First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte: Recent Episodes
First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte
This podcast originates at First Presbyterian Church, a center city church located in Uptown Charlotte for over 200 years that strives to be an inclusive, urban family of faith. Visit us at firstpres-charlotte.org.
Jonah 4:1–11 & Mark 1:29–39
Sometimes the hardest truths aren't the ones we don't understand. They're the ones that demand something of us.
Jonah knows exactly what God is like: gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. But when God extends that mercy to the people of Nineveh—Jonah's enemies—he is furious. He wants God's compassion for himself, but God's judgment for them.
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway explores our human tendency to draw boundaries around grace and contrasts Jonah's resistance with the ever-widening ministry of Jesus, whose healing love moves beyond the familiar toward people and places others might exclude.
What happens when we encounter someone whose beliefs we reject, whose behavior we cannot understand, or whom we struggle to forgive?
Through the Christian practices of empathy, curiosity, listening, and civility—and through Anne Lamott's deeply personal journey toward forgiving her mother—Lewis invites us to face the places within ourselves where we may still be running from the truth of God's boundless love.
Maybe it's time for us, too, to stop running from God.
Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on August 23, 2026.
Divine Currents in the Universal Stream | Jonah 3:1–10 & Mark 1:21–28
What forces are shaping our lives—and how can we recognize where God is moving?
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway explores what he calls the "divine currents in the universal stream of life": the movement of God's healing, forgiving, and saving grace through the world.
Jonah struggles against that current because he cannot accept God's mercy toward people he considers undeserving. Jesus, by contrast, embodies God's redemptive movement. In Mark's Gospel, his healing of a man with an unclean spirit becomes a visible sign of God's power pushing back against everything that diminishes and destroys life.
Through Scripture, prayer, and the story of historian Timothy Tyson, Lewis asks us to look beneath the chaos and conflict we see around us and discern a deeper movement—the love of God drawing creation toward forgiveness, healing, justice, and restoration.
And when we lose our way, we return to the source: to God, to worship, and to the stories that remind us that God's redemptive purposes are still flowing through the world.
The question is whether we will fight the current—or learn to move with it.
Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on August 16, 2026.
No One Left Out | Matthew 20:1–16 & Genesis 12:1–3 What if God's grace isn't fair?
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Chuck Williamson explores one of Jesus' most surprising parables, where workers hired at the very end of the day receive the same wage as those who labored from sunrise.
Rather than teaching us about economics or fairness, Jesus invites us to see the world through the eyes of a generous God—a God who refuses to rank people according to worth, achievement, or status.
Drawing on stories from a Civil Rights pilgrimage, reflections on Carl Sandburg's observation that "the ugliest word is exclusive," and the biblical promise that all the families of the earth will be blessed, Rev. Wood reminds us that the gospel is always moving toward inclusion, reconciliation, and grace.
If none of us stand before God because of our own merit, then every one of us stands because of God's generosity.
And that changes the way we see one another.
Preached by Rev. Dr. Chuck Williamson at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
Defining Moments | Jonah 1:1–17 & Mark 1:14–20
There are moments that change the direction of our lives—a door opens, another closes, and suddenly we're faced with a choice about where to go next.
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on the defining moments when God's call asks us to respond. Jonah hears God's call and runs. The disciples hear Jesus say, "Follow me," and leave behind what is familiar. Most of us probably find ourselves somewhere between the two.
But calling isn't reserved for pastors or church leaders. Our vocation is the life we live in response to God, using our particular gifts, experiences, relationships, and work to serve Christ in the world. As Frederick Buechner famously described it, calling is found where our "deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."
And what happens when we run?
Through Jonah's story and the story of historian Tim Tyson, Lewis reminds us that God doesn't abandon us when we take the long way around. Sometimes we say no before we say yes. Sometimes we run before we find our way home.
Wherever we are in listening for God's call—perhaps somewhere between "no" and "yes"—God continues to call us toward the lives we were created to live.
Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on August 9, 2026.
Reaching Life's Goal | Proverbs 3:1–8 & Philippians 3:4–14 The Christian life isn't a sprint—it's a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ.
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Paul's image of running a race and reminds us that while following Christ requires intention and discipline, it always begins with grace. Christ has already claimed us; our calling is to keep pressing forward, trusting that God is at work within us.
Lewis explores three practices that have shaped Christians for generations: worship, prayer rooted in Scripture, and lives marked by generosity and service. These disciplines don't earn God's love—they create space for God's transforming work within us.
Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on July 26, 2026.
Being in the Right Mind | Psalm 1 & Philippians 2:1–11 In a world that often rewards pride, certainty, and self-interest, what would it look like to have the mind of Christ?
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Paul's letter to the Philippians and the beautiful hymn describing Christ's humility. Rather than calling Christians to think alike, Paul invites us to share a common way of living—one marked by compassion, service, and self-giving love.
Drawing on stories of ordinary people whose quiet acts of kindness transformed those around them, Lewis explores how the pattern of Christ's life becomes the pattern for our own.
What if true strength looks like humility?
What if real leadership begins with serving others?
And what if the most beautiful thing we could create is a community shaped by the love of Christ?
This message is an invitation to let go of pride, embrace humility, and discover the profound beauty that emerges when we learn to think, love, and live like Jesus.
Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on July 19, 2026.
A Life Worth Living | Jeremiah 15:15–21 & Philippians 1:1–11, 27–30
What keeps us grounded when life feels uncertain?
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Paul's letter to the Philippians and the prophet Jeremiah, exploring what it means to live a life rooted in faith, strengthened by community, and worthy of the gospel.
Along the way, Lewis introduces a striking idea: that we can suffer from a kind of spiritual amnesia—forgetting who we are, where we've come from, and the God who has remained faithful through every season.
Drawing on stories from everyday life, the early church, and the power of Christian friendship, this message reminds us that faith is sustained not only by personal devotion but by a community that remembers, encourages, serves, and prays together.
What happens when we remember God's faithfulness?
How do shared stories, worship, and acts of love shape our lives?
And what does it look like to live "a life worthy of the gospel" in an uncertain world?
This sermon offers a hopeful invitation to stand firm in Christ, remain rooted in community, and move into the future with courage.
Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on July 12, 2026.
What Belongs to God | Genesis 1:26–27 & Matthew 22:15–22
What if Jesus' famous words about Caesar and the coin are really about us?
In this sermon, Rev. Anna Dickson explores one of Jesus' most well-known teachings through the lens of Genesis, where we learn that every person is created in the image of God.
When Jesus asks whose image appears on a Roman coin, he invites his listeners to think beyond taxes and politics. If the coin bears Caesar's image and belongs to Caesar, what about those who bear God's image?
This message is a reminder that our deepest identity is not found in what we own, what we accomplish, or what the world says about us. We belong to the God who created us, loves us, and calls us by name.
As we learn to live from that identity, we begin to see ourselves and our neighbors differently. We discover that every person carries the image of God and is worthy of dignity, compassion, and love.
What belongs to God?
The answer is more personal—and more hopeful—than we often imagine.
Preached by Rev. Anna Dickson at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on July 5, 2026.
The Shape of Freedom | Proverbs 3:3–8 & Galatians 5:1, 13–26
What does it really mean to be free?
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Paul's letter to the Galatians and the surprising truth that Christian freedom is not the absence of responsibility but the freedom to become the people God created us to be.
