FUMC Bentonville Sermon Podcast: Recent Episodes
First United Methodist Church | Downtown Bentonville
Welcome to the FUMC | Downtown Bentonville podcast! Each week, listen to sermons and stay up to date with what‘s going on in the life of our community.
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Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Galatians 5:22-23
In spite of all of our divisions, the truth is, we want to be good people. We just need to remember our shared values and agree to practice them.
Galatians 5:1, 13-15; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; Isaiah 40:28-31 We get a lot of despair and bad news however much that bad news has always been around. We as Christians are called to look forward into the future with hope not fear. In all of these passages, the blessings are not in wealth power and politics, but in God’s presence with us.
Luke 13:6-9, Psalm 85
The Founders of our nation built a government that anticipates human failure. Our civic life includes ways to pause, evaluate, change course, and begin again. That does not make our nation perfect, but it does reveal something hopeful: we are not trapped forever by every mistake we make. As we begin this series reflecting on our nation, we will explore how this imperfect experiment can remind us of the deeper grace of God — a grace that tells the truth about failure, tends what is wounded, and makes redemption possible for all God’s people.
Esther 4:10-17
On this Sunday, Pastor Michelle will give us an update on this fiscal year’s budget, the budget for the year ahead beginning July, and discuss with us the plans for how we will determine what we do with the land to the west of the church building. We find ourselves in extraordinary circumstances. And when that happens, the call on our life from God will lead us into extraordinary things.
Luke 13:6-9 and Psalm 85
The Founders of our nation built a government that anticipates human failure. Our civic life includes ways to pause, evaluate, change course, and begin again. That does not make our nation perfect, but it does reveal something hopeful: we are not trapped forever by every mistake we make. As we begin this series reflecting on our nation, we will explore how this imperfect experiment can remind us of the deeper grace of God — a grace that tells the truth about failure, tends what is wounded, and makes redemption possible for all God’s people.
Gen. 12: 1-9 (NRSVue)
We are Blessed. Called to respond in Faith. Called to Serve Others.
1 John 5:1-5
John Wesley believed in the radical love and acceptance of all humans. He believed in the Imago Dei. Every person was created in the image of God. This moved him to go to the poor working class in Bristol, England and preach outdoors to large numbers. John also brought recrimination on his ministry in Bristol by being an outspoken opponent to slavery. Bristol was a central market for slaves, and there were many wealthy people who would stand to lose if slavery was abolished. The eighteenth-century world was a challenge for young John Wesley. His spiritual life and his public holiness can serve as an example for us as we interact as followers of Christ in our current world.
Acts 2:1-4; Numbers 11:24-30
On this Pentecost and Aldersgate Sunday, it seems appropriate to revisit our wild, Pentecostal tent meeting roots – remembering when we were accused of being too enthusiastic!
Mark 2:13-17
As we begin a new series exploring significant moments in Methodist history, we’ll look at how founder John Wesley challenged religious and social norms in pursuit of the Gospel. United Methodists are proud of our Wesleyan heritage, but some of us still wrestle with an important question: did Wesley’s witness truly resemble the way of Jesus? What does it mean to faithfully follow in Christ’s steps — and if we find the answer, will it change anything about the way we live?
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
In this sermon, we are going to address the new trend of AI relationships. A chatbot can fulfill 1 Corinthans 13 easily. But are we creating unrealistic expectations of IRL relationships?
Luke 9:23-24
Jesus challenges his followers to take up their cross and follow him. But what does that actually mean? Pastor Michelle will dig into this important aspect of discipleship for us today.
1 Peter 4:8-11
We should all serve God, but in purposeful ways. If we serve the way we are gifted, then we can't help but feel joy!
Ruth 1:11-18
Love is a choice. Not even God coerces us into love. So what happens when we make that choice? God's will breaks out in astounding ways.
Mark 16:1-8
The women hear the news of Jesus’ resurrection… and then they run away and tell no one out of fear. But we do know the story. So at some point they must have overcome their fear. Courage is not the absence of fear – it is facing it and refusing to let it stop us.
Luke 23:1-25
Why do we call it "Good Friday?" Rev. Dr. Michelle discusses some of the existing atonement theories and the mystery of what happened both on the cross and in the tomb.
John 13:1-9, 12-17
Rev. Dr. Michelle reflects on the humble ritual of foot washing and its parallels in modern society.
Psalm 46:1-11 (NRSVUE)
This Psalm talks about the rage of the world, of kingdoms tearing each other apart. Yet within that we find refuge in God, and particularly in the silence, in the stillness, in the opposition to the madness. A good reminder as we head into the madness of Holy Week.
Psalm 23
There are no Psalms that mention the Sabbath, but this Psalm definitely describes the rest and restoration that Sabbath provides us.
Psalm 19:1-4
This sermon will reflect on how spending intentional time in nature is a spiritual practice. Bill Fernandez will bring the word this week, specifically reflecting on the spirituality of fly fishing.
