts 10. God showed him a vision (three times!) that required him to re-interpret scripture based on the new things God was doing. Scripture read by Susan Hutchison. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

The story of Tabitha invites us to think about what needs to be resurrected in us. Scripture read by Susan Hutchison. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

The stories of the Apostles Peter and Paul teach us that God doesn't define us by our worst moments.  Scripture read by Susan Hutchison To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

The Apostle Thomas teaches us that doubt is not the opposite of faith. He was faithful in the midst of doubt. What is the opposite of faith? Despair.  Doubt can ask hard questions. Despair says there are no answers. Despair is a dead end.  Doubt is a doorway. Scripture read by Kim Maxwell. This message was offered as part of Holy Humor Sunday. Watch the video at graymumc.org/youtube .  To access t...

On Easter, God seeks to move us from death to life, from confusion and grief to eternal love. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Palm Sunday is a great example of how God exceeds our expectations. The people welcoming Jesus like a triumphant king expected one kind of deliverance, but got something much, much more. Pastor Beth shares other examples of how we see this in the world and how she has experienced this in her own life. Scripture is read by Kim Maxwell. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org...

Mary of Bethany pours herself out when she anoints Jesus's feet in John 12:1-8. Her devotion prompts some to say, "What a waste!" But Jesus defends her and says that her love is not wasted.  What is God inviting you to pour out?  Scripture is read by Kim Maxwell.  To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

If you like to put puzzles together, you know the frustration of getting to the end only to realize a piece is missing. Pastor Beth invites us to think about this as a metaphor for how God feels about people who are missing out on experiencing the transforming grace of God.  Scripture read by Bill Eddy. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

How do pieces like tragedy and suffering fit into the puzzle of our lives? In Luke 13, Jesus gives us some guidance. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

God is at work on the puzzle pieces of our life. Gospel reading by Bill Eddy. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

You are the light of the world. You are the body of Christ. You are a person with the capacity for more. The endless, unconditional, unfathomable, unending love of God dwells in you. Guest preacher, Rev. Betsy Ouellette To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Today's Gospel reading is a continuation of the Sermon on the Plain. In this segment, Jesus gives his followers a radical message: turn the other cheek. By sharing the story of Civil Rights leader Septima Poinsette Clark, Pastor Beth explores the courage and strength it takes to turn the other cheek and why Jesus calls us to transformation instead of retaliation. To access the bulletin for th...

Luke 6:17-26 Jesus didn’t stay on the mountain—he came down to stand on a level place, among the people, where God’s work happens. Just as Jesus stood with those in need, we are called to see, to step forward, and to embody God’s justice and compassion in our own communities. Bulletin available here . To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Guest preacher, Eli Jeffre, a student leader with the Wesley Foundation at FSU and TSC.  Todd Clark reads Luke 5:1-11 (NRSVue). To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In Luke 4:21-30, people in Nazareth are so outraged by Jesus's message that they try to throw him off a cliff. What was that all about and what does it have to do with us today?  Scripture reading by Kim Maxwell. Bulletin available here . To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

John 2:1-11, The Wedding in Cana, Water to Wine Jesus worked through ordinary servants to create extraordinary results, whether at the wedding in Cana when water was turned into wine, or through modern-day servants of God like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We are called to be vessels of God's grace, seeking to improve life for others and manifesting God's glory in practical ways. When we li...

Jesus was baptized for our benefit, not for his. Scripture (selected verses from Luke 3) read by Kim Maxwell.  To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

The Light that Guides Us Scripture reading by Kim Maxwell To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

We wonder at the miracle of the incarnation and we ask the most important question we can: What Child Is This?  This is the child of humility, who shows us that God meets us in our lowliest moments.  This is the child of light, who overcomes the darkness and calls us to be light-bearers.  This is the child of peace, who reconciles us to God and one another.  This is the child of hope, who assures...