First United Methodist Church of Kearney Sermons

This Sunday we'll kick off our new series "In the Red" by tackling one of the most common struggles we face: worry. In a world where we're constantly bombarded with information, news alerts, and social media content, it's no wonder anxiety levels are rising across all age groups. We spend an average of 46 hours a week on screens—essentially a full-time job of consuming content that often fuels our...

On All Saints Day, we emphasizing the role of those who have gone before us in our faith journeys. Through the metaphor of a "great cloud of witnesses" from Hebrews 12, the message encourages us to honor and be inspired by the saints' lives while acknowledging the complex nature of grief. We'll walk through some ways to externalize grief and celebrate memories through meaningful actions. Worship w...

This week in worship we'll focus on gratitude and acknowledging God's continuous blessings, even when they become familiar over time. Drawing insights from Lamentations 3:22-23 and 2 Corinthians 9:7, we'll celebrate a year of service and generosity. Come worship in joyful response to God's unwavering faithfulness and to continue the mission of helping others know Christ, grow in faith, and serve t...

Knowing your "why" can make all the difference. Join in this week as we look at Jesus' parting words to his disciples in Acts 1:8-9 and how it matters to our church 2,000 years later.

"Patience isn't just waiting—it's trusting that God's timing is better than our own." In a world of instant gratification, remember: God is always working, even when we can't see it. Like the Israelites, we must resist impatience and trust in God's perfect timing. 

As you read through Philippians we’d invite you to prayerfully consider the following questions:    1.     What inspired you or was meaningful to you? 2.     What didn’t you understand? 3.     What frustrated or bothered you? 4.     What might cause you to make a change?

What if contentment wasn’t about what you have—or what you’ve lost—but about who holds your life together? As we close our journey through Philippians, we’ll learn Paul’s secret to joy that no prison walls or life circumstances could take away. As we close our Philippians series and Bible Book It theme don't forget to read through Philippians and register for your pizza!  https://kearneyfumc....

As you read through Philippians we’d invite you to prayerfully consider the following questions:    1.     What inspired you or was meaningful to you? 2.     What didn’t you understand? 3.     What frustrated or bothered you? 4.     What might cause you to make a change?

What’s the best team you’ve ever been part of—and what made it great? In Philippians 3, Paul reminds us that true fellowship isn’t just about friendship or fun, but about the shared struggle of pressing on toward Christ. All earthly gains pale in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, and the church is where we learn to rejoice, even in hardship, as we pursue Him together. Join us th...

As you read through Philippians we’d invite you to prayerfully consider the following questions:    1.     What inspired you or was meaningful to you? 2.     What didn’t you understand? 3.     What frustrated or bothered you? 4.     What might cause you to make a change?

This Sunday we continue our  Bible Book It  series in Philippians, exploring how Jesus “came to reverse everything.” In Philippians 2, Paul reminds us that while the world uses power for gain, Jesus gave up every advantage to serve and to save. Our call is to respond—not by striving to earn God’s love, but by receiving His grace and living with the same mindset as Christ. Come discover h...

As you read through Philippians we’d invite you to prayerfully consider the following questions:    1.     What inspired you or was meaningful to you? 2.     What didn’t you understand? 3.     What frustrated or bothered you? 4.     What might cause you to make a change?

Discover the power of true priorities in this week's sermon as we delve into Philippians 1:9-10. Experience a lively blend of humor and insight as we explore how to keep "first things first" in our fast-paced world. Join us for "Bible Book It," where reading Philippians not only brings spiritual growth but also fun rewards, like free pizza! Don't miss this opportunity to engage with Scripture and...

In this sermon concluding the "It's Just a Phase" series, we'll explore the universal need for assurance and meaning in life. Everyone wants to know their life counts, no matter what generation they're a part of. We'll see in the story of Nicodemus in  John 3:1-9  that true assurance comes not from worldly success but from the transformative love and grace of Jesus Christ. Bein...

"Our faith and life challenge us to adapt." As young adults navigate diverse life stages, adaptability is key. Like Paul, who became "all things to all people," we're called to adjust to new conditions. Embrace change, knowing God is with you in every phase.

Have you ever had someone talk to you about realizing your potential? An "I See In You" conversation? What if a high dose of those could have unintended effects? In our second week of our series "It's Just A Phase" we'll learn about what this generation of students need most. We'll shape the conversation on Sunday after one of the disciples who has many Biblically recorded encounters with Jesus: P...

This week we start a new sermon series: It's Just A Phase. What do different generations need? What would each generation want the others to know? Our Director of Children's Ministry Cassie Guinn will be bringing the message! We'll discuss the importance of giving the next generation "unrestricted access" to opportunities for growth and faith. Drawing on personal experiences and biblical exam...

In a world filled with deceptive promises and false prophets, Jesus reminds us to discern truth by examining the "fruit" produced: actions reveal true intentions. This sermon wraps up a series on the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing that anything outside of Jesus is a hollow substitute. May we continue listening to Jesus' words over the noise of modern life, remembering that the fruit reveals the...

If you're ever tempted to play the judge, jury, and executioner in the courtroom of public opinion—you're not alone. In this week's message from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, we explore His sobering and freeing words:  "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."  It's a message that challenges our inner critic, helps us get off the ladder of assumptions, and sets us free to love like Jesus....

"Do not worry about your life." Easier said than done, right? Jesus invites us to shift our perspective: from anxiety to trust, from control to connection. Seek God's kingdom first, and watch how it transforms your worries into opportunities for faith, grace, and purpose.

What we treasure reveals where our heart truly is. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:21 that earthly things fade, break, or get stolen—but treasures stored in heaven last forever. When we fix our eyes on God and align our lives with Him, our whole self reflects His light. Let’s live with eternal focus, not temporary distraction.

When was a time you were certain you knew something, then it all changed? Join us this Sunday as we delve into Jesus’ transformative teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, exploring how true obedience begins with the heart. Discover why aligning our inner motives with God's desires changes everything. Don't miss this opportunity to see familiar scriptures in a brand-new light!

This week our NEW Associate Pastor debuts with a message about his favorite scripture and shares his journey that led him to First UMC. Come be reminded of Jesus' call to go and make disciples and welcome our new Pastor Wesley.

What do coaching, salt, and a city on a hill have in common? This week in our “2K: The Sermon on the Mount” series, we’re diving into Jesus’ challenge to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. In a culture quick to complain or hide, what does it look like to bring out the best in others and shine with hope? Join us Sunday as we explore how small, faithful actions can make a big diffe...

"Ever feel like life comes with too much fine print? 📜🔍 Today at First UMC, we explore Jesus' revolutionary Sermon on the Mount. Turns out, true happiness isn't found in gift cards, high test scores, or the latest gadgets. It's found in living out God's kingdom values: • Humility • Compassion • Meekness • Justice • Mercy • Pure motives • Peacemaking Jesus offers us a life free from the world's f...