Wellshire Presbyterian Church Sermon Archive: Recent Episodes
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Wellshire Presbyterian Church (Denver, Colorado) is a reformed Presbyterian community that offers practical, spiritual guidance and an upbeat message in all we do. We warmly invite you to join us as we strive to learn from, respond to, and live in the way of Jesus Christ!
On All Saints Day, Dr. Bell affirms the power of life with a sermon on the miracle of the wedding at Cana.
In this Epiphany sermon based on Matthew 21-12, Dr. Bell makes several points about the pilgrimage of the Wise Men and the Bethlehem Star before focusing on the virtues of patience.
Dr. Bell begins by saying a few words about the election before turning attention to the importance of Thanksgiving.
This not-so-short sermon was on The Wee Little Man, Zacchaeus. Using an alternative reading of the story, Dr. Bell puts Zacchaeus on a pedestal for his hospitality and generosity.
This sermon is the first in the Advent series Dr. Bell introduces the series and focuses on the meaning of Wonderful Counselor.
In this sermon, Unity is a Gift and an Obligation, delivered on Martin Luther King, Jr., weekend, Dr. Bell gives a Presbyterian review of the movie Hidden Figures before turning to the Barmen Declaration, which was used in South Africa to end legal segregation.
This sermon, based on The Parable of the Unjust Judge, is on the importance and power of prayer.
To Woody, one of the stars of the DisneyPixar animated movie Toy Story, it meant the world to have a real physical mark on the bottom of his boot. It was something he could turn to in times of doubt and trouble. When he saw Andys name written on the sole of his foot, it gave him reassurance and hope - a moment of peace and joy. Gods name is not written on our soles, S-O-L-E-S, but it is written on our S-O-U-L. In baptism, God seals Gods love for us, no matter what we might have done and what might happen. In the waters of our baptism, God says to us as God said to Jesus in the Book of Luke, You are my child, the beloved with you I am well pleased.
Dr. Bell returns to the pulpit to explore Luke 1619-31 - the story of the rich man and Lazarus.
Brian Lays preached this sermon on the morning of his ordination at Wellshire Church. Now a pastor, Rev. Brian Lays grew up at Wellshire Church. Sermon text 2 Corinthians 45-11
In this sermon, our exploration of faith elements reflected in DisneyPixar films continues through the lens of a new favorite -Inside Out.Sermon text Lamentations 319-24
Dr. Bell speaks about the mission priority of worship and the importance of sanctuary architecture before introducing a capital improvements campaign. This sermon is part of the Create-ivity Summer Worship Series the sermon text is Psalm 84.
As part of the Create-ivity Summer Series at Wellshire Church, Rev. Katie Robb Davis delves into a sermon on dance and movement. Sermon text 2 Corinthians 47-12
This sermon at Wellshire focuses on The Belhar Confession, which was recently added to the PCUSA Book of Confessions. Belhar is a Christian statement of belief originally written in Afrikaans in 1982. It was adopted (after a slight adjustment) as a confession of faith by the Dutch Reformed Mission Church (DRMC) in South Africa in 1986 and was instrumental in developing church unity during the period of apartheid. Dr. Bell had the privilege of sitting on the committee at General Assembly which initially proposed this Confession.
Fear creates otherness. Love reclaims the other as brother or sister. One of fears powers is its ability to dehumanize the other. Love has the power to humanize the foreigner, the alien, and the outcast in our midst. The DisneyPixar film Monsters, Inc. reminds us of this. Let us be filled with love, not consumed with fear, so we can fill others with love -- because fear makes monsters, but love makes brothers and sisters. Sermon text Amos 510-15 1 John 47-21
The Rev. Katie Robb Davis preaches on the Parable of the Dishonest Manager found in Luke 161-13. This passage includes the famous line about the impossible challenge of serving both God and money.
Dr. Bell preached this sermon on Luke 416-30 on the first Sunday of the new fall program year at Wellshire Church - Jubilee Sunday.
Dr. Bell preaches on Luke 175-6, in which Jesus answers the apostles' plea to increase their faith by talking about mustard seeds, mulberry trees, and the sea.
This sermon dives intoFinding Nemo as our exploration of biblical themes reflected in our favorite DisneyPixar films continues. Sermon text Luke 151-10
This is the second sermon in the Creative-ity Living Artfully series, and it deals with the second creation story in Genesis. Dr. Bell makes several points based on the story but concludes with a strong reminder that our task is to be fruitful and multiply, to till the earth and keep it.
We try to have it all, or at least have it both ways. To put it another way, we cannot serve two gods. Look at Elijah and the followers of Baal in the Book of Kings by not choosing between Baal or God, they were choosing. Choosing NOT to pick God. This is a story about a common problem Gods people have had, which is following the 1st commandment You shall have no other gods before me. God has already chosen us, but who will WE choose?
The Rev. Bill Davis (pastor at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Northglenn, husband of the Rev. Katie Robb Davis, and cellist) visited Wellshire during the Create-ivity Living Artfully Summer Sermon Series to preach on the art of music and play his cello.
About the artist The Rev. Bill Davis is pastor of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Northglenn, Colorado and the husband of Wellshires Rev. Katie Robb Davis. A graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary and Candler School of Theology, Bill focused his studies on liturgical practice and theology (what we do in worship and why we do it). When hes not stirring up too much trouble around the church, he can be found hanging out with Katie and their son, Coulter. Bill serves the wider denomination in the Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators and by planning Montreat Youth Conferences.
This sermon serves as a general introduction to the summer worship series, Create-ivity Living Artfully.
