The LVfirst Podcast: Recent Episodes
LVfirst UMC
Welcome to the LVfirst Podcast brought to you by LVfirst UMC! We are a church located in Lawrenceville, GA committed to connecting the church to the community and the community to the church. Whether you're a local or listening from abroad, we're happy to have you as part of the LVfirst community!
Visit lvfirst.org/podcast to learn more!
This Sunday, we continued in Jeremiah 29 and reflected on what we are truly looking for in life. We remembered that, even in seasons of exile, God’s plans for us are still rooted in peace, wholeness, and hope. We explored how God invites us to respond by seeking Him through worship, prayer, and drawing near together. When we seek God with all our hearts, we find the meaning, belonging, and purpose we are longing for.
This Sunday, we began exploring Jeremiah 29 and what it meant to live faithfully when we found ourselves in places we didn’t want to be. We reflected on exile as any area of life where things felt unsettled, disappointing, or far from what we hoped. Together, we were reminded that God’s plans for us were rooted in shalom (peace, wholeness, and hope) and that we lived into those plans by seeking God and serving others. We were challenged to face difficult realities with resilience, trusting that God was at work even in the places that felt like exile.
This Sunday, we began the new school year by reflecting on what it means to “fill the right cup.” We looked at Nehemiah’s story and saw how God used his heartbreak for Jerusalem to move him from self-living to self-giving. Together, we considered the places where our own hearts were stirred and how we could pour ourselves out in meaningful ways for others. We were reminded that as we served our families, schools, teachers, and community, God filled our cups in ways we might not expect.
This Sunday, we walked through Genesis 22 and the story of Abraham and Isaac, reflecting on what it meant for Abraham to be asked to sacrifice his “most precious” son. We traced Abraham’s larger story, seeing how God repeatedly provided and kept His covenant, and how this moment uniquely tested whether Abraham loved God for who God is or only for what God gives. We then examined our own lives, asking what good gifts may have become idols and whether we are willing to lay them on the altar. Together, we were invited to trust that God will provide and to love and worship Him simply because He is worthy.
This Sunday, we turned to 1 Kings 19 and walked with Elijah into the depths of fear, exhaustion, and depression after his great victory on Mount Carmel. We reflected on how even God’s strongest servants can feel utterly alone and how, like Elijah, we often withdraw when we’re hurting. We heard how God met Elijah not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence, reminding us to rest, care for our bodies, and make space to listen for God’s quiet voice. Together, we affirmed that seeking help, serving others, and leaning into God’s steadfast love are faithful ways to move through our own seasons of despair, trusting that God will take care of us.
This Sunday, we continued our “Cool for the Summer” series by revisiting the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. We reflected on how David’s real battle began before he faced the giant, when he was offered Saul’s armor and had to decide whether to trust in appearances or in God. We recognized the ways we, too, try to wear “someone else’s armor” through comparison, imitation, and imposter syndrome, instead of living as the unique people God has created us to be. Together, we were invited to lay down that ill‑fitting armor, remember God’s past faithfulness, and courageously step into our callings as our true, God‑given selves.
This Sunday, we explored the history and heart of campmeeting as a Methodist tradition rooted in evangelism, joy, and relationships. We looked at Ezra 6 and the rebuilding of the temple, noticing how God transformed opposition and fear into celebration and renewed worship. We then turned to stories of Jesus—from the Samaritan woman and Zacchaeus to the synagogue leader’s daughter—to see how encounters with Christ changed attitudes and restored joy. We reflected on how our own perspectives are shaped by the messages we consume, and we were invited to ground our attitude and joy in a living relationship with Jesus, our perfect example of a loving Father.
This Sunday, we continued our “Cool for the Summer” series by diving into the story of Gideon in the book of Judges. We reflected on the names and labels that have been placed on us, and how they can become limiting scripts that keep us stuck “threshing wheat in a winepress” – living in fear, insecurity, and self-doubt. We heard how God met Gideon in his pit, called him a “mighty warrior” before he believed it, and invited him to address the very injustice that broke his heart. Together, we were reminded that God sees our potential, goes with us, and calls us to step out in faith to meet the needs we see in our world.
This Sunday, we talked about how God meets us in wilderness places where there are less distractions and we can truly encounter His presence.
This week, we're inviting you to challenge yourself to practice humility and slow down from our busy lives to encounter God in new and authentic ways.
This Sunday, we explored the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 and God's profound question, "Where are you?"
