Sermons 2022 – First Pres Berkeley: Recent Episodes

Sermons 2022 – First Pres Berkeley

Belonging in Christ, Engaging the World

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Rosemarie Eichner-Raja brings us into the story of Christmas with the arrival of Jesus in our world.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches on Emmanuel.

Names matter. From the day we are born, we are given a name to respond to, a name for our loved ones to call on, a name to identify ourselves. Which begs the question: What’s in a name?

Scripture tells us that there is one in history who has the name that is above every name: Jesus. In Advent, we have the sacred opportunity to anticipate and celebrate the birth of Jesus. But who is this child? What’s in his name?

Join us in worship as we journey through the seven prayers—the O Antiphons—of Advent. Drawing on biblical visions of creation, redemption, and restoration, these prayers evoke seven names for Jesus: King of Nations, Wisdom, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Lord of Might, Emmanuel, and Bright & Morning Star.

In learning and calling upon these names, our hope is to more deeply know this Messiah we long for, the one we have been waiting for, the one who is coming soon.

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Rev. Tom Elson preaches on the Lord of Might.

Names matter. From the day we are born, we are given a name to respond to, a name for our loved ones to call on, a name to identify ourselves. Which begs the question: What’s in a name?

Scripture tells us that there is one in history who has the name that is above every name: Jesus. In Advent, we have the sacred opportunity to anticipate and celebrate the birth of Jesus. But who is this child? What’s in his name?

Join us in worship as we journey through the seven prayers—the O Antiphons—of Advent. Drawing on biblical visions of creation, redemption, and restoration, these prayers evoke seven names for Jesus: King of Nations, Wisdom, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Lord of Might, Emmanuel, and Bright & Morning Star.

In learning and calling upon these names, our hope is to more deeply know this Messiah we long for, the one we have been waiting for, the one who is coming soon.

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Rev. Mark Stryker preaches on the Key of David.

Names matter. From the day we are born, we are given a name to respond to, a name for our loved ones to call on, a name to identify ourselves. Which begs the question: What’s in a name?

Scripture tells us that there is one in history who has the name that is above every name: Jesus. In Advent, we have the sacred opportunity to anticipate and celebrate the birth of Jesus. But who is this child? What’s in his name?

Join us in worship as we journey through the seven prayers—the O Antiphons—of Advent. Drawing on biblical visions of creation, redemption, and restoration, these prayers evoke seven names for Jesus: King of Nations, Wisdom, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Lord of Might, Emmanuel, and Bright & Morning Star.

In learning and calling upon these names, our hope is to more deeply know this Messiah we long for, the one we have been waiting for, the one who is coming soon.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches on the Root of Jesse (and Christmas movies).

Names matter. From the day we are born, we are given a name to respond to, a name for our loved ones to call on, a name to identify ourselves. Which begs the question: What’s in a name?

Scripture tells us that there is one in history who has the name that is above every name: Jesus. In Advent, we have the sacred opportunity to anticipate and celebrate the birth of Jesus. But who is this child? What’s in his name?

Join us in worship as we journey through the seven prayers—the O Antiphons—of Advent. Drawing on biblical visions of creation, redemption, and restoration, these prayers evoke seven names for Jesus: King of Nations, Wisdom, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Lord of Might, Emmanuel, and Bright & Morning Star.

In learning and calling upon these names, our hope is to more deeply know this Messiah we long for, the one we have been waiting for, the one who is coming soon.

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Rev. Michelle Vecchio-Lyzenga preaches on Wisdom. Names matter. From the day we are born, we are given a name to respond to, a name for our loved ones to call on, a name to identify ourselves. Which begs the question: What’s in a name? Scripture tells us that there is one in history who has the name that is above every name: Jesus. In Advent, we have the sacred opportunity to anticipate and celebrate the birth of Jesus. But who is this child? What’s in his name? Join us in worship as we journey through the seven prayers—the O Antiphons—of Advent. Drawing on biblical visions of creation, redemption, and restoration, these prayers evoke seven names for Jesus: King of Nations, Wisdom, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Lord of Might, Emmanuel, and Bright & Morning Star.  In learning and calling upon these names, our hope is to more deeply know this Messiah we long for, the one we have been waiting for, the one who is coming soon.

