Midway Christian Church Sermon Podcast: Recent Episodes
Midway Christian Church
Listen to sermons from Sunday mornings at Midway Christian Church in Midway KY. These sermons are delivered by Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl or guest preachers.
https://www.midwaychristian.org
Part 7: Anything but Ordinary, August 11, 2024
"Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel"
Genesis 29: 15-28
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:
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CVLI: 505440248
"All for One and One for All” Ephesians 4: 1-16, August 4, 2024
"All for One and One for All"
Ephesians 4: 1-16
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Katherine Alexander, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:
CCLI: 948745
Streaming: 20246756
One License: 737814-A
CVLI: 505440248
“A Touching Faith” Mark 5: 21-34, July 28, 2024
Rev. Bill McDonald, guest preacher
Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:
CCLI: 948745
Streaming: 20246756
One License: 737814-A
CVLI: 505440248
Part 6: Anything but Ordinary, July 21, 2024
"Jacob's Dream at Bethel"
Genesis 28: 10-19
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:
CCLI: 948745
Streaming: 20246756
One License: 737814-A
CVLI: 505440248
Part 5: Anything but Ordinary, July 14, 2024
"The Birth of Jacob and Esau"
Genesis 25: 19-34
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Portions of this recording are coveredby one of the following licenses:
CCLI: 948745
Streaming: 20246756
One License: 737814-A
CVLI: 505440248
Part 4: Anything but Ordinary, July 7, 2024
"The Marriage of Isaac and Rebekah"
Genesis 24
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:
CCLI: 948745
Streaming: 20246756
One License: 737814-A
CVLI: 505440248
Part 3: Anything but Ordinary, June 26, 2024
The summer is considered a season of Ordinary Time in the life of the Church—a season in between the mystifying resurrection of Jesus at Easter, and Jesus’ birth, visited anew, at Advent. The lectionary texts for these weeks follow the family narratives of Abraham, which are stories that make the title “ordinary” seem laughable.
Ordinary time is punctuated by a God who keeps showing up—persistently, creatively, and lovingly—in ways that are surprising, transformative, joyful, reconciling, and unifying. The movement of the Spirit is anything but ordinary. (Sanctified Art)
"The Binding of Isaac"
Genesis 22: 1-14
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:
CCLI: 948745
Streaming: 20246756
One License: 737814-A
CVLI: 505440248
“Godzilla vs Kong, Euodia vs Syntyche” Philippians 4: 1-7, June 16, 2024
Rev. Bill McDonald, guest preacher
Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:
CCLI: 948745
Streaming: 20246756
One License: 737814-A
CVLI: 505440248
Part 2: Anything but Ordinary, June 9, 2024
The summer is considered a season of Ordinary Time in the life of the Church—a season in between the mystifying resurrection of Jesus at Easter, and Jesus’ birth, visited anew, at Advent. The lectionary texts for these weeks follow the family narratives of Abraham, which are stories that make the title “ordinary” seem laughable.
Ordinary time is punctuated by a God who keeps showing up—persistently, creatively, and lovingly—in ways that are surprising, transformative, joyful, reconciling, and unifying. The movement of the Spirit is anything but ordinary. (Sanctified Art)
"Hagar and Ishmael are Cast Away"
Genesis 21: 8-21
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:
CCLI: 948745
Streaming: 20246756
One License: 737814-A
CVLI: 505440248
Part 1: Anything but Ordinary, June 2, 2024
The summer is considered a season of Ordinary Time in the life of the Church—a season in between the mystifying resurrection of Jesus at Easter, and Jesus’ birth, visited anew, at Advent. The lectionary texts for these weeks follow the family narratives of Abraham, which are stories that make the title “ordinary” seem laughable.
Ordinary time is punctuated by a God who keeps showing up—persistently, creatively, and lovingly—in ways that are surprising, transformative, joyful, reconciling, and unifying. The movement of the Spirit is anything but ordinary. (Sanctified Art)
"A Child Promised to Abraham and Sarah"
Genesis 18: 1-5; 21: 1-7
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Portions of this recording are coveredby one of the following licenses:
CCLI: 948745
Streaming: 20246756
One License: 737814-A
CVLI: 505440248
"Send Me" Isaiah 6: 1-8, May 26, 2024
"Send Me"
Isaih 6: 1-8
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:
CCLI: 948745
Streaming: 20246756
One License: 737814-A
CVLI: 505440248
May 19, 2024 - Pentecost Sunday
Today we gather with our brothers and sisters of Historic Second Christian Church and welcome Pastor Rick Smith as preacher.