We learned that God is constantly moving toward us in a desire for restored relationship. God's kindness leads us to repentance, and when we name the things that shame us, shame loses its power. Through Jesus, we are invited to come out of hiding and to experience the fullness of God's Spirit.
This Sunday, we celebrated Pentecost Sunday by digging into Acts 2 and asking what it really means to be a Spirit-filled church. We looked at how the Spirit came like a rushing wind and tongues of fire, but we focused even more on what the Spirit did: He enabled the disciples to speak real, native languages so that everyone there heard the good news in their own tongue. We learned why it matters that these first preachers were Galileans—the “southerners” of their day—and how God used people others underestimated to communicate His love across cultural and language barriers.
This Sunday, we explored how we can often get trapped in our nostalgia and "declinism" — the belief that everything was better "back in the day." The Ascension story challenges that and reveals Jesus' radical vision: to launch the Kingdom of God for all people, everywhere. The Ascension isn't about waiting for Jesus' return, it's about bring heaven to Earth by the Holy Spirit working through us.
This Sunday, we read the Gospel story of the wedding at Cana. In this story, we found a profound truth — that often we only turn to Jesus when something in our lives gives out. In this story, Mary the Mother of Jesus shows us that we can bring our problems to Jesus before they give out, because He can give us more than enough. Our job is simple obedience - to bring our troubles to Jesus and to do what He says.
This Sunday, we took a look at Joshua 1 where God commands us to be strong and courageous when facing life transitions. We found that true strength and courage don't come from having everything figured out, but from knowing that God goes with us.
This Sunday, we took a look at the story of the Walk to Emmaus where Jesus appeared to two disciples on Easter Sunday. We examined the things that occupy our minds and conversations and often keep us acknowledging Jesus' presence. The reality is that when we focus on our disappointments and problems, we blind ourselves to the hope and presence of Jesus walking with us.
This Sunday, we discussed the common uncertainty we feel after we celebrate Easter. We looked at Jesus' encounter with Peter in John 21 and how we are called beyond comfortable patterns into active mission. When we are uncertain about our next steps spiritually, the answer is always the same: go out to love and serve others.
This Sunday, we dove into the story of "Doubting Thomas" and how we can often find ourselves in a similar mindset. We talked about how we live in a world that demands proof before trust and how that mindset can follow us into our faith. When we dig into Thomas's story, we find that faith requires a shift from seeking proof to actively trusting God with what we know and don't know.
This Sunday, we took a look at John's Gospel account of the resurrection and reflected on Jesus' question to Mary, "Who are you looking for?"
We were challenged to turn away from the empty places in our lives and to recognize that what we've been searching for is actually a who. A living savior who brings resurrection - right here and right now.
This Sunday, we explored Jesus' demonstration of servant leadership during the Last Supper as he washed his disciples' feet. At the very peak of His influence, Jesus chose to serve rather than be served. It is this same selflessness that Jesus calls us to — to use our influence and privilege to serve others rather than expecting to be served.
This Sunday, we dug into Jesus' challenging question, "Do you also wish to go away?"
Pastor Adam noted that following Jesus requires commitment beyond seeking convenience and comfort. We have to clarify our faith and acknowledge that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life.
Our faith is a choice we have to make repeatedly. It is not something that is forced upon us. True discipleship calls for us to stay committed to walking in the footsteps of Christ, even in seasons of difficulty.
This Sunday, we walked through John 8:2–11, the story of the woman caught in adultery.
We dug into Jesus’ response:
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He bends down to write in the dirt instead of playing their yes-or-no game.
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He says, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her,” exposing their guilt in the matter.
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One by one, the accusers drop their stones and leave until only Jesus and the woman remain.
We focused on Jesus’ final words:
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“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? … Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”
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Forgiveness is not tolerance—sin matters, but God chooses to set it aside at His own cost.
We ended by looking at our own “stones”—the grudges, hurts, and desires for payback we hold—and we were invited to lay them down, trusting Jesus with both our sin and the sins committed against us, and to walk away lighter in His grace.
This Sunday, We continued our “Jesus Asks” series by looking at one of Jesus’ most powerful questions from John 11: “Do you believe this?”
We learned that when Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life,” He isn’t just talking about a distant, someday hope, but a present reality we can live in right now. We explored the difference between understanding and believing—how Jesus doesn’t ask, “Do you understand this?” but “Do you believe this?” and how real belief shapes the way we live, choose, grieve, and hope.
