Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church
Weekly sermons from the Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA. Opened in 1768, we are a thriving, inclusive congregation in the heart of Philadelphia's Society Hill neighborhood. We are members of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
In this sermon from August 2, 2026, guest preacher Rev. Dr. Regina Groff continues our summer sermon series on Peter's journey with Jesus by preaching on Acts 2:1-14. She explores the catalyst for Peter's sudden courage on the day of Pentecost when he addressed those bystanders who were accusing Jesus' followers of being drunk. What kind of courageous truth-telling are we called to, today?
Rev. Rebecca Blake continues our summer sermon series on "Unfiltered Faith: Peter's Journey with Jesus" with a sermon on Matthew 14:22-33 from July 12, 2026. Many readers of this story have struggled with Jesus' words to Peter after Peter walks on water toward Jesus and then sinks: "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" But what if that was not the admonition we think it was? What do learn about the character of God from the way Jesus immediately reaches out to save Peter when he was sinking?
In this sermon from July 5, Rev. Abigail Visco Rusert preaches on the book of Jonah (excerpts from chapters 1-4). She explores how perhaps the book of Jonah is not centered around a moral lesson of how Jonah should've done the right thing more quickly--perhaps the book of Jonah gives us a broader window into the character of God. Perhaps it shows a picture of God as someone who relentlessly pursues a relationship with humanity, no matter how often or how dramatically they're rejected.
In this sermon from June 28, guest preacher Rev. Dr. Anne Stewart preaches on Romans 15:4-13 and Isaiah 66:8-13. What does it look like to work for peace in a world so full of division?
Guest preacher Rev. Randy Weber preaches on the story of Jesus healing a man by the pool of Bethsaida in John 5:1-3, 5-9. Jesus is still inviting us into healing waters today--offering healing of both body and spirit. What does that look like in our lives today?
As we begin a summer season of welcoming several different voices to Old Pine's pulpit, Rev. Rebecca Blake preaches on the calling of Peter and the other disciples in Luke 5:1-11. In what ways do we resonate with Peter's experience? What might we be afraid to hope for, that God might be just about to provide?
Rev. Ferris preaches on Jesus' baptism and how it forms our bedrock identity as Christians. Matthew 3: 13-17.
In this Pentecost sermon on Acts 2:1-13, Rev. Blake explores how God reveals God's self to humanity through different kinds of languages--visual, musical, and theological, among others. The implications of God using fire and wind to signify the coming of the Holy Spirit, specifically to the followers of Jesus in Jerusalem, are profound. What images or theological language might we need to hear from God today?
What is the meaning of Jesus' ascension into heaven? Rev. Ferris draws on recent scientific discoveries to explore the way that heaven infuses the material world. Luke 24: 44-53.
How should Christians today respond to the Great Commission of Matthew 28: 16-20, in which Jesus commands the disciples to evangelize the world? Rev. Ferris looks to the early church for clues.
In coordination with a new planned giving program at Old Pine, and in honor of the semiquincentennial of the nation, Rev. Ferris gives a special sermon about the history of our congregation. He draws on Hebrews 12: 1-3.
Rev. Ferris preaches on Ephesians 2:11-16, Paul's statement that in the cross God has destroyed the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile. On this day in which we received a class of new members, he reflects on how a church community can be grounded in the peace of Christ.
Rev. Rebecca Blake preaches on the story of two people encountering the Risen Christ on their long walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus, found in Luke 24:13-35. She invites us to wonder, if Jesus truly suffered for us and rose again for us, so that we might begin to know the depths of God's compassion, then why wouldn't God show up in our lives in small coincidences and synchronicities? What small ways might God be showing love to us here and now?
Rev. Ferris preaches on Thomas, who demanded to put his finger in the marks of the nails in Jesus' hands. This story is a powerful exploration of faith, trust, doubt, healing, and joy. The reading is John 20: 24-31.
Rev. Ferris preaches on Luke's account of the Easter story, in which the angels ask the women, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" Luke 24:1-12
On the first Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem in a kingly parade. But look deeper and you'll see that this parade celebrated a much different kind of king. Rev. Ferris preaches on Luke 19:28-40.
We conclude our series on Jesus' parables by looking at the elder son in Jesus' famous parable from Luke 15. Rev. Ferris preaches.
Rev. Ferris preaches on the younger son from Jesus' parable of the man with two sons (commonly called the "parable of the prodigal son.") The reading is Luke 15: 1-3, 11-24.
In this week's continuation of our "Kudzu Kingdom" sermon series on the kingdom parables of Jesus, Rev. Rebecca Blake preaches on the parable of the laborers in the vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16. The landowner in the parable gives us an interesting model of what generosity and curiosity can look like.
Rev. Ferris preaches on Jesus' parable of the merchant in search of fine pearls, from Matthew 13: 45-46.
Preaching on the parable of the sower from Matthew 13:1-9, Rev. Ferris suggests that Jesus uses humor to change the way we perceive God. Perhaps God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
We continue with our sermon series on the kingdom parables of Jesus with Rev. Rebecca Blake preaching on the "Parable of the Leaven" in Matthew 13:33. Together we explore the implications of likening the Kingdom of Heaven to leaven (which was not yeast powder, but more like a sourdough starter) that a woman hid (for a purpose, in order to be revealed at the right time) in flour.
