Village Pres Sermons: Recent Episodes
Village Presbyterian Church
Join us for worship in person Sundays at 8, 9:30, 11 a.m. or 5 p.m. at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village or at 9:30 a.m. at our Antioch Campus in Overland Park. Or worship with us live online at www.villagepres.org/online.
How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what we do and do not believe matters. In this summer’s sermon series, our pastors will explore different words of faith that come to us from a variety of places—scripture, theology, culture—in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what we do and do not believe matters. In this summer’s sermon series, our pastors will explore different words of faith that come to us from a variety of places—scripture, theology, culture—in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what we do and do not believe matters. In this summer’s sermon series, our pastors will explore different words of faith that come to us from a variety of places—scripture, theology, culture—in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what we do and do not believe matters. In this summer’s sermon series, our pastors will explore different words of faith that come to us from a variety of places—scripture, theology, culture—in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what we do and do not believe matters. In this summer’s sermon series, our pastors will explore different words of faith that come to us from a variety of places—scripture, theology, culture—in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith.
Guest preacher and former senior pastor Rev. Tom Are, Jr. preached this sermon July 5, 2026 at the Mission Campus.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Words matter. How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what it is we do and do not believe matters. In this summer’s sermon series, our pastors will explore different words of faith that come to us from a variety of places—scripture, theology, culture—in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
K-Pop Demon Hunters is a 2025 American animated musical film. The story follows a K-Pop (Korean popular) girl group named HUNTR/X, who lead double lives as demon hunters. They face off against a rival boy band, the Saja Boys, whose members are secretly demons. The film began streaming on Netflix in June 2025 and became the most watched original title in Netflix history with over 500 million views. K-Pop Demon Hunters received acclaim for its animation, visual style, voice acting, story, and music. In this sermon series, we will explore the themes of good and evil, shame, identity, and the power of community.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
K-Pop Demon Hunters is a 2025 American animated musical film. The story follows a K-Pop (Korean popular) girl group named HUNTR/X, who lead double lives as demon hunters. They face off against a rival boy band, the Saja Boys, whose members are secretly demons. The film began streaming on Netflix in June 2025 and became the most watched original title in Netflix history with over 500 million views. K-Pop Demon Hunters received acclaim for its animation, visual style, voice acting, story, and music. In this sermon series, we will explore the themes of good and evil, shame, identity, and the power of community.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
K-Pop Demon Hunters is a 2025 American animated musical film. The story follows a K-Pop (Korean popular) girl group named Huntr/x, who lead double lives as demon hunters. They face off against a rival boy band, the Saja Boys, whose members are secretly demons. The film began streaming on Netflix in June 2025 and became the most watched original title in Netflix history with over 500 million views. K-Pop Demon Hunters received acclaim for its animation, visual style, voice acting, story, and music. In this sermon series, we will explore the themes of good and evil, shame, identity, and the power of community.
We hear many voices every day. Not all of the voices are good. There are evil voices, too. Our task is to discern which voice is worthy of our attention. Jesus says his sheep follow him because they know his voice. The battle of voices is a central theme for both Rumi and Jinu.
John 10:1-6 Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him." John 14:15-17
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind…" Acts 2:1-21
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
“A healthy community is a thick system of relationships. It is irregular, dynamic, organic, and personal. Neighbors show up to help out when your workload is heavy, and you show up when theirs is. In a rich community, people are up in one another's business, know each other's secrets, walk with each other in times of grief, and celebrate together in times of joy. In a rich community, people help raise each other's kids. In these kinds of communities, which were typical in all human history until the last sixty years or so, people extended to neighbors the sorts of devotion that today we extend only to a select few.” –David Brooks, The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
“One problem with the individualistic view of the first mountain is that it traps people in the small prison of the self. If you go into marriage seeking self-actualization, you will always feel frustrated because marriage and parenting and being part of a family will constantly be dragging you away from the goals focused only on yourself. To be in relationship is a heroic quest in which the ego is sacrificed for the sake of the relationship.“ – David Brooks, “The Second Mountain”
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
“Really? You have never felt overwhelmed by, and in some way inadequate to, an experience in your life, have never felt something in yourself staking a claim beyond your self, some wordless mystery straining through words to reach you? Never? Religion is not made of these moments; religion is the means of making these moments part of your life rather than merely radical intrusions so foreign and perhaps even fearsome that you can't even acknowledge their existence afterward. Religion is what you do with these moments of over-mastery in your life.” –Christian Wiman, My Bright Abyss
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
“The thing everybody knows from finding a calling is that it's quite different from finding a career. In the calling mentality, you're not living on the ego level of your consciousness—working because the job pays well or makes life convenient. You're down in the substrate. Some activity or some injustice has called to the deepest level of your nature and demanded an active response.” –David Brooks, The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life
We are one church worshiping each Sunday at two locations: Mission Campus in Prairie Village and Antioch Campus in south Overland Park. If you are looking for a church home, we invite you to join us any Sunday for worship. At Mission Campus, traditional services are at 9 and 11 a.m., and The Gathering modern worship is at 4 p.m. Worship with us at our Antioch Campus at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Writer David Brooks’ concept of the “Second Mountain” speaks to a profound spiritual truth: that our lives are a journey from being centered on oneself to being centered on living in a way that creates a better world for everyone. The first mountain is self-centered. The second mountain is centered on a life committed to others. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore God’s call to us to move from the first to the second mountain. Brooks says we achieve the second mountain through four commitments: commitment to calling, family, faith, and community.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord...This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. –John 21:12-14
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Village Church is a Presbyterian (USA) family of faith actively shaped by the life of Christ to love one another, provide leadership for the transformation of our communities, and serve the world.
We are one church worshiping each Sunday at two locations: Mission Campus in Prairie Village and Antioch Campus in south Overland Park. If you are looking for a church home, we invite you to join us any Sunday for worship. At Mission Campus, traditional services are at 9 and 11 a.m., and The Gathering modern worship is at 4 p.m. Worship with us at our Antioch Campus at 10 a.m. Services are livestreamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these people were silent, the stones would shout out.”
This Lent, we will accompany Jesus through his last two days before he is crucified. Together, we will journey through the five most significant and painful moments of Jesus' life before he enters Jerusalem for the last time. Together, we will carry the cross with Jesus.
Find out all that is happening on both our campuses during the sacred season of Lent—beginning with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18 and leading up to Easter Sunday on April 5. Visit villagepres.org/lent.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at villagepres.org/online or on YouTube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
The Christian season of Lent is the forty days (not including Sundays) before Easter. The number 40 comes from the days Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. Lent is marked by personal and corporate reflection, sacrifice, and repentance.
This Lent, we will accompany Jesus through his last two days before he is crucified. Together, we will journey through the five most significant and painful moments of Jesus' life before he enters Jerusalem for the last time. Together, we will carry the cross with Jesus.
Find out all that is happening on both our campuses during the sacred season of Lent—beginning with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18 and leading up to Easter Sunday on April 5. Visit https://villagepres.org/lent.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at https://villagepres.org/online or here on YouTube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
The Christian season of Lent is the forty days (not including Sundays) before Easter. The number 40 comes from the days Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. Lent is marked by personal and corporate reflection, sacrifice, and repentance.
This Lent, we will accompany Jesus through his last two days before he is crucified. Together, we will journey through the five most significant and painful moments of Jesus' life before he enters Jerusalem for the last time. Together, we will carry the cross with Jesus.
Find out all that is happening on both our campuses during the sacred season of Lent—beginning with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18 and leading up to Easter Sunday on April 5. Visit villagepres.org/lent.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at villagepres.org/online or on YouTube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
The Christian season of Lent is the forty days (not including Sundays) before Easter. The number 40 comes from the days Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. Lent is marked by personal and corporate reflection, sacrifice, and repentance.
This Lent, we will accompany Jesus through his last two days before he is crucified. Together, we will journey through the five most significant and painful moments of Jesus' life before he enters Jerusalem for the last time. Together, we will carry the cross with Jesus.
Find out all that is happening on both our campuses during the sacred season of Lent—beginning with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18 and leading up to Easter Sunday on April 5. Visit villagepres.org/lent.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at villagepres.org/online or on YouTube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
While Jesus is in the garden with his disciples, Judas comes with high priests and soldiers to arrest Jesus. “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen this way?”
Find out all that is happening on both our campuses during the sacred season of Lent—beginning with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18 and leading up to Easter Sunday on April 5. Visit villagepres.org/lent.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at villagepres.org/online or here on YouTube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
The Christian season of Lent is the forty days (not including Sundays) before Easter. The number 40 comes from the days Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. Lent is marked by personal and corporate reflection, sacrifice, and repentance. This Lent, we will accompany Jesus through his last two days before he is crucified. Together, we will journey through the five most significant and painful moments of Jesus' life before he enters Jerusalem for the last time. Together, we will carry the cross with Jesus.
Find out all that is happening on both our campuses during the sacred season of Lent—beginning with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18 and leading up to Easter Sunday on April 5. Visit villagepres.org/lent.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
We have a cherished legacy of 77 years of faith at Village Church, and by God's grace, we hope to be here for generations to come. To meet the needs of the present and to prepare for the opportunities of the future, our Session has approved the launch of a capital campaign beginning this month through 2028. The campaign hopes to raise 8 million dollars to expand and strengthen our mission and ministries, improve and make safe our gathering and learning spaces, be better stewards of God's creation, and show to all that they are welcome and belong. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore the campaign's theme, “Here for Good.”
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
We have a cherished legacy of 77 years of faith at Village Church, and by God's grace, we hope to be here for generations to come. To meet the needs of the present and to prepare for the opportunities of the future, our Session has approved the launch of a capital campaign beginning this month through 2028. The campaign hopes to raise 8 million dollars to expand and strengthen our mission and ministries, improve and make safe our gathering and learning spaces, be better stewards of God's creation, and show to all that they are welcome and belong. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore the campaign's theme, “Here for Good.”
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at villagepres.org/online.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Jesus asked a lot of questions. By one scholar’s count, Jesus asked 307 questions recorded in the gospels. Jesus liked to ask questions more than he liked giving answers. As Jesus was both fully God and fully human, you would think he would go around showing off how much he knows, but he did not do that. In fact, we only find eight times that Jesus answered a question asked of him. In this sermon series, we will explore four questions that Jesus asked to better understand Jesus and how he wants us to live today.
John 5:2-9 – Jesus meets a man who has been lying by the pool at Bethesda for 38 years, and he asks the man a seemingly absurd question.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at https://villagepres.org/online or here on YouTube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
This sermon was pre-recorded due to inclement weather on Sunday, Jan. 25. Stay warm!
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Jesus asked a lot of questions. By one scholar’s count, Jesus asked 307 questions recorded in the gospels. Jesus liked to ask questions more than he liked giving answers. As Jesus was both fully God and fully human, you would think he would go around showing off how much he knows, but he did not do that. In fact, we only find eight times that Jesus answered a question asked of him. In this sermon series, we will explore four questions that Jesus asked to better understand Jesus and how he wants us to live today.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Jesus asked a lot of questions. By one scholar’s count, Jesus asked 307 questions recorded in the gospels. Jesus liked to ask questions more than he liked giving answers. As Jesus was both fully God and fully human, you would think he would go around showing off how much he knows, but he did not do that. In fact, we only find eight times that Jesus answered a question asked of him. In this sermon series, we will explore four questions that Jesus asked to better understand Jesus and how he wants us to live today.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online on our website or on Youtube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online on our website or on Youtube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online on our website or on Youtube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Rev. Johann Hinrich Wichern is credited as the inventor of the modern Advent wreath. Wichern was a German Lutheran pastor and a pioneer in urban mission work among the poor. During Advent, children at his mission school would ask daily if Christmas had arrived. In 1839, he took a large wooden ring from an old cartwheel and decorated it with evergreen branches and 24 small red candles and four large white candles. The small candles were lit each weekday, and the white candles were lit each Sunday. Other Protestant churches and then Roman Catholic churches adopted the practice. German Lutheran immigrants brought it to the United States in the 1920s. Each Sunday as we light each candle of Advent, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will preach on what the candle symbolizes: hope, peace, joy, and love.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online on our website or on Youtube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Rev. Johann Hinrich Wichern is credited as the inventor of the modern Advent wreath. Wichern was a German Lutheran pastor and a pioneer in urban mission work among the poor. During Advent, children at his mission school would ask daily if Christmas had arrived. In 1839, he took a large wooden ring from an old cartwheel and decorated it with evergreen branches and 24 small red candles and four large white candles. The small candles were lit each weekday, and the white candles were lit each Sunday. Other Protestant churches and then Roman Catholic churches adopted the practice. German Lutheran immigrants brought it to the United States in the 1920s. Each Sunday as we light each candle of Advent, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will preach on what the candle symbolizes: hope, peace, joy, and love.
Find all information about Christmas at Village.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online on our website or on Youtube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
Rev. Johann Hinrich Wichern is credited as the inventor of the modern Advent wreath. Wichern was a German Lutheran pastor and a pioneer in urban mission work among the poor. During Advent, children at his mission school would ask daily if Christmas had arrived. In 1839, he took a large wooden ring from an old cartwheel and decorated it with evergreen branches and 24 small red candles and four large white candles. The small candles were lit each weekday, and the white candles were lit each Sunday. Other Protestant churches and then Roman Catholic churches adopted the practice. German Lutheran immigrants brought it to the United States in the 1920s. Each Sunday as we light each candle of Advent, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will preach on what the candle symbolizes: hope, peace, joy, and love.
For all information about Christmas at Village, visit https://villagepres.org/christmas.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at https://villagepres.org/online or here on YouTube.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? congregational-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
We are a Presbyterian (USA) congregation located in the greater Kansas City area. Join us any Sunday for worship at our Mission Campus in Prairie Village at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at our Antioch Campus in south Overland Park at 10 a.m. Services are live-streamed at villagepres.org/online and on YouTube.
God created us for relationship. And because we are created in the image of God, we know that God desires relationship, too. But God’s generosity is not limited to our relationship with God. We are invited to partner with God so the whole of creation knows God’s generosity through our faithfulness. What a powerful thing that we should join with the God of the universe to show God’s generosity to all!
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at https://villagepres.org/online.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
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YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
When you receive a gift, especially one that is more generous than you anticipated, you are overwhelmed with gratitude. You want to send a message to the giver that clearly communicates how grateful you are. This is an essential understanding of the Christian life. God’s gift of grace is undeserved. There is nothing we can do or not do to hinder God’s grace. But we can respond. We can live lives that show our gratitude and in so doing, our generosity is for God.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at https://villagepres.org/online.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
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YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
Rev. Dr. Karl Travis had been healthy all of his life until he embarked upon a painful seven-year struggle to finally discover a diagnosis of a rare disease. He was given a few months to live. As he was writing his funeral service, he picked up a manuscript he had started years ago titled, "God’s Gift of Generosity." In his preface, he noted how odd it may seem to write about God’s generosity in his condition. But Karl found that as he faced this terminal illness, more than anything, he leaned into the generosity of God. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore the three facets of generosity that Dr. Travis highlights in his book, published last year.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at villagepres.org/online.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
Today we celebrate and remember the saints that have gone before us.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at villagepres.org/online.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
“It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for a bird to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or else we will eventually rot.” –C.S. Lewis
"Mere Christianity" is Lewis’ compelling apologetic for Christianity. For Lewis, Christianity is not easy or simple; rather, it is demanding and risky. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore Lewis’ arguments for a Christian faith that is a radical reordering of our lives.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at villagepres.org/online.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
“To have faith in Christ means, of course, trying to do all that he says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus, if you really handed yourself over to him, it must follow that you are trying to obey him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because he has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of heaven is already inside you.” –C.S. Lewis
"Mere Christianity" is Lewis’ compelling apologetic for Christianity. For Lewis, Christianity is not easy or simple; rather, it is demanding and risky. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore Lewis’ arguments for a Christian faith that is a radical reordering of our lives.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at villagepres.org/online.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
Mere Christianity is C.S Lewis’ compelling apologetic for Christianity. For Lewis, Christianity is neither easy nor simple—rather, it is demanding and risky. In this sermon series, we will explore his arguments for Christian faith as a radical reordering of our lives.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at villagepres.org/online.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) was a British writer, literary scholar and theologian. He is best known for writing the Chronicles of Narnia. Baptized as an infant, Lewis became an atheist at 15 years old because he was angry at God both for not existing and for creating such a terrible world. He became a Christian “kicking, struggling, and resentful” at 33 years old, influenced by friends like J.R.R. Tolkien and various writings. Mere Christianity is Lewis’ compelling apologetic for Christianity. For Lewis, Christianity is neither easy nor simple. Rather, it is demanding and risky. In this sermon series, we will explore his arguments for Christian faith as a radical reordering of our lives.