"TBD: To Be Determined"
Acts 2: 37-47
Pastor Rick Smith of Historic Second Christian Church, Midway KY
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
https://minrsmith.wixsite.com/hscc-midway
www.midwaychristian.org
Portions of this recording are covered by one of the following licenses:
CCLI: 948745Streaming: 20246756One License: 737814-ACVLI: 505440248
Part 6: The 50 Great Days of Easter, May 12, 2024
"Joy Made Complete"
John 17: 6-19
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KYwww.midwaychristian.org
Part 5: The 50 Great Days of Easter, May 5, 2024
"Love One Another"
Joh 15: 9-17
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Part 4: The 50 Great Days of Easter, April 28, 2024
"Plastic Jesus: Real Faith in A Synthetic World"
Psalm 23
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Part 3: The 50 Great Days of Easter, April 21, 2024
"Beloved Community"
John 10: 11-18; Psalm 23
Guest Preacher: Rev. Katherine Alexander, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
"Witnesses to These Things" Luke 24: 36b-48, April 14, 2024
As ones who have experienced the Risen Savior in our lives, who know a Savior who showed us a new way, who have accepted Jesus as our Lord who showed us death and brokenness do not have the last word, as ones who are the Body of Christ here on Earth, we are witnesses to all these things.
"Witnesses to These Things"
Luke 24: 36b-48
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
"Have Life in His Name" John 20: 19-31, April 7, 2024
The gift of the empty tomb is the physical reminder that this world will not, does not, have the last word; that we as disciples are called to share the Good News of God’s grace and love so that all will have life in his name. The gift of the empty tomb is a physical reminder that we have a choice, that as disciples we are at a crossroads moment for our faith, for our congregation, for ourselves.
"Have Life in His Name"
John 20: 19-31
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KYwww.midwaychristian.org
Part 7: God is Doing Amazing Things! Are You UP For It? March 31, 2024
Rather than focus on the busyness of church, we are called to focus on the business of the empty tomb by embracing the knowledge that Light and Love overcame the darkness, that God is still working, still writing the story of love and grace that transforms us into the people God created us to be."Look Up"
Mark 16: 1-8
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Part 6: God Is Doing Something Amazing! Are You UP For It? March 24, 2024
On this Palm Sunday, John is inviting us, calling us, as Jesus’ followers, to sit up and observe, to sit up and see, to sit up and take notice of the coming of the Kingdom of God. For it will come to us as we gather around the table at the Last Supper. For it will come to us as we gather beneath the cross at Golgotha. For it will come to us when Jesus is laid in the tomb."Sit Up"
John 12: 12-26
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Part 5: God is Doing Amazing Things! Are You UP For It? March 17, 2024
The author of John understands that it is only through the act of Jesus being lifted up, that we as his followers, as his disciples, as the people of God, can see the significance of that moment upon our lives, upon our faith, and upon our world.
"Lift Up"
John 12: 20-33
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Part 4: God is Doing Something Amazing! Are You UP for it? March 10, 2024
The light which John talks about in today’s scripture is the Light of the World. It is an invitation to allow our journeys through life to serve as a witness for others. Rather than following the narrative of this world that tells us to hide our imperfections, to deny our fully human selves, it invites us to share our light with others. This Light of the World invites us to be up to something good in our community. This Light of God’s love and grace invites us, no it tells us, to let our light shine."Light Up"
John 3: 14-21
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KYwww.midwaychristian.org
Part 3: God is Doing Something Amazing! Are You UP for It? March 3, 2024
We rise up because we know who holds us and surrounds us with love and grace; because we are grounded in the peace which passes all understanding; and because of God’s enduring presence in our lives. We rise up as a testimony to God’s grace and Spirit moving in and among our world, bringing healing and wholeness. We rise to take the world to its feet and move mountains, not because of who we are but because of who our God is – loving and steadfast, faithful, and compassionate. We rise because we know the story is not finished yet.
"Rise Up"
Psalm 102: 1-13
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Part 2: God is Doing Something Amazing! Are You UP For It? February 25, 2024
As disciples of Jesus, we are given an invitation to participate in the work of building up God’s Beloved Community by taking up our cross and following Jesus. This invitation is a reminder that our faith is not a lifestyle choice or passing fade. It is a calling which shapes everything about us; our words, our actions, our relationships. It shapes how we view the world, how we engage each other as Beloved Children of God.
