UCC Longmont Sermons: Recent Episodes
UCC Longmont
Our sermon series on Community Organizing continues this week with an up close and personal look at the intersection of relationships and community engagement. Katie Wiser will be sharing her community organizing experience from early on in the pandemic.
This week we begin a new series on Community Organizing. Through biblical story and modern examples, we'll explore how this model can help us take our faith into action. We're starting this week with a story that lands a bit hard, but helps us see the power of relationship.
Who influenced your life journey? This week we'll turn to wisdom from contemporary People of Peace. We'll be inspired to think about the values we've inherited and the ones we pass on.
This week we turn to a story of healing, liberation and Sabbath controversy from Luke. We'll read a picture book with a surprising message about listening, and we'll think about what it means for God to hear us.
This Sunday we'll wrap up our Fruits of the Spirit sermon series with Gentleness. All week I've heard and seen gentleness throughout the day. The realization that emerged and surprised me was... Tune in on campus or online and I'll finish that thought.
This week our attention turns to self-control. We'll discover what Cookie Monster, the apostle Paul and marshmallows have in common. We'll also be blessing students and teachers as they prepare to head back to the classroom.
With echoes of Faithfulness lingering about, this week we will consider generosity- as a fruit of the Spirit and how generosity can act like fertilizer and lead to new growth.
Has an act of kindness ever changed your life? As we turn to this next gift of the spirit, we'll hear old and new stories of kindness. We'll ponder why it matters, and how it changes the doer and the receiver.
This Sunday we'll continue to explore the fruits of the Spirit with a closer look at...wait for it...patience "wink wink"
This week we turn to "Peace" as a gift of the Spirit. We'll imagine together the possibilities of a peaceful world. We'll draw on the learnings from Peace Camp to bring a sense of lightness to this work. If you're joining online, have paper and something to write with nearby. It's a communion Sunday as well, so have juice and bread or join us in person as we gather together around the table.
This image is often called "Laughing Jesus," but the original art was titled "Jesus the Liberator." This week we'll consider how joy liberates us and others. As we explore the silly, serious work of being a joyful people, we'll encounter images of joy and experiment with practices to sustain our joy.
This Sunday is Juneteenth which offers a special opportunity to consider God's liberating love. Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Anthony Scott has provided resources for this week's service. Tune in and let's see what the Spirit will do.
I'm not sure when June became "Pride Month" for the LGBTQ+ community but it seems like a good time to revisit our historic commitment to being an Open and Affirming (ONA) church community. Like many commitments, ONA continues to require adjustments along the way. We'll hear from some community members about the ongoing challenge and invitation that is before us.
This Sunday join Rev. Amelia as we celebrate Pentecost with a service full of story and song.
This Sunday will be a time of remembering the first peoples who lived on the land that is now Longmont and imagining some of what the land has witnessed over the years.
This Sunday we'll welcome Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt as a guest preacher. Rev. Berndt is the UCC Minister for Environmental Justice, as well as the author of several books about creation care. Together we'll ponder where we see "nuggets of hope" in the movement for earth care.
Have you ever been surprised by the situations (or things) that uncover the restrictions or narrowness of your thinking? Pizza and sneakers come to mind for me. What comes to mind for you? As it turns out, the early Christian community bumped up against restrictive and narrow thinking too. We'll explore a few of those situations this Sunday as we read an account from the Book of Acts.
This week we hear the story of Tabitha, the only woman explicitly listed as "disciple." Our reflection time will include gratitude for the people in our lives who shaped us, and a powerful, practical question for us to use as we walk alongside people who are struggling.
This week's story could have been called "The Big Catch." We'll spend some time exploring the details about the "who" and the "what" of that catch this Sunday. This is also a communion Sunday so please have elements on hand if you are joining in online.
Our celebration of Easter will continue this week as we consider some places where the risen Jesus has been seen and heard. We'll begin in a garden, move to a locked room, and then we'll create space for more possibilities in a time of prayer.
Easter Sunday will be full of celebration! Come for a service of music and story, where we'll encounter again the risen Christ.
If you were to create a soundtrack for Palm Sunday, what tunes would you use? Join Rev. Sarah as we explore what faithfulness might look like and sound like.
Do you notice that smells have memories? If a new box of crayons takes you back to kindergarten, or a perfume reminds you of someone special, this week's Bible story will fill your senses.
Storyteller Pam Faro and the choir will share stories with us this week as we explore the gift of mercy.