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at https://villagepres.org/online.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
In his book "Postmodern Pilgrims," Dr. Leonard Sweet offers a vision for the 21st century church that engages both the church’s traditions and its need for innovation. He calls for a faith that is both ancient and future, historical and contemporary. While he reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), he wonders how the church, the body of Christ, can give a compelling and imaginative witness to Jesus today. In this sermon series, we will explore what Sweet calls the "EPIC" church: Experiential, Participatory, Imagistic, and Communal.
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." –1 Corinthians 12:12-26
Sunday service times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. at the Mission Campus in Prairie Village, Kansas, and 10 a.m. at the Antioch Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. If you are unable to attend in person, you can worship online at villagepres.org/online.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
In his book "Postmodern Pilgrims," Dr. Leonard Sweet offers a vision for the 21st century church that engages both the church’s traditions and its need for innovation. He calls for a faith that is both ancient and future, historical and contemporary. While he reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), he wonders how the church, the body of Christ, can give a compelling and imaginative witness to Jesus today. In this sermon series, we will explore what Sweet calls the "EPIC" church: Experiential, Participatory, Imagistic, and Communal.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
In his book "Postmodern Pilgrims," Dr. Leonard Sweet offers a vision for the 21st century church that engages both the church’s traditions and its need for innovation. He calls for a faith that is both ancient and future, historical and contemporary. While he reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), he wonders how the church, the body of Christ, can give a compelling and imaginative witness to Jesus today. In this sermon series, we will explore what Sweet calls the "EPIC" church: Experiential, Participatory, Imagistic, and Communal.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
In his book "Postmodern Pilgrims," Dr. Leonard Sweet offers a vision for the 21st century church that engages both the church’s traditions and its need for innovation. He calls for a faith that is both ancient and future, historical and contemporary. While he reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), he wonders how the church, the body of Christ, can give a compelling and imaginative witness to Jesus today. In this sermon series, we will explore what Sweet calls the "EPIC" church: Experiential, Participatory, Imagistic, and Communal.
Support the show
Contact Village Presbyterian Churchvillagepres.orgcommunications@villagepres.org
913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
Facebook @villagepres
Instagram @villagepreschurch
YouTube @villagepresbyterianchurch
To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
This summer, we have been growing together by going together, both near and far: from the mountains of North Carolina, to the heart of Chicago, to Missouri's Elk River. Through it all, God has been present, shaping us as we grow together in community. Today, our youth will lead us in worship and share how they have journeyed alongside one another this summer and experienced God’s presence along the way.
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913-262-4200
Have a prayer request? pastoral-care@villagepres.org
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To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka preaches on stories of Jesus’ life using clips from "The Chosen," the first multi-season television series based on the gospel stories.
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To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
For the next two Sundays, Aug. 10 and 17, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will preach on stories of Jesus’ life using clips from The Chosen, the first multi-season television series based on the gospel stories. Aug. 24 is Youth Sunday, where our young people plan and lead worship. And on Aug. 31, Labor Day weekend, we will enjoy a hymn sing featuring favorite songs of our faith. The clip from this sermon is from The Chosen, season 3 episode 8, titled "Sustenance."
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To join in the mission and ministry of Village Church, go to villagepres.org/giving
Today, Rev. Melanie Hardison preaches at all services as she concludes her ministry at Village Church and prepares to embark on her new call to serve at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church.
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In this June-July sermon series, each of our pastors has explored one of the “seven deadly sins.” Today, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka preaches on the last sin: Pride.
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The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans in chapter 3, verse 23 that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” It’s true. We are all sinners and in need of God’s forgiveness and grace. Early Christians began to group sins together and by the 6th century, a list of seven sins had emerged. They were called the “seven deadly sins” because they lead to death. Others called them the “cardinal sins” or “capital vices” because they were the worst of the sins. In this series, each of our pastors will explore one of the deadly sins even as we give thanks for God’s grace that frees us from sin. Today's scripture reading is Galatians 5:13-21.
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When we take God’s abundance for granted, when we take more than our share and more than we need, this abundance becomes the sin of overconsumption. We begin to worship our ability to consume rather than worship the God who created us. Today's scripture is from Exodus 16:4-8; 17-21.
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The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans in chapter 3, verse 23 that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” It’s true. We are all sinners and in need of God’s forgiveness and grace. Early Christians began to group sins together, and by the 6th century, a list of seven sins had emerged. They were called the “seven deadly sins” because they lead to death. Others called them the “cardinal sins” or “capital vices” because they were the worst of the sins. In this series, each of our pastors will explore one of the deadly sins even as we give thanks for God’s grace that frees us from sin. Today, Rev. Alice Whitson preaches on Envy. Our scripture reading is Genesis 4:1-9.
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In this summer sermon series, each of our pastors will explore one of the “seven deadly sins,” even as we give thanks for God’s grace that frees us from sin. Today, Rev. Zach Walker preaches on Wrath. Our scripture reading is Romans 12:17-21.
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The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans in chapter 3, verse 23 that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” It’s true. We are all sinners and in need of God’s forgiveness and grace. Early Christians began to group sins together, and by the 6th century, a list of seven sins had emerged. They were called the “seven deadly sins” because they lead to death. Others called them the “cardinal sins” or “capital vices” because they were the worst of the sins. In this series, each of our pastors will explore one of the deadly sins even as we give thanks for God’s grace that frees us from sin. Today's scripture reading is Luke 10:38-42.
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The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans in chapter 3, verse 23 that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” It’s true. We are all sinners and in need of God’s forgiveness and grace. Early Christians began to group sins together, and by the 6th century, a list of seven sins had emerged. They were called the “seven deadly sins” because they lead to death. Others called them the “cardinal sins” or “capital vices” because they were the worst of the sins. In this series, each of our pastors will explore one of the deadly sins even as we give thanks for God’s grace that frees us from sin. Today's scripture reading is Luke 16:19-31.
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The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Trinity along with God our father and mother and Jesus, the son. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit was present at creation, descended upon Jesus at his baptism, called the church into being at Pentecost and is present among us now. Yet many of us find it challenging to understand who the Holy Spirit is and how the Spirit relates to our lives. Leonardo Boff, a Brazilian liberation theologian, called the Holy Spirit the “liberator” who frees us from the oppressions of sin and gifts us freedom. In this sermon series leading up to Pentecost, we will explore four ways the Holy Spirit liberates and frees us. Today's scripture reading is Acts 2:37-47.
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The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Trinity along with God our father and mother and Jesus, the son. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit was present at creation, descended upon Jesus at his baptism, called the church into being at Pentecost and is present among us now. Yet many of us find it challenging to understand who the Holy Spirit is and how the Spirit relates to our lives. Leonardo Boff, a Brazilian liberation theologian, called the Holy Spirit the “liberator” who frees us from the oppressions of sin and gifts us freedom. In this sermon series leading up to Pentecost, we will explore four ways the Holy Spirit liberates and frees us.
Today's scripture reading is 1 Corinthians 12:4-13: "Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services but the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of powerful deeds, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit."
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The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Trinity along with God our father and mother and Jesus, the son. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit was present at creation, descended upon Jesus at his baptism, called the church into being at Pentecost and is present among us now. Yet many of us find it challenging to understand who the Holy Spirit is and how the Spirit relates to our lives. Leonardo Boff, a Brazilian liberation theologian, called the Holy Spirit the “liberator” who frees us from the oppressions of sin and gifts us freedom. In this sermon series leading up to Pentecost, we will explore four ways the Holy Spirit liberates and frees us. Today's scripture reading is Romans 8:26-28.
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The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Trinity, along with God our Father and the Mother and Jesus, the Son. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit was present at creation, descended upon Jesus at his baptism, called the church into being at Pentecost, and is present among us now. Yet many of us find it challenging to understand who the Holy Spirit is and how the Spirit relates to our lives. Today's scripture reading is Mark 1:9-11.
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The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Trinity, along with God our Father and the Mother and Jesus, the Son. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit was present at creation, descended upon Jesus at his baptism, called the church into being at Pentecost, and is present among us now. Yet many of us find it challenging to understand who the Holy Spirit is and how the Spirit relates to our lives. Leonardo Boff, a Brazilian liberation theologian, called the Holy Spirit the “liberator” who frees us from the oppressions of sin and gifts us freedom. In this sermon series leading up to Pentecost, we will explore four ways the Holy Spirit liberates and frees us. Today's scripture reading is Genesis 1:1-2.
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On this second Sunday of the season of Easter, we turn to the story of the resurrected Jesus appearing to his disciples by the sea. He performs yet another miracle, and in turn, teaches us what resurrection expects of us. Today's scripture is John 21:1-17.
Rev. Owen J. Gray fills our pulpit as the fifth and final “children of the church” guest preacher for our 75th anniversary celebration. He currently serves as pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Lee's Summit, Missouri.
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Over the Lenten season, we spent several weeks “walking with Jesus.” It's time for a well-deserved rest, so let's take some time to sit with Jesus. Where and how can we sit with Jesus these days? In the process, we might learn a bit about who we are called to be. Today's scripture reading is John 21:1-17.
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Theologians describe Jesus’ ministry as “peripatetic” because he moved from place to place. He did not settle in Nazareth and told everyone to come to him. He walked around, visited, talked, and ate with people. In the five Sundays leading up to Palm Sunday, we will travel with Jesus from his temptation in the wilderness to meeting fishermen on the beach to eating with a tax collector in Jericho. Along the way, we will grow in our faith and faithfulness just as the disciples did as they walked with Jesus. Our scripture today is Luke 24:13-35.
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Theologians describe Jesus’ ministry as “peripatetic” because he moved from place to place. He did not settle in Nazareth and told everyone to come to him. He walked around, visited, talked, and ate with people. In the five Sundays leading up to Palm Sunday, we will travel with Jesus from his temptation in the wilderness to meeting fishermen on the beach to eating with a tax collector in Jericho. Along the way, we will grow in our faith and faithfulness just as the disciples did as they walked with Jesus. Our scripture today is Luke 19:29-45.
Find all Lent information and Holy Week service times and locations at villagepres.org/lent.
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Theologians describe Jesus’ ministry as “peripatetic” because he moved from place to place. He did not settle in Nazareth and told everyone to come to him. He walked around, visited, talked, and ate with people. In the five Sundays leading up to Palm Sunday, we will travel with Jesus from his temptation in the wilderness to meeting fishermen on the beach to eating with a tax collector in Jericho. Along the way, we will grow in our faith and faithfulness just as the disciples did as they walked with Jesus. Our scripture today is Luke 19:1-10.
Find all Lent information and Holy Week service times and locations at villagepres.org/lent.
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Theologians describe Jesus’ ministry as “peripatetic” because he moved from place to place. He did not settle in Nazareth and told everyone to come to him. He walked around, visited, talked, and ate with people. In the five Sundays leading up to Palm Sunday, we will travel with Jesus from his temptation in the wilderness to meeting fishermen on the beach to eating with a tax collector in Jericho. Along the way, we will grow in our faith and faithfulness just as the disciples did as they walked with Jesus. Our scripture today is Luke 8:26-39.
Find all Lent information and Holy Week service times and locations at villagepres.org/lent.
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Theologians describe Jesus’ ministry as “peripatetic” because he moved from place to place. He did not settle in Nazareth and told everyone to come to him. He walked around, visited, talked, and ate with people. In the five Sundays leading up to Palm Sunday, we will travel with Jesus from his temptation in the wilderness to meeting fishermen on the beach to eating with a tax collector in Jericho. Along the way, we will grow in our faith and faithfulness just as the disciples did as they walked with Jesus. Our scripture today is Luke 5:1-11: "Then Jesus said to Simon, 'Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.'"
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Theologians describe Jesus’ ministry as “peripatetic” because he moved from place to place. He did not settle in Nazareth and told everyone to come to him. He walked around, visited, talked, and ate with people. In the five Sundays leading up to Palm Sunday, we will travel with Jesus from his temptation in the wilderness to meeting fishermen on the beach to eating with a tax collector in Jericho. Along the way, we will grow in our faith and faithfulness just as the disciples did as they walked with Jesus.
Our scripture today is Luke 4:16-30: "When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him."
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Theologians describe Jesus’ ministry as “peripatetic” because he moved from place to place. He did not just settle in Nazareth and tell everyone to come to him. He walked around and visited with people and talked with them and ate with them. In the five Sundays leading up to Palm Sunday, we will travel with Jesus from his temptation in the wilderness to meeting fishermen on the beach to eating with a tax collector in Jericho. Along the way, we will grow in our faith and faithfulness just as the disciples did as they walked with Jesus.
Our scripture today is Luke 4:1-13 - "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil."
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Our lives are a collection of mountain-top experiences and moments in valleys. At the midpoint of his public ministry, Jesus has a literal mountain-top experience. When his disciples suggest that they stay on the mountain, Jesus leads them back down because they cannot stay there. This is an important learning for us, too. As wonderful as these experiences are, we cannot stay there. We must travel back down to the valley. Our scripture reading is Luke 9:28-36.
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In the early years of the church, Christians struggled with what to believe. Several controversies arose over whether Jesus Christ was truly the son of God and what his death and resurrection meant. Around 180 C.E., Christians developed an early form of the Apostles’ Creed to refute some of these controversies and to clearly state what we believe. Our scripture reading is Jude 24-25.
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In the early years of the church, Christians struggled with what to believe. Several controversies arose over whether Jesus Christ was truly the son of God and what his death and resurrection meant. Around 180 C.E., Christians developed an early form of the Apostles’ Creed to refute some of these controversies and to clearly state what we believe. When people sought to join the church, they recited this creed as their statement of faith at their baptism. While the creed is one of the earliest expressions of Christianity, it still holds great meaning and power for our lives today. Today's scripture reading is Colossians 1:15-20: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created."
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In the early years of the church, Christians struggled with what to believe. Several controversies arose over whether Jesus Christ was truly the son of God and what his death and resurrection meant. Around 180 C.E., Christians developed an early form of the Apostles’ Creed to refute some of these controversies and to clearly state what we believe. When people sought to join the church, they recited this creed as their statement of faith at their baptism. While the creed is one of the earliest expressions of Christianity, it still holds great meaning and power for our lives today. Today's scripture reading is Isaiah 40:21-31.
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Rev. Anna Owens discusses Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain" from the Gospel of Luke, which is very similar to his "Sermon on the Mount" from the Gospel of Matthew. Our scripture reading today is Luke 6:17-26.
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In the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we have many stories about the public ministry of Jesus. We know of his teaching and preaching and miracles. We know of his last supper, washing his disciples’ feet, and his arrest, torture and crucifixion. We know of his resurrection from the dead and his encounters with his disciples and his ascension. But we know precious little about his life as a child and young person. In these Sundays following Christmas, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore three stories about Jesus the baby, the boy, and the adolescent.
Today, we learn about Jesus the adolescent from Luke 2:41-52: "Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was 12 years old, they went up as usual for the festival."
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In the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we have many stories about the public ministry of Jesus. We know of his teaching and preaching and miracles. We know of his last supper, washing his disciples’ feet, and his arrest, torture and crucifixion. We know of his resurrection from the dead and his encounters with his disciples and his ascension. But we know precious little about his life as a child and young person. In these Sundays following Christmas, we will explore three stories about Jesus the baby, the boy, and the adolescent.