Through stories of everyday faithfulness, reflections on the Fruit of the Spirit, and the wisdom of Proverbs, Lewis explores the difference between a life driven by self-interest and a life shaped by God's Spirit.
Too often, we think of freedom as the ability to do whatever we want. But Paul offers a different vision. In Christ, we are set free from fear, striving, and the need to earn God's love so that we can love others with joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Rather than focusing only on avoiding what is wrong, this message invites us to pursue what is good—to become people whose lives bear the fruit of the Spirit and reflect the love of Christ in our homes, our communities, and our world.
Because the shape of Christian freedom is love.
Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on June 28, 2026, the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
God's Big Idea | Genesis 12:1–4 & Galatians 3:19–4:7
What if God's vision for the world is bigger than we imagine?
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway explores the promise God made to Abraham and Sarah, the freedom Christ offers through grace, and the remarkable invitation to become part of God's family.
From the very beginning, God's purpose was never limited to one people or one place. Through Abraham and Sarah, God promised a blessing that would extend to all the families of the earth. Generations later, Paul reminds us that in Christ we are no longer separated by status, background, or circumstance, but adopted as beloved children of God.
Through stories of faith, hospitality, and transformation, this sermon reflects on the ways God's dream continues to challenge human boundaries and call us toward a more expansive vision of community.
What happens when we make room for the people God is already welcoming?
And what might the church become if it truly embraced God's big idea?
At its heart, this message is a reminder that God's grace is always reaching wider, God's family is always growing, and God's dream for the world has room for all.
Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on June 21, 2026.
A Faith That Lives in You | 2 Timothy 1:1–7
In this special installation service sermon, Rev. Dr. Millie Snyder reflects on Paul's words to Timothy and the faith that was nurtured in him through family, community, and the care of those who walked alongside him.
Whether we inherit faith from those who came before us or discover it later in life, this message reminds us that faith is rarely formed alone. It grows through relationships, belonging, encouragement, mentorship, and the steady presence of people who help us recognize God's work in our lives.
Drawing on memories of Sunday School classrooms, youth groups, mission trips, church choirs, and faithful role models, Rev. Snyder explores what it means to cultivate a faith that becomes woven into the fabric of who we are.
In a rapidly changing world, how do we nurture faith in ourselves, our children, our communities, and future generations?
This sermon offers a hopeful answer: faith is not simply taught—it is shared. It is nurtured in community. It is strengthened through hospitality, welcome, and relationships rooted in grace.
As First Presbyterian Church celebrates the installation of Rev. Lucy Baum as Associate Pastor for Formation and Fellowship, this message serves as a reminder that faith formation belongs to all of us.
Because faith is a team sport.
And together, we are all on the team.
Preached by Rev. Dr. Millie Snyder at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on June 14, 2026.
Tax Collectors and Sinners | Matthew 9:9–13
In this sermon, Rev. Lucy Baum reflects on one of the most surprising moments in Jesus' ministry: the calling of Matthew the tax collector.
When Jesus invites Matthew to become one of his disciples and then shares a meal with tax collectors and sinners, those around him are scandalized. Why would a teacher who speaks about the righteousness of God choose to spend time with people who seem so clearly in the wrong?
As the story unfolds, we discover that Jesus is asking a deeper question than we might expect—not simply who belongs, but what mercy really means.
Drawing on Matthew 9, the prophet Hosea, and stories of forgiveness and restoration, this sermon explores the relationship between mercy and justice. It challenges us to consider why God's mercy can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially when it is extended to people we believe do not deserve it.
What if justice is about more than punishment?
What if mercy and justice are not opposites, but partners?
And what if healing damaged relationships is more powerful than settling a score?
Through a powerful reflection on restorative justice, Rev. Baum invites us to imagine a way of life that holds mercy and accountability together—a way that opens the door to transformation for everyone involved.
"I desire mercy, not sacrifice."
It is a challenging invitation. And it is one that still has the power to change us today.
Why are we so fascinated by the end of the world?
In this Moment with a Minister, Rev. Rob Spach reflects on apocalyptic thinking, the stories we tell about the future, and how faith can help us move from fear toward wonder, hope, and deeper trust.
Here's Rev. Rob.
The One and the Many | Ephesians 4:1–7, 11–16 & John 17:1–11
In this Trinity Sunday sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on one of Jesus' final prayers for the church: that his followers "may be one." Drawing from Ephesians 4 and John 17, this message explores the mystery of Christian unity and the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing diverse people together as one body in Christ.
Using images of Earth seen from space, stories from history, and reflections on contemporary culture, Rev. Galloway invites us to consider the difference between unity and uniformity. Christian unity does not require us to think alike, act alike, or share identical opinions. Rather, it is rooted in the presence of God among us and within us.
From the mystery of the Trinity to the life of the church, this sermon reminds us that diversity is not a threat to unity—it is one of God's gifts. We each bring different experiences, perspectives, and talents, yet the Holy Spirit weaves them together into something larger than ourselves.
In a culture that often prizes individuality over community, this message offers a compelling vision of belonging: a church where differences are not erased but embraced, where love is greater than division, and where unity becomes a witness to God's presence in the world.
If the church is to offer hope to a fractured world, it must first learn to embody the unity for which Christ prayed.
What would we see if we could step back and view the whole church as we see our blue planet from space?
A fragmented body divided by conflict and fear?
Or something beautiful—many people, many gifts, and many voices, united by the Holy Spirit in the love of Christ?
Heart Surgery | Joel 2 & Acts 2
In this Pentecost sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on the story of Pentecost and the radical transformation that takes place when the Holy Spirit gives us a new heart.
Drawing from Joel 2 and Acts 2, this message explores repentance not as guilt or shame, but as a turning — a reorientation of the heart toward God and toward one another. Through baptism, community, worship, and the power of the Spirit, ordinary people are invited into a new way of living together.
From stories of literal heart surgery to young people inspired to change the world, this sermon reminds us that spiritual transformation does not happen simply by trying harder, but by learning to trust more deeply in the work of God within us.
Again and again, Pentecost breaks open closed doors, dismantles fear, and builds bridges between strangers. The Holy Spirit creates a community where people from every language, nation, and background are welcomed together in Christ.
Before Pentecost, the disciples gathered in fear behind closed doors. After Pentecost, the church became an open community filled with courage, joy, and hope.
This is God's theater of operation — where anyone and everyone can receive a new heart.
The Stranger at the Table | Genesis 18:1–15 & Philemon 1–25
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on the deeply Christian practice of hospitality — not simply welcoming friends or familiar faces, but extending love to the stranger, the outsider, and the forgotten.
Through the story of Abraham and Sarah welcoming mysterious visitors beneath the trees of Mamre and Paul's appeal for Philemon to receive the runaway slave Onesimus "no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother," we are invited to see how the gospel reshapes human relationships and creates a new kind of community rooted in grace.
Again and again, this message reminds us that hospitality is more than politeness or kindness. It is love in action.
From stories of strangers becoming friends, to churches opening their doors during times of crisis, to moments of reconciliation across racial and social divides, this sermon explores how welcoming others transforms not only the guest, but the host as well.
When we open our hearts and tables to others, Christ often meets us there in unexpected ways.
And when Jesus sits at the table, we never know what grace might do next.