What do a seaside cottage, a desert and a fig tree have in common? This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia as we look at each of them through the lens of story and scripture as we seek spiritual refuge. We'll have a Story for All Ages, using a picture book as a modern parable. After that, we'll continue our ponderings with David and Jesus as companions.
Joined by Rev. Sarah, this week we continue the journey of Lent, as we travel to the West Wall in Jerusalem. If you're listening in, have a piece of paper on hand for our prayer time.
The season of Lent is a time of renewal and lengthening days. As we explore what renewal looks and sounds like in the works of justice, it might help to remember that God has a way of adding by subtracting and multiplying by dividing.
This Sunday was a special service focused on addressing racism in our world. We are joined by Associate Conference Minister of the UCC Rocky Mountain Conference, Dr. Rev. Anthony Scott as he gives a sermon on anti-racism.
What keeps you up at night? Storyteller Pam Faro joins us in Worship as we hear Jesus' teaching on worry and its surprising connection to the things we own.
When Jesus told his students to love their enemies there's a good chance his words caught them by surprise. Who exactly are the enemies and how would one go about loving them? We are joined by Rev. Sarah as we explore this question together. The answers may catch you by surprise too.
This week were are joined by Storyteller Pam Faro who shares a special story for all ages. Following Pam, Rev. Sarah reflects as we take a close look at Jesus' teaching around anger and retaliation.
This week we join Rev. Amelia as we continue with the Sermon on the Mount, and see what Jesus has to say about making promises. If you've ever made a pinkie promise, crossed your heart or sworn on a Bible, you'll find this teaching intriguing.
Have you ever wondered why there are no writings attributed directly to Jesus? This week are joined by Rev. Sarah as we reflect on this thought.
This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia as we reflect on some familiar words, "Let it Shine". As we hear Jesus' instruction to be salt for the earth and light for the world, we'll try a different kind of prayer practice to explore what our "baskets" are. We'll also try turning this teaching around to see if, like salt and light, we can ever be "too much."
On this first Sunday of 2022 we are joined by Rev. Sarah. Following the devastating grassfires in Boulder County, we reflect on God's story as we enter the new year.
Christmas Eve scripture and reflection. No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
This last Sunday of advent we explore the connection between the birth of justice and the practice of reimagining. Eric Hozempa from the Longmont Community Foundation joins us to explore and encourage our reimagining.
This week we are joined by Rev. Sarah as we continue our Advent reflection series with the topic of Grieving. Together we will explore grieving as a practice that is part of exploring God's justice.
In this week's worship, we are joined by Rev. Sarah as we begin the journey of Advent and a four part reflection series that connects the birth of Jesus and the birth of God's justice. Together we will explore listening as a practice that is part of the birthing process.
“Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: It must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.” -William Faulkner
This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia as we turn our hearts to the spiritual practice of gratitude.
"...those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia as we wrap up our series on individual prophets with words of comfort from Isaiah. If you find yourself in need of renewal, his words will be a soft resting place.
This week we are joined by Rev. Sarah as we continue or sermon series on prophets. We take a deeper exploration of the prophet Jeremiah.
This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia as we continue our worship series on Prophets. Together, we'll delve into the book of Hosea, the only prophet to have inspired a bestselling romance novel.
After exploring 5 characteristics found in the life and writings of Prophets, this week we turn to the writings of Amos and a little Bible trivia for those who are so inclined.
This week we are joined by Rev. Sarah and are asked to contemplate some questions. If you had to select an image to convey the blessing of compassion, what would you pick? On a related note, how might you describe what compassion feels like on the inside and from the receiving end?
This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia as we continue our exploration of the prophets. With inspiration from Amos, Jonah and Ezekiel, we'll look at the gifts and limits of tolerance.
This week, were joined by a special guest, the Reverend Dr. Anthony L. D. Scott who serves as Associate Conference Minister in the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Church of Christ. A passionate preacher, leader, and activist, Anthony gives his whole self to the work of ministry. Anthony will join us in person and will offer this week's reflection on prophets and power.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand in the presence of God? In this podcast we are joined by Rev. Sarah as we begin a new sermon series that connects the theme of "Be a Blessing" and Biblical Prophets. Together we'll explore the blessing of "Being Guided."
Parker Palmer says, "Vocation does not mean a goal that I pursue, it means a calling that I hear." What calling is speaking to you, amidst the vast needs of the world? This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia as we reflect on this question.