"Take Up"
Mark 8: 31-39
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Part 1: God is Doing Something Amazing! Are You UP For It? February 18, 2024
Lent is often known as a time of giving something up in order to make room in our lives for spiritual pursuits. Rather than just “giving up” in Lent, the scriptures ask us to consider all that Jesus is “up to” and all that he asks us to be up to in his name. Instead of bemoaning what we can’t do, or used to do, in a culture where “measuring up” to external standards seems impossible, this Lent we will celebrate the small things that we can do right now to respond to God’s call in our place, for our time."Store Up"
Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KYwww.midwaychristian.org
The Gospel of Mark Chapter 1 (Part 4) February 11, 2024
Being a disciple of Christ takes willingness – a willingness to invite, to allow, and to open ourselves up to the power of transformation that the good news has upon our lives; a willingness to effect change in our lives, in our communities, and in others; a willingness to cross borders and engage issues of racism, sexism, and discrimination. Being a disciple of Christ takes a willingness to become whole, a willingness to grow, and a willingness to welcome.
"I Am Willing" Mark 1: 40-45
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
The Gospel of Mark Chapter 1 (Part 3) January 28, 2024
The Beloved Community that Jesus taught to his disciples is inclusive and authentic, and not like the systems of our world today which are designed to separate and divide. This Beloved Community shows us that there is a new way to live, a new way to be in relationship with one another, and a new way to understand community.
"A New Teaching" Mark 1: 21-28
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
The Gospel of Mark Chapter 1 (Part 2) January 21, 2024
As a Disciples of Christ congregation, we recognize that we are all ministers. The pastor preaches the sermon, but all of us are ministers for the church. Today, on Laity Sunday, we discuss the findings, thus far, from the Thriving Congregations initiative that Midway Christian Church joined in 2020.This initiative “seeks to expand the relationship by answering the question, ‘How can we create opportunities that lead to thriving congregations so they in turn becomes sites from with others, particularly pastors, lay leaders, and students, can learn with and from congregations?’ ” (lextheo.edu)"Follow Me" Mark 1: 14-20
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
The Gospel of Mark, Chapter 1 (Part 1) January 14, 2024
The baptismal waters which wash us clean are the same waters of justice which roll down and shape the landscape. shape the people, and shape our relationships into the Beloved Community of God. These waters of justice, waters of life, waters of our baptism remind us that our primary identity is as God’s Beloved in whom God is well pleased.
"Beloved" Mark 1: 4-11
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KYwww.midwaychristian.org
It's A Wonderful Life (Part 4), December 24, 2023When we gather on this fourth Sunday of Advent, we come to hear the familiar, beloved stories of God’s love dwelling among us, to remind us that as people of faith there is a different way to be, a different way to be in relationship with one another, a different way to be in community with one another."Treasure It!" Luke 2: 1-20
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
It's A Wonderful Life (Part 3), December 17, 2023As people of faith, we have been given words of joy from our God who loves us more than we could ever imagine, words which remind us over and over again, that when it seems like the darkness is closing in, like we don’t have the strength to carry on, that is exactly when the Kingdom of God breaks in and shakes us up, wakes us up to the hope, to the peace, to the very joy which has been promised to us by our God since the beginning of time."Enjoy It!" Isaiah 35: 1-10
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
It's A Wonderful Life (Part 2) December 10, 2023
We have been given the promise that in the days to come, our future will contradict our present, that one day, all nations will stream to the Lord’s House and be ready, be willing to listen, to hear, to be taught, to be immersed in God’s way of love and grace, that one day, power and might, greed and money will not be the narrative which drives all interactions between the nations of the world.
"Find Peace in It!" Isaiah 2: 1-5
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KYwww.midwaychristian.org
It's A Wonderful Life (Part 1) December 3, 2023
Advent is a time when we as Christians wait, when we hear once again the promises given to us, when we expectantly hope for Christ’s coming again, when we anticipate the fulfilment of God’s Belove Community here on Earth through the birth of Jesus Christ. While we wait, we are called to find meaning, to find purpose in the everyday moments of our lives, and to realize that it truly is a wonderful life!
"Hope in It!" Isaiah 11: 1-10
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
November 26, 2023
Using our Bibles and our experiences we, as Disciples of Christ, are called to proclaim to the world who we know Jesus to be. He is our Christ, our King, our Lord of Lords. He is the one who died upon the cross so that we might live. As Disciples of Christ, we as individuals are the authorities when it comes to matters of theolog and are called to make profound statements of faith about who Jesus is and why his coming to the world was necessary.
"All the Nations Will Be Gathered in Front of Him" Matthew 25: 31-46Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
November 19, 2023
On this Thanksgiving Sunday, we gather to praise God and give thanks for His blessings and gifts. As we will learn, Luke’s message today challenges us to think about what it means to say thank you to those who extend to us acts of kindness offers of grace.