Today, we hear about Jesus the boy. Our scripture readings are Matthew 2:13-23 and the Infancy Gospel of Thomas 2.
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In the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we have many stories about the public ministry of Jesus. We know of his teaching and preaching and miracles. We know of his last supper, washing his disciples’ feet, and his arrest, torture and crucifixion. We know of his resurrection from the dead and his encounters with his disciples and his ascension. But we know precious little about his life as a child and young person. In these Sundays following Christmas, we will explore three stories about Jesus the baby, the boy, and the adolescent.
Today, we hear about Jesus the baby: "When the eighth day came, it was time to circumcise the child, and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb." Our scripture reading is Luke 2:21-40.
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"Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power." (Ephesians 3:7) "When it is time to know it, you will know it." That was a refrain Alice Whitson recalls her Greek professor using during seminary and that wisdom has shown up in her own life over and over. God's love and grace and forgiveness for God's people can be like that: When we need to know it, we will know it. Today's scripture was Matthew 2:1-12.
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“After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers” (Luke 2:46-47). Today's scripture reading is Luke 2:41-52.
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“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” —Matthew 24:36. The season of Advent is a time of anticipation and waiting. Advent comes from the Latin “adventus” which means “coming” or “arrival.” In Advent, we wait for the birth of the Christ child. Yet theologians talk about three advents: the birth of Jesus at Christmas, the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and the second coming of Jesus. We will explore these three advents even as we wait to celebrate the baby born in Bethlehem. Today's scripture reading is Matthew 24:36-44.
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Today, Morning Stars Children's Music proudly presents our annual Christmas musical. “Arrest These Merry Gentlemen!” is a wild and crazy show telling the story of a band of unruly shepherds and angels. Are they disturbing the peace or simply spreading good news? Our scripture reading today is Luke 2:1-14.
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The season of Advent is a time of anticipation and waiting. Advent comes from the Latin “adventus” which means “coming” or “arrival.” In Advent, we wait for the birth of the Christ child. Yet theologians talk about three advents: the birth of Jesus at Christmas, the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and the second coming of Jesus. We will explore these three advents even as we wait to celebrate the baby born in Bethlehem. Our scripture reading today is Acts 1:4-8.
While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “...For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” —Acts 1:4-5
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The season of Advent is a time of anticipation and waiting. Advent comes from the Latin “adventus” which means “coming” or “arrival.” In Advent, we wait for the birth of the Christ child. Yet theologians talk about three advents: the birth of Jesus at Christmas, the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and the second coming of Jesus. We will explore these three advents even as we wait to celebrate the baby born in Bethlehem. Today's scripture reading is Luke 1:46-55.
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In the last chapter of the Revelation to John, the last book of the Bible, an angel shows John a vision of the water of life flowing from God’s throne. Straddling the river is the tree of life producing fruit for all creation and the leaves that come from the tree of life are for the healing of all the nations. We live in a world that is both beautiful and hurting. As we enter this giving season, we remember that our giving is for the purpose of healing. On each Sunday, we will explore how God calls us to be like leaves from the tree of life for the healing and transformation of the world. Today's scripture reading is Isaiah 55:1-5.
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In the last chapter of the Revelation to John, the last book of the Bible, an angel shows John a vision of the water of life flowing from God’s throne. Straddling the river is the tree of life producing fruit for all creation and the leaves that come from the tree of life are for the healing of all the nations. We live in a world that is both beautiful and hurting. As we enter this giving season, we remember that our giving is for the purpose of healing. On each Sunday, we will explore how God calls us to be like leaves from the tree of life for the healing and transformation of the world.
Sermon preached at Village Church Mission Campus on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Our scripture reading today is Galatians 5:16-23.
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In the last chapter of the Revelation to John, the last book of the Bible, an angel shows John a vision of the water of life flowing from God’s throne. Straddling the river is the tree of life producing fruit for all creation and the leaves that come from the tree of life are for the healing of all the nations. We live in a world that is both beautiful and hurting. As we enter this giving season, we remember that our giving is for the purpose of healing. On each Sunday, we will explore how God calls us to be like leaves from the tree of life for the healing and transformation of the world.
Our scripture reading is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
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In the last chapter of the Revelation to John, the last book of the Bible, an angel shows John a vision of the water of life flowing from God’s throne. Straddling the river is the tree of life producing fruit for all creation and the leaves that come from the tree of life are for the healing of all the nations. We live in a world that is both beautiful and hurting. As we enter this giving season, we remember that our giving is for the purpose of healing. On each Sunday, we will explore how God calls us to be like leaves from the tree of life for the healing and transformation of the world.
Today is All Saint's Day, where we honor those loved ones who have gone before us in the prior year and give thanks for our Gifts of Remembering. Our scripture reading is Philippians 1:3-11.
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From our earliest days as a nation, our democracy has been described as the “American experiment.” Then and even now, the very notion that a disparate group of people could come together and elect representatives to govern themselves seems incredible. For 248 years through a civil war and protests and riots, the American experiment has continued. Yet for many, it seems more fragile today than ever. In this preaching series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore what it means to be both an American and a Christian. Our scripture reading is Amos 5:18-24.
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From our earliest days as a nation, our democracy has been described as the “American experiment.” Then and even now, the very notion that a disparate group of people could come together and elect representatives to govern themselves seems incredible. For 248 years through a civil war and protests and riots, the American experiment has continued. Yet for many, it seems more fragile today than ever. In this preaching series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore what it means to be both an American and a Christian. Our scripture reading is Mark 3:20-25.
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From our earliest days as a nation, our democracy has been described as the “American experiment.” Then and even now, the very notion that a disparate group of people could come together and elect representatives to govern themselves seems incredible. For 248 years through a civil war and protests and riots, the American experiment has continued. Yet for many, it seems more fragile today than ever. In this preaching series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore what it means to be both an American and a Christian. Our scripture reading is Romans 13:1-7.
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From our earliest days as a nation, our democracy has been described as the “American experiment.” Then and even now, the very notion that a disparate group of people could come together and elect representatives to govern themselves seems incredible. For 248 years through a civil war and protests and riots, the American experiment has continued. Yet for many, it seems more fragile today than ever. In this preaching series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore what it means to be both an American and a Christian. Our scripture reading is Deuteronomy 4:5-8.
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In Matthew’s gospel, the last charge of Jesus Christ to his disciples was to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). This has always been the task of the church—to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all peoples and to invite them into a loving relationship with him and with his body, the church. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore ways we reach out to others to do as Jesus asked us. Our scripture reading is John 13:31-35.
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In Matthew’s gospel, the last charge of Jesus Christ to his disciples was to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). This has always been the task of the church—to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all peoples and to invite them into a loving relationship with him and with his body, the church. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore ways we reach out to others to do as Jesus asked us. Our scripture reading today is Nehemiah 2:17-3:5.
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In Matthew’s gospel, the last charge of Jesus Christ to his disciples was to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). This has always been the task of the church—to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all peoples and to invite them into a loving relationship with him and with his body, the church. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore ways we reach out to others to do as Jesus asked us.
Sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka at Village Church Mission Campus on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.
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In Matthew’s gospel, the last charge of Jesus Christ to his disciples was to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). This has always been the task of the church—to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all peoples and to invite them into a loving relationship with him and with his body, the church. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore ways we reach out to others to do as Jesus asked us. Our scripture reading is Ephesians 4:1-6.
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Rev. Zach Walker concludes the preaching series "Seeing God" with his sermon "Come and See." We live in a world where we can see and learn so much through media. Far flung parts of the world are visible to us. News of struggles and problems that were once trapped now receive a global audience. But what can we do in light of this knowledge? Sometimes, even in today’s world, there is no substitute for Jesus calling us to come and see. Our scripture today is John 1:35-39.
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This month we have been looking at where we see God in the movies. God, of course, also shows up in our lives. Today our youth lead us in worship, and we will hear how some of them saw God over the summer – in both expected and unexpected ways. They challenge us to examine our own lives, and to share with others when we have seen God show up. Our scripture reading is John 9:1-7, 35-38.
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Sam: "By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are. It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something."
Frodo: "What are we holding onto, Sam?"
Sam: "That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo…and it’s worth fighting for."
-- Sam's speech in "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," by J.R.R. Tolkien
Many people draw a clear distinction between the “sacred” and the “secular.” In their worldview, sacred things have to do with God and secular things have nothing to do with God. This view places limits on God’s activity in the world. The psalmist reminds us that “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” This means that God is present in all times and places. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore how God is revealed in three films. Today, we look at "The Lord of the Rings." Our scripture reading is Luke 6:43-45.
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"You have forgotten who you are, and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the circle of life." -- The ghost of Mufasa speaking to his son, Simba, in "The Lion King"
Many people draw a clear distinction between the “sacred” and the “secular.” In their worldview, sacred things have to do with God and secular things have nothing to do with God. This view places limits on God’s activity in the world. The psalmist reminds us that “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” This means that God is present in all times and places. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore how God is revealed in three films. Today, we look at the Disney classic "The Lion King." Our scripture reading is 1 Peter 2:9-10.
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"But as for Aslan himself, the Beavers and the children didn't know what to do or say when they saw him. People who have not been in Narnia sometimes think that a thing cannot be good and terrible at the same time. If the children had ever thought so, they were cured of it now. For when they tried to look at Aslan's face they just caught a glimpse of the golden mane and the great, royal, solemn, overwhelming eyes; and then they found they couldn't look at him and went all trembly." -- C.S. Lewis, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"
Many people draw a clear distinction between the “sacred” and the “secular.” In their worldview, sacred things have to do with God and secular things have nothing to do with God. This view places limits on God’s activity in the world. The psalmist reminds us that “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” This means that God is present in all times and places. In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore how God is revealed in three films. Today, we look at The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Our scripture reading is Genesis 28:10-17.
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Throughout the Bible, the table holds a prominent place in the stories of God’s people. From the directions to build a table around which the people may gather in Exodus, to God preparing a table for us in the presence of our enemies in Psalm 23, to Jesus overturning tables in the temple in Jerusalem, to his last supper around a table with his disciples, the table is place of power and hope and justice and righteousness and love. This summer, our pastors will be preaching on passages about the table as a source of grace for us all.
Sermon preached by Rev. Melanie Hardison at Village Church Mission Campus on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Our scripture reading is Mark 14:12-25.
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Throughout the Bible, the table holds a prominent place in the stories of God’s people. From the directions to build a table around which the people may gather in Exodus, to God preparing a table for us in the presence of our enemies in Psalm 23, to Jesus overturning tables in the temple in Jerusalem, to his last supper around a table with his disciples, the table is place of power and hope and justice and righteousness and love. This summer, our pastors will be preaching on passages about the table as a source of grace for us all.
Today's scripture reading is Luke 7:36-50.
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Today's scripture reading is Matthew 21:12-17.
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Our scripture reading is Mark 7:24-37.
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Our scripture reading is 1 Kings 17:8-16.
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Our scripture reading is Mark 8:1-10.
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Our scripture reading is Acts 11:1-8.
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Our scripture reading is Psalm 23.
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Our scripture reading is John 2:1-11.
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Our scripture reading is Exodus 25:1-9, 23-30.
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Today's scripture reading is Acts 2:1-21.
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Our scripture reading is Romans 6:1-11.
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Our scripture reading is Nehemiah 8:1-12.
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Our scripture reading is Exodus 15:1-18.
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Our scripture reading is Psalm 51:1-3, 6-12.
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We are a busy church. Across our ministries, we do many things: mission, education, fellowship, caregiving. But the one thing the church does that sets us apart from all other groups and organizations is worship of the Living God. But different churches worship God in different ways. In this sermon series, The Ways We Worship, we will explore the different elements of our worship. From the call to worship to the confession of sin to our hymns and sacraments, we will explore how and why we worship the way we do. Our scripture reading is Psalm 34:1-10.
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Our scripture reading is Luke 24:13-32.
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Sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Village Church Mission Campus. Our scripture reading is Matthew 21:1-11.
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Our scripture reading is Romans 12:9-21.
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Our scripture reading is Romans 12:15-21.
Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston is senior pastor at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City and was Village's Meneilly visiting scholar this weekend. He holds a B.A. in history and religion from St. Olaf's College, an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School and a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Johnston was professor of homiletics at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
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Lent is a time of contemplation and preparation for the days of Holy week leading up the arrest, torture, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During this time, we are invited to engage in practices that will help shape our lives as we journey with Jesus to the cross and the empty tomb. Our scripture reading is Matthew 6:25-34.
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Lent is a time of contemplation and preparation for the days of Holy week leading up the arrest, torture, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During this time, we are invited to engage in practices that will help shape our lives as we journey with Jesus to the cross and the empty tomb. Our scripture reading is Matthew 6:16-18.
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Lent is a time of contemplation and preparation for the days of Holy week leading up the arrest, torture, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During this time, we are invited to engage in practices that will help shape our lives as we journey with Jesus to the cross and the empty tomb. Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka begins his Lenten Sermon Series, “Practicing Lent” with “The Practice of Prayer.” Our scripture reading is Matthew 6:5-15.
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Our 75th anniversary affords us an opportunity to look back and give thanks for God’s great faithfulness. It is a time for celebration. It is also a time to look to the next 75 years and beyond. What is God calling us to do and to be for our next 75 years? God has indeed been faithful and in response, let us lean into God’s future! Rev. Sarah Are Speed is an associate pastor at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City and the daughter of former Village Church senior pastor, Rev. Tom Are, Jr. and Carol Are. Our scripture reading is Joshua 4:1-6, 21b-24.
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In our earliest days, Village Presbyterian Church was known as “the mission church on Mission Road” because of our commitment to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the whole world. Not content to focus on ourselves, the first decision of the new church 75 years ago was to send money to support the founding of new churches in other places. Jesus sent his first followers to go and make disciples of all nations. Today, we renew our commitment to obey that great commission to go to the world! Our scripture reading is Matthew 28:18-20.
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The psalmist calls upon us to “make a joyful noise unto God!” Over these 75 years, the ministry of music has lifted our hearts and sent our spirits soaring. Blessed with talented leadership and the dedication of thousands of volunteers, choirs of children, youth and adults lifting their voices and ringing bells and playing instruments have marked every season. So, we join with the saints in heaven as we “Sing praise to God who reigns above, the God of all creation!” Our scripture reading is Psalm 98.
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Courageous and not without conflict and controversy, the welcome of all peoples was built into the early ethos of Village Church. When Prairie Village housing covenants denied property ownership to African-Americans and others, our founding pastor, Dr. Bob Meneilly, called for us to welcome everyone. In later years, we welcomed the leadership of women and the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons in our midst. We did this so that all would be welcome in this place! Our scripture reading is Luke 14:15-24.
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From its first days, Village Church has sought to nurture and sustain a vibrant faith in persons of all ages. Through caring for our infants and toddlers to dynamic pre-schools on two campuses and a well-known Child and Family Development Center to children’s ministries and caring for families to ministries with youth and young adults and adult faith formation, we have sought to help each one grow in their faith in Jesus Christ. Truly we have come this far by faith! Our scripture reading is Hebrews 11:1-8.
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As we enter a new year together, what does it look like to watch for the star? To look for those signs of God’s arrival in our lives and in our world? Epiphany season points to discovery, illumination, a new realization. We are still in a time of long nights and short days, and the concept of spiritual “dark” and “light” may hold more than first meets the eye. In Barbara Brown Taylor’s “Learning to Walk in the Dark,” she lifts up some of the unique gifts that only the darkness can bring. But here in Isaiah, the prophet speaks to a new dawn with brightness, rising, and radiance—people gathering together from near and far. This passage of Hebrew Scripture has been used by Christians to point toward Matthew 2:1-12, and the coming of the Magi to the newborn Messiah—even connecting the details of gold and frankincense.
Tying into Matthew’s Gospel, what does this story teach us afresh about the gifts we bring? The unexpected ways wisdom shows up? The scope of this good news that extends widely into nations and peoples beyond our own? As we celebrate this coming anniversary of God’s mission through Village Church, what are some unique gifts of this congregation? How has Village been a light through many a troubled time, and into the future? How are we invited even now to “rise and shine” in this new day? Our scripture reading is Isaiah 60:1-6.