Storyteller Pam Faro brought the Parable of the Good Samaritan to life through her gift of story as part of Wellshires Create-ivity Summer Sermon Series.
About the artist Pam Faro is co-chair of the board of Rocky Mountain Storytelling. For over 20 years she has been involved with the Academy for Biblical Storytelling and is a past board member of the Network of Biblical Storytellers, as well as past editor of the Journal of Biblical Storytelling. Pam has a B.A. in music with teacher certification from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and a Master of Divinity degree from Iliff School of Theology in Denver.
Dr. Bell opens with strong words about the mass shooting in Orlando before turning to the sermon text, Jeremiah 18, Jeremiahs visit to The Potter. Dr. Bell then explains how that image -- the Potter and his pots -- is a nearly-perfect metaphor for God and humankind.
This is the sixth sermon in Wellshires Create-ivity Living Artfully series. In this sermon, Dr. Bell speaks generally about communion while a church member bakes bread on the Communion Table. He concludes by talking about preparation for the Lords Supper and relates it to recent shootings in Louisiana, Minnesota, and Texas.
Celtic scholar John Philip Newell visited Wellshire in May 2016 to provide a Friday evening lecture, Saturday workshop, and sermon in Sunday worship.
This Pentecost sermon speaks about the fundamental unifying work of the Spirit of God, reminding Christians of our responsibility for reconciliation in the world.
Rev. Katie Robb Davis preached on the story of Jesus ascension from Acts 11-11, emphasizing the move of the disciples from gazing skyward to looking out as witnesses to the ends of the earth to see Gods spirit at the depth of all life.
This Earth Day sermon addresses the importance of praise for the Creator. The writer of Psalm 148 understood that theology cannot be separated from ecology. Knowing this will make us better stewards.
We all often need our faith refocused, revitalized, or even resurrected. Like Peter we are called to be disciples, and we are called by God to go out in the world and love and care for each other, Gods sheep and lambs. And like Peter, we may get off track -- we may have not thought about 'what comes next.' Christ is among us and ashore, however, telling us in which direction to throw our net.
First Born of the Dead, a sermon preached at Wellshire on April 3, is loosely based on Doubting Thomas. Dr. Bell speaks about Holy Humor Sunday, wondering if it is a hoax, before discussing doubt and faith.
This Palm Sunday sermon relates 'crowd psychology' (or mob mentality) to the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Dr. Bell goes into some detail on what it means to be the greatest disciple.
This is the final sermon in the Lenten series 'Called by Name.' In it, Dr. Bell reviews some important facets of Gods call before encouraging the congregation to apply these lessons in three specific ways. The sermon includes a detailed description of the Easter Prayer Vigil.
This short Lenten sermon connects two shocking stories the Valley of the Dry Bones in Ezekiel and the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts. From these tales, it is obvious that the spirit of God moves in mysterious ways to create life!
In this Lenten homily, after a quick review of Esther, Dr. Bell turns his attention to walking on the water, which, as it turns out, takes... faith!
God created us all equal. Our differences are a gift, and we are each an important part of Gods creation. It is easier to judge others for the speck in their eye than to recognize that we each have a log in our own eye. We should love others and recognize that we are not 'better' than them. God loves us all.
'Here I Am!' is the first in the Lenten series which is entitled Called by Name. After a general introduction to the series, Dr. Bell makes two points about call. First, there is no perfect paradigm for a call by God and, second, a call is always to do or accomplish some task or job.
The Rev. Katie Robb Davis preached on the sending of the seventy and the importance of Jesus detailed instructions to go out in pairs and take nothing with them, speaking to our need for community and vulnerability in answering Gods call.
This sermon is based on I Corinthians 13, Pauls famous treatise on love. Dr. Bell sets the reading in context before turning his attention to agape love.
This sermon, based on the story of the wedding at Cana at which Jesus changes water to wine, bores down on the phrase he saved his best for last. From this, Dr. Bell preaches about the importance of doing good throughout life.
This sermon is loosely on the topic of leadership, as new officers were ordained in worship.
How do we be the church? A true community working as the body of Christ? Do we tolerate each other or our neighbors? Yes, the world would be a better place if we were all at least a bit more tolerant of others differences, but we are called to something greater -- to be connected in grace, not merely toleration... to have grace for others and not just tolerate them. We are called to give to others what we have received from God, and that is grace.
Rev. Katie Robb Davis preaches on the story of The Good Samaritan, emphasizing the importance of helping and caring for others, especially allowing God to interrupt our busy schedules.
This All Saints' Sunday sermon is based on the Bibles 'Hall of Fame,' found in Hebrews 11. In it, Dr. Bell suggests that the proverbial 'cloud of witnesses that surround us' sets an example for us and inspires us, while noting it is important for us to consider our own legacy.
Delivered on World Communion Sunday, this sermon by Greg Allen-Pickett (a former staff member at Wellshire and current General Manager of the Presbyterian Mission Agency) encourages people to love the 'strangers' as God loves them Gregs message acts as a call to action and advocacy on the behalf of vulnerable people everywhere, including the plight of Syrian refugees as a timely example.
This sermon, based on The Ten Lepers (Luke 1711-19), continues the Grace and Gratitude series. Dr. Bell makes several points about the spiritual significance of gratitude, noting that expressing gratitude is difficult for many people before he concludes with a word about healing.
Wellshire welcomed the Rev. Matorofa Mutonganavo to the pulpit on October 18 (upon which Children's Sabbath was observed) Rev. Mutonganavo is a minister in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe and visited Colorado as a delegate within the Partnership of Zimbabwe and Denver Presbyteries (PZDP), which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Rev. Mutonganavo preached on Acts 244-47, expounding on how God ultimately is the one who grows the church, though we act as instruments of the work of the Lord.