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Paul's image of the gospel as a treasure carried in "clay jars." Through scripture, storytelling, and deeply human examples, we are reminded that God has always chosen ordinary, imperfect people to bear extraordinary grace.
Again and again, God works through those who feel unprepared, wounded, weak, or unsure—from Moses and Isaiah to the disciples and the early church. The power of the gospel does not come from polished appearances or human strength, but from the presence of Christ shining through fragile human lives.
This message explores what it means to stop confusing the "clay pot" with the treasure inside it. Our wounds, weaknesses, griefs, and imperfections are not obstacles to God's work—they can become places where healing, hope, and light are shared with others.
At a time when fear and exhaustion tempt us to retreat or lose heart, this sermon offers a hopeful reminder: the treasure of the gospel is already within us, and God can use even ordinary lives to bring love, justice, peace, and healing into the world.
What if faith isn't something you have to manage… but something that grows? In this week's sermon, Rev. Lucy Crain reflects on the familiar words about the fruit of the Spirit and invites us to hear them not as a checklist to achieve, but as a gift to receive. Through a personal story about stepping into something that felt overwhelming, we are reminded how easy it is to believe we have to get everything right—to keep everything thriving on our own. But fruit isn't forced. It's grown. Drawing on Galatians 5 and Psalm 1, and the image of a tree planted by living water, this message explores what it means to be rooted in God rather than in our own striving. When we are grounded in that love, something begins to grow within us—not by effort, but by grace. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Generosity. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control. Not as expectations—but as signs of life. This sermon is a gentle but powerful invitation to release the pressure of "being enough," and to trust that God is already at work within you—nourishing, tending, and bringing forth fruit in its own time. Because you don't have to force what God is already growing.
Tough Love | Youth Sunday Sermon | Matthew 5:43–48
On Youth Sunday, the youth of First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte lead us in a powerful reflection on what it means to practice "tough love."
Reborn to the Ordinary | Sermon | Luke 24:13–35
In this Easter season, we turn to the story of the road to Emmaus, where two disciples walk alongside the risen Jesus without recognizing him.
In Reborn to the Ordinary, Rev. Anna Dickson reflects on this familiar and mysterious story, inviting us to consider how Christ meets us not only in moments of clarity and joy, but in the ordinary rhythms of our lives—on the road, at the table, and in the midst of confusion and uncertainty.
Faith is not always constant or easy to see. Sometimes we recognize God's presence clearly, and sometimes we don't. And yet, this story reminds us that Christ is still with us—teaching, nourishing, and walking beside us, even when we are unaware.
Through story, humor, and honest reflection, we are invited to see that faith is often sustained in community, in shared memory, and in the simple act of continuing forward together.
This is Easter faith—not only in moments of celebration, but in ordinary time.
Preached at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on April 19, 2026.
Doubting Thomas | Sermon | John 20:19–31
What if doubt isn't the opposite of faith—but part of the journey toward it?
In this sermon on the story of Thomas in John 20:19–31, we look again at a disciple often remembered only for his doubt. But Thomas isn't asking for anything the others didn't receive—he's asking a deeper question about trust.
We are often taught to think of belief and doubt as opposites. But in reality, both are shaped by uncertainty, and both require something more: trust. And trust, by its very nature, makes us vulnerable.
In this message, we explore:
- The relationship between belief, doubt, and trust
- Why doubt can be a faithful and necessary response
- What Thomas was really asking when he said, "Show me the wounds"
- How the wounds of Christ reveal a God who fully enters human suffering
- What it means to trust a God who meets us in our deepest pain
Rather than rebuking Thomas, Jesus meets him with gentleness and grace—offering not certainty, but presence.
"Look at my hands… see my side… you are not alone."
This is the kind of God we are invited to trust.
Preached at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on April 12, 2026.
Life Before Us | Easter Sermon | Matthew 28:1–10
What if the resurrection is not only about what happens after we die—but about the life set before us right now?
In this Easter sermon, Life Before Us, Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on the story of the women at the empty tomb, who arrive expecting death but are met with something entirely different. Their assumptions are shattered as they hear the words: "He is not here… he has been raised."
This message invites us to consider how our own assumptions—about what is possible, about how life turns out, and about what God will or won't do—can quietly shape the way we live.
In this sermon, we explore:
- How assumptions can limit hope, faith, and imagination
- Why we often settle for cautious, diminished lives
- What it means for the resurrection to disrupt what we think is final
- How Jesus meets us not just in extraordinary moments, but in the ordinary places of our daily lives—our own "Galilee"
Easter is not simply the end of the story.
It is an invitation to see differently, to live differently, and to trust that God's life is already at work in the world around us.
Preached at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Shaking the City | Palm Sunday Sermon | Matthew 21:1–10
What happens when Jesus enters a city—and everything begins to shift?
In this Palm Sunday sermon, Shaking the City, Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, where celebration and expectation quickly give way to something deeper. The crowds shout "Hosanna!", but beneath the surface, the whole city is stirred—unsettled, even shaken.
This message invites us to consider what it means for Jesus to enter not just a city, but our lives.
In this sermon, we explore:
- The difference between celebration and true transformation
- The temptation to settle for comfortable or convenient faith
- What it means to live fully rather than "partly living"
- How following Jesus may disrupt our routines and assumptions
- Why Christ becomes the only unshakable foundation in our lives
As we begin Holy Week, we are invited not just to observe the story—but to step into it. To follow Jesus in a way that may stretch us, challenge us, and ultimately reshape how we live.
Preached at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on March 29, 2026.
In today's video devotional, Rev. Anna Dickson reflects on the quiet, surprising ending to Jesus' triumphal entry: after the fanfare and palm branches, he simply returns to Bethany for the night. Rather than claiming power, Jesus chooses presence — resting, sharing meals, and tending to his companions before facing what lies ahead. Today's devotional invites us to do the same, remembering that before we confront difficult work, we, too, must be grounded in grace, relationship, and the steady care of God. Subscribe to daily devotionals sent to your inbox every morning in Lent at fpc.tiny.us/news.
Set Free for This? | A Sermon on Wilderness, Thirst, and Honest Faith
What do you do when faith doesn't feel like it's working anymore?
In this sermon, Set Free for This?, Rev. Anna Dickson reflects on Exodus 17:1–7, where the Israelites, newly freed from Egypt, find themselves in the wilderness—thirsty, frustrated, and wondering, "Is the Lord among us or not?"
Rather than dismissing their complaints, this message invites us to see them for what they are: not shallow grumbling, but honest cries from people in real need. Because this isn't about small inconveniences—it's about thirst. It's about the deep human longing for something more than we can provide for ourselves.
In this sermon, we reflect on:
- Why wilderness seasons are part of the life of faith
- The difference between surface complaints and deeper spiritual longing
- How Lent invites us into honesty rather than performance
- What it means to trust God when familiar signs of God's presence disappear
- The good news that God meets us even in the wilderness
In a culture of quick answers and easy spirituality, this message invites us to something deeper: to tell the truth about our lives, to acknowledge our thirst, and to trust that even in the most barren places, God is still at work—bringing living water from unexpected places.
Preached at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on March 22, 2026.
In today's video devotional, Rev. Lucy Crain reflects on the story from John's Gospel as a Lenten invitation to self-examination — urging us to resist judgment, acknowledge our need for mercy, and receive grace as a gift that transforms. The focus shifts away from the woman's sin and toward our own hearts, inviting us to live with deeper humility, compassion, and trust in God's grace. Subscribe to daily devotionals sent to your inbox every morning in Lent at fpc.tiny.us/news.