Rev. Cari Pattison, daughter of Marilyn and Dave and sister of George and Joe Pattison, is grateful to be a child of Village Church. She was baptized and confirmed at Village. Both her maternal and paternal grandparents were charter members. With fond memories of Village Church Advent workshops, VBS, day camp, youth group trips, listening to Dr. Bob's sermons, teaching Sunday school and serving on youth ministry staff, Cari traces her call to ministry most centrally to this congregation and God's gift of faith formation here. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 2007, she currently serves as pastor of the Woodstock Reformed Church in Woodstock, New York, where the Hudson Valley meets the Catskills. She loves walking her dog Ollie, teaching yoga at the studio down the street and hiking with friends—especially the Appalachian Trail!
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Rev. Sally S. Wright led worship Sunday, Dec. 31. She asked: Do miracles simply exist in ancient stories or do they still happen today? Our scripture reading was Luke 2:22-40, the story of Simeon and his reaction to meeting the Christ child.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka reminded us of the importance of names, and in this particular sermon, he delved into "Emmanuel, God With Us," and what it means that our God stops at nothing to be with us. Scripture readings were: Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:8-20 and Matthew 2:1-12.
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Throughout the Hebrew scriptures, God is named as “Father.” God is understood to be the parent of all peoples. Jesus, too, embodies the role of parent to his disciples, the women and men who followed him. He talks sternly to them at times yet with compassion. He worries about them. He is hurt by them. He clearly loves them without condition. And while they did not understand it then, his love would endure beyond time and place. His love would be everlasting! Our scripture reading is Revelation 21:1-8.
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The early church struggled to understand Jesus’ relationship with God. He was the Son of God and yet, at the same time, Thomas names Jesus as “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) In Jesus we know the mighty God. Time and again Jesus displays the power and strength of God. Jesus carries in him divine power and that power transforms and changes every person with whom he comes into relationship. Our scripture reading is Psalm 96.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka begins his Advent Sermon Series, “For Unto Us a Child is Born.” As the prophet Isaiah sees the coming of the new king, he will be a “wonderful counselor.” The term “counselor” has more to do with how Jesus Christ leads and governs. He will govern with justice and righteousness. He will help the people live in safety and wholeness. In this way, his reign will be filled with wonder. Our scripture reading is Isaiah 9:1-7.
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Everywhere we turn, human beings seek to define who is and who isn’t part of the community of God. But the promises that Christ embodies often go one step past what feels comfortable for us. Even the very human Jesus sometimes encounters this discomfort, as he did when he rejected the Canaanite woman. Fortunately, she believes so deeply in the promises of God that she refuses to allow human categories to keep her daughter from a miracle. There is an extended metaphor here, if we have eyes to see it, about God’s love being a spiral with no end, rather than a tightly drawn circle of who belongs and who does not. Our scripture reading is Matthew 15:10-28.
Our guest preacher Rev. Caroline Barnett is a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA) and most recently served as the associate pastor/campus minister for First Presbyterian Church of Auburn, Alabama. She received her Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Texas and has a Bachelor of Arts in religion and anthropology from Kalamazoo College in Michigan. Before being ordained as a teaching elder, Caroline was ordained as a youth ruling elder by Village Church, an experience that informed her call to ministry. Caroline currently lives in Kansas City.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka concludes his series “Giving Thanks” with “Giving Thanks for All God’s Good Gifts” on Commitment Sunday.Our scripture reading is Psalm 138.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka preaches about what it means to be salt and light. Jesus talks about you and me and says, "You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world." Rodger tells us more about how Christ is calling us to be salt and light for the whole world every day. Our scripture reading is Matthew 5:13-16.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka explores the different gifts that God has given to us through our Young Adult Ministry. Our scripture reading is Matthew 19:16-22.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka explores the different gifts that God has given to us through our ministries with young people. Our scripture reading is Luke 2:41-52.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka explores the different gifts that God has given to us through our ministries with children and families. Our scripture reading is Mark 10:13-16.
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History inspires us. History includes the story of Abraham and Ruth. We have the words of Isaiah and the song of Mary. We remember the deeds of Jesus and the perseverance of Paul. There was the theological courage of John Calvin and the prophetic courage of Martin Luther King Jr. We remember the pastoral heart in the ministry of Dr. Bob Meneilly [founding pastor of Village Church]. The story of our faith includes all of this, and much, much more. But we dare not forget, the days ahead of us matter as much to God as the days behind us. Our scripture reading is Mark 1:9-15.
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The early church remembers a woman named Tabitha. When she died, her friends summoned the apostle Peter. Peter prayed for her, and she got up. The church remembers the miracle. But the church also remembers with equal clarity her kindness. Our scripture reading is Acts 9:36-43.
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“We believe; help our unbelief.” This prayer has become part of our liturgy at Village Presbyterian Church. It is an unavoidable prayer, not because our faith is weak, but because the Gospel is so big. The call of this Gospel is so demanding it is never something we embrace with certainty, but with hope. This is why we pray, “We believe; help our unbelief.” Our scripture reading is Mark 9:14-29.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka offers a phrase that is central to his faith. Our scripture reading is Isaiah 42:5-9.
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When you have all the time in the world, you can talk about anything and nothing. But when time is short, you want to say what matters. Over the next few weeks, Rev. Tom Are, Jr. will lift up some language we have shared together. They are phrases that he wishes to leave with you as a type of blessing, and to express his gratitude for you. Next Sunday, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will join the series and offer a phrase that is central to his faith, and will be important words going forward. Our scripture readings are Mark 16:1-8 and Nehemiah 7:73b-8:10.
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Every year new officers of the church answer some important questions. These questions point to theological convictions we, as people of the church, hold dear. In this series, Rev. Tom Are, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore the theological promise of these questions. Today we begin with considering what it means to trust in Jesus Christ. Our scripture reading is John 20:19-31.
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Have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation of your own making? Moses did. He led the Israelites out of slavery only to find himself surrounded by desert with no clear map of where to go. They were lost. They had run low on food, and now they were without water. In times like that, it is natural to ask, “Just what are we doing here? And why does it have to be so difficult?” Does God have anything to say in reply? Our scripture reading is Exodus 17:1-7.
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The unknowns of something new can be daunting. Yet, when we step beyond the comfort of our borders, we get to experience the mystery and beauty of God’s faithfulness to us. Today, our students are sharing with us how they answered the call to step outside of their comfort zones this summer. Peyton Yowell and Anika Brim preached the Gathering worship service. Our scripture readings are Matthew 4:18-22 and Luke 6:12-19.
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The unknowns of something new can be daunting. Yet, when we step beyond the comfort of our borders, we get to experience the mystery and beauty of God’s faithfulness to us. Today, our students are sharing with us how they answered the call to step outside of their comfort zones this summer. Tula Richard and Jack Vaughan preached the morning worship services. Our scripture readings are Matthew 4:18-22 and Luke 6:12-19.
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Today we turn to Pixar's “Up." The Gospel story is ultimately a love story of God’s love shown in Jesus Christ. After Jesus completes his public ministry on earth, he goes to heaven. From there the Gospel takes a turn from holding on to Jesus to letting him go and moving forward with his commission to “Go into all the world and make disciples…” Our scripture reading is Luke 24:44-53.
We have edited out portions of this sermon that contain copyrighted video clips from the movie “Up." To watch these at home on your own copy of the movie, please refer to the following timestamps:
-
- Ellie and Carl opening story - 7:11-11:29
- Mr. Fredricksen gives up the house to save Kevin, Doug and Russell - 1:23:36-1:25-56
- Senior Explorers badge award for assisting the elderly - 1:26:56-1:28:44
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Today we turn to Pixar's “Inside Out." Jesus loved Lazarus and Martha and Mary. When their brother Lazarus takes ill, sisters Mary and Martha send for Jesus, but he does not come right away. By the time he arrives, Lazarus has died and Martha, Mary and many others blame Jesus, and Jesus grieves his death. Part of what it means to be family is to be sad together. Our scripture reading is John 11:28-36.
We have edited out portions of this sermon that contain copyrighted video clips from the movie Inside Out. To watch these at home on your own copy of the movie, please refer to the following timestamps:
- Introducing Riley and Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, Disgust: 1:04 to 4:22
- Dinner table scene: 26:44 to 30:04
- Riley comes home: 1:19:58 to 1:23:54
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Today we turn to Pixar's "Toy Story." Jesus calls us his friends because we do what he has commanded us to do. To be a friend is a wonderful gift, which is why it is so painful when a friendship is lost. Our scripture reading is John 15:12-17.
We have edited out portions of this sermon that contain copyrighted video clips from the movie Toy Story. To watch these clips at home on your own copy of the movie, please refer to the following timestamps, or watch the clips on YouTube at the links below: [links coming! check back soon]
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The Gospel tells of a God who, when we are lost, will wait for us and then when we find our way home, will run and welcome us with open arms! Our scripture reading is Luke 15:11-32.
We have edited out portions of this sermon that contain copyrighted video clips from the movie Finding Nemo. To watch these at home on your own copy of the movie, please refer to the following timestamps:
- Introducing Marlin and Nemo - 1:38-4:57
- The story of Marlin’s journey to find Nemo - 55:26-57:14
- Finding Nemo - 1:29:27-1:30:50
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We conclude our series “In Joy” with some closing words from the most joyful letter in the Bible. Paul’s letter to the Philippians ends less with a spirit of exuberance, and more with a sense of contentment. Perhaps, contentment is the soil in which joy blossoms. Our scripture reading is Philippians 4:4-7, 10-14.
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Internationally renowned poet and author David Whyte has described joy as “a deep form of love...the fleeting presence of those we love understood as a gift.” Joy is not a solo act. Joy lives in me, but it is rooted in us. Our scripture reading is 2 Timothy 4:9-18.
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Joy is not limited to an experience. The deepest joy is the result of spiritual practice. There are many spiritual practices, and one practice is sabbath observance. When we remember what time is for, we remember what our lives are for. When we remember the purpose of each day, joy is easier to experience. Our scripture reading is Exodus 20:8-11.
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Human beings need joy. Joy can result from the positive circumstances in our lives, but if positive circumstances are required, then joy will be elusive. No life escapes disappointment. No life escapes suffering. Yet, Christ teaches us that aided by courage as well as some practices, joy can find us even in hard times. Our scripture reading is Luke 15:3-10.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka explores the criticism that the church is anti-science. Our scripture reading is Romans 12:1-2.
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Rev. Anna Owens explores the criticism that the church is anti-women. Our scripture reading is Luke 7:36-50.
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Rev. Dr. Dionne Boyice explores the criticism that the church is anti-gay. Our scripture reading is John 3:16-17.
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If we are honest, as sinful human beings we judge others too readily and we are hypocritical in that we do not always act in accordance with what we say. Given that, the call of the church is to be authentic, to be honest, to be real. Our scripture reading is Romans 14:1-12.
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The story claims that there was a day when all the people of the earth spoke one language. That would surely aid communication. It would certainly benefit unity. If we all spoke the same language and used the same words, it would obviously be easier for everyone to be on the same page. Why did God confuse their language and scatter the people? Our scripture readings are Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-13.
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Two brothers went to worship, and one ended up dead. This tragedy happened, in part, because of envy, but also because God stirred things up in church. Our scripture reading is Genesis 4:1-16.
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It didn’t take long for the train to jump the rails, as they say. The good creation of God falls on hard times as the creatures created in God’s image reject the ways of God. It is the deeds that matter, but deeds always begin with thoughts and motivations. Sometimes, we think our ideas are better than God’s ideas. Our scripture readings are Genesis 2:15-17 and Genesis 3:1-21.
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The Bible begins with some remarkable stories. They read like stories of people who lived at the beginning of time, but they are better understood as stories that describe what is true about all people. At the most basic level, these stories bear witness to what is good and what is not good. Our scripture reading is Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-25.
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In the Gospel of Matthew, we read of a time when all peoples of the earth will be judged not according to our wealth or power but according to how we treat a special group of persons: the least of these. Why? Because in caring for the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, sick, and the prisoner, we care for Jesus himself. Our scripture reading is Matthew 25:31-40.
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Rev. Dr. Darren Kennedy grew up in Village Church and is currently serving as a professor of theology and the academic dean at Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo, Egypt. He worked as a summer intern at Village Church in 1991-1992, served as director of senior-high ministries from 1993-1996 and was ordained at Village. Village Church has supported his work as a PC(USA) mission co-worker in Egypt since 1999. Darren studied the politics and economics of the Middle East as an undergraduate at Princeton University. He earned his M.Div. at Princeton Theological Seminary and later his Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh.
Our scripture reading is Luke 24:13-35.
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In the second creation story in Genesis, God gave the human the power to name all the creatures. With the naming comes the responsibility to care for all of earth’s creatures. As we come upon Earth Day, we are reminded that God calls us by name to care for the earth and all her creatures. Our scripture reading is Genesis 2:1-19.
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He is Risen! Our scripture reading is John 21:1-19.
Sermon preached by Rev. Tom Are on April 9, 2023 at Village Church Mission Campus.
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It was a parade which lasted most of the day. There was singing and people spread their cloaks on the ground to prepare the way for the king. Like all parades, this one came to an end. But the truth of this day will never stop. Our scripture reading is Luke 19:29-40.
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Peter was following Jesus. That’s a good thing. From their first encounter, Jesus called Peter to follow. Yet, the text states that Peter follows “at a distance.” The distance shows up not in yards or miles on the ground, but in the kind of distance measured in the human heart. From that distance, fear is real, and denial is possible. Our scripture reading is Luke 22:31-33, 54-62.
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“You are the Christ!” This was Peter’s confession. The Christ, or Messiah, was the long-awaited, long-promised one of Judaism. Peter believed God had finally fulfilled this promise in Jesus. Peter was right about that. So, we have to wonder, given that he was right about Jesus being the Christ, why Jesus calls him Satan? Our scripture reading is Mark 8:27-33.
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Jesus walked on water, which is quite a trick! But more impressively, Peter walked on water. He was not as good at it as Jesus was, but for a while he was dancing on the waves. In a world that is as broken and chaotic as this one, some water walking might just be what is needed. Our scripture reading is Matthew 14:22-33.
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For one who makes a living fishing, the best day is the day you catch a fish as big as a boat, or the day you catch a boatload of fish. For Peter, the latter occurred. But it turned out to be anything but his best day. Our scripture reading is Luke 5:1-11.
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Jesus invites his followers to “get a life,” as some folks might say these days. Jesus understands that life is a gift. It is a gift that is beautiful, but also broken at times. To embody life as Jesus does, some things will need to be left behind. Our scripture reading is Mark 1:14-20.
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Rev. Sally Wright shares, "The best baby gift I received was a retired pediatric nurse offering to stay overnight and keep watch over my twin three-month-old babies. What a gift to have someone remain present with my children for one whole, uninterrupted night of sleep for me! In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked his disciples to stay awake with him and pray. The poor disciples could not seem to stay awake, unlike the nurse who kept my kids all night. There is a close connection between presence and prayer. If Jesus can ask the disciples to be present and to pray, we can take his example and ask for it, too. Let’s explore together.”
Our scripture reading is Mark 14:32-41a.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka concludes this preaching series on the seven "I Am" statements of Jesus Christ. In this last statement, Jesus says, "I am the vine and you are the branches. Apart from me, you can do nothing." So, in times of great joy and in times of great sorrow, in times of tragedy, in times of loss, we turned to the one who is the true vine, to Jesus Christ, and we abide with him and in him, and that's where we find our hope. Our scripture reading is John 15:1-11.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka explores the sixth of the seven "I am" statements of Jesus Christ. Jesus makes this “I am” statement in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Together we explore what it means that Jesus says he is the way, the truth, and the life, and what it means when he says no one comes to God except through him. Our scripture reading is John 14:1-7.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka explores what it means to follow a God and a Savior and a Spirit that has triumphed over death. We explore what it means when Jesus says, "I am the resurrection and the life." Our scripture reading today is John 11:17-27.
