Shows
Sermon CentralGet Off Your Donkey - a Woman's PlaceGet Off Your Donkey - a Woman's Place by BrecksvilleUMC2025-05-1142 min
Sermon CentralGet Off Your Donkey - HealthcareGet Off Your Donkey - Healthcare by BrecksvilleUMC2025-05-0453 min
Sermon CentralEverything In Between Grief and HopeEverything In Between Grief and Hope by BrecksvilleUMC2025-04-2043 min
Sermon CentralEverything In Between Stranger and NeighborEverything In Between Stranger and Neighbor by BrecksvilleUMC2025-03-0943 min
Sermon CentralFully Alive: Gluttony - From Numbing to EcstasyFully Alive: Gluttony - From Numbing to Ecstasy by BrecksvilleUMC2025-02-1639 min
Sermon CentralFully Alive: Envy - from Status Anxiety to BelovednessToday we continue with our worship series Fully Alive, based on the book of the same title by Elizabeth Oldfield.
We are each searching for meaning in our lives—searching for wisdom. And there’s millions of places for us to find it. In Fully Alive, Elizabeth Oldfield reminds us of the wisdom that our Christian faith tradition holds.
Within Christianity, there are signposts that show us how to become the kind of human this world needs. In a world that is rife with division, pointing fingers, selfishness, and ecological destruction, we can be part of the solution—someone who is liv...2025-02-1042 min
Sermon CentralFully Alive: Acedia - from distraction to attentionToday we continue with our worship series Fully Alive, based on the book of the same title by Elizabeth Oldfield.
We are each searching for meaning in our lives—searching for wisdom. And there’s millions of places for us to find it. In Fully Alive, Elizabeth Oldfield reminds us of the wisdom that our Christian faith tradition holds.
Within Christianity, there are signposts that show us how to become the kind of human this world needs. In a world that is rife with division, pointing fingers, selfishness, and ecological destruction, we can be part of the solution—someone who is liv...2025-02-0247 min
Sermon CentralFully Alive - Avarice: from stuffocation to gratitude and generosityFully Alive - Avarice: from stuffocation to gratitude and generosity by BrecksvilleUMC2025-01-2642 min
Sermon CentralWrath: From Polarization to PeacemakingToday we continue with our worship series Fully Alive, based on the book of the same title by Elizabeth Oldfield.
This book focuses on the question, “Who am I becoming?” In a world that is rife with division, pointing fingers, selfishness, and ecological destruction, am I becoming someone who is part of the problem or part of the solution? Am I becoming someone who is fully alive, or am I simply going through the motions of existence on this planet?
More and more, I’ve been struck with the reality that people are searching for meaning in their lives—as Elizabet...2025-01-1942 min
Sermon CentralFully Alive - the Human Propensity to Screw Things UpToday we begin a new worship series entitled Fully Alive, based on the book of the same title by Elizabeth Oldfield.
This book focuses on the question, “Who am I becoming?”
In a world that is rife with division, pointing fingers, selfishness, and ecological destruction, am I becoming someone who is part of the problem or part of the solution? Am I becoming someone who is fully alive, or am I simply going through the motions of existence on this planet?2025-01-1236 min
Sermon CentralThe Road Isn't StraightToday, we conclude our worship series, “Words for the Beginning.” It’s a series that’s led us through Advent and Christmas, giving us reminders like, “Hope is worth the risk,” “Love knows your name,” “We can’t go alone,” and “Do the good that is yours to do.” These words have been like steady ground as we walk forward into the unknown of the future.
At first glance, they seem like words we would teach our children. But in reality, they’re lessons that we continue to learn and relearn as adults—they seem deceptively simple, but put into practice, they are lifelong ve...2025-01-0548 min
Sermon CentralDo The Good That Is Yours To DoThis week, we are in the gospel of Luke, with John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus, challenging the people then as well s us now, asking: what good am I called to do here and now?2024-12-1540 min
Sermon CentralWe Can't Go AloneOne of life’s most essential lessons is that we are never meant to go alone. And yet, modern culture pushes us more and more into lonely silos. If Ruth had followed her culture’s norms, she would have gone home to her family of origin after her husband died, but instead, she commits herself to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Together they form a new family and covenant. Ruth and Naomi travel together to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest, foreshadowing
the journey Mary and Joseph will one day take to be counted in the census. Both Ruth and Naom...2024-12-0840 min
Sermon CentralYou Are a BlessingAs you journey through this season, may you find words for belovedness and hope. May you find words for beginning again. For no matter what you are facing, no matter what this new day brings, love is your beginning.2024-12-0145 min
Sermon CentralGod Is At Work - In MosesIn scripture, we find stories that were written in and told through even more turbulent times than ours. They’ve provided forms of collective resistance, and spiritual steadying for billions of people throughout the centuries.