Boundless | Fifth Sunday in Lent
What happens when we discover that God's compassion extends far beyond the people we expect?
In this sermon, we explore the often-overlooked story of Hagar and Ishmael, a story of abandonment in the wilderness and the God who hears the cry of the forgotten. Again and again throughout Scripture, God's mercy reaches beyond the boundaries humans create.
Through the story of Hagar and Jesus' welcome of children, this message invites us to consider what it means for the church to embody the boundless compassion of God in a world marked by suffering, injustice, and division.
In today's video devotional, Rev. Lewis Galloway discusses how Jesus blessing the children becomes a lens for reflecting on God's habit of reversing human values. Where the world overlooks the small and powerless, Jesus stops, gathers the children close, and offers blessing and belonging. This act echoes a broader biblical theme in which God lifts up the lowly and calls care and attention to those on the margins. During Lent, we are invited to examine our own assumptions about importance and power, and to listen for how Christ is calling us to care for "the least of these." Subscribe to daily devotionals sent to your inbox every morning in Lent at fpc.tiny.us/news.
Holy Waste | A Sermon on Extravagant Grace
What if the most meaningful acts of faith look wasteful to the world? Reflecting on 1 Kings 17:7–16 and Luke 7:36–50, this sermon explores how God's grace moves us beyond careful calculation into lives of generous love and gratitude.
In this sermon, Holy Waste, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on moments when faith calls us beyond practicality into something generous, extravagant, and deeply sacred.
Drawing from the story of the widow of Zarephath who shares her last meal with the prophet Elijah, and the unnamed woman who pours costly perfume on Jesus' feet, this message invites us to consider how encounters with God's grace inspire acts of courageous generosity and devotion.
In this episode, we reflect on:
- The meaning of "holy waste" in the life of faith
- How gratitude for God's grace leads to extravagant love
- Why faith sometimes calls us beyond practicality
- How generosity and worship reshape our understanding of time and value
When we encounter God's grace, we are invited to pour out the "alabaster jar" of our lives—the gifts, time, and love we have been given—in acts of gratitude and compassion.
Preached on March 8, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
In today's video devotional, Rev. Anna Dickson reflects on the woman who interrupts a Pharisee's dinner to anoint Jesus with tears and costly perfume, crossing every social and religious boundary along the way. While others see only her sin and impropriety, Jesus receives her honest, unguarded love as a beautiful gift and blesses her without hesitation. Her bold vulnerability becomes a picture of grace—reminding us that we don't have to polish ourselves or earn our place at God's table. Subscribe to daily devotionals sent to your inbox every morning in Lent at fpc.tiny.us/news.
Bread for All | From Scarcity to God's Abundance
Is there ever enough?
In this sermon, Bread for All, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Exodus 16:2–4, 9–15 and Mark 6:32–44, where God feeds the Israelites with manna in the wilderness, and Jesus feeds thousands with only a few loaves and fish.
Both stories begin in places of worry and scarcity — people who are hungry, tired, and unsure whether their needs will be met. Yet again and again, God responds not with limitation, but with provision. Before teaching, before instruction, Jesus feeds the crowd, reminding us that God's care is practical, embodied, and meant for everyone.
In this message, we reflect on:
- How scarcity shapes our fears and decisions
- What it means to trust God for daily bread
- The connection between compassion, generosity, and faith
- Jesus as both Good Shepherd and Bread of Life
- How sharing transforms communities from anxiety to abundance
As we journey through Lent, this sermon invites us to notice where fear tells us there is not enough — and to rediscover the freedom that comes from trusting in God's abundance.
Preached at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on March 1, 2026.
In today's video devotional, Lucy Baum reflects on Jesus' compassion for the crowd and the surprising abundance that unfolds in a deserted place. While the disciples see only scarcity and send people elsewhere, Jesus calls them to trust what they already have and share it. Whether through miracle or generosity, God turns small offerings into more than enough. The story reminds us that God's grace meets us right where we are, transforming even deserted places into spaces of grace, generosity, and unexpected provision. Subscribe to daily devotionals sent to your inbox every morning in Lent at fpc.tiny.us/news
Small Seed, Big Bloom | A Sermon on Hidden Faith and God's Surprising Work
What if the kingdom of heaven is already growing — quietly and invisibly — within us?
In Small Seed, Big Bloom, guest preacher Rev. Cecelia D. Armstrong, Co-Moderator of the PC(USA) General Assembly, reflects on Matthew 13:31–33, where Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed: small, easily overlooked, yet capable of transforming everything around it.
Preached on February 22, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, this sermon invites us to look beyond expectations of rapid growth or visible success and instead pay attention to what God may be nurturing beneath the surface.
Rather than focusing only on dramatic expansion, this message asks a deeper question: What is hidden within you that God is waiting to bring to life?
In this sermon, we reflect on:
- The surprising and sometimes disruptive nature of God's kingdom
- Why faith does not always grow in predictable ways
- How God works through what is unseen and unexpected
- Discovering the gifts and calling hidden within us
- Trusting that small seeds of faith can lead to transformative change
As we journey through Lent, this sermon invites quiet introspection — noticing what God has already planted within us and allowing that hidden seed of faith to grow for the sake of our community and the world.
The Reconciliation of All Things | A Sermon for an Anxious World
When the world feels fractured and uncertain, what does Christian hope look like?
In this sermon, The Reconciliation of All Things, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Amos 5:18–24 and Matthew 17:1–9 to explore how justice, glory, and reconciliation belong together. Amos calls God's people beyond hollow worship toward justice that "rolls down like waters," while the Transfiguration reveals Christ's radiant glory — a vision meant not to remove us from the world, but to steady us for life within it.
In this message, we consider:
- Why worship and justice cannot be separated
- The danger of assuming God is automatically on our side
- How the mountaintop vision strengthens us for the valley
- What it means to participate in God's work of reconciliation
- How trusting God's larger purposes frees us from anxious striving
The future does not depend on our fear or frantic control. It belongs to God. And that frees us to live with courage, clarity, and compassion here and now.
In this sermon, "Form and Content," Rev. Anna Dickson reflects on how the way we share the gospel must match the heart of the gospel itself.
Drawing on Exodus 4:10–16 and 1 Corinthians 2:1–12, this message explores Paul's decision to proclaim Christ not through polished speech, persuasive technique, or displays of strength, but through humility, vulnerability, and trust in the Spirit. At the center of the sermon is the conviction that the good news of Jesus Christ is the good news of a crucified love—and that only love can truly carry that message.
This sermon invites us to consider what it looks like to embody what we proclaim, how God's power is revealed in weakness, and how the church can offer a credible and hopeful witness in a weary and divided world—when our lives reflect the love we speak about.
Sermon preached by Rev. Anna R. Dickson on February 8, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture readings: Exodus 4:10–16 and 1 Corinthians 2:1–12.
Why Didn't I See That? | A Sermon on Practicing Love in Plain Sight
What if the greatest surprise of faith is not what we believe—but who we fail to notice?
In this sermon, Why Didn't I See That?, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats and the unsettling realization that Christ is already present among us—especially in people who are hungry, forgotten, overlooked, or struggling.
