Apex United Methodist Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Apex United Methodist Church
With God’s help we are becoming a diverse, multi-generational community so unified by our love for God and one another that others are drawn to become Christ followers. We are centered in Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We invite all to join us in our passionate desire to follow Christ so that together we are transformed and prepared to serve as God calls us.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - Certain things, items, and rituals, we deem sacred. However what we deem sacred and why is often more assumed than understood. Join us this week as we explore the meaning of sacraments and the importance of our two sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion, in particular.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - The heart of the salvation story is in the story of Jesus Christ and the cross. But the salvation theme begins in the Old Testament, particularly in God's relationship with Israel. This ancient song of praise from Isaiah makes clear our salvation is in God and God alone. Join us as we name our need for a Savior and explore what salvation means for our lives.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - Sin has become an almost unmentionable word in modern times. However, the word occurs frequently in our hymns, our liturgy, and our prayers. More than that - sin is in our lives. We all know something is fundamentally wrong with humanity, we just don't know how to name it. Join as we discuss this hard, but important, word.
Pastor Daeho Kang - In this Scripture, the Apostle Paul speaks about grace from first-hand experience. Looking back on his life, he knew where grace had occurred. Join us this week as explore what grace means and learn to name where it is at work in our lives and in our world.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - Vocabulary of Faith
We're likely to think of faith as a noun - as in having faith or not having faith, but in the Bible faith is more of an action. Hebrews 11, sometimes called the "faith chapter," helps us understand more about what faith is and what faith looks like in practice.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - In these concluding scenes in the book of Acts, Paul is sailing to Rome when he is shipwrecked in a storm. Join us for this amazing story of deliverance, perseverance, and grace.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - This is a beautiful passage of liberation and hope. Paul and Silas are in prison at Philippi, singing and praying at midnight in their prison cell, when an earthquake shakes the prison open. God's power extends to their jailor as well who ends up believing and having his family baptized. There are moments, like this one, where being SENT means experiencing truly amazing grace.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - When people are excited about being SENT out to share the Gospel - there are sometimes disagreements about how best to do it. In this passage we read of a falling out between Paul and Barnabas. Join us as we explore the complexities of well-meaning, but broken, relationships.
Pastor Daeho Kang - The Council of Jerusalem is a pivotal moment in the early church. Through a fascinating process of administration and discernment, the leaders conclude that both Jews and Gentiles can be true practitioners of the faith. This quintessential church meeting opens up what it means to be SENT and to who we are SENT.
Pastor Daeho Kang - Peter escapes miraculously from prison. The escape is shocking that even Peter wonders if it's real or only a vision. He goes to a house of Mary where a servant girl, Roda, struggles to convince everyone that Peter is really there. Join us as we explore how being SENT in the Gospel can result in surprising and unbelievable events.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - Peter has a dream which tells him that his thinking needs to change. Instead of holding onto categories of holy and unholy people, Peter learns he is SENT to everyone. Even more importantly, he learns that everyone has a share of the Holy Spirit to share with him. When have we, as Jesus’ disciples now, needed to readjust our perspective on who is holy?
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - Tabitha (also called Dorcas) was known and loved for living out Jesus' commands in simple ways, like making clothes for those in need. When she dies, the community grieves both the loss of her and of her ministry. Join us as we contemplate how being SENT in mission and ministry involves simple acts of daily kindness to others.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - In this passage, we read of the way the Holy Spirit worked in two men's lives - Paul and Annaias. Through related stories, both men come to know the power of Jesus and are SENT out to share the Gospel.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - In this passage, we read about Simon the Sorcercer. Simon saw the gospel as a way to increase his own fame. The disciples had no tolerance for Simon's greed and called him out on it. Join us as we seek to be people SENT to share the Gospel in ways that are good and honorable.
