Idlewild Presbyterian Church

This Easter morning, we gather for the day at the heart of our faith, when we proclaim that Christ is risen and death no longer has the final word. In John 20:1–18, we encounter Mary Magdalene, who comes to the tomb in grief and leaves with a message of hope: “I have seen the Lord.” It is a story that reminds us that resurrection is not only something we believe, but something we are called to pro...

This morning as we gather for Palm Sunday we will conclude our Lenten series, Marks of a Disciple, by reflecting on the mark of compassion through Paul’s words in Philippians. As the crowds welcome Jesus with shouts of praise, we are reminded that following him leads us beyond words into lives shaped by generous, shared love. Paul gives thanks for a community that cared for him in his need, reveal...

This morning we will continue our Lenten series, Marks of a Disciple, by reflecting on the mark of peace through Paul’s words in Philippians 4:4–9. Writing from a place of uncertainty, Paul speaks of a peace that is not dependent on circumstances, but rooted in trust in God’s nearness and care. In a season that invites us to examine what weighs on our hearts, this passage gently calls us to releas...

This morning we continue our Lenten series, Marks of a Disciple, by reflecting on the mark of perseverance through Paul’s words in Philippians 3:4b–14. In his epistle, Paul describes the life of faith as a journey in which we let go of what lies behind and press on toward the life God promises in Christ. Rather than relying on his own accomplishments, Paul places his hope entirely in the grace of...

This morning, we will continue our Lenten series, Marks of a Disciple, by reflecting on the mark of humility through Paul’s words in Philippians 2:1–13. In this remarkable passage, Paul invites the church to have “the same mind that was in Christ Jesus,” pointing to Christ’s willingness to empty himself and take the form of a servant. In a world that often prizes status and self-assertion, the hum...

This morning, as we mark the First Sunday in Lent, we are beginning a sermon series entitled Marks of A Disciple. This series asks a simple but searching question: what does a faithful disciple of Jesus look like in the world? Over the next six Sundays, we'll explore the qualities that shape a life formed by Christ—boldness, gratitude, humility, perseverance, peace, and compassion. As we journey t...

This morning, we will conclude our sermon series, Who Do You Say I Am?, with a message drawn from Matthew 16:13–20 entitled “The Messiah.” Throughout the season of Epiphany, we have encountered Christ as the Word Made Flesh, the Image of God, Teacher and Healer, Crucified One, and Risen Lord, and now we return to Jesus’ own question to his disciples. Sermon on Matthew 16:13-20, delivered by the Re...

This morning, we continue our sermon series, Who Do You Say That I Am?, with “Christ the Risen One,” drawn from Luke 24:13-35 - the story of Jesus walking with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. This passage will remind us that Christ often meets us not in dramatic moments, but in ordinary conversations, shared stories, and the breaking of bread. Together, we’ll reflect on how resurrection is no...

When we gather, we will continue our sermon series, Who Do You Say That I Am?, with “Christ the Crucified,” as we reflect on Philippians 2:5–11 and the surprising shape of God’s love revealed in Jesus. Our scripture will invite us to consider how Christ’s humility reshapes our understanding of power, love, and faithful living. Sermon on Philippians 2:5-11, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers...

This morning, we continue to answer the question Who Do You Say I Am? with a sermon entitled “Christ the Teacher and Healer." I will preach a special Sermon from the Sofa (a format some of you may remember from a few winters ago), offering God’s Word from the warmth and comfort of home. Even while apart physically, we gather spiritually as we listen for Christ’s authority, compassion, and healing...

This morning, we will continue our sermon series, Who Do You Say That I Am?, a six-week exploration of who Christians confess Jesus the Christ to be—and why that confession still matters for our lives and our world. This week’s sermon, “Christ the Image of God,” draws from Colossians 1:15–20, a soaring passage that invites us to see Jesus as the clearest picture of God’s heart and humanity’s true...

The first installment of our study, entitled Christ the Word Made Flesh, will grow from the Gospel of John. In its opening verses, we will encounter the mystery of the Word who existed from all eternity and yet comes to dwell among us in Christ. We will reflect on the scripture's cosmic and deeply personal dimensions, as it holds together God’s eternal purpose and God’s nearness to human life. Ser...

