First Church Cast: Recent Episodes
First United Methodist Church Stillwater
The First United Methodist Church Stillwater, founded in 1889, has served Stillwater in its present downtown location since 1923.
Where do you find yourself this Advent season? How are you weathering the storm that is the year 2020? No matter where you find yourself…in a hospital bed, at a graveside, at home, at work, at school…God’s gift always finds it way to you.
"For TO YOU a child is born..."
To you. God's greatest gift was addressed to YOU. In Pastor Kyle's sermon, he discusses this most precious gift and what it means for our lives in the Advent season and EVERY season!
In her sermon “Fall on Your Knees,” Pastor Cindy explains the origin of Christ the King Sunday and examines how we can center Christ in our lives in the present day.
In her sermon "Finding Ourselves" Pastor Cindy encourages us to commit to the Lord, even in the difficult seasons of life.
In his sermon, "Thinking of You with Gratitude" Pastor Kyle recounts his extreme worry at the beginning of the pandemic. How could we be the hands and feet of Christ when our doors must remain closed? How can we meet the needs of God's children? On this stewardship Sunday, hear testimonies of those in our family of faith who have been forever changed by the love of Christ and the outreach of First UMC, even in the midst of the darkness that has encroached upon us this year.
In Pastor Kyle's sermon "Beloved Children of God" he honors those who have passed in the past year and reminds us that each of us has a place at Christ's long table.
In his sermon "The Holy Ghost" Pastor Kyle addresses how many times "ghost" is mentioned in the Bible. What does it mean to "give up the ghost?" How does the Holy Ghost work in our lives today?
In his sermon “Seasons Change; God Remains,” Pastor Kyle addresses Psalm 136 and Gods steadfast love despite chaotic, ever-changing days.
In her sermon, "A Better Blend" Pastor Cindy relates our relationship with Christ to a coffee cup. Are we the coffee? Or the cup? Of course, the scripture that accompanies this sermon is from HeBREWs!
In Pastor Kyle's second sermon in the series "Faith and the Political Divide" he addressed how we can build relationships with those who disagree with us during this heated election year. How would Christ want us to treat each other this year?
In Pastor Kyle’s sermon “Faith and the Political Divide,” he addresses how we should approach politics from a faith standpoint, regardless of party affiliation. How do we have respectful political disagreements with others? Should we disengage from political participation? How should we respond to divisive posts on social media? This sermon is a can’t miss, especially in the 2020 political climate!
In his message “A Gentler Pentecost,” Pastor Kyle addresses the breath of God that breathes the Holy Spirit into the disciples on the day of Pentecost.
In her sermon “Living Stones,” Pastor Cindy discusses how we can be living cornerstones for Christ.
In his sermon, "One Flock, One Shepherd" Pastor Kyle addresses one of Jesus's "I am" statements from John 10:1-18 in which Jesus uses the metaphor of the sheep and the shepherd. How is Jesus like a shepherd? How are we like His sheep?
In Pastor Cindy's sermon "A Living Hope," she addresses 1 Peter 1:3-9. When we say, “yes,” to becoming followers of Christ, we are birthed in to: (1) a living hope, and (2) an inheritance. What is a “Living Hope?” It is not a “dead Hope.” Hope that doesn’t “live,” is not Hope at all. “Living” in the Greek, means it is alive today, it will be living tomorrow, and on in to the future. We have this Hope because of the Resurrection.
In his sermon "The Tomb is Empty...Now What?" Pastor Kyle asks "What are God's Easter people to do with the knowledge of Christ's resurrection?"
Pastor Kyle in his sermon “If These Were Silent” addresses Jesus’s journey into Jerusalem, being met by cheers from the crowd and palms being laid in His path. Despite the praise, Jesus mourns, knowing that the sounds of praise will turn to shouts of condemnation. On this Palm Sunday, we look around our empty sanctuary. Where once you could hear sounds of worship, you now hear silence. Despite our current circumstances due to COVID-19, we are called to speak up. We are called to worship. We are called to fellowship. We hope this message and our service brings you hope and a renewed conviction this day!