Pastor Danny Berrier -
Barnabas - the “Son of Encouragement” - donates to the church and then is used by the Spirit to help spread the gospel. His role as a SENT disciple not only encouraged others on their journey, his willingness to share his time, talent, and resources serves as a model for modern day Christians.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - This passage is a great mash up of powerful moments from the tongues of fire, to a violent wind, to a cacophony of languages. These events also mark the birth of the church where we are SENT individually and collectively into the world.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - Acts 1:1-11
In this passage, Jesus commissions his disciples and ascends to heaven. Jesus explains to the disciples how they will need to wait for the Holy Spirit to descend, but then they will be witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Join us as we hear the disciples, and by extension all of us, are SENT into the world in Jesus' name.
Pastor Laura Johnson - This passage is an excerpt from the larger, "high priestly prayer" offered by Jesus just before his arrest. As the father is in Christ, so Christ is in the Father, so are we also in them - unified as one divine family. As Easter People we work to be one with God and one with each other.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - Jesus asks the man at the Pool of Bethesda, "Do you want to be made well?" This man has been coming to the same pool, day after day, for 38 years so one can presume the answer is, "Yes!" But he doesn't say yes. Instead, he explains why healing hasn't happened. Join us this week as we grapple with the topic of faith and healing.
Pastor Laura Johnson - The disciples are hungry and weary with grief. Jesus makes a surprise appearance and joins the disciples for breakfast on the beach. In this special moment, the disciples learn anew what it means to be Easter People who keep going in the midst of pain and grief.
Pastor Laura Johnson - Thomas missed out. He wasn't able to see what his friends were able to see - a Resurrected Jesus. To steal a line from Hamilton, Thomas wasn't "In the Room where It Happens." Join us this week as we explore what it means to be Easter People who long to see new life in our world today.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - Even the grave could not stop Jesus. Join us this Sunday as we marvel at the empty tomb and celebrate that Jesus is alive, active, and moving in our and lives and in our world.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - In gratitude for raising Lazarus from the dead, and perhaps with a premonition of his upcoming death, Mary of Bethany gives Jesus an incredible gift - anointing him with costly perfume. Join us this Sunday as we consider our response to God’s movements in our own lives, how we might pour out ourselves with grateful hearts.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son might also be called the parable of the Extravagant Father. Join us this Sunday as we marvel at the good news that, like the forgiving and loving father, God is always running to meet us, even when we have squandered his grace.
Pastor Laura Johnson - Instead of gazing at the grass on the other side of the fence, Jesus challenges us to focus on realities that will bring change and growth in our own back yard. Join us this Sunday as we consider the importance of self-reflection and heed God’s call to tend to the health of our souls.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern | God Moves…Into Human Experience
Jesus is tempted in the desert, showing us how fully God has moved into human experience and can identify with our every moment. Join us this Sunday as we consider how does God’s closeness to us, especially in the time of trial, helps us move closer to God.
Pastor Laura Johnson - On this Transfiguration Sunday, we will experience anew the way that Jesus' light is meant to shine for all to see. This "all" includes people across space and time who in this one, amazing moment truly comprehend Jesus' power and glory.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - This difficult text gives all new meaning to "tough love." Jesus' form of unlimited love expands even to our enemies. Join us as we are challenged to open our hearts in ways only God can make possible.
Pastor Laura Johnson - In this Lukan take on the Beatitudes, often called the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus describes a series of reversals. They are both good reversals like the poor will inherit the kingdom of God and the hungry will be filled and bad reversals like the full will be hungry and the laughing will mourn. Join us as we discuss the way Jesus' mission is full of unexpected outcomes.
Pastor Laura Johnson - We are both called and sent. In this story of Jesus' calling the first disciples, there is immediately this instruction that they are called in order that they might then be sent "to be fishers of all people." Join us this week as we commit anew to being called…and to being sent.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - Jesus is received as the hometown boy who has grown too big for his britches rather than the fulfillment of prophecy. His words are heard as a threat, not the invitation they are intended to be. Join us this week as we explore Jesus' sermon and how we might better receive his Good News.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - In this passage from Luke, Jesus defines his mission. In doing so, he defines our mission as well. Join us as we hear anew the ways Jesus brings good news to the poor, release to the captives, sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free.
