Shows
Sermons at Morehead FCCFreed to Dream: Thriving Churches Reject a Fear MentalityWhat would you do if you were brave? This week at FCC Morehead, we continue our Thriving Church series by diving into the proposition: "Thriving Churches Reject a Fear Mentality." Amid uncertainty, God calls us to flourish. In a world that often trades courage for caution, we’re reminded that perfect love casts out fear—and thriving begins when we dare to dream beyond it. Reflect with us: What is God’s dream for us that feels scary? What would you do if you were brave?Let’s be a church that chooses love ove...
2025-10-1222 minSermons at Morehead FCCCampaign for Kindness: Love, ActuallyIn the final sermon of the series, "Do unto Others: a Campaign for Kindness," Pastor Nancy reflects on Jesus's answer to a hostile, trick question: "What is the greatest commandment?"
Jesus responds, Love God wholeheartedly...and love your neighbor as yourself.
How do we follow Jesus's words when the loudest voices in our world want to pit us against one another? How can we hold fast to the values we believe as we work to repair the broken fabric of our society?
Sermon: Love, Actually
Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40
To...
2024-11-0321 minSermons at Morehead FCCCampaign for Kindness: To Each Is GivenR.E.S.P.E.C.T.
How do we show respect for others when our points of view vary so drastically?
In her fourth sermon in the series, A Campaign for Kindness, Pastor Nancy works through the Apostle Paul's approaches to conflict in an ancient house church in Corinth to explore the ideas of civility, respect, and the bonds of community.
Sermon: To Each Is Given
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-26
To read more about Daniel Dennett's approach to criticize with kindness, see The Marginalian.
To support the...
2024-10-2725 min
CatalyzeMeet John Rose, Morehead-Cain’s faculty director for Dialogue and DiscourseDr. John Rose joined the Morehead-Cain community this fall as faculty director for Dialogue and Discourse. The initiative is designed to enhance scholars’ ability to listen, discuss, and engage in contemporary issues.Rose speaks with Catalyze co-host Stella Smolowitz ’26 about his approach to facilitating “charity-centric” dialogue with college students, the connection for him between theology and civic leadership, and advice for navigating political conversations ahead of the November election. Rose came to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from Duke University, where he was the associate director of the Civil Discourse Project and an instru...
2024-10-2217 minSermons at Morehead FCCCampaign for Kindness: Bound Together in PeaceIn her third message in our series on the Golden Rule, Do Unto Others: A Campaign for Kindness, Pastor Nancy explores the virtue of humility.
What is humility?
What role does humility play in our relationships and our politics?
Is humility static or can we learn to expand our capacity for healthy humility?
Sermon: Bound Together in Peace
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6; Mark 10:30-45
To support the ministries of First Christian Church financially, please visit our website www.fccmorehead.org/give.html
2024-10-2026 minSermons at Morehead FCCCampaign for Kindness: A Better Story of Us"In our current situation, in which vitriol, scapegoating, and demonizing have become dominant speech patterns in the political sphere, are we losing the ability to be compassionate? to have the capacity to creatively imagine the experiences of the other? to listen, take in information, and change our minds?"
Listen as Pastor Nancy explores the practices of compassion in her sermon, "A Better Story of Us," the second in our series, A Campaign for Kindness.
Scripture: Isaiah 11:6-9; Matthew 9:35-38
To learn more about the Compassion Meditation she describes, visit The Greater Good Science...
2024-10-2024 minSermons at Morehead FCCChoosing Another WayListen closely and you'll find the language of spiritual warfare is in the air this election season. In her sermon Choosing Another Way, Pastor Nancy makes connections between the metaphor of war, the movement of White Christian Nationalism, and the history of the Doctrine of Discovery.
How can we approach Scripture passages such Ephesians 6:10-20, which rely on warfare as a deep metaphor for the spiritual life?
Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery.
2024-08-2529 min
Multifaith MattersReid Locklin and Fred Stella on Hindu Mission, Christian MissionReid B. Locklin is Associate Professor of Christianity and the Intellectual Tradition at the University of Toronto, a joint appointment with St Michael’s College and the Department for the Study of Religion. His research focuses on a range of issues in Comparative Theology and Hindu-Christian Studies, particularly the engagement between Christian thought and the Hindu tradition of Advaita Vedanta. He also writes on the scholarship of teaching and learning in theology and religion. In this podcast we will be discussing his book Hindu Mission, Christian Mission: Soundings in Comparative Theology (State University of New York, 2024).
Fred St...
2024-08-2455 min
The Borrego Springs Christian Center PodcastLive Q and A with Todd Morehead - Hope in the Holy LandWelcome to the podcast from the Christian Center, a Calvary Chapel in Borrego Springs, California. We are glad that you have joined us for Pastor Steve's Q and A with Todd Morehead.
2023-12-151h 51Sermons at Morehead FCCLeah's Eyes Were LovelyRev. Leanna Coyle-Carr is our guest minister for Sunday, July 30, 2023. Rev. Coyle-Carr is a native Carolinian who is at home in Morehead with her husband Aaron and daughter, Henlee Caroline. She holds an MDiv. from Wake Forest University School of Divinity and is an ordained Baptist minister.