Psalm 63: 1-8
We will listen over and over to this scripture, with the goal of imagining the space it describes and the relationship with God that it describes.
Psalm 63: 1-8
Rev. Michelle has a panel discussion with FUMC's music staff about music, worship, and their creative processes.
Ken Weatherford (Contemporary Music and Director of Worship Arts)
Rev. Dr. T. Ray Wheeler, (Associate Pastor/Director of Traditional Music)
Matt Nelson (Assistant to Music and Worship Arts, aka. pianist, keyboardist, organist, arranger, podcast creator, etc)
Psalm 139:23-24
We will learn about the practice of The Examen, which is an intentional reflection at the end of every day that invites us to reflect on how we have seen God at work in our lives in the day, as well as how we have served God well or not so well. Then we close with an intentional gratefulness and hope for the next day.
Psalm 69:6-13
We will open this series with a discussion on the purpose of fasting. We will remember that it is related to the Lenten season because through it we honor Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness when he was tempted by the devil. But we will also look at it as a discipline of clearing away the things between God and us. This psalm in particular makes a good case for a technology fast, as technology has become a tool for people to deride us and divide us into enemies.
Genesis 12:1-3; John 21:15-17
We were created to be a blessing to the whole world. As the family of God, we are called to bless and serve each other. And each other means we serve everyone. To do so takes all the gifts at the table.
Speakers at this service: Brett Morrison, Marjie Lewis, Frank Paris, Angela Barrington
Genesis 12:1-3; John 21:15-17
We were created to be a blessing to the whole world. As the family of God, we are called to bless and serve each other. And each other means we serve everyone. To do so takes all the gifts at the table.
Speakers at this service: Brett Morrison, Hays Plunkett, Lindsay Goodner
Genesis 12:1-3; John 21:15-17
We were created to be a blessing to the whole world. As the family of God, we are called to bless and serve each other. And each other means we serve everyone. To do so takes all the gifts at the table.
Speakers at this service: Brett Morrison, Emily Long, Brian Lookadoo
Genesis 3:1-7; John 8:1-11
Some think that conviction is about sticking to beliefs no matter what. True Christian conviction, however, is understanding the purpose of those beliefs, and weighing with wisdom what is right and what is wrong in any given moment. This week we see when we fail and when we succeed at such conviction when in one instance we eat of the tree, and in one instance we drop our stones and walk away.
Genesis 2:18-25; John 15:1-13
It is not good for humans to be alone. It is central to the human condition to be in relationship with God and with each other. We will affirm that we need connection like we need the air we breathe. Without it, we literally die on the vine.
Genesis 1:1-5, 24-31; John 1:1-14
This sermon will be a celebration of God as Creator, but also the God who shared that aspect of who God is – creation – with us. And then, God gave us the responsibility to care for the creation that we co-create with God. We are created to be creators and stewards of creation.
Romans 13:1-7
We will deal with this passage that says we are all under the authority of whatever government is controlling us. Funny how when a person’s candidate is in power, they are happy to quote this verse, and when their candidate is not, this verse is conveniently forgotten. Yet in truth, this verse shows up in a letter that covertly tries to get people to resist the ones in power. What is going on here?
Romans 8:28
This is one of those verses that gets quoted a great deal, and shows up on kitschy signs and pretty embroidered pillows. But to make it stand alone like that runs the danger of implying that “Everything happens for a reason.” We will deal with the tension between Calvinism and Arminianism that meets in this verse on our pretty pillows.
Romans 4:1-13
Paul has set up a double straw man (accusations that the Jews have against the Gentiles and vice versa) in the chapters preceding this one. In this chapter, he argues that we are all made family through our faith in Christ. So quit dividing the family over things that don’t matter! Sadly, we used this very letter to do exactly that – divide us up.
Romans 1:15-17
This sermon sets up the series where we examine how the letter to the Romans often gets misused, by quoting the passage that kicked off the Protestant Reformation and is often is cited as justification for biblical literalism. There are problems with both understandings that we need to confront.
Isaiah 11:1-9
I hate Charles Dickens. Actually, it is more accurate to say I hate the writing of Charles Dickens. Yet I will not let an Advent season go by without watching at least one version of A Christmas Carol. The story of Christmas, the Dickens one and the biblical one, invite us to learn how to love better. They also invite us to let go of our own expectations and live into a better story than the one we might tell.
Matthew 1:18-25
In "Spirited", we learn that Ebenezer Scrooge has regrets still in the afterlife. He still feels like he has to earn God’s love. We will look at that soul crisis up against Joseph having to change his understanding of God’s righteousness.
Luke 2:8-20
The heart of "A Christmas Carol" is a man experiencing change after an encounter with four spirits. Probably the most dramatic moment in the birth of Christ is the appearance of the angels, spiritual beings who reorient the lives and faith of the shepherds on the field. Are we open to the same kind of change?
