Unity Presbyterian - Denver, NC: Recent Episodes
Unity Presbyterian
Join us for worship! Our pastors bring messages that highlight principles from the Bible in ways that we can use today. Tune in to hear ways to live your best life in Christ!
This week in worship, we continue our "One Another" series with the command to "Encourage One Another." Paul reminds us that faith isn't meant to be lived alone. In a world where criticism and discouragement often come easily, followers of Christ are called to build one another up with kindness, hope, and grace. As we gather, we'll discover how even simple words and small acts of encouragement can reflect God's love and strengthen the people around us.
This week in worship, Pastor David is back with a new series on the "one another" commands of Jesus beginning with "Love One Another." Jesus didn't tell his disciples that the world would recognize them by their buildings, their programs, or even their knowledge. He said they would be known by their love. That's both a beautiful invitation and a challenging calling. As we worship this week, may God shape us into a community where Christ's love is not simply spoken about, but lived out every day.
This week in worship, Pastor Reed Conley from Artisan Church visits us with a message and some great music! We know that life is full of uncertainty, and we often wish God would give us a detailed plan for every step ahead. In John 14:1–14, Jesus offers something even greater than directions: His presence. As we trust the One who is the Way, we discover that peace comes not from having all the answers, but from being in the presence of Christ each day.
This week in worship, we look at Ezekiel's vision of dry bones. Ezekiel reminds us that God is not intimidated by places that seem beyond hope. The same Spirit that breathed life into dry bones continues to renew hearts, congregations, and communities today. Our calling is not to dwell on what has been lost but to trust the God who is always creating new life. When God's breath fills His people, what once seemed impossible becomes a testimony of His faithfulness.
As we celebrate Independence Day weekend, we give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy as a nation while remembering that our deepest and most lasting freedom comes through Jesus Christ. Scripture reminds us that Christ has set us free from sin, fear, and death so that we might live with purpose. True freedom is not simply the ability to do what we want, but the opportunity to become who God created us to be. May we live as grateful citizens of our country and faithful citizens of God's eternal kingdom.
This week in worship, we encounter Boaz at the city gate, where his character is revealed as much by what he refuses to do as by what he accomplishes. Though he desires to marry Ruth, Boaz chooses integrity over self-interest, giving the nearer guardian-redeemer the opportunity that rightfully belongs to him. His example reminds us that faithfulness often means trusting God enough to do what is right, even when the outcome is uncertain. We also see the bigger picture of God at work through these faithful people of integrity.
This week in worship, Pastor David continues our study of the book of Ruth in chapter 3, where hope requires courage. Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz each take faithful steps into an uncertain future, trusting that God is at work even when the outcome is unknown. This passage reminds us that we are redeemed, bought and claimed by our loving Savior.
This week in worship, we are in chapter 2 of the Book of Ruth, where God begins a story of redemption through seemingly ordinary events. Ruth faithfully goes to glean in the fields, Boaz responds with generosity and kindness, and what appears to be chance becomes evidence of God's providence. This passage reminds us that God often accomplishes extraordinary purposes through everyday acts of faithfulness. When we trust God and serve faithfully where we are, we create space for God's redeeming work to unfold.
This week in worship, Pastor David begins a new series on the Book of Ruth. The story of Ruth reminds us that God remains faithful even in seasons of grief, loss, and uncertainty. Naomi’s bitterness and sorrow reveal the deep pain that hardship can bring, yet Ruth’s steadfast loyalty becomes a sign of hope and grace. Long before anyone can see restoration coming, God is already at work through ordinary acts of faithfulness and love. This series invites us to trust that even when life feels empty, God’s redeeming love has not left us.
This week, the prophet Joel speaks to a people who have experienced devastation, loss, and uncertainty, yet God’s message is ultimately one of hope and restoration. Through Joel, God calls the people to return with open and repentant hearts, trusting that renewal is possible even after difficult seasons. Joel also points to the promise of God’s Spirit being poured out on all people, bringing new life, courage, and vision for the future. This theme reminds us that God does not leave us in places of brokenness but continues to restore, renew, and breathe new life into both individuals and communities.
This week in worship, Pastor David studies the minor prophet Amos, who reminds us that true worship is inseparable from justice, compassion, and integrity. God calls us not only to remember the legacy of faith passed down through generations, but to live that faith in ways that love our neighbors and seek the good of our community. As we gather for Homecoming, we celebrate both God’s faithfulness in the past and God’s ongoing call to let justice roll like a river through our lives and our church.
This week in worship, Pastor David studies the minor prophet Hosea. Hosea's story tells us about a God whose love is relentless and steady, even when we are not. Through the image of a broken relationship, we see that God does not walk away when we wander, but continues to pursue, restore, and call us home. This is not a love based on our faithfulness, but on God’s unchanging character. Even when we fall short, God’s love holds on and makes a way for new beginnings.
This week in worship, Pastor David takes a look at the minor prophet Haggai. In the Book of Haggai, God asks His people to recognize how their priorities have drifted, leaving God’s work neglected. The invitation is not about doing more, but about putting God first in everything. When the people respond, God meets them with a powerful promise, “I am with you,” and their work has renewed purpose. This same call comes to us, to realign our lives around God and join in the meaningful work God is already doing around us.
This week in worship, Pastor David begins a series on the minor prophets, beginning with the Book of Habakkuk. The prophet boldly brings his confusion and frustration to God, questioning injustice and the silence he perceives. Rather than being dismissed, his honesty becomes the pathway to deeper faith as he learns to wait and trust in God’s timing. Habakkuk ultimately discovers that faith is not the absence of doubt, but the decision to rely on God even when life doesn’t make sense. His journey reminds us that we can bring our hardest questions to God and still find strength, hope, and resilience.