Guest preacher Drew Rick-Miller preaches on the parable of the sheep and goats from Matthew 25. Using data from the brand new Global Flourishing Study, he shows how Jesus' vision of service enhances our lives both now and in the life to come.
Is the kingdom of heaven like the kudzu vine? Rev. Ferris preaches on Jesus' parable of the mustard seed from Mark 4:30-32.
Rev. Ferris introduces a new sermon series on the kingdom parables of Jesus entitled "The Kudzu Kingdom." He preaches on Matthew 13:34-35.
Rev. Ferris creates a midrash about the life of the innkeeper in Bethlehem. Luke 2:1-7.
This week, we look at the incarnation in the Gospel of Matthew. Rev. Ferris preaches on Joseph's dream from Matthew 1: 18-23.
We begin a four-week Advent series on the incarnation. Today Rev. Ferris preaches on the wonderful story of Jesus healing the paralytic from Mark 2: 1-12.
In this week's sermon, Rev. Blake explores the significance of the inclusion of five women in the long genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17. She suggests that the stories of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba shaped the life and ministry of Jesus in profound ways, which has implications for us today.
Rev. Blake preaches on the fruit of faithfulness, using the story of Jesus and Peter from John 21: 15-19.
In the conclusion of our 10-week series on the Fruit of the Spirit, Rev. Ferris looks at the fruit of generosity. The sermon was preached on Consecration Sunday, 2025, when Old Pine members made their annual financial pledges to the church budget. Rev. Ferris explored Matthew 6:19-21, in which Jesus advises us not to store up treasures on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven.
In this week's sermon, Rev. Ferris explores the fruit of "temperance" or "self-control," from Paul's letter to the Galatians. He incorporates the temptation of Christ in Gethsemane, from Luke 22:39-46.
We continued our series on the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5. Today Rev. Ferris explores "gentleness," by looking at Ephesians 4:1-6. He uses two stories to illustrate the gentleness of Jesus: one from a Bill Withers song, the other from Dr. Paul Brand.
Rev. Ferris continues our series on the "Fruit of the Spirit." He uses Philippians 2:1-11 as a way of exploring kindness as practiced by the early Christians.
Rev. Ferris preaches on Paul's statement on peace, written from prison, found in Philippians 4: 4-7, 10-13. Using Jane Goodall's research on chimpanzees as a metaphor, he explores Paul's understanding of peace: that we were once enemies of God, but through the cross we have peace with Him.
In today's sermon, the third week of the fruit of the spirit series, Rev. Blake explores the depth of meaning contained in the word "joy," as well as understanding the fruit of the spirit as gifts when it comes to discernment. This is paired with the story of the Magnificat, the joy-filled and layered song sung by Mary, the mother of Jesus, in Luke 1. Galatians 5:16-26.
We continue our series on the fruit of the spirit. Today, Rev. Ferris explores Paul's powerful vision of agape love, suggesting that it alone offers hope for our churches and our deeply divided nation. Galatians 5:16-26.
We begin a 10-week series on the Fruit of the Spirit. Today, Rev. Ferris begins by exploring Paul's distinction between "flesh" and "spirit" while distinguishing Plato's dualistic view of the body with Paul's embodied view of body and spirit as one.
We conclude our series on the Lord's Prayer by exploring the last line: "Rescue us from the evil one." Rev. Ferris explores the prominent role the devil has in the New Testament and how our secular culture has largely lost the language to confront this evil. Matthew 6:9-13.
What did Jesus mean when he said to pray, "Lead us not into the time of trial"? This short phrase opens an entire world of theological reflection about suffering and the nature of God's presence in our lives. Rev. Ferris preaches on Matthew 6:9-13.
Today we come to the central message of the Lord's Prayer: Forgiveness. Rev. Ferris explores Jesus' revolutionary insight that our debts are forgiven as we forgive the debts of others. Matthew 6: 9-13.
In this week's sermon, Rev. Rebecca Blake invites us to do a deep dive on one simple line of the Lord's Prayer as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13: "Give us this day our daily bread." With those few words, Jesus made a profound connection to the story of God providing manna and quail for the Israelites in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, a connection that continues to have implications for us today.
We continue our sermon series this week with Rev. Rebecca Blake preaching on Matthew 6:8-15, specifically focusing on verses 9-10. She explores how adding some nuance to the familiar words of "hallowed" (or holy), "heaven," and "God's will," might deepen our understanding of how God relates to us through prayer.
Rev. Ferris explores the first two words of the Lord's Prayer, "Our father." He talks about potential objections to male-coded language for God, showing that Scripture itself offers an array of both feminine and masculine imagery for the Creator. He then discussed Jesus' unique vision of God using the term "Abba" and how this allows for a uniquely intimate relationship with the Father. He explores the way that the Jesus movement was counter-cultural in its promotion and inclusion of women. Matthew 6: 9-13.
We begin a new 7-week series on the Lord's Prayer. Today Rev. Ferris introduces this remarkable prayer by outlining three things that Jesus hoped to cultivate in his followers: integrity, authenticity, and community. Matthew 6:5-13.
In this sermon on Luke 10:38-42, Rev. Blake preaches on the familiar story of Mary and Martha's encounter with Jesus. The compassionate response of Jesus to Martha's question, "do you not care?" has significant implications for how to discern when to push through in service to others and when to rest in the presence of God.