This week we close our sermon series on blessing with the priestly blessing taught to the Hebrew people as they prepared to leave Mt. Sinai. With this framework of "blessings for the journey," we'll think about how blessings are a practice of resilience in times of transition.
This week we continue our series on blessings. We take a look at a classic blessing which helps lay the foundation for us to look at blessings from a different perspective.
This week's worship is in the form of a mini-retreat. Poetry and simple reflections will work together with the Spirit as we explore 3 qualities of BLESSINGS.
This week we are joined by special guest speaker Mike Martin. Mike is the Founder of Raw Tools, and organization that focuses on the repurposing of firearms for safe and useful means. In this podcast, Mike reflects on a biblical blessing that is close to his heart.
In this worship service we begin a new sermon series on Blessings- both blessings found in scripture and the practice of blessing. Spoiler alert, the practice of blessing is not just for sneezes! :)
For everything there is a season... This Sunday is our last Sunday in our Ecclesiastes series, where we'll appropriately think about beginnings and endings.
Mike Martin joins us for his final guest sermon of the summer to share his reflections on a verse from Ecclesiastes.
The book of Ecclesiastes is well known for its list of (what seems like) polarities: a time for birth and time for death; a time for destroying and building; crying and laughing, finding and losing. This week we take a closer look at "a time for love and hate, for war and peace" and ponder together the possibility that some commitments can choose us at very early ages.
This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia, Rev. Sarah and our Pianist Robert as we turn to our July sermon series focused on the book of Ecclesiastes.
This week we wrap up our June sermon series on music and scripture. We are joined by Rev. Sarah as we reflect on different hymns and their relation to scripture.
This week we are joined by Mike Martin, founder of RAW Tools. Mike joins us for his second of four appearances this summer as he shares his favorite hymn and the scripture that inspired it.
During this Worship Service, we are joined by Rev. Sarah as we continue our series on scripture and music AND share in worship with our partner churches in the Rocky Mountain Conference.
Have you ever thought about the connection between scripture and hymns? This week we'll explore the gift of music as a well being practice and a conveyor of Christian teachings.
What does it mean to live well, and how has the past year and a half shaped your understanding of happiness? In this podcast, we are joined by Rev. Amelia as we reflect on that question with inspiration from Psalm 1.
This Pentecost, we are joined by a guest member of our Worship Team, Mike Martin, Founder of RAWtools. Mike shares his relationship with God and his heart for service. This is the first of four services Mike will be joining us this summer.
As we walk towards Pentecost on May 23rd, we are joined by Rev. Sarah as we hear a story about American Idol (yes, the tv show) and the Spirit at work in community. It's like a combined Pentecost prep session and Pentecost part 1!
In this reflection we continue to explore community life through the lens of a long-standing metaphor for Church. We are joined by Rev. Sarah as we reflect on the fierce love of a mama bear to her cubs as it parallels with church life and community.
What does UCC Longmont have in common with a monastery? This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia as we think about what it means to be an "intentional Christian community." We draw on the monastic tradition of a Rule of Life to think about what guides us individually and as a church.
Still unsure what to make of the whole resurrection thing? Doubts and doubters are welcome! Join Rev. Sarah as we take one more look at a resurrection passage and then begin to explore the Book of Acts.
Have you ever wondered what it's like to start a church community? As we gather both virtually and in-person, we are joined by Rev. Sarah, as we consider scripture passages that speak to the ongoing ideals and challenges of life in community.
Join Rev. Sarah as we reflect on the story of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. One of the greatest gifts of the Christian tradition is the beautiful truth that, in the end, there is resurrection and love endures.
During this Worship Service we begin Holy Week with our Palm Sunday celebration. As we light our last candle for Lent, we join Rev. Amelia as we reflect on how the early Jesus followers invite us to join in "proclaiming." What truth do you long to see shouted from the rooftops and streets?
On this Fifth Sunday of Lent we are joined by Rev. Sarah as we light the way for recalculating. We take a look at how recalculating is much more than just a tool for your GPS.
On this third week of Lent, we are joined by Rev. Amelia. We take a look at the "Parable of Lost Things" from the book of Luke and are asked to reflect on how God's grace how can show up when we least expect or in ways we could never predict.
On this second week of Lent, we are joined by Rev. Amelia. We take a look at scripture from Luke and take a deeper look to reflect on what God and a hen have in common.