This week in worship, we celebrate Earth Day as we explore God's creation. What can you do to help care for the earth? What keeps you from doing things that are good for the environment? What do the scriptures say about our responsibilities to care for God's creation?
This week in worship, Pastor Dana talks about how we live as people of the resurrection. Jesus reveals himself to others and offers them peace as they struggle with the events of Easter week. Where do you need to experience peace in your life today? Maybe you need to experience peace within your family, or your world, or with yourself.
Easter is all about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is what brings hope to Christians all over the world. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul makes his case for the resurrection, saying that he doesn't live for this world but for the one to come. How do we live? Do we have an "eat, drink, and be merry" philosophy, or are we running a marathon for eternity?
This week, we celebrate our fathers, and the father of us all, our Father God. The word father has different meanings for us all, depending on our own family experiences, so it is important to see what the bible has to say about God and the qualities of a good father. We will dig into Psalm 103 as we explore the themes of love and compassion. Thanks to Pastor Reed Conley of Artisan Church for being our guest pastor this week.
This week is Pentecost, the day we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, given to us by Jesus to be our advocate, our friend, and our guide. Pentecost is a powerful reminder that God is still moving, still breathing life into weary hearts, still stirring up courage in places we least expect. The Holy Spirit wasn’t a one-time gift for a group of first-century believers. That same Spirit is still given to us today. So this week we ask "Where is God showing up in our lives today?"
This week, Pastor Dana begins a short series on the Power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the mysterious part of the Trinity and doesn't get talked about as much as God the Father and Jesus Christ, probably because the early church focused more on Jesus and his divinity. But it is the Holy Spirit who reminds us of Jesus' teachings, who urges us to open our minds and hearts, who helps us pay attention to the lessons around us. The Holy Spirit completes the Trinity in a way that keeps us in touch with our spirituality on a day to day basis.
Didf you need help finding a gift for Mother's day? Let's see what David came up with as we explore the story of Moses' mother Jochebed.
Do you have any strained relationships that could use some help? Well, so did Jesus! In fact, he was on the outs with his best friend, Peter. This week in worship, we watch as they reconcile their relationship, and Jesus gives Peter a new mission.
This week in worship, Pastor David takes a look at the authority of Jesus. Where did Jesus get the power to speak? Who gave him the leadership ability to stand up to the Pharisees? What voices speak to you the loudest in your life?
Happy Easter! Christ has Risen! How can you understand the resurrection The journey of faith begins with one step. Keep trying to learn more. Week by week you will be amazed what God will do through these times of worship and exploration. Find time to go open your Bibles. Read the Gospels— Matthew, Mark, Luke and John— to immerse yourself in Jesus’ story. Finally, go outside and look for signs of resurrection happening in our world. New leaves, blossoms, and new life all point to resurrection.
This week in worship is the fourth week of Lent, and we journey closer to the cross. Pastor Dana looks at the Power of the Cross, and the places we turn when we don't know where to go.
This week in worship, we celebrate Commitment Sunday for our Capital Campaign. As we reflect on 261 years of faithfulness from the people of Unity, we recognize how amazing Unity is today because of those who came before us. With gratitude, we say “Thank You” for their dedication while making our own commitments to Unity’s future. As we enter the third week of Lent, let this be a time of prayer and reflection, seeking the many ways God calls you into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
In this week's worship, we talk about the future. Most of us plan for our own future, but have you thought about what you're leaving for future generations? Not only as an inheritance, but as a legacy, a continuation of what your parents and grandparents taught you. Will your children, and their children, know that God was an important part of your life? Will God be an important part of their lives? Lent gives us time to reflect on our relationship with God and how we might grow closer and help our families in their walk of faith, too.
This week's worship continues with a look at generosity. What does it mean to practice generosity? What do you have to do? What happens when you're generous to others? We're in the middle of our sermon series surrounding the capital campaign and have a lot to discuss, not just about money, but about the state of our hearts.
We kick off a new sermon series this week based on our Capital Campaign - Our Legacy, Our Future: Faithfully Together. Unity has been a faithful church for over 260 years, and that doesn't happen by accident. There are many people who have intentionally worshiped, prayed, and given throughout these years to see that what we have today exists. We will talk about their faithfulness and ours as we begin this new series.
Our last metaphor for God is wind, which happens to share a definition in Greek with Spirit. Like the wind, God is an invisible force with a very visible presence, and also a bit of mystery. We don't know where the wind comes from or often where it is going, and we certainly don't have much control over it. But it can be used to power our lives in very positive ways.
"God is a consuming fire..." This is our metaphor for the week. Most of us have never refined silver or gold, but most of us have been through tough times where God is seeking to purify us. The fire can be a metaphor for the challenges or tough circumstances of life. This is the place where we come closer to God, reaching out to Him in a way that our comfortable lives don't allow.
Why don't we offer sacrifices to God the way the Israelites did in the Old Testament? Why you don't bring a lamb to church with you? Have you ever wondered how that changed? This week in our Indescribable God series, Pastor David looks at how we are meant to be a living sacrifice for God, and what that means we should do with our lives.
Another way we try to understand our indescribable God is by equating God to a loving parent. A nurturing mother. A loving father. A mentor we can follow. Someone who wants the best for us, who guides us and has our best interests in mind. We will look at this metaphor of God as our parent this week in worship as we continue our Indescribable God series.