Guest preacher Rev. Rob Erickson reflects on Luke 10:25-37, a passage most often known as "The Parable of the Good Samaritan." What does it look like to give of ourselves to others, and what does it look like to receive? The parable is multi-layered with meaning for us today as people trying to live out their faith.
Rev. Ferris explores the story of Jesus sending 72 disciples into villages without food, money, or sandals. He asks what it might mean to travel lightly through life, giving and receiving in community. Luke 10:1-11, 17.
In this sermon on Luke 9:51-62, Rev. Blake explores what different seasons of discipleship might look like. When so many situations in our lives feel urgent and important, how do we know which one God is calling us to invest our time, energy, and love?
Guest preacher Lars Peterson preaches on Luke 8:26-39, the story of Jesus healing a deeply tormented man and the local residents' reactions to that healing. He explores how our relationship to fear affects our willingness to take risks to care for those in need of healing.
Rev. Ferris explores the meaning and mystery of the Trinity. The text is John 16:12-15.
Rev. Ferris explores the remarkable miracle of Pentecost, in which a diverse church was united in the common story of Jesus' victory over sin and death. He draws on the work of Lamin Sanneh, who claimed that the first language of Christianity is translation. Acts 2:1-21.
Rev. Ferris preaches on the story of Jesus' ascension into the eternal realm from Luke 24:50-53. He explores how the Greek concepts of time — chronos and kairos — can help us to understand how God breaks into our chronological timeline.
In today's sermon Rev. Blake preaches on Matthew 28:16-20, traditionally called "The Great Commission." She explores how the disciples' experience of living out their faith, with doubt living alongside wonder, might guide us in our efforts to be a part of God's work in the world.
Rev. Ferris explores Jesus' conversation with Peter on the beach by the Sea of Galilee. "Peter, do you love me?" He argues that in setting Peter free from guilt, Jesus also gives him a vocation: to build the church and share the Gospel.
Rev. Ferris explores the scene of the risen Jesus appearing on the beach of the Sea of Galilee. In the first of a two-part series on this passage, he looks at the community of disciples and how they learned to "cast their net on the other side of the boat." John 21:1-14. He makes use of the Sartre play "No Exit" as a lens through which we can understand the passage.
The wonderful story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus tells us about Jesus' closeness to us and how the gospel makes the heart burn with truth and life. Rev. Ferris preaches on Luke 24:13-35.
Who was "Doubting Thomas" and why did he doubt? Rev. Ferris explores the wonderful story of Thomas and his desire to "touch the nail marks" of Jesus. The reading is John 24:19-29.
Rev. Ferris explores Jesus' parade into Jerusalem, looking specifically at its subversive humor. The text is Mark 11:1-11.
The conclusion of our mini-series on the Beatitudes. Rev. Ferris explores Jesus' challenging teaching, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:1-10.
This Sunday, Lars Peterson, one of our members who is in the ordination process, continues our lenten series on the Beatitudes, preaching on Luke 6:20-22.
Continuing our Lenten series on the Beatitudes, Rev. Ferris explores the teaching, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:1-10
Today we begin a Lenten series on the Beatitudes. Rev. Ferris preaches on the first of these sayings, "Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:1-10.
We begin Lent 2025 by exploring the story of Jesus being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. Luke 4:1-13.
We conclude our sermon series on the life of Moses by exploring Deuteronomy 34, which tells the story of Moses' death on Mount Nebo. Rev. Ferris preaches.
Rev. Ferris preaches on the story of the golden calf. He explores the sin of idolatry and how it functions in our modern world. Exodus 32: 1-6.
Rev. Ferris continues our series on the life of Moses. In this sermon, on Exodus 16: 2-8, he explores God's provision of manna in the desert and how this miracle helps the Israelites learn to trust God.
Rev. Ferris preaches on the final plague, the death of the firstborn of Egypt. He discussed the meaning of the lamb in the Bible and how Jesus is the lamb that takes away the sin of the world. Exodus 12:1-13
In the fourth week of our series on the life of Moses, Rev. Ferris looks at the command, "Let my people go so they may worship me in the wilderness." He explores the idea of freedom in its Biblical and cultural senses, drawing on Exodus 7-10, which tell the story of Moses' confrontation with Pharaoh.
In the third week of our "Moses: A Human Life" sermon series, Rev. Blake explores the story of Moses' resistance to God's invitation to be a part of liberating the Hebrew people. The text is Exodus 4:1-16 and immediately follows last week's text and continues the conversation between God and Moses by the burning bush.
In the second week of our sermon series on the life of Moses, we explore the story of Moses meeting God in the burning bush. Rev. Ferris preaches on Exodus 3:1-14.
We begin a new sermon series today entitled, Moses: A Human Life. In the first sermon of this series, Rev. Ferris explores the dramatic birth of Moses, his discovery by the daughter of the Pharaoh, and his growing awareness of justice. The text is Exodus 1:15-2:15.
Rev. Ferris explores the significance of the Magi's journey to meet the Christ child in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:1-12.
In this sermon on Luke 2:7-20, Pastor Rebecca explores the familiar nativity story through the lens of Mary's experience and the context of her powerful song in Luke 1 (the Magnificat).
Rev. Ferris concludes our mini-series on John the Baptist by exploring the dramatic story of John's beheading by King Herod. This dramatic tale offers a window into a fundamental question: Will we live our lives by fear or by love? The text is Mark 6: 14-29.
