Central United Methodist Church (Arlington, Virginia) Sermon Podcast

🎶 Faith That Sings: Songs of Heaven and Resistance   Scripture: Hebrews 11:1–16 This week at Central UMC, we turned to the stirring words of Hebrews 11—a chapter sometimes called the “Hall of Faith”—to reflect on the kind of belief that doesn’t just survive adversity but sings through it. Through the stories of Abraham, Sarah, Noah, and others, we were reminded that faith is not wishful thinking—...

🕊️ Sent and Still: A Taizé-Inspired Service Scripture: Luke 10:1–11 This week’s worship service at Central UMC took a contemplative turn as we explored the rhythms and spiritual practices of the Taizé Community , an ecumenical monastic movement in France devoted to prayer, simplicity, and reconciliation. Pastor Sarah introduced us to the story of Taizé’s founding, its daily rhythms of prayer and r...

Tending the Flame   Scripture: Leviticus 6:8–13 In this week's message, Pastor Sarah draws from the rarely-visited book of Leviticus to uncover profound truths hidden within ancient temple rituals. Centering on the command to keep a continuous fire burning on the altar, the sermon invites us to reflect on the fire of God’s presence in our own lives—how it burns, how it flickers, and how we ar...

Praying at the River   Scripture: Acts 16:13–15 In this week’s message, Pastor Sarah takes us to the riverside in Acts 16, where Paul meets Lydia—a bold and generous woman whose open heart and courageous faith helped birth the first church in Philippi. Drawing from personal stories of outdoor baptisms and the unexpected grace that flows in those holy moments, we explore how prayer, like music, oft...

Improvising Prayers   Scripture: Romans 8:22–27 Sometimes prayer begins not with words, but with sighs too deep for words. In this week’s message, Pastor Sarah shares a powerful experience of communal prayer in South Korea and reflects on the Spirit’s ability to speak through our groans, our longing, and even our silence. Drawing from Romans 8 and Psalm 40, we explore the deep connection between l...

Singing Our Faith Scripture: Colossians 3:12–16 What we sing shapes what we believe. As we begin our new worship series, Singing Our Faith , Pastor Sarah invites us to reflect on how music forms us—individually and as a church community. This week’s message explores the connection between worship and formation through the lens of Colossians 3, where Paul calls us to live in compassion, love, and u...

Journey: The Places We Will Go Scripture: Acts 10:34–36 Some transformations lead us far from where we started. When the Holy Spirit moves, we may find ourselves crossing borders, breaking assumptions, and joining in a love that is bigger than we imagined. In this week’s sermon, Pastor Sarah shares the story of Peter’s awakening to the expansive grace of God. What began as a personal revelation be...

Fly: Daring New Heights Scripture: Mark 2:1–5   Some transformations only happen when we’re willing to take risks—when we dare to go higher, dig deeper, and break through the barriers in our way. In this week’s sermon, Pastor Sarah reflects on the bold faith of four friends who refused to let a crowded house keep them from bringing someone they loved to Jesus. They climbed the roof, tore it open,...

"Let Go: Leaving Behind What We Don’t Need" Scripture: Exodus 16 On this Memorial Day weekend, we remember not just those we’ve lost, but the quiet grief that comes with change — even good change. In Exodus 16, the Israelites are no longer enslaved, but freedom brings uncertainty. They miss Egypt — not the cruelty, but the comfort and predictability of what they knew. This week’s message...

Sermon preached on 2025-05-18 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Matthew 16:13–20 Common English Bible In this moving sermon, Pastor Sarah reflects on the moment Jesus renames Simon as Peter—the rock—showing how Christ sees who we are becoming, not just who we’ve been. Like a caterpillar transformed into a butterfly, we are invited to step into the fullness of our God-given identity. This message call...

Sermon preached on 2025-05-12 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen John 11:1–44 Common English Bible In this powerful message, Pastor Sarah explores the story of Lazarus—inviting us to confront what holds us back, embrace grace, and wake up to new life in community. Support the show

Sermon preached on 2025-05-04 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Luke 24: 28-49 Common English Bible Support the show

Sermon preached on 2025-04-27 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Hebrews 11:1-3 Common English Bible Support the show

Sermon preached on 2025-04-20 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen John 20:1-18 Common English Bible Support the show

Sermon preached on 2025-04-13 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Mark 14:32-52 Common English Bible  Support the show

 Sermon preached on 2025-04-06 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen John 13:1-16 Common English Bible  Support the show

 Sermon preached on 2025-03-30 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Matthew 14:3-9  Common English Bible  Support the show

Sermon preached on 2025-03-23 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Matthew 25:15-22 Common English Bible Support the show

 Sermon preached on 2025-03-16 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Mark 11:15-19 Common English Bible  Support the show

Sermon preached on 2025-03-09 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Matthew 21:1-11 Common English Bible Support the show

Sermon preached on 2025-03-02 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Matthew 17:1-9 Common English Bible Support the show

Sermon preached on 2025-02-23 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Matthew 5:38-48 Common English Bible Support the show

Sermon preached on 2025-02-16 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Matthew 5:21-37 Common English Bible Support the show

Sermon preached on 2025-02-09 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Matthew 5:13-20 Common English Bible Support the show

Sermon preached on 2025-02-03 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen Matthew 5:1-12 Support the show