In her sermon, "Becoming Whole Again," Pastor Cindy addresses Ezekiel 37:1-14 in which God breathes life into a valley filled with bones. Ezekiel and his vision of the Valley of Dry Bones represents that, in spite of the hopelessness felt by the Jews who had been living in captivity in Babylon for so long, God is able to restore their lives. The resurrection of the dead is completely dependent upon God so that there can be no doubt that it lies outside of our powers. Dry bones…forgotten names…forgotten lives. Many things may be thought about dry bones; but, the possibility of them coming back to life is not one of them. God does not merely resurrect the bones; God breathes the Spirit into them. Maybe God’s question to us this Lent is, “What can your spiritual dry bones teach you?” What can you learn about yourself and your relationship with the world from the painful and difficult times in your life? What would we find out about our spiritual maturity if we examined our spiritual bones?"
In Pastor Cindy's sermon "Visually Impaired", she tells the story of Jesus restoring sight to the man who was born blind. How are we made blind by the world around us? What can we do to open our eyes? How do we allow our sight to prejudice us against others? How can we turn our eyes to God?
As we examine ourselves throughout the season of Lent, we often realize that it’s difficult, it’s uncomfortable, and we might feel as though we’ve lost our worth. However, the Psalmist proclaims to us that God chooses to keep us. Part of our examination is that who we are is defined not just by what we do but by whose we are.
In his sermon "Called to Something More" Pastor Kyle delves in to the third and fourth chapter of the book of John. These chapters contain Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus and his subsequent encounter with the woman at the well. In both of these, we see people who are going through life not sure what it is that they are living for or devoted to: Nicodemus following a band of Pharisees that seem to have lost the real intent of their faith, the Samaritan Woman who seems to be alone and tossed about by one man to the next. Each finds in Jesus an opportunity to be “born again” and to drink of the water that springs up into everlasting life. As we look at their stories, let us examine ourselves. Is it possible that we’ve been called to live for something more than what we’re focused upon in our lives now?
Pastor Kyle's sermon "You Could Have It All" focuses on the story of Adam and Eve’s and Jesus’ temptation. In these two iconic scriptures, the Devil seeks to point out everything that could be possible, if we only focus upon ourselves. Here in this scripture Jesus’ focus is not upon advancing any wants or desires that he has but on honoring the Lord alone. As we begin the season of Lent, do we seek to serve the Lord or do we more attempt to benefit ourselves no matter the cost?
In his sermon "The Moment it Clicked" Pastor Kyle examines the story of the transfiguration. When was the moment that you realized Jesus is more than just a great teacher? When was the moment that you realized Jesus was more than just a man? Has it yet, or are you just following Jesus because he was a good man?
Pastor Cindy's sermon "The Tell-Tale Heart" is based on Matthew 5:21-37, known as the "sermon on the mount" and Edgar Allan Poe's famous short story. What do we try to hide under our floorboards, brush under the rug? How does Jesus say we should deal with guilt?
In his sermon "Fulfillment of the Law," Pastor Kyle asks the questions, "What does Jesus mean when he said he came to 'fulfill' the law? Why were there so many laws in the Old Testament and why do we not abide by them today?"
Pastor Cindy concludes our sermon series "Let's Talk Worship" with her sermon "Let's Talk Worship: When God Meets Us Here." How do we recognize Christ in our midst?
In the second installation of the sermon series "Let's Talk Worship" Pastor Kyle asks the question, "What do we do in worship?" Does the way we worship matter to God? Is it okay to worship in different ways?
Pastor Kyle is kicks off the "Let's Talk Worship" sermon series with a focus on Psalm 150. What does the Bible say about praising the Lord? How are we to praise the Lord?
In her sermon "Baptismatus Sum!" Pastor Cindy tells the story of Christ's baptism by John the Baptist. Why does God call us to be baptized? What does baptism mean? How can we remember our baptism daily or look forward to that day?
The three wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These are not the typical gifts you buy for baby showers. Why were these gifts significant to the Christ child? What gifts do you bring to God's kingdom? In Pastor Kyle's sermon "What Gifts Will You Bring?" he addresses the wise men's gifts and the gifts we can bring to God's table.
In her sermon, "What Happens After the Gifts Are Opened?" Pastor Cindy addresses the aftermath of Christmas and how we as a people of Christ can carry the story of Christmas beyond December 25th.
Pastor Kyle delivers a special Christmas Eve message as we come to adore the Christ who was born to save us.
In her sermon "The Gift of Peace," Pastor Cindy calls us to find Christ's peace amidst this busy Advent season.