Drawing from Ezekiel 34:1–6, 11–16 and Matthew 25:31–46, this message invites us to listen for God's voice in places we may have learned to pass by. It gently challenges the way we measure faith and reminds us that discipleship is formed not only by what we believe, but by how love quietly shapes our daily choices.
In this episode, you are invited to reflect on:
- Why so much goodness goes unnoticed until it is too late
- What Jesus means when he says, "you did it to me"
- How compassion becomes a habit of the heart
- Why the practice of love matters more than religious arguments
If you've ever wondered how to live faithfully in a world full of need, division, and distraction, this sermon offers a clear and hopeful word: Christ is already near—and love is the way we learn to see.
For Such a Time as This | A Sermon on Fate, Calling, and Courage
In this sermon, we reflect on For Such a Time as This and the enduring human question of how we discover our purpose in a world shaped by forces we did not choose—and what it means to respond when a moment of moral clarity and courage is placed before us.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on January 18, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the Second Sunday after Epiphany. The scripture readings for this message are Romans 12:9–21 and Esther 4:1–17.
January 18, 2026 Bulletin
Drawing from the story of Queen Esther, this sermon explores the difference between fate—the circumstances we are born into or find ourselves in—and destiny—the calling we discover when we listen for God's voice and choose to act. Esther's story becomes a lens for our own time, when silence, comfort, or going with the flow can feel easier than risk, truth, or faithfulness.
In this message, we explore:
- The tension between fate and God-given purpose
- How calling often emerges in moments of crisis
- The courage to speak and act for the sake of others
- What it means to live a transformed life shaped by love, justice, and hope
Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a thoughtful and timely invitation to listen for what God is asking of us—not in some abstract future, but here and now, in the world as it is.
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Topics: Esther sermon, for such a time as this, Christian calling, courage and faith, Romans 12, purpose and destiny, discipleship, Christian ethics
Will These Bones Live? | A Sermon on Hope in Desolate Places
What do you do when a situation—personal, communal, or even global—feels beyond repair?
In this sermon, Will These Bones Live?, Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lapsley reflects on Ezekiel's haunting vision of the valley of dry bones and the deeply human question it asks: Is new life still possible here?
Preached on January 11, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, this message draws from Ezekiel 37:1–14 and Ephesians 2:1–10 to explore how God's Spirit meets us not in mild discouragement, but in places of real loss, exhaustion, and devastation.
This sermon invites you to consider:
- Where you may have stopped expecting renewal
- What it means to tell the truth about how dry things really are
- How God's breath brings life in ways we cannot manufacture or control
- Why hope is not denial, but a form of courage
If you are carrying grief, weariness, or a sense that something in your life or in the world is beyond saving, this sermon offers a steady, honest, and deeply hopeful word: God is still at work, even here.
The Rebirth of Wonder | A Sermon for Epiphany
In this sermon, we reflect on The Rebirth of Wonder and the invitation of Epiphany to see the world—and God's work within it—with renewed awe, curiosity, and openness.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on January 4, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the Second Sunday of Christmas and Epiphany. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 60:1–6 and Matthew 2:1–12.
Drawing from the story of the Magi, this sermon suggests that anxiety often takes root when wonder is lost—and that God does not always relieve our fear by giving us certainty, but by giving us light enough for the next faithful step.
Epiphany invites us to follow that light, even when the path leads beyond what we can control or fully understand. Wonder widens our vision, restores imagination, and opens us again to trust that God is still at work in the world and in our lives.
In this message, we explore:
- How wonder expands faith when anxiety narrows it
- The Magi as models of curiosity, courage, and attentiveness
- Following God's light without needing certainty or control
- Epiphany as an invitation to ongoing discovery and trust
Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a thoughtful and hope-filled reflection on how God's light restores wonder—and how wonder, in turn, helps steady anxious hearts and reorient us toward hope.
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Topics: Epiphany sermon, wonder and anxiety, rebirth of wonder, Matthew 2 sermon, following the star, Christian hope, light of Christ
Nurturing Jesus | Mary, Discipleship, and Faithful Presence
In this sermon, we reflect on Nurturing Jesus and what it means to care for, protect, and grow the presence of Christ in our lives and in the world—drawing especially from the faithful witness of Mary, who nurtured Jesus with courage, trust, and love.
This sermon was preached by Audrey Webb-Kahrs on December 28, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the First Sunday of Christmas. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 11:1–6 and Luke 2:22–41.
Drawing from these texts, the sermon invites us to reflect on Mary's role in nurturing Jesus—from presenting him in the temple to pondering his life in her heart—and how her attentiveness, faith, and perseverance model a way of discipleship grounded in care and trust. The message reminds us that Jesus is formed not only through miracles and proclamation, but through ordinary acts of love, presence, and devotion.
In this message, we explore:
Mary's role in nurturing and forming the life of Jesus
Faithfulness through care, patience, and trust
The sacredness of ordinary moments in spiritual growth
How we are called to nurture Christ's presence in the world today
Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a gentle and hope-filled reflection on how the promise of Christmas continues through the quiet, faithful work of nurturing love. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
Topics: Mary in the Gospel of Luke, Christmas sermon, nurturing faith, Luke 2 sermon, discipleship, spiritual growth, First Sunday of Christmas, Christian reflection
The Power of Joy | A Sermon on Faith, Strength, and Hope In this sermon, we reflect on The Power of Joy and how joy, rooted in God's love, becomes a sustaining strength in our lives. This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on December 14, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 40:1–5 and Luke 1:39–56. Drawing from these texts, the sermon invites us to consider how joy shapes our faith, carries us through seasons of challenge, and opens us to deeper trust in God's presence at work in the world and in our own lives. In this message, we explore: The biblical meaning of joy Joy as a source of spiritual strength Faith and joy in uncertain or difficult seasons Living with hope and love in our everyday lives Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a thoughtful reflection on how joy forms us as people of faith and calls us to live with compassion, resilience, and hope. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Topics: sermon on joy, biblical joy, faith and hope, Christian encouragement, spiritual strength
In this Advent sermon, The Mystery Made Known, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on God's surprising way of working through ordinary people and unexpected moments. Drawing from 2 Samuel 7:1–16 and Luke 1:26–38, he explores how God's promises often unfold in ways we could never foresee—and how Mary's faithful "yes" invites us to trust the mystery of God's presence in our own lives.
Sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on December 7, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis F. Galloway on November 30, 2025, and rooted in Matthew 3:1–12 and Mark 13:24–37, this Advent sermon explores the mystery of time—the difference between the hours that govern our days and God's "eternal now" that breaks into our ordinary lives. Through the voices of John the Baptist and Jesus' call to watch and stay awake, we're invited to prepare our hearts, embody the fruits of the Spirit, and look for the moments when God's time interrupts our own. A reflection on hope, transformation, and the sacred work we do while we wait for Christ to come again.
In this compelling message, Rev. Dr. Jerry Cannon invites us into a powerful call to live out genuine Christian love in our everyday encounters. Drawing from Scripture, Hebrews 113:1-5, he explores what it truly means to treat folk right—not merely with politeness, but with dignity, compassion, and radical grace.
He challenges us to consider how we respond to those on the margins, how we handle conflict, and how we reflect the character of Jesus in our relationships. Whether with longtime friends or people we barely know, the way we treat "the other" becomes a gospel witness.