Luke 2:1-7
The full reality of humanity is on display in the birth of Christ, including our struggles and strains and conflicts, our willingness to love and our tendency to reject. Funnily enough, one of the best displays of the reality of humanity is found in A Muppet Christmas Carol, where over half of the cast are puppets. We look at the walk through the streets of puppet London with the traveling on a donkey for Mary and Joseph and their rejection at the inn.
Matthew 2: 1-12
Who owns Christmas? Or who tries to control Christmas? Or who tries to profit from Christmas? It has been a question since Christ was born. This week’s movie is Scrooged, and we will look at the ways people in power have tried to control Christmas as we look at Scrooge and King Herod.
Colossians 1:9-14
Bishop Whitfield will reflect on Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, asking, “Does your vision of living as a disciple of Jesus Christ require a new perspective in which we love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously?”
Matthew 25:14-30; Joel 2:23-29
Pastor Michelle offers our annual State of the Church address and invites us to envision a new future.
Genesis 2:10-15; Revelation 22:1-5
We have been through death and come alive again. We need to be cleansed, cradled, and renewed by the living water of God’s love. We are at the river, the source of life abundant. And in these passages, we are at the rivers of the garden. We are back around, ready to be companions of God once again.
1 Kings 19:9-13; John 11:38-44
Funny thing about death – in our faith it contains the germ of the resurrection. As we come out of the valley season, we realize we were not abandoned. God was with us in the whispers. Like the womb, the cave and the tomb bring us back to life in our faith and call us back to relationship with God.
Jeremiah 7:32-34; Ezekiel 37:1-3
And now something has happened to drive us from God. Maybe it was failure at the revolution. Maybe we feel abandoned. Maybe we have had a loss that threatens to undo us. We are in the valley now. Valleys are where wars take place, and valleys are where the bones of the fallen are bleached in the sun. But is all hope lost?
Exodus 24:9-18; Mark 9:2-13
Our faith is deeper now, and it is inspiring us to take on the daunting challenge of organizing the world around the reign of God. We are ready to try to make the world in the image of God.
Numbers 14:26-35; Matthew 4:1-11
Something happens to drive us from the garden. Perhaps it is because we have encountered something in life that a simple, comfortable faith can’t address. We are wandering in the wilderness now. And remember – wilderness and desert are the same words in Hebrew. What does our desert season look like but one where our faith is being tried in the refiner’s fire?
Items on the list:
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a two-quart canteen of water (per person)
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a magnetic compass
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a compress kit with gauze
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a topcoat
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a red-and-white parachute
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a jackknife
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a sectional air map of the area
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two quarts of vodka
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a book entitled "Edible Animals of the Desert"
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a plastic raincoat
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a cosmetic mirror
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a .45-caliber pistol
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sunglasses
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a bottle of salt tablets
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a flashlight (4-battery size)
Genesis 2:4-9; Revelation 21:22-22:5
We were created to live in a garden, and not just to live in a garden, but to walk in that garden with each other and with God. As we begin this exploration of faith geography, we start from a place where we are true companions of God and find comfort in God’s presence.
1 John 4:11-21
Love is risky these days. Well, love has always been risky. But if we can fully step into God’s invitation to love both God and neighbor, what do we truly have to fear?
Genesis 32:1-8; 33:1-4; Luke 4:16-30
We are raised these days to be afraid of the stranger. Why? Because we fear the harm they will do us. In these two stories, we see Jacob’s fear of Esau is unfounded. But Jesus is still having to correct that fear in people when they try to throw him over the cliff for lifting up the good example of the outsiders.
Daniel 10:1-12; Acts 4:23-31
Daniel is terrified by the vision he has, but ultimately it is a vision of the Son of Man coming to us. The believers in Acts know the Son of Man, and that inspires them to reject that fear, and pray for the boldness to share the vision of the reign of God.
Genesis 3:8-13; Proverbs 1:7
What is the most important thing we created without the aid of God? Fear. We will look at the genesis of fear and what it,s creation has meant for our relationship with God. And then we will affirm that practically every single time God appears to us, the first thing God says is, “Do not be afraid.” God is trying to get us to undo what we have done. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but not wisdom. We would undo the fall if we would undo fear.
2 Samuel 7:1-29; 11:1-27
How tempting is leadership and power, especially when forming a new national identity? Hamilton and David will be in conversation with each other here.
2 Samuel 7:1-29; 11:1-27
How tempting is leadership and power, especially when forming a new national identity? Hamilton and David will be in conversation with each other here.
Luke 15:1-32
Rent is a series of stories strung together, teaching us about love. We will focus on the Lost Parables in Luke, and reclaim them as Parables of Love – parables of inclusion rather than exclusion, of abundance rather than scarcity.
Philippians 3:1-16
We will look at the tension of grace and the law, mercy and justice. This biblical theme is played out beautifully in the Javert’s hunt for Valjean, and it is exhibited in the life and spiritual journey of the Apostle Paul.