"With Thanksgiving" Luke 17: 11-19Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
November 12, 2023
"Roads of Transformation" Acts 9: 1-9
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Kris Bentley of Lexington Theological Seminary
Midway Christian Church, Midway KYwww.midwaychristian.org
Good Grief (Part 5) November 5, 2023
By talking about grief within our community of faith, we begin to realize that “when we bring space and warmth to our painful emotions, they are free to arise, do their little dance, and move on. We also know that by bringing space and warmth to our painful emotions, we are also creating room for the presence of God in our midst.” We are opening ourselves up to the possibilities of new life. We are inviting the light and love of God to bring healing and wholeness to our hurts."God, Will You Help?" Psalm 46
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KYwww.midwaychristian.org
Good Grief (Part 4) October 29, 2023
We can hold on to the promise that God is there for us and that God is there with us. And as people of faith in a true, authentic relationship with God, we can hold God accountable. We have every right to “remind God of God’s faithfulness, to remind God of God’s involvement in the world, to plead with God to change the world, and to believe strongly enough in our anger that God will in fact respond.”"God, Why Have You Abandoned Me?" Psalm 22
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KYwww.midwaychristian.org
Good Grief (Part 3) October 22, 2023
Our sacred text constantly reminds us that our God is big enough to handle our doubts, to handle our fears, to handle our worries, to handle our anger, to handle our questions and still…and still be in relationship with us, and still show us grace upon grace upon grace."God, Why Are You Punishing Me?" Job 3
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KYwww.midwaychristian.org
Good Grief (Part 2) October 15, 2023As as we begin to process our grief, we are in the unique position to connect the pain and suffering in others’ lives to Jesus’ pain and suffering. Because what we discovered and experienced in our own grief is the healing power of the Gospel message, that our God, who cares for us, sits with us, and surrounds us, continues to fill us with light and love."God, Do You Care" Psalm 139: 1-18Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Good Grief (Part 1) October 8, 2023Whether a loss is from a physical death, divorce, declining health, bankruptcy, life transitions, finding gray hair and more wrinkles on our faces when we look in the mirrors, grief from our children growing up and becoming more independent and needing us less and less to some other wound or hurt we have experienced in our lives or in our world, every loss deserves a fitting grief, deserves a good grief."God, Are You Even There" Psalm 13Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Sacred Earth, Sacred Worth (Part 6) September 24, 2023It simply not enough to say we will love one another. We are called to practice what we preach, practice the example given to us by Our Creator which is one of surrender, of humility, of grace, and of connection.
"Healing Relationships" 1 John 4: 7-21
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KYwww.midwaychristian.org
Sacred Earth, Sacred Worth (Part 5) September 10, 2023
There is so much hate in this world especially against people who look differently from us, think differently from us, or have different life styles than us. Too often we assume that if we all look alike, think alike, dress alike, live alike, then we will achieve peace while in reality when the Spirit calls to be one, it is calling us to unity, not uniformity.
"Glorious Diversity" Genesis 11: 1-9
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Sacred Earth, Sacred Worth (Part 4) September 3, 2023
As people of faith, we are called not to look around for someone else to deal with the brokenness and hurt that fills our world but Rather as co-partners in working to bring about God’s beloved community here on Earth. We are that someone.
"Sacred Creative Vocation" Isaiah 6: 1-8
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Sacred Earth, Sacred Worth (Part 3) August 27, 2023
Short description of sermon – use header from sermon blog.
"The Paths of Life" Psalm 30
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Sacred Earth, Sacred Worth (Part 2) August 20, 2023
When we begin the work of reconciliation and healing in compassion, literally meaning “with passion”, with the energy of love, we are drawn into relationship with those around us. We begin to embrace our connections to each other, to the world around us. We begin to see others, see Creation as good, as ones which reflect the light and love of God.
"Spirit of Compassion" Mark 12: 28-34 Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Sacred Earth, Sacred Worth (Part 1), August 13, 2023
The Creation story shows us a model of shared power, shared capacity, shared obligation for tending. It reminds us that “genuine interaction and interdependence are characteristics of God’s creative activity.
"Creation as Blessing" Genesis 1-2: 4
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
July 30, 2023
“Then you shall know that I the Lord have spoken and will act.” We speak about unconditional love, but do we act it? We can count on God for unconditional love for us, but we can also count of God to do the same through us.
"Dem Bones" Ezekiel 37: 1-14
Rev. Bill Mcdonald, guest preacher, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY www.midwaychristian.org
Lessons from Paul's Letter to the Romans (Part 3) July 23, 2023
Because of God’s grace and love, because we have been transformed, because we know that this world does not have the last word, as disciples of Christ, we are invited, not just to have a passive faith in a deity some light years away, but to be encouraged to embody a life grounded in the promises of the resurrection, in the hope of the good news.