Hear the good news of our Christ who heals and saves in Pastor Kyle's sermon "Observed Joy!"
He could have humiliated Mary. He could have cast her away to be stoned to death, but he chose to trust in God's plan instead. Hear the story of Joseph once more in Pastor Kyle's sermon "Love Given Shape."
Pastor Kyle kicks off this season of Advent in his sermon "Eyes Toward God." As we begin our Advent journey this day, we join with those throughout history who have found themselves walking in darkness and longing for a great light. We know that we are not a people without hope, for through the Christ Child, we have confidence that we will experience God in our midst once more this Christmas season.
On this Christ the King Sunday, Pastor Cindy addresses Christ's desires for us as our king, the example He set, and how we should honor him as our sovereign in her sermon "What Kind of King?"
In Pastor Kyle's sermon "The Uncontradicted Word," he addresses how each of us is able to do God's kingdom work, without regard to age, ability, and self-perception.
In today's sermon "Reflecting the Light," Pastor Kyle talks about what it means to be a disciple of Christ, letting your light shine for others.
In today's sermon, Pastor Kyle focuses on Luke 16:1-13, discussing how we can be faithful with what God has entrusted to us. What has God entrusted to you? Are you serving God or money?
In today's sermon, Pastor Kyle expresses God's desire that we pour our lives into His kingdom work. When you look back at the span of your life, for what and whom will you have poured your life out?
Today's sermon "When I Grow Up: Becoming Gentle and Self-Controlled" is the last in our sermon series "When I Grow Up" focused on Galatians 5:22-23 and the "fruit of the spirit." In this sermon, Pastor Cindy, an M&M enthusiast, talks about how to control your impulses to be a better child of God.
When I Grow Up: Becoming Generous And Faithful by First United Methodist Church Stillwater
In his sermon "When I Grow Up: Becoming Patient," Pastor Kyle reminds us to be slow to anger and patient in all things.
In the second sermon in the new sermon series "When I Grow Up", Pastor Cindy will talk about what it means to become joyous even in the midst of strife.
We are beginning a new sermon series during worship today! With Galatians 5:22-23 as the focal point, Pastors Kyle and Cindy will be examining the fruits of the spirit, beginning with Pastor Kyle's sermon "When I Grow Up: Becoming Loving."
Today is United Methodist Women's Sunday! Our UMW is extremely active with many opportunities to get involved! Women of all ages are invited to attend the monthly luncheon, brunch, book club, and circle meetings! Looking for ways to serve in and beyond the walls of our church? These amazing, mission-minded women would love to welcome you in Christian fellowship! For more information, check out the Stillwater UMW Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stillwaterumc/
Pastor Kyle's sermon "The Giver of Good Gifts" focuses on Luke 11: 9-13. What gifts await you if you have the courage to ask, seek, and knock?
In her sermon "Light Them Up!" Pastor Cindy stresses the importance of keeping your lamps lit and ready. How are you refueling your lamp on a daily basis?
Pastor Cindy dove into the book of Jeremiah in her sermon "Tell!" "Forget" and "remember" are prominent words in this book of the Bible. What is God trying to tell us to remember?
Today, Pastor Kyle Anderson is joined by our awesome youth director Alton Carter as well as members of our Momentum Youth Group to deliver a powerful message about service to others. We hope you join us for our 20 for 2020 project! Together, we can make an impact!
Though we are called to promote peace, Jesus tells us he came to bring division. What does that mean? Check out Pastor Kyle's sermon "Jesus, Prince of...Division?" to find out!
How can we be generous toward the God who has given us so much? With our time, our gifts, our finances, and so much more.
"Realize that you have been graced by God so that you may now go out and serve the world around you." We have been given comfort through Christ for a purpose.
Christmas in July! A sermon about the gift of salvation through Jesus we have been given that we can celebrate, accept, and use every day, not just on December 25.
Pastor Kyle describes God's willingness to come with us wherever we go, no matter where or how far, using some of the most beloved scriptures of comfort.
Pastor Cindy gives a sermon about callings, and the faith of following even without knowing exactly where your calling may lead.
Just like families can sometimes pester each other, we should lovingly provoke each other toward action and improvement.
A Father's Day reminder about how we should lead by example in everything that we do, because there will always be those learning from the actions we take.
Pastor Kyle shares his hope that, just as the crowds on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came down, we might be vessels for the truth and grace of God.
