Tradition, Our Framework

Our traditions give shape and structure to our faith. But if those traditions don’t match what Jesus taught, it can lead us away from what really matters. In Matthew 15:1 - 9, Jesus challenges the religious leaders for holding onto traditions that hurt people instead of helping them know God. This Sunday, we’ll look at how our framework—our traditions—should support a faith that’s built on knowing and following Christ. See you there!

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?"