And God is still speaking and working through these scriptures today.2024-11-1730 min
Sermon CentralGod is at Work Among Us"This past week, voters decided who the next president of the United States would be. And the feelings about this decision run the gamut of human emotion: excitement and relief and validation, and shock, disappointment, and grief.
In many ways, this election has felt like the ultimate fight between “us” and “them.” Both sides convinced that their candidate would bring in a new era for “their people.” And so this past week, all the scriptures and messages that have been preached in this sanctuary this past fall have been ringing in my ears—Do Unto Others; remember the power of kindness and t...2024-11-1148 min
Sermon CentralAll Saints SundayOn All Saints Sunday, United Methodists around the world publicly remember and honor those who have passed away. All Saints Sunday honors the impact each life has on another.2024-11-0531 min
Sermon CentralAbundant Life: Justice and LoveAbundant Life: Justice and Love by BrecksvilleUMC2024-10-2742 min
Sermon CentralAbundant Life Embraces CompassionAbundant Life Embraces Compassion by BrecksvilleUMC2024-10-2043 min
Sermon CentralAbundant Life in CommunityToday we begin our annual stewardship campaign, and with it, a new worship series. Our stewardship campaign is a time we carve out each year to intentionally talk about the ministry of BUMC and ask you to prayerfully consider how you will support our church community in the coming year. It’s also a great time to think about what it means to “be the Church,” and hold ourselves accountable to that work.
This year, our campaign is entitled, Abundant Life, and it’s anchored in John 10:10, where Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly...2024-10-1337 min
Sermon CentralKindnes Campaign: Finding Common GroundWe conclude our Kindness Campaign with a meditation on Finding Common Ground, with guest speaker Rev. Cara Stultz Costello2024-10-0652 min
Sermon CentralThe Power of Kindness: The Kindness CampaignGod's words are not hidden from us. God's will for us has not been kept a secret. God has told us what is good and all that is required of us: To do justice. To live kindness. And to walk humbly with our God. – Micah 6:82024-09-2245 min
Sermon CentralDo Unto Others: Jesus + PoliticsWe are in the second week of our sermon series, “Do Unto Others,” campaigning for kindness. It’s the middle of September and we are already deep into election season here in the US. And now, more than ever, we need to be reminded of how we are called to live in the world as followers of Jesus.
Last week, Pastor Bruce Hitchcock talked about how in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shares the Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do to you… this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
That is the basis for how we treat p...2024-09-1520 min
Sermon CentralKindness Campaign: Do Unto OthersWe begin a new worship series called The Kindness Campaign.
What would happen if we each chose to live The Golden Rule: Do unto others...?
We see division and polarization in our country, communities and even inside the walls of our own churches. It’s easy to wonder if we will ever go beyond agreeing to disagree, yet Jesus shows us a better way.
Jesus taught us that we should treat others as we want to be treated. This is commonly known as The Golden Rule, and holds the power to bring people together again.
We are excited to launch th...2024-09-0945 min
Sermon CentralUncommon Wisdom: Woman of ValorToday we conclude our worship series “Uncommon Wisdom.”
In a culture that tells us we should do whatever we can to get ahead—even if it means lying, stealing, and manipulation—we have been looking at the seemingly uncommon wisdom of the book of Proverbs.
In this book of scripture, we find 100s of short sayings that show us a God-centered path to the good life.
Over the past five weeks, we have looked at several of these sayings:
Better the poor person who lives with integrity
than the rich one who distorts right and wrong.
The name of the LORD is...2024-09-0149 min
Sermon CentralUncommon Wisdom: Living With IntegrityToday we continue our worship series “Uncommon Wisdom.”
Current cultural wisdom tells us that we should do whatever we can to get ahead—if we want it, we should figure out a way to get it.
But that is not the way God would have us act.
So in this series, we are looking at the seemingly uncommon wisdom of Proverbs, which shows us a God-centered, path to the good life.
Proverbs is a collection of 100s of short sayings that apply wisdom and fear of the Lord—awe and reverence towards God—to any topic you can imagine—friendship, marriage, ge...2024-08-2532 min
Sermon CentralUncommon Wisdom: A Strong TowerIn ancient cities, a strong tower was a central place where people could run to when an enemy’s army was attacking or they were encountering some sort of danger. It’s where they went for safety and protection.
That’s what the name of the Lord is for the righteous—the wise: they run to God first, knowing that it’s God’s very character to protect and care for us.
We know that because we see this truth again and again throughout scripture.2024-08-181h 01
Sermon CentralUncommon Wisdom: Accepting God's Good WillGuest speaker Matt Mellott delivers some uncommon wisdom, including a tale about cheese in a hotel mattress.2024-08-1130 min
Sermon CentralUncommon Wisdom from Rev. Peg WelchRev. Peg Welch, our pastor's mother-in-love, shares some uncommon wisdom with a meditation on Proverbs 12: 15-162024-08-0458 min
Sermon CentralUncommon Wisdom: A Gold Ring In A Pig's SnoutToday we are in the second week of our worship series “Uncommon Wisdom.” Our society’s current strategies for success appear to be exploitation, violence, and smear campaigns. But I’m confident we can all agree that this is not the way God would have it. So in this series, we are looking at the seemingly uncommon wisdom of Proverbs, which shows us another, God-centered, path to the good life.