Lessons from Paul's Letter to the Romans (Part 3) "Hope of Resurrection" Romans 6: 1-14
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY www.midwaychristian.org
Lessons from Paul's Letter to the Romans (Part 2) July 16, 2023
Paul says that those who have been justified by faith have been set in right relationship with God, not because of anything we did do deserve it. But rather we are in right relationship because of who God is…a God who is slow to anger, a God who is faithful from generation to generation, a God who in steadfast in love.
Lessons from Paul's Letter to the Romans (Part 2) "God's Love Poured Out" Romans 3: 28-30; 5: 1-11
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY www.midwaychristian.org
Lessons from Paul's Letter to the Romans (Part 1) July 9, 2023
As people of faith, we struggle to name what the Gospel actually means. We struggle to name how it transforms our faith. And we struggle with words like salvation, especially in relation to the good news.
"Gospel as Salvation" Romans 1: 1-17 Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
The Awakened Traveler (Part 4) June 25, 2023
Whether we have traveled the world or not, learning about the world and its peoples, expanding our connections to those in our own community that have diverse backgrounds and experiences, is part of the Journey of Love to which we are called.
"Returning Home" John 15: 1-17 Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY www.midwaychristian.org
The Awakened Traveler (Part 3) June 18, 2023
When we encounter the world with all its beauty and its suffering, we get to see the larger picture and realize that our views and our ways of living, that our ways of understanding things, that even our way of worship. are one among many.
"The Reflection" Revelation 21: 22-26 Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY www.midwaychristian.org
The Awakened Traveler (Part 2) June 11, 2023
As travelers, we are challenged “to consider the impact of [our] travel on the people [we] meet, to delve deeply into the wonder of God’s created world – and God’s people – and to think carefully about how [our] travel helps (or hinders) matters of peace and justice.” (from “Faithful Travel” by Rick Steves)
"The Encounter" John 4: 7-40 Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY www.midwaychristian.org
The Awakened Traveler (Part 1) June 4, 2023
God intentionally led the people of Israel out of Egypt by a roundabout way, reminding us that sometimes the best part of the journey is not arriving at the destination but what we learn along the way, the people we meet, the experiences we have, the opportunities to try something new because as the people of Israel soon learn “beginning a journey involves leaving ‘home’–whether that is a physical place in order to explore another part of the world, or changing a mindset that is keeping us from expanding our spiritual capacity.”
"Leaving Home" Exodus 13: 17-21
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
May 28, 2023This is Pentecost...where the old is made new, where the celebration which honors the first fruits of the harvest takes on new meaning, where all the people of God are reminded of our connection to and for each other.
"The Day of Pentecost" Acts 2: 1-21Scripture Reading: Pastor Rick Smith, Historic Second Christian Church, Midway KYSermon: Rev. Heather McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
May 21, 2023
Jesus leaves his disciples with, leaves us with, this. . . a reminder that “it is in living out God’s love for the world that we have oneness with God, that we have oneness with each other.” This oneness is not uniformity. It is unity.
"Made Your Name Known" John 17: 1-11
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
May 14, 2023
We were given the Spirit of Truth to guide us, to ground us in God’s Wisdom, and to help us find our way as we become the embodiment of God’s love as we live out the vision of God’s Beloved Community coming to fruition here on Earth.
"Spirit of Truth" John 14: 15-21
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
May 7, 2023
As people of faith, we know that we are not alone, that we are surrounded by a community of brothers and sisters who walk with us, that we have the promise that there is nothing that can ever separate us from God's love. "This is true hope, even when our hearts are troubled."
"Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled" John 14: 1-14,
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
April 30, 2023
At the Table, the disciples catch a glimpse of the Kingdom of God, which invites them to hear again that death does not have the last word. That in the Kingdom of God, all are seen as Beloved Children of God, that at the Table, there are no seats of power or honor, there are only opportunities for all to be embraced as equals.
"How Did We Not Know?" Luke 24: 13-35
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
April 23, 2023
"Jesus is not following a formula or an etiquette book. Jesus in acting in love, performing what we might today call, team building. Jesus is taking care of his disciples before he leaves them." -Ginger Barfield
"The Dash" John 13: 10-17
Guest Preacher Ambrose Wilson, IV, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
April 16, 2023 - Earth Sunday
Our scripture this morning is not a typical Earth Sunday passage. Rather it is a confrontation and a conversation about the ways of world, specifically in how we care for the land and care for others in crisis.