Pastor Laura Johnson - At Cana, Jesus performed his first miracle - turning water into wine. There is this beautiful, celebratory element here - the light Jesus comes to shine forth is a bright one, filled with joy.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - A great deal happens in these short verses - Jesus is baptized by John, the heavens open and the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove, and a voice declares, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." And with that - Jesus is commissioned to go forth into the world. Join us as we celebrate this Baptism of the Lord Sunday.
Christ's love and light is so intense it draws in the whole world. In this text about outsiders becoming insiders, "wise men from the East came to Jerusalem." Join us this week as we celebrate a Jesus who in his very nature elicits both curiosity and adoration.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - Zechariah's song, traditionally called the Benedictus, answers the neighbors' question, "What then will this child become?" This response is full of praise for God who has blessed the people with a "mighty Savior." We invite you to join us in worship, so that we, too, might ponder what this child will become.
Pastor Laura Johnson - Mary's hymn of praise, traditionally called Mary's Magnificat, interprets theologically the news that Mary is going to give birth to the Savior. Through her song, we learn not only what is going to happen, but why the world will never be the same. Join us this week as we explore Mary's Magnificat and let our souls, too, magnify the Lord.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - The words wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, prince of peace are better sung than said. Handel's oratorio "Messiah" proved that. Join us this week as we prepare for the Coming King with these beloved words from the Prophet Isaiah.
Pastor Laura Johnson - In this beloved Walk to Emmaus story, Jesus is recognised in the breaking of the bread. It is in the church, the gathered Body of Christ, where the disciples learn to recognize Jesus in their midst. This is the goal for our generosity - that people see the presence of Jesus in their lives and in their world. Join us this week as we celebrate the ways AUMC is experiencing this same story. Again and again, we are getting to recognize Jesus in our midst through our church's mission and ministries.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - It is said that love is a verb, not a noun. We are called to put our love into action. Generosity shared with the church goes to do something - do something good, something healing, something transformative. We, at AUMC, see that doing takes shape in the way we live into our membership vows - prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Join us this week as we learn together what our generosity does.
Pastor Laura Johnson - In this ancient text from Deuteronomy there are instructions for how the faithful are to live in the Promised Land. Specifically, in these verses, the Hebrew people are instructed to take "first fruits" - a token presentation of each agricultural crop into the sanctuary. Christian tradition builds on this Hebrew tradition, often describing our tithes and offering as "first fruits." Join us this week as we explore the nature of generosity, especially where it starts.
Laura Katherine Stern | John 11:32-44
On All Saints' Sunday, United Methodists publicly remember and honor those who have passed away. Celebrated on the first Sunday in November, many congregations light candles, ring bells of remembrance, and call the names of those lost in the previous year as a way of honoring the impact their lives have had on us.
Pastor Laura Johnson - Jesus says we are to love God and to love our neighbors. It is the greatest of all of our tasks as followers of God. And yet, in practice, we often ignore or downplay this divine instruction. Join us this week as we discuss what it means to love our neighbors and commit anew to Jesus' command.
Laura Katherine Stern - We sometimes struggle with how to talk to neighbors of different faith backgrounds. In this passage, Paul is preaching in Athens. He is unapologetically Christian - inviting the Greeks to be followers of Jesus Christ. But Paul's tone is respectful - he is complementary of the Greeks and knowledgeable about their culture. Join us as we talk about what it means to respect our neighbors - especially when our neighbors' faith differs from our own.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - The prophet Jeremiah writes a letter to the exiles living in Babylonia. He instructs the exiles to live - really live - in the land which they are in. They are to build houses, plant gardens, have families, and seek the welfare of the city where they are living. Jeremiah takes his instructions one step further when he says, "pray to the Lord on its behalf." Here they are captives in a foreign land and they are still instructed to invest in their community. Join us as we commit anew to our neighbors, whoever they might be, and to praying on their behalf.