Every day we are faced with the same decision those first humans had in the Garden of Eden: how do we gain the wisdom to discern between good and evil?
Do we do...2024-07-2840 min
Sermon CentralUncommon Wisdom: Wisdom's WorthToday we begin a new worship series titled “Uncommon Wisdom.” In a society whose only real success strategies appear to be exploitation, violence, and smear campaigns, we are going to look at the seemingly uncommon wisdom of Proverbs, which shows us another path to the good life.
Every decision we make impacts not just ourselves, but others. Some decisions are small and cumulative, but none are made in a vacuum. We try to think about all the consequences our decisions might have—projecting out and imagining all the scenarios, but we just can’t—life is too complex.
So the question w...2024-07-2136 min
Sermon CentralI Trust In God to Spark JoyToday we are in the last week of our worship series, “I trust in God…” It’s based off our Vacation Bible School theme for this year, that followed a new camp counselor through his nervous-excitement of his first few days of camp.
Each day at VBS, the kids learn about a person in scripture who took Psalm 56:3 and put it into action: “when I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.” And throughout the week, the children learn that they can put their trust in God even when they feel scared.
This is a lesson we each need, no matter our...2024-07-1444 min
Sermon CentralI Trust In God to Give Me PeaceToday we are in week 4 of our worship series, “I trust in God…” It’s based on our Vacation Bible School theme for this year. Each day at VBS, the kids learn about a person in scripture who took Psalm 56:3 and put it into action: “when I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.” They faced their fears and went on to do great things with God.
And throughout the week, the children learn that they can put their trust in God even when they feel scared.
This is a lesson we each need, no matter our age—that no matter what i...2024-07-0744 min
Sermon CentralI Trust In God to Share WisdomToday we continue in our worship series, “I trust in God…” It’s based off our Vacation Bible School theme for this year, that follows a new camp counselor (who just so happens to be a firefly) through his nervous-excitement of his first few days of camp.
Each day at VBS, the kids learn about ordinary people in scripture who trusted God, faced their fears, and went on to do great things in God’s name. And throughout the week, the children learn that they can put their trust in God even when they feel scared.
This isn’t just a lesson for...2024-06-3031 min
Sermon CentralI Trust In God To Lead The WayWe continue in our worship series, “I trust in God…” based on our Vacation Bible School theme for this year, that follows a new camp counselor (who just so happens to be a firefly) through his nervous-excitement of his first few days of camp.
Kids will spend each day at camp hearing about ordinary people in both the Old and New Testament who trusted God, faced their fears, and went on to do great things in God’s name. Throughout the week, the children learn that they can put their trust in God even when they feel scared.
This isn’t just a l...2024-06-2537 min
Sermon CentralI Trust In God to Go With MeToday we begin a new worship series that’s simply called, “I trust in God…” It’s based on our Vacation Bible School theme for this year, that follows a new camp counselor (who just so happens to be a firefly) through his nervous-excitement of his first few days of camp.
They spend each day at VBS, hearing about ordinary people in both the Old and New Testament who trusted God, faced their fears, and went on to do great things in God’s name. And throughout the week, the children learn that they can put their trust in God even when th...2024-06-1632 min
Sermon CentralFaith In Action - Trials for HopeToday we conclude our short series, “Faith In Action,” where we’re looking at 3 different ways we can live our faith in the world.
The United Methodist Church began as a movement dedicated to “scriptural holiness,” to live not just saying we’re Christian, but living it out in our actions—a life dedicated to loving God and loving our neighbor.
Our faith is not simply what we believe in our own hearts and minds, but it is something that moves us to get involved with people; try to change broken systems; and we get our hands dirty, working to make the world...2024-06-0942 min
Sermon CentralFaith In Action - In God We All BelongToday we continue with our short series, “Faith In Action,” where we’re looking at 3 different ways we can live our faith in the world.
The United Methodist Church began as a movement dedicated to “scriptural holiness,” to live not just saying we’re Christian, but living it out in our actions—a life dedicated to loving God and loving our neighbor.
Our faith is not simply what we believe in our own hearts and minds, but it is something that moves us to get involved with people; try to change broken systems; and we get our hands dirty, working to make the wo...2024-06-0257 min
Sermon CentralFaith in Action: Action VerbsThe United Methodist Church began as a movement dedicated to “scriptural holiness,” to live a life dedicated to loving God and loving our neighbor. Our faith is not simply what we believe in our own hearts and minds, but it is something that moves us to get involved with people; try to change broken systems; and we get our hands dirty, working to make the world better.