We try to describe an immense God by giving him certain attributes and using similes and metaphors. In the second week of our series "Indescribable God," Pastor David takes a look at God as the Good Shepherd. A good shepherd watches over his flock, caring for them and making sure their needs are met and that predators are kept away.
How do you describe the indescribable? Throughout the Bible, the authors use metaphors to try to give us ideas about God - God is like a rock, or a loving father, or a lamb, or the wind. These give us a picture of a specific attribute of God. This week, Pastor David looks at God as our foundation, a steadfast rock on which we can always rely.
It's the third week of Advent and our characters this week are the Shepherds. These were outcasts, the poorest on the fringe of society, yet they were the first to hear of the birth of the Christ Child. Why were they chosen? What do we learn about how to treat others by looking at the shepherds? Who around us needs to be seen and needs the kindness of Christmas?
As we continue to look at the Characters of Christmas, Pastor Dana takes a look at Mary and Joseph. What trust did they have to have in the angels and in the promises of God? Do we put our trust in God or are we so skeptical that we miss the miracles God has planned for us?
The season of Advent begins this week, where we will take a look at the Characters of Christmas. We begin with the prophets, and their promise of the coming Messiah.
This week in worship, we finish the story of Joseph as he comes face to face with his brothers after 20 years. How does he respond? Will he repay them for their evil toward him? Or will he find a way to reconciliation? And what about us? When evil is done to us, do we respond by putting out more evil in the world or can we find a way to bless our enemies?
This week in worship we continue our series on Joseph as we find Joseph in prison on a false charge. But God is still working for good in his life, and his fortune is about to change. How does Joseph go from prison to the #2 guy in charge of the whole country? Join us and find out!
What does it mean to live a life of integrity? It means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. This week, we continue the story of Joseph and learn that the actions you take today have an effect on the future.
This Sunday we begin a new series on the life of Joseph, the dreamer. He came from a very dysfunctional family where his father played favorites, his brothers tried to kill him, and yet God still used the poor choices of those around him to work for good in his life. What is your family like? Are they on your last nerve sometimes? Remember, families are a gift from God.
It's Reformation Sunday! Although that probably doesn't mean much to you, it is our chance to talk about how we should always be looking to examine ourselves as a church and as an individual. We should remember our roots, honestly look at our sins, and humbly repent. Reformation Sunday challenges us to do better.
Everything we do is for the glory of God. What does it mean to accomplish God's purposes in the world? Our answer comes in the giving that we do, our response to disasters, and to illnesses, and to the offerings of the church. This is Visioning Sunday when we begin to look ahead to what God might have in mind for 2025.
Do unto others as you wish they would do unto you. This includes everyone - even the vile and evil. Can you offer that kind of forgiveness? What does it look like to turn the other cheek when someone hasn't apologized? What about for your worst enemy? Pastor Dana takes a look at Jesus' instructions to his disciples on the way to treat everyone.
Do you sacrifice justice for peace? How can we have both? Jesus holds the tension between these two values as we explore how we might live lives of wholeness and healing.
What is the truth? In a world where so much information comes at you, how do you know what to believe? Those around Jesus had these issues, too, and Jesus had a lesson for them about truth. Let's listen to the words of Jesus to find what is true and right.
What do you value? Consider how you might answer the question, “What are your core values?” Or “What do you value the most?” As Christians, we want to make sure our values match with Jesus’ values. Over the next five weeks, we will study the values of Jesus, beginning with the value of seeing the “other” as a neighbor.
The Church is ekklesia, a group of people, a community, a gathering. It is all of us working together. One of us couldn't do it alone. We need each other. That not only applies to the Church of Unity but also to the greater Church around the world. We need all Christians working together to make the world a better place. What are you doing? Where do you fit in? What is your role?
This week in worship, we are talking about the church as a family. What is your family like? How do you fit in? What roles do you play in your different family systems? What are we called to do as a church family to be good family members? Let's look at what Jesus and Paul have to say about the church as a family as we explore this metaphor.
This week we begin a new series, taking a look at the metaphors of the church. This week, The Church is A... Body, specifically, the body of Christ. Take time to explore your own role in this church. Where is God seeking to use your gifts? Where can you deepen your involvement in God’s work?
Our last Symbol of Faith is the offering box. Giving is a spiritual discipline that reflects the state of your heart. Are you quick to give to others, or do you hold on to what you have? If it is "more blessed to give than to receive" how are you being blessed? This doesn't have to be just in terms of money, but can also be in our time and the use of our God-given talents.
This week's symbol is baptism. Do you ever think about the promises that were made for you at your baptism? Or dwell on those you made if you can remember them? Baptism is full of grace, and Pastor Dana explores the deeper symbolism of the water as it washes us clean.
This week's symbol is The Lord's Prayer. This is the example of how to pray that Jesus gave his disciples. What do the different sentences tell us about how we should pray? Do prayers even work? What do we do when they don't give us the results we want? Listen as Pastor Dana digs into this ancient text.
This week in worship, we continue to talk about the Symbols of our Faith with a look at the Apostles' Creed. Do you know why we say we believe in the holy catholic church or the communion of saints? Pastor David digs into this ancient profession of belief and why we still use it today.
When you take communion, give offerings, or recite the Lord's Prayer or Apostles' Creed, do you know why? Do you understand what you're doing or saying or do you just go through the motions? Let's dig into these ancient practices and what they mean for us as Christians today
This week in worship, Obadiah is asked to risk his life to obey God. What risks do we take? Do we rise to the occasion or take the easy way out? Do we give God the opportunity to prove God’s faithfulness? We see the amazing results of Obadiah's faithfulness and explore the possibilities for our lives, too.