Pastor Laura Johnson - Jesus was journeying through Samaria, and he stopped in the city of Sychar. He was tired from his journey and went to the well to get a drink of water and rest. While there, he encountered a Samaritan woman and had a conversation with her. The conversation went quickly from surface level to deep and probing topics. In that conversation, Jesus and the Samaritan woman got to know each other. The Samaritan woman was so moved by the experience that she invited others to come and meet Jesus.
Pastor Laura Johnson - There is much talk of unity without uniformity and diversity without division. Both of these are great ideals, but hard to understand how they work in the real world. Galatians addresses this straight on when it says, "there is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female" meaning there is only one identification that matters - in Christ.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - In this beloved parable about the Lost Sheep - we are reminded anew that everyONE of us is Important. We are so important, in fact, that the Shepherd (Jesus) will leave the rest in order to search out for the one wayward wanderer. Join us this week as we experience God's grace and give thanks for God's determination.
Pastor Laura Johnson - A $20 bill is worth $20 whether it is all crumbled up or new, crisp, and flat. No matter the condition of the bill - it has the same, fundamental worth. Jesus doesn't talk about $20 bills, but he does talk about sparrows and hairs on our head to make the point of our inherent worthiness.
Pastor Laura Katherine Stern - The spiritual gifts named in this passage are many. EveryONE, and everyONE's gifts, are needed for the work of the kingdom. One person cannot possibly do all the things - but, together, we can be a powerful witness for God.
Pastor Danny Berrier -
God says to the prophet Jeremiah these beautiful, timeless words, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." To be known by God, fully and completely, is both a gift and a wonder. Join us this Sunday as we kick off our new sermon series EveryONE matters by reveling in the joy that we are known by God.
Today is Holy Saturday, when we remember that horrific day between Jesus’ death and resurrection, when there was nothing but grief and the silence of the grave. Today Pastor Laura Johnson invites you to sit in this valley of waiting by reflecting on the valley of dry bones described by the prophet Ezekiel.
In today’s Good Friday podcast, Pastor Laura Katherine is going to walk us through that moment when Jesus’ breathed his last and the world was forever changed.
Christians call today Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday, “maundy” derived from the Latin mandatium novum, meaning “new commandment.” Today we remember when Jesus shared the Lord’s Supper with his disciples, washed their feet, and gave them a “new commandment” to love one another as he has loved them. In today's episode Pastor Laura Johnson remembers Jesus at the Last Supper, reflecting on that moment when he offered bread and wine as his body and blood.
Today we hear from Pastor Laura Katherine as she reflects on the meaning and heartbreak of Judas’ betrayal.
In today’s episode Pastor Sheila invites us to trust in God’s good plans, even when things look frightening or bleak - after all, that’s when God does God’s best work.
In today's episode Pastor Laura Johnson explores the story of Jesus cleansing the Temple in Jerusalem during the first Holy Week, and encourages us to do some soul spring cleaning of our own.
In today's episode Pastor Laura Johnson reflects on Mary of Bethany's gratitude when she anoints Jesus' feet in the days before his death, offering love unbound to the one whose love would save the world.
In today's Cultivating Grace Lent podcast we’ll hear from Pastor Sheila Ahler as we reflect on our reasons for gratitude in light of those powerful words from Scripture: God’s steadfast love endures forever.
All that we are and all that we have come from God. How often though, do we forget or neglect to be thankful in our dizzying, fast paced world? In today’s podcast, Norma Wallace, one of our Children’s Ministry Leaders, invites us to be mindful of all the gifts bestowed on us by a kind, and loving Lord.
Scripture tells us to live with gratitude in our hearts. This is easier said than done, so in today's podcast we hear from Norma Wallace, our Associate Director of Children’s Ministry, who will help us consider how to put these instructions into practice.