This morning, as we gather in the New Year, we'll mark the feast of Epiphany and the last of our worship series Insisting on Hope. As we once again share the story of the Magi and the star they followed, we'll reflect on how we live the hope of God in the face of a fearful world. The words of the Gospel of Matthew will lead us to consider what it means to follow the Light of the World. Sermon on M...

Sermon delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on December 24, 2025.

This morning, we continue our Advent sermon series, Insisting on Hope, by reflecting on the theme of love as God’s steady presence in times of fear and uncertainty. In Isaiah 41, God speaks words of deep reassurance—“Do not fear, for I am with you”—reminding us that divine love holds us fast even when the world feels unsteady. In Matthew’s telling of Jesus’ birth, we encounter a quiet, courageous...

This morning, we will continue our Advent sermon series, Insisting on Hope, by listening to stories where God’s joy breaks into ordinary lives in unexpected ways. In Jeremiah 1 and Luke 1, we encounter a God who calls before we feel ready and who speaks possibility into moments marked by uncertainty and fear. These scriptures invite us to consider how Advent joy is not shallow happiness, but a dee...

This morning, we continue our Advent journey by listening to Isaiah’s promise that God is “about to do a new thing,” and to Jesus’ words in Matthew 11 that reveal how God’s renewal springs up in surprising places. Together, these scriptures invite us to consider how peace takes root—not only in grand gestures, but in the quiet, steady work of God that heals, restores, and makes a way where none se...

This morning, we enter the holy season of Advent, a time of longing, watching, and preparing for God’s light to break into the world. As we gather, we also begin a new sermon series entitled “Insisting on Hope,” exploring how Christians are called to live faithfully in an age shaped by so much fear. Sermon on Lamentations 3:55-57 and Luke 1:5-13, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on Novemb...

This morning, we gather at the culmination of the church year as we celebrate Reign of Christ Sunday. As we look back over the movement of our liturgical year, we'll reflect on how we live and move in the world in light of God's promises. The words of the prophet Jeremiah lead us to consider what it means to trust and work toward God's kingdom in all we do. Sermon on Jeremiah 23:1-6, delivered by...

This morning, our worship we will grow from a beautiful passage in Ephesians, where Paul introduces the image of the body of Christ. We will be reminded that we are indeed one in Christ, called to live with humility, gentleness, and love, and we will remember that God gives each of us gifts—not for ourselves alone, but for building up the whole body until we grow into the full stature of Christ. S...

This morning, we will celebrate All Saints' Day, giving thanks for the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and whose faith still shapes our own. The Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:15–23 will remind us that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us today, binding us together as his body and filling all creation with his love. As we remember the saints, we al...

This morning, as we celebrate Commitment Sunday, we will conclude our series on generosity, Growing in Gratitude, by turning to 1 Corinthians 4:1–5, where Paul reminds us that we are “stewards of the mysteries of God.” In worship, we will consider how gratitude itself grows within us—nourished by the Spirit—as we learn to faithfully steward not only our financial gifts, but every good gift God has...

This morning, we'll turn to 1 Chronicles 29 as we continue our Sermon Series, Growing in Gratitude. In verses 10-16, we will hear a portion of King David's farewell address to his kingdom, as he reflects on the devotion and the resources necessary to build the Temple. Sermon on 1 Chronicles 29:10-16, delivered by the Reverend The Reverend Mary Newberg Gale on October 19th, 2025.

This morning, we will begin a new three-part sermon series on generosity which will help us explore our annual theme “Growing in Gratitude.” Our worship will be grounded by Lamentations 3:22–26 and Philippians 4:10–13, 19–20, where we will reflect on God’s steadfast love and the contentment that grows from trusting in God’s provision. Sermon on Lamentations 3:22–26 and Philippians 4:10–13, 19–20,...

This morning, we will celebrate World Communion Sunday, a day when Christians around the globe gather at the Lord’s Table. In Luke 24, the disciples’ eyes were opened at Emmaus when Jesus blessed and broke bread with them, turning their despair into joy and their confusion into hope. At the Lord’s Table, we too encounter Christ’s living presence—a presence that binds us together across nations and...