Are you in your own way? Do your own actions sabotage what you're trying to do? We all do to a certain degree. We don't eat healthy, or exercise enough. Maybe it is the negative self-talk in our head. This week in worship, Pastor Dana takes a look at one man who had a Divine Distraction by a pool as he meets Jesus, and decides for himself that he does want to be healed.
What does it feel like to be lost and then found? This week, Jesus reaches out to a man who is a despised tax collector, even though the crowd tries to shut him out. Whenever we try to exclude people, Jesus has a way of bringing them back into His presence. Even if they’re not worthy. Even if WE are not worthy.
Have you had an experience where you can’t imagine what comes next? Maybe your boss retires, and you can’t imagine what the new boss will be like. Or you are facing a divorce and the future seems very uncertain. We are looking at that Divine Disruption this week as Joshua takes over leadership after the death of Moses. He is filled with self-doubt, but God reminds him that he isn’t doing this alone. Do we need that reminder, too?
When life is disrupted by an illness, or a pandemic, or the loss of a loved one, what do you do? Do you stop and ask “what is God trying to show me” or do you go to bed and try to sleep off the misery? These divine disruptions can be painful, but can also be just the reset that you needed to send your life in a better direction. Pastor Dana takes a look at how we might remove the blinders from our eyes and use these moments as a catalyst for a brighter future.
What advice did you get from your parents? Did it stay with you? We turn to the wisdom of Proverbs to hear what Solomon wanted his children to make sure to take with them - Godly wisdom that should be written on their hearts.
The practice of Jubilee was already out of favor in the days of Jesus, but one of his first acts was to declare freedom in the name of the Lord. What does that look like for us in 2024? What does a Great Jubilee mean to us who are broken, held captive by our addictions, and self-doubts, and fears?
The idea of Jubilee meant freedom - land sold to pay debts was returned to the original owners, those sold into slavery were set free, and loans were forgiven. This was designed to create a society where people were openhanded and generous, knowing that all they owned was temporary and ultimately belonged to God. When we give generously, we tell others that they are valuable to God despite whatever hardships they face. This is a description of the type of Christian community God still wants us to create today.
If you lived in ancient Israel, every 50 years a trumpet sound would mark the beginning of something new. A fresh start. A new opportunity. The Year of Jubilee. It was The Great Reset. We don’t celebrate years like this anymore, but can we apply some of the principles of Jubilee to our world today? Can we dedicate this next year to God as our own form of Jubilee?
He is Risen! It is still Easter, and Jesus is still alive! Easter isn't just one Sunday, but we continue to celebrate our risen Savior for the gift of eternal life. How does the power of the resurrection affect you? What does this mean to you, and how do you share that with other people?
Jesus did something! And he told Martha about it before it happened. Try explaining the resurrection now, and it is hard to believe. Eternal life? Death that cannot keep its grip on life? The hope of Easter is found in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ - do you believe?
Palm Sunday begins Holy Week with sounds of "Hosanna! Hosanna!" We celebrate with Jesus and his disciples, but quickly turn toward the cross and reflect on the sacrifice of the cross.
As we draw closer to the cross, Pastor David takes a look at Simon of Cyrene, who was literally asked to take the cross and follow Jesus. Like Simon, we don't often get to choose when our hard times happen. When we suffer, who is leading us through our trials? Are we ready to follow Jesus, even to the cross?
Do you find it hard to do the right thing when it goes against what everyone around you is doing? Is it easier to remain silent? What about when it goes against what your boss or your government has dictated to you? This week, we get up close to Jesus through the Man with the Withered Hand, who met Jesus on the Sabbath Day, when work of any kind, even healing, was forbidden by law. What does it mean to keep the Sabbath Day holy?
We live in a do-it-yourself society, where it is a sign of weakness to ask for help. But God tells us to rely on Him, and to not lean entirely on ourselves. What does it look like to reach out to God? Pastor David looks at this through the story of the bleeding woman who took a chance and touched the hem of Jesus' cloak to be healed.
Has an event in your life brought you in front of Jesus, maybe for one mistake you made that you became known for? Would you like to receive mercy and forgiveness instead of judgment for it? This week, Pastor David looks at the story of the adulterous woman, which reminds us that there is a judge, and it is not us. What rocks do we carry around that we need to put down?
For the people who drew close to Jesus, everything changed. That is the premise behind our new preaching series: Up Close. Throughout Lent, we will study stories of individuals whose lives were changed when they were up close to Jesus. This week we begin with Nicodemus, who learns what it means to be born of the Spirit but is transformed into a disciple of Christ by his close encounter.
Have you ever had a mountaintop experience? Have you encountered God so intensely that it left you changed deep in your soul? What happened? If we let them, those mountaintop experiences can leave us forever changed. Pastor Dana takes a look at Jesus’ experience on the mountain and how we can use those face-to-face encounters with God when we have to face our fears and anxieties back in the valleys of life.
We were created on purpose and for a purpose. With that knowledge in mind, what do we do when God calls us to work for His kingdom? Do we make excuses? What has been our objection to God? Too young… too old? Too tired…not equipped? What stands in the way of you answering God’s call?
Have you ever needed a second chance? Second chances can change your life, if you let God’s grace into your heart. This week, we find Jonah obeying God and speaking to the people of Ninevah with miraculous results! Let’s see how a wayward prophet, a fish, and a second chance to do the right thing combine to save the people of this once-wicked city.
Have you found yourself at a breaking point where the mountains of stress, grief, or exhaustion are almost too much to bear? Have you cried out to God, or blamed God for your circumstances? This week, we find Jonah in the belly of the fish, having run from the directions that God gave him. Will he blame God, and complain about his situation, or will he trust in God and proclaim God's goodness?