Why is it that sometimes we respond to good things in life with gratitude and other times we do not? In today's episode Pastor Laura Johnson reflects on this question in the light of the story about one grateful person and the nine who were too busy to give thanks.
How do you show your gratitude to God? Today’s reflection is on one of David’s psalms of gratitude and praise, and it’s brought to you by our Youth Coordinator Tanner Johnson.
Day 28 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
Listen as Rev. Kara Matthews reflects on Jesus’ powerful pronouncement of forgiveness as he died on the cross.
Day 27 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
In today's episode Rev. Kara Matthews help us understand the connection in God’s eyes between forgiving others and being forgiven.
A common piece of marriage advice is to never go to bed angry, which comes directly from today’s Scripture reading. In today's episode our Lead Pastor Laura Katherine will help us reflect on forgiving just as readily as we are forgiven.
Day 25 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
Listen as Pastor Laura Johnson reflects upon what Jesus has to say regarding our own willingness - or unwillingness - to forgive those who have wronged us.
Day 24 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
In today's episode Tanner Johnson helps us imagine the enormous depth and width of God’s forgiveness.
Day 23 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
You know that feeling of relief and elation when you receive forgiveness? In today's episode Pastor Laura Johnson discusses Davis’ joy over God’s gift of forgiveness.
Day 22 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
Listen as Rev. Kara Matthews reflects on forgiveness with Jesus’ timeless parable about the lost sheep in today's episode.
In today's episode our lead pastor Laura Katherine reflects on the importance of laying aside cowardice, laziness, and arrogance as we approach God.
In today's episode of Cultivating Grace our lead pastor Laura Katherine reflects on repentance in light of Jesus’ statement that he came to care for the sinners, not the righteous.
Day 19 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
In this episode Pastor Laura Johnson reminds us that God prefers a repentant hot mess over a self-congratulatory model citizen.
Day 18 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
Listen as Ellen Griffin helps us hear anew the story of Paul's repentance in this retelling of Saul/Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus.
Day 17 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
In this episode Pastor Laura Johnson explores the story of Zacchaeus, his repentance, and the prevenient grace of God. f
Day 16 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
In this episode Pastor Sheila Ahler finishes this week's focus on lament with a reflection on Psalm 30 and the promise that joy comes in the morning.
Day 15 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
In this episode Pastor Laura Johnson continues our focus on lament by reflecting on Paul's lament over the human condition in Romans 7:15-25.
Day 14 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
This episode continues our focus on lament as Rev. Kara Matthews considers the powerful lament in Psalm 22:1-5.
Day 13 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
This episode continues this week's reflection on lament, with Pastor Laura Katherine Stern discussing Jesus lament over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37-39.
Day 12 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
In today's episode in our daily Lent podcast series Pastor Laura Johnson reflects on grief as a form of lament, focusing on Jesus' own lament over the death of his friend.
Day 11 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
This episode begins this week's focus on lament, with Pastor Laura Katherine Stern's reflection of Psalm 137.
Day 10 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
This episode continues this week's focus on temptation, with Pastor Laura reflecting on how temptation produces endurance as described in James 1:2-4.
Day 9 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
This episode continues this week's reflection on temptation, with Pastor Laura Katherine Stern discussing Jesus' own experience with temptation as described in Hebrews 4:15-16.
Day 8 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
This episode continues this week's reflection on temptation, with Pastor Laura Johnson reflecting on Jesus' prayer in the garden of Gethsemane in Luke 22:39-44.
Day 7 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
This episode continues this week's reflection on temptation, with Pastor Laura Katherine Stern discussing Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Day 6 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
This episode continues this week's reflection on temptation, with Pastor Laura Johnson discussing Jesus' parable of the seeds and sower in Luke 8:4-8.
Day 5 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series.
This episode from Rev. Sheila Ahler is a reflection on temptation and Matthew 6:13.
Day 4 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
This episode is on Prayer (Matthew 6:5-8) with Rev. Laura Johnson.