Today, Pastor Mike's last sermon is one of gratitude for the service that disciples do every day and the "why" behind it.
This week, Pastor Kyle talks about the opportunities we have to share our faith if we are willing as we go on our way.
Today we get to hear messages from three of our graduating seniors as they move into the next chapter of their lives.
Pastor Kyle shares some of what it means to be a spiritual family, the way Jesus explains in John chapter 14.
Pastor Kyle tells us in today's message that though we celebrated the Confirmation of nine students today, we each live our own confirmations every day for the rest of our lives.
This Easter, remember that the resurrection does not erase the death. We are a new people with a new mission since Jesus' return from the tomb.
Pastor Mike shares a message about reality being different than appearances. As we focus on the entry of Jesus into the Holy City on Palm Sunday, this difference was clear.
Pastor Kyle finishes the Human Frailty & Hope sermon series with a message about God's eternal faithfulness despite our earthly frailty.
In the fourth week of the Human Frailty & Hope sermon series, Pastor Mike brings a message about a difficult topic that the church must address, addiction to pornography.
Pastor Kyle brings a message about the hope found in the helplessness of substance abuse, and how addiction affects all of us, assisted by Todd Adams and Shawn Barnes.
Pastor Kyle shares a message of hope in the face of suicide with the help of his wife, Heather.
Pastor Mike brings a message of preparation for the upcoming season of Lent. Despite our constant tendency to stay stuck in the past, God continues to offer us salvation.
Pastor Kyle brings a message about the importance of having patience in all things, even when it doesn't feel satisfying.
Pastor Kyle brings a message about Isaiah's experience with an angel and the Lord as he starts his ministry.
In the final sermon of the Living the Five series, Pastor Mike brings a message about how worship is and should be an everyday part of our lives.
Pastor Kyle gives the fourth sermon in the series Living the Five, this time about the importance of reaching out with an invitation to those who have not yet been found.
This week, Pastor Mike brings us the third sermon in the Living the Five sermon series. We understand that we are Saved People, and Saved People Serve People.
In the second installment of the Living the Five sermon series, Pastor Kyle talks about Paul's change in the ninth chapter of Acts. Though his story is more drastic than most, all disciples have to change as we seek to serve God daily.
As we celebrate Baptism of the Lord Sunday, where we are all able to remember our Baptism and rejoice in it, we also learn of the importance of surrounding ourselves in a community of faith.
This week, Kyle brings When God Becomes Real to the Wise Men, a celebration of Epiphany.
Listen in to Pastor Mike in this week's installment of the When God Becomes Real sermon series about Simeon and Anna.
Pastor Mike Chaffin brings the fourth sermon in the Advent series, When God Becomes Real for Joseph.
Mike Chaffin starts the season of advent with a sermon about King Herod and when God became real for him.
Kyle Anderson wraps up 'Jesus Never Said' with a sermon about reaching those who don't know Christ.
Kyle Anderson continues 'Things Jesus Never Said' by unpacking the idea that everything happens for a reason.
Jesus Never Said: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves by First United Methodist Church Stillwater
Mike Chaffin wraps up 'The Jesus Way' sermon series with a message about love and unity.
Mike Chaffin wraps up "The Jesus Way" Sermon series with a message about Missions and Ministries.
Kyle Anderson kicks off the fall sermon series, "The Jesus Way," with a sermon on embracing.
Kyle Anderson continues Hymntastic July with a sermon on water and its importance in the Bible.
Find out more about FUMC Stillwater at www.fumcstw.org, or our Facebook page, FUMC Stillwater.
Kyle Anderson, Kate Miller, and Ryan Parker sit down and discuss some of their favorite mothers in the Bible!
Kyle Anderson, Kate Miller, and Ryan Parker discuss the differences in the Resurrection Story between the Gospels in the Bible.
Kate sits down with two Elevation members to discuss a recent weekend trip to Camp Egan! Then, Ryan and Kyle talk about the meal packaging event for Rise Against Hunger.
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In this episode, the First Church Cast crew checks in on Our Daily Bread to get an update on the impact of Stillwater's newest food resource.
Kate, Kyle, and Ryan dive into the Blessings and Woes found in Luke 6:20-26.
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Kyle Anderson continues the sermon series, Life Lessons of the Beatitudes, with a message about mercy.