Have you ever done the opposite of what you knew you should do? I'm sure we all have at one point or another. Pastor David takes a look at the most famous prophet who ran from God's calling and ended up in the belly of a fish. This week we begin a four-week series on the life of Jonah called, "Who, Me?" We will take a look at what we are called to do as well as hear from some of the amazing volunteers around Unity and why they do what they do.
We made it through the holidays and into a new year! Did you experience something at the manger that made you want to do something new this year, to take your life in a new direction? We are talking about new directions this week as we embark on 2024 with all its potential ahead of us.
Are you anticipating Christmas with joy? Sometimes we don’t like waiting for things to happen, even if they will be good things. This week, Pastor David goes back 600 years before the birth of Jesus to look at a story of a promise that required a long, long wait….
Tis the season…. for choices! We choose which family we are visiting, and what presents we are taking.. but have you considered the choice that Jesus made to come to earth to be fully human? He took the mindset of a servant to show us what our choices should be. As we look toward the holidays, let us consider having this Christmas mindset.
Tis the season…. It’s time to get ready. We are decorating, baking, shopping, and getting our homes ready for the Christmas season. Are we readying our hearts? What should we be doing to prepare? Pastor David reminds us that at the heart of every season is our expression of worship, of giving glory to God. As we enter Advent and Christmas with hope and excitement, let us remember that it Tis the Season for Worship!
How do we express our gratitude to God? Our words fall short, our actions are lacking... and we often forget. What's your daily posture? How can you live so your life shows thanksgiving to God? Come to worship where we talk about this church word in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Our word of the week is Sovereign. When we say God is sovereign, it means God is in control of all things. But how can we reconcile that when there is war in the Middle East? Can God really have planned that? Pastor David digs into the plans that God has for us all, and how those plans can sometimes go wrong, even though God is good.
The Bible says “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Understanding the definition of faith and actually living by it are two separate things. Join us today as we explore how to live by faith and not by sight.
Our series on church words continues this week with a look at grace. We are freely given grace from God, and are supposed to extend God’s grace to others. How do we live as people of grace in a world that often values so many other things? Let's talk about how we respond to God's amazing grace.
This week, we begin a new series on Church Words – those funny words you mostly only hear around the church. This week’s word is holiness and its closely related word, sanctification. What does it mean to be holy without coming across as Holier-Than-Thou? What is the process to become holy people of God? Pastor David unpacks that for us in this week’s sermon.
October is Stewardship season, which is a great time to look around and notice all the things that God has blessed us with throughout the year. It’s a great time to reflect, and in doing so, think of the ways that God has shown you grace in your life. Paul challenges us to excel in the grace of giving. How will you respond?
Blessed are we… and we certainly will be to have the Rev. Dana Pate with us in worship this week. She is trading pulpits with Pastor David, who is traveling to Rock Hill UMC to preach in her place. If you’ve not experienced the dynamic Rev Dana, you’re in for a treat! She’s bringing blessings with her, preaching on the beatitudes and how blessed we are to be able to be a blessing to others.
This is World Communion Sunday, a time to reflect on all the ways that we are connected with one another around the table. Food brings us together in different ways in different cultures and makes us one family under our Creator. Jesus tells his disciples that whoever does the will of God is our brother and sister and mother.
Our series on The Disciples concludes this week with a look at Thomas – often called Doubting Thomas, because of his need to see the risen Jesus for himself. But how many of us want proof of Jesus’ abilities to make a difference in our own lives? Like Thomas, do we believe because others tell us about Jesus or do we want to have our own experiences?
Our series on The Disciples continues with a look at Mary Magdalene. She was a disciple from the beginning to the end and had a remarkable transformation because of her dedication and devotion to Jesus. Let’s see how our lives can mirror hers in growth as we follow Jesus, too.
This week, Pastor David continues our series on The Disciples with a look at Judas. We know Judas as the disciple who betrayed Jesus, but Judas was once a trusted disciple in the inner circle, in charge of the finances of the group. Where did he let greed get the best of him, and how can we learn from his mistakes?
This week we continue our series on The Disciples as we look at John, who describes himself as “the disciple Jesus loved.” John’s life spanned almost 90 years, and his life changed from one of misguided enthusiasm to one of patient endurance through consistent and persistent faith.
This week we continue to discover our identity as we take a look at who we are as disciples of Christ. What does it mean to be a disciple? Is it enough to say we believe in Jesus, or is more needed? Discover the three Ways of Discipleship that Jesus gave to his followers.
This week, Pastor David takes a look at who we are as a church community – as the body of Christ. This community is dependent on the diversity of our members, each contributing their unique gifts in an effort to bring the works of Jesus to the world. Where do you fit into this plan? Let’s explore this together!
Pastor David continues answering questions from the congregation with one I bet everyone has asked at some point – why do bad things happen to good people? Why does God allow babies to get cancer? Why are really good people victims of violence? And how can we explain an all-powerful God who allows these things to happen, especially to people who doubt? Let’s find out together!
Our summer series of questions continue with one I bet you have asked at one time or another – why did Jesus have to die on the cross? We’ll dig into the atonement, what it has meant over the past 2000 years, and what it means to us today.
How many times do we try to dodge the subject of our sins? We don't want to face them ourselves, much less admit them to God. The Samaritan woman at the well faces Jesus in the same way, but his kindness back to her shows her, and us, a new way to forgive, with kindness and the understanding that none of us are perfect.
