On Sunday, we kick off a new sermon series, "The House the LORD Built." In October, Pastors Adam and Val guide us through a keystone practice of the United Methodist Church that John Wesley taught to help us apply and understand the Christian faith, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. This first week, we examine the foundation of our faith - Scripture. Come hear how Scripture, especially when we study it as a whole —not just the parts we like—can help us build a life that is fulfilling and enduring.
In the final sermon in our series, "Beyond the Walls", we listen to the words of the prophet, Micah. He reminds us of what the Lord Himself requires of us: "to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly..." As we prepare for next weekend's Worship Without Walls, let's remember to live out these words in our service to others. We'll see you Sunday!
In Romans, chapter 12, the Apostle Paul asks us to "...present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God..." What does it mean to present our bodies to God? We say we are the Church Universal, the Body of Christ, the hands and feet of Jesus, one body - this Sunday, we explore this idea both literally and figuratively within the context of our sermon series, Beyond the Walls. See you Sunday!
"... and I by my works will show you my faith." - James 2:18 As we enter the month of September, we enter a season of service for First UMC. Each year in the fall, we host our annual Worship Outside the Walls event. It is only fitting that this month, we prepare our hearts and minds for service and consider how the church reaches beyond the walls of our building. In the first of a three-part series titled "Beyond the Walls", this Sunday's sermon explores which comes first, faith or works? See you Sunday!
Life is full of seasons, and this Sunday's reading from Ecclesiastes reminds us that each one has its own purpose. As a child, you may have experienced the death of a pet or grandparent. At a young age, we learn that life is temporary and will one day come to an end. This doesn’t have to be a heavy thought—it can actually free us to live more fully and faithfully in the time we’ve been given. In this final sermon in our series, Back to Basics, we ask the question, "How is God calling us to live within the time we have now?"
Remember the wonder of planting a seed in a cup at school, watching roots push down and a sprout push up? Jesus uses this same image in the parable of the sower, teaching us that His Word takes root in people’s hearts in different ways. We are not called to judge whether someone’s heart is ready—we are simply called to scatter the seeds, nurture growth, and trust God to bring the harvest. God invites us to look with wonder at His creation and at the ways He brings life and growth all around us. See you Sunday for the 4th in a series of sermons on Back to Basics.