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What does it mean that Jesus says, "I am the Gate for the Sheepfold?" And what does it mean that Jesus says, "I am the Good Shepherd?" a marvelous conversation about knowing Jesus' voice, that the sheep know Jesus' voice and they follow the Good Shepherd. Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka talks about the competing voices that we hear these days and how we discern Jesus' voice amidst all the different voices of the age. Our scripture reading is John 10:1-18.
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We make the bold claim that we are the “Church of Jesus Christ” and that “Jesus is the cornerstone upon which the Church is built.” But who is Jesus really? In the Gospel of John, there are seven times when Jesus tells us who he is; seven times Jesus says, “I am...” In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka explores each of these seven “I am” statements and together, we will discover what they say about Jesus Christ and what they say about us. This sermon turns to the "I am" statement "I am the Light of the World." Our scripture reading is John 8:12-20.
Sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka on Jan. 15, 2022 at Village Church Mission Campus.
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We make the bold claim that we are the “Church of Jesus Christ” and that “Jesus is the cornerstone upon which the Church is built.” But who is Jesus really? In the Gospel of John, there are seven times when Jesus tells us who he is; seven times Jesus says, “I am...” In this sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka explores each of these seven “I am” statements and together, we will discover what they say about Jesus Christ and what they say about us. Today Rodger turns to the "I am" statement "I am the Bread of Life." Our scripture reading is John 6:25-35.
Sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka on Jan. 8, 2022 at Village Church Mission Campus.
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Each New Year brings the hope that life might be different, that we might be different. We know that New Year’s resolutions are often short-lived—and we make them anyway (we are people of hope, after all). But there is a deeper longing underneath our resolutions. What if, like Bartimaeus, we claimed that deeper longing? What if, like the wise ones following the star to Jesus, we dared to truly follow God’s lead? Our scripture reading is Mark 10:46-52.
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Sermon preached by Rev. Tom Are on Christmas Morning, Dec. 25, 2022 at Village Church Mission Campus.
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Sermon preached by Rev. Tom Are on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2022 at Village Church Mission Campus.
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Zechariah didn’t speak for months. The entire time Elizabeth was pregnant with their son John, Zechariah said nothing. But after a long season of silence, Zechariah spoke, and when he does he offered a blessing upon his son. We could use more blessing in our lives. Our scripture reading is Luke 1:57-80.
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When Gabriel departs, Mary does two things. She rushes to visit Elizabeth, and then she sings. She does both of these because she is filled with joy. Joy is not the same thing as happiness. Joy requires courage, and it gives us a job to do. Our scripture reading is Luke 1:39-55.
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It was an unlikely meeting. It was surprising enough when Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, who, coming from a long line of priests, was doing his duty in the temple. If an angel were to appear, perhaps appearing to an old priest doing his duty in the temple is the first place you might look. But this time Gabriel appears in the middle of nowhere, to a young girl, we only know by the name of Mary. It was an unlikely meeting. But, as you know, God often does that which is unlikely. Our scripture reading is Luke 1:26-38.
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We all have our own personal lists of hopes and fears; sometimes life feels like we are perennially living between them. But what if we allow God to take a peek at those lists? And what if the depths of our fears, through God’s work this season, could spark both hope and change in our lives? Our scripture reading is 1 Kings 19:1-10.
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This week we’ll likely gather around tables with people we care about, and if we’re successful in remembering why we’ve gathered, we’ll recount our lists of gratitude. Our story for today takes us to another table. Perhaps like ours, not everyone around this table agreed with one another. But here, instead of talking about gratitude, Mary startles everyone at the party by giving us a radical example of what gratitude looks like. Two thousand years later, this story continues to invite us to consider what gratitude “does.” Our scripture reading is John 12:1-8.
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Stewardship is the spiritual practice of managing one’s resources with God in mind. It is an act of gratitude, as generosity is a response to the blessings of God. But more than gratitude, generosity is the spiritual practice of hope. We remember the help of God in ages past, so we trust that God will be at work for years to come... and our gifts make us a part of that future work. Our scripture readings are Deuteronomy 34 and Matthew 13:1-9.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka preaches about what it means to forgive. That to forgive others, and even to forgive ourselves—that too is part of the good that is ours to do. Our scripture reading is Matthew 18:21-35.
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The writer of Hebrews tells us that faith is “the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is the invitation to trust that God will be faithful to the promises God has made. Sometimes when our conviction falters, God places other people in our lives to encourage our faith. Our scripture reading is Hebrews 11:1-8, 29-12:2.
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...
We say it often: Do the good that is ours to do; share the love that is ours to share. Admittedly, given the size of the world’s problems, the love that we share may seem insignificant. But it matters. When we act in love God does her best work. Our scripture reading is 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a.
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...
We close the series “Sometimes We Need to Ask for Directions” with a focus on friendship. We have said many times: Our faith shows up in our relationships. Like the other practices we have considered in this series, friendship is also something we practice. Friendship shows up not only in your heart, but also on your calendar. Our scripture reading is 2 Timothy 4:9-22.
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...
Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka explores Jesus' last words to his disciples in the gospel of Matthew—his words that are called the “Great Commission,” when he sends his disciples out into the world to baptize and to make disciples and to teach. That's part of Village’s practice, too. Rodger explores what it means to be the church in mission in these days, what it means to share the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, with persons all around us. Our scripture reading is Matthew 28:16-20.
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Sometimes we speak of a faith journey, and sometimes we take that journey in a literal fashion, by going on a pilgrimage. Rev. Tom Are and Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka reflect on the importance of pilgrimage as a means to discover the vast expanse of God’s love. Our scripture readings are Acts 10:1-16 and Acts 10:27-33.
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As the disciples journey with Jesus, they see and hear him praying and ask him to teach them to pray. His gift to them and to us is what we now call “The Lord’s Prayer.” So, we join every Sunday with believers in every time and place in heaven and on earth to pray as Jesus taught us. There is great power in this. There is power in speaking directly to God. There is power in joining with one another. Yet even when words fail us, the Holy Spirit helps us to pray, even praying on our behalf. Our scripture readings are Matthew 6:7-13 and Luke 11:1-4.
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Jesus talked about truth, and even identified himself as the truth. One reason Jesus talked about truth so much is he knew that no community can live together apart from truth. Our scripture reading is Exodus 32:1-6, 15-24.
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The Bible is an old book, or better said, a collection of books—a library. It’s not magic. Both writers and readers are captured by the limits of their own time in history. Yet, the experience of the church has been, through the ages, that inspiration has been found in these old, old stories. We come again and again to the same words and discover new meaning. Rev. Tom Are preaches the impact of scripture is not simply what it teaches us, but what happens to us and through us when we discover its light. Our scripture reading is Luke 4:16-30.
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If you know about Joseph in the Bible, you know life does not come without challenges, difficulties and trauma. As we look at Joseph, we can draw out some insight about how we work through those difficult seasons, and we find a God who is willing to work both in us and for us, even in our darkest days. Our scripture reading is Genesis 37:18-28.
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We engage with God’s creation through our senses, and connecting faith to our experiences often takes reflection. God shows up, mysteriously and surprisingly, when we open our senses in faith. As we finish our series, “Sensing Faith,” our students are sharing with us how they have sensed God over the summer. Our scripture reading today is 1 Kings 19:11-13.
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Of the five classic senses (tasting, touching, hearing, smelling, seeing), smelling is the strongest trigger for emotion and memory. Dr. Jordan Gaines Lewis, a science communicator and postdoctoral researcher at Penn State University College of Medicine, says this is due to the brain’s anatomy. Incoming smells are first processed by the olfactory bulb, which starts inside the nose and runs along the bottom of the brain. The olfactory bulb has direct connections to two brain areas that are strongly implicated in emotion and memory: the amygdala and hippocampus. The other senses do not pass through these brain areas which is why smell, more than any other sense, is so powerful at triggering emotions and memories. The writer of the letter to the Ephesians calls upon us to be a “fragrant offering” to God and to the world. Today we will explore how we smell faith. Our scripture today is Ephesians 4:25-5:2.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka continues his three-part preaching series titled, "Sensing Faith." In this sermon series, we explore how faith comes through taste, sight and smell. In this sermon, we explore what it means to see faith around us and how that shapes and transforms our lives. Our scripture readings are John 20:24-29 and 1 John 1:1.
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A bitter pill to swallow, sour grapes, savor the moment, whisper sweet nothings... words about taste are infused in much of our language. Based on the information that is transported from the tongue to the brain, there are five basic qualities of taste: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami, a Japanese word that is most closely associated with “savory.” Throughout the Bible, there are many moments when people taste. From the Psalmist who invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” to the gifts of manna for the Hebrews wandering in the wilderness to Jesus’ miracle of the loaves and fishes, the only miracle recorded in all four gospels, God invites us to taste faith. Our scripture reading today is Exodus 16:1-14.
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When we behold magnificent mountain peaks, or new images of the universe, it can make us feel insignificant in the larger scheme of things. And in a way, we are. But we are significant, too—to the people we love, to the work we do, and especially to God. After all scripture tells us God knows the number of hairs on our heads. The mysteries of God and the universe can right-size us. They can also threaten our faith—or strengthen it. Our scripture reading today is Luke 12:22-34.
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“The Word became flesh.” We usually read this passage at Christmastime, but it has a different meaning outside the context of incarnation. Rev. Hallie Hottle preaches about the holiness of living in physical bodies in a physical world. Our scripture reading is John 1:14-16.
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Every time we tune in or show up to worship at church, we claim with our very bodies that God's love is real and present in this world. We gather each week to practice what it feels like to be satiated and surrounded by love. This may not happen each week, but we gather to practice loving God, loving each other and loving ourselves. Our scripture reading today is 1 John 4:7-11.
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There is little that can disappoint us more than other people. People who are unjust and lack compassion. People who lie and take advantage of any weakness in another. People who just don’t get it. Don’t you just wanna smack ‘em?! As Rev. Tom Are preaches in this sermon, it’s no mystery that loving your enemies is hard work. Our scripture reading is Matthew 5:43-48.
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Half a year away, the holiday we celebrate is Christmas. On that December night, we celebrate that God loved this world so much God chose to live in the world, to dwell with us. Rev. Tom Are preaches God’s love for this world is the foundational reason people of faith love where we live. The love of God is the basis for faithful patriotism. Our scripture reading is Mark 12:28-34.
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Philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” But what happens when the remembered past is painful? The pains of yesterday have a way of claiming power today. Or as William Faulkner once said, “The past isn’t dead. It’s not even past.” Memory is a powerful thing; it is also a risky thing. As Rev. Tom Are preaches in this sermon, sometimes we need to learn from the God who promises, “I will not remember your sins.” Our scripture readings are Isaiah 43:22-25 and selected portions of Genesis 44.
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Forgiveness is as common to Christian faith as prayer, hymns or love. Every week we remind ourselves that God’s forgiveness knows no limit. That is good news, until we meet those whom we wish God would punish for their sin. Grace can be amazing; it can also be offensive. Our scripture reading is Matthew 18:21-35.
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Prayer meetings. Prayer chains. Prayer groups. Prayer requests. What happens in God because of these prayers? What happens in us? Rev. Tom Are digs into the nature of prayer in today’s sermon. Today’s scripture is Luke 11:9-14.
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Prayer is the most basic spiritual practice. And yet, as Rev. Tom Are explains in today’s sermon, even those who pray with discipline and regularity seldom feel competent at prayer. We take comfort from the disciples who, even though they were with Jesus in person, pleaded with him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Our scripture reading is Luke 11:1-4.
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As the story goes in Matthew 13:24-30, there are weeds in the wheat field. Every life will know heartbreak and pain. No one escapes. The love of God offers no protection from the misery in the world. But the love of God does offer a way through, and love will win.
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One of the most moving moments in Paul’s letters is recorded in the opening verses of Philippians. Paul is in prison. The Philippian Christians have sent word to encourage Paul, to let him know that they are praying for him. What they hear back from Paul is his own words of encouragement to them: God is at work even in this dismal situation of prison. Therefore, do not be afraid. Rev. Tom Are journeys with Paul who has left us these words of encouragement. Our scripture reading is Philippians 1:12-14.
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Rev. Tom Are preaches about his own understanding of how Christian faith engages the larger community. How do we do that in a faithful manner? What should our attitude be towards politics? What are we supposed to talk about in church? Tom admits he doesn't have all the answers, but he shares with you how he thinks about this. Our scripture reading is Luke 4:16-30.
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The Sunday we announced this new sermon series (titled I Have a Question...), during the sermon Rev. Tom Are mentioned “the four things”—four pieces of advice he shared with his children. Since he failed to share what that advice was, many in the congregation inquired, “What are the four things?” Rev. Are begins this new series with a word on the four things. Our scripture reading is Deuteronomy 6:20-25.
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Let us wonder together if Emmaus might demonstrate what the post-resurrection Christian faith journey is like. Tell the story. Welcome strangers. Offer a meal. Sometimes we do not know we have encountered Jesus until afterwards. Our scripture reading is The Message translation of Luke 24:13-35.
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In Isaiah 43:16-20, God speaks through Isaiah the familiar words: “I am about to do a new thing—now it springs forth!” God then follows these words of hope and new life with the question: “Do you not perceive it?” Indeed, God knows—our perception is not always clear and sharp. Sometimes in life, we see God’s work only in hindsight. But in the creation around us, we have evidence that God is continually at work. We may not always perceive it, but we can trust it.
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We conclude our series “Life in the Wilderness” walking through the Gospel of Mark. Mark has some encouragement, some affirmation, some wisdom to offer us about how we might encounter the risen Christ. Rev. Tom Are preaches Mark also knows that we can't come to Easter with certainty. We often have some questions. The news is so good, it's hard to take in without some doubt. Our scripture reading is Mark 16:1-8.
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It was quite a parade. People were singing. Others were making sure the young donkey had a green carpet on which to trod. The crowd seemed to grow, as it often does with parades, particularly those that are unscheduled. But when Jesus reaches the city of Jerusalem, the crowds drop away. He enters the city alone. No doubt, he always knew he would have to do this part alone. Our Palm Sunday scripture reading is Mark 11:1-11.
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We welcome to the pulpit Rev. Jimmie Hawkins as our guest preacher. In our Gospel readings, Jesus is a few days away from his arrest, torture, and crucifixion. Mary, a friend of Jesus, anoints his feet with precious oil. One of the disciples, Judas, complains about how Mary wasted the expensive perfume and says the money could have been given to the poor, but Jesus tells him, “You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” Rev. Hawkins will help us understand what Jesus meant by this and what it means for us today. Our scripture readings are Isaiah 43:16-21 and John 12:1-8.
Rev. Jimmie Hawkins is the director of the Presbyterian Church’s Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary in Atlanta and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. He has served churches in Virginia and North Carolina and was called to serve the national church in 2016. He is a longtime friend of Rev. Tom Are and Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka. His visit to Village is sponsored by the Social Justice Ministry and made possible by a generous gift from the Endowment Trust.
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Mark 10:46-54 is the last passage in a section of Mark’s Gospel that is all about discipleship. The section begins with Jesus opening the eyes of the blind man at Bethsaida. It concludes with Jesus opening the eyes of blind Bartimaeus. It suggests that discipleship is in part a matter of seeing things rightly…specifically, seeing what it is to be human.
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There was a man who came to Jesus with an important question. It’s a question, at one time or another, everyone probably thinks about. Typical of Jesus, he doesn’t really give an answer. More than anything, Jesus tries to change the man’s question. Our scripture reading is Mark 10:17-27.
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When John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus knew then that things would be difficult for him. Yet, after miracle upon miracle, Jesus’ disciples assumed the Messiah’s life would be defined by power. The real power in Jesus’ life was the power of love. The question of the ages is this: why is love such a threat? Why did Jesus unsettle folks so much that they preferred to have him killed? Our scripture reading is Mark 8:31-38.