On this first Sunday of Lent, we will continue making our way through the Gospel of Luke this week with 2 stories that, at first blush, seem to give conflicting messages. Join Rev. Sarah for a time of reflection as we look at "mercy". We are asked how it has been and can be applied in our lives.
While we wrapped up our January Sermon Series last week, we continue the trend this week with the word "Healing". We are joined by Rev. Sarah as we begin our journey through the Gospel of Luke, starting with the 7th Chapter.
This Sunday we will conclude our January sermon series on "words," with an exploration of Heaven. We are joined by Rev. Sarah as we reflect on where reflect on the topic both in scripture and our lives on earth. Is it up? Is it in? Is it someplace in between?
This week we continue our sermon series on words focused on "Apocalypse" or "unveiling". We are joined by Rev. Amelia as we look at a few of the apocalyptic texts in the Bible, and think about what those mean for us, today.
In this Worship Service we are joined by Rev. Sarah as we continue our January sermon series on "words," where we'll explore some of the more challenging ideas and teachings throughout Christian history. This week we'll be exploring Christian thoughts and invitations related to sin and confession.
In this Worship Service continue our January sermon series on "words," where we explore some of the more challenging (but hope-filled) ideas throughout Christian history. We are joined by Rev. Sarah as we explore Christian thoughts and invitations related to salvation and redemption.
In this week's service we are joined by Rev. Amelia as we take a look at a reading from the Gospel of Luke. We are asked to reflect on our Christology, or for each of us, "who do we say Jesus is?" What does that mean for who you are in the world?
We gather together virtually on this most unique Christmas Eve. We are joined by Rev. Sarah and Rev. Amelia as we reflect upon the birth of Christ and ask ourselves when we will know his coming.
In this week's worship service alongside Rev. Sarah we reflect on scripture from Luke. We delve into the word of love and what it means to love courageously. What have you learned or noticed about love over the years?
In the second weekend of Advent we are joined by Rev. Sarah. We are reflect on the feeling and idea of peace, as we delve into what the word means for each of us.
This week we try something new! We are joined by Rev. Amelia, our Keyboardist Robert Hjelmstad, and our Music Director Parker Steinmetz as we practice gratitude meditation. Moving into Thanksgiving we reflect upon what it means to be thankful and how this gratefulness manifests in our lives.
This week we continue our sermon series on the Great Cloud of Witnesses. We are joined by Rev. Sarah as we reflect on scripture from the perspective of an outsider. We are asked to be introspective and look at our values and methods as we seek to expand our community and love.
In this worship service we observe and celebrate All Saints Day. We are joined by Rev. Amelia as we reflect upon the lives of those who have passed and delve into the Great Cloud of Witnesses and the many lessons that come with it.
In this week's Worship Service we continue to draw inspiration from the lessons we touched upon on All Saints Day. We are joined by Rev. Sarah as we reflect upon the lessons of the past as we try to unify and heal.
This Worship Service was Stewardship Sunday. We are joined by Rev. Sarah as we reflect upon gifts, community and the bond that we all hold to the ministries and missions active within UCC Longmont.
This Sunday's Worship was New Member Sunday. We are joined by Rev. Sarah as welcome in several new members to our congregation. Rev. Sarah reflects on the value and purpose of community in these trying times.
This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia and Jennifer Peck. We revisit the story of the Loaves and Fishes through the perspective of a child. We reflect on what it means to able and inclusive.
In this week's service we are joined by Rev. Sarah and Rev. Amelia as we share in the gift of community. Fittingly in these times in which we all gather remotely we celebrate World Communion Sunday.
In this week's service we are joined by Rev. Amelia on Community Faith Formation Sunday. She reflects upon what community and faith look like in these times where so many of us are experiencing church from their homes. We see how community still plays a role even when we are not regularly meeting in person.
This week we are joined by Rev. Sarah and Carol Matheis-Kraft. Carol walks us through the story of the Loaves and the Fishes. Rev. Sarah reflects upon the story and shares her own experience of miracles in action.
In this week's podcast we are joined by Rev. Sarah. In honor of Labor Day we reflect upon the holiday with a story from Matthew's Gospel - the Laborers in the Vineyard.
This week we conclude our August sermon series, People and Practices of Peace with Rev. Amelia as we look into the topic of "Educating for Peace". Rev. Amelia shares the story of "Malala Yousafzai" and the work of Nobel Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi.