We connected all of this to confirmation and baptism, recognizing that following Jesus is often like getting in the car without knowing every detail of the journey. Together, we heard Jesus’ question as a personal invitation in every season of life: “I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe this?”
This Sunday, we explored Jesus' profound question to the invalid at the Pool of Bethesda: "Do you want to be made well?"
We were challenged to examine the areas of brokenness in our lives that we've normalized instead of addressing directly. We learned that Jesus meets us in our brokenness and invites us into a process of healing that requires taking ownership and walking forward in faith.
This Sunday, we started our journey through the Gospel of John in our Lenten series, Jesus Asks. We looked at Jesus' — "What are you looking for?"
Rather than following Jesus from a distance, we are invited to "come and see" — to abide with Him and experience the abundant life He offers to us.
This Sunday, we talked about the loneliness epidemic in modern culture. Using the story of the paralyzed man whose friends carried him to Jesus, we looked at how community is necessary for us to move beyond cultural divisions and form authentic relationships.
This Sunday, we talked about the pervasive anxiety and need for control that characterizes modern life, using the story of Mary and Martha to illustrate the difference between trying to be "over it" ourselves versus allowing Jesus to be "over it."
True peace comes not from managing our anxiety through control, but from surrendering to Jesus as Lord and sitting at His feet like Mary rather than frantically working like Martha.
This Sunday, we wrapped up our January series, Resolve, by challenging ourselves to embrace bravery as a resolution we can all keep throughout this year.
The story of Peter walking on the water teaches us that it's better to find out than to miss out—better to take that awkward, uncertain step toward Jesus than to remain safely stuck. When life gets overwhelming and we begin to sink, Jesus is right there to catch us. The question isn't whether we'll face obstacles, but whether we'll let our circumstances define our ability to follow Jesus, or let Jesus define how we navigate our circumstances.
This Sunday, Pastor Deanne lead us in a message about the power of curiosity. Genuine curiosity, rooted in a desire to understand rather than merely acquire information, is essential for our spiritual growth and building meaningful relationships.
This Sunday, we explored the transformative power of understanding our identity as beloved children of God. On this baptism of the Lord Sunday, we looked at Jesus' baptism from a new perspective — not as washing away sins (because Jesus was sinless) — but as a way of Jesus identifying with humanity so that we can find our identity in Him.
This Sunday, we explored the journey of the Magi as we looked at what it means to experience lasting change in our lives. Change is inevitable, but purposeful change requires following something greater than ourselves — Jesus.
This Sunday, we explored the difference between temporary happiness based on our circumstances and the true joy we find when we're rooted in God's grace and purpose. Pastor Adam challenged us to move from asking "how can this be?" to surrendering with "let it be with me."
This Sunday, we dug into how the hectic pace of the Christmas season often gets in the way of the peace we're meant to experience during this time of the year. When we look at Matthew's Gospel, we find that true peace doesn't come from having control over our circumstances, but from recognizing God's presence with us.
This Sunday, we explored Mark's Gospel approach to Christmas, which begins not with Jesus' birth but with John the Baptist's call to preparation. Unlike the automated ease of modern Christmas preparation, the spiritual preparation we are called to during this season of Advent requires intentional work.
This Sunday, we looked at the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" and challenged our culture of immediacy and instant gratification. Perspective requires time and intention. We were encouraged to look for God's goodness even in difficult moments.
This Sunday, we explored the theme of "Blessed Assurance" and the profound impact music has on our lives. Delving into the classic hymn, we discovered the assurance of God's love and its influence on how we live and perceive the world.
This Sunday, we explored the beloved hymn "How Great Thou Art" as a framework for understanding God's greatness, power, and goodness. Pastor Deanne guided us through some of the history behind the hymn, and challenged us to move beyond our routine church activities towards genuine worship and praise.
This Sunday, we talked about the challenge of "inattentional blindness"—our tendency to miss what's most important because we're focused on lesser things. By putting Lawrenceville first—meaning seeking God's kingdom within their community—the church can create spaces where people find safety, hope, and freedom.
This Sunday, we explored the concept of scarcity mindset and how it affects our daily lives and spiritual journey. Pastor Adam encouraged us to bring whatever we have to Jesus, no matter how small or inadequate it may seem, and witness how He can multiply it for His purposes and the benefit of others.
This Sunday, we explored the concept of generosity as a key aspect of building God's kingdom. Using the parable of the mustard seed, Pastor Adam illustrated how small acts of intentional giving can grow into significant impacts.