It's so easy to get caught up worrying about just about every aspect of our lives. Our jobs, our kids, our health, our future... but time and time again the Bible tells us not to worry. How are we supposed to do that? It seems like every time we stop, something comes along to make us start right up again. Pastor Dana takes a look at this topic as we continue our Summer of Questions this week.
Our summer of questions continues as we look at life after death and the second coming of Jesus. You guys asked some tough questions! Pastor David digs into 1 Thessalonians 4 to hear some encouragement from Paul on the subject, and we might come away with more questions than answers!
This week, our questions from the congregation focus on the political polarization of the church, and how we can keep our focus on God amidst the noise around us. Pastor David will use Paul’s words from Ephesians 4 as we navigate some of the same issues that they were facing in the early church, looking for unity as they were facing a world that marginalizes people and weaponizes religion.
Why did God appear to so many people in the Old Testament but not to anyone in the last 2,000 years? Think about all who lived before biblical times, all those who have never heard the word. Why is life after death just for those lucky enough to have been exposed to Christian teachings? Pastor David explores these questions and digs into how God reveals himself to us and to the world at large.
Why do we do mission work? And if we’re not helping starving children in Africa, or doing medical missions in Vietnam, is it really missions? Pastor Dana takes a look at the different types of mission work and the purposes of each as she brings us a recap of the recent trip to the UK in worship this week.
Several months ago, Pastor David encouraged the congregation to send him questions on faith. We got over 50 questions asking all kinds of things that we will try to answer throughout the summer! The first one seems to be a hard one – “How can I hear God’s voice?” Wouldn’t it be great if it was like a phone call? This week, Pastor David looks at the different ways we might feel the urgings of God as individuals and as the body of Christ.
This week is Pentecost – the celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit! What a great reminder that we are not alone – that we have this gift of a personal advocate who can even speak for us when we do not have the words to say on our own – that we are never alone in our sorrow or grief or despair but are always in the presence of a loving and caring God.
How many times do we say we want peace, then we yell at our neighbor, or at the car in front of us, or at our spouse or child? How do we get this peace we want when it is so hard to find it within ourselves? How can we pursue peace in a world where chaos is everywhere? We might be able to find some inspiration from a story from Paul’s life in our sermon this week where our Opposite is Peace or Conflict. We also celebrate our Mothers, who we are sure would enjoy a little peace in their day, too!
We’re still looking at the opposites in the Bible this week as we take a look at Hope and Pessimism. Sometimes it's easier not to get our hopes up so that we're not disappointed. Faith in God, however, points us in a different, more hope-filled direction. How does that work out for one Old Testament mother? Let’s find out!
This week we begin a new sermon series called Opposites! The Bible often teaches through contrasting experiences of life. This series will explore these contrasts found in the Bible, beginning with Obedience Or Independence – the Story of Noah. Noah did all that the Lord commanded him, despite having no reason to trust in what God was telling him.
Caring for God's creation is not a political thing to do, or a religious thing to do, but a human thing to do. And we all have to do our part. Hear a word from our Earth Care chair, Bee Manship, a beautiful song from the Mariners Quartet, and a prayer from Dave Fechtmeister as we celebrate Earth Day.
It's Easter, the day that darkness doesn't win. The day that Jesus rises from the grave, conquering death. We can learn that from the Bible, but how can we know that in our hearts? How can we experience that for ourselves? Pastor David turns to the Apostle Paul for help trying to understand how the impossible can be possible.
An abundant life is also an eternal life! Jesus tries to explain this to some Pharisees, and they get into a pretty heated discussion. Hear the mic-drop moments in this week’s sermon.
Abundant life sometimes requires us to experience emptiness and dissatisfaction. There are times when we question if God even exists – how can a loving God allow bad things to happen, and does God even care about us anyway? Pastor Dana explores our times of crisis and how they can lead to abundant life.
Just as a caterpillar undergoes a metamorphosis and emerges as a butterfly, so too do we go through a transformation into the people God has created us to be. But change can be scary and painful. How can we bring our broken parts to Jesus? Pastor David takes a look at the story of Legion for some answers.
Isaiah tells us “the desert shall rejoice… it shall blossom abundantly.” How do we go about having a life that's over the top, more than expected, and full of abundance when sometimes all we are doing is marking time? Pastor David continues our Lenten series on Abundant Life by exploring these questions.
This is the first Sunday in the season of Lent, a time of reflection and spiritual growth. Lent represents the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness in preparation for his death and resurrection. This year we're talking about Abundant Life, the kind of life that Jesus wants us to have.
This week in worship we find King David on his deathbed. What are his final words and instructions? We’re going to find out that he has a lot of things that he can’t let go of. Aren’t we like that too, holding on to past hurts and grudges? Let’s learn together.
Have you ever been caught up in something that you know is wrong but you just can’t seem to help yourself? That’s where we find King David this week, deeply embroiled in a scandal of his own making. Can he remain in God’s favor in the midst of sin? Listen and find out!
This week, as David is crowned King of Israel, he offers all glory and praise to God. He even asks, “who am I that you have brought me here?” We take a look at David’s rise to the throne and his humility at the power before him. What kind of king will David be? We're going to find out today!
The story continues this week where we find David is being hunted by the leader of his beloved nation! How can we tune out the voices of the world in favor of the voice of God, our Audience of One? Pastor David explores this Old Testament story.
How often are we jealous of someone who has more than we have? In this week’s sermon, we see King Saul become angry over accolades that were given to David instead of rejoicing at David’s accomplishments. We’ll also take a look at our own situations and how we can rejoice at others’ achievements, building them up instead of comparing ourselves to them.