In this series, we’re going to look at 3 different ways we can live our faith in the world. Today, Melanie is going to share how her faith was transformed this past year, when s...2024-05-2637 min
Sermon CentralClimate+Faith: Talking the WalkEach gospel has a main theme when telling the story of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection. In the gospel of John, the theme is choice— we have the choice whether to receive God’s love or not. To acknowledge Jesus as God enfleshed.
We also have a choice whether to live out that unconditional, extravagant love in the world like God— “for God so loved the world…”
What would it be like if we chose to live that love?2024-05-1235 min
Sermon CentralClimate+Faith: God's HouseholdToday we continue our worship series, “Climate + Faith.” Our goal in this series is to look past partisan politics to recognize why valuing and caring for God’s creation is fundamentally an issue of faith.
We all breathe the same air, drink the same water, and enjoy the same forests and lakes and rivers and creatures. We all suffer in extreme weather, social instability, and mass migration.
A livable world is not a politically partisan goal. It’s a human goal. And at its core, it’s a spiritual goal.
If we look back, in virtually every transformative movement in human hist...2024-05-0547 min
Sermon CentralClimate + Faith: Gardening the GardenFollowing Jesus involves the sometimes difficult and painful process of opening up—transforming from being turned inward in self-absorption to being turned outward in love and service.
It doesn’t mean sacrificing to the detriment of ourselves, but it means putting ourselves with others—not thinking of ourselves as apart from, but connected with others and our whole world.2024-04-2841 min
Sermon CentralClimate + Faith: In God's ImageHumanity’s “dominion” or “rule” over creation is not a right, entitling us to do whatever we wish with creation. Rather, it’s a responsibility to manage and care for all of God’s creation just as God would, to the very best of our ability.
Rights look inward—what can I get? What am I entitled to?
Where responsibilities look outward—how can I best care for or be in community with that which is around me?2024-04-2136 min
Sermon CentralClimate + Faith: From Ashes We RiseIn virtually every transformative movement in human history – the abolitionist movement against slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, the movements for women’s suffrage, labor protections, the list goes on – in each of these cases, people of faith have been at the center of the action. Catalysts. Laborers. Visionaries.
And now, as we confront what is arguably the greatest challenge in human history, God is calling us to step up once more.
To love the world – and put our love into action.
To care for creation – and pass it on to the next generation better, healthier, and hardier than we found it.2024-04-1440 min
Sermon CentralWandering Hearts - Here's My HeartThroughout Lent, we’ve learned about our own faith journeys as we’ve learned from the life and faith of the disciple Peter. We’ve watched as Peter dropped his nets to follow Jesus; trusted Jesus enough to step out of the boat and walk on water towards Jesus; professed his faith by declaring Jesus the Messiah—the one the Jewish people were waiting for; and then was rebuked by Jesus for not understanding or trusting God’s plan; was humbled by having his feet washed by Jesus; then denied Jesus 3 times; and the ran to the tomb when the women shar...2024-04-0755 min
Sermon CentralWandering Heart - Songs of Loudest PraiseOn this Palm Sunday, we are invited to think about what kind of king we're looking for in Jesus. Do you have the courage to say “I love you,” to this Jesus? A king of compassion and God’s justice—of God’s Truth and Love?2024-03-2435 min
Sermon CentralWandering Heart - Teach MeIn Peter, we often see ourselves—someone who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. Someone who loves Jesus with all his heart, and struggles at the same time.2024-03-1738 min
Sermon CentralWandering Hearts: I'm Fixed Upon ItThis coming week, I challenge you to be mindful of the ways you’re clinging and fixating on “what you know to be true” and missing God’s bigger truth. How might it feel to release your grip, and follow God into the unknown?”2024-03-1037 min
Sermon CentralWandering Heart: Praise the Mountour series is titled “Wandering Heart.” We are studying the faith journey of the disciple Peter, and connecting that with the lyrics of the hymn “Come Thou Fount.” So to set the stage, we’re going to be singing “Come Thou Fount” each Sunday. If you’ve been around the Church a while, it might sound a little different than you’re used to, but the message is still the same and so is spirit behind it.2024-03-0348 min
Sermon CentralWandering Heart: Rescue Me From DangerAs a new disciple, perhaps Peter wants to prove himself. Boldly, in
the middle of a storm, Peter steps out of the boat to join Jesus who is walking on top of the waves. He, too, walks on water until the wind shakes his trust and he begins to sink. Many of us know what it feels like to be thrown off balance, to feel as if we’re sinking. Maybe this looks like doubt, unexpected change, too-busy seasons of life, devastating grief, or distance from God. In this story, we empathize with the desperation Peter feels as he cries ou...2024-02-2537 min
Sermon CentralWandering Heart - You Sought MeThis Lenten season—these 40 days leading to Easter—we are going to focus on the life and faith of Peter. After Jesus, he is the most frequently mentioned individual in the Gospels and New Testament. He is a consistent presence throughout Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves.2024-02-1838 min
Sermon CentralFaces of Our Faith: EutychusAs we close out this series on living out our faith, may this story of Eutychus and the early church remind us that our journeys are not linear and that living in faith looks different, depending on the situation and time of our life. People do fall, and when they do, we as a community of faith are called to sit with them, celebrate their life, and be God’s loving presence.2024-02-1134 min
Sermon CentralFaces of Our Faith: Ethiopian Eunuch"How often do we underestimate someone—assume that they don’t have something valuable to share because they’re too young, not the right gender, too old, not educated enough, not wearing the right clothes, their skin is too dark, or they have an accent.