This Sunday, we launched into a new series and a new campaign called Build Your Church. We talked about how we are called to bridges gaps between communities to bring people to Christ. We're excited to be taking this next step in faith together as we continue to connect the church to the community and the community to the church.
This Sunday, we were challenged to move beyond the common understanding of loving only those who love us, and instead embrace Jesus' difficult command to love and pray for our enemies. This love is not about feelings, but about decisions and actions. This approach to love can lead to personal freedom and spiritual growth, reflecting God's perfect love for all people.
This Sunday, we explored Jesus' teachings on anger in the Sermon on the Mount and emphasized how Jesus deepens the understanding of the commandment "You shall not murder" to include the destructive power of anger and insults. Jesus calls us to self-reflection, identifying the causes of our anger, and taking steps towards reconciliation.
This Sunday, Rev. Minho Chung invited us to reflect on the concept of unity within the body of Christ. This unity isn't about uniformity, but about having one heart, one purpose, and one mission. It's a unity centered in Christ, shaped by love, and directed outward. When we live as one in Christ, the world sees God's love through us.
This Sunday, we were reminded that real significance isn't found in achievements or status, but in serving others with humility and love. This act of Jesus isn't just about cleanliness; it's a profound symbol of God's grace and our need to accept it before we can truly serve others.
This Sunday, we talked about how we cannot grow alone in our faith journey, but need to be connected to Christ and to each other.
This Sunday, we talked about the importance of making worship a regular part of our lives. Pastor Adam talked about the role of congregational worship in Christian living and about the impact that worshipping, not only alone but together, has on our lives.
This Sunday, we launched into our new series Open House! Pastor Adam guided us through our Jesus' call for us to be "Place Makers" who create a safe place for people to be their authentic selves and find their belonging in their church. As we kick off a new school year this week, let's remember that every day is an opportunity to prepare a place for someone to feel safe, accepted, and loved.
This Sunday, we talked about the importance of "dressing" ourselves with Christian virtues as we interact with others, particularly in the context of education and community support. Pastor Adam used Paul's letter to the Colossians to illustrate how we should clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and above all, love. These virtues are essential for creating a positive, supportive environment in schools and the community as a whole.
This Sunday, Pastor Adam talked about how our minds are often cluttered with self-centered concerns, leaving little room for Jesus. By shifting our focus to Christ's preeminence in all things, as described in Colossians, we can find true fullness, purpose, and strength.
This Sunday, Rev. Natalie King lead us in a message that explored the importance of mentorship and community in Christian life, drawing from Paul's letter to the Colossians. She highlighted how Paul's mentorship model demonstrates the need for continual prayer, encouragement, and sharing of wisdom among believers to foster spiritual maturity and effective ministry.
This Sunday, Sarah invited us to navigate our 'ordinary time' in the Christian calendar by remembering that these are our days to put into practice the lessons we've learned about Christ's life and teachings. Our community can thrive when we each commit to living out the Spirit's fruit, creating a harvest of love, joy, and peace that impacts not just our church, but the world around us.
This Sunday, we talked about a deeper interpretation of salvation as a process of healing, requiring active cooperation with God's grace. By reframing salvation in this context, the sermon emphasizes the importance of personal growth, spiritual depth, and the ongoing journey of becoming more Christ-like.
This Sunday, we were challenged to consider: How are we allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives today? Are we open to breaking down the walls that divide us and embracing the beautiful diversity within God's family? The Pentecost story encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, to speak God's love in new 'languages,' and to build bridges in our communities.
This Sunday, we talked about how we're not just spectators in God's grand story; we're active participants. Like the disciples, we might feel overwhelmed or unprepared, but Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit's power. This 'dynamis' - the same Greek word from which we get 'dynamite' - is the transformative force that enables us to share God's love in ever-widening circles.
This Sunday we got to hear from Rev. Deanne Lynch as we continued our journey through the Book of James. This week, we talked about the gift of prayer that allows us to talk to God anytime and anywhere.
This Sunday, we explored the profound impact of our words, drawing from the book of James to illustrate how our speech can both bless and curse. We were challenged to be mindful of our words, recognizing them as a reflection of our hearts.
This Sunday we were reminded of the transformative power of knowing we are beloved by God. The book of James, written by Jesus' own brother, offers us practical wisdom on living out our faith. We're challenged to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger - qualities that stem from understanding our identity as God's beloved.