Dr. Bells sermon on Romans 321-31 is the second in Wellshires Grace and Gratitude series. In it, he expounds on the those two terms in light of Pauls most famous Epistle to the Romans.
In this sermon, the Rev. Katie Robb Davis introduces the series on Grace and Gratitude, which are hallmarks of Presbyterian theology and identity, by addressing the gifts, challenges, and possibilities of truly believing that Gods love is not earned but a free gift for all.
This sermon by Dr. Bell is based on the story of baby Moses who was found in the bulrushes by Pharaohs daughter. This story illustrates civil disobedience, which has dominated headlines recently. The story also illustrates the butterfly effect.
This sermon is based on the prophet Jonah. In this sermon, Dr. Bell speaks of the anger in the country in reference to Jonahs poor anger management, noting the positive and negative consequences of anger.
In this sermon on Jacob and Esau, Dr. Bell discusses the characteristics of the brothers and how, like us, they are neither entirely bad nor entirely good. Despite the coexisting sin and virtue of humanity, God's interactions with people often produce surprising and inexplicable results instead of searching for sense, we are encouraged to simply marvel at God's handiwork.
In an old-fashioned dialogue sermon by Dr. Bell and the Rev. Katie Robb Davis, the story of Joseph is creatively retold before four points are made about forgiveness, providence, theodicy, and dreaming.
Focusing on the story of David and Goliath, the sermon explored how Davids use of five smooth stones drew on his life experience, asking how we trust our own life experience to face the giants of our day.
This is the ninth sermon in the UNBELIEVABLE Blockbuster Stories from the Bible summer sermon series. Here Dr. Bell talks a bit about The Plagues of Egypt. He admits the plagues challenge him, but the story is clearly about God's desire for people to be free.
Gods promises are beyond our expectation and beyond all evidence. Everything God has promised is possible -- but not everything is promised.
Samson and Superman? Same or different? While there are some similarities between these two superhero-like characters, Samson was no Clark Kent. Despite his rather wild lifestyle, in his moment of greatest weakness, Samson remembered the call God had placed on his life and cried out in faith and trust to God one more time. In our human failures and in our moments of greatest weakness, we too can call on God one more time.
This sermon on Noah is offered as part of the UNBELIEVABLE sermon series. In his sermon, Dr. Bell focuses on the rainbow and God's promise never again to destroy the earth with a flood, suggesting God chooses other means to redeem us.
In this challenging sermon based on the Battle of Jericho, Dr. Bell speaks seriously about Biblical interpretation and changing attitudes towards God.
To love God and love each other is the guidepost for all of our choices. God's love is the lens through which we are commanded to see the world and to base our actions. The Ten Commandments are not finger-wagging strict rules but more like light poles or lamps that light our way and show us how to live in and create a community of justice and peace. They are the signs to others that we are the people of God. Let them know we are Christians by our love.
To love God and love each other is the guidepost for all of our choices. Gods love is the lens through which we are commanded to see the world and upon which to base our actions. The Ten Commandments are not finger-wagging strict rules but more like light poles or lamps that light our way and show us how to live in and create a community of justice and peace. They are the signs to others that we are the people of God. Let them know we are Christians by our love.
On June 21, Dr. Bell spoke about the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt, suggesting that freeing and saving are Gods primary business.
This is the third sermon in the UNBELIEVABLE summer sermon series. In this sermon, Dr. Bell focuses on Moses and the Burning Bush, making several divergent points about call, holy ground, and the nature of God.
This sermon on The Binding of Isaac speaks to times of testing and the struggle for faith.
The Rev. Katie Robb Davis explored the story of Daniel in the Lions' Den from the perspective Daniels groundedness in prayer. What was the source of his courage? How exactly did God deliver Daniel?
The Rev. Dr. Anna Carter Florence visited the Wellshire pulpit, delivering a sermon based on Acts 826-40 -- the passage in which Philip, the newly minted apostle, unexpectedly finds himself in the wilderness at the bidding of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Florence delves into how God places us in exceptional experiences right out of a parable, resulting in transformation -- finding water in the desert within ourselves.
The Rev. Katie Robb Davis preaches on our interconnectedness as vines on the branch and how we bear the fruit of love to be shared with others.
This post-Easter and Earth Day-week sermon parrots points made by Holmes Rolston and others which suggest the 'first' creation may be more implausible than the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This Easter sermon focuses on Heaven, as the resurrection of Jesus provides hope for future and present bliss.
Even for the most faithful followers of Jesus, the resurrection and the events leading up to the resurrection were a mystery that was not clearly understood. Jesus, both fully human and divine, understands their and our disbelief and our failure to fully grasp the events however, as the forgiving Christ, one with God, he does not rebuke disbelief, but instead he offers us Peace. God loves us even in our disbelief and forgives our inequities.
The Rev. Katie Robb Davis explored how the Palm Sunday crowds shouts of Hosanna! to Jesus were a word of hope for a new world. We, too, are called to show up and shout out, name injustices, and help to usher in a new kingdom.
In this sermon, Dr. Bell concludes Wellshires Lenten series on Prayer. Using the Lords Prayer as a framework, he speaks to various issues regarding prayer, notably the relationship between prayer and healing.