Kyle Anderson continues the sermon series "Life Lessons from the Beatitudes" with a sermon about mourning.
In episode 12 of First Church Cast, Roger and Martha McMillian join the podcast to discuss their marriage after last month's sermon series, Faith & Marriage.
For the next episode of First Church Cast, Kyle, Kate, and Ryan will discuss some of the Beatitudes highlighted in Luke 6:20-26. Feel free to read along with us for the discussion on episode 13!
Season two of First Church Cast kicks off with a packed episode! Kate Miller joins Kyle Anderson and Ryan Parker as the newest co-host. Kate sits down with Terry Martindale to discuss Ash Wednesday. Then, Kyle talks with Ean and Bailey Bonjour about their Faith & Marriage.
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Kyle Anderson wraps up "Faith & Marriage" with a powerful sermon, Married to a Stranger.
In this episode, you'll get to hear all the bloopers from the first season of First Church Cast.
In this episode, Ryan Parker interviews stars from the upcoming Children's Pageant on December 17th.Then, he sits down with Pastor Mike Chaffin to discuss Christmas Eve at First United Methodist Church Stillwater.
Episode 8 features another segment of Thankfulness, Ed Davis talking about the upcoming Advent Calendar, and wrapping up Stories of Calling!
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Pastor Mike Chaffin continues the series Answering God's Call with a sermon about Zacchaeus.
Pastor Kyle Anderson wraps up Answering God's Call with a sermon about The Nameless Masses and God's calling in their lives.
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Episode seven of First Church Cast, FUMC Stillwater’s Podcast hosted by Pastor Kyle Anderson and Tech Guru Ryan Parker, is out now. This episode features Jeff Moore who shares his Story of Calling, along with staff and members of the church sharing what they’re thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving.
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Pastor Mike Chaffin continues the sermon series Answering God's Call with a message about Joseph of the Old Testament.
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In episode six of First Church Cast, Ryan Parker sits down with Chris Ward, the Director of Early Childhood Center and Children Ministry, to talk about Trunk-or-Treat! Then Kyle Anderson talks with Chris about God's calling in her life.
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Pastor Mike Chaffin continues Answering God's Call with a message about Paul and Ananias.
Pastor Kyle Anderson continues Answering God's Call by exploring Martha's life in the Bible, and her calling.
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In this episode of First Church Cast, Ryan Parker talks with Karen Hinton about the Weekend Food Sacks Project. Then, Pastor Kyle Anderson sits down with Kathleen Street, as she shares God's calling through her life!
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Pastor Kyle Anderson starts the newest sermon series, Answering God's Call.
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Senior Pastor Mike Chaffin gives a message on the Body of Christ on World Communion Sunday. The Scripture reference for the message is Mark 9:33-40.
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In episode four of First Church Cast, Kyle Anderson sits down with Rose Bonjour, the co-chair of the Set Free Campaign, and Mike Chaffin, senior pastor of FUMC Stillwater, to talk about the debt free campaign!
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Senior Pastor Mike Chaffin concludes FAQ with a message about forgiveness that you won't want to miss.
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Kyle Anderson explores hate in the message series Frequently Asked Questions. The scripture reading for the message is Matthew 5:43-48.
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Episode three of First Church Cast features Charlita Tefft, president of United Methodist Women at FUMC Stillwater, who talks about UMW Sunday, the Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser, and UMW's mission!
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Mike Chaffin takes on week three of FAQ with a message about worship.
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Episode two of First Church Cast features Ed Davis, Director of Worship and Music at FUMC Stillwater, and Kathy Sandefur from Our Daily Bread.
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Mike Chaffin explores the question "What Happened on Saturday" in week two of FAQ.
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Kyle Anderson kicks off the new sermon series, FAQ! The first question tackled is Did Jesus Laugh? The scripture reference is Luke 7:31-35.
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Episode one of First Church Cast is here! In this episode Ryan Parker sits down with Alton Carter and Chris Ward to talk about Promotion Sunday on August 13th. Then, Pastor Kyle Anderson and Ryan discuss an upcoming sermon series, FAQ.
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Pastor Kyle Anderson and Ryan Parker sit down to talk about the First Church Cast in Episode Zero. From telling stories inside the church to discussing upcoming events at First United Methodist Church Stillwater.
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Mike Chaffin gives his message during Week 4 of Hymntastic July! The scripture reading is from John 17:20-24.
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