This Sunday we had the opportunity to celebrate Senior Sunday together. At our 9:30 and 11:00 services, we had the opportunity to be led by some of our graduating seniors and to pray a blessing over them as they take their next steps after high school.
McKade Stewart led us in a message that reminded us that we always can return home. No matter how far we might wander, Jesus always welcomes us home.
He is risen! 🌅🙌
This Sunday we celebrated a resurrected Christ that we can see moving right here and right now. The tomb is empty, so the Good Work continues!
This Sunday, we celebrated Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem - Palm Sunday. In today's service, we reflected on this key moment that starts our journey through Holy Week and ultimately to the cross and then to the empty tomb.
This Sunday, we had the privilege of hearing from Reverend Minho Chung as we continue our series Flip the Script. We talked about what it looks like to truly be content and what it takes to reach the level of contentment that Paul talks about in the Book of Philippians.
This Sunday we dug into Paul's call for us to strain forward to that which lays ahead. We talked about how we need to leave the past behind and LIVE for the future.
In Philippians 1, Paul says "to live is Christ." This Sunday, we dove into what life to the fullest really looks like, and we found that when we live and view our circumstances as FOR Christ instead of FROM Christ, we can live our best life.
This Sunday we had the chance to hear from our Director of Connections, Sarah Snyder, as we continued in our series, Flip the Script.
Together, we dug into some key theological concepts relating to Jesus Christ and God the Father. We learned that we are called to have the same mind as Jesus in that we should take our advantages and power over others, lay them at the foot of the cross, and strive to act for the betterment of those around us.
This Sunday we kicked off our new series, Flip the Script. We started off in the Book of Philippians and talked about the importance of taking the long-view when it comes to our faith. Though we often want results now, it's important for us to remember that God is still working in all of our lives.
This Sunday we celebrated Confirmation at LVfirst as we welcomed 10 students into our church family! Confirmation Sunday is a huge "mountain-top" moment for these students as they take the next step in their faith journey. We talked about mountain top moments and how they help shape us and prepare us to not only recognize God on top of the mountain, but to still see God in the valleys.
This Sunday we wrapped up our series, Dear Theophilus, with a discussion around gratitude and how we can be more intentional about giving thanks to God.
This Sunday we're looking at the story of Jesus calming the sea and talking about how we can take back the control that fear has over our lives by trusting Jesus and finding faith IN the midst of our fears.
This Sunday we continued in our series, Dear Theophilus, by looking at the story of the friends who tore the roof off and lowered their friend so that Jesus could heal him. We're looking at their faith and how we can "tear the roof off" of our faith!
This Sunday we started our new series, Dear Theophilus, where we will be sprinting through the story of Luke. Join us this month as we read through the entire Gospel of Luke in a new light and hope that we can gain some new insights as we go!
This Sunday we wrapped up our series, PRODIGAL, with one last look at the story of the Prodigal Son but through the perspective of the Father. We talked about what it means to keep our eyes on the road and what that looks like in our mission to connect the church to the community and the community to the church.
This Sunday we continued our series looking at the story of the Prodigal Son - this time through the perspective of the older son.
This Sunday we continued in our series looking at the story of the Prodigal Son. We focused specifically on the story of the younger son who went against all custom by asking for his inheritance early, spent it all, and returned home to a Father who welcomed him with open arms.
This Sunday we launched into the new year with our series Prodigal where we'll be diving into the story of the Prodigal Son. As we enter into this new year, we are committing to leave the 99 in search of the one that is lost. You are never too lost to be found!
This Sunday we celebrated the Sunday of Love! We talked about the gift of God's love that we are invited not only to receive for ourselves, but to also regift to others.
This Sunday we celebrated the Sunday of Joy! We talked about the difference between happiness and joy, and about how joy is a choice that we have to make each day.
This Sunday we talked about the anxiety that we feel during the Christmas season. During this Christmas season, we are looking to Jesus to take the pieces of our lives and put them back together to bring us peace this season.
This Sunday, we kicked off our Christmas series - Ornamental - where we are talking about the different mentalities, both good and bad, we bring to the holiday season. This week, we started off talking about how hope invites us to look past the past to see the light of Christmas coming.
This Sunday, Pastor Deanne invited us to look at how the table calls us to humility and to recognize that we are all invited to the table - to be in community together.