We continue our mini-series on John the Baptist with a sermon on Matthew 11:2-11. Rev. Ferris explores John's confusion about Jesus: is he the Messiah or are we to wait for another? He explores the strangeness of the incarnation, concluding with a story about Henri Nouwen.
We begin a 3-week mini series on the John the Baptist. Today, Rev. Ferris explores John's prophetic ministry, baptizing people in the Jordan River. He discusses John's strange personality and the humility he showed in drawing attention to Jesus. He also explores Da Vinci's famous portrait of John, which was printed on the church bulletin. Matthew 3: 1-6, 11.
As we look to the beginning of the Advent season next week, how might we get ready to "enter the great mystery of Christmas?" Rev. Blake explores how Mary's song, the Magnificat, gives us ways to make space for the tenacious hope and love of God to abide in and with us. Our text is Luke 1:36-55.
We celebrate All Saints Day with a sermon about "saints." Rev. Ferris explores Paul's message to the Corinth church, which had factions that were tearing apart the community. He draws on select passages from 1 Corinthians 1.
Rev. Ferris preaches on Consecration Sunday, the day we make our annual financial pledges to the congregation. He explores the image of "living stones" from 1 Peter and talks about how the church relates to the world. 1 Peter 2: 4-12
In this sermon on Luke 12:13-34, Rev. Blake explores what it looks like to "store up an unfailing treasure in heaven." Prioritizing what matters makes a profound difference in our lives, especially in light of this anxiety-filled time in our country and in light of the season of stewardship, when we evaluate and take a step forward in pledge our resources to God's work in and through Old Pine Church.
We end our series on the visual metaphors of salvation by looking at the story of the Gerasene demoniac from Mark 5:1-20. Rev. Ferris explores the reality of evil, which social science theories fail to adequately describe. He finds in the story a message of love and healing.
Rev. Ferris explores the parable of the unforgiving servant from Matthew 18: 21-35. He explores the debt that sin creates, which must be paid by someone, and how the cross is God's solution to this cosmic problem.
We continue our sermon series that explores the Bible's visual metaphors of salvation. This Sunday, Rev. Ferris preaches on Jesus' parable of the lost sheep. He asks, "How is the Gospel different from every other pathway to God?" The reading is Luke 15:1-7.
Rev. Ferris explores the metaphor of darkness and light that appears throughout Scripture. He investigates Augustine's notion that evil is privation, arguing that this insight can help us seek Christ as the light that fills the vacuum of nothingness. The main text is John 1:1-14.
At various points in the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to the gift of "living water" as something he gives, which results in "a spring of water gushing up to eternal life." Rev. Blake explores how we might understand salvation through the picture of living water in the story of Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman at a well in John 4:3-30.
Another "picture of salvation" is freedom from slavery as a metaphor for freedom from sin. Rev. Ferris explores the Israelite's escape from Egypt by crossing the Red Sea. The text is Exodus 14: 10-22.
In Romans 8, Paul uses the metaphor of adoption to explain the reality of salvation. Rev. Ferris explores adoption in ancient Rome and how this "picture" applies to our lives today. Rom 8: 14-17, 31-39.
We begin a new sermon series today entitled, "Pictures of Salvation." Each week we will focus on a different visual metaphor of the salvation experience. Today's picture is "home." Rev. Ferris explores Jesus' parable of the man with two sons from Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
When we feel far from home, far from who we once were or who we want to be, how does God show up in our lives? What might God invite us to do?
In today's sermon Pastor Rebecca preaches on Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14, tracing the thread of God's presence in the lives of the ancient Israelites, exiled in Babylon, and exploring the ways God is present with us today when we are in "survival mode."
In the first of a three-part series, Pastor Rebecca explores the story of strange gifts God gave to the Israelites in the wilderness shortly after the exodus from Egypt. Our text is various verses from the book of Exodus, chapter 16.
(The three-part sermon series is titled "Even Still, Even Here, Even Now: Unexpected Provision in Survival Mode." We hope you'll join us either in worship or here as you listen as we practice noticing God's graces that are threaded through the everyday and the miraculous.)
The conclusion of our 12-week series on Acts. Rev. Ferris explores the colorful story of Demetrius, the silversmith who is angry with Paul for his teachings against idols. What are our idols today and how might we overcome them? The text is Acts 19: 23-28.
Paul preaches at the Areopagus in Athens. He brilliantly uses Greek literature to explain the Gospel to a sophisticated intellectual audience. Rev. Ferris explores Acts 17:16-30.
As Paul and Barnabas begin their missionary journey, Paul reveals the core message of the Gospel: that through Jesus, human beings are released from sin. Rev. Ferris explores Acts 13: 26-31, 38-39.
Rev. Ferris explores the remarkable ethnic diversity displayed in the gathering of church leaders in Antioch, and how the Gospel makes this diversity possible. The reading is Acts 13:1-3.
In this sermon on Acts 10, Pastor Rebecca explores the story of Peter and Cornelius, their respective visions, and the radical movement of the Holy Spirit in the earliest days the Church. How is the Holy Spirit leading us to live out an ever-expanding love of God, especially today in a world more polarized than ever?