This week we continue or People and Practices of Peace series, with "Resisting for Peace". We will draws inspiration from the life and work of Rigoberta Menchu Tum for this week's theme. Taylor Dabney (recent seminary graduate and Member in Discernment) joins the leadership team this week and offering a sermon.
This week we continue our August Sermon Series, People and Practices of Peace with the concept of Walking for Peace. Rev. Sarah and Beth Silkensen Zywicki reflect on the teachings of the Peace Pilgrim, a women who walked 25,000 miles all to spread the words and practices of peace.
In this week's service we continue our August sermon series, People and Practices of Peace. We are joined by Rev. Sarah and Kristen Wolslegel. Rev. Sarah reflects on the story of the humming bird told by Wangari Maathei and the power a single seed can hold. Kristen share's UCC Longmont's, Environmental Justice Ministry's plan to help create a greener and more sustainable world.
This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia as we move into our August sermon series, People and Practices of Peace. Building off the previous lessons in our June and July sermon series' we take a look at how story that asks us to reflect on kindness. The podcast concludes with a meditation that challenges us to give the same love we have for those close to us, to those that may challenge or frustrate us.
In this week's service we are joined by Rev. Sarah as we continue our Practices of Peace sermon series. We are asked to reflect on the power of non-violent resistance as Rev. Sarah shares numerous examples of peaceful protest that proved to be successful.
In this week's service we continue our Practices of Peace sermon series for July. We are joined by Rev. Amelia and Rev. Sarah in a conversation about hospitality. We join their discussion of experiences, what hospitality means to them, the challenges that arise in practicing, and how we can practice hospitality in the midst of a global pandemic.
This week we begin our July Sermon Series, Practices of Peace. We are joined by Rev. Amelia as we search for God in challenging times. Rev. Amelia leads us through a guided meditation focusing on blessings and the power they hold both as the provider and receiver.
We continue our People of Peace with Rev. Sarah this week as we take a look at selected verses from the book of Psalms. We reflect on how images, phrases and music are used as a way to alter the way we feel about the world, especially in trying times.
This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia and Amy Ferrell as we continue our People of Peace series. Rev. Amelia shares the book "Emily's Idea" and reflects on the theme of dualism presented in it. Amy builds upon this theme and reflects on the dualism we all experience as we face structures of racial hierarchy.
This week we are joined by Rev. Sarah as we reflect on the topic of interfaith bridge building. We listen to an interview of Eboo Patel, the founder of Interfaith Youth Core, and observe the commonalities that exist between different faiths, and how these shared values can be used to create a better world for all.
This week we are joined by Rev. Amelia and guest speaker Julie Nosek. We begin our sermon series on the People of Peace which focuses on people and leaders who have inspired lasting peace in the world. Rev. Amelia and Julie reflect on those that have planted the seeds of peace in a global perspective.
In this week's service we are joined by Rev. Sarah as we reflect on the on-going events in our nation and around the world. In a reading from John we observe the parallels of the Disciples and those in today's society on the margins. Additionally we are joined by Gary Kinzie as he shares an experience of how the spirit called him in his life and invites us to listen for the spirit in our own.
This week as we observe Memorial Day we are joined by Rev. Sarah and Rev. Ron Wunsch, a former UCC Pastor and US Army Active Duty Chaplain. Rev. Ron reflects upon his time as Chaplain and the funeral services he provided for fallen soldiers and their families. In tandem Rev. Sarah visits the relationship of pastoral care and the trust that comes with those relationships.
This week we are joined by Rev. Sarah and guest speaker Anna Wing. We take a look at a reading from John and the message delivered by Jesus to the Disciples reminding them that they will not be abandoned even in his absence, as they have one another. Rev. Sarah and Anna reflect on what this adoption of new family means in our lives.
This week join Rev. Sarah as we reflect on readings from John. We take a moment to analyze the parallels between Christ's teachings to the disciples and the lessons we all are taking from this liminal time. Additionally we are also joined by Deborah Simmons as she reflects on the founding of the TRI Initiative.
In this week's service Rev. Sarah reflects on Earth Day and the power of nature as a creator. We take a deeper look at how this creator can provide lessons of authenticity, resiliency, generosity and impermanence.
In this week's Service we join Rev. Sarah as she reads from the Book of John. We reflect on the shared experience of shelter in place between ourselves and the Disciples, along with what it means to spread God's word no matter the circumstances.