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Rev. Charlene Powell preaches on the King of Nations. Names matter. From the day we are born, we are given a name to respond to, a name for our loved ones to call on, a name to identify ourselves. Which begs the question: What’s in a name? Scripture tells us that there is one in history who has the name that is above every name: Jesus. In Advent, we have the sacred opportunity to anticipate and celebrate the birth of Jesus. But who is this child? What’s in his name? Join us in worship as we journey through the seven prayers—the O Antiphons—of Advent. Drawing on biblical visions of creation, redemption, and restoration, these prayers evoke seven names for Jesus: King of Nations, Wisdom, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Lord of Might, Emmanuel, and Bright & Morning Star.  In learning and calling upon these names, our hope is to more deeply know this Messiah we long for, the one we have been waiting for, the one who is coming soon.

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Rev. Mark Stryker, James Parrish Smith, and Grace So share their experiences of belonging and not belonging.

As human beings, much of life comes down to two basic questions: 1) Where do I belong in the world? 2) How do I make a difference in the world? As people of faith, these questions find their answers in the concept of stewardship. We belong to God, And we are called to make a difference by being faithful stewards with all that God has given us from community to creation, time to talent, riches and even rest.

Join us as we talk about the ancient spiritual discipline of stewardship through the lens of belonging. Together we will explore where and with whom we get our sense of belonging and how this shapes what we should do with our belongings.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches to Restore.

As human beings, much of life comes down to two basic questions: 1) Where do I belong in the world? 2) How do I make a difference in the world? As people of faith, these questions find their answers in the concept of stewardship. We belong to God, And we are called to make a difference by being faithful stewards with all that God has given us from community to creation, time to talent, riches and even rest.

Join us as we talk about the ancient spiritual discipline of stewardship through the lens of belonging. Together we will explore where and with whom we get our sense of belonging and how this shapes what we should do with our belongings.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches to Reimagine.

As human beings, much of life comes down to two basic questions: 1) Where do I belong in the world? 2) How do I make a difference in the world? As people of faith, these questions find their answers in the concept of stewardship. We belong to God, And we are called to make a difference by being faithful stewards with all that God has given us from community to creation, time to talent, riches and even rest.

Join us as we talk about the ancient spiritual discipline of stewardship through the lens of belonging. Together we will explore where and with whom we get our sense of belonging and how this shapes what we should do with our belongings.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches to Release.

As human beings, much of life comes down to two basic questions: 1) Where do I belong in the world? 2) How do I make a difference in the world? As people of faith, these questions find their answers in the concept of stewardship. We belong to God, And we are called to make a difference by being faithful stewards with all that God has given us from community to creation, time to talent, riches and even rest.

Join us as we talk about the ancient spiritual discipline of stewardship through the lens of belonging. Together we will explore where and with whom we get our sense of belonging and how this shapes what we should do with our belongings.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches to Remember.

As human beings, much of life comes down to two basic questions: 1) Where do I belong in the world? 2) How do I make a difference in the world? As people of faith, these questions find their answers in the concept of stewardship. We belong to God, And we are called to make a difference by being faithful stewards with all that God has given us from community to creation, time to talent, riches and even rest.

Join us as we talk about the ancient spiritual discipline of stewardship through the lens of belonging. Together we will explore where and with whom we get our sense of belonging and how this shapes what we should do with our belongings.

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Rev. Tom Elson preaches on The Meaning of Wisdom.

Since the beginning of time, humanity has pondered the question, “What is the meaning of life?” Especially in times of great upheaval and change, we come back to these philosophical questions to give us direction, purpose, and stability. But what does the Bible have to say about such earthly matters? Quite a lot!

Join us this fall as we begin a new program year in the book of Ecclesiastes. Together, we will explore the refreshingly blunt, surprisingly realistic, and brutally honest reflections about life contained in this Old Testament book and maybe even find some practical answers to our most pressing questions.

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Rev. Danielle Parish preaches The Meaning of Creation for World Communion Sunday.

Since the beginning of time, humanity has pondered the question, “What is the meaning of life?” Especially in times of great upheaval and change, we come back to these philosophical questions to give us direction, purpose, and stability. But what does the Bible have to say about such earthly matters? Quite a lot!

Join us this fall as we begin a new program year in the book of Ecclesiastes. Together, we will explore the refreshingly blunt, surprisingly realistic, and brutally honest reflections about life contained in this Old Testament book and maybe even find some practical answers to our most pressing questions.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches The Meaning of Relationship.

Since the beginning of time, humanity has pondered the question, “What is the meaning of life?” Especially in times of great upheaval and change, we come back to these philosophical questions to give us direction, purpose, and stability. But what does the Bible have to say about such earthly matters? Quite a lot!