"The Church Needs to be A Joseph" Genesis 41: 14-36
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Measure Your Life in Love (Part 7) April 9, 2023
For Mark, what matters is that we have the promise that transformation, that the new life of the empty tomb, meets us in every single minute of every single day. For Mark and for us…the story is still being written."How Do You Measure Transformation" Mark 16: 1-8
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KYwww.midwaychristian.org
Measure Your Life in Love (Part 6)April 2, 2023
We need to hear again, that this world does not have the last word; that to know that God is still at work in our world; that for times such as these, as people of faith, we are called to preach the good news always, using words when necessary; that just when it seems hopeless, like the darkness has won, like it is all too much, the Kingdom of God will always find us.
Palm Sunday sermonMatthew 21: 1-11("How Do You Measure the Life of A Woman or A Man?")
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Measure Your Life in Love (Part 5) March 26, 2023
Grace is often so intangible that we don’t know we need it until after we have experienced it.
"How Do You Measure Grace" John 3: 1-21
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Measure Your Life in Love (Part 4) March 19, 2023
Authentic community, the Beloved Community of the the Kingdom of God is based on unity, not uniformity."How Do You Measure Community" Matthew 18: 10-20
Rev. Dr. Heather W.McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Measure Your Life in Love (Part 3) March 12, 2023
Everyone’s spiritual journey, everyone’s spiritual growth is different because we have had different life experiences. We are from different backgrounds. We see life differently because of these various lenses."How Do You Measure Spiritual Growth?" Luke 8: 4-15
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Measure Your Life in Love (Part 2) March 5, 2023
“No one can serve two masters, for a slave will either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth”. -Matthew 6: 24"How Do You Measure Wealth?" Matthew 6: 19-21, 24
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Measure Your Life in Love (Part 1) February 26, 2023
Just as Jesus reminds his disciples, Jesus reminds us that success looks very different in the Kingdom of God. Success in the Kingdom of God looks like the selling of what you own, and giving the money to the poor; like following Jesus to the cross; like for “whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant.”"How Do You Measure Success?" Mark 10: 35-45
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Lessons from the Gospel of Matthew (Part 5) February 19, 2023
It is not enough to just hear the words of the Sermon on the Mount. As disciples of Christ, As disciples of Christ, we are called to incorporate them into our lives, to let them become a part of who we are, to let them transform us into the people God calls us and created us to be and then to follow them with all our heart, mind and soul. "What Do These Things Have in Common?" Matthew 7: 1-14, 24-29
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Lessons from the Gospel of Matthew (Part 4) February 12, 2023
Pondering the lilies of the field and the birds of the air "invites us to return to the miracle of the present moment, to remember amidst the everyday troubles of life that ‘there is a today; it is’ ". (Kierkegaard 2018: 76)
"Lilies of the Field" Matthew 6: 25-34
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Lessons from the Gospel of Matthew (Part 3) February 5, 2023
God created the light. Jesus is light in the darkness. And yet we, fragile and flawed human beings, are the light of the world. Jesus says, “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others.”
"Salt and Light" Matthew 5: 13-20
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Lessons from the Gospel of Matthew (Part 2) January 29, 2023
As people of faith, we have spiritualized the Beatitudes so much so that we think of them only as a way to get into Kingdom of Heaven. Instead, we should look at them as an invitation to embody these blessings in our lives as disciples of Christ so that we can “see more clearly the ways we can act to bring God’s Kingdom into people’s lives.”
"Blessed Are You" Matthew 3: 13-17
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Lessons from the Gospel of Matthew (Part 1) January 15, 2023
Jesus’ identity is confirmed….not by the crowds who like his teaching, not even by the he heals. Jesus’ identity is confirmed by the one who formed his very being, who breathed life into his bones, who created him in God’s image.
"The Beloved" Matthew 3: 13-17
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Reflecting the Sacred (Part 4) December 18, 2022
Both Isaiah and Matthew, remind us that God is with us; that God is at work in this world; that the process of healing, of wholeness, of sacred knowing is grounded in the story of love and light which has been unfolding since the beginning of time.
"Sacred Knowing" Isaiah 7: 10-16 Matthew 1: 18-25
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Reflecting the Sacred (Part 3) December 11, 2022
“Christ invests himself organically in all creation, within all creation, immersing himself in things, in the heart of matter, and thus unifying the world” -Ilia Delio."Sacred Space" Isaiah 35: 1-10; Luke 1: 46b-55
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
Reflecting the Sacred (Part 2) December 27, 2022
In the midst of all the noise which fills our lives, can we as people of faith still hear God’s voice speaking to us, calling to us, reminding us who we are, reminding us whose we are. Can we hear this call to reconnect in the midst of all that noise which pulls us away from the sacred in our midst?