On March 15, Dr. Bell continued the Lenten emphasis on prayer with a sermon on Jesus prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Psalm 51 teaches us no matter where we are coming from to come to God as we are -- whether that is messy, confused, lost, or anything else -- but we are to come as we are with our hearts in whatever shape they are in and offer them. We look at this text thinking about prayer in the form of intentional listening. The word intentional is defined as deliberate, calculated, conscious, intended, planned, meant, on purpose. Therefore, we are to purposefully come to God to listen -- in any and all conditions of heart.
This sermon by Dr. Bell is based on Jesus High Priestly Prayer in John 17. He makes several points but focuses on Jesus plea for unity.
On the first Sunday of Lent, Dr. Bell kicks off a Lenten sermon series on the topic of Prayer, beginning with a truly great passage -- Romans 826-39.
Three Wellshire high school seniors delivered brief homilies focused on 1 Corinthians 1212-26 -- a passage proclaiming our unity in the body of Christ despite, and even perhaps because of, our differences.
In this sermon, Dr. Bell stresses the importance of discipleship and the knowledge of Jesus. He poses the question repeatedly who do YOU say that Jesus is?
The Rev. Kira Stringer talks about mountaintop experiences -- situations so idyllic, fulfilling and transformational that all we want to do is stay in them forever -- in this Transfiguration Sunday sermon. Instead of remaining on that perfect mountain indefinitely, we have to get off of it and take what we learned there God's love is so transformative of us that we're called to share it with the world and let it change our surroundings into new mountaintop experiences for others.
In this sermon, Dr. Bell reflects on recent events, particularly the attack on Charlie Hebdo and free speech.
This sermon appropriate for the New Year speaks of blessings. Dr. Bell suggests that the word blessed is overused and often misused today. On the other hand, Christians have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, as enumerated by the Apostle Paul.
The Rev. Tom Sheffield, Pastor of the Presbytery of Denver, visited Wellshire to deliver this sermon on The Parable of the Sheep and Goats.
On the third Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of LOVE, Dr. Bell succinctly shares what the Bible says about LOVE.
It probably should not surprise us that we can learn a lot from the Mother, the woman God trusted with Christ as a helpless infant. Mary answered a courageous yes! to Gods calling. While we do not know everything Mary knew when she said yes, we do know that she agreed to a difficult journey knowingly as a pregnant, unwed young girl. She also knew and had faith, however, in the coming peace she was entrusted to carry into a troubled world. We too are called, elected by God -- and like Mary, we can say yes! because God is with us, within us.
In this sermon, Dr. Bell explores the challenging Parable of the Talents, choosing to focus on the man who buried his talent. Dr. Bell posits that the man did so out of fear, which implies he lacked saving faith. True faith gives great courage.
In this sermon, Dr. Bell speaks plainly and directly about the need to give to God through the Church.
This Reformation Sunday sermon commemorates John Knoxs 500th birthday. Dr. Bell recounts the story of Knoxs life and influence - as a man of prayer, the trumpet of the Reformation, and even a bad body guard - before discussing the Law and, in particular, the law of love.
This short All Saints Sunday sermon drives home the powerful point that we are all saints, leaning on a saying by Nelson Mandela which suggests saints are sinners who keep on trying.
In her first sermon as an ordained and installed pastor at Wellshire Church, Rev. Kira Stringer delves into the passage in Matthew in which Jesus is asked, Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? This text, however, is about much more than just taxes - while the Pharisees attempt to put Jesus in between a rock and a hard place, Jesus confronts the question and ultimately leaves the crowd in a state of amazement.
This sermon on Micah 61-8, What does the Lord require of you, but to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God, focuses on the idea that what God yearns for is for us to walk together, not toward an ending, but in the interest of paying attention to our relationship with the holy and with one another.
This sermon is based on a difficult and challenging parable, The Parable of the Wicked Tenants however, it contains good news about the nature of God.
Continuing a study of parables, Dr. Bell speaks about Matthew 2011-16, the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. It is a challenging and even disturbing parable to apply, but it speaks to the generosity of God.
In this statement on forgiveness, Jesus asks us to forgive a person who has wronged us not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Rev. Robb Davis preaches on the importance of forgiveness in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus asks us to let go of what we feel is owed us, and in doing so, Jesus asks a lot of us!
This Jubilee Sunday sermon reminds folks that there is no such thing as a perfect church -- or a perfect pastor -- and there never has been!
The Rev. Katie Robb Davis explores the final chapters of the Revelation to John, which provide a vision of hope for a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem. What might heaven look like to you? How do we live into the hope of God making all things new?
This sermon is on the Second Coming of Christ. Dr. Bell discusses various considerations before speaking of the importance of daily preparation.
This sermon is based on the Letter to Laodicea, the last of the seven letters. It warns of the danger of being a lukewarm Christian.
Dr. Bell addresses the letter to Sardis. Among other things, the risen Christ says to the church, You have a name reputation for being alive, but you are dead. What kind of reputation do you have? And does it fit reality in the Kingdom of God?
This sermon is based on the haunting letter to Thyatira. Dr. Bell uses it as a basis to discuss the important issue of tolerance and intolerance.
Last Sunday, August 10, Dr. Bell preached on the Letter to Philadelphia (Rev. 37-13). He applied this letter to those who currently suffer or face rejection, offering some hope in the important concept of Jesus as the open door.
In his last sermon while on staff at Wellshire before retirement, the Rev. Dr. Fred Wollerman explores how communion connects the body of Christ literally through the bread as the body , broken for us, and the cup as the blood shed for us. We're all in this together -- it's not every one for himself.
Continuing the summer sermon series, Apocalypse WOW!, Rev. Katie Robb Davis preaches on the letter to the church in Pergamum. This church was both commended for its loyalty to Christ in the face of cultural pressure to do otherwise and was chastised for the few who taught greater accommodation to culture. What are the other gods in our society that try to distract us and demand our loyalty, and where is our hope?