Day 3 of the Cultivating Grace Lent Series
This episode is on Service (Isaiah 58:6-11) with Rev. Kara Matthews.
Day 2 of the Cultivating Grace Lent series.
This episode is on Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18) with Ellen Griffin.
Day 1 of the Cultivating Grace Lent series.
This episode is on Confession (Psalm 51:1-5) with Pastor Laura Johnson.
Pastor Laura Johnson talks about the importance of prayer as being essential for a true, living faith.
Our behaviors matter. James offers timeless advice - "be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." These words are simple in theory, but hard to put into practice. Let us consider together what this looks like in our own faith life.
In this week’s message, we find out what courage and initiative are through the example of Nehemiah.
Reverend Doug Anderson, a retired United Methodist pastor from the Indiana Conference, preaches on "The Path of Grace."
In today’s Scripture passage, King David longs to strengthen his legacy by building a Temple for God. However God has other plans for David’s legacy: a future king, coming from David’s line, whose Kingdom will never end. Join us this Sunday as we consider how God mysteriously works through us to leave a better legacy than we could ever imagine.
Preacher: Pastor Laura Johnson
David escorts the ark of the covenant, the chest that held the stone commandments God gave to Moses, into the newly established capital of Jerusalem. David is so overcome with joy that he dances in an undignified manner. When confronted by his wild dancing, David exhibits why he was chosen by God, and why his kingship was so successful. For David, worshiping and honoring God was the only thing that mattered. In today’s message we will consider how we might be inspired by David and become undignified for Jesus.
Preacher: Laura Katherine Stern
In today’s Scripture reading David has just won a great victory, but he lost two important people in the process. Today we will sit with David in his grief and consider how often joy and sorrow, hope and despair, light and darkness coexist in our hearts and lives, and how we can find God’s presence in it all.
Preacher: Corey Vevera
When faced with a ferocious giant who was threatening his people, young David mustered the courage to stand against him and defeat him. He was only able to claim victory, of course, because God was leading him. This Sunday we will learn that when we allow God to lead us astonishing and remarkable things happen.
Preacher: Pastor Laura Johnson
After God rejects King Saul’s reign, God sends the prophet Samuel to identify Saul’s successor as the next King. While Saul was impressive in figure and well-known and well-respected as a warrior when Samuel anointed Saul as King, God had something else in mind this time. This Sunday we will discover that God chose the next King not according to outward appearances or public reputation, but according to inner character. What can we learn from David’s anointing about what God considers “successful” and what God is hoping for in our own lives?
Preacher: Laura Katherine Stern
The people of God, dissatisfied with being led by the prophet Samuel and his sons, ask for a King so they can be like all the other nations. God’s desire is that they will choose to let God lead them through God’s chosen vessels. God grieves over the people’s request but gives them the leader they want, though first warning them that it will have dire consequences for generations to come. In today’s message, we will consider the importance of choosing mentors, teachers, and leaders.
Preacher: Ella Volpe
In John 3 we listen as Nicodemus, eager as he was, could not fully grasp the mysteries of Jesus. That didn’t stop him from trying, nor did it stop him from having faith and following Jesus to the end. Today, on this Trinity Sunday, join us as we grapple with the mysteries of God while we also remember the power and importance of faith.
Preacher: Sheila Ahler
Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church. What can we learn from the work of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost to help us understand the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and our church today?
Preacher: Laura Katherine Stern
For 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and prepared them to carry on this ministry. Then he ascended into heaven, leaving his disciples with his mission, instructing them to wait for the Holy Spirit. Join us this Sunday as we consider what we can learn from the disciples about waiting on God.
Preacher: Laura Katherine Stern
Join us this Sunday as we ponder Jesus’ commandment that as Easter people, we must love each other as Jesus has loved us. Jesus’ greatest desire for us is that we be people of love. What are the qualities of Christ-like love, and how can we develop this kind of love in our own hearts and lives?