Using the simple but profound framework of A-C-T, he invites us to consider what faithful living looks like in real time:
- Acceptance — seeing every person as created in God's image, without condition or exclusion
- Compassion — responding to human need not with judgment, but with presence, empathy, and shared humanity
- Testimony — allowing our lives to speak, becoming living witnesses to the love of Christ in the world
With warmth, humor, and pastoral wisdom, Rev. Cannon challenges us to move beyond good intentions and practice a faith that shows up—at home, in the church, and in the community. This message calls us not only to believe differently, but to live differently.
Listen and be encouraged to ACT with courage, kindness, and Christ-shaped love.
And yes—he manages to connect The Beverly Hillbillies to the gospel, reminding us that hospitality doesn't have to be fancy to be holy.
Sermon preached by Rev. Alice Ridgill on November 16, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is John 4:4-18, 27-30, 39-42.
Sermon preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on November 9, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is 1 Samuel 16 (selected verses).
Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on November 2, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Revelation 7:9-17.
Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on October 26, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Acts 4:32-37.
Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on October 19, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Mark 5:21-43.
Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on October 12, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Hebrews 11-12:3 (selected verses).
Sermon preached by Rev. Keith Grogg on October 5, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is 2 Timothy 1:1-14.
Sermon preached by Rev. Lucy Baum on September 28, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is John 15: 1-12
Sermon preached by Rev. Chuck Williamson on September 21, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Luke 15:1-2.
Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on September 14, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Mark 2:1-12.
Sermon preached by Rev. Lewis Galloway on September 7, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Mark 12:28-31.
Sermon preached by Rev. Mary Bowman on August 31, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is 1 Samuel 16:1-13. This sermon is part of the series, I've Always Wondered - Kids' Questions of Faith
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on August 24, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Job 38 (various), 42:1-6. This sermon is part of the series, I've Always Wondered - Kids' Questions of Faith.
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on August 17, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Genesis 4:1-16. This sermon is part of the series, I've Always Wondered - Kids' Questions of Faith.
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on August 10, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Psalm 119 (various). This sermon is part of the series, I've Always Wondered - Kids' Questions of Faith.
Sermon preached by Rev. Mary Bowman on August 3, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Genesis 1:26-31. This sermon is part of the series, I've Always Wondered.
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on July 27, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Acts 16:6-15 . This sermon is part of the series, Her Perspective.
Sermon preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on July 20, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Esther 4: 1-17 . This sermon is part of the series, Her Perspective.
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on July 13, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-17. This sermon is part of the series, Her Perspective.
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on July 6, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Ruth 1:1-1. This sermon is part of the series, Her Perspective.
Sermon preached by Rev. Chuck Williamson on June 2, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Matthew 22:1-14. This sermon is part of the series, The Parables of Jesus..
Sermon preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on June 22, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Matthew 13:1-15. This sermon is part of the series, The Parables of Jesus.
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on June 15, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Luke 18:9-14. This sermon is part of the series, The Parables of Jesus.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on June 8, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture passage for this sermon is Matthew 25:1-13.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on June 8, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture passage for this sermon is Matthew 25:1-13.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Chuck Williamson on May 25, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for this sermon is Revelation 21:1-4; 21:22-22:5.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on May 18, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture passage for this sermon is John 21:1-14.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on May 11, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture passage for this sermon is John 21:15-19.
Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on May 4, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for this sermon is Luke 24:13-25.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on April 27, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for this sermon is John 20:19-31.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on April 13, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for this sermon is Luke 19:28-40.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on April 6, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for the sermon is John 12:1-8.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 30, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for the sermon is Luke 15:1-3; 11b-32 (Prodigal).
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 23, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for the sermon is Luke 13:1-9.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 16, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for the sermon is Luke 13:31-35.
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 2 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for this sermon is Mark 9:2-9.
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on February 23, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. This is the final sermon in the series "Living Your Okayest Life." The Scripture for this sermon is Jeremiah 1:4-10.
Sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Chuck Williamson at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on February 16, 2025. The Scripture for this sermon is Acts 9:1-6.
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on February 9, 2025. The Scripture for this sermon is 1 Kings 19:1-16.
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on February 2, 2025.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on January 26, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for this sermon is LUke 9:57-62.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on January 19, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture passage for this sermon is Matthew 4:18-25.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on January 12, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
The Scripture passage for this sermon is John 1:35-51.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on January 5, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
The Scripture passage for this sermon is Matthew 2:1-12.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on December 29, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on December 15, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
Rev. Pen Peery, First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, and Rev. Keith Grogg, Montreat Presbyterian Church, sit down for a conversation about the current state of Montreat, Black Mountain, Asheville, and other areas in Western North Carolina, reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Pen and Keith discuss current relief efforts, how residents have been impacted and how they are coping, and what it’s like to return home after so much has changed. At the end of the episode, Pen shares an update on First Presbyterian’s fundraising efforts and plans to support our neighbors to the west going forward.
To give to the Western North Carolina relief fund, go to fpc.tiny.us/relief. We are not accepting donations of items at this time.
In the final part of this series, Delilah and Pen focus on the importance of having an extended church family as children are raised in the faith of Jesus Christ.
In part two of this series, Delilah and Pen discuss how important it is to build a foundation of faith for children at the beginning of their lives, arming them against all that life will throw at them. Using examples of the adults who tutored them in faith in their own lives, the pastors discuss how they take those lessons and pass them on to the next generation.
Senior Pastor Pen Peery and Chaplain for Children and Schools Delilah Jane Phillips, both parents themselves, sat down to kindle a conversation amongst parents about how to prioritize our role in the faith formation of our children.
In part one of this three-part podcast series, Pen and Delilah Jane explore the choice to raise our children in church because of our own commitment to faith. Using research and their own experiences, they argue that the support of the faith of their parents shapes the way children encounter God in the world.
Director of Adult Formation Garrell Keesler and Senior Pastor Pen Peery sit down to discuss what we as Christians can do as we face the epidemic of Gun Violence.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 24, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Pen Peery on March 10, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Pen Peery on March 3, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on February 4, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Mark 1:29-39
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on January 28, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Mark 1:21-28
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on January 21, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: John 1:35-50
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on January 14, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Mark 1:14-20
This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on December 31, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Luke 2:22-40
This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on December 10, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-11
This sermon was preached by The Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell on November 12, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on November 5, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Lucy Crain on October 29, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on October 15, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Luke 15:1-2, 11-30
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on October 15, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Mark 12:38-44
This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on October 1, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on September 24, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: John 14:15-27
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on September 10, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-7
This sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Galloway on September 3, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Revelation 4:1-12
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on August 20, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Joshua 6:15-21
This sermon was preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on August 13, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Genesis 25, 27, 33 (various)
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on August 6, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Jonah 4:1-11
This sermon was preached by Gail Henderson-Belsito on July 23, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: John 12:1-8
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on July 16, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: 1 Samuel 17 (various)
This sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Galloway on July 9, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Luke 24:13-35
This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on June 25, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Luke 8:40-56
This sermon was preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on June 18, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Luke 8:40-56
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on May 7, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Mark 6:30-44
This sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Galloway on April 30, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Mark 12:28-34
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on April 16, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: John 20:19-31
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on April 2, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Matthew 27:15-23
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 19, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Luke 22:39-46
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 12, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Luke 19:41-48
This sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Galloway on March 5, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Luke 7:36-50
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on February 19, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Matthew 5:1-2, 7:24-28
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on January 8, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scriptures: Matthew 5:1-2, 7:1-5
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on January 1, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on December 24, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: John 1 (various)
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on December 11, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Brian Blount on November 6, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Luke 20:27-40
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on October 30, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on October 30, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on October 2, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on October 2, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on September 18, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
This sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Galloway on September 4, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Philemon
This sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Galloway on July 3, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Exodus 18:13-27
This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on June 19, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Luke 17:11-19
This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on June 12, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Mark 10:46-52
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on May 29, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture: Acts 16:16-34
In this sermon, Rev. Pen Peery explores the difference between asking "and who is my neighbor?" and asking "am I being a neighbor?"