Join us this fall as we begin a new program year in the book of Ecclesiastes. Together, we will explore the refreshingly blunt, surprisingly realistic, and brutally honest reflections about life contained in this Old Testament book and maybe even find some practical answers to our most pressing questions.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches The Meaning of Success.

Since the beginning of time, humanity has pondered the question, “What is the meaning of life?” Especially in times of great upheaval and change, we come back to these philosophical questions to give us direction, purpose, and stability. But what does the Bible have to say about such earthly matters? Quite a lot!

Join us this fall as we begin a new program year in the book of Ecclesiastes. Together, we will explore the refreshingly blunt, surprisingly realistic, and brutally honest reflections about life contained in this Old Testament book and maybe even find some practical answers to our most pressing questions.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches The Meaning of Time.

Since the beginning of time, humanity has pondered the question, “What is the meaning of life?” Especially in times of great upheaval and change, we come back to these philosophical questions to give us direction, purpose, and stability. But what does the Bible have to say about such earthly matters? Quite a lot!

Join us this fall as we begin a new program year in the book of Ecclesiastes. Together, we will explore the refreshingly blunt, surprisingly realistic, and brutally honest reflections about life contained in this Old Testament book and maybe even find some practical answers to our most pressing questions.

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Rev. Jake Medcalf preaches Remember Who You Are

Every year after Pentecost, the church moves into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time—the liminal space between Advent and Easter/Lent—yet this season is anything but ordinary. As we venture out into exciting unknowns, we will be resting in the time honored tradition of preaching the lectionary. Originating in the time of Moses, the lectionary offers the church a rich and complete picture of Scripture by appointing texts from both the Old and New Testaments and the Psalms. Join us in worship this summer as we journey through the extraordinary wisdom and truth offered to us in the Bible for these anything but ordinary times.

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Rev. Mark Stryker preaches Something's Burning!

Every year after Pentecost, the church moves into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time—the liminal space between Advent and Easter/Lent—yet this season is anything but ordinary. As we venture out into exciting unknowns, we will be resting in the time honored tradition of preaching the lectionary. Originating in the time of Moses, the lectionary offers the church a rich and complete picture of Scripture by appointing texts from both the Old and New Testaments and the Psalms. Join us in worship this summer as we journey through the extraordinary wisdom and truth offered to us in the Bible for these anything but ordinary times.

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Rev. Tom Elson suggests you Watch Out!

Every year after Pentecost, the church moves into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time—the liminal space between Advent and Easter/Lent—yet this season is anything but ordinary. As we venture out into exciting unknowns, we will be resting in the time honored tradition of preaching the lectionary. Originating in the time of Moses, the lectionary offers the church a rich and complete picture of Scripture by appointing texts from both the Old and New Testaments and the Psalms. Join us in worship this summer as we journey through the extraordinary wisdom and truth offered to us in the Bible for these anything but ordinary times.

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Tori Bommarito preaches on A New Guest List: Hospitality in the Way of Jesus.

Every year after Pentecost, the church moves into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time—the liminal space between Advent and Easter/Lent—yet this season is anything but ordinary. As we venture out into exciting unknowns, we will be resting in the time honored tradition of preaching the lectionary. Originating in the time of Moses, the lectionary offers the church a rich and complete picture of Scripture by appointing texts from both the Old and New Testaments and the Psalms. Join us in worship this summer as we journey through the extraordinary wisdom and truth offered to us in the Bible for these anything but ordinary times.

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Rev. Dr. Riana Shaw Robinson preaches on A Distant Hope.

Every year after Pentecost, the church moves into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time—the liminal space between Advent and Easter/Lent—yet this season is anything but ordinary. As we venture out into exciting unknowns, we will be resting in the time honored tradition of preaching the lectionary. Originating in the time of Moses, the lectionary offers the church a rich and complete picture of Scripture by appointing texts from both the Old and New Testaments and the Psalms. Join us in worship this summer as we journey through the extraordinary wisdom and truth offered to us in the Bible for these anything but ordinary times.

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Rev. Mark Stryker asks Does God Give Up?

Every year after Pentecost, the church moves into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time—the liminal space between Advent and Easter/Lent—yet this season is anything but ordinary. As we venture out into exciting unknowns, we will be resting in the time honored tradition of preaching the lectionary. Originating in the time of Moses, the lectionary offers the church a rich and complete picture of Scripture by appointing texts from both the Old and New Testaments and the Psalms. Join us in worship this summer as we journey through the extraordinary wisdom and truth offered to us in the Bible for these anything but ordinary times.

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Rev. Tom Elson preaches on Living One's Life Christianly.