Scripture reading: Genesis 29:15-28
Sermon title: Leah's Eyes Were Lovely
2023-07-3116 minSermons at Morehead FCCAt the Crossroads: a sermon for Palm SundayAs Jesus carefully orchestrates a countercultural entrance into Jerusalem, we may find ourselves in the midst of the crowds lining the way. Echoes of hosanna, "save us," ring through the centuries. Who cries out "save us" today?
Jesus' path through Holy Week is one of sorrow and betrayal. Which path will we choose--the one promising power or the way of a humble servant?
(TW: In this sermon Pastor Nancy addresses the issues of gun violence and school shootings.)
Scripture reading: Matthew 21:1-11
To support this podcast and the ministry of First...
2023-04-0220 minMultifaith MattersStephen Bullivant on Nonverts and the Making of Ex-Christian AmericaOne of world's leading experts on contemporary atheism and nonreligiosity, sociologist and theologian Stephen Bullivant draws on dozens of interviews, original analysis of high-quality survey data, and a wealth of cutting-edge studies, to present an entertaining and insightful exploration of America's ex-religious landscape. Bullivant holds professorial positions at St. Mary’s University, London, and the University of Notre Dame, Sydney. He has doctorates in theology and sociology. His studies of contemporary nonreligiosity have received wide international coverage, including from the BBC, New York Times, Economist, Financial Times and Der Speigel. In this episode we are discussing his book Nonverts: Th...
2023-02-1946 minSermons at Morehead FCCResponding to God’s Project of Love: A sermon for Flora & Fauna SundayHow might an intentional practice of observing and reflecting upon our everyday world shape our spiritual lives? Preaching during an outdoor worship service at Morehead City Park, Pastor Nancy continues our focus on the Season of Creation, following the instructions of Jesus to "Consider the lilies...." and exploring the image of God as midwife in Job.
Note: the audio of this service reflects the outdoor setting of the worship service.
Scripture Readings: Job 39:1-8, 26-30 and Psalm 104:14-23; and Luke 12:22-31
More information on Corita Kent.
On Being interview with Naomi...
2022-09-1221 min2022-08-0726 min2022-07-3124 min2022-07-2419 min2022-07-1723 min2022-07-1024 min
2022-07-0323 minMultifaith MattersAndrew DeCort on Christian Nationalism in EthiopiaAndrew DeCort is a lecturer on religious and political ethics and Ethiopian studies. He's the author of Bonhoeffer's New Beginning: Ethics After Devastation, he founded the Institute for Faith and Flourishing, and co-directs the Neighbor-Love Movement. His forthcoming book is titled Why Pray?: Seven Practices of Flourishing on the Edge of Faith. In this podcast we discuss his article "Christian Nationalism Is Tearing Ethiopia Apart," published at Foreign Policy, and his book Why Pray?.
Andrew DeCort: https://andrew-decort.com/
"Christian Nationalism Is Tearing Ethiopia Apart": https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/06/18/ethiopia-pentecostal-evangelical-abiy-ahmed-christian-nationalism/
Neighbor-Love Movement: https://balinjeraye...
2022-06-2943 min2022-06-2625 min2022-06-1917 min2022-06-1215 min2022-06-0522 min2022-05-2924 minSermons at Morehead FCCRadical HospitalityToday we welcome Bob Pryor as our guest preacher with his sermon "Radical Hospitality."
Scripture readings: Genesis 18:1-8 and Acts 16:9-15
2022-05-2219 min2022-05-1524 min2022-05-0824 minSermons at Morehead FCCChanging DirectionsSaul on the Damascus Road is perhaps the most famous of conversion stories, but is there more here than meets the eye? Listen as Pastor Nancy explores this pivotal story in the book of Acts and in the history of the Christian tradition. How might this story help us think about issues in our day? Pastor Nancy examines a current case surrounding religious liberty and public schools before the Supreme Court.
Scripture: Acts 9:1-20
2022-05-0120 minSermons at Morehead FCCReading ActsIn an introduction to the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, Pastor Nancy gives an overview of the background of the book and dives into the necessity of historical context as we interpret stories of conflict between the early believers and the religious leaders in Jerusalem and beyond.
Scripture: Acts 5:27-32
2022-04-2420 minSermons at Morehead FCCResurrection Breaks In: a sermon for Easter Sunday"One strand can be found in all the resurrection accounts, whatever the differences, the experiences of resurrection all are clouded with mystery, what exactly happens remains puzzling, elusive, slipping through our fingers, not easily explained or understood. Explanations always fail. And yet, even though it's mysterious and perplexing, resurrection refuses to stay on the sidelines; it's always on the move, and keeps breaking into the story where it's least expected..." - Pastor Nancy Gowler
Scripture: Luke 24:1-12
2022-04-1720 minSermons at Morehead FCCA Chorus Of StonesThis Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, beginning with the elaborately choreographed entrance into Jerusalem by Jesus. Soon the festive mood will turn, disciples will flee in fear, and only the women will remain to watch as Jesus is executed by the Roman Empire. Luke's story has no branches, no palm branches thrown on the road--Pastor Nancy asks, "What if that is an intentional choice by the writer of the gospel?"
