Sermons for a Critical Faith

The sermon reflects on moments in life where we feel overwhelmed, comparing them to being in a boat with Jesus during a storm. It questions why Jesus, being all-powerful and all-loving, sometimes seems inactive in the face of chaos. Drawing from the biblical story of Jesus calming the storm, it emphasizes the importance of belief during turbulent times. The message encourages listeners to tap into...

This sermon explores the use of parables by Jesus to convey deep spiritual truths. Delving into the significance of parables, it discusses the challenges in understanding these stories and the diverse interpretations they evoke. The sermon highlights the transformative nature of parables, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of discovery, imagination, and questioning.   June 16th, 2024 | Para...

This sermon delves into the daunting state of the world, where societal distrust and the longing for a leader to fix everything are prevalent. It challenges the audience to consider putting their faith and trust in God rather than relying solely on human leaders, exploring the implications of partnering with God through turbulent times. June 9th, 2024 | God Amidst Chaos: Our True Leader | Rev. Dr....

This sermon explores a breakfast by the beach where the speaker realized the spiritual sustenance from Jesus surpasses physical food, bringing joy, encouragement, faith, and peace. It highlights Christ's desire to nourish all for life's challenges, transforming broken dreams into hope. The audience is urged to carry Christ's love to the world and remember His constant presence, providi...

This untraditional sermon explores Acts 2 through the practice of Lectio Divina. Listeners are invited to consider questions about God's message and how they can be part of what God is doing in the world. May 19th, 2024 | Pentecostal Awakening: Diving Into Acts 2 Through Lectio Divina | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

Dr. Sue Coller explores the meaning of true friendship based on how Jesus loved his disciples. She encourages the congregation to build each other up, care for one another, risk vulnerability, and share their fears and hopes, to create a community where everyone supports one another. May 5th, 2024 | Building True Friendships: Following Jesus' Example | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian...

The annual “Gifts of Women” worship service hosted by Presbyterian Women features a sermon on embracing imperfections and a special tribute to Carlene Waldron for her service to the church. Let's celebrate God's love and the women who care for those in need. April 28th, 2024 | “The Beauty of Being Imperfectly Perfect” | Dr. Vena Beth Alesio | First Presbyterian Church

The sermon highlights how the trial of Peter and John questions the source of their power. It challenges listeners to reflect on their belief in the supernatural power of God and how to access it in their own lives despite feelings of inadequacy. April 21st, 2024 | Empowerment in Christ: Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

Rev. Dr. Sue Coller challenges the societal belief that everything must be earned. She highlights the importance of accepting God's unconditional love and forgiveness, breaking free from the need to constantly prove one's worth. Embracing this love allows individuals to live, grow, and love without the burden of seeking validation April 14th, 2024 | God Isn't Keeping Score | Rev. Dr. S...

Rev. Dr. Sue Coller reflects on the significance of Easter amidst contemporary global and personal struggles, emphasizing the enduring hope and compassion Jesus demonstrated. She underlines that Easter is not just a historical event but a call to embody love, kindness, and justice in our lives today, challenging us to be agents of change and bearers of hope in a world filled with turmoil. April 7t...

In this sermon by Rev. Dr. Sue Coller, she highlights the power of Easter and the transformative message it carries. She emphasizes how fear can initially paralyze us, but through reflection and courage, we can overcome our fears and embrace the resurrection. Rev. Coller challenges listeners to choose not to be captive to fear but rather to live as risen people, sharing the good news and embracing...

In this Palm Sunday sermon by Rev. Dr. Sue Coller, the focus is on the question of who Jesus Christ is to each individual. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Mark and the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Pastor Sue explores the expectations people had of Jesus as a conquering hero and how Jesus instead taught them to live with compassion, forgiveness, and connection to God....

In this sermon based on Matthew 6:25-34, we explore Jesus' powerful teaching on overcoming worry and anxiety. We delve into the assurance that God, as our loving Father, will provide for our needs and that worrying does not add any value to our lives. March 17th, 2024 | Boldly Go | Rev. Leanne Masters | First Presbyterian Church

Sundays worship with Rev. Lauren Peters explores the passage from Matthew 24:1-14; 32-44. It highlights the reality of fear in our lives and how it often blinds us to the signs of God's presence. This season of Lent has focused on the importance of overcoming fear and staying vigilant and prepared for Christ's return. By recognizing the signs right in front of us and placing our trust in G...

In this Sunday's sermon, Rev. Sue Babovec explores the theme of fear portrayed in Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 27. Fear is a universal human experience, and can hinder our faith journey. Allowing it to control us undermines our trust in God's providence. By examining the example of the Apostle Paul during the storm at sea, Rev. Sue encouraged the congregation to surrender their fears to G...

In Sunday's sermon, Rev. Dr. Sue Coller spoke about letting go of fears and things that hold us back from living freely. By identifying and releasing these hindrances, we can open ourselves to God's transformative work and experience abundant life. By recognizing the importance of self-reflection and surrendering what no longer serves us, we can open our hearts to the greater plan God has...

In 2 Kings 2:1-14, the prophet Elijah prepares to pass on his mantle to his successor, Elisha, as they journey together. Elisha steadfastly demonstrates his commitment, refusing to leave Elijah's side until he receives a double portion of his spirit. Mark 9:2-9 showcases the transfiguration of Jesus, where he reveals his divine glory to three disciples, Peter, James, and John, on a mountaintop...

Sunday's sermon highlights a story of a priest's conversation and involvement in the lives of police officers, bringing a touch of grace and hope. It teaches that one does not have to accomplish something big to be faithful. Instead, we can bring a little touch of hope wherever we are by being fully present in the moment and sharing encouraging words or actions with those around us. Februa...

In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Sue Coller emphasizes the balance between knowledge and love. While knowledge is important in shaping our beliefs and understanding, without love it can lead to abuse of power and exclusion. The Corinthian church is used as an example, where some members were oblivious to the needs of others and lacked consideration, highlighting the importance of love in community and jou...

A Critical Faith Sermon by Rev. Sue Babovec. January 21st, 2024 | Contriteness and Conversion | Rev. Sue Babovec | First Presbyterian Church

"The Eli Implant" explores the concept of spiritual listening in a noisy world. Drawing inspiration from I Samuel 3:1-10, the sermon delves into the importance of distinguishing between hearing and truly listening, and invites listeners to evaluate their own spiritual listening abilities and consider the need for an "Eli Implant" to help discern and interpret God's voice. J...

Discover the secret of the gifts as you delve into the profound story of Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, the three visitors who brought offerings to the newborn king. Unveil the transformative power of letting go of our worst and embracing our vulnerabilities, as we learn how Christ desires our honesty and brokenness to bring forth new life. Explore the journey of personal transformation and refl...

Dr. Vena Beth Alesio's sermon explores the theme of God's questioning and the impact it has on our lives. It highlights biblical examples of God's questions and how they prompt us to reflect on our actions and relationship with God. The sermon emphasizes the need to face these uncomfortable questions, recognize our failings, and seek forgiveness as we surrender ourselves to God's w...

In this Christmas Eve sermon, Rev. Dr. Sue Coller reflects on the powerful message of God's presence during times of darkness and uncertainty. Drawing inspiration from biblical references and insights from Amy Oden's book "Right Here, Right Now", Pastor Sue emphasizes that God's light can be found even in the darkest moments of our lives. The message offers reassurance that G...