Join Rev. Sarah and Rev. Amelia in this special podcast of our Good Friday Lenten Arts Worship Service. Listen to the full service as poems written by Congregation Members are read aloud and are accompanied by music as we reflect on the seven last words of Jesus.
Join Rev. Amelia as she reflects on a reading from John in this Easter Sunday Service. We delve deeper into how the age old story of Easter plays into the reality of the life we are in.
In this week's Palm Sunday Service we listen to a reading by the Linder Family from the Gospel of Matthew. Rev. Sarah reflects on Jesus' journey into Jerusalem for Passover and how this story relates to the intersection we all are facing both in our own lives and as a community.
This week we wrap up our Hard Choices series. Rev. Sarah reflects on the scripture from the book of Acts and asks us to use this time of solitude to observe what truly holds value in our lives.
This week continue our Hard Choices series with Rev. Amelia. We take a look at a reading from Matthew and reflect on the choices made and how we can best apply these lessons to our own lives.
In this weeks podcast Rev. Sarah reflects on the scripture of Jonah and the Whale. In these times of social distancing we reflect on spiritual distancing and God's call to love just a little bit more.
In this episode of In Other Words, Talking to Kids About Stuff That Matters, Rev. Amelia speaks with Kelly Cowling, Executive Director of Grey Havens, about doing philosophy with children. If you've ever wondered how to answer all those "why" questions from your preschooler, or wanted to share your middle schoolers big ideas, Kelly is a great resource.
This week we continue our Hard Choices series as we move through Lent. Rev. Sarah reflects on a reading from Ruth and question of turning back.
As we move into Lent we face many hard choices. Join Rev. Amelia as we look at how a season where we traditionally give something up, can be a season where we give to. Additionally, we are joined by Todd Petitt as we learn more about our Lenten Mission and the Africa Bags program.
In this week's service Rev. Sarah reflects on a reading from the book of Matthew. As we move into Lent we face nervousness and fear that comes with times of transition, but we remember that community and God's embrace are there to provide support and guidance.
In this week's service Rev. Sarah takes a look at the Parable of the Lazarus and the Rich One. We reflect on that which divides us and realize the gap is never as wide as it might seem.
In this week's service we take a look at the Parable of the Workers in a reading from Matthew. Rev. Amelia digs into the deeper meanings of the parable and asks us to reflect on our views.
In this week's service Rev. Sarah takes a look at the parable of the Pearl of Great Price. We reflect inwardly on taking responsibility for ourselves in all facets of life.
In this week's service, Rev. Sarah explores the Parable of the Leaven with us. We take a deeper look at how the bread we share is just a metaphor for greater aspects of life.
This week we continue our series on parables. We take a look at the Parable of the Mustard Seed and dig a little deeper.
Join Rev. Sarah as we reflect on a reading from Matthew and delve into the complexities of Parables. In this service we observe Parables can provide meaningful questions and insights to us at any age.
Join Rev. Amelia as we explore reflect upon a reading from Matthew and the wonder that was the Epiphany. Together we explore how the events of the Epiphany demonstrates God's love for all.
Join Rev. Amelia as we read a word from Isaiah and set the stage for our Annual Christmas Pageant. As we move into the holidays it is valuable to reflect and go with the flow, no matter what challenges or speed bumps come our way.
Our journey through Advent continues this week with an invitation to consider the gift of peace. Join Rev. Sarah as we look into the path of finding peace within ourselves.
In this interview she talks with Katrina Pratt, an educational consultant and founder of Storycamp Dangercamp about the power of curiosity for kids and parents.
Advent begins this week! In this week's podcast we read scripture from Matthew and Rev. Sarah reflects on the impact that hope has in our lives.
In this week's service Rev. Amelia reads scripture from Luke and discusses the topic of Gratitude. We delve into what it means to have enough, be worthy and feel thankful for the things we do have.
In this week's podcast, we reflect on what it means to "Love This Life". Krystal Erazo joins Rev. Sarah as we close out the Be The Church series.
In this episode Amelia talks with Amanda Meier, Project Coordinator for The Conversation Project in Boulder County , an organization that teaches and empowers people to have all important conversations about end of life issues. Amanda and Amelia talk about end of life conversations as a parent of younger children, what conversations your children should be part of and how to (not) spring the topic on your family over the Thanksgiving table.
This week our "Be the Church" series will explore what it means to "Love God." What does "Love God" look like and sound like in community?