“Sacred People” Matthew 3: 1-13; Romans 15: 4-13
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
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Reflecting the Sacred (Part 1) November 27, 2022
As a community of faith, we are being invited to soften our focus on life, to blur the hard edges of our lives, to see the whole picture with our hearts, to train our hearts to love as God loves, and to look at life through the reflections of the sacred.
“Keep Awake” Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
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November 20, 2022
Jesus wants the people to understand that it would have been enough that God provided physical bread to end their hunger pains. But God did more than that. God sent the Bread of Life to the people to satisfy the people’s spiritual hunger.
"Bread of Life" John 6: 25-35
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY
www.midwaychristian.org
November 13, 2022
God never promises bad things will never happen to us. What God does promise us is that we do not have to be afraid because we know God is there with us, guiding us and leading us, God is there, surrounding us with grace. We do not have to be afraid because we know that God will always have the last word.
"Things Are About to Happen" Luke 21: 5-19
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
This Here Flesh (Part 8) November 6, 2022
"There are times when belonging is not cemented in the lived moment of an experience but in the lively or somber retelling of the moment afterward. Which means we can transfer belonging to the next generation by welcoming them into memories that they (or we) have not lived but choose to steward”. -Cole Arthur Riley
"Memory" Deuteronomy 6: 4-9; Luke 24: 13-25
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
This Here Flesh (Part 7) October 30, 2022
“We are a people more concerned with ruling than loving. This is a mistake that positions us in places where we are no longer close enough to another person or thing to perceive its pain or need. To be human in an aching world is to know our dignity and become people who safeguard the dignity of everything around us. To protect everything may seem like too great a call. But we will not survive without it.” -Cole Arthur Riley.
"Justice and Liberation" Amos 5: 23-24; Matthew 11: 2-30
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
This Here Flesh (Part 6) October 23, 2022
I think we were made to be delighted in. And I think it takes just as much strength to believe someone’s joy about you as it does to muster it all on your own. -Cole Arthur Riley
"Repair and Joy" Ezra 3: 10-13; Philippians 4: 1-9,
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
This Here Flesh (Part 5) October 16, 2022
What does it mean that Christ doesn’t just scream but also physically overturns tables? What does it mean that Christ doesn’t just lament the bare fig tree but damns it, leaving his followers with gaping mouth and no immediate resolution? -Cole Arthur Riley
"Rage" Psalm 13; Mark 11: 12-17 Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY www.midwaychristian.org
This Here Flesh (Part 4), October 9, 2022
Our faith story tells us that God makes us lie down in green pastures, that through rest and renewal we will find salvation, that sometimes when we are feeling as if we don’t have our feet underneath us the best thing we can do is go have a little snack and take a nap.
"Rest" Psalm 23: 4b-6; Luke 8: 22-25
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
World Communion Sunday Community Service, October 2, 2022.
As we find ourselves in a place where the church is more and more segregated, let us work to bring denominations together; to bring the people who follow Christ together, with the sharing of the one thing we all share in, that is Holy Communion.
"Us" 2 Timothy 1 7-9
Rev. William Hale of St. Paul AME Church, Versailles, KY
Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
"Wonder and Calling" Psalm 19; Matthew 18: 1-5
Fear comes in many different shapes, forms and experiences. We try to stave fear off by grasping by what we control when in reality what our faith teaches us is it is not one or the other. To be human is to be vulnerable, is to know that life is uncertain, to know that God has given us promises.
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
"Place and Belonging" Genesis 28 1-5; John 14 1-4
"In a Christian community everything depends upon whether each individual is an indispensible link in a chain. Only when even the smallest link is securely interlocked is the chain unbreakable." -Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
This Here Flesh (Part 1) September 4, 2022
This worship series is based on the book "This Here Flesh" by Cole Arthur Riley.
"If we are divided from our body, we are also divided from the body of the world-which then appears to be other than us, or separate from us, rather than the living continuum to which we belong.” – Philip Shepherd
"Body and Dignity" Genesis 1: 27-28; Hebrews 2: 5-9;14
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
"Places of Honor" Luke 14: 1, 7-14
The Kingdom of God is like a place of honor that is given to all regardless of social status, wealth, or education. The Kingdom of God is like a gift freely given. It cannot be earned. It cannot be bought. The Kingdom of God is like the first time we were all accepted for who we are, not for what we can do for others.
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
www.midwaychristian.org
"Set Free" Luke 13: 10-17
Sabbath is not simply about rest, although that is a huge part. Sabbath is about bringing about God’s Peaceable Kingdom here on Earth.
