First Sermons

“A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.” Although “do not be afraid” is a very common directive throughout the scriptures, as human beings who’ve literally been biologically wired to experience fear to survive, it’s a pretty tall order. This series encourages us not to focus on our inability to be fearless, but to focus on our ability to fear-less because the re...

“I have glorified you on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I shared with you before the world was created.” Although “do not be afraid” is a very common directive throughout the scriptures, as human beings who’ve literally been biologically wired to experience fear to survive, it’s a pretty tall order. This series encourages us n...

“I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever. This Companion is the Spirit of Truth…”  Although “do not be afraid” is a very common directive throughout the scriptures, as human beings who’ve literally been biologically wired to experience fear to survive, it’s a pretty tall order. This series encourages us not to focus on our inability to be fearless, b...

“Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you have really known me, you will also know the Father. From now on you know him and have seen him.” Although “do not be afraid” is a very common directive throughout the scriptures, as human beings who’ve literally been biologically wired to experience fear to survive, it’s a pretty tall ord...

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Although “do not be afraid” is a very common directive throughout the scriptures, as human beings who’ve literally been biologically wired to experience fear to survive, it’s a pretty tall order. This series encourages us not to focus on our inability to be fearless, but to focus on our ability to fear-less because the r...

“They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” Although “do not be afraid” is a very common directive throughout the scriptures, as human beings who’ve literally been biologically wired to experience fear to survive, it’s a pretty tall order. This series encourages us not to focus on our inability to be fearles...

“Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe.” Although “do not be afraid” is a very common directive throughout the scriptures, as human beings who’ve literally been biologically wired to experience fear to survive, it’s a pretty tall order. This series enc...

Death cannot stop the good news. It is alive, unbound, and wild in the world. As we celebrate the good news of Easter, let us also go out seeking Christ in the faces of neighbors and strangers, and in the good works that are alive in this world. Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. Jesus’ ministry can be described as “radical” which comes fr...

This week’s message intentionally places us in the crowd, inviting us to shout “Hosanna,” to throw our coats down, and to wave branches. What will the good news inspire us to do? How will the gospel move us? As we head into Holy Week, how will we put Jesus’ teachings into practice? Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. Jesus’ ministry can be...

While Jesus is teaching in the Temple, some scribes and Pharisees interrupt Jesus to put both him - and a woman caught in adultery - on trial. Their questioning intensifies as they cite Mosaic Law and put the woman’s fate in Jesus’ hands. Instead of focusing on punishment, Jesus flips the script and invites each person to consider their own sin. As we wrestle with our own rules, we should ask, “Wh...

Jesus uplifting children is a reminder that we were all once children and we have all been vulnerable at some point in our lives, relying on the protection and care of others. If we’re truly living out the good news, then anyone vulnerable will not only be protected from harm, but cared for so they have the chance to thrive. Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not nece...

Jesus models a way to be in community by coming together and sharing what we have, and dispelling perceived impossibilities. The good news empowers us to believe in the miracles that can become possible through the power of community. Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. Jesus’ ministry can be described as “radical” which comes from the Lati...

The woman with the alabaster jar shows a shocking, extravagant love that exemplifies the Greatest Commandment: to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. Will the other guests see that loving God goes hand in hand with loving neighbor? Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. Jesus’ ministry can be des...

John’s Gospel doesn’t begin with a temptation story but instead opens Jesus’ ministry with a wedding miracle. It may feel a bit lavish to start the season of Lent with a wedding banquet, but the good news begins with joy. This week, we focus on the subversive and playful nature of the good news. The kingdom of heaven is so good it should catch us by surprise! Following Jesus leads to a richer, mor...

The "Awakened To Grace" sermon series invites us to begin the year by rediscovering the simple, transformative practices that open us to God’s presence — Prayer, Scripture, Silence, Fasting, Sabbath, and Service. May these practices, made visible in ordinary life and everyday discipleship, open us to extraordinary love.

Rest is woven intro creation. There is evening and morning; there is night and day; there is work and rest. After six days of creation, God himself rested. And teaches us to do the same.  The "Awakened To Grace" sermon series invites us to begin the year by rediscovering the simple, transformative practices that open us to God’s presence — Prayer, Scripture, Silence, Fasting, Sabbath, and Service....

Silence is the discipline of letting noise rest so we can better listen to God. The "Awakened To Grace" sermon series invites us to begin the year by rediscovering the simple, transformative practices that open us to God’s presence — Prayer, Scripture, Silence, Fasting, Sabbath, and Service. May these practices, made visible in ordinary life and everyday discipleship, open us to extraordinary love...

Fasting is mentioned throughout the Bible in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. However, when Christians discuss fasting, two key passages often come up: one from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah and one from Jesus himself. But neither of these passages gives us specifics on how to abstain from food. Rather, both focus on the heart of the person fasting. The "Awakened To Grace" sermon s...

The more faithfully we read scripture, the more God transforms us into the image of Christ, and the more we’re transformed into the image of Christ, the more faithfully we read scripture. The "Awakened To Grace" sermon series invites us to begin the year by rediscovering the simple, transformative practices that open us to God’s presence — Prayer, Scripture, Silence, Fasting, Sabbath, and Service....

Contemplative theologian, Richard Rohr says it this way, “When prayer is authentic, it will always lead to actions of mercy; when actions of mercy are attempted at any depth, they will always lead you to prayer.”  The "Awakened To Grace" sermon series invites us to begin the year by rediscovering the simple, transformative practices that open us to God’s presence — Prayer, Scripture, Silence, Fast...

Pastor Beth's sermon on Epiphany Sunday

Every Advent, we light candles, sing carols, and pray for Christ’s coming because we believe God entered a frightened world to bring good news. We hold onto hope because we believe that Christ did come - that’s the promise of the season. Our hope is not flimsy or fleeting. It’s gritty, resilient, and can endure - no matter what we fear or face. This season, let us insist on hope, peace, joy, love,...

Every Advent, we light candles, sing carols, and pray for Christ’s coming because we believe God entered a frightened world to bring good news. We hold onto hope because we believe that Christ did come - that’s the promise of the season. Our hope is not flimsy or fleeting. It’s gritty, resilient, and can endure - no matter what we fear or face. This season, let us insist on hope, peace, joy, love,...

Every Advent, we light candles, sing carols, and pray for Christ’s coming because we believe God entered a frightened world to bring good news. We hold onto hope because we believe that Christ did come - that’s the promise of the season. Our hope is not flimsy or fleeting. It’s gritty, resilient, and can endure - no matter what we fear or face. This season, let us insist on hope, peace, joy, love,...

Every Advent, we light candles, sing carols, and pray for Christ’s coming because we believe God entered a frightened world to bring good news. We hold onto hope because we believe that Christ did come - that’s the promise of the season. Our hope is not flimsy or fleeting. It’s gritty, resilient, and can endure - no matter what we fear or face. This season, let us insist on hope, peace, joy, love,...