Just as the shepherd boy, David, faced the giant, Goliath, we face giants in our lives that threaten to overcome us. Through this famous story, Pastor David takes a look at the help that is to be found in the living God, and what to remember when overcoming the hard times in life.
We begin a new series on the life of David – the shepherd, the psalmist, the one who battled Goliath, the one who became king, and the one who messed up so profoundly. Pastor David begins today with a look at David’s anointing. What criteria do you use to choose a leader? Find out the criteria God used to call David as the King of Israel.
It's Christmas Day - what gift did you receive today? Did you get the gift you wanted? Pastor David tells us all about the gift of light and life that was given to us on Christmas.
Enjoy this musical service of Lessons and Carols as we tell the Christmas Story through scripture and song.
This week is our third Sunday in Advent – the half-way point to Christmas – and so we celebrate the JOY of Christ’s coming to earth. Pastor David takes a look at the story of Zechariah, and how God works in the silence of our lives.
This week, we talk about hope, even hope in our hardest and darkest times. As we journey toward Christmas, Pastor Dana will look at the promises of God and how we can carry this hope with us throughout the season.
Welcome to the first Sunday of Advent, where we prepare our hearts for the Christmas season. This week, Pastor David takes a look at the promise of Emmanuel, given through the prophet Isaiah. Are you letting circumstances dictate your response, or are you waiting for God to speak?
What are you thankful for? This is a Sunday as we approach Thanksgiving, we pause to appreciate all good gifts, not just things, that we have been given this year. Be thankful with us this week!
God wants you to be happy, right? Actually, the Bible doesn’t say so. In fact, the Bible says that we will have struggles and hard times, but God will be with us. Check out worship this week as Pastor Dana finishes our series on “NOT IN THERE: Things You Think the Bible Says (But it Doesn’t.)”
“God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Has someone told you that before, perhaps at a time that you feel like you’ve actually been given more than you can bear? This statement is not actually in the Bible! God didn’t make this promise, but God did make several other promises that we can rely on in times of trouble. Tune in and hear all about these promises and how to rely on God when times get tough.
In a fractured world, so fraught with violence, tragic events, and unrelenting uncertainty, we are so in need of a time to come together and recommit ourselves to being God’s instruments of peace. This service provides different voices from Unity focused on the topic of peace.
The Bible says you have to be good to get into heaven, right? Actually, it doesn’t! Turns out that good people don’t go to heaven… but redeemed people do! This is the second week of our series NOT IN THERE: Things you think the Bible says (but it doesn’t.)
Everything happens for a reason… or does it? We start a new series this week on things you think the Bible says, but it doesn’t! So what does the Bible actually have to say about why things happen? Pastor David takes a look through the Bible to enlighten us.
This is the final week of our Strange Story series, where Pastor Dana takes a look at the story of the widow who fed Elijah the very last of the food she had. From that act of trust and kindness, she was miraculously blessed. Are we willing to trust God in all situations? Or do we hold back, fearing that we will not have enough for ourselves? How will you respond?
Today, our strange story comes from the book of Genesis, where the people of the earth worked together to build a great city and a tower that reached to the heavens. As we celebrate World Communion Sunday, we will look at God's vision of our world.
In this week’s strange story, we see Jesus shine like the sun and meet with Moses and Elijah on a mountaintop. Where do you experience the sacred in your life?
In this week’s strange story, we see Jesus shine like the sun and meet with Moses and Elijah on a mountaintop. Where do you experience the sacred in your life?
This week, our Strange Story introduces you to Naaman, who goes to the prophet Elisha to be cured of leprosy. Naaman is a very proud, important man and gets angry at Elisha. How often do we let our anger get in the way of our healing? Pastor David explores this strange story to see what we can learn.
This week, our Strange Story introduces you to Naaman, who goes to the prophet Elisha to be cured of leprosy. Naaman is a very proud, important man and gets angry at Elisha. How often do we let our anger get in the way of our healing? Pastor David explores this strange story to see what we can learn.
This is our third week in the Strange Stories series, and this week, our message of the day comes from the book of Ezekiel. Pastor Dana talks about some very dry bones and thirsting for God. Come and learn more from this strange story.
This is our third week in the Strange Stories series, and this week, our message of the day comes from the book of Ezekiel. Pastor Dana talks about some very dry bones and thirsting for God. Come and learn more from this strange story.
This is our second week in the Strange Stories series, and this week, Jesus tells his disciples that if they only had a little bit of faith, they could move mountains. We aren’t talking about using bulldozers or shovels, but moving the obstacles in our lives that keep us from being all that God has planned for us. Come and learn more from this strange story.
This is our second week in the Strange Stories series, and this week, Jesus tells his disciples that if they only had a little bit of faith, they could move mountains. We aren’t talking about using bulldozers or shovels, but moving the obstacles in our lives that keep us from being all that God has planned for us. Come and learn more from this strange story.
This week we begin a new sermon series called Strange Stories: THAT’S in the Bible? From talking donkeys, to dancing bones, to cleaning yourself with dirty water, there are accounts of some weird things in the Bible! What do those stories have to teach us about our supernatural God? Come and find out!
Welcome to the last week of our summer of questions! This last question may be the hardest of all – “Why did God take away my sister at such a young age?” Haven’t we all wondered something along those lines – why do children have to die; why do bad things happen to good people? Pastor David turns to the Book of Job for insight to this question.
You probably know that God created the world in 7 days... or was it the Big Bang? How do we reconcile these two theories? Do we have to choose science or faith, or is there a way that they can work together?