Saul, also known as Paul, experienced a significant conversion and call on the road to Damascus. This sermon from Pastor Rebecca explores what happened next in Acts 9:20-31, how Paul deconstructed and reconstructed his understanding of God. How was God present to Paul in the midst of his deconstructing and reconstructing, and how is God present to us today in similar questions?
Rev. Ferris explores the story of Paul encountering the Risen Lord on the road to Damascus. Should we understand this story as a conversion narrative or a call narrative? The answer, he argues, is "Yes." The text is Acts 9:1-11, 17-19.
Continuing our summer series on the Book of Acts, Rev. Ferris explores the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8:26-39.
Rev. Ferris explores the martyrdom of Stephen and how it draws us into the mystery of the Gospel. He also gets in a little Grateful Dead trivia! The reading is Acts 7:54-60.
Pastor Rebecca continues our sermon series, “The Book of Acts: The Spirit at Work,” with a sermon on Acts 3:1-21. In this story we explore how being fully seen (and loved) by God brings about individual and collective healing both in the experience of the man outside the Beautiful Gate and the astonished crowd, as well as in our lives today.
Rev. Ferris explores the unique community of the early church. He also honors retiring choir director Tom Faracco on his last Sunday at Old Pine. The text is Acts 2:42-47.
The first sermon in a new series on the Acts of the Apostles. Rev. Ferris explores Peter's sermon from Acts 2:14-15, 22-33, arguing that Peter's sermon outlined an origin story of the Christian church.
Rev. Ferris explores the story of Pentecost, specifically focusing on the miracle of language that it entails. What does it mean to reach a person through their native language, and why is this what God seems to do? The text is Acts 2:1-12.
In this sermon on Luke 24:44-53, Pastor Rebecca explores two miracles during Jesus’ ascension— Jesus’ words of blessing and the disciples’ joy in the face of a new season.
Rev. Ferris preaches on the Great Commission from Matthew 28:16-20. He explores how this passage refers to the Trinitarian nature of God and what this means for our own calling to love others with agape.
Rev. Ferris explores Jesus' relationship with Peter and how he heals him from his guilt over denying Jesus. The text is John 21:15-19.
In John 21:1-14, the resurrected Christ gives fishing advice, then eats breakfast on the beach with the disciples. Rev. Ferris explores this story's teaching about Christian community.
In this sermon on Luke 24:13-35, Pastor Rebecca explores the story of two followers of Jesus who slowly realize they are in the presence of the Risen Christ. As we are invited into a posture of openness that values mystery over certainty, Jesus continues to accompany and reveal himself to us today.
Rev. Ferris explores the disciple Thomas, who doubted that Jesus was raised until he touched the nail marks in his hands. The sermon explores the role of doubt in faith and how to move beyond doubt into a trusting relationship with Christ. John 20:24-31.
In this brief Easter homily from the "sunrise" outdoor service at 8:30am, Pastor Rebecca explores the abrupt ending to the gospel of Mark and what it means for Jesus to go ahead of us--to and from the grave, and into wherever our futures lead us. The text is Mark 16:1-8.
On this Easter Sunday, Rev. Ferris explores the role of desire in trusting the reality of the Resurrection. The text is Luke 24:1-12.
In this brief Maundy Thursday homily, Pastor Rebecca explores the story of Jesus washing the disciples feet during the Last Supper in the gospel of John, chapter 13. Why did Jesus choose this particular act as one of the last things he would do with his disciples? What does it look like for Jesus to love us to the utmost, as much as is possible, to the fullest end?
Rev. Ferris explores the miracle that was Palm Sunday, focusing especially on Jesus' use of an unbroken colt in his parade. Luke 19:28-40.
Rev. Ferris continues our series on Jesus' miracles by exploring the healing of Bartimaeus from Mark 10:46-52.
In this sermon on Mark 9:14-29, Pastor Rebecca explores small miracles that happen along the way as we learn to trust that God can do big miracles, too.
Rev. Ferris continues our series on Jesus' miracles by exploring the story of Jesus walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee. The text is Matthew 14:22-33.
Continuing our series on Jesus' miracles, Rev. Ferris explores the story of the "Feeding of the 5,000" from Mark 6:30-44. How much is enough make changes in our lives?
The first sermon in a new series on Jesus' miracles. Rev. Ferris preaches on two healing stories: Jarius' daughter and the woman with a flow of blood. Mark 5:21-43.
On Ash Wednesday, Pastor Rebecca offers a homily on Joel 2:1-3; 12-17, and explores what "rending" one's heart might mean, especially in the context of our mortality and of the season of Lent.
Rev. Ferris explores the Transfiguration of Jesus, focusing on the disciples' fear. What does it mean to "fear the Lord?" The text is Mark 9:2-9.
What is the role of vulnerability in one's life of faith? How does Jesus respond to us when we are overwhelmed with worry, doubt, or shame?
In today's sermon on Luke 5:1-11, Pastor Rebecca explores the story of Jesus' invitation to Simon Peter, Peter's unusual and fascinating response, and what kinds of invitations God might be issuing to us today.
What does it mean to be "born again"? Rev. Ferris explores Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus from John 3:1-8, 16-17.
Rev. Ferris explores Christian identity and freedom through the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. The text is Matthew 4:1-11.
Can sin be good news? Rev. Ferris explores the story of Jesus' baptism and how the awareness of sin is the first step toward freedom in Christ. The reading is Mark 1:4-11.