This sermon is the second in our sizzling summer series, Apocalypse Wow! Dr. Bell uses the Letter to the Church at Ephesus to talk about love.
This is the first sermon in the Apocalypse Wow summer series. In it. Dr. Bell provides a good overview of the book and reasons to study it.
Six of Wellshire Churchs graduating seniors delivered this collection of sermonettes on Youth Sunday in 2014. Fittingly, the six grappled with how to express faith in merely six words -- #mysixwordstoryoffaith.
Kira Stringer preached her first Wellshire sermon on Pentecost Sunday before being elected as Wellshires next Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults. In this sermon, Kira relates how the tongues of flame at Pentecost translate into todays world in what ways does the Holy Spirit impel us to action now?
On Trinity Sunday, Rev. Robb Davis preached on how each person of the Trinity invites us to partner with God in the continued act of making the world, and making it right.
This Ascension Sunday sermon focuses on Jesus feet. On the one hand, to think that all things are under the feet of the risen Christ is empowering, and on the other hand, it is humbling.
This sermon comes in two parts first, Dr. Bell walks through his understanding of I am the way, the truth, and the life, proposing that this is not a claim for religious exclusivity. Then, he turns attention to the second part of John 14 which speaks of love and obedience.
This sermon by Dr. Bell is based primarily on John 141-2. In it, he talks about the location of Gods house or home as a source of comfort.
This sermon is based on the discussion between Jesus and two disciples on the road to Emmaus. In the breaking of the bread, their eyes were opened. Dr. Bell makes two points out of this regarding fellowship and hospitality.
This post-Easter sermon on Thomas deals with the issue of faith in our modern, skeptical age of science.
Dr. Bells Easter sermon A New Day (or Not Your Grandparents' Easter) opens with a nod toward the darkness of the pre-dawn hour then turns to the promise and hope of A New Day. He applies the new day hope and promise at a personal level and at an ecclesiastical level, for indeed, it is a new day in culture and the church! He concludes with a word to the spiritual but not religious crowd.
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey declared his peaceful nature, but so many other rulers try to declare power. As we are faced with the powers that be which challenge us, do we respond in kind or follow Gods kind of king?
This short sermon, Death and Taxes, is about resurrection, revival, and regeneration. Leaping off the stories of The Valley of the Dry Bones and The Raising of Lazarus, Dr. Bell challenges the congregation to be unbound and live!
This sermon by Dr. Bell is a reflection on John Chapter 9, in which a blind man is healed. Dr. Bell talks about sight and faith before suggesting that faith changes the Christian perspective on sin, fear, and people.
This sermon, based on John 31-17, is about the challenging topic of being born from above or born again. First, Dr. Bell dissects Jesus discussion with Nicodemus before turning his attention to the most beloved Bible verse - John 316.
We all visit our own wells to try and satisfy our longings for identity and meaning in life. But, like the Samaritan woman, we can leave our water jars at the well because Christ offers us something so much greater - Living water, the Holy Spirit poured into our hearts.
Greg Allen-Pickett, former staff member at Wellshire Church and current General Manager of Presbyterian Mission Agency, asks what it means to be a church in this sermon on mission.
On the mountaintop at the transfiguration, God interrupts Peter's idea about setting up camp. We are all called to follow Jesus back down to the valley on a path of care and compassion that take us outside of our comfort zones.
This sermon by Dr. Bell is about Christian Perfection. How are we to understand Jesus' call to be perfect, knowing we are sinners?
This sermon touches all the lectionary readings. Each reading offers two ways obedience vs. disobedience (Deut.), spiritual vs. infantile (I Cor.), and Jesus way vs. dead and shallow legalism. Jesus way is impossible, yet most satisfying. Therefore, let us choose life!
In this sermon, the Rev. Bill Calhoun encourages us to be Salt and Light... right where we are.
This sermon, based on the Beatitudes (Matt. 51-11), is about being blessed by God or happiness. Dr. Bell makes the point that Christians have every reason in the world to be happy, and, if you are not happy, he recommends a change of heart!
Based on the disciples example of following Jesus immediately, this sermon is about procrastination.
This sermon is based on John 129-42, the call of the early disciples. Jesus asks a question of them, What are you looking for? What are YOU looking for, and have you found it? This sermon discusses the meaning of life.
This sermon, based on the baptism of Jesus, focuses on Jesus pleasing God. Dr. Bell makes the parallel point that we also please God.
God in the birth of Jesus is present with us. The next move is ours -- to be more fully 247 present to and with God -- and others.
This short Christmas Eve sermon suggests that God still comes into our lives here on earth in the same manner that Jesus came to earth in real world, humble circumstance. Dr. Bell then reminds the congregation that you only live once (YOLO).
In this sermon, Dr. Bell digs deep into the text to clarify the Gospel writer Matthews intention. The sermon is on the Flight to Egypt.
This sermon, entitled Scandal, references the popular show of the same name before turning to the scandalous birth of Jesus. Dr. Bell talks about the importance of transcendence before speaking of the essential truth of Christmas, that Jesus is God with us.
This sermon is about the Kingship of Christ. Dr. Bell encourages all to put Christ at the center of all activity this holiday season.
In Advent, we are called to wrap our minds around the prospect of the impending God with Us and what that presence means for all of life, including the unexpected moments perhaps most of all. Gabriels words to Mary, nothing will be impossible with God, beckon us to walk through the impossibly shocking moments of life with a YES on our breath to the God who makes all things possible. We are invited, like Mary, to take the leap of faith from How can this be? and to stand on the edge of ultimate mystery and say, Yes, let it be!