This week on the After Amen Podcast, we're diving in and talking more about the story of Zaccaeus and what it means to be seen and to see others.
This Sunday we talked about the power of SEEING others. We are all seen by a perfect savior and are invited to gather around the table and see each other.
Welcome back to the After Amen Podcast! We're back after a week off and talking about the new series we started this past Sunday, The Table. Jesus spent a lot of time around the table with friends and strangers alike, so we're diving into what that could look like for us and for our community.
This Sunday we dug into our new series, The Table - where we are looking at what it could mean for us to gather around the table together. Specifically, we took a look at the story of Mary & Martha and how we can often get caught up and lose track of WHY we do what we do.
This Sunday was our special All Saints Sunday service where we remembered and celebrated the lives of the saints who passed away this year. This is an excerpt from that service. You can watch the full service online on YouTube or at www.lvfirst.org/sermons
In this late edition of the After Amen Podcast, we're looking back to Sunday's sermon about humility and going deeper into what that could look like for us and for our church.
When we climb the Ladder of Pride, we put ourselves in a place we were never meant to be - we put ourselves in the place of God. Jesus humbled himself and got on the ground to wash the disciples' feet - we are called to humble ourselves, engage with, and love our neighbors. No matter what differences we have, humility allows us to hold on to our convictions but also allows us to stay in the room with difference.
Watch the full sermon at https://youtu.be/ZSy-3sywE5o
This Sunday we took a look at Paul's letter to the Ephesians and how we are called to be humble followers of Christ. In a world that is so divided, our only solution is to humble ourselves so that we can be a UNITED church.
In this past Sunday's sermon, we talked about what it means to truly BE KIND. After service, Caleb & Adam sat down to dive a little bit deeper into how kindness can strengthen our relationships and how we can practically implement "kindness" into our lives.
This Sunday we took a look at what it truly means to BE KIND. In our world, we often perceive "kindness" as a watered-down expression, but in scripture kindness is used as a powerful means to bring about change in our world. What does that mean for us? What does it look like for us to BE KIND?v
This Monday we're sitting down with Reverend Deanne Lynch to talk about her sermon this past Sunday which was focused around how we can BE Just. We're going to dig a little deeper into what justice means and how the Bible defines justice for us.
This Sunday we continued in our BE Campaign with a message from Reverend Deanne Lynch about how Christ calls us to BE just.
Today we're kicking off a new podcast series called After Amen. Each week, we'll be referring back to the previous Sunday's sermon to go deeper into some of the topics and answer any questions that come up!
In today's episode, we're looking at yesterday's sermon where we kicked off our BE Campaign. Throughout the month of October, we're encouraging each other to BE just, kind, and humble just as we are called to be in Micah 6:8.
If you have a question you'd like us to address on a future episode, please email it to hello@lvfirst.org
This Sunday we kicked off our BE Campaign - our series for the month of October. We started off this series asking ourselves how we can be a people who are known for putting people above politics. We know that when we begin to see people as God sees people, we can truly begin to work together to make a difference in our community and in the world.
At church this past Sunday, we dug into the importance and impact of giving our attention to God. We looked at the importance that communal worship on Sunday mornings has on helping us grow closer to God through our connection to each other.
This Sunday we asked ourselves, "Is Money Worth It?" and looked at the story of the widow who puts 2 coins into the offertory in the Temple. We found out that generosity is worth it when we're giving towards meeting the needs of the people around us!
This Sunday we continued in our Worth It series by diving into how we are called to invest our time in meaningful ways. We looked at the story of the Good Samaritan and how that should be an example for us in our daily lives.
This Sunday we kicked off our new series, Worth It, where we were challenged to ask ourselves "What is it worth to see the Kingdom of God realized here and now?"
We hope that you'll continue joining us in the coming weeks as we journey through this series and continue to challenge ourselves by asking, "is it worth it?"
This Sunday, we took a look at the Great Commission and how we can practically live out Jesus's call for us to "go and make disciples." Everyone has a different story, and you never know when someone will need to hear YOUR story!
This week we continued in our series, Game Plan, and talked about what it means to open our hands and give control over to Jesus.
This Sunday we kicked off our new series, Game Plan. Over the next few weeks we'll be diving into Jesus' game plan for us to become disciples and to invite others to follow Jesus alongside us!
This Sunday we're taking a moment to thank our teachers and give them a special blessing as they kick off a new school year. Pastor Adam also leads us in a conversation about what it means to be "in it to win it" and what it really means for us to "win" as a church and as people of faith.