In this sermon on Matthew 2:1-12 focusing on the journey of the Magi to Bethlehem, Pastor Rebecca explores the question, "what do we do when something strange draws us off the path we expected to walk?"
Rev. Rebecca Blake preaches on Matthew 1:18-25 and Joseph's encounter with a dream that helped him choose to be a part of God's work in the world, even though he was still afraid of what that might mean.
Rev. Jason Ferris preaches on the Christmas story, exploring how the tenderness of Christ's birth can keep our hearts soft, even in the midst of a hard world.
In today's sermon on Luke 1:39-56, Pastor Rebecca explores the purpose of joy in the face of a world seemingly filled with brokenness.
On this first Sunday in Advent, Rev. Ferris explores the pregnancies of Mary and Elizabeth, two mothers whom God chose for his plan of salvation. The text is Luke 1:26-45.
In today's sermon on John 10:11-16, Pastor Rebecca explores the connections between the meaning of "I am the Good Shepherd," the liturgical holiday of "Reign of Christ" or "Christ the King Sunday," and looking forward to the beginning of the church year as Advent begins next Sunday December 3.
In today's sermon on Jeremiah 29, Pastor Rebecca explores God's surprising invitation to us when we are in places or seasons of significant struggle or hardship. While we may long for a quick fix or "hack" to yield relief, God acknowledges the reality of where we are and offers a path that brings about deeper and more lasting comfort and strength.
Rev. Ferris preaches on Matthew 6:24-33, in which Jesus teaches to seek God's kingdom before all else. This is the second week of our fall stewardship series.
In this first of two sermons on stewardship, Pastor Rebecca explores the story of God providing quail and manna for the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 16. What happens when we place our trust in glittering promises that tell us we ought to take care of ourselves? What is the "gold" God offers us instead? And what does any of this have to do with making an annual pledge?
Rev. Ferris concludes the sermon series Family Ties with a sermon on Jacob's wrestling match with God. Genesis 32:22-32
Continuing our series, "Family Ties," Rev. Ferris explores Jacob's betrayal at the hands of Laban and Leah. What happens when the trickster gets tricked?
We continue our series, "Family Ties," with the story of Jacob's dream from Genesis 28. Rev. Ferris discusses what this vision is, what it is not, and what it means.
We continue our sermon series, "Family Ties" by introducing the character of Jacob, the heel grabber. Rev. Ferris preaches on Gen. 27:18-34.
Genesis 24 tells the story of Isaac and Rebekah's first encounter. Rev. Ferris explores how God helps Isaac overcome trauma and prepares him to carry the covenant into the next generation. This sermon is part of the series, "Family Ties."
We continue our series, "Family Ties," by exploring the difficult story of Abraham's near sacrifice of Isaac. Rev. Ferris preaches on Genesis 22:1-13.
We continue the series, "Family Ties" with a sermon about Sarah's cynical laughter, which God eventually changes into laughter of joy and surrender. Rev. Ferris preaches on Genesis 18:1-15.
We begin an 8-week series today entitled, "Family Ties." We are exploring the families of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob — how God used imperfect people to begin writing his story of salvation. In today's sermon, on Genesis 12:1-5, Rev. Ferris explores the covenant God made with Abraham.
In the final installment of the "Making Meaning: Reconciling Expectations & Experience" series, Pastor Rebecca explores the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9. Why did the people build the tower? Was God's response one of punishment or love?
In this sermon on the story of Noah, God, and the Great Flood, Pastor Rebecca explores how the unique aspects of the covenant God made in Genesis 9 impact how we view the reality and meaning of suffering, both in ancient times and today. The story of the flood spans chapters 6-9 in Genesis; this sermon focuses on Genesis 6:11-14, 17-19; and Genesis 9:8-17.
In this sermon on Genesis 4, Pastor Rebecca explores the story of Cain, his relationship with God, and how that affects his relationships with others (including his brother Abel). How do we react to things that are far out of our control? How are we invited to respond instead? What is God trying to show us in the paradigm shift this story contains?
In this sermon, Pastor Rebecca explores how different ways of knowing influence how we respond to suffering and evil. Reflecting on excerpts from Genesis 2 and 3, the story of Eve and Adam, their relationship with God, and what happens after a boundary is broken. Part 2 of a 5-part sermon series titled "Making Meaning: Reconciling Expectation & Experience."
This Sunday Pastor Rebecca begins a new 5-week sermon series called "Making Meaning: Reconciling Expectations & Experience," looking at the stories in the first eleven chapters of Genesis.
Today's sermon, A New Narrative, looks at the creation story in Genesis 1 and how it was and continues to be a story of healing.
Rev. Ferris concludes the Ephesians series with a sermon on Paul's teaching about marriage. Ephesians 5:21-32
Rev. Ferris explores Paul's teaching against "sexual immorality" by looking at the way the church challenged Roman sexual ethics. How does Paul's teaching apply to our own culture of rampant pornography? The reading is Ephesians 5:3-13.
How should a Christian pray? Paul gives us some insights in his glorious prayer for the Ephesians. Rev. Ferris preaches on Ephesians 3:14-19.
Rev. Ferris explores Paul's statement that he is a "prisoner for Christ Jesus." Ephesians 3:1, 7-13.