Preacher: Laura Johnson
This Sunday in worship we will meet an Ethipoian eunuch, who is seeking God even though by law he cannot be part of the worshipping community. We watch and listen as Philip, one of the leaders of the early church, welcomes this man into the fellowship of Christian believers. As Easter people, we are called to be people who are always ready to welcome others into the good news of Jesus. What can we learn from this encounter between Philip and the Ethipoian man that can help us embrace this calling?
Preacher: Laura Katherine Stern
In worship this Sunday we will remember that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the one who gives up his life for us, his people. Join us as we consider how, as Easter people, we are called to imitate the sacrificial love of Jesus, trusting that it is through sacrificial love that God creates new, abundant life.
Preacher: Laura Katherine Stern
In Luke’s account of the resurrected Jesus’ appearance to the disciples, Jesus invites himself over for dinner. In those days, sharing a meal in one’s home was the ultimate sign of friendship, intimacy, and unity. This invitation to fellowship helped to empower the disciples to carry on their mission in Jesus’ name. In worship this Sunday we will learn about the power of fellowship and its importance in our lives as Easter people.
Preacher: Pastor Laura Fine Ledford
On the Sunday after Easter, we encounter the Scripture passage that is often referred to as Doubting Thomas. Thomas not only doubts the story of his fellow disciples, Thomas doubts the very authenticity of Jesus. At the climax of the story, Jesus invites Thomas to touch his hands and his side - to literally touch the wounds of Christ. It is a compelling image of Jesus as both Resurrected and scarred. Join us this Sunday as we explore the tension of what it means to follow a Savior who embodies new life, but still bears the wounds of the past.
Preacher: Laura Katherine Stern
This Sunday's Easter sermon will be from Mark 16:1-8 which could easily be called the Best Worst Ending. It is the only one of our Easter texts that ends abruptly, in fear and bewilderment. This sense of fear and bewilderment is an appropriate sentiment as we face this Easter in the end stages (we hope) of a global pandemic. And yet, this story is the Best Worst ending because even in hard realities, there is still the Good News of Easter.
Preacher: Laura Katherine Stern
Join us in worship as we remember the moments leading up to Jesus’ death. Experience music, scripture, and reflections given by members of our congregation as we journey together through Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. We hope you will participate in this important service that helps us experience the entirety of Holy Week, together.
This podcast includes reflections from Ed Poston (Palm Sunday), Josey Snyder (Maundy Thursday), and Tim Clapp (Good Friday).
In a world that is dazzled by status and power, Jesus offered a different vision of "success." Success in God's Kingdom is defined not by how high one can climb, but by how compassionately one chooses to serve others. Join us this week in worship as we learn about Jesus' servant leadership and his call for us to follow.
Guest Preacher – Cooper Sykes
In Sunday's Scripture Jesus gives hard news to Peter and the rest of the disciples. Jesus tells them how he must go to Jerusalem and once there he must face suffering. Peter doesn't want to hear it. But Jesus tells Peter, and us, in no uncertain terms that there are hard and uncertain places we must go.
Preacher: Pastor Laura Katherine Stern
In the Scripture for this week, we hear about a mother whose love and concern for her little girl causes her to go to Jesus. She begs for Jesus to heal her daughter from the evil spirit that torments her. Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman engage in a fiery debate which ends with Jesus healing the little girl. In the end, we are left in awe at the way even the crumbs of God's grace can bring about seismic change.
Click to listen to Pastor Laura Katherine's sermon!
As we move into Lent, this Sunday we look back at the first time Jesus revealed himself as Son of Man. A healing occurred when Jesus took note of the faith of a paralyzed man and his friends. Join us as we find how that faith is shared. Hear Pastor Sheila's sermon today!
In this first Sunday in Lent, we encounter the story of Jesus' temptation by Satan in the wilderness. We give thanks for a God who not only seeks to live among us, but who is willing to enter the wilderness of our world and of our lives. In Mark's account of this temptation story, there is this really interesting aspect - there are angels in the wilderness. Angels that minister to Jesus throughout the 40 days he spends there. Who are the angels ministering to us in our wilderness season? How are these messengers from God helping us to grow in our faith?