Interviews, resources and practical ideas for parents from a progressive Christian perspective. If you've ever had a question about how to talk about sex, death, race, LGTBQ equality or are looking for strategies to address discipline challenges, develop resiliency or help kids stay engaged when school is crushing their curiosity, this is the place for you. Rev. Amelia Richardson Dress is a United Church of Christ pastor, a writer who frequently covers education, parenting and spirituality and a parent committed to teaching kids about the expansive love of God.
In this weeks service we observe All Saints Day. We remember those who have gone before us. In this moment we reflect on death and celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us.
A new podcast season of In Other Words: Talking to Kids About Stuff that Matters begins this week with an episode on Grief, Parenting and the Failure of the Quick Fix. Rev. Amelia interviewed Rev. Elsa Cook about her almost life-long journey with grief after the death of her mom when Elsa was young. They talk about what it's like to parent while grieving and ways to help kids through grief from the unique perspective of someone who has been on both sides of supporting and being supported through grief.
This week in our "Be the Church" series we're thinking about what it means to "Embrace Diversity." We've begun to think about this in various ways as we've committed to Reject Racism, Protect the Environment, Care for the Poor and Fight for the Powerless. This week we'll build on all of those principles and explore the thread that ties them all together.
This week's Be the Church focus is sharing earthly and spiritual resources. We delve into what these resources really are, what we have to offer and how we can share.
Take a listen to the official Service of Installation for Rev. Amelia Richardson Dress at UCC Longmont. We are joined by members of the Platte Valley Association in this joyful celebration of community! This is an abbreviated version of the service with several speakers, including Rev. Erin Gilmore and Rev. Sarah Verasco.
This week's Be the Church invitation centers around power. Who has it? Who needs it? And how can you tell the difference?
This week we deepen our commitment to rejecting racism. Rev. Pedro Silva, Associate Pastor at First Congregational in Boulder joins us as our guest preacher. He brings a wealth of experience on inspiration on the topic of racial reconciliation.
When did you first learn to forgive? This week in worship we continue the Be the Church theme with "Forgive Often." We learn to strengthen our forgiveness muscles by exploring a process to forgiveness.
During this week's service we invoke the wisdom of liberation theology and the teachings of Jesus from the perspective of the disadvantaged.
Community member, Christi Walker, shares how she has been swept up into a movement to care for the poor. Rev. Sarah offers an invitation for you to join the movement as well.
This week we explore what it truly means to "Protect the Environment" as part of our Be the Church series.
This Sunday we began to explore what it means to "Be the Church". Can you imagine what a picture of being church would look like?
This week we finish our sermon series on the Ten Commandments. What's the harm in wanting more? And what's the cure when we find ourselves longing for something we don't have?
In service this week we took a look at what it means to be Open and Affirming to all people in our lives.
This week we continue our reflection on the Ten Commandments with the 9th Commandment, thinking about how honesty or dishonesty shape the world and ourselves.
This week we take a look at the challenge of the 8th Commandment as it factors into our daily lives.
This is the sermon from our August 4th, 2019 service.
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
This week we continue our 10 Commandments series with the 6th challenge: you shall not kill. Sounds easy, right? We might be surprised at the questions it raises.
The next Commandment started to make sense one day in yoga class. Where are the Commandments showing up in your life?
This week is Confirmation Sunday! We're taking a break from the Ten Commandments series as we celebrate and welcome our confirmands into full membership and celebrate their journey of faith.
The 10 Commandments? They're worth a closer look! It's another fun intergenerational service with a dramatic reading and the chance to wave streamers, make noise and get in on the action of the story. Wear your red! Children will stay in the sanctuary but as always, the nursery is available as well as a coloring table and pew activities.
How do you experience the Spirit? This week was Pentecost Sunday, sometimes celebrated as the "birthday of the church" when we celebrate the Holy Spirit. It was another fun intergenerational service with a dramatic reading and the chance to wave streamers, make noise and get in on the action of the story.
The day a child realizes that all adults are imperfect, they become an adolescent; the day s/he forgives them, s/he becomes an adult; the day s/he forgives themselves, s/he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan (adapted)
Our questions and questioning sermon series continues this week with an examination of prayer.
How do you pray? Is it working?
Our questions and questioning sermon series begins this week with an examination of the Easter message: Christ is alive. What is this aliveness that follows death? Spoiler: The answer is among us!
This week we continued the Easter story with the account of Jesus' appearance on the road to Emmaus. Cleopas and his friend recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread; where have you experienced Jesus?