Rev. Ferris uses Rene Girard's Scapegoating (Mimetic) Theory to explore the way that Christ breaks down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jews and Gentiles. Ephesians 2:11-22.
Our Ephesians series, "Wake Up, Sleeper," continues with a sermon exploring the significance of "by grace you have been saved." Rev. Blake preaches on Ephesians 2:1-10.
What comes first, knowledge or faith? Does the heart know things that the head doesn't? Rev. Ferris continues our series by exploring Ephesians 1: 15-19.
We continue our Ephesians series with a sermon about how the story of salvation involves a "scandal of particularity." Rev. Ferris preaches on Ephesians 1: 3-5, 11-14.
The first in our 9-week series on Ephesians. Rev. Ferris discusses the Apostle Paul. Who was this man and why did God choose him to take the Gospel into the world? Ephesians 1:1.
Guest preacher Rev. Laura Colee of Beacon Church explores some of Jesus' final words to his disciples before the crucifixion and resurrection and how they might sustain us in the "middle" of life with all its uncertainty and stuck-ness. Her focus text is John 14:1-7.
Rev. Ferris preaches on Robert Alter's beautiful translation of Psalm 23, ultimately asking the question: Is God "following" us or "pursuing" us?
How does the Risen Christ interact with his dearest friends who still don't understand, whose memories are clouded by grief? Why is Jesus revealed in "the breaking of the bread" and not his teaching, his voice, his appearance? Pastor Rebecca explores these questions in this story about Jesus encountering two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35.
Is it OK to doubt the resurrection? What lies beyond our doubts? Rev. Ferris preaches on John 20:19-31, the story of the Risen Christ meeting the disciple Thomas.
In this homily from the early outdoor Easter service, Pastor Rebecca explores the story of the resurrection in John 20:1-18. How does Mary's experience with grief, confusion, surprise, and perception shape how we live out our faith today? What does it look like to "pay attention, be astonished, and tell about it"? (Mary Oliver)
Could the resurrection really be true? And even if it is, what difference does this make to my life? Rev. Ferris preaches on Easter Sunday, 2023. His scripture is Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20.
In this Maundy Thursday homily, Pastor Rebecca explores the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet at the Last Supper and giving them final words of encouragement before his arrest and crucifixion. The story is found in John 13:1-17, 31-35.
Was Jesus' parade on Palm Sunday a humorous satire of Imperial power? Rev. Ferris argues that Jesus used humor to heal. Matthew 21:1-11.
What does it mean to believe "in" someone? What does Jesus invite us to do in the face of hope and heartbreak?
In this sermon on John 11:17-44, Pastor Rebecca explores the spiral process of faith for all people who try and trust in Jesus, borrowing and building on a popular sports reference.
What is the role of desire in healing? Rev. Ferris explores the story of Jesus healing a man at the Bethesda pool in Jerusalem. John 5:1-9.
In this sermon from Pastor Rebecca, we explore the story of Jesus healing the daughter of a local synagogue leader in Mark 5:21-24, 35-43. Trust and hope triumph over fear, callousness, and even death, in strange and surprising ways.
The Gospel poses a counterintuitive idea: forgiveness comes before repentance. Rev. Ferris explores the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10.
Who does Jesus think he is? Rev. Ferris explores Jesus' baptism and temptation and what these events tell us about both Jesus' identity and ours. Matthew 3:13-4:11.
In this Ash Wednesday homily, Pastor Rebecca explores how the truth of our mortality is actually Good News and what it might mean to "rend your heart." This reflection is on Joel 2:1-3, 12-17.
Jesus is crucified next to two criminals. Who were these men and why did they have such different responses to Christ? Rev. Ferris preaches on Luke 23: 32-43. This is part of the series, Into the Mess.
Joseph the carpenter had decided to divorce Mary. Then he had a dream that changed his plans. What was this dream and what does it teach us about faith? Rev. Ferris preaches on Matthew 1:18-25.
In the third installment of the "Into the Mess" sermon series, Pastor Rebecca explores the story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet in Luke 7:36-50. It is a story of trust, gratitude, remorse, forgiveness, and love. Do we trust that God loves us? If we struggle with that, how can we practice that trust?
When we deny God's reality, are we thinking rationally or are we magically thinking? Rev. Ferris explores the riveting story of Mary encountering Christ by the empty tomb. John 20:1-3, 10-18.
How, in our sophisticated urban life, can we take evil seriously? Are we really supposed to believe in demon possession? And what does healing entail?
Rev. Ferris preaches on the Gerasene demoniac from Mark 5:1-20. This is the first sermon in a new series entitled "Into the Mess."
What does baptism mean in the context of our victimhood culture? Rev. Ferris preaches on Jesus' baptism from Matthew 3:13-17.
What does the journey of the Magi to Bethlehem have to show us about the journey of faith? In this sermon, Pastor Rebecca explores the lessons we might learn from the curiosity and wonder the Magi showed in their story, recorded in Matthew 2:1-12.
Is our image of Jesus historically accurate? What do we imagine God looks like? More importantly, what image most accurately captures God's personality? Rev. Ferris explores these questions and more as he looks at the story of John the Baptist and Jesus from Matthew 11:2-6. The sermon was delivered on the third Sunday of Advent, 2022.
In an overly busy "holiday season," how can we find the space and stillness to reflect, to notice God at work, to be people of hope? In this sermon Pastor Rebecca explores the story of The Visitation and Mary's Magnificat in Luke 1:39-56 and how Elizabeth's blessing serves as a powerful catalyst.