Preacher: Pastor Laura Katherine Stern
This week's Scripture is the Transfiguration account from the Gospel of Mark. We journey with Jesus (and Peter, James, and John) up the mountaintop where Jesus encounters the prophets of old - Moses and Elijah. In that moment, Peter asks a question we can all relate to - "can we just stay here?" In other words, can we stay where it is good, safe, happy and whole? Peter does not receive a direct answer. However, what happens next is the ultimate answer.
Preacher: Pastor Laura Katherine Stern
Jesus’ ministry feels like a whirlwind, healing someone here, feeding people there, and teaching people all along the way. How did he do it without growing weary? How did he discern the Divine voice deep within? Join us this Sunday as we learn from Jesus the art of listening for God’s voice.
Jesus’ message is one given with power and authority. The Gospel of Mark opens with God speaking directly to evil. What are the evils/the unclean spirits of our day? How is God speaking directly to them? How might I be amazed at the cosmic power of God?
Sometimes, when God speaks, we are offered very specific invitations to go and do. Go to Nineveh and proclaim what I have said. Drop your nets and follow me. We always have a choice as to how and if we respond. What might the implications be if we choose to ignore God’s voice? What might happen if we said yes?
Are you stressed? Anxious? Does life feel chaotic? Oftentimes the holidays bring chaos, anxiety, and stress, and in an already chaotic and stressful year, many of us are feeling weary and run down. If this is you, we invite you to join us this month as we explore the spiritual discipline of meditation. For thousands of years, God’s people have found meditation to be a consistent avenue to find peace and calm in God amid life’s uncertainty and chaos. So how might God speak to you if you take time to sit in silence, enter prayerfully into The Word, and wait for the Holy Spirit to make its presence known? Join Pastor Ellen Rose each week for a short, guided meditation on an Advent Scripture.
Are you stressed? Anxious? Does life feel chaotic? Oftentimes the holidays bring chaos, anxiety, and stress, and in an already chaotic and stressful year, many of us are feeling weary and run down. If this is you, we invite you to join us this month as we explore the spiritual discipline of meditation. For thousands of years, God’s people have found meditation to be a consistent avenue to find peace and calm in God amid life’s uncertainty and chaos. So how might God speak to you if you take time to sit in silence, enter prayerfully into The Word, and wait for the Holy Spirit to make its presence known? Join Pastor Ellen Rose each week for a short, guided meditation on an Advent Scripture.
Are you stressed? Anxious? Does life feel chaotic? Oftentimes the holidays bring chaos, anxiety, and stress, and in an already chaotic and stressful year, many of us are feeling weary and run down. If this is you, we invite you to join us this month as we explore the spiritual discipline of meditation. For thousands of years, God’s people have found meditation to be a consistent avenue to find peace and calm in God amid life’s uncertainty and chaos. So how might God speak to you if you take time to sit in silence, enter prayerfully into The Word, and wait for the Holy Spirit to make its presence known? Join Pastor Ellen Rose each week for a short, guided meditation on an Advent Scripture.
Are you stressed? Anxious? Does life feel chaotic? Oftentimes the holidays bring chaos, anxiety, and stress, and in an already chaotic and stressful year, many of us are feeling weary and run down. If this is you, we invite you to join us this month as we explore the spiritual discipline of meditation. For thousands of years, God’s people have found meditation to be a consistent avenue to find peace and calm in God amid life’s uncertainty and chaos. So how might God speak to you if you take time to sit in silence, enter prayerfully into The Word, and wait for the Holy Spirit to make its presence known? Join Pastor Ellen Rose each week for a short, guided meditation on an Advent Scripture.
By Joseph M. Martin Narration by Pamela Martin Orchestration by Brant Adams and Stan Pethel