This Sunday we wrapped up our summer series, PRODUCE, with a conversation around the last fruit of the spirit... Self-Control.
This Sunday we are joined by Reverend Natalie King who leads us in a conversation about Faithfulness as a fruit of the spirit.
This week we're continuing in our series, Produce, where we are diving into the fruits of the spirit. We are joined by Reverend Deanne Lynch who leads us in a discussion about Kindness and Goodness.
This week we're resuming our series, Produce, by diving into the fruits of the spirit: Peace & Patience.
This Sunday, we were joined by Rev. Dr. Heather Jallad to kick off an amazing week of Campmeeting. Heather prepared us for a week of services at the campground by encouraging us to think about the greater things God has in store for us if we center our lives around His mission.
This Sunday, we continued our series - Produce - centered around the Fruit of the Spirit. This week we're looking at how living a life having accepted God's love for us can allow us to live a life of endless Joy.
This week we're celebrating Pentecost and the unity of the Christian Church.
Come, Holy Spirit!
Tune into this week's sermon where we talk about how following God's way makes us better at navigating life and relationships.
This week, we had the opportunity to hear from our Director of Student Ministry - McKade Stewart, as head lead us and our students in a message about abiding in the love of God.
Tune in to this week's sermon where we break down the walk to Emmaus and talk about how Jesus renews our hope by drawing near to us.
In this Sunday's sermon, we're talking about what it would look like if we truly lived - not just as Christians - but as Disciples (Apprentices) of Jesus Christ.
In this week's sermon, we're looking at what it truly means to be fishers of men and what it looks like if the Church turns its attention to connecting with the community.
Want to learn more about LVfirst? Visit us online at www.lvfirst.org
On Easter Sunday we started a new series titled "What If?"
Pastor Adam started the series by encouraging us to start asking "What If? as opposed to asking "what now?"
In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam challenges us to get uncomfortable and start taking small steps daily towards obedience to God. "Great moves of God are usually preceded by simple acts of obedience."
In this week's sermon, we're called to set ourselves and our self-interests aside an come together as a collective to lift up and glorify Jesus.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam leads us in a conversation about shame and how shame affects our ability to connect with God.
This Sunday's scripture lesson was John 2:13-22. We talked about how growing in our faith often requires us to do things that aren't comfortable. Using the story of Jesus over-turning the tables, we are called to look at our lives and turn over the tables in the areas we need to grow in.
This Sunday we got to hear from our Director of Student Ministries, McKade Stewart. McKade encourages us to learn to "lose" in order to gain and grow in our faith.
This week we're kicking off a new sermon series titled, "Comfort Creep". In today's message, you'll hear encouragement from Pastor Adam to use this season of Lent to get out of your comfort zone and encounter Jesus in new ways.
It's Transfiguration Sunday this week and we're talking about how we can live into Jesus's transfiguration by using the past to inform our lives instead of defining our lives.
In this week's sermon, we're getting real and talking about some upcoming debates in the United Methodist Church - but we're also calling for Methodists and all Christians to acknowledge our differences and choose to not let them divide us. Paul calls us to be a UNITED church, not uniform.
This week, we’re having a real conversation around politics and leaning on the 3Practices from Jim Hancock and Jim Henderson: Be unusually interested in the other, stay in the room with difference, and stop comparing my best with your worst.
This Sunday, Pastor Adam invited ReCAST Program Director Marcus Thorne to come and have a conversation around the difference divide and how we can approach the divides around race.
We're kicking off 2024 with a new series titled, Uncommon Ground. This week, we're launching into this new series by talking about getting over the differences that divide us.
In this week's sermon, we hear about the Angels appearing to the Shepherds first to announce the birth of Jesus. When we are able to get over our fears, we find peace in the manger.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam encourages us to look for hope in the unexpected moments.
In this sermon, Pastor Adam talks us through Matthew 25:31-46 and encourages us to be a people who share the Good News of Jesus Christ this Christmas season.
Tune in for this sermon from Pastor Adam as we take a look at Jesus' parable of the talents.
Tune in as Adam sits down with Tommy Scribbins from Uncle Pigskin to talk a bit more about their history and what they're up to at Central Gwinnett High School!
Interested in learning more? We're hosting an information session July 25th at 7:10PM! Register your interest here: https://forms.gle/eaLLmzLerf1Cng1F8
We're sitting down to chat with our Church Administrator, Jeff Poynter, about all things Campmeeting!