I would wager that at any point in time, this has happened to each one of us… and we’ve done this to many other people.
In life, we have a choice: we can either let the labels—that either we or society place on a person—speak for them, or we can allow the person to spea...2024-02-0448 min
Sermon CentralFaces of Our Faith: Joseph of AramatheaFaces of Our Faith: Joseph of Aramathea by BrecksvilleUMC2024-01-2837 min
Sermon CentralFaces of our Faith - DeborahI don’t know about you, but even in situations that are far less stressful than imminent war and oppression, I forget to turn to God first for guidance and comfort. Of course, I eventually go to God, but first on the list might be Google, or worrying about it for a while, or trying to figure out how I can carry the burden on my own.
But those times when I remember to pause, and center myself in God’s presence, and open myself to God’s wisdom… oh my! Those times are so much easier and so much better!2024-01-2138 min
Sermon CentralFaces of Our Faith: Shadrach, Meshach and AbednegoSo as we begin 2024, we’re going to reflect on 6 stories of regular folks, who are often overlooked in our biblical narratives. We’ll dig deep into their worlds, entering their stories with curiosity, opened to what they might teach us about living out our faith here and now.
My hope is that these people’s stories will help us to see how God is calling each of us to participate in God’s story of redemption and grace.2024-01-1439 min
Sermon CentralFaces of Our Faith: Daughters Of ZelophehadToday we begin a new worship series, entitled “Faces of Our Faith.” So often when we gather together, we talk about the heroes of our faith—those well-known names of people in scripture we admire and wish to emulate: Moses, Jesus, Mary, Paul…
But scripture is filled with ordinary people, too. People who go about their day-to-day lives, and then suddenly are confronted with a situation in which they are called to act.2024-01-0743 min
Sermon CentralWe Trust Our BelovednessWe are on the precipice of a new beginning. Tomorrow begins a new year: 2024—and what if rather than thinking “new year, new you!” We settle into our belovedness?2023-12-3145 min
Sermon CentralWe allow ourselves to be amazedOn the third Sunday of Advent, we lean into joy and the power of paying attention and being amazed.2023-12-1046 min
Sermon CentralWe Find Joy in ConnectionHolding one another’s joy in the midst of weariness is one way that our weary world can rejoice.2023-12-0347 min
Sermon CentralHow does a weary world rejoice? We acknowledge our weariness.It’s important to acknowledge our grief. To acknowledge our weariness and feelings of hopelessness. To name them and honor them. Otherwise, they can overwhelm us or even paralyze us.2023-11-2638 min
Sermon CentralDynamite Prayer: The Spirit ProvidesOur English word dynamite comes from the Greek word, dunamis. In the New Testament, dunamis describes the supernatural, resurrection power of God’s Spirit that broke into the world not only at Jesus’ resurrection, but again and again throughout the New Testament, transforming peoples’ lives.
In this devotional, Sue Nilson Kibbey and Rosario Picardo challenge us to open ourselves to God’s dunamis Spirit, allowing it to transform our lives, and then through us, the world.2023-11-1952 min
Sermon CentralDynamite Prayer: The Spirit RenewsOur English word dynamite comes from the Greek word, dunamis. In the New Testament, dunamis describes the supernatural, resurrection power of God’s Spirit that broke into the world not only at Jesus’ resurrection, but again and again throughout the New Testament, transforming peoples’ lives.2023-11-1253 min
Sermon CentralThe Spirit ProvidesIt’s our default to put barriers on what an “answered prayer” looks like. We have a certain vision or outcome in mind, and so when God doesn’t answer our prayer in that specific way, we think God hasn’t answered at all. When maybe God has answered our prayer, but answered differently.2023-11-0553 min
Sermon CentralDynamite Prayer - OvershadowLifting up specific people and situations to God in prayer is important. And it’s equally important to see prayer as an opportunity to open ourselves to God’s dynamite power, inviting God’s new possibilities to break through into our lives.2023-10-2937 min
Sermon CentralGrace In ActionGrace is "the undeserved, loving action of God in our lives. Grace is God's presence in our lives that is creating, healing, forgiving, reconciling, and transforming our hearts, communities, and all of creation.2023-10-2248 min
Sermon CentralGrace In Action: I'd Be MadIn our scripture today, we will see that although God could have stopped after saying, “Welcome home,” God didn’t stop there. God filled tables with food, and gave a robe, a ring, music, celebration, delight, and a loving rebuke for anybody who thought it was all a little too much, who thought it was all a little “extra.”2023-10-1556 min
Sermon CentralGrace In Action: Creating HomeGrace is "the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in our lives through the ever-present Holy Spirit." Grace is God's presence in our lives that is creating, healing, forgiving, reconciling, and transforming our hearts, communities, and all of creation.
