Doylestown Presbyterian Church

In his sermon, John Willingham focuses on the day Samson loses his amazing physical strength. It came after repeatedly being asked why he was so strong. Join us as we ponder what he learned after his power disappeared and what that moment has to say about the source of our strength, too.

In his sermon, John Willingham continues our focus on Samson by reflecting on a troubling glimpse of escalating violence and retaliation brought about by that ancient judge. Alongside those images, though, we will hear Jesus speak of a better way. Join us as we ponder how his words might take hold in our own lives.

In his sermon this week, John Willingham reflects on the first glimpse of the judge Samson as an adult, and it isn’t good. Instead, over the course of the narrative there are threats and acts of violence, taunting and accusations, rage and marital abandonment. What could that storyline possibly say to us as believers in the 21st century? Join us as we ponder one possibility together.

The journey through Judges continues in the 13th chapter, beginning the story of Samson. His birth was announced by an angel and he was destined to be used by God to rescue Israel from the oppression of the Philistines. Pauline Sexton preaches on another ancient story that teaches us about the faithfulness of God to a nation that was constantly a disappointment.

Join in as Becca Bateman reflects on the triumphs of Gideon (as read by Lay Leader Galen Hays) and how they were never meant to point to a human as the hero, but to God. In what ways does this also show the greater story arc that God appears in ways no one expects?

In the sermon, John Willingham continues our month-long focus on the Israelite judge Gideon. After hesitating, reducing his troops and learning of a dream’s interpretation he finally launches the battle for which he had been chosen. As he sends out the troops, he has them shout out words that point to the partnership behind that moment and our lives of faith, too. Join us as we ponder the characte...

In his sermon, John Willingham continues our focus on Gideon, recalling the moment when that timid judge came up with two ways for God to guarantee success in the battle ahead. In both moments, the Divine One responded in just the way that leader asked. What does that ancient moment have to say to those times when we seek God’s involvement and reassurance still? Join us as we ponder together.

In the sermon, John Willingham continues the summer-long look at the Book of Judges and focuses this week on Gideon and the moment when he is given the second name of Jerubbaal. What does that second moniker say about him and us as people of faith? Join us as we ponder together.

Continuing our focus in Judges this week, Pauline Sexton looks at Gideon, a farmer who was called by God to lead Israel to liberation. He was an unlikely leader and he had a lot to learn. Join us as we reflect on his story.

Becca Bateman preaches on Judges 5 thinking about not only what God is doing in this story but also the ways God heals us, our communities, and societies from the ways sin has caused brokenness.

In his sermon, John Willingham continues our summer series by reflecting on the witness of the only female judge in ancient Israel, a prophetess named Deborah. What does her response to a fearful general long ago say to the moments when we are troubled, too? Join us as we ponder her example together.

In his sermon, John Willingham continues our summer look at the Book of Judges by focusing on a cycle of trouble and heartache for the Israelites of old. John also reads from Ephesians Chapter 4. Using that Biblical pattern, he invites us to consider a new approach on gun laws following the most recent cycle of violence in our land. Join us for this time of collective pondering as we seek to find...

In his sermon, John Willingham begins our summer preaching series drawn from the Old Testament book of Judges. In our first text, we are given a glimpse of the precarious nature of the Christian story. Join us as we are reminded of our essential part in sharing the faith with one another and those who come next.

*Due to technical issues, John's May 22 sermon could not be shared last week, but we are happy to be able to offer it to you now* In the sermon, John Willingham reflects on the recent death of his mother by recalling the last trip they made together; a journey made possible by DPC.

This week Pauline Sexton preaches on John 17 in the wake of days of hatred, violence, and heartbreak. In this prayer, Jesus, just hours before his death, prays that the world would know of the love of God through how we love one another. If “thoughts and prayers” seem not enough is love the way?

Our Scripture Lesson comes from John 10:22-30. In the sermon, John Willingham focuses on the moment when religious leaders come to Jesus and demand “If you are the Messiah tell us plainly.” In response, Jesus speaks of his unique connection with God. Join us as we ponder the significance of his words for our lives of faith today.

In this special Youth Sunday edition of the DPC Podcast, Riley reads from 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Olivia offers her reflections of growing up in the church, and our Youth Choir offers us a beautiful rendition of "Look at the World"

Lay Leader Marie Stevens reads from John 21:1-14. In his sermon, John Willingham focuses on the third moment in John’s gospel when the risen Christ appears to his disciples. It begins with a night of unsuccessful fishing and ends with a breakfast over a charcoal fire. Join us as we allow that Biblical moment to help us ponder the times in our own lives when Jesus shows up, too.

The good news of the Resurrection was for all creation. As Earth Day reminds us to care for our earth, join Pauline Sexton as we look at our responsibility to care for the world as we live in witness to how the Resurrection impacts our life and choices.

Pastor John Willingham reads from John 20:1-10. In the sermon, John focuses on one of the men who, upon hearing Mary Magdalene’s news, rushed to the empty tomb on the first Easter morning. In the narrative, we see ways that unnamed disciple models faith and still falls short. Join us as we ponder his response and what that imperfect example might be saying to us.

Lay Leader Doug Barnett reads from John, Chapter 19. In the sermon, John Willingham concludes our Lenten look at moments during his final hours when Jesus was handed over from one group or person to the next. This Sunday, we focus on two moments when Jesus reversed the process with handovers that brought life-changing implications for you and me. Join us as we recall and celebrate both gifts.

We hear of Jesus' crucifixion from Lay Leader Marie Stevens who reads from the Book of John. In his sermon, John Willingham focuses on the aspects of Jesus’ final hours designed only to humiliate him. What do those additional human steps have to say to us about times of public ridicule today? Join us as we ponder together.

Pastor John Willingham reads from John, Chapter 19. In his sermon, he focuses on the moment long ago when Pontius Pilate goes back and forth from the crowd to Jesus seeking to secure the arrestee’s freedom. He ultimately fails, but in the midst of that time of fear and intimidation there is also a glimpse of quiet courage. Join us as we ponder that witness and what it might say to us in our own tr...

We begin with a reading from John, Chapter 18, offered by Lay Leader Tom Maclin. In the sermon, John Willingham focuses on the Friday morning when Jesus is handed over from the high priest to Pontius Pilate. It’s a moment filled with drama and deception, courage and cowardice, all resulting in an innocent man being handed over to his death. Join us as we ponder that familiar scene for what is has...

Lay Leader Steve Quist reads from John 18, then, in the sermon, John Willingham focuses on the Biblical moment Jesus is taken to the high priest and Peter denies even knowing his teacher three times. What does that scene suggest to us as people of faith as we continue to respond to the troubling events in Ukraine? Join us as we ponder together.