Philippians 3:1-16
We will look at the tension of grace and the law, mercy and justice. This biblical theme is played out beautifully in the Javert’s hunt for Valjean, and it is exhibited in the life and spiritual journey of the Apostle Paul.
Ezekiel 12:1-20 We are going to look at what it means to be a prophet. Elphaba will be compared to prophetic figures like Ezekiel. Difference gets attention for justice.
Ezekiel 12:1-20 We are going to look at what it means to be a prophet. Elphaba will be compared to prophetic figures like Ezekiel. Difference gets attention for justice.
John 2:1-12
Jesus turns water into wine, but it is more than just making sure everyone is having a good time. In this first miracle that Jesus performs, we see the heart of what the reign of God looks like.
Luke 3:21-22; Matthew 3:16-17
Jesus begins his public ministry with baptism in the Jordan. What does Jesus’ start to his ministry tell us about our faith beginnings?
Luke 2:25-35
Jesus’ family presents him at the Temple. Simeon responds in celebration! How do we celebrate Jesus showing up in our lives today?
Mark 6:31-44 (CEB) and Mark 8:1-9 (CEB)
This Sunday, we’ll take a fresh look at two familiar stories: the feedings of the 5,000 and the 4,000 in Mark’s Gospel. While often seen as similar miracles, these two accounts—placed side by side—reveal something deeper about who Jesus is and who the Gospel is for. What if the leftovers weren’t just about abundance but about belonging? Come hear how Jesus feeds both Jews and Gentiles, and what that means for how we widen our circles today. There is enough. For all.
John 8: 2-11
As part of his participation in the Compelling Preaching Initiative, Pastor Ray needs to swap pulpits with another pastor, so while he heads to Goddard United Methodist Church in Fort Smith, their Senior Pastor, Rev. Chase Green joins us.
Luke 24:28-32 and Genesis 14:1-8
These stories both have surprise guests who make an appearance. Luckily, both the people walking to Emmaus and Abraham were all ready for just such an event. Are we?
Acts 10:9-35
On this Fathers’ Day weekend, what better way to celebrate than looking at this passage that is arguably the foundation for the best BBQ ever! Especially because neighbors can now truly eat beside one another.
Acts 2:1-11
Pentecost empowers everyone to hear the Good News. How well do we do at making space for all of those voices to praise God together? As we open the doors to another service, let’s recommit ourselves to affirming that All Are Welcome.
Philippians 2: 1-16
Philippians is a letter about joy! Writing from prison, Paul describes the joys of following Christ and persevering for the gospel, and the secret to being content in any situation. We know from the letter that the Philippians were facing a lot of hardship (and Paul wasn’t exactly living the high life himself). Paul is telling the Philippians to “hold fast and shine,” no matter how bleak and troubling things look!
Exodus 2:23-25; Genesis 35:1-8
This Sunday marks one year from the tornado, but it is also Memorial Day weekend. Both invite us to reflection on what it means to remember and honor the past, and move forward at the same time.
Psalm 1: 1-3
Think of a woman in your life who has been strong for you - a woman who has been your strong tower when you were weak. A woman who has cared for you physically or spiritually. Susanna Wesley was that for Charles and John Wesley. She was a spiritual leader and confidant for John late into his ministry. In many ways, Susanna was not only the mother of Charles and John but the mother of Methodism. Who has been the woman of wisdom and strength for you in your life? Let’s celebrate those women today!
Proverbs 3:1-12
Sometimes we think we know where our life is headed. Sometimes life has other ideas. God has a vision for us in the midst of all that we are going through. Philip Mills shares his story of that experience.
John 12:23-28
On the other side of Easter, we will look at how things that look like death actually give rise to new life. This sermon will also include an update on the State of the Church, as we are in a season of tremendous growth and loss at the same time, and we will explore what it means to be Resurrection people in just such a season.
Luke 24:36-53
God took our worst disaster and turned it into our greatest hope. Not only did the disaster have no power; the mitigation of the resurrection transformed our world into something so much better – a life where we are saved by and can follow Jesus Christ!
Luke 23:13-25, 44-46
On this Palm Sunday, we often kick off our service with the celebration of the people shouting Hosanna. But shortly after that, many of those same people will be shouting “Crucify him! Crucify him!” That thunderous crowd calling down judgment on Jesus is the true storm of disaster. The crucifixion that follows is the destruction it unleashes. Everything is disrupted now.
Luke 13:10-17; 18:1-8
Recovery can be very long. It can take years or decades in some cases. Often, the most vulnerable among us suffer the longest. In the story of the bent over woman, we see a woman finally recovered after 18 years. In the story of the persistent widow, she keeps screaming at injustice until she sees an end. Recovery requires persistence and constant and inclusive attention.
Luke 10:25-37
When disaster hits, it is time to ignore those divisions among us and help our neighbors, beyond barriers and whatever the cost. The Good Samaritan models for us how to do that beautifully.