This week, our question is "How can I inspire people to come to church?" You know attending a sporting event is different from watching it on TV. The same is true with worship! Online viewing is great when you can't be here, but isn't a long-term substitute. What inspires you to meet together? How do you share that with others?
Are the things you own keeping you from your best life? Are your possessions getting in the way of your relationships, even your relationship with God? The Rev. Dr. Byron Wade digs into these questions and looks at how we can have stuff, but not let it have us.
All through the Bible, God tells his people not to fear. But that’s so much easier said than done! How can we feel less worried about things, especially since it seems the world around us is living in fear? This is the question that Pastor David answers this week!
God speaks to many people in the Bible but why can't I hear Him? How do I know I'm doing what God wants and not what I want? Y'all keep challenging us with questions each week! Let's dig into this one and see if we can "tune our hearts" into God.
The Old Testament has 613 different laws the Israelites were to follow. Some of these make sense to us today, and some don't. How do we know which ones we are still supposed to live by? Pastor David breaks them down for us using Jesus' words from Matthew 5.
"Why is Israel God's Chosen People?" That's the question you asked this week, and Pastor David digs into what "chosen" means, and how the people of Israel are representative of us all.
Pastor David continues our series of questions asked by the congregation by looking at church attendance? Is church necessary? Can you be a good Christian without attending church?
Is there a hell? What about reincarnation? Would a generous God not give us second chances? We dig into these questions - that you asked - in worship this week!
We begin a new series called "I've Always Wondered" which takes a look at some of the questions that you sent to Pastor David and Pastor Dana several months ago. On this Trinity Sunday, we take a look at the question "How can I ever fully understand the Trinity?" Pastor Dana takes a look at what the Bible, and specifically what Paul, has to say about the Trinity.
Pastor David takes a look at the gift of the Holy Spirit as we celebrate Pentecost. If we are spiritual beings, why is our body important, too? How do we embrace the Spirit that lives in each of us?
Memorial Day weekend is a great time to dig into Jesus' words on friendship.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13
How do you know what God's will is for your life? Do you see God's will for your life as an escape room, where you have to make all the right moves, or is there more to it? Pastor David takes a look into the Bible for the answer to this important question.
Why church? What benefits do you get from a community of people who are just as imperfect as you are? Pastor Dana looks at the benefits of being part of a church family.
Pastor David takes a look at three of the popular benedictions from the Bible. These blessings are prayers given for God's people then and are just as powerful today.
In Revelation, God reveals himself as the One who was, and is, and is to come, the Alpha and the Omega. Pastor Dana takes a look at what that means for us and how we can find comfort in the God who is always and forever.
Jesus gives his disciples instructions for spreading the good news to the people around them. What should they take with them? Where will they stay? The answers might surprise you.
Forgiveness is essential to the life of a Christian, but it is one of the hardest things to do. How do we get to the point where we can let go of the anger and hurt? Pastor Dana takes a look at the life of Joseph for some answers.
Being a disciple involved unwavering commitment. Pastor David takes a look at people who wanted to follow Jesus but had other things to do first. What obstacles do we let stand in the way of following Jesus?
Jesus asks his disciples "Who do you say I am?" What do we believe? Who do you say Jesus is to you?
What are you passionate about? Our passions for helping others, feeding people, and showing kindness lead us closer to a life in Christ. But some of our passions can hurt, especially when we are too eager to be liked, or to succeed, or make our political point. Pastor David explores the scriptures to find the ways that our passions can align with Christ to help us be eager Christians.
The story of Gideon begins with Gideon asking God some questions about things he doesn't understand - why God has not saved his people from oppression and why an angel of the Lord called him a mighty warrior. What questions do we ask of God today? Is it ok to question, or should we just have faith?
The source of our joy is in God, and we find it in the places that we see God at work in the world. So look for these places, search for the ways that you see it making changes in yourself and others, and let these moments fill you with joy.
If we are given free will by God, couldn't God have made it so that we didn't have to experience pain at the same time? Pastor David takes a look at this logical contradiction as he continues the series on The Purpose of Pain.
Evangelism is a word that brings up negative images of street preachers and people who knock on your door at inopportune times. But there's a reason (and a way) that we all should be telling the story of Jesus to others, and that is the story of what Jesus has done in our own lives. What is your story, and who can you tell it to this week?
Pastor David continues our series on PURPOSE with a look at the Purpose of Pain? Do we cause our own suffering? Sometimes, perhaps, but sometimes random things happen that we have no control over.
God is making a new covenant with us, and this time, it isn't commandments written on stone tablets, it is a change of heart! Jeremiah 31:31-34 is the first place we see this new covenant idea.
God continues to mold and shape us into the people He desires us to be, no matter what we have already messed up on our own.
As our new church plant - Artisan Church - in Lincolnton NC holds its first service this week, Pastor David takes a look at God, the Great Artisan, Creator of all that is.
Pastor David gives us a vision of a world at peace according to Micah 4 - and what we can do to work toward that vision.
Pastor David takes a look at the Parable of the Talents and what we might do to hear "well done, my good and faithful servant."
Pastor Dana concludes our series on Relationships with a look at the Foundations of Relationship.
In a message to 2020 graduates, Pastor David advises them to keep God in the center of their lives as they make choices in the days ahead.
What does Paul mean when he calls us "jars of clay?" How are we bolstered by that analogy? Check out Pastor David's sermon as he completes the series "Comfort in a Crisis."
Hopelessness leads to cynicism and sarcasm... but the promises of God hold hope in the midst of despair. Even when you have been asked to wait - and wait a long time - for an outcome, know that God is good and that God waits with you.