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37
This sermon was preached on May 8, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
Have you ever had an unexpected experience that throws you into a world of darkness and you are not sure where God is in the midst? During this Youth Sunday service, hear from three seniors how God and others in their lives have helped them find light in the unexpected.
This service was held on April 24, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on April 17, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
Scripture: Luke 24:1-12
This sermon bridges the last week of Jesus' life. Starting on Palm Sunday and ending at Jesus' sentencing to death, this sermon tells a first-person account of what it might have been like to be in the crowd who were gathered in Jerusalem.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on April 10, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This week's scripture is the Gospel of John's account of Jesus being anointed by Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. This scripture passage has often focused on Jesus' statement, "that the poor will always be among you." Yet, our attention should shift to the silent action of Mary as she anoints Jesus's feet. Our sermon looks at how Mary's acts of adoration of Jesus can be an example for us as we observe Lent. In response to this week's scripture and sermon, consider this question: "What will my extravagant response to Christ's extravagant love and sacrifice look like?"
This sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Galloway on April 3, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
The Prodigal Son is probably the most familiar and famous parable of all the parables that Jesus taught. So familiar, that one could easily believe they know all there is to know about this powerful story of redemption. In today's message, Rev. Lorenzo Small, Sr. invites us into conversation to revisit this very familiar story.
This sermon was preached on March 27, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 20, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
Jesus is described in scripture in many ways, but in Luke 13 he compares himself to a mother hen. This sermon invites listeners to consider what that metaphor means for how we look for Christ to show up in the world.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on March 14, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon is the first in the season of Lent. It focuses on the role of obedience in the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Obedience is an invitation to live a more fully human life, not a perfect one.
Scripture: Luke 4:1-13
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 6, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
In this sermon, our guest preacher, The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III from Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, challenges the people of the church to step out of the places where we have been restricted, so that we can participate in the change that Jesus came to bring through the gift of his life and his love. This sermon was preached on February 27, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
Scripture: Mark 5:24-34
This week's sermon is the third in our series called "Questions of Faith" and answers the question "Did God make us good?" The question arises from some of our members who have been studying Fr. Richard Rohr and Fr. Gregory Boyle - both of whom are Roman Catholic priests. What our members noticed is that there is a difference between the Catholic's view of humanity and what the Presbyterian church has taught. To get at this week's question, the sermon focused on the first story of creation in Genesis 1:26-2:3.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on February 20, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This week's sermon was the second in our "Questions of Faith" series. Last week's question was from our children. This week's was from our parents: "Where is Faith in the Home?" The sermon explores the need for – and the challenge of – providing faith formation at home in the midst of our busy and often chaotic lives.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on February 13, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This week begins the three week sermon series "Questions of Faith." The children of the church asked, "Does God hear me when I pray?" This question has been asked many times and in many ways since God reached out to God's people for the first time. The answer to our question is "Yes." Scripture confirms this answer even when we are in doubt and struggling to grow and understand our faith. We will also think about the way the question was asked and what that reveals about us as humans and our relationship to God.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Galloway on February 6, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on January 30, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
We are living through a time where we are all feeling a little depleted. This sermon reminds listeners of the source of our replenishment and call to joy.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on January 23, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on January 9, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon kicks off our January series on "Flourishing" by focusing on what the wise men were seeking on their journey to meet the light of the world that came in Christ.
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on January 2, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
In a day and time when many things are vying for supremacy in our lives, it is necessary that disciples are reminded of who is truly supreme. In this message, Rev. Small provides three reasons why the supremacy of Jesus is fact.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Lorenzo Small Sr. on December 26, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on December 12, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on December 5, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
Advent is known as a season of waiting and preparation. Yet, we often forget that Advent is a time of disruption and confusion. The beginning is the end and the end is the beginning. This week's sermon looks at Luke's account of "the Little Apocalypse." You will hear how studying the end of time, the coming of the kingdom of God, prepares us for God's greatest gift to us, Jesus Christ.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Galloway on November 28, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on November 21, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon is the first in a two-week sermon series that grapples with the more difficult parts of First Presbyterian Church's past - particularly related to race and racism. In the sermon, we, first, acknowledge the ways our church has missed the mark, in an effort to trust God to help us change.
The sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on November 14, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by guest preacher Rev. Mary Katherine Robinson on November 7, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
In this sermon, Rev. Anna Dickson lifts up the story of Ruth's commitment to her mother-in-law Naomi and invites us to consider how we are connected by the story of God's faithfulness to us, as well as our call to commit to serving each other, especially in the more challenging "scenes" in our lives.
This sermon was preached on October 31, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
Children are a precious gift for God. As Christ’s disciples, we must take serious the charge he has given us to bring the children to him. In this message Rev. Small challenges us to consider three questions regarding missions to our young.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Lorenzo Small Sr. on October 24, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
Do you ever feel like you can't be your true self at church? Do you feel like there are questions/feelings/ways of being that feel "out of bounds" with how "nice church folks" are expected to act? This sermon seeks to provoke us to look beneath the veneer of having it all together and understand that God loves us for who we are...fully human.
Scripture: John 17:20-24
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on October 17, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Galloway on October 10, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on October 3, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by guest preacher Rev. Dr. Christopher H. Edmonston on September 26, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on September 19, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon, preached on First Presbyterian Church's bicentennial celebration, frames what it means to be a follower of Jesus by using the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on September 12, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
There is no shortage of things in this world to spur hopelessness in us, if we allowed. In this message Rev. Lorenzo Small, Sr. shares why disciples of Christ are a people of hope and what this hope produces in them. Listen now to "Hope Not Hopelessness".
This sermon was preached by Rev. Lorenzo Small Sr. on August 22, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
This sermon is the second in our series about hope. The Psalm and the sermon are a reminder that we cannot save ourselves, and that our hope must come from something bigger than ourselves.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on August 15, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
firstpres-charlotte.org
This sermon is the first on a new sermon series on hope, called Bright Hope for Tomorrow. The sermon focuses on God's choice to use the church - the beautiful, imperfect church - to be the primary vessel to carry the message of hope to the world. The Scripture for the sermon are various verses from the 11th and 12th chapters of Hebrews.
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on August 8, 2021.
When Jesus calls himself "the true vine" he invites his disciples to cling closely to God's love, which we do not earn and that will not let us go. Through stories about abiding in God's love, this sermon invites the listener to consider ways in which they choose to rest in God's promises in every season.
Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on August 1, 2021 as part of the sermon series Who is this Jesus?
How do you hear Jesus' words, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me?" Some of us are, frankly, turned off because it sounds so exclusive. Others hear the words with a sense of triumph – a kind of "you're either with us or you're against us" statement by Jesus. This sermon challenges both of those ways of thinking to get at what Jesus actually means.