Every year after Pentecost, the church moves into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time—the liminal space between Advent and Easter/Lent—yet this season is anything but ordinary. As we venture out into exciting unknowns, we will be resting in the time honored tradition of preaching the lectionary. Originating in the time of Moses, the lectionary offers the church a rich and complete picture of Scripture by appointing texts from both the Old and New Testaments and the Psalms. Join us in worship this summer as we journey through the extraordinary wisdom and truth offered to us in the Bible for these anything but ordinary times.

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Rev. Dr. Jana Childers preaches on The Better Part.

Every year after Pentecost, the church moves into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time—the liminal space between Advent and Easter/Lent—yet this season is anything but ordinary. As we venture out into exciting unknowns, we will be resting in the time honored tradition of preaching the lectionary. Originating in the time of Moses, the lectionary offers the church a rich and complete picture of Scripture by appointing texts from both the Old and New Testaments and the Psalms. Join us in worship this summer as we journey through the extraordinary wisdom and truth offered to us in the Bible for these anything but ordinary times.

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Rev. Terry Dwyer preaches on Treasures in Jars of Clay.

Every year after Pentecost, the church moves into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time—the liminal space between Advent and Easter/Lent—yet this season is anything but ordinary. As we venture out into exciting unknowns, we will be resting in the time honored tradition of preaching the lectionary. Originating in the time of Moses, the lectionary offers the church a rich and complete picture of Scripture by appointing texts from both the Old and New Testaments and the Psalms. Join us in worship this summer as we journey through the extraordinary wisdom and truth offered to us in the Bible for these anything but ordinary times.

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Rev. Tom Elson preaches on Sacraments.

As Presbyterians, we affirm that we are the “church reformed, always reforming”. But what exactly does that mean? At its core, we believe that God is not finished with us yet, a belief that undergirds every aspect of our worship service. Join us for our summer sermon series as we explore the scriptural foundation of Reformed worship. It will deepen your understanding and appreciation of Sunday mornings at First Pres!

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches on The Scripture Read, The Word Proclaimed.

As Presbyterians, we affirm that we are the “church reformed, always reforming”. But what exactly does that mean? At its core, we believe that God is not finished with us yet, a belief that undergirds every aspect of our worship service. Join us for our summer sermon series as we explore the scriptural foundation of Reformed worship. It will deepen your understanding and appreciation of Sunday mornings at First Pres!

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches on Luke 7:36-50.

As Presbyterians, we affirm that we are the “church reformed, always reforming”. But what exactly does that mean? At its core, we believe that God is not finished with us yet, a belief that undergirds every aspect of our worship service. Join us for our summer sermon series as we explore the scriptural foundation of Reformed worship. It will deepen your understanding and appreciation of Sunday mornings at First Pres!

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches on Confession—Prayer, Pardon, Peace, through Luke 7:36-50.

As Presbyterians, we affirm that we are the “church reformed, always reforming”. But what exactly does that mean? At its core, we believe that God is not finished with us yet, a belief that undergirds every aspect of our worship service. Join us for our summer sermon series as we explore the scriptural foundation of Reformed worship. It will deepen your understanding and appreciation of Sunday mornings at First Pres!

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches on the Call to Gather/Call to Worship, through Luke 7:36-50.

As Presbyterians, we affirm that we are the "church reformed, always reforming". But what exactly does that mean? At its core, we believe that God is not finished with us yet, a belief that undergirds every aspect of our worship service. Join us for our summer sermon series as we explore the scriptural foundation of Reformed worship. It will deepen your understanding and appreciation of Sunday mornings at First Pres!

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Rev. Mark Stryker preaches "Through the Ages" on Exodus 3:14-15 this Sunday.

One of the beautiful things about Christian community is the generational richness and diversity in our midst. We often gather as one, but within the larger whole are generations with unique experiences, perspectives, and stories to tell. From our youngest members to our senior saints, God’s goodness is reflected in us all. Join us this spring as we bear witness to God’s faithfulness from generation to generation. Together in worship we will hear from future church leaders and cherished leaders from our past, be encouraged and challenged by our university students and youth, and gather with those outside our walls as we look to the future with hope.

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Rev. Amos Disasa preaches "Leper #10" on Luke 17:11-19 this Sunday.

One of the beautiful things about Christian community is the generational richness and diversity in our midst. We often gather as one, but within the larger whole are generations with unique experiences, perspectives, and stories to tell. From our youngest members to our senior saints, God’s goodness is reflected in us all. Join us this spring as we bear witness to God’s faithfulness from generation to generation. Together in worship we will hear from future church leaders and cherished leaders from our past, be encouraged and challenged by our university students and youth, and gather with those outside our walls as we look to the future with hope.