(This sermon includes the practice of "Visio divina" using the image located at this link: "the space that blessing brings.")
On the first Sunday in Advent, Rev. Ferris explores Isaiah's powerful vision of peace. What does it mean to beat our swords into plowshares? Isaiah 2:1-5
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, Rev. Ferris explores the theme of gratitude. How was Paul able to be thankful in prison when so many of us are unhappy in our lives? A key insight comes from St. Augustine, who said: "He who has God has everything. He who has everything but God has nothing." The reading is Philippians 4:4-9.
Rev. Ferris explores two ways to give: transactionally and transformationally. Mark 12:38-44.
How do we know that heaven is real and not some escapist fantasy? Rev. Ferris preaches on 1 Corinthians 15:51-57.
Can we cling to self-sufficiency while also building up a community of faith? Pastor Rebecca explores this question and the apostle Paul's response in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 in this week's sermon.
What kind of love is God? Rev. Ferris explores Paul's famous statement about love from 1 Corinthians 13.
How are we being invited to act differently in the face of change? When anxiety pushes us to cling to resources or lean on behaviors that are not loving, what can we do instead? Paul's letter to the Corinthians about how to observe communion has much to teach us about living life in a season of transition.
Rev. Rebecca Blake continues our sermon series with a sermon on 1 Corinthians 11:20-26, 33-34.
What does God call us to be and to do with our lives? Rev. Ferris preaches on 1 Corinthians 1:1-3.
What does the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the lost coin have to tell us about being in community with one another today? This is what Pastor Rebecca explores in her sermon on Luke 15:1-10.
What does it mean to change in Christ? Are we the same or different? Also, how does God transform our pain into purpose? Rev. Ferris preaches on Jeremiah 18:1-11, the great metaphor of God as a potter.
How does Jesus respond when we take the risk to be vulnerable about the healing we need? In today's sermon, Pastor Rebecca explores the story of the healing of the woman suffering from hemorrhages in Matthew 9:18-26. This exploration takes place in conjunction with quotations on vulnerability from Brene Brown's book Atlas of the Heart, specifically the chapter titled "Places We Go when Things are Uncertain or Too Much."
"Shame thrives on secrecy, silence, and judgment." -Brené Brown. What does Jesus do when he encounters our shame, those things we've done or left undone that we'd rather keep hidden? In this sermon from Pastor Rebecca, we explore the story of the Samaritan woman at the well and her extraordinary conversation with Jesus. This story is found in the gospel of John 4:1-30; 39.
This week we begin a new sermon series called "From the Heavens to the Depths: Encounters with the God Who Meets Us Where We Are." These stories from Scripture will be explored in conversation with quotes from Brene Brown's book titled "Atlas of the Heart." Today Rev. Blake preached on the story of the raising of Lazarus and Jesus' response to Mary and Martha's sorrow in John 11:17-44.
Is fairness equal to justice? If God's grace is a free gift, then why do we endlessly strive to earn it? Pastor Blake explores the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, found in Matthew 20:1-16, for our last sermon in our summer series on the Parables of Jesus.
Group identity is often formed on the basis of hatred for a common enemy. But the Gospel puts an end to scapegoating. Rev. Ferris explores the Parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37.
Can money buy security? What about peace or happiness? Rev. Ferris explores the Parable of the Rich Fool, from Luke 12: 13-21.
Rev. Ferris explores Jesus' extraordinary parable of the Two Brothers, commonly known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This story is much more complex than most people think. Contrary to popular understandings, the young son is not even the main focus. Rather, it is the elder son who is most in need of redemption. Luke 18: 1-3, 11-32.
Why do we remember bad things but not good things? And what does this have to do with forgiveness? Rev. Ferris explores the parable of the unmerciful servant from Matthew 18:21-35.
Rev. Rebecca Blake preaches on Matthew 13:44-46, the parables of the hidden treasure and pearl.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like the kudzu vine?! Rev. Ferris preaches on the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus' subversive story in which he compares God's Kingdom to an invasive species that no one wants in their garden. Matthew 13:31-32.
Jesus' parables are deceptively simple. Just when you think you understand them, another layer of meaning is revealed. Rev. Ferris begins an 8-week series on Jesus' parables by exploring the parable of the sower from Matthew 13:1-9.
Pentecost challenges us to learn the languages of others. A sermon on Acts 2:1-12, delivered on Pentecost Sunday, June 5, 2022 by the Rev. Jason Ferris.
A sermon on Acts 1: 1-11 preached on Ascension Sunday, May 29, 2022, by the Rev. Rebecca Blake.
On the beach by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus practiced a kind of advanced psychotherapy, offering Peter forgiveness, new life, and a renewed vocation. A sermon on John 21: 15-17 preached on May 22, 2022 by the Rev. Jason Ferris.
What does Jesus' resurrected body look like? What does it mean that it's a physical not just spiritual resurrection? A sermon on Luke 24: 36-42 preached on May 15, 2022 by the Rev. Jason Ferris.
Is certainty the goal of Christian life? Rev. Ferris argues that certainty is a myth (in science as well as religion), but this shouldn't prevent us from trusting Jesus with our lives. A sermon on John 20:24-29 preached on May 8, 2022.