Luke 6:27-38
Some disasters are difficult to avert, but we can take away some of the destruction by practicing and learning how to recover in advance of that disaster. For a life of faith, practicing love of all (including our enemies), generosity, all the things recounted in this description of the children of God helps us navigate life when things do get tough, much like a tornado preparedness kit or chainsaw training does.
Luke 6:46-49
Some disasters never happen because we do the work in advance to stop them. Build your house on solid ground and watch it withstand the coming flood. Faith helps us reframe what could have been a disaster into a moment of strength and endurance.
Luke 4:1-13
The temptation in Luke involves the Devil trying to mislead Jesus into different (ultimately disastrous) possibilities. Jesus is prepared to keep the Devil at bay. But the passage also ends with these ominous words: “After finishing every temptation, the devil departed from him until the next opportunity.” Disaster may have been averted for now, but it is coming.
Exodus 1:15-20
The story of Shiphrah and Puah show two women who were willing to do what God wants instead of what Pharaoh wants. As a result, the Israelites multiply and become stronger. What does God ask of us? To bring 10% of what we have to him. Imagine if we all actually did that? We would not have any issues of funding in our church. None. But while we work to that point, imagine if just 2 of us who are not giving do start tithing? What happens then? And what happens when we start tithing to our relationship with money? We get a peace we haven’t had before. The conference is sure learning that.
Exodus 1:15-20
The story of Shiphrah and Puah shows two women who were willing to do what God wants instead of what Pharaoh wants. As a result, the Israelites multiply and become stronger. What does God ask of us? To bring 10% of what we have to him. Imagine if we all actually did that? We would not have any issues of funding in our church. None.
But while we work to that point, imagine if just 2 of us who are not giving do start tithing? What happens then? And what happens when we start tithing to our relationship with money? We get a peace we haven’t had before. The conference is sure learning that.
Luke 21: 1-4
This passage, where the widow woman gives such a small amount but catches the attention of Jesus for her generosity, will allow us to explore the potential small increases when collected together. What if we gave $2 more a week? $20 more a week? $200 more a month?
Genesis 6:17-22; Genesis 8:14-22
This sermon will introduce the stewardship emphasis in 2025, and how the pairs of animals will multiply and fill all the earth. But with such precious and limited cargo, why does Noah sacrifice animals first thing off the boat? Perhaps there is a lesson in trusting God.
Mark 8:22-26
This story really puzzled me as a teenager when I stumbled onto it. Why did it take a repeated touch by Jesus for the blind man to see clearly? Did Jesus just not quite get it done the first time? Was it lack of faith on the part of the blind man? Or is there a deeper meaning we can glean from this strange “trees walking” tale of a double touch healing?
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
Leviticus 14:1-9
Sharing a story of raising a child with a skin disease, Pastor Michelle shares how Leviticus turned from a book of harsh laws to a handbook for inclusive communal life.
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
Mark 5:25-34
We make thousands of decisions each and every day. This Sunday, Angela Barrington shares how an encounter with the bleeding woman in Mark led to a decision that changed everything.
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
Matthew 15:29-37
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
Romans 15:1-7
Do we make discipleship too complicated? This Sunday, Bill Fernandez shares how an encounter with Scripture in Paul’s letter to the Romans revealed to him the simplicity of what it takes to be a disciple.
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
Genesis 2:15-25
Sometimes we come across a story in the Bible that we are sure we know. When we actually read it though, it is full of surprises. And the more we learn, the more the story becomes. This week Pastor Michelle will take us through the Adam and Eve Creation story in a way that is probably new to you. Come and be surprised!
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
Genesis 18: 1-15
We will unpack this surprising story in which Abraham gets a visit from three “men.” There is some dramatic ambiguity about the identity of these visitors. Scripture calls them three men, but Abraham addresses these three as “My Lord,” when he rushes to invite them to stop at his humble camp and be refreshed. Then Abraham “puts on the dog” as they say where I am from. He offers a feast and the Covenant promise is reiterated with a specific timeline. Sarah finds this promise laughable. What can we learn from these founding paragons of faith and their struggles with the promise of God, even when the Almighty is eating at your kitchen table!
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
Luke 2:1-20
We finish with the best story - the birth of Christ! This is good news - news that would make us tear open the shutters and throw up the sash!
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Both Bentonville and Corinth get to draw strength from the incredible diversity and the energy of our towns. With such giftedness, there are no limits to what each church can do for Christ!
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
1 Kings 17:8-1
We will look at the story of miracles of care. When we are at our most desperate, so often a miracle occurs that saves our very lives.
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
Matthew 2:1-12
What gifts do we bring? We will look at how bringing something to the most vulnerable and the ones we love can make a small and a big difference – and both matter in God’s world.
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
Acts 9:1-20
Both the Grinch and Saul started out breathing hate toward others. And both experienced a transformation that grew their hearts three sizes too big.
Due to technical issues, this week's reading was done in post by Matt Nelson.