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Rev. Michelle Vecchio-Lyzenga preaches "Bring What You Have" on John 21:1-19 this Confirmation sunday.

One of the beautiful things about Christian community is the generational richness and diversity in our midst. We often gather as one, but within the larger whole are generations with unique experiences, perspectives, and stories to tell. From our youngest members to our senior saints, God’s goodness is reflected in us all. Join us this spring as we bear witness to God’s faithfulness from generation to generation. Together in worship we will hear from future church leaders and cherished leaders from our past, be encouraged and challenged by our university students and youth, and gather with those outside our walls as we look to the future with hope.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell and our graduating University students share their thoughts on Matthew 6:19-21, 24-34.

One of the beautiful things about Christian community is the generational richness and diversity in our midst. We often gather as one, but within the larger whole are generations with unique experiences, perspectives, and stories to tell. From our youngest members to our senior saints, God’s goodness is reflected in us all. Join us this spring as we bear witness to God’s faithfulness from generation to generation. Together in worship we will hear from future church leaders and cherished leaders from our past, be encouraged and challenged by our university students and youth, and gather with those outside our walls as we look to the future with hope.

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Rev. Earl Palmer preaches "Words to Clear Heads and Warm Hearts" on 2 Timothy 1:3-7.

One of the beautiful things about Christian community is the generational richness and diversity in our midst. We often gather as one, but within the larger whole are generations with unique experiences, perspectives, and stories to tell. From our youngest members to our senior saints, God’s goodness is reflected in us all. Join us this spring as we bear witness to God’s faithfulness from generation to generation. Together in worship we will hear from future church leaders and cherished leaders from our past, be encouraged and challenged by our university students and youth, and gather with those outside our walls as we look to the future with hope.

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Aeryn Seto Johnson preaches "Could it be True?" on John 20:19-31.

One of the beautiful things about Christian community is the generational richness and diversity in our midst. We often gather as one, but within the larger whole are generations with unique experiences, perspectives, and stories to tell. From our youngest members to our senior saints, God’s goodness is reflected in us all. Join us this spring as we bear witness to God’s faithfulness from generation to generation. Together in worship we will hear from future church leaders and cherished leaders from our past, be encouraged and challenged by our university students and youth, and gather with those outside our walls as we look to the future with hope.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches "Jesus the Risen One" on Mark 15:42–16:8.

Jesus Christ is one of the most controversial figures in all of history. For many, he was a great moral teacher. To others, he was a political revolutionary. And yet, for billions of people around the world, Jesus is their Lord and Savior. The question remains: why? What about Jesus is so compelling, so wonderful, so true? Why do we choose to believe in and follow this man that C.S. Lewis once observed was either a lunatic, a liar, or lord?

This Lent, we at First Pres will explore these very questions. Together, we will journey through the Gospels, taking a deeper look at the words Jesus preached, the life he lived, the company he kept, and the sacrifices he made. In doing so, we will consider the many facets of Jesus’ character that stir our hearts and prompt our praise.

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Rev. Michelle Vecchio-Lyzenga and Rev. Tom Elson meditate on Preparation and Proclamation through on Luke 19:28-40.

Jesus Christ is one of the most controversial figures in all of history. For many, he was a great moral teacher. To others, he was a political revolutionary. And yet, for billions of people around the world, Jesus is their Lord and Savior. The question remains: why? What about Jesus is so compelling, so wonderful, so true? Why do we choose to believe in and follow this man that C.S. Lewis once observed was either a lunatic, a liar, or lord?

This Lent, we at First Pres will explore these very questions. Together, we will journey through the Gospels, taking a deeper look at the words Jesus preached, the life he lived, the company he kept, and the sacrifices he made. In doing so, we will consider the many facets of Jesus’ character that stir our hearts and prompt our praise.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches "Jesus the Disrupter" on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.

Jesus Christ is one of the most controversial figures in all of history. For many, he was a great moral teacher. To others, he was a political revolutionary. And yet, for billions of people around the world, Jesus is their Lord and Savior. The question remains: why? What about Jesus is so compelling, so wonderful, so true? Why do we choose to believe in and follow this man that C.S. Lewis once observed was either a lunatic, a liar, or lord?