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
https://midwaychristian.org
"Interpreting the Present Time" Luke 12: 49-56
For us to be the people that God created and calls us to be, we cannot accept unity if it is defined as uniformity. No longer is peace about making everyone comfortable, everyone happy. Luke reminds us that the Gospel is not about keeping the peace, buy about the Kingdom of God coming to fruition here on Earth just as it is in heaven.
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
Lessons From the Gospel of Luke (Part 3) August 7, 2022
When we realize that God’s creation is not given to us to be used and abused but rather to be enjoyed, to be celebrated, to be seen as our connection to a world larger than us, everything changes.
"Be Ready" Luke 12: 32-40
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
Flesh and blood are rooted in this current life where nothing lasts forver. There is a change, a change that is exactly what the Gospel, and Paul, promised. Nothing lasts forever.
"A Change is Gonna Come" 1 Corinthians 15: 51-58
Ambrose Wilson, IV, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
As humans, we don’t need everything and anything but through God, we have access to all we need. We only need enough; what is sufficient.
"The Seeds of Abundance" James 3: 13-4: 3, 7-8a; Luke 11: 9-13
Rev. Katherine Alexander, Midway Christian Church, Midway KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
Lessons From the Gospel of Luke (Part 2) July 17, 2022
Luke’s Parable of the Good Samaritan, a story of what happens when we allow religion to become our focus, is followed by the story of Mary and Martha to show us what happens when we allow service to become our focus. When either of these (service/discipleship) is out of balance, we lose our connection to our faith.
"Distracted by Many Things" Luke 10: 38-42
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
Lessons From the Gospel of Luke (Part1) "The Kingdom of God Has Come Near" July 10, 2022 Jesus didn’t send out his disciples when his work was complete, He sent them out in the midst of the uncertainty and the unknown; Jesus didn’t send out his disciples when everything was solved or decided, He sent them out to proclaim that the Kingdom of God had come near long before His death and resurrection. "The Kingdom of God Has Come Near" Luke 10: 1-11 Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY https://www.midwaychristian.org
We Are the Church...Let's Act Like It (Part 7) June 26, 2022. Witnessing is speaking to our truth, knowing that some will believe and others will not; pointing to the Kingdom of God in our midst, knowing that some will think we are foolish while others are transformed; speaking to the things that matter to us as people of faith…loving kindness, making justice and walking humbly with our God. "Act as A Witness" Acts 28: 23-31 Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY https://www.midwaychristian.org
We Are the Church...Let's Act Like It (Part 6) June 19, 2022
God is with us, that God will always be with us, that God will empower us, God will strengthen us, God will transform us to become the people this world needs us to be...people of hope, people of grace, people of justice.
"Act With Courage" Acts 21: 1-14
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
We Are the Church...Let's Act Like It (Part 5), June 12, 2022.
Just as Paul did for the early church, the church today (particulary post-pandemic) is also called to engage people where they are.
"Act With Perseverance" Acts 17: 16-31
Rev. Dr.Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
Pentecost Sunday June 5, 2022.
We are spiritual beings, not physical ones. But we are having a physical experience. . .
"Spriitual Minds Fighting Carnal Laws Roman " Romans 8: 5-10
Pastor Rick Smith, Historic Second Christian Church, Midway, KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
We Are the Church...Let's Act Like It (Part 4) May 29, 2022.
God isn’t doing a new thing, God is doing what God has always done. . . showing mercy and creating a people for God’s self where no people existed before.
"Act With Creativity" Acts 15: 1-18
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
We Are the Church...Let's Act Like It (Part 3) May 22, 2022.
God has a funny way of changing things up on us; of not asking our opinions about who is a child of God; of reminding us that sometimes we are the ones who are in need of transformation.
"Act With Acceptance" Acts 10 1-17; 34-38
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
May 15, 2022
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. [Luke 10: 26]
"Who is My Neighbor?" Luke 10: 25-37
Guest Preacher: Ambrose Wilson, IV Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
We Are the Church...Let's Act Like It (Part 2) May 8, 2022.
The Holy Spirit has come. It has empowered the apostles to continue the work of the Kingdom of God. It is transforming the narrative still from power and might to healing and wholeness.
"Act With Generosity" Acts 3:1-10; 4:1-20
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org
We Are the Church...Let's Act Like It (Part 1) May 1, 2022.
The story of how the early church begins starts at the moment of the Ascension of Jesus. We move from the Gospels which tell us of Jesus’ ministry here on Earth to this new beginning where Jesus will no longer be physically present with disciples like he was before during his earthly ministry.
"Act With Power" Acts 1:1-14
Rev. Dr. Heather W. McColl, Midway Christian Church, Midway, KY
https://www.midwaychristian.org