As followers of Jesus, we receive this grace and we are called to share it with others—to live out God’s extravagant love in action.
That’s what it means to “be the church”—to be God’s grace-in-action.2023-10-0846 min
Sermon CentralThe Struggle Is Real: Forgive and Forgive AgainChapter 18 of the Gospel of Matthew is Jesus’ teaching on how to live in community and communicate with one another. What does it teach us about forgiveness? This Sunday's message, "Forgive. And Forgive Again." is a meditation on Matthew 18:21-35.
Join us on the lawn, in the sanctuary or from wherever you are! All of our services stream live -- and are archived so you can worship on your own schedule.2023-10-0143 min
Sermon CentralThe Struggle Is Real: Talk It OutDiscipleship—living as a Christian, as a follower of Jesus, however you want to say it—means taking the teachings of Jesus and applying them to our everyday lives. And sometimes that looks like managing conflicts—large or small—with the grace and compassion of Jesus at the forefront of our minds.2023-09-2441 min
Sermon CentralThe Struggle Is Real: Look With God's EyesAs Christians—people who follow Jesus’ teaching and example—it’s important for us to look to scripture for instruction on how God calls us to handle life’s challenges. And that’s exactly what chapter 18 of the Gospel of Matthew is—Jesus’ teaching on how to live in community and communicate with one another. Because just like we struggle with this, Jesus did as well, when he was living with and working with his disciples.2023-09-1737 min
Sermon CentralThe Struggle is Real - Check YourselfHaving disagreements and hard conversations is part of life—whether it’s with family, friends, coworkers, or people on the internet. But knowing how to do it in a healthy and positive way is not something that necessarily comes natural to us.2023-09-1039 min
Sermon CentralGod is Like The StarsToday we conclude our worship series titled, “What Is God Like?” This series has been inspired by the children’s book of the same title, written by Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner. Today we are reminded that God is like the stars, forever present and bright. Even when they feel far away, you can always look up and see them winking at you.2023-09-0352 min
Sermon CentralGod Is Like a FortToday we continue our worship series titled, “What Is God Like?” It’s inspired by the children’s book of the same title, written by Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner. Then the book uses images and descriptions found throughout scripture to illustrate what God is like. We’re using this book as a tool to remind us that all throughout our lives, God invites us to continue to search and wonder and learn.2023-08-2742 min
Sermon CentralGod is Like Three Dancers"God is like three dancers, graceful and precise. They move to the same music in very different ways, showcasing all of God's elegance and rhythm in your life." - from the book "What is God Like?" by Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner2023-08-2141 min
Sermon CentralGod Is Like An ArtistToday we continue our worship series titled, “What Is God Like?” It’s inspired by the children’s book of the same title, written by Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner. Today we are reminded that God is like an artist, creative and unpredictable, always busy making and remaking everything brilliant and new.2023-08-1335 min
Sermon CentralGod Is Like a RiverOur new worship series, What Is God Like? challenges us to think about how we’ve come to understand God. This week, we will explore the ways that God is Like a River, with special guest preacher, Rev. Dr. David J. Tennant. Sunday's scripture is Psalm 1:1-3
"God is like a river, constant and life giving. When you grow near God, you'll sprout up strong as a tree."2023-08-0655 min
Sermon CentralWhat Is God Like?In today's scripture, we learn that God is the creator of everything we see and know. God gives us everything we have, down to our life’s breath. God created everything from nothing, ordering everything, and enabling us to seek after God and find God. It is in God that we live and move and have our being. God is our Parent; we are God’s offspring. God is like these things and many, many more, because all throughout our holy scriptures we see descriptions and stories of who God is.2023-07-3042 min
Sermon CentralChange Makers Create a New Kind of WorldKids have fantastic imaginations. They look at a room and they don’t just see a few pillows and blankets tossed on the floor. They see boulders and pillars they can use to help them get across the bubbling lava floor. They can look at the same world we see and rather than dwell on the hurt and anguish, they are open to the awe and wonder of the world God has gifted us with. Our challenge is to learn from our children, and open our imagination to the ways God is changing the world right now.2023-07-2338 min
Sermon CentralChange Makers Build BridgesWhen Peter and Cornelius meet in response to their visions, they help build a bridge to a changed future—one where vastly different people become family through the transforming love of Jesus.