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Rev. Tom Are returns to the passage in Mark 8 for a second time in the series “Life in the Wilderness” because in some ways the story is told twice. Once with a blind man who receives healing, and once with a disciple—Peter—who can’t see, or at least can’t see clearly. The blind man has an advantage, however, for he knows he can’t see. Peter has no idea what he is missing. Like the blind man, the disciple will need a second touch. Our scripture reading is Mark 8:22-30.
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Jesus does more miracles in Mark’s Gospel than in any of the other Gospels. But this particular miracle takes a little extra. Jesus opens the eyes of one who cannot see, or tries to, but his sight is still blurry. So, Jesus tries again. Thank goodness, Jesus is persistent. Our scripture reading is Mark 8:22-26.
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This story doesn’t make sense here. We’re hearing about the mission of the disciples, and then in Mark 6:17-25 suddenly we’re in Herod’s court. Mark puts this made-for-television scene into the middle of his story. But Rev. Hallie Hottle preaches that perhaps this is how power’s drama always shows up - in the middle of our otherwise orderly narratives, making nonsense out of what we previously thought made sense.
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Rev. Tom Are preaches that Mark 5:1-20 is one of the strangest stories in Mark’s Gospel. There is a man described as being possessed by a legion of demons. It’s hard to know exactly what that means, but the consequence is that to his community he is as good as dead. But when Jesus comes to him, he looks through the chaos and sees a human being. Jesus gives this demon-possessed outcast his life back, or better said, he gives him a life he never knew he had. Some might call it resurrection.
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Rev. Tom Are preaches everything that Jesus did revealed God’s intention for us. He taught. We still study his teachings. But he also put his teachings into practice. If he had just taught, he might have escaped the cross. But he didn’t. Our scripture reading is Mark 2:13-17, 21-22.
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Early in his ministry, a man was brought to Jesus him carried by his friends. The friends made all the difference. Rev. Tom Are preaches when it comes to friendship, sometimes we do the carrying; sometimes we need to be carried. Both are human, and both are holy. Our scripture reading is Mark 2:1-12.
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Mark 1:14-20 narrates the calling of Jesus’ first disciples. They were going about their day when Jesus calls them to come and follow him. They drop everything, which is more than the nets they had in their hands. They drop their assumptions about what their lives were for. This raises two questions: what made them leave everything to follow Jesus? And why do you suppose Jesus picked them?
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In scripture, wilderness is almost never “nature” that is beautiful and spiritual. Wilderness is a testing place. It’s where the word of God is questioned, and the ways of God are doubted. It is also the place that the faithfulness of God is learned. Upon being baptized, Jesus is immediately driven into the wilderness. Casting Jesus into the wilderness is the work of God’s Spirit. It seems clear the wilderness is where God wants Jesus to be. Our scripture reading is Mark 1:9-13.
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Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of his public ministry. All four gospels tell of this event. Mark, true to form, is brief and succinct—no additional details—just the facts. In Matthew, John the Baptist protests that Jesus should baptize him. Luke has Jesus being baptized among other people which makes the dove descending and voice speaking from heaven all the more spectacular. In John’s gospel, it seems that John the baptizer does not recognize Jesus which is odd because he is, after all, his first cousin. All four gospels are clear on one thing: Jesus’ identity. In baptism, Jesus’ identity is made clear. He is God’s beloved son. It is the same for all of us. In baptism, our identity is made clear. We are God’s beloved children. Today's scripture reading is Mark 1:9-11.
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Rev. Tom Are begins a new sermon series titled “Life in the Wilderness.” About 30 years after the life of Jesus, someone we call Mark wrote the first gospel. It was a theological witness to the redemptive love of God revealed in the life of Jesus. It was also a testimony to the reality that this love is often ignored, belittled and even battered. We will walk with Mark as he leads us to Easter. In part one of the series, we begin at the beginning. Our scripture reading is Mark 1:1-8.
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All the gifts have been bought, wrapped and opened. What is there to do now? I wonder if we can take some time to settle in and delight in all that God has given us—a new baby who will change the world with his birth, life, death and resurrection. Our scripture reading is Matthew 2:1-12.
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We will soon greet a new year. There will be beauty and brokenness, blessing and burden, but we can greet it with joy—a joy that will carry us through because Christ humbled himself. Not because he thought less of himself, but because he thought so much of you. Our scripture reading is Philippians 2:5-11.
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The angel said, “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.” What’s the nature of this world-encompassing joy? It’s complicated. For it is both at the same time a gift and a discipline, an experience of grace and an act of courage. Our scripture reading today is Luke 2:8-20.
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Joy and happiness are alike, but not exactly the same. Happiness is often based on circumstances, but joy can be a courageous act of defiance in spite of the circumstances. That’s why the season is not one of happiness, but of joy. Our scripture reading is Luke 3:1-18.
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Will you have visitors for the holidays? Elizabeth did. When Mary arrived, Elizabeth was so joyful she could barely contain herself. When her unborn child kicked, it was interpreted as a response of joy. When someone wants to visit you, it is a joyful circumstance. Rev. Tom Are preaches Christmas means God wants to visit you. Such news might cause you to jump for joy. Our scripture reading is Luke 1:39-45.
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Sometimes joy finds us; sometimes joy feels far away. The Apostle Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Always? What about when times are hard? Paul believes that faith gives us reason to touch joy, even when we aren’t feeling it. Rev. Melanie Hardison preaches joy is something we can choose, and its presence can make all the difference. Our scripture reading is Philippians 4:4-7.
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Faith is work. Love is a labor. Hope is steadfast. Paul describes Christian DNA just this way because faith is more than what we think and love is more than what we feel, as both show up in the choices we make as to how we will live. Hope lives in the Christian in the same fashion. Rev. Tom Are preaches hope is not just a conviction, but a practice. Our scripture reading is 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5.
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Love. It’s what makes life human. Rev. Tom Are preaches we are defined by who we love and who loves us. The apostle Paul describes love, and interestingly enough, he does not speak of love as something that we feel. Love is something that we do. Our scripture reading is 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a.
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The earliest writing in the New Testament is 1 Thessalonians. The first words of Christian faith we have in the New Testament are found in this letter. The letter begins with the basics: Paul gives thanks for the church’s faith, love and hope. But already, at the very beginning, it is clear the basics are a lot of work! Our scripture reading is 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
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Rev. Zach Walker asks what does it mean to care for something that will outlast us? And what if we don’t know how to best care for it? These are haunting questions as we consider how we are called to care for God’s Creation. Perhaps those questions are meant to bother us to the degree that we would do something about it. Our scripture reading is Leviticus 25:23-24.
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In this two-part sermon series “The World God So Loved is This World,” Rev. Tom Are reflects on the changing nature of our planet as a result of climate change. The news is challenging, even threatening, and we see the consequences daily. But there is good news, too.
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Rev. Sally S. Wright preaches about God’s inexplicable presence of awe and glory mixed with the daily focus to spot God on the move. God is both in this place and in everyplace. So, then why do we have churches, sanctuaries and holy places? Our spiritual grandfather Jacob shows us what it means to have places of worship and to find God on the move. Our scripture reading is Genesis 28:10-22.
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Rev. Tom Are considers the final Great End of the church. Our spiritual grandparents taught us that the church exists for the promotion of social righteousness. Jesus was always concerned about how we relate to others, so a concern for healthy communities is a faithful concern. Our scripture reading is Amos 15:21-24.
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On World Communion Sunday, Rev. Tom Are reflects on the Sixth Great End of the church, “The Exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the World.” When we share a meal with others, it is easier to see them as friends. Our scripture readings are John 13:34-35 and Matthew 28:16-20.
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Rev. Tom Are preaches on the Fourth Great End of the church, "The Preservation of the Truth." This work may be more important these days than in any other time in our lives. Truth is often attacked. It is sometimes ignored. When this occurs, communities are put at risk, because we cannot stay in healthy relationships without truth. Our scripture readings are Exodus 32:1-6 and John 18:33-38.
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The maintenance of divine worship is the third great end of the church. Worship can seem like an experience, like the satisfaction of sharing a good meal, or the relaxation of taking a walk through a park, or even the rush of riding a roller coaster. But experiences don’t require maintenance. Rev. Tom Are preaches this great end teaches us that worship, even more than an experience, is a practice, a discipline, an act of reminding ourselves what life is for. Our scripture reading is Isaiah 6:1-8.
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Today, Rev. Tom Are considers the second great end of the church: “the shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship of the children of God.” In his last sermon, we were reminded that we belong to God. It follows that belonging to God means we also belong to one another. This great end claims the children of God require shelter, nurture and spiritual friendship. When it comes to faith, our relationship to one another is where the rubber hits the road. Our scripture reading is 2 Timothy 1:3-7.
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This sermon series title is about church. More specifically, what is the church for? What does the church mean to you? And what should the church mean to the world? The Presbyterian (USA) denomination has some historic statements called the “Great Ends of the Church” that attempt to speak to these questions. In this series, Rev. Tom Are reflects on each of these statements to mine their wisdom for our lives in these days. Our scripture reading is John 3:1-10.
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We have walked through the letter from James, learning about what matters: listening, actions, words and prayer. In this sermon, we finish the series in James as our youth reflect on wisdom matters. Their experiences over the summer have lent them wisdom they have brought home with them. How have the experiences in your life brought you wisdom? And where might God be working in the midst of that wisdom? Our scripture reading is James 3:13-18.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka concludes the preaching series from the Book of James. We’ve talked together about how listening matters, actions matter and words matter. In this sermon, he talks about how praying matters. James 5:16 reads: The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Rodger believes that. He talks about what that means and why that is so.
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Growing up many of us may have heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” We know that is not true. Words have tremendous power. They can hurt deeply. They can also heal. James warns us to be careful with our words. Our scripture reading will be James 3:5b-12.
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Many have come to appreciate James for his practical wisdom and most have come to understand that while we cannot earn our way to God’s grace, faithful followers of Jesus need to not only talk about faith but do it. Our scripture reading is James 2:14-17.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka begins a four-week sermon series titled, "Practical Wisdom from James." Our scripture reading is James 1:17-21. James gives us a practical formula for how we are to live as followers of Jesus: listen first, speak slowly and be even slower to get angry.
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As the parable goes, the bridesmaids had to wait. They had to wait longer than you might expect. Someone once said, “Good things come to those who wait.” But waiting doesn’t guarantee that good things will come. After a while, you begin to wonder if you are really waiting or just wasting the day with no good thing coming. Our scripture reading is Matthew 25:1-13.
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Change can be hard; everyone knows that. Even if the change is for our benefit, there is a comfort in the ways things have always been. “The devil you know,” as they say. But no one draws closer to God’s promised day by living yesterday all over again. Our scripture reading is Matthew 22:1-14.
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Jesus tells a story where a landowner goes out to hire day-laborers for his vineyard. The issue is the ones he hired at the beginning of the day receive the same wage as the ones hired at the end of the day. Rev. Sally Wright asks what does the story tell us about ourselves? More importantly, what does this story show us about who God is? Our scripture reading is Matthew 20:1-16.
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Jesus pointed her out. She was a woman who gave a gift to the temple. It wasn’t much, but she gave all she had. The truth is, the temple was so corrupt, some argued it wasn’t worthy of her gift. But Jesus pointed her out. Rev. Tom Are preaches those two were a lot alike. Our scripture reading is Mark 12:41-44.
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We hear another one of Jesus’ stories about farming. Farming is hard work and failure is a frequent reality. This time, the farmer does the best he can, but weeds invade the garden. The problem can’t be fixed. You don’t have to be a farmer to know that some problems can’t be fixed. What do we do when things have gone so wrong we can’t make them right? Rev. Tom Are ponders this question in the next sermon in the series, “Choose the World You Want to Live In.” Our scripture reading is Matthew 13:24-30.
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In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus says the tiniest of seeds can become the greatest of trees. Rev. Melanie Hardison preaches it’s easy for us to focus on the transformation of the seed into the tree and to use it as a metaphor for our own lives. But what Jesus is talking about is the realm of God. God doesn’t call us to the work of transformation for transformation’s sake. There is more to the story. Our scripture reading is Matthew 13: 31-32
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For Jesus’ first parable, the one about the sower who sows seed like a maniac, he provides an explanation. Those seed-snatching birds are really a metaphor for the evil one, and so on. But if we read with care as we walk through this parable a second time, it becomes clear there is a new point being made. Last week, the story was all about the seed. This week, it’s all about the soil. Rev. Tom Are preaches what kind of soil we are really matters. Our scripture reading is Matthew 13:18-23.
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Rev. Tom Are begins a new sermon series on the parables of Jesus titled, "Choose the World You Want to Live In." Whether talking about seeds, weeds, lost sheep, lost sons or how to behave on a wilderness road, his subject matter was always the same. His stories were about the kingdom of God–the promised day of God. In this sermon, he reflects on the sower and the seed, and what it means for us to live a life of faith in every choice and every relationship and every circumstance. Our scripture reading is Matthew 13:1-9.
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We are, both as Christians and as humans, a story people. We enjoy stories, we learn from stories; but over the past year we have in some ways been unable to hear each other’s stories as often as we might like. Rev. Zach Walker asks why is it a loss when we don’t share stories with each other? And more than that, what are the stories we deem important enough to share? Our scripture reading is Matthew 19:16-22.
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On the first Sunday we returned to in-person worship, there was much to celebrate. And yet, we also know that the past 14 months have taken their toll. Many have lost loved ones. Others have lost jobs. Others have lost hope. Rev. Tom Are preaches it will be important during these days of struggle that we remember this: the Spirit of God has come to us, to dwell with us, to renew our hope. There is no weariness so deep, that the Spirit cannot provide rest. There is no grief so strong, that the Spirit cannot provide comfort. The Spirit of God has chosen to dwell with us. Our Scripture reading is Acts 2:1-13.
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Rev. Tom Are points to a touching moment in a Biblical story where forgiveness is involved. The truth is, friendships can’t last long without learning something about forgiveness. None of us gets it right all the time, so if we are going to walk the journey of life with one another, we are going to need to learn how to let some things go. Our scripture readings are Acts 15:36-40 and 2 Timothy 4:9-11.
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The Gospel of John tells us on the night of the last supper, Jesus took a towel and basin, he knelt down and began to wash the feet of his disciples. It made Peter uncomfortable. It would likely have made us uncomfortable. It was a moment when Jesus shows us what his love for us looks like. It is a love we don’t often feel like we deserve. We might be right about that. But he loves us anyway. Real love is not earned, it’s just trusted. Our scripture reading is John 13:1-11.
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It’s not enough to carry our friends in our hearts; they have to show up on our calendars as well. Jesus taught us something about that when he went to have dinner at Mary and Martha’s house. Rev. Tom Are talks about this in the second sermon in the series “You’ve Got a Friend.” Our scripture reading is Luke 10:38-42.
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Rev. Tom Are starts a new sermon series titled, “You’ve Got a Friend,” reflecting on aspects that encourage meaningful friendships, as well as some barriers to friendship. He begins the series by reflecting on Paul's spiritual advice to "bear one another's burdens." Sometimes we are the strong one; but sometimes we need someone else's strength. Our scripture reading is Galatians 6:2.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka preaches on Jesus saying to his followers that new wine deserves new wineskins. He says this to remind the church that we are being made new through the power of Holy Spirit. In these days of the risen Christ, God is indeed making us new, and God is transforming us as Christ’s body to be even more faithful! Our scripture reading is Mark 2:18-22.
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Becoming God’s new creation is no easy task. Rev. Sally Wright preaches what we know is that God is the one who is doing the transforming of all things into God's new heaven and new earth. Our scripture reading is Revelation 21:1-6.
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Easter is the day that we remember love wins, justice is coming, kindness is a power, and none of us are defined by the worst in us, but by the best in God. Easter means that there is life beyond the grave, but resurrection occurred in this world. The resurrection was a historical occurrence, so Jesus is alive in this world. And if that is true, we ought to be able to see him now and again. And we do. Our scripture reading is Matthew 28:1-14.