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
1 Samuel 8:4-20 & John 18:33-37
This is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of our Liturgical year. This Sunday reminds us that Christ is the King over all creation. The idea of a human king has negative implications. We see this in our Old Testament reading when Israel asks Samuel to appoint a King so they can be like other nations. The Lord tells Samuel to be clear to the people about what it means to serve under an earthly King. We contrast this with King Jesus before Pilate when Pilate interrogates Jesus about Christ being called the King of the Jews. We serve a heavenly King who invites us to serve and love him, rather than demands our unquestioning allegiance.
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
We will reflect on the State of the Church, and in particular, we will look at how our work as a church where as to where "All Are Welcome" is going. If we are to be truly living into that reality, then we will have to face the fact that all of us will feel unwelcome sometimes. It is about having enough humility to love in the midst of difference.
See our worship broadcasts at: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCBentonville
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Both Bentonville and Corinth get to draw strength from the incredible diversity and the energy of our towns. With such giftedness, there are no limits to what each church can do for Christ!
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Corinth and Bentonville have become economic centers, and places of far greater influence than the world expects. Both are signs of the logic of God – to expect the unexpected.
Matthew 22:34-40
We'll be exploring the greatest commandment through the eyes of the piece that's often forgotten.
Revelation 21:1-7
In the end, we find our hope! It is hard fought and we are battle-scarred, but ultimately, as followers of Christ, we know that we will find ourselves in a place of peace and healing. We will affirm this without belittling what we have been through. Suffering is very real, but so is the power of Christ’s redemption and love.
Revelation 16:12-21
Ever find yourself in an awful situation, something you barely think you have the strength to survive? And then ever have ANOTHER awful thing happen to you? As we look at this stretch of Revelation, we will dive into times when things just seem to keep getting worse and worse. How do we find hope in those times?
Revelation 5:1-6:8
It is natural when we go through something hard to wonder what is making all of this happen. It is also natural to lay the blame at the feet of God. And it is natural to then question whether that makes sense at all too. As we explore this passage of Revelation, we will make space for that ambiguous reality in the midst of struggle.
Revelation 1:9-20 We open this series with some discussion on the value of seeing the Book of Revelation as a companion in the journey of difficult times in life. We will also address the struggle of interpreting this book, ultimately giving us permission to stop trying to unravel the mystery, and instead, let the story carry us along.
Matthew 5:13-16
God doesn’t want perfect little followers, and you don’t have to be something you are not to be a good follower of Christ. We should bring all we are in our walk with Christ. Of course, we also must create space for others who find a home in our church. They need to bring their authentic selves as well!
Genesis 11: 1-9
What is the First Commandment God gives humanity? It's not what you think. Listen and learn how we can better follow.
John 15:12-13
Both Jesus and Baymax are not merely human, but may be the most human of all of us. Both came to bring healing. And both give their lives for others – friends and enemies alike. There is no greater hero than these.
1 Samuel 16:1-13
These two characters seemed like the least of their families. Turns out, they were incredibly special. There’s a lesson here: look with God’s eyes, not ours.
Matthew 27:1-10; Acts 1:15-20
Two stories for each villain - one in which the character is unredeemably evil; one in which the character is misunderstood and sympathetic. With these figures, we will see the lines between hero and villain are often blurred.
2 Kings 11:1-20
We hear a story from the Bible that is essentially the story of the Lion King (which is a retelling of Hamlet). What is it about this story of family destruction that is so deep in our human condition?
Job 1:6-12; Revelation 20:7-10
We start out looking at those who appear to be friends or at least part of the group, but then become those we must battle against. Does that come from a change in them or a change in our relationship with them?
Genesis 1: 1-5
In the last of the sermons in this series, we look at the First Person of the Trinity: God the Creator. But we will also use this sermon to talk about what the Trinity means in the first place.
Romans 5:6-11; Hebrews 9:11-15; Philippians 2:5-13
In a small, unofficial poll of adults in our church in which Pastor Michelle asked about topics related to Jesus, unanimously people want to know more about how to understand atonement, which is the saving work Jesus does on our behalf. There is more than one way to approach the atonement, and we will examine 3 in this sermon.
Luke 24: 44-49, Acts 2: 1-8
Beginning this series where we look at the three parts of the Trinity, today we explore the jazz of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 28:11-16, 30-31
Paul finally makes it to Rome and settles into this place that was meant to be a stop on the road, but that became his destination. In the journeys we take, we often find that the end was not in the place where we stopped, but in the journey itself, much like a life of faith.
Acts 16:6-15
Paul and his companions can’t go to Asia, no matter how hard they try. Nonetheless, their detour leads to the baptism of Lydia’s whole household. We often find blessings in the detours we have to take unexpectedly.
Acts 15:12-35
Barnabas and Paul are sent out with authorization from the apostles to preach to the Gentiles. The journey is underway!
Acts 9:1-30
Sometimes things happen in our lives that cause us to look at things and see them differently. It happened to Saul and this week it has happened to all of us. We will find our faith in that experience. Combined
Galatians 5:13-14
We will celebrate confirmation today as a choice that these youth have made of their own free will. But we will also affirm that the choice they have made is to love their neighbor as themselves.
