University Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill, NC

Sermon by Jarrett McLaughlin from 2 Samuel 11:26 - 12:13 What happens when we finally stop defending ourselves and tell the truth? This sermon invites listeners into a story of power, failure, courage, and grace—where confession is not humiliation, but freedom, and forgiveness is not denial, but loosening what has been clenched tight.

Sermon by Meg Peery McLaughlin from Ruth 1 (selected verses) When the world feels like it’s coming apart, what does faith actually look like? In the quiet, aching story of Naomi and Ruth, this sermon invites us to sit honestly with grief, anger, and uncertainty—and to resist letting bitterness have the final word.

Sermon by Jarrett McLaughlin from Matthew 18:1-5, 8-9 On the weekend we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this sermon invites us to pause and “think again” about faith, humility, and what it means to truly love our neighbors. Through Scripture and story, we’re challenged to examine our assumptions, our good intentions, and the ways we show up in the lives of others.

Sermon by Jarrett McLaughlin from Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 What do you do when it feels like nothing will ever change? When the work you pour yourself into seems fragile, reversible, or easily undone? This opening sermon in the Think Again series takes on despair head-on, turning to the blunt wisdom of Ecclesiastes and the deeper hope revealed in Christ. From sleepless nights to the quiet faithfulness...

Sermon by Meg Peery McLaughlin from Matthew 2:1-12 What draws you toward God? A question, a community, a moment of wonder? In this Epiphany sermon, we sit with the star that led the Magi and consider how God still shows up—awakening awe, inviting courage, and lighting the way forward.

Sermon by Jarrett McLaughlin from Matthew 2:13-33 What do you do with anger and fear? In this sermon, we confront a darker corner of the Christmas story—Herod’s fury, the holy innocents, and the fragile thread of God’s salvation. It’s a story that challenges, unsettles, and ultimately points to hope.

Christmas Eve Sermon by Jarrett McLaughlin from Luke 2:1-8 The Christmas story doesn’t begin in peaceful pastures—it begins 'in those days,’ marked by empire, oppression, and exhaustion. In this message, we explore how Luke places Jesus’ birth in the worst of times… and why that makes it the best news of all.

Sermon by Meg Peery McLaughlin from Luke 2:8-20 What if the first people to hear the good news of Christmas weren’t the strong or the certain, but the ones just getting by?

Meditation by Nancy Myer for our Longest Night Service In a season that expects cheer, this meditation speaks gently to those who feel weary, grieving, or overwhelmed—reminding us that hope still burns, even when we can’t feel it ourselves.

Sermon by Meg Peery McLaughlin from Matthew 1 & Isaiah 7 In this Advent sermon, we revisit Isaiah not as a distant prophet tucked into the Christmas story, but as a voice reminding us that God is with us — in our fear, in our waiting, and in the messy middle of life’s big story.

Sermon by Berry French from Luke 3:2-14: John the Baptist’s message is simple, demanding, and unsettling: share what you have, and stop misusing your power. This Advent, are we ready to listen? This Advent, we explore how small roles make a big difference in God’s unfolding story. From quiet voices to unexpected witnesses, every part matters in the drama of God’s incarnate love. Join us each week...

Sermon by Jarrett McLaughlin from Psalm 85 for Christ the King Sunday.

Sermon by Jarrett McLaughlin from Ezekiel 34:1-6, 10-16

Sermon by Meg Peery McLaughlin from Jeremiah 36

Sermon by Meg Peery McLaughlin from Genesis 32:22-31 In our sermon series, 'In Good Company,' we'll explore the lives of four remarkable saints of the church —Ella Baker, Mother Teresa, Mr. Rogers, and Oscar Romero —and consider how we live as God's saints. Saints are, quite simply, those through whom God's light shines. The word "saint" literally means one who is "set apart." At UPC, we trust tha...

Sermon by Jarrett McLaughlin from Mark 9:33-37 In our sermon series, 'In Good Company,' we'll explore the lives of four remarkable saints of the church —Ella Baker, Mother Teresa, Mr. Rogers, and Oscar Romero —and consider how we live as God's saints. Saints are, quite simply, those through whom God's light shines. The word "saint" literally means one who is "set apart." At UPC, we trust that we a...

Join us for a five-week study of church history, tracing our roots from the beginnings of Christianity to Presbyterianism to UPC today. This session: "The Myths and Moments that Made Us" led by UPC Pastor Emeritus Bob Dunham

Sermon by Jarrett McLaughlin from John 19:23-30 In our sermon series, 'In Good Company,' we'll explore the lives of four remarkable saints of the church —Ella Baker, Mother Teresa, Mr. Rogers, and Oscar Romero —and consider how we live as God's saints. Saints are, quite simply, those through whom God's light shines. The word "saint" literally means one who is "set apart." At UPC, we trust that we...

Join us for a five-week study of church history, tracing our roots from the beginnings of Christianity to Presbyterianism to UPC today. This session: "UPC and UNC: Faith on Franklin Street" led by UPC member John Blythe

Sermon by Meg Peery McLaughlin from Exodus 1:8-22 In our sermon series, 'In Good Company,' we'll explore the lives of four remarkable saints of the church —Ella Baker, Mother Teresa, Mr. Rogers, and Oscar Romero —and consider how we live as God's saints. Saints are, quite simply, those through whom God's light shines. The word "saint" literally means one who is "set apart." At UPC, we trust that w...

Join us for a five-week study of church history, tracing our roots from the beginnings of Christianity to Presbyterianism to UPC today. This session: "Presbyterians: Reformed and Always Reforming" led by UPC co-pastor Meg Peery McLaughlin

Sermon from John 3:1-20 by Jarrett McLaughlin When we know something ‘by heart’ it means we have it memorized, but more than that, it means that this collection of words lives at the center of our being and holds the deepest things we hold to be true. Presbyterians are not known for pushing Scripture memorization, but that does not mean it is not a valuable practice. There are some passages that w...

Join us for a five-week study of church history, tracing our roots from the beginnings of Christianity to Presbyterianism to UPC today. This session: "From the Pope to Presbyterians" led by UPC member Bryan Wagoner

Sermon from Micah 6:1-8 by Meg Peery McLaughlin When we know something ‘by heart’ it means we have it memorized, but more than that, it means that this collection of words lives at the center of our being and holds the deepest things we hold to be true. Presbyterians are not known for pushing Scripture memorization, but that does not mean it is not a valuable practice. There are some passages that...

Join us for a five-week study of church history, tracing our roots from the beginnings of Christianity to Presbyterianism to UPC today. This session: "From Peter to the Pope" is led by UPC member Bryan Wagoner