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In his Palm Sunday sermon, Rev. Tom Are preaches on the Beatitude “Blessed Are the Meek.” It was a day filled with hope as Jesus paraded into Jerusalem. Matthew’s Gospel comments that Jesus came into the city in a humble fashion. It’s odd to think about a parade being humble, but this one was. For most parades, it’s about the people in the parade—those who ride on the floats or horses and wave to the common folks as they pass by. But this parade was about the people…. The whole city. Jesus comes into Jerusalem because he can’t stay away from the people. Our scripture reading is Matthew 21: 1-11.
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Jesus said the pure in heart are blessed. But who is ever pure in heart? Rev. Tom Are preaches to be human, is almost by definition, to live with a divided heart. Why would Jesus offer a description of blessing that no one would ever obtain? Well, he wouldn’t. We may not be pure of heart, but we might see what it looks like, and in so doing, be drawn a little closer… and know the blessing that Jesus speaks of. Our scripture reading is Matthew 14:22-33.
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The Beatitudes include Jesus’ teaching that among the blessed are those who extend mercy. Rev. Tom Are reflects on how we might cultivate a practice of mercy. He shares wisdom both from the teaching of Jesus and from a Sikh woman named Valarie. Our scripture reading is Matthew 18:23-35.
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Can you remember a time when you were really thirsty? The thing about being hungry and thirsty is that they are first-order needs. When we are thirsty, other needs we have can wait. We need water now. One of Jesus’ Beatitudes says those who are blessed hunger and thirst for righteousness. Rev. Tom Are reflects on what it would be like for righteousness to be a first-order need in our lives, something that can’t be delayed. Our scripture reading is Matthew 5:2-6.
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In part 2 of the Lenten Sermon Series "The World Turned Upside Down," Rev. Tom Are turns to one of the more mysterious beatitudes: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” The beatitude does not say, “Blessed will be those who mourn,” but rather “Blessed are those who mourn.” There is something holy in the mourning itself. What is that? Rev. Are seeks the wisdom of this beatitude. Our scripture reading is Matthew 5:3-4.
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In Matthew’s Gospel, the first teaching Jesus offered was the portion we call the Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes. During Lent, Rev. Tom Are will explore the significance of these Beatitudes in his preaching series "The World Turned Upside Down." He begins with the first beatitude: Blessed are the poor in Spirit. Our scripture reading is Matthew 5: 1-12.
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It’s from dust we came, and to dust we shall return. And yet, the story of scripture reminds us just what God can do with dust. From creation, to restoration in resurrection, God hasn’t needed more than what we already are to do amazing things. Our scripture reading is Psalm 103.
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For many of us, there were moments in 2020 when it seemed as if God was absent. That is exactly what Job wondered. Facing the loss of his family, friends, home, livelihood, and honor, he asks why God has abandoned him and is absent. Together, with Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, we explore what we do when it feels like God is no longer with us. Our scripture reading is Job 23:1-9, 16-17.
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Rev. Melanie Hardison and Rev. Sally Wright explore scriptures related to God resting on the seventh day of creation, Jesus withdrawing to pray as part of his healing ministry, and Jesus’ invitation to “come unto me all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens.” We explore these texts in light of God’s desire for us to be in relationship with God and ways we can actively tend our spiritual life.
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Rev. Tom Are concludes the “2020 Was My Teacher” series with a message on angels. If you have eyes to see it, there have been angels all around us in 2020, ordinary folks doing ordinary things and remarkable things, but things that have served the community. Seeing the angels around us gives us strength. And we have learned in 2020 that we are stronger than we thought. Our scripture reading is 2 Timothy 4:6-18.
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Both at the same time we have been confined to our families and in other ways, separated from our families. We have been cut off from patterns of support that we often take for granted. There is a human reality, we were made to love one another. And love is not something that we feel; it’s something that we do. Jesus teaches that we are created to love God and love our neighbor. Our scripture reading is Mark 12:28-34.
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2020 brought some tender conversations to us, specifically around the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Rev. Tom Are reflects on what happens to us in the midst of good and not so good conversations. What gets in our way that keeps us from hearing one another and learning from one another? We know from our own lives and from the story of faith that God does some of God’s best work in our conversations, so it’s worth reflecting on ways to make them better. Our scripture reading is Acts 15:1-7a.
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As we struggle with our shock and sadness over the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, Rev. Tom Are asks us to remember what our Presbyterian faith has taught us about how communities, be they congregations or nations, should be governed. Our scripture reading is Philippians 4:8-9.
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On the first Sunday of 2021, Rev. Tom Are preaches about New Year’s Resolutions related to spiritual goals. Ask yourself, “What do I need to do this year to become more the person Christ intends me to be?” We explore ways to grow in our spiritual life in 2021. Our scripture reading is Matthew 4:18-5:3.
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Rev. Owen Gray offers a brief meditation on the shepherds, Rev. Sarah Are points us to the magi and Rev. Tom Are allows us to peer into the manger.
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Rev. Tom Are shares some wisdom from his friends in Presbyville—Rev. Noah Tall, Calvin Knox and of course the Williams family: Mabel, Hampy and Dink. They have some good advice for getting through a COVID Christmas.
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Rev. Tom Are preaches it’s just a baby. We want a God who will destroy the evil doers, but instead we have a God who loves, extends mercy and comes to us in a way to change our hearts. Nothing like a child to do that. Our scripture reading is Luke 2:1-20.
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On the fourth Sunday of Advent, Rev. Tom Are follows the Angel Gabriel, who is very busy this time of year. First Gabriel visits with Zechariah in the middle of his prayers. Then Gabriel appears to Mary and informs her that she will be the mother of Jesus. As soon as Gabriel slips away, Mary seeks out a girlfriend, her cousin Elizabeth. Mary will include Hannah in their sisterhood as well. It’s a good lesson. The life of faith is not one we live alone. We all need our people! Our scripture reading is Luke 1:39-49.
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On the third Sunday of Advent, Rev. Tom Are turns to John’s father, Zechariah. Zechariah is visited by an angel who announces John’s expected birth. Although, it was not what Zechariah had expected to hear, probably not for a long time. He and his wife Elizabeth were old and had probably laid down the dream of having a child. What is noticeable however, is that the Angel finds Zechariah in the temple. Even when his life had not gone the way he hoped, Zechariah kept worshipping God. He gives us a lesson in hope and persistence. Our scripture reading is Luke 1:5-15a.
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On this second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of peace and hear a word of encouragement from a surprising source: John the Baptist. John knows the truth of us. He knows how much each of us needs to grow in our faith; but John also knows there is good in all of us. An imperfect life is still lovable. Our scripture reading is Luke 3:1-14.
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Rev. Tom Are begins the Advent Sermon Series “Worth the Wait: God, We’ve Made a Mess of Things Can You Fix it? There is an unshakeable hope that rests in the Biblical story. That hope is painted in the portrait of the “return of the son of man.” Push through the images and what we see is the conviction that God will make things right. The reason we can trust this is because we trust that God is love and love will never let us go. Our scripture reading is Mark 13:24-37.
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Rev. Zach Walker preaches we all face storms in our lives, and a lot of the time we are in those storms with people who see things differently than we do. What is the role for us, as followers of Christ, in the midst of heavy winds and storms? And how can we survive the night long enough for daylight to reveal salvation? Our scripture reading is Acts 27:27-44.
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If you are anything like Rev. Meg Peery McLaughlin, in this COVID-tide, you are making everything up as you go. In Luke’s 10th chapter, Jesus gives his followers some marching orders, words of how to shape life as the church. Perhaps these words could guide and ground us in these topsy-turvy days. Our scripture reading is Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20.
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Rev. Tom Are concludes the series “Village Begin Village” speaking of mission. The history of mission at Village is significant. It began in our first days and continues to be a central part of who we are today. There was a time when we thought of mission being one way, but we have learned, mission, when it is in the spirit of Christ, is a two-way heart holding. Our scripture reading is Philippians 1:6-7.
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Conversation is a lost art. But it is a spiritual practice. Rev. Tom Are preaches Village will be a place of conversation. You don’t want to be a part of that, unless you want your life to change. You might learn something new. And you might learn to love someone who isn’t like you. Our scripture readings are Acts 10:9-17a;23b-34.
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Rev. Tom Are begins a new series “Village Being Village.” What do you think Village Church is known for? Or what should we be known for? Jesus said, “The world will know you belong to me by your love for one another.” It’s interesting that he didn't say, the world will know that you belong to me by your love for the world! No, “by your love for one another.” Jesus says loving one another is our mission. Our scripture reading is 1 Corinthians 1:10-17.
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As we conclude the “Road Trip” sermon series, Rev. Tom Are preaches sometimes we need to recognize that our questions are off a bit. Our target is the wrong one. We took the wrong road. It’s not just the journey, there is a destination, but it’s not to be myself, it’s to be the person God created me to be. Our scripture reading is Galatians 2:19-20.
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The best road trips are never ones we take by ourselves. The best road trips require a friend to go along. Rev. Tom Are reflects on the importance of friendship. As human beings, we are defined by who we love and how we love them. Our scripture reading is Mark 1:16-20.
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On World Communion Sunday, Rev. Tom Are invites some folks who have gone on Village Church international mission trips to talk about their experience. We have relationships around the world, and those relationships instruct and inspire us. Our scripture reading is Hebrews 11:32-12:2.
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Rev. Tom Are shares the overall narrative of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Good news…It doesn’t take any longer than a regular sermon!
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Jesus called James and John, Peter and Andrew to take a road trip with Jesus. They dropped everything, their jobs, their homes, the lives they had created up to that point. What do you supposed they were looking for on the road? Rev. Tom Are suggests it may be what brings us to church. Our scripture reading is Mark 1:16-20.
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Reflecting on the story of the prodigal son, Rev. Tom Are examines the courage required to hit the road in search of an authentic life, as well as lessons we learn on the road. Our scripture reading is Luke 15:11-18.
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Right now, we are, as a country, coming to terms with one force that has hidden in plain sight for centuries: white supremacy. Rev. Dr. Brandon Frick looks at how this sin, and others, deceive us, and how we might see, and challenge it as God’s people. The scripture reading is Hebrews 3:12-14.
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Village Church youth reflect on a time when church has been present in their lives in a way that was meaningful. How might that be something the church needs to be for others in these days? And how can we actively make that happen? The scripture reading is Matthew 16:13-19.
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As Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka concludes the “Being the Church” preaching series, the Apostle Paul offers up one more image for being followers of Jesus: new creations. It is so important that we understand that because of God’s love for us, we are made new. And not only are we made new, those around us are also new creations. Our scripture reading is 2 Corinthians 5:16-17.
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The Apostle Paul says we have this “treasure in clay jars,” plain ordinary clay jars. In part two of the sermon series "Being the Church," the Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka preaches do not be fooled by our outward appearance. We may look like ordinary folk, but the truth is, we have the treasure of Jesus Christ inside us! Our scripture reading is 2 Corinthians 4:7-12.
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We are all learning new ways of being family, being friends, being students and teachers, being employees and employers. The Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka explores new ways of being Church in part one of the sermon series “Being the Church.” Our scripture reading is 2 Corinthians 3:1-3.
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The prophet Ezekiel uses the image of the Israelites’ dry bones to remind them of the promises that God will one day breathe the breath of life within them again. And to remind them that they are still God’s people. In these days of COVID, join Rev. Sally Wright in spotting the places God breathes God’s breath into dry things. Our scripture reading is Ezekiel 37:1-14.
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When it comes to seeing the flaw in our neighbors, our vision can be 20/20, but when it comes to seeing the flaws in our own lives, sometimes our vision gets quite blurry. Rev. Tom Are preaches taking a second look can prove to be eye-opening. Our scripture reading is Matthew 7:1-5.
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Rev. Melanie Hardison preaches from Genesis 32:22-31. This is the story of Jacob’s long night of wrestling on a riverbank. She explores how Jacob perseveres, and what this story might mean for us today and in the weeks and months ahead.
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Rev. Hallie Hottle preaches about the story of Rizpah in 2 Samuel 21: 10-14. Rizpah is a grieving mother, protecting the bodies of her lynched sons. Her protest is tragic and unrelenting, and it’s the thing that finally moves the king to right the wrongs, make the reparations, take down the bones. Only then does the land begin to grow again. In this day when bones still line our hillsides and a famine of justice persists in our land, perhaps we need to spend some time reading Rizpah.
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Rev. Tom Are preaches from Joshua 1:1-9. As Joshua leads God's people into the promised land, God tells him, "be strong and courageous." He, and all the people, needed courage not simply because battles awaited, but because they knew they were to live as a people shaped by God's word. To live faithful to the word of God always requires courage.
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Rev. Zach Walker provides some wisdom for those moments when life feels a bit heavy; recent weeks and months have put a fine point on that. What are we called to do in such times, and what does faith look like when the weight of it all tempts us to feel despair? Our scripture reading is Exodus 17:8-13.
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Rev. Tom Are preaches about the importance of trusting in God. It's not always easy. Particularly when times are challenging and confusing, like they are these days, it becomes more important for us to trust what our faith teaches us. Our scripture reading is Exodus 31:18-32:6.
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The phrase “Black Lives Matter” has become more familiar during the turmoil of recent weeks. Rev. Tom Are reflects on his understanding of how people of faith might understand this affirmation and encourages us to be more like Saul and to listen. 1 Samuel 17:28-40.
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Rev. Tom Are preaches from Psalm 13, one of the many psalms of lament. In his sermon message, Rev. Are said that George Floyd is just one person who has succumbed to this disease of systemic racism that has infected our lands from the time the first Pilgrims disembarked on our sandy shores until this very hour. As we grieve the killing of George Floyd and so many other African Americans, like the psalmist, we cry out to God for justice and hope.
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In the final sermon in the series “There’s a Call for You,” Rev. Tom Are rehearsed again the story of Pentecost where the Spirit of God breathed life into the church. What does the world need from us today? What is the calling that we share as followers of Christ in this place? Acts 2:1-21.
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In the third sermon in the series “There’s a Call for You,” Rev. Tom Are reflects on the call of Moses. Moses doesn’t feel equipped. He doesn’t want the job. God said, “I will be with you and that will be enough.” When God calls us, God also promises to journey along with a calling. Exodus 3:1-6,9-12.
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In the second sermon in the series “There’s a Call for You,” Rev. Tom Are asks the question: Is God calling you as an individual to a particular work or role or task? Jeremiah 1:4-10.
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In the first sermon in the series “There’s a Call for You,” Rev. Tom Are preaches from a very familiar story—the calling of the disciples from Matthew 4:18-22. To be called by God is something that we all share. Every Christian is called to follow.
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In this week’s sermon message, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka preaches that imagination is the ability to see beyond the tangible, the concrete that's around us, and to envision new ways to envision and dream new ways of what it means to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ in these days. John 5:2-9.
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There was a moment in Jesus's ministry where a scribe asked Jesus, “What is the most important commandment?” Jesus said to love God with all that you are and love your neighbor as yourself. Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka lifts up this moment in the ministry of Jesus to preach on what it means to be God’s resilient people,something that is important to reflect on in this particular season. Mark 12:28-34
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During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for us to know that God does not forget us. Rev. Dr. Brandon Frick, site pastor at Village Presbyterian Church on Antioch, preaches that it is just as important that we remember like God does—recalling our past, to meet the needs of the present, to give hope for the future. Psalm 136:23-25.
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As we celebrate Easter while social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, Rev. Tom Are preaches on the first word of Easter, do not be afraid. Mark 16:1-8
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As we celebrate Palm Sunday during the coronavirus pandemic, Rev. Tom Are preaches from 1 Corinthians 13:4. Holy Week teaches us that love is always what is needed. And when times are hard, love shows up and love endures.
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In these uncertain days of the coronavirus pandemic, Rev. Tom Are preaches from Psalm 131 that reads...I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother... Rev. Are reminds us there is never a day that we are without hope. And there is never a day that we can be devoid of calm. We can choose to calm our souls.