This sermon, Generosity, goes into some detail on the concept of generosity before Dr. Bell enumerates some reasons to be generous.
The Rev. Bill Calhoun delivers a sermon entitled Re-Forming The journey with God in Jesus Christ is not a club to protect but a constant re-shaping of each of us into new and deeper beings.
The Nag is a sermon on prayer. Dr. Bell lifts up the importance of prayer before going into more detail about the content of our prayers.
The Nag is a sermon on prayer. Dr. Bell lifts up the importance of prayer before going into more detail about the content of our prayers.
This sermon, based on The Ten Lepers (Luke 1711-19), makes several short points about exclusion and inclusion before turning to the broader topic of gratitude.
This short communion sermon is on faith. Jesus says faith the size of a mustard seed has enough power to move mulberry trees and mountains. And such faith is within you!
This sermon, appropriate for the annual Blessing on the Animals, lifts up the spiritual value of bird watching, for Jesus says, Look at the birds of the air...
Jesus family and friends in Nazareth were unable to let go of what they thought they knew about Jesus to see who Jesus really was and to respond to him in faith. Faith is a matter of confidence in God, despite our fears and preconceptions.
Under the Shadow of God's Wings is a sermon on anxiety and worry. Loosely based on Psalm 36, this is the last sermon in Wellshire's Summer with Psalms series. Dr. Bell speaks about the value of faith in God's providence.
This sermon, preached at Wellshire on August 18, is based on Psalm 150. Dr. Bell speaks about the personal power of praising the Lord. Hallelujah!
This sermon, What in the World is God Doing?, is based on Psalm 103. It entreats us to remember Gods benefits.
God's Presence in our lives -- from the vastness of creation to the specifics of our days and lives -- moves us to speechless awe.
This sermon, preached on July 21, is loosely based on Psalm 121. This Psalm is a song for travelers or pilgrims. Dr. Bells sermon compares the Christian journey to a road trip.
This sermon, preached on July 7, is on Psalm 8. This Psalm starts and ends with a declaration of doxology but contains lessons about humanity. Dr. Bell makes four points, ending with a dramatic reading about our partnership with God.
This sermon is based on the 23rd Psalm with a specific focus on the Christian concept of comfort. Dr. Bell says that the psalm is comforting because it speaks of Gods strength and Gods presence.
On June 23, Dr. Bell preached on Psalm 42. This psalm is the weepy, sad wail of a depressed and sick soul. Perhaps not the most up-lifting Psalm or sermon, it might help when times are dark.
This sermon, Life Forevermore, is based on Psalm 133. One of the Psalms of Ascent, Psalm 33 is about the joy of unity in a peaceful fellowship.
This sermon offers a general introduction to the summer sermon series on the Psalms before turning to a detailed unfolding of Psalm 96. Dr. Bell relays Walter Brueggemanns typology of the Psalms and claims that Psalm 96 is a Psalm of Orientation, a good one to turn to when all is right in your world.
Psalm 146 invites us to move our trust from human focus to God, who shows us as our companion and our completion.
Delivered on Youth Sunday, these sermonettes were given by three of Wellshire's graduating seniors in 2013.
Life with God is more trusting God through suspense and mystery rather than thinking we know, can explain, and can control every detail and step.
Things Left Undone is an Eastertide sermon based on John 211-19. In it, Dr. Bell explores Jesus demand for fishing for and shepherding people.
This sermon, Faith in America, takes a peek at the demographics on the religious landscape in relation to Thomas' quest for faith. Dr. Bell suggests that Christians would do well to live with hope in the resurrection - in lieu of arguing about it.
This Easter sermon is about joy and happiness. Dr. Bell suggests Christians can become as happy as Mary on Easter morning.
This sermon challenges Christians to value their relationship to Jesus. Paul said that all was rubbish compared to his relationship to Jesus Christ, and Mary of Bethany poured ridiculously expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus, as act of worship, a sign of her great love for Jesus. Dr. Bell also talks about the relative importance of helping the poor.
This sermon, Keep Calm. Call Dad, is based on the parable of the Prodigal Son. Dr. Bell imaginatively retells this well-worn tale before suggesting most Christians are actually older brothers. He says that the story - not complete - continues in YOU.
Bees have much to teach us by their example of taking the raw gifts of God, bringing life to all creation, and nourishing one another.
In the face of our social divisiveness, Jesus longs for us to gather together, to hold each other in the embrace of God's safe love.
This sermon, which was offered on the first Sunday of Lent, is about the importance of season of Lent. Dr. Bell compares Lent to baseballs spring training, among other analogies.
This sermon on the Transfiguration presses parishioners to ponder the question Who is Jesus... to you? Dr. Bell compares the event to the Super Bowl half-time show and talks about orthodox definitions before turning the question on his listeners.
We embody Christ as we care for each other. Love is not merely a feeling or an attitude but a way of life we live out with one another as members of the body of Christ.
This sermon, Jubilee!, is based on Jesus' return to a synagogue in Nazareth. Dr. Bell asks, What parts of the Bible do you take literally? He suggests Jesus' people want to kill him because he takes the concept of Jubilee seriously.
This sermon, LChaim, exposits the story of the wedding in Cana. In this humorous and lively sermon, Dr. Bell challenges his congregation to be cheerful and enjoy life in spite of the burdens that we all carry.