This Lent, we at First Pres will explore these very questions. Together, we will journey through the Gospels, taking a deeper look at the words Jesus preached, the life he lived, the company he kept, and the sacrifices he made. In doing so, we will consider the many facets of Jesus’ character that stir our hearts and prompt our praise.

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Rev. Mark Stryker preaches "Jesus the Tempted" on Luke 4:1-13.

Jesus Christ is one of the most controversial figures in all of history. For many, he was a great moral teacher. To others, he was a political revolutionary. And yet, for billions of people around the world, Jesus is their Lord and Savior. The question remains: why? What about Jesus is so compelling, so wonderful, so true? Why do we choose to believe in and follow this man that C.S. Lewis once observed was either a lunatic, a liar, or lord?

This Lent, we at First Pres will explore these very questions. Together, we will journey through the Gospels, taking a deeper look at the words Jesus preached, the life he lived, the company he kept, and the sacrifices he made. In doing so, we will consider the many facets of Jesus’ character that stir our hearts and prompt our praise.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches "Jesus the Human" on Matthew 25:31-40, Luke 10:25-37.

Jesus Christ is one of the most controversial figures in all of history. For many, he was a great moral teacher. To others, he was a political revolutionary. And yet, for billions of people around the world, Jesus is their Lord and Savior. The question remains: why? What about Jesus is so compelling, so wonderful, so true? Why do we choose to believe in and follow this man that C.S. Lewis once observed was either a lunatic, a liar, or lord?

This Lent, we at First Pres will explore these very questions. Together, we will journey through the Gospels, taking a deeper look at the words Jesus preached, the life he lived, the company he kept, and the sacrifices he made. In doing so, we will consider the many facets of Jesus’ character that stir our hearts and prompt our praise.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches "Jesus the Healer" on John 5.

Jesus Christ is one of the most controversial figures in all of history. For many, he was a great moral teacher. To others, he was a political revolutionary. And yet, for billions of people around the world, Jesus is their Lord and Savior. The question remains: why? What about Jesus is so compelling, so wonderful, so true? Why do we choose to believe in and follow this man that C.S. Lewis once observed was either a lunatic, a liar, or lord?

This Lent, we at First Pres will explore these very questions. Together, we will journey through the Gospels, taking a deeper look at the words Jesus preached, the life he lived, the company he kept, and the sacrifices he made. In doing so, we will consider the many facets of Jesus’ character that stir our hearts and prompt our praise.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches "Jesus the Son of the Living God" on Matthew 16:13-28

Jesus Christ is one of the most controversial figures in all of history. For many, he was a great moral teacher. To others, he was a political revolutionary. And yet, for billions of people around the world, Jesus is their Lord and Savior. The question remains: why? What about Jesus is so compelling, so wonderful, so true? Why do we choose to believe in and follow this man that C.S. Lewis once observed was either a lunatic, a liar, or lord?

This Lent, we at First Pres will explore these very questions. Together, we will journey through the Gospels, taking a deeper look at the words Jesus preached, the life he lived, the company he kept, and the sacrifices he made. In doing so, we will consider the many facets of Jesus’ character that stir our hearts and prompt our praise.

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Michael Kim-Eubanks preaches "A Home In Which We All Belong" on Psalm 84

How are we supposed to approach the divine in the midst of this threshold season? Join us in worship this winter as we explore how to listen for God’s voice in sacred and surprising ways.

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Rev. Michelle Vecchio-Lyzenga preaches "Prophecies and Tongues" on 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

How are we supposed to approach the divine in the midst of this threshold season? Join us in worship this winter as we explore how to listen for God’s voice in sacred and surprising ways.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches "Too Deep For Words" on Romans 8:18-39

How are we supposed to approach the divine in the midst of this threshold season? Join us in worship this winter as we explore how to listen for God’s voice in sacred and surprising ways.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell and Rev. Tom Elson discuss "The Body of Christ" with Jeff Hancock.

How are we supposed to approach the divine in the midst of this threshold season? Join us in worship this winter as we explore how to listen for God’s voice in sacred and surprising ways.

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Rev. Tom Elson and Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell discuss "Serving Others" with Doug Hewitt.

How are we supposed to approach the divine in the midst of this threshold season? Join us in worship this winter as we explore how to listen for God’s voice in sacred and surprising ways.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches "Bargaining with God" on Exodus 33:12-23, with David Kasali.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches "Testing God's Voice" on 1 Samuel 3 with City Team's Oakland & San Francisco Executive Director, Angela Aguilar.

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Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell preaches on 1 Kings 19:11-13

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Grace So preaches on Luke 2:1-18