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on July 25, 2021 as part of the sermon series Who is this Jesus?
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on July 18,2021 as part of the sermon series Who is this Jesus?
When we hear Jesus say, "I am the good shepherd" we find comfort in those words. Jesus promises to "lay down his life" for us, the sheep. While we can find comfort in this, there is also a charge to us. Our action can model Jesus as the good shepherd by taking risks to follow Christ and care for God's sheep.
Sermon preached by Rev. Robert Galloway on July 11, 2021 as part of the sermon series Who is this Jesus?
Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on July 4, 2021 as part of the sermon series Who is this Jesus?
Sermon preached by Rev. Lorenzo Small Sr. on June 27, 2021 as part of the sermon series Who is this Jesus?
Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on June 20, 2021 as part of the sermon series Who is this Jesus?
A story hit the news recently about a church that, in an effort to reboot its ministry and mission, asked its older members to stay away. We asked a cross section of our congregation: What do you think about this plan? And what advice would you give the church's leadership?
At a recent staff meeting, clergy and staff reflected on whether nature can be as effective as church during the weekly staff meeting.
Dr. Jonathan Haidt, First Presbyterian Church’s 2019 Willard speaker, had a conversation with the Reverend Pen Peery and Faith Unfiltered host Garrell Keesler on the subject Our Hunger for Moral Meaning. Listen now and get inspired to purchase your ticket on the First Presbyterian Church website for the 2020 Willard Lecture with Father Greg Boyle.
Former Charlotte Observer Faith & Values reporter Tim Funk looks at some of the big stories that have impacted Charlotte over the years—including the recent editorial from Christianity Today that reveals how the nation’s divide also impacts our churches.
As a year ends and a new one begins, people talk about New Year’s resolutions or setting goals for the year ahead. This week, Faith Unfiltered talks with people about how they would like their spiritual lives to look different this time next year.
The last of the four concepts we look at and live with during Advent is Love. In this final podcast of Advent, Faith Unfiltered talks with the Reverend Chuck Williamson about what we really celebrate at Christmas—how God’s love became flesh and lived among us.
What is joy? Join us as we learn about Advent's third theme via a story from our local community here in Charlotte. Take some time to reflect on what might bring you happiness -- and what might bring you joy.
When we imagine peace, we might use a visual: calm waters, or a snowy pasture. And during Advent, we talk a lot about finding peace. But the peace that surpasses understanding isn’t a vista, and peace isn’t the same thing as “calm,” and peace often comes after sprinklings of love, and joy, hard work and second chances. In this week’s Faith Unfiltered, The Advent Editions, we talk with three people about the peace that they find in their lives.
The word Hope becomes supercharged during December anticipating everything from Jesus’ birth, Black Friday deals, children’s gift wishes, to a desire for lighter traffic, less holiday music, shorter lines and longer patience. But for many, hope is elusive, and merry and bright wishes fail to lighten spirits. In this special Advent podcast, stories from a Vietnam veteran and of recently-evicted families in Charlotte offer a way of getting hope by giving hope.
Holiday entertainment can be long on emotion and short on theology. One exception is The Birth, a play based on the writings of theologian and author Frederick Buechner. In this week's episode, we talk with Nathan Rouse, who launched the production 14 years ago in Charlotte. Nathan talks about how The Birth gives expression to his faith with its fresh perspective on the birth of Jesus as seen through the eyes of the innkeeper, a Wise Man and a shepherd.
Vietnam Veteran, Richard Lee and Nurse Sherry Olson return to discuss the healing that has come from conversation with other veterans who know and understand his story. He and Sherry give a word of hope for those who are struggling.
In 1968, Richard Lee Anthony was drafted into the Army. His career took him to Vietnam, where he spent a year as an Infantry Combat Medic. Like many servicemen and women, healing the moral and emotional injury of war has taken years. Through monthly luncheons organized by First Presbyterian Church parish nurse Sherry Olson, Richard has begun to open up and find peace and hope in the community of other veterans. In recognition of Veteran’s Day, host Garrell Keesler speaks with Richard and Sherry in this week’s episode of Faith Unfiltered.
In the second part of our interview with the Reverend Dr. Rodney Sadler, he talks about three core principles found in scripture that hold the key to our ability to come together across what divides us and transform our society.
How and why did African Americans find liberation in the Christian bible, a text that was once twisted and misused to condemn them to bondage? And how has this misinterpretation of biblical text been perpetuated to this day as a mode of social control? In this week’s episode of Faith Unfiltered: Seeking God in the 21st Century, the Reverend Dr. Rodney Sadler, a professor at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte who earned his Ph.D. from Duke University, explores this history and the ways we are all called as the church to manifest God’s vision for the world.
In every faith tradition, food plays a part that is larger than mere sustenance. Preparing a meal is an act of love, and serving it can be a time of remembrance. In this week’s Faith Unfiltered, host Dartinia Hull talks to Charlotteans who consider the link between food and faith, and who see that the way to humanity’s heart is definitely through the stomach—Nick Kepp, former chef at First Presbyterian Church and currently executive chef at Charlotte’s Community Matters Café; WFAE’s Amy Rogers; food writer Kathleen Purvis; and Keke Turner, one of the current chefs at First Presbyterian Church.
Taiwo Jaiyeoba has a passion for transforming people and places, a passion that grew out of his childhood in Nigeria, where he came to understand how transportation and community changed people's lives. With more than 20 years of leading planning and transportation initiatives nationally and internationally, Jaiyeoba is now the Assistant City Manager for Charlotte, with responsibility for leading the city’s Planning, Design and Development department. In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, Jaiyeoba will talk about a vision for the future of Charlotte that will impact connectivity, equity and the livability of Charlotte through the year 2040. Listen as he talks about how his vision and his passion are informed by his faith and his role as father to seven daughters. You can learn more about his vision for Charlotte when he speaks on Sunday, November 3, at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. His music playlist is also available.
This week’s episode of Faith Unfiltered: Seeking God in the 21st Century, is an interview with Tim Funk, former award-winning Faith and Values reporter for The Charlotte Observer. Tim, who has also covered state and national politics, talks about the history of the relationship between religion and politics in the U.S.; North Carolina’s First Family of faith, the Grahams; and a 50-year-old Motown classic that Tim believes speaks just as clearly to today’s political climate as it did when it was first released.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden has been somewhat of a polarizing figure regionally since taking office. Whether it's been a shift to humanizing language or refusing to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), McFadden hasn't failed to make headlines.
We sat down with him after his appearance at the West Charlotte High School Decision Day to talk about his community involvement, his faith and some of the reforms he's put into place since taking office.
How do you feel about street evangelists? Have you ever wondered why they do what they do?
Sam Bethea and his message of love are well-known by those who live and work in Center City Charlotte. In this episode, he talks with humor and vulnerability about how he grew beyond what he calls his jailhouse Christianity to fill the call to share the love of Jesus.
In this episode of Voices from Church and Trade, we talk with a woman who was told she had no place in the pulpit of a church. In a week, she will preach at Charlotte's citywide Easter Sunrise Service. Let Gail tell you how God called her to share her voice.
A southern millennial Presbyterian observes the change in culture, change in the world and the need for the church to evolve.
A southern millennial Presbyterian left for college and on the journey rediscovered his faith.