God’s Holy Spirit seeks to connect—not separate.2023-07-1638 min
Sermon CentralChange Makers Help One AnotherMany of us lament as we look to the world around us—we see the fear, hatred, anger, and abuse of each other and the natural world, and we think, “When will it end?” But what we forget is, “we are the ones we’re waiting for.” As followers of Jesus, we are called to ask the hard questions, work together to solve problems, care for all people, reach across differences, and imagine—and work towards—a new world.2023-07-0944 min
Sermon CentralChange Makers Work TogetherToday we’re continuing with our series, Changemakers. This series goes along with our vacation bible school theme for this year, which is called “Changemakers Lab.” At VBS, the kids are going to spend a week learning that everyone can make a difference in the world! They’ll hear bible stories that explore examples of people who experienced and brought about change in the world around them.
And this is something that as adults, we need to remember: we can make a difference in the world!2023-07-0247 min
Sermon CentralChangemakers Ask QuestionsRev. Gregory Kendrick, Jr. reminds us that change makers take initiative; change makers are inquisitive; and change makers ask questions.2023-06-2540 min
Sermon CentralAbide: Sustained By The SpiritToday we conclude our three-week series titled Abide. We have been looking at the analogy Jesus uses in the Gospel of John of the vine and branches. This analogy puts into simple terms how we are to live—by abiding in God: resting in God, trusting in the Lord, and sustained by the Spirit.2023-06-1841 min
Sermon CentralAbide: Trust in the LordA day of rest each week is one of the ten commandments. Do we sometimes think it's optional? Why does God ask us to set a day aside?2023-06-1140 min
Sermon CentralAbide: Rest In GodYou go about your day and do the things that need to be done, but all the while, you’re with God. God’s love and compassion and peace is constantly soaking into you and God is whispering in your ear, “You are loved. You are enough. You are my beloved.”2023-06-0433 min
Sermon CentralYOLO!How does the expression of "you only live once" sit with a man who has died? Hear Rev. Ash Welch's stirring testimony of life after death.2023-05-2847 min
Sermon CentralMYOBWhat happens when you trust in God and mind your own business? Visiting pastors, Peg & Ash Welch, deliver an uplifting dialog sermon based on 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.2023-05-2143 min
Sermon CentralYes, She Did!Rev. Peg Welch delivers a wonderful message - Yes, She Did!2023-05-1436 min
Sermon CentralFantasie - Impromptu F. Chopin - Isaac Becker - HowellWe are a church with a long history which includes wonderful messages from pastors and guest speakers alike. This audio library includes sermons from our pastors Rev. Heidi Welch, Rev. Clark Stein, Rev. Karen Oehl, and special guests - Rev. Dr. William McCartney, Betsy Wooster, Rev. Lisa Drew, Rev. Dave Patton, Michael Jasczcak, Rev. Joy (Parker) Fenton-Jones, Janet Kleckner, Rev. Steve Clunn, Rev. Rob Leveridge, A. Current-Felder, Rev. Kathy Dickreide, John Brachna, Jenny Gee and Rev. Peg Welch.2023-05-1006 minSermon CentralFantasie - Impromptu F. Chopin - Isaac Becker - HowellWe are a church with a long history which includes wonderful messages from pastors and guest speakers alike. This audio library includes sermons from our pastors Rev. Heidi Welch, Rev. Clark Stein, Rev. Karen Oehl, and special guests - Rev. Dr. William McCartney, Betsy Wooster, Rev. Lisa Drew, Rev. Dave Patton, Michael Jasczcak, Rev. Joy (Parker) Fenton-Jones, Janet Kleckner, Rev. Steve Clunn, Rev. Rob Leveridge, A. Current-Felder, Rev. Kathy Dickreide, John Brachna, Jenny Gee and Rev. Peg Welch.2023-05-1006 minSermon Central20200105 1 Samuel 16 1 - 13 You Were A Child Once Too (pastor Heidi)We are a church with a long history which includes wonderful messages from pastors and guest speakers alike. This audio library includes sermons from our pastors Rev. Heidi Welch, Rev. Clark Stein, Rev. Karen Oehl, and special guests - Rev. Dr. William McCartney, Betsy Wooster, Rev. Lisa Drew, Rev. Dave Patton, Michael Jasczcak, Rev. Joy (Parker) Fenton-Jones, Janet Kleckner, Rev. Steve Clunn, Rev. Rob Leveridge, A. Current-Felder, Rev. Kathy Dickreide, John Brachna, Jenny