This week we'll find ourselves standing once again on the road to Jerusalem, palms in hand as we welcome Jesus. Experience Palm Sunday through an intergenerational story, favorite hymns and an Ignatian reading practice.
This inter-generational Communion service included an invitation to consider an ancient list of practices- both to take on and to avoid- for sustaining a healthy and vibrant community of faith. What is the story or vision that would shape a list like this? What story or vision are you putting into practice through your daily life?
This week we continue our Lenten "spring training" sermon series on Ephesians 4:25-5:1. One of the widely held virtues is honesty. What could it mean to be truly honest with one another? Children's Worship will be offered this week.
The stress of lockdowns--whether a drill or for safety--takes it's toll on kids. In this week's episode, Amelia talks with Lena Hilder McCain about helping kids manage the stress of a lockdown.
This week's podcast episode is a mini-episode on creating safe churches, following up on the conversation last week about preventing sexual abuse. Listen here for episode six in this eight week series.
Rev. Amelia's latest podcast episode "Preventing Abuse with Ericka Anderson, LPC is up. Listen here for easy, helpful tips for a hard-to-handle topic."
On February 24th, we celebrated Seminary Sunday- A day that lifts up the ministry of planting seeds and the many paths that stem from theological education.
Rev. Amelia's new podcast episode is a mini-episode on faithful conversations about race. She talks about why race conversations matter in church and how embracing diversity shapes our faith.
Are you afraid of the dark? Our book this week gives us a different perspective on being light for the world as we see darkness in a new way. The story of Lazlo’s encounter with the dark isn’t the usual “afraid of the dark” story and we used it to play with some different metaphors for light and dark in our spiritual lives. This is the final Sunday in our sermon series “Life Lessons Through Literature.”
The 3rd episode in our 8 week podcast series "In Other Words: Talking to Kids About Stuff that Matters" is up! This week Rev. Amelia and Dr. Amy Boele talk about why it's important to discuss race and racism and how to do it well
Rev. Amelia's second podcast in the 8 week series "In Other Words: Talking to Kids About Stuff that Matters" is up on the website and in Soundcloud. This week is a mini-episode, reflecting on the question of biblical interpretation, especially as it's been used against the LGTB+ community."
When was the last time you felt like an outsider or were surrounded by people you didn't know? This Sunday, weexplored the Christian value of inclusion and how we are asked to create a community of compassion and refuge for folks who live on the margins.
When was the last time you felt like an outsider or were surrounded by people you didn't know? This Sunday we will explore the Christian value of inclusion and how we are asked to create a community of compassion and refuge for folks who live on the margins.
This week we're beginning our intergenerational sermon series "Life Lessons in Literature." We'll jump in by exploring hellos and goodbyes through the lens of Bear and Wolf by Daniel Salmieri. As we journey with Bear and Wolf, we'll use other famous goodbyes, including Laban and Jacob's troubled relationship in Genesis 31:43-49 to discover what it means to say goodbye well. We're also experimenting with a children's worship area in the front of the sanctuary so kids get a front row seat for the great stories and music we have planned.
We celebrated the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. as we re-commited to building the Beloved Community. We welcomed Strider Arkansas Benston to the pulpit and were inspired by his insights and experiences from the Civil Rights Movement to today.
On the third Sunday of Advent, we are invited to explore JOY...When was the last time you jumped?
Our Advent journey continues this Sunday. Jane Ellen Combelic, a long-time student of Thich Nhat Hanh will share stories and reflections about PEACE.
Wel continued our exploration of gratitude as we heard from the prophet Jeremiah. We experienced the way gratitude can propel us forward in lives of service and consider what gets in the way of our desire to be thankful people.
UCC Longmont is growing and there is much to be grateful for! This Sunday, we welcomed 17 new members to the community. Come join in the celebration and give thanks.
I'm guessing you've heard of the Golden Rule. Turns out there is also gold to be found in the Hebrew scriptures. Any ideas what this "Golden Text" might be?
We celebrated All Saints Sunday this week. Service began with a special time of remembrance and candle lighting for those who died this past year. We continue to honor the saints in our lives as we think about all who have inspired us and reflect on how we're living into our own saintliness.
10 20 18's sermon was a guest. As such, we are only including the Anthem and prayers from Sunday.
Blessed are the peacemakers! In celebration of Laity Sunday, many voices will lead us in worship and offer glimpses of the breadth and depth of the peacemakers in our midst.