1 Corinthians 12:13-22, Mark 2:1-12
As we close out our series on the United Methodist Social Principles we will discuss The Social Community. We will take a close look at the story of the paralytic man in Mark 2:1-12 who is lowered through the roof by his friends to gain access to Jesus and reflect on this as a picture of our United Methodist DNA.
Micah 6:6-8 (CEB), Luke 6:31
What does the Lord require of the political community and the aspirations of the United Methodist Church? Micah 6:8 is an excellent summary of these detailed and subtle political statements in the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. We generally try to avoid “being political“ in the religious community; however, these statements are concerned with addressing public justice and not partisan politics. Our heritage calls us to both private and social holiness.
Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Sabbath is an economic statement. It lays claim to the need to care for ourselves in order to care for others and God’s world. Yet for far too many of us, Sabbath is a luxury. How do we reclaim this gift God has given us?
Genesis 1:28-31
We will look at aspects of our care of creation in our Social Principles in light of the very first set of instructions God gives to humanity – to be stewards of all of the earth.
Mark 12:28-34
The words we choose and the words we say form us. That is the purpose of creeds – to form us around a collective identity. We have creeds that help us understand who we are. Our United Methodist Social Creed is one example, reflecting what we affirm in our Social Principles.
Joel 2:1-11
Getting ready for the eclipse the next day, and also coming out of the season of Easter, we look at how people have viewed heavenly events like eclipses as apocalyptic signs, but we will also discuss the prophetic call to prepare for the Day of the Lord. It continues the prophetic call to love and care for each other or face the consequences of a world turned upside down.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
On this April Fools’ Day eve, we will acknowledge how ridiculous our faith story seems on some level, and yet we cannot imagine living with any other story. This foolish story is the beginning of hope and faith, and the means of true love.
Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 26:14-25, 47-50
This week we confront Jesus’ teaching that we should love our enemies, and we also confront the reality that loving our enemies is not a safe thing to do. It very well may lead to our own profound loss. To what extreme are we called to love? Is this kind of love just for Jesus or for us too? Is it true that the test of our faith is not if we love Jesus but if we love Judas?
Luke 15: 11-32; Matthew 5:38-42
The prodigal son story and the turn the other cheek teaching show that foolish love ignores offenses and just seeks to love, and love abundantly. Note: the definition of prodigal is wastefully extravagant. Prodigal is better applied to the father than the son in this story. Because this shares some of the themes of the previous week, this is a good time to reflect on the response of the older brother, which is too often our own response.
Mark 17:1-17, John 2:1-11
Casting demons into pigs to save one person and saving the best wine for last both prove that foolish love creates a tremendous amount of waste – wasteful grace.
Matthew 20:1-16, 18:12-13
The parable of the workers in the vineyard and the story of the 99 sheep left behind for the sake of the 1 show us that foolish love is not an equitable equation. It is not a utilitarian decision, but in fact, sometimes it means making the least fair decision in order to include more in the field of love.
Mark 7:24-29; Luke 13:10-17
This week we will look at how love inspires us to break the rules. We will center not only in the stories of the Syrophoenician and bent over women, but also in the story of Liam Bruzatori, a beautiful child who continues to challenge us to love.
Matthew 5:21-24, 18:21-35
Looking at these 2 teachings about Jesus forgiving someone multiple times and the servant who does not forgive the debt of his fellow servant, we will start to understand how refusing to forgive is to continue to judge others and carry hate in our own hearts. This keeps us from being able to fully love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
To set the scene for this series, we will look at this definition of love given in this letter of Paul’s. As this series is meant to help people understand how better to love like Jesus, we will practice the “Replace the word love with your name” practice of this passage. That will help us know what kind of work we need to do to love better.
Mark 14:1-9
The act of the woman who anoints Jesus is characterized as wasteful. What if it is instead an act of confidence that the reign will provide? There will always be enough to take care of the poor AND worship and care extravagantly for others.
Mark 10:17-31, 12:41-44
Where is our security? For the rich man, it seems like it was in his assurance in how the world was supposed to work, and in his belief that his stuff would keep him safe. The poor widow will come along and flip all of that on its head. How is Jesus inviting us into the freedom of letting go?
Mark 6:1-13
This sermon looks at the little difference Jesus can make in his hometown, up against the commissioning of the disciples to go cast out demons! What miracles are at our fingertips that we do not even try to make happen because of the assumptions we make about it being impossible?
Philippians 1:6-11
I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel. For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
Ephesians 2: 19-22 & Ephesians 4:15-16
Where are we right now as a community of faith and United Methodists in this unique place at this unique time. What are the issues we face today? What ways we can continue to uphold our faith while we are in the formidable details of our lived experience. Can we infuse our daily work and life with the joy of worship and stand firm in the path of community, worship, meaning, and joy?