Gee and Rev. Peg Welch.2023-05-1018 minSermon Central20200105 Open Table Service Hebrews 12 1 - 3 Reflections (pastor Heidi)We are a church with a long history which includes wonderful messages from pastors and guest speakers alike. This audio library includes sermons from our pastors Rev. Heidi Welch, Rev. Clark Stein, Rev. Karen Oehl, and special guests - Rev. Dr. William McCartney, Betsy Wooster, Rev. Lisa Drew, Rev. Dave Patton, Michael Jasczcak, Rev. Joy (Parker) Fenton-Jones, Janet Kleckner, Rev. Steve Clunn, Rev. Rob Leveridge, A. Current-Felder, Rev. Kathy Dickreide, John Brachna, Jenny Gee and Rev. Peg Welch.2023-05-1020 minSermon Central20200112 1 Corinthians 12 - 27 The Body Of Christ (pastor Heidi)We are a church with a long history which includes wonderful messages from pastors and guest speakers alike. This audio library includes sermons from our pastors Rev. Heidi Welch, Rev. Clark Stein, Rev. Karen Oehl, and special guests - Rev. Dr. William McCartney, Betsy Wooster, Rev. Lisa Drew, Rev. Dave Patton, Michael Jasczcak, Rev. Joy (Parker) Fenton-Jones, Janet Kleckner, Rev. Steve Clunn, Rev. Rob Leveridge, A. Current-Felder, Rev. Kathy Dickreide, John Brachna, Jenny Gee and Rev. Peg Welch.2023-05-1019 minSermon Central20200119 Luke 15 11 - 32 Wastefully Extravagant Forgiveness (pastor Heidi)We are a church with a long history which includes wonderful messages from pastors and guest speakers alike. This audio library includes sermons from our pastors Rev. Heidi Welch, Rev. Clark Stein, Rev. Karen Oehl, and special guests - Rev. Dr. William McCartney, Betsy Wooster, Rev. Lisa Drew, Rev. Dave Patton, Michael Jasczcak, Rev. Joy (Parker) Fenton-Jones, Janet Kleckner, Rev. Steve Clunn, Rev. Rob Leveridge, A. Current-Felder, Rev. Kathy Dickreide, John Brachna, Jenny Gee and Rev. Peg Welch.2023-05-1020 minSermon Central20200126 John 16 16 - 24 Feelings Are Ok (pastor Heidi)We are a church with a long history which includes wonderful messages from pastors and guest speakers alike. This audio library includes sermons from our pastors Rev. Heidi Welch, Rev. Clark Stein, Rev. Karen Oehl, and special guests - Rev. Dr. William McCartney, Betsy Wooster, Rev. Lisa Drew, Rev. Dave Patton, Michael Jasczcak, Rev. Joy (Parker) Fenton-Jones, Janet Kleckner, Rev. Steve Clunn, Rev. Rob Leveridge, A. Current-Felder, Rev. Kathy Dickreide, John Brachna, Jenny Gee and Rev. Peg Welch.2023-05-1020 minSermon Central20191117 Isaiah 12 Joy In The Midst Of Struggle (pastor Heidi)We are a church with a long history which includes wonderful messages from pastors and guest speakers alike. This audio library includes sermons from our pastors Rev. Heidi Welch, Rev. Clark Stein, Rev. Karen Oehl, and special guests - Rev. Dr. William McCartney, Betsy Wooster, Rev. Lisa Drew, Rev. Dave Patton, Michael Jasczcak, Rev. Joy (Parker) Fenton-Jones, Janet Kleckner, Rev. Steve Clunn, Rev. Rob Leveridge, A. Current-Felder, Rev. Kathy Dickreide, John Brachna, Jenny Gee and Rev. Peg Welch.2023-05-1018 minSermon Central20200216 Luke 10 25 - 37 Preach The Gospel At All Times (pastor Heidi)We are a church with a long history which includes wonderful messages from pastors and guest speakers alike. This audio library includes sermons from our pastors Rev. Heidi Welch, Rev. Clark Stein, Rev. Karen Oehl, and special guests - Rev. Dr. William McCartney, Betsy Wooster, Rev. Lisa Drew, Rev. Dave Patton, Michael Jasczcak, Rev. Joy (Parker) Fenton-Jones, Janet Kleckner, Rev. Steve Clunn, Rev. Rob Leveridge, A. Current-Felder, Rev. Kathy Dickreide, John Brachna, Jenny Gee and Rev. Peg Welch.2023-05-1019 minSermon Central20200308 John 14 5 - 12 The Way The Truth And The Life (pastor Heidi)We are a church with a long history which includes wonderful messages from pastors and guest speakers alike. This audio library includes sermons from our pastors Rev. Heidi Welch, Rev. Clark Stein, Rev. Karen Oehl, and special guests - Rev. Dr. William McCartney, Betsy Wooster, Rev. Lisa Drew, Rev. Dave Patton, Michael Jasczcak, Rev. Joy (Parker) Fenton-Jones, Janet Kleckner, Rev. Steve Clunn, Rev. Rob Leveridge, A. Current-Felder, Rev. Kathy Dickreide, John Brachna, Jenny Gee and Rev. Peg Welch.2023-05-1019 min
Sermon CentralAnything but Ordinary - Jacob's DreamAnything but Ordinary - Jacob's Dream by BrecksvilleUMC2022-06-2636 min