In this sermon, guest preacher Rev. Michael Dowd explores the interrelated nature of science and religion. Positing that religion is about our relationship to reality and how to live in it, Rev. Dowd explains that God guides us through all forms of evidence, be it classical scripture or scientific fact, and that aggregating that evidence from all available sources helps us to live more Christ-like lives.
This Epiphany sermon, Gifts from the Magi, shares sundry lessons from these ancient, strange Wise Men.
On Christmas Eve, this short sermon plays off the title of the 2012 popular song Call Me Maybe. It provides a warm invitation to renew or rekindle your relationship with God.
In her farewell sermon at Wellshire before retiring, the Rev. Dr. Pattie Kitchen discusses how in a season of glorious silver bells, God beckons us, tarnished and all, to a dusty manger So, come, you who have much faith and you who have little, you who have been here often and you who have not been for a long time, you who have tried to follow and you who have failed (Iona). Referencing Leonard Cohen's 1984 song Hallelujah, Dr. Kitchen expounds on how in world history and in our pews today, we're surrounded by broken halleljuahs God meets us at the manger of our baby Savior, where our brokenness can become a life-changing hallelujah.
In light of the shootings in Connecticut on Friday, in this sermon Dr. Bell addresses good and evil.
In this Advent sermon, Dr. Bell compares the Christian life to a journey or pilgrimage. The concept of repentance is also discussed in terms of losing one's way on the journey.
This communion meditation is based on Psalm 114. This Psalm is commonly used in worship, but is one of the lesser known Psalms. Dr. Bell defines its use and general significance before expositing the text.
In this sermon, Dr. Bell discusses our covenant relationship with God. First, he makes a strong case for Gods covenantal faithfulness before enumerating the benefits to us.
'The Widows Mite' is a sermon based on the story with the same title found Mark 1238-44. In this sermon, Dr. Bell challenges the congregation to make giving a priority in their lives, suggesting that God is experienced through charity.
Death, Be Not Proud is a sermon appropriate for All Saints Day. Based on the story of Lazarus rise from the tomb, this sermon features Dr. Bell speaking about the power of Christ.
Visionaries who dare to imagine a new way of thinking, believing... and even flying? Martin Luther (in 1517) and the Wright brothers (in 1903) had revolutionary convictions that changed the world, for good. Reformation Sunday gave us a chance to ponder their boldness -- and to consider our own dreams of a more civil and compassionate world.
This sermon is about the justice of God. Preached on Wellshires observance of The Children Sabbath, Dr. Bell addresses the recent acts of violence against young people in the Denver metro area while issuing a broader concern for the well-being of all of Gods children.
Jesus tells us that it is very difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God but then tells us that with God all things are possible -- because God can change us in ways that allow us to let go of, and be generous with, all we have.
This brief communion meditation focuses on Jesus call for us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven as little children. Dr. Bell compares communion to the childrens table that his grandmother established and a childrens tea party.
After talking a bit about the importance of Blessing the Animals, Dr. Bell speaks about the danger of faith healers and charlatans who misuse this text on James about prayer. He emphasizes that healing is God's action and not within human control.
Jumping off the lectionary reading from James, Dr. Bell offers a rare sermon on the subject on ambition. Worldly wisdom can lead to bitter envy and selfish ambition, but heavenly wisdom leads to good things in life.
This sermon, preached by the Rev. Dr. Laura Mendenhall, is about the importance of baptism in the confrontation of evil.
In True Faith, Dr. Bell shares general comments about the Book of James before turning to the sermon text on the importance of impartiality.
The Book of James is often used as an introduction to Christian living for both new and long-time believers, youth and adults alike. How do we become doers of the Word and not hearers only by bridling our words with the wisdom of what is true, kind, and necessary?
This relevant sermon begins with a discussion about the nature of evil and stresses the importance of putting on the whole armor of God. Dr. Bell speaks about the futility of guns as a solution to evil.
In her sermon Creeping Separateness, the Rev. Dr. Pattie Kitchen briefly revisits the passionate text of Revelation and wrestles with the concept of difficult love and anemic love -- spiritual and human. Robert Munsch's Love You Forever, a book treasured by parents and children alike, provides a springboard for the sermon.
Countless times in Seuss and Scripture, we are admonished to stop being stubborn and LISTEN. In listening, we find ways to get un-budged in our tracks and step sideways, unlike... The Zax.
This is Dr. Bells last sermon in the Seuss series, which ends next Sunday with The Zax. This sermon begins with a general reflection of the work of Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) before focusing on the vexing figure of The Grinch. Dr. Bell talks about the Grinchs transformation and the character strength of The Whos.
Like the Great Commission, Dr. Seuss makes the assumption that we WILL go into the world, that it will not be easy, and that we will face dangers and toils, but that ultimately we will be triumphant. Christ calls us into the world to places of need, places of hopelessness, and places of pain and loneliness. Oh, the Places You WILL Go!
In this sermon, Dr. Bell uses Dr. Seusss story of The Sneetches to talk about the evil of racial segregation but then moves on from there to discuss other ways that we create unhealthy walls or barriers. In contrast, he makes the point that God desires unity, for in Christ, there is no Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for we are all one.
In this short homily, Dr. Bell suggests that The Cat in the Hat Comes Back leans on the spread of pink communism, the Cold War, and the threat of nuclear disaster. However, the main lesson for us today is to find the God-given courage to live in spite of our fear.
This sermon seeks to define The Good News of the Gospel in terms of joyous victory. Several definitions of The Gospel and pertinent Bible stories are shared by Dr. Bell. The sermon includes a humorous story about church softball.
This sermon draws a couple of important Christian lessons from Horton Hears a Who!. The first is about the importance of learning to act on what we hear from those in need or distress the second is learning to say you are sorry when you are to blame and to confess your sins to God.