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In these uncertain days of the coronavirus pandemic, Rev. Tom Are preached when times are challenging, sometimes memory can be our friend. Finding God in the world is not easy. But sometimes God is clearest to us when we are in trouble. 2 Timothy 1:3-7
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As the coronavirus pandemic spreads in the United States, Rev. Tom Are talks about a new term he’s learned this week…social distancing. It’s a behavior that is new to us. But social distancing is not new as we look at a letter the Apostle Paul writes from prison. Philippians 1:3-7.
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In this second sermon in the series “What Freedom Looks Like,” Rev. Tom Are turns to the conversation that Jesus has with Satan in the wilderness. We call this text the temptation of Jesus. Matthew 4:1-11
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In his first sermon in the Lenten Series “What Freedom Looks Like,” Rev. Tom Are considers the attributes of our freedom and some threats to freedom, particularly in our time and place. Mark 5:1-20
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This sermon series “Who Do People Say That I Am?” has keenly focused our attention on the identity of Jesus Christ. Jesus asked his disciples who others say that he is. Then he turned to them and asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka shares his own answer. Through Jesus’ three parables in Luke 15 we discover that Jesus is the one who finds the lost and brings them home. Luke 15:1-10
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Rev. Hallie Hottle extends our series “Who Do People Say That I am?” with her sermon “But What About You?” Jesus asked his followers to reflect on how other people were thinking of him. And then, Jesus wants to know…but what about you? Who do you say that I am? Mark 8:27-30
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In the fifth sermon in the series “Who Do People Say That I Am?” Rev. Tom Are turns to the Book of Acts, the story of the early church. What we discover is that sometimes, Jesus’ followers live so faithfully that they appear to be, what one scholar has called, “repeating Jesus.” Could that happen here? Acts 3:1-10
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In the fourth sermon in the series “Who Do People Say That I Am?” Rev. Tom Are turns to John who states clearly that the purpose of Jesus was to give his life for the world. This act of sacrificial devotion glorifies God. John 12:12-24
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In the third sermon in the series “Who Do People Say That I Am?” Rev. Tom Are turns to Jesus of Luke. An aspect of Jesus that Luke knows about is Jesus’ insistence that things need to change. Luke 10:25-37
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In the second sermon in the series “Who Do People Say That I Am?” Rev. Tom Are looks at Matthew’s witness to Jesus as a teacher. Matthew believed in order to become a mature, gracious and faithful person, we need an example. Jesus was the best teacher. Matthew 5:1-12.
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In the first sermon in the series “Who Do People Say That I Am?” Rev. Tom Are preaches about the many names attributed to Jesus: “Immanuel,” “Savior,” “Son of God,” even “Christ.” Each Gospel writer identifies Jesus, but they do so a little differently from one another. In this sermon, Rev. Are examines how Mark describes Jesus. Mark 1:9-13.
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On Epiphany Sunday we celebrate God revealing Jesus to the Magi, and to all of us, as the Light of the World. The Magi offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. In this sermon, Rev. Melanie Hardison asks what else did they bring? What might we bring? Matthew 2:1-12
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Rev. Zach Walker considers the story of Zechariah from a different perspective. What might this curious story say to us after Christmas, and as we close the year and reflect on what the past months have meant to us, and what will be the lasting effects? Luke 1:57-64
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In the final sermon in the series “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas,” Rev. Tom Are preached about the Christmas story and encouraged us to look for the good in the world, because that is where you will find God’s fingerprints. Matthew 1:18-25
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In the fourth sermon in the series “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas,” Rev. Tom Are preached about Mary and her conversation with the Angel Gabriel, which would change the whole world. We may not be home yet, but Mary is showing us the way. Luke 1:46-56
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In the third sermon in the series "I Won’t Be Home for Christmas,” Rev. Tom Are preached about the return of Christ on the clouds, which may seem a strange thing to contemplate. However, unless this story is trustworthy, most of the rest of the story of Jesus matters very little. Matthew 24:36-44
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In the second sermon in the series "I Won’t Be Home for Christmas,” Rev. Tom Are preaches about John the Baptist, a hero who stood tall in the wilderness. Folks from near and far were drawn to him. For the same reasons people loved him, he had enemies and was put in prison. There he asked the most important question of his life: Jesus, was I wrong about you? Matthew 11: 2-15
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In the first sermon in the Advent series "I Won’t Be Home for Christmas,” Rev. Tom Are preaches about how Advent is our declaration that the world is not as God intends it to be. There is plenty of good in this world, but we are not home yet. As such, Advent expresses our impatience—a holy impatience with the way the world is today. Psalm 137:1-6
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At a time when our nation seems more starkly divided and when too many Thanksgiving tables are filled with tension and arguments, the Apostle points the way to a celebration where all are truly welcome. Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka explores how God calls us to love one another at the Thanksgiving table and beyond. Romans 12:9-18
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In the last sermon in the series “I Believe. Help My Unbelief,” Rev. Tom Are preaches about Paul’s conversation about the resurrection. Paul clearly understands that the resurrection of Christ is not simply a factor that speaks to life after death. No, the fact that Christ is alive reshapes life here and now. As we grow in faith and faithfulness, as we engage in the ministry and mission of the church, we are being resurrected. 1 Corinthians 16:1-8
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In part two of the sermon series “I Believe. Help My Unbelief,” Rev. Tom Are turns to Peter. Peter and Jesus shared a resurrection breakfast. The topic of conversation was feeding sheep who were hungry all the time. Peter wasn’t always good at that, but he was good enough that, at times, folks felt like Jesus was still with them. Sometimes our care for one another is so genuine, it seems like Jesus is in the room. John 21:15-19
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Rev. Tom Are begins the sermon series, “I Believe. Help My Unbelief.” This is a prayer Rev. Are uses every Sunday. We trust that God is never intimidated by our wondering. Not only this, but we also confess that Christian faith invites us to trust that which is so large, so transformational, that it is never easily believed without at least a hint of unbelief. Mark 9:14-29
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Rev. Tom Are concludes the series about the prophets, “God May Not Be Who You Think She Is,” with a few words from Ezekiel. Ezekiel declares God will restore Israel, but not because Israel deserves it, but because God’s reputation is on the line. As Christians, we have a name to live up to. How we live reflects on how others understand our faith. Ezekiel 36:22-30
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In the seventh sermon of the series about the prophets, “God May Not Be Who You Think She Is,” Rev. Tom Are turns to Jeremiah and to the text that the spiritual “There is a Balm in Gilead” references. Jeremiah speaks of God’s judgment of God’s people. We might think that God’s judgment is an expression of anger, but the deeper basis of judgment is not anger, but grief. Jeremiah says that people have broken God’s heart. Jeremiah 8:18-9:3
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In the sixth sermon of the series about the prophets, “God May Not Be Who You Think She Is,” Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka turns to the prophet Micah, who teaches us that God has requirements: to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. Dr. Nishioka preaches about what it means to live out these virtues in our lives. Micah 6:1-8
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In the fifth sermon of the series about the prophets, “God May Not Be Who You Think She Is,” Rev. Tom Are's message focuses on one of the phrases that lives in the theological imagination of the prophets declaring that God’s children are to be a “light unto the nations.” Rev. Are lifts up the work of grace that happens through this church family and reaches around the globe. Isaiah 42:1-7
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In the fourth sermon of the series about the prophets, “God May Not Be Who You Think She Is,” Rev. Tom Are turns to Amos who lifts up the theme of poverty. For the prophets, poverty is a sign that the community has failed. So, Amos speaks to those who are not poor and invites them to see themselves not as blessed or fortunate or self-made, but as called to rebuild the community. Amos 6:4-7
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In the third sermon of the series about the prophets, “God May Not Be Who You Think She Is,” Rev. Tom Are turns to Daniel, a preacher to folks who were facing difficult things. He had a simple but important message: we have been here before. The people of God through the ages have often faced hard times. There is something about God’s faithfulness that we never learn until we have to endure the hard times. Daniel 6:14-24
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In the second sermon of the series about the prophets, “God May Not Be Who You Think She Is,” Rev. Tom Are preaches about one of the more surprising messages from the prophets: sometimes God wishes to be anywhere but in worship. According to the prophets, it is not only what happens in worship that matters, but what happens when we leave worship. Amos 5:21-24
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In the first sermon of the series about the prophets, “God May Not Be Who You Think She Is,” Rev. Tom Are looks at Jeremiah and the passage where he admits that if it were possible to be anything other than a prophet, he would. It’s not a job he wants. But it is a job he must do. Jeremiah 20:7-13
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Rev. Sally Wright preaches on the Pentecost story. Together early Christians studied teachings, fellowshipped, prayed and broke bread together. They were bearing witness to the ways that Christ was present in their midst. These are the ways that we meet God, who shapes us and forms us. In each new moment, encounter and interaction we get to know God anew. Acts 2:1-4; 41-47
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This summer our Village Church youth met various people from Scripture and discovered ways in which they are not too different from us. Tyler Strongman, Lily Webb and Abby Schipfer preached the 9:30 a.m. worship service. Philemon 1:8-18
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This summer our Village Church youth met various people from Scripture and discovered ways in which they are not too different from us. Autumn Sun, Radley Brown and Sienna Sun preached at the 11 a.m. worship service. Philemon 1:8-18
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In the last sermon in the series “People Like Us,” Rev. Hallie Hottle preaches about the stranger who shows up in our biblical text again and again, embodied in Abraham and Sarah, Hagar and Ruth, Uriah, even Jesus. Our faith story is a collection of strangers' tales and the God who claims them as our holy family. Matthew 25: 31-40
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In part nine of the series “People Like Us,” Rev. Tom Are preaches about Joseph of Arimathea, who may be the most hopeful person known. Even as he holds the lifeless body of Jesus, in one of the most hopeless moments in history, we are still told that he is waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. Luke 23:50-56
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In part eight of the series “People Like Us,” Rev. Dr. Brandon Frick preaches about Peter. The “Saint” in St. Peter often causes us to think of him as wholly (or holy) different than the rest of us. We’ll see just how much we have in common with the man on whom Jesus builds his church – the same man who tries to deter Jesus from his mission. Matthew 16:13-23
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In part seven of the series “People Like Us,” Rev. Zach Walker preaches about Gideon. When we look around it can be tempting to feel we don’t have as much as we need in order to live well, or to make a difference, or even to sense God’s presence. When we wonder where God is or if we ourselves are enough, Gideon offers wisdom on what we might be missing. Judges 6:36-40; 7:2-7
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In part six of the series “People Like Us,” Rev. Tom Are preaches about Cain. We don’t know much about Cain except that he went to church with his brother, Abel, and that’s when things fell apart. It seems that God did not get what he wanted from Cain; but in reality, it is more likely Cain did not get what he wanted from God. Genesis 4:1-16
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In part five of the series “People Like Us,” Rev. Becky Chamberlain preaches about Shiphrah and Puah, who are unknown to many of us. Their names appear only once in sacred scripture, but they are forever named in the heart of God. Exodus 1:8-22
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In part four of the series “People Like Us,” Rev. Tom Are preaches about a woman known only by her illness. She was a remarkable woman and refused to let her life be defined by her illness. Soon, she became known not for her illness, but for her faith. She teaches us that sometimes the hardest things in our lives can also be important to our spiritual vitality.
Mark 5:24-34
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In part three of the series “People Like Us,” Rev. Sally Wright preaches about Hannah. Hannah’s story shows us that the issues of infertility and children are of deep importance to God and to our own faith journey. We will look to Hannah to discover understanding of infertility and to discover ways we can be partners on the journey. 1 Samuel 1: 1-18
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In part two of the series “People Like Us,” Rev. Hallie Hottle preaches about Miriam, one of the most important leaders of our ancient religious history. It’s Miriam’s brother, Moses, we remember as the liberator of Israel. But without Miriam, could there have been a Moses? Without Miriam, could they have reached the promised land? Exodus 2:1-10; 15:20-21
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In part one of the series “People Like Us,” Rev. Tom Are preaches about Joseph. We can assume it pleased God that Joseph would be the man who would raise God’s own son, for Joseph was a righteous man.
Matthew 1:18-25
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Rev. Tom Are’s sermon message is about Pentecost. Some have called Pentecost the “birthday of the Church.” The story of Pentecost tells us there was quite a crowd gathered. Some had traveled many miles. Some had traveled across the pages of history to be there. When the Spirit of God moves, she doesn’t want to leave anyone out. Acts 2:1-13
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In the last sermon in the series “Why Can’t We Get Past This? Racism in American Culture and the Church,” Revs. Tom Are and Dr. Rodger Nishioka co-preach about bias. We might be better off if we just acknowledge that human beings are biased. All of us. But don’t stop there. Battle the bias. Learn what we don’t know. Let life and those around us open our eyes to things we aren’t seeing. Being biased isn’t great, but pretending that we aren’t biased is worse. 1 Samuel 1:1-18
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In the second sermon in the series “Why Can’t We Get Past This? Racism in American Culture and the Church,” Rev. Tom Are preaches that racism is not just about me; it’s about us. It’s not just a matter of the heart, it’s a reality of history and culture. Racism is more than an event; it’s a structure. John 4:1-26
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In the first sermon in the three-part series “Why Can’t We Get Past This? Racism in American Culture and the Church” Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka explores what it means to truly see one another as God created us…with all our beauty and brightness and with all our difference and diversity. Mark 8:22-26
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Rev. Tom Are preaches about baptism, the act of the whole church which proclaims to the world that God’s love claims us by name. Baptism proclaims your truest identity: you are a child of God. Baptism also declares your essential vocation: you are called to live as a child of God. We remember who we are and who we are to be. Mark 1:9-13
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Rev. Tom Are preaches on the power of kindness in “Faith Should be Good for Everyone.” The early church remembers a woman named Tabitha. She was kind. When she died, the apostle Peter came to her, prayed and she got up. The church remembers the miracle. But the church also remembers with equal clarity her kindness. Acts 9:32-43
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Rev. Hallie Hottle preaches about Mary Magdalene in her sermon “I Believe Her.” The discovery of the empty tomb is slightly different depending on which account we read, but one detail is always the same. Mary Magdalene is there. We take a new look at our first resurrection preacher, and we wrestle together with what happens when we don’t believe the stories women tell. Luke 24:1-12
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Rev. Tom Are’s Easter message was “A Glimpse of God’s Last Act of Love.” Resurrection is a work of God’s love, a love that will not let go of you, and a love that will transform you. Resurrection is God’s last act of love.
Matthew 28:1-10
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Rev. Tom Are continues the sermon series “Character is Always Chosen” with his Palm Sunday sermon, “Humility May be Out of Style, but Not for Us.” Jesus road into Jerusalem on a donkey. We are told that what people most noticed about him was his humility. That’s hard to pull off when you are leading a parade. Yet, there was something about Jesus that revealed he was not prideful, but humble. Philippians 4:8-9
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Rev. Tom Are continues the sermon series “Character is Always Chosen” with “Character Requires Hope.” Life is complicated at times, so much so that we can get discouraged. We learn to exchange big dreams for smaller ones, reduce expectations of ourselves and even of God. And yet, the slow march of human history bears witness that progress is a reality. The fingerprints of God can be seen in the days that have gone before us, so, while we never escape the reality of our own sin, we still greet each day with hope.
Luke 3:1-14
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Rev. Tom Are continues the series “Character is Always Chosen,” with “Character Requires Courage.” It is relatively easy to choose “good” when “bad” is the alternative. But the place in which we more often find ourselves is having to choose between good and a greater good. When that is the case, we almost never find consensus. Others—and often our friends—see things differently. When the good you seek is out of step with those around you, courage is required.
2 Kings 5:1-19
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In part two of the series “Character is Always Chosen,” Rev. Tom Are preaches that any student of the human heart or of church history, for that matter, would have reason to question Jesus’ optimism about his followers. And yet, there is this persistence in his conviction. It is surprising who Jesus believes we can become. Mark 10:35-45
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In Rev. Tom Are’s first message in the Lenten sermon series “Character is Always Chosen,” he reflects on who we are called to be as we take our own journey toward the fullness of resurrection. Physical growth happens naturally. Spiritual growth requires discipline, intention and choice. Character begins by remembering what is important and what is not.Matthew 5:21-26
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