Joshua 4:21-24, Revelation 19:5-8
January is a time when we are looking forward to the excitement of a new year. But before we, as a church, strike out on this new shiny new year, let’s pause and appreciate the path behind us. What has come before us and who are the folks whose faithfulness and the corner of 2nd & A have carried this ministry to today? We may not always have been on the best path, but good people called Methodists have worked to listen to God's voice and have left a powerful legacy of faith, community, and joyful worship on this amazing corner of the world.
Mark 5:21-43, James 1:27
Note: When Rev. Michelle mentions two boys, she is referring to two children who were baptized at FUMC Bentonville that morning.
Micah 6:8, Zechariah 7:8-14
This episode features reflections on reading the Bible throughout the past year from Jay and Belinda Burton, Donna Reams, Maria Smith, and Marcia Patterson
THIS AUDIO HAS BEEN FIXED! Our sincere apologies for the distorted audio.
Psalm 72
This sermon features improvised underscoring by pianist, Matt Nelson.
2 Chronicles 6:12-21, John 2:13-22
This week's episode features 2 additional clips - the first from a discussion with Rev. Michelle and Johnny Haney about the history of the physical church of FUMC Bentonville, and the second from a discussion with Rev. Michelle and Kate Schaffer about why Kate feels at home in the Methodist Church.
2 Kings 25:27-30, Mark 14:10-26
This episode also features a portion of a recent interview with Sarah Bainbridge and Jim Reynolds (brother and sister) about their family history at FUMC Bentonville.
1 Kings 17:8-24
This podcast also includes a clip of interviews between Rev. Michelle and participants in FUMC's "Dorcas" Ministry.
Ruth 4:13-17
This week's podcast features David and Elizabeth McCormick. David and Elizabeth are missionaries with the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, serving as a mission advocates for the church's South Central Jurisdiction.
After David and Elizabeth's talk, you will hear an abridged interview with Dan and Kathy Dunn about their work with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).
Matthew 6:19-21, read by Jeff Clapper and Brenda Allison
Judges 2:11-23, read by Pastor Michelle
Deuteronomy 3:16-20, Matthew 14:22-33
While on a recent trip to the Holy Land, Rev. Dr. Michelle filmed 360° video footage of much of the trip. During this service, she asked for two volunteers to put on a virtual reality headset and view 360° footage of the Sea of Galilee. During the sermon, they provide their thoughts on the experience.
This episode features a discussion with Wesley Wells and Julia Doverspike about their thoughts and experiences regarding Israel and Palestine.
Leviticus 25:35-43
This episode features FUMC congregant, Ted Tally, as he relays his experience of travel in Egypt
Exodus 16:21-25
Galatians 3:25-29, Ephesians 2:14-22
This week, we celebrated the opening of our newly renovated worship and gathering space, Hines Hall. This episode features a special "thank you" by Director of Worship Arts, Ken Weatherford, as well as business administrator and Hines Hall contractor, Toni Hendricks.
Acts 2 :1-21 (Translated by FUMC Wednesday night bible study class)
This podcast features a discussion between Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris and bible study participants, Marie Clapper and Wesley Wells
Acts 2 :1-21 from First Nations version of the New Testament
Featuring guest preacher Rev. Dr. David Wilson - Assistant to the Bishop in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference
This podcast features a discussion between Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris and FUMC Bentonville member David Henry, as well as a conversation between Bishop Peggy Johnson and LaSander Saunders. Introduction by Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris.
This special podcast is the fourth and final webinar featuring different aspects of our community. This fourth in the series, entitled "Education" is led by Rev. Andreá Cummings and features panelists Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson (President of Northwest Arkansas Community College), Lisa St. John (Executive Director of Elementary Education for Bentonville Schools), and Leslie Lyons (Principal of Old High Middle School in Bentonville).
This special podcast is the third of four (4) webinars featuring different aspects of our community. This third in the series, entitled "Business" is led by Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris and features panelists Ed Clifford (president/CEO of Jones Trust), Dr. Joe Rollins (Director of Workforce Development for NWA Council), Kalene Griffith (president/CEO of Visit Bentonville), and Russell Shaffer (Senior Director of Global Culture, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Walmart).
This special podcast is the second of four (4) webinars featuring different aspects of our community. This second in the series, entitled "Local Government" is led by Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris and Rev. Andreá Cummings, and features panelists Stephanie Orman (Mayor of Bentonville), and Judge Barry Moehring.
This special podcast is the first of four (4) webinars featuring different aspects of our community. This first in the series, entitled "Non-profits" is led by Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris and features panelists Cindy Acree (executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Benton County, AR), Lisa Martens (president and volunteer at 2nd St. Pantry), and Debbie Martin (executive director of Havenwood).
Mark 10:17-31
Featuring excerpts from Rev. Michelle's non-profit webinar with:
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Cindy Acree, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity, Benton CO
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Lisa Martens - Volunteer/President of 2nd St Pantry
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Debbie Martin - Executive Director, Havenwood