In this sermon, Dr. Bell mines Dr. Seusss book The Lorax for applicable lessons about greed, waste and consumerism, as well as Christian faith.
Messianic Monarchy is a sermon based on I Samuel 8, the passage in which the people of Israel request a king. Dr. Bell suggests that the main difficulty here was a failure to listen to God, as he exhorts faithful Christians to listen only to God.
Messianic Monarchy is a sermon based on I Samuel 8, the passage in which the people of Israel request a king. Dr. Bell suggests that the main difficulty here was a failure to listen to God, as he exhorts faithful Christians to listen only to God.
On June 3, Dr. Bell left the lectionary to preach topically on the subject of worship. He spoke about differences in what motivates people before pleading for a spirit of humility and unity.
This Pentecost sermon by Dr. Bell focuses on the power of prayer in the life of the church.
John Calvin, Rachel Carson and Psalm 19 help expand our concept of the Holy Spirits sometimes surprising work in the world, broadening our respect for all of Creation - that of humanity and of The Cathedral of the Natural World.
In this sermon, True North, Dr. Bell notes the importance of joy in the Christian life and questions the apparent lack of joy in the church. Echoing a famous sermon by Paul Tillich, Dr. Bell asks whether a lack of joy is the result of being Christian or of not being sufficiently Christian.
In this message from Youth Sunday 2012, four of Wellshires seniors (Marta Olson, Kari Day-Lucore, Jack Greene, and Sam Viseur) explore the concept of forgiveness and how we respond to it.
This sermon focuses on the image of the Good Shepherd. Dr. Bell makes two points in general the comfort that the Good Shepherd offers and the religious diversity of the one flock.
Ghost Busted is a sermon on Luke 2436ff. Dr. Bell discusses the importance of the resurrection and how one comes to faith.
Thomas and doubting are often considered synonymous. Thomas, however, was not alone in his doubts, and they did not prevent him from a rich ministry in the early Church. Our reasonable doubts can lead us to deeper faith as we acknowledge them.
On Easter Sunday, Dr. Bell's sermon was on the greatest love of all Jesus' willingness to lay down his life for us. He challenges the congregation to go and do likewise.
This sermon goes into some detail on the strange, old story about serpents in the Hebrew encampment in the wilderness (Numbers 214-9), as it is crucial to understanding the beloved 3rd chapter of John. It is a continuation of the Lenten series on salvation.
On Palm Sunday, which fell on April Fools Day this year, Dr. Bell shares some serious thoughts about humor.
This sermon, simply titled The Savior, again focuses on Jesus. Focusing on the topic of personal salvation, Dr. Bell suggests that Jesus saves us from and to.
Greg Allen-Pickett, former interim Youth Director at Wellshire, took a break from studying for his Master of Divinity degree at Austin Seminary to ask Wellshire, Do you think that Jesus ever got the hiccups? In this sermon, Greg examines John 213-22, the scripture in which Jesus reclaimed the temple as a place of worship instead of a place of commerce he posits that Jesus' righteous anger points to his full range of human emotion and that he was fully God and yet fully human. This paradox shows how Jesus' empathy with people presents him as the perfect example of and hope for humanity while making faith and a relationship with God accessible for all.
The faith, an unlikely birth and the subsequent name changes of Abraham and Sarah, call us to a more daring faith this Lenten season.
Based on Marks account of Jesus wilderness temptation, this sermon speaks to those who are in the wilderness by choice or those who have gone out against their will.
This sermon, The Voice, was preached on Transfiguration Sunday. It challenges folks to listen for the voice of God through Jesus Christ and to listen to others as an extension of our love.
Based on 1 Corinthians 924-27, in which Paul compares the Christian life to a competitive race, this sermon calls the Christian to be disciplined.
In this sermon, the Rev. Dr. Pattie Kitchen ruminates on the rumblings of love through Isaiahs prophetic voice (Isaiah 40 21-31). God doesnt come and go. God lasts. (v. 28, The Message)
People were amazed at Jesus teaching, but would they still be? Folks today tend to be jaded and skeptical of authority figures. How does one lead in this environment?
This sermon (Follow Me) is based on the call of Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John (Mark 114-20) and highlights the importance of their immediate and complete response - in contrast to Jonahs slow and unhappy response! Dr. Bell challenges his congregation to commit completely to following Jesus when he calls. He touches on the concepts of call, risk, repentance and commitment in the process.
On Sunday, January 15, Dr. Bell used the Epistle lesson from the lectionary readings (I Corinthians 612-20) to remind folks that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. In the New Year, as folks struggle to get in shape, we strive to exercise control and discipline over our bodies. It is especially important at this time to remember that we belong to the Lord - mind, soul AND body!
New Years Day calls for a new vision, a new way of seeing and being. We can prepare for moments of holiness by dedicating ourselves to practices of visionary living. We can see more deeply and act more lovingly if we can expect to be guided, allow ourselves to be guided and prepare to be guided. This New Year's Day sermon is by Holly Inglis, Church Educator.
This Epiphany Sunday sermon provided some historical background to the story of the Star of Bethlehem and the Wisemen. Dr. Bell concluded that the story, properly understood, is a fascinating story and the proper response might simply be Wow!, before stating his New Years prayer that Jesus wow everybody in 2012!
This Christmas Eve sermon recounts the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem with a focus on the fact that Mary, Joseph and Jesus were treated as outsiders, yet Jesus ministry was one of inclusion. Dr. Bell makes a strong case for the importance of inclusion as the foundation for Christian hospitality.