Campmeeting starts this Sunday (June 18) and runs through the 22nd! We hope to see you out at the campground: 700 Braselton Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA
Rev. Whit R. Martin is the pastor at Villa Rica First United Methodist Church in Carroll County, GA. Whit has served churches across the conference over the last 17 years with his wife, Ashley. They have two daughters, Laney and Maggie, and are welcoming a baby boy, Beau, this August. Ashley is the daughter of the Rev. Jim Bocian, retired United Methodist minister, and Becky Bocian. Whit grew up at Antioch Campmeeting in Hall County, and is honored to come and serve the Lawrenceville Campground.
Stephen Walters is an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. In 2000, Stephen began his career in local church ministry and has served in roles such as Youth Minister, Associate Pastor, and Lead Pastor. In 2016, Stephen accepted a call from God to transition from ministry in the local church to ministry through counseling. Stephen left working in the local church fulltime to return to school to become a counselor. Stephen graduated from Richmont Graduate University in 2018 with his Masters in Counseling.
Stephen has worked at The Summit Counseling Center since interning in 2017, transitioning to a staff therapist in 2018, and is currently the lead therapist for the Sugar Hill satellite location as well as seeing clients at the main location in Johns Creek. Stephen provides counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. He works with individuals 12 through end of life. His main areas in counseling are trauma, anxiety and depressive disorders, spiritual integration, career and future concerns, grief processing, marriage therapy, premarital counseling, and family counseling. He also has experience with childhood trauma survivors, veterans, and domestic violence.
Stephen is a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, GO DAWGS, and Candler School of Theology. Stephen has been married to Rebekah for over 18 years and they have two sons, Caleb and Seth, who are 10 and 9. They live in Suwanee. Stephen loves hiking, backpacking, spending time with his family, reading, listening to music, drinking coffee, and cheering on his Dawgs!
Quincy D. Brown is the senior pastor of Snellville UMC. Quincy is passionate about discipleship paths that equip people inside the church to imagine new ways to connect people outside the church with Jesus.
Prior to coming to Snellville, Quincy was the District Superintendent and Missional Strategist for 85 churches in the Central South District (DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton & Henry Counties) of the North Georgia Conference.
Quincy is a certified transitional guide and church transformation and revitalization coach with nearly 30 years of ministry serving as a youth minister, assistant pastor, executive pastor, and a college chaplain and vice president at LaGrange College. Quincy is the author of Discipleship Path: Guiding Congregations to Connect with Jesus.
A native of Gainesville, Georgia, Quincy is a graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology (BS, Electronic Engineering Technology), Candler School of Theology at Emory University (M.Div.) and Gammon Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (D.Min.)
Quincy loves reading and collecting Marvel Comics, he has a growing Marvel action figure collection, and loves all things that are Hulk-related. He enjoys walking and playing basketball.
Rev. Blair Boyd Zant is a pastor, preacher, wife, and mother, and Director of the Center for Congregational Excellence for the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. CCE exists to support, resource, and equip congregational leaders in making disciples for Christ, and witnessing transformation in the lives of individuals and communities. She specializes in leadership development, strategic vision planning, worship, and welcome. She loves to preach, but her favorite place is around the Communion Table. She is a proud graduate of the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and Duke Divinity School (Go Blue Devils!). She has served Sardis UMC, Sandy Springs UMC, and Cannon UMC in Snellville, where she served as Co-Senior Pastor alongside her husband Rev. Will Zant. Will is now the Lead Pastor of Haygood Memorial UMC in Midtown Atlanta. In every season, Blair's work is meant to honor Christ, and promote true collaboration between congregants, between congregations, and between congregations and their communities. "I want everything I do to bring about Oneness: with Christ, with Others, and in Ministry to the World.
Sam Dawkins is the pastor of West Georgia Church and campus minister of UWG Wesley. Originally from Conyers, GA, Sam went to the University of Georgia where he felt called to ordained ministry while participating at the UGA Wesley Foundation. He graduated from the Candler School of theology with a Masters of Divinity in 2015. Sam served on staff at The UGA Wesley Foundation, Hartwell FUMC, and FUMC Lawrenceville before being appointed to Carrollton in 2017. Sam and his wife, Natasha, welcomed their first son Noah into the world in September 2020.
In this week's Episode Logan leads a discussion around WHY we worship and what we should expect when we walk through the doors on Sunday mornings.