"Perhaps Luke leaves out the palm branches as a hint for us--as a missing piece which points us to this upside down kingship which Jesus...
2022-04-1021 minSermons at Morehead FCCThrowing It All AwayIt's a story long interpreted through the lens of sin and shame, but in John's version of the anointing of Jesus, the act of anointing his feet is done by one of his close friends, Mary the sister of Lazarus and Martha. Pastor Nancy invites us to ask the question, "How does our understanding of the story change if we think of it through the frame of friendship?"
"Friends are those anchors for us when the happenings of life threaten to overwhelm us, those who know us in all of our brokenness and with all of the b...
2022-04-0327 minSermons at Morehead FCCIn Search of Prodigals"What if this parable is indeed a story of lavishness? Not of the lavish living of the younger son in a far off land, but the lavishness of a father who spreads out his arms wide to embrace the son who wandered off and the one whose heart has hardened with resentment? It's the prodigal father who pours out grace upon grace. God is the one who searches out for the lost sheep scourers the house for a lost coin and then rejoices, not just a little bit happy...But an all out, no holds barred celebration--a barn-burner of...
2022-03-2717 minSermons at Morehead FCCOne More YearVineyards and fig trees, impatient landowners and determined gardeners. In her sermon for the third Sunday of Lent, Pastor Nancy explores a small parable of Jesus about a fig tree without any figs. What's this story have to say to us today? How can we find ourselves in it? And what does the next year hold for this poor fig tree?
Listen to "One More Year," a sermon on Luke 13:1-9.
2022-03-2016 minSermons at Morehead FCCUnder God's WingToday's gospel reading is the story of a fox, a hen, and an unruly brood of chicks. We discover in these few verses the determination Jesus has to fulfil his mission, to live out his calling as he announced in his hometown of Nazareth at the beginning of his ministry:
"to bring good news to the poor.
to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
"Faced with a fox, God in Christ chooses vulnerabilit...
2022-03-1318 minSermons at Morehead FCCEven in the WildernessThe wilderness is a mythic place of danger. In the wilderness we are out of our element, unsure of our footing. On the first Sunday of Lent we listen to two wilderness stories. The first from Deuteronomy, as the Hebrew people are at the water's edge, waiting to cross over and start a new life. The words of Moses seek to ground the people in a worldview of gratitude, rooted in God's generous giving of the land. From that experience of God's graciousness, the people are to extend a grace-filled welcome to the sojourners who will live in the...
2022-03-0620 minSermons at Morehead FCCDisoriented by GloryThe Christian year is at a threshold moment, between the end of the season of Epiphany and the start of Lent. As we have considered the revelations of God we find in the stories of Jesus, we have encountered glory in unexpected places. In her sermon, "Disoriented by Glory," Pastor Nancy weaves reflections on the gospel reading with a short story "The Displaced Person" by Flannery O'Connor, and an altarpiece painted by Titian. View image.
Scripture: Luke 9:28-43
2022-02-2725 min2022-02-2022 minSermons at Morehead FCCWaters of BlessingThe blessings we find in Luke's version of the teaching of Jesus are direct and tangible.
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh...."
And the woes which follow should cause us to squirm uncomfortably.
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry.
Woe to you...
2022-02-1319 minSermons at Morehead FCCLetting GoThe one where Jesus offers fishing advice to professional fishermen. The story of Jesus's ministry continues in the gospel of Luke as Jesus begins to gather a closer group of followers.
"In these lingering days of pandemic, when everything we thought we knew about how to order our lives, how to be a faith community together has been upended, it's easy to find ourselves on the side of the lakeshore with Peter. Tending to our old nets, the way we've always done things, hoping against hope that the next time doing the same thing will have a b...
2022-02-0619 minSermons at Morehead FCCNow That You KnowIn the fourth chapter of Luke, Jesus returns to his hometown. At first things go well, but then it takes a turn for the worst, as Jesus is run out of town. Listen as Pastor Nancy walks through the opening themes of Luke: the great reversal of the realm of God, the expansiveness of God's welcome, and the movement of the Spirit in the world.
Sermon: Now That You Know
Scripture: Luke 4:14-30
2022-01-3021 minSermons at Morehead FCCFrom Tears to JoyThe work was hard, the future uncertain, and perspectives clashed as the people returned from exile in Babylon and attempted to rebuild their beloved city of Jerusalem. Listen as Pastor Nancy explores the setting of this passage from Nehemiah and what happens when people hear the love story God has with them and with all creation.
Scripture: Psalm 19 and Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-12
View the painting, Sunday Morning in Virginia by Winslow Homer here.
2022-01-2319 minSermons at Morehead FCCPrecious in God's SightImposter syndrome is defined "as a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success." (Gill Corkindale, HBR, 5/7/08). Listen as Pastor Nancy explores the story of the baptism of Jesus, and what it means for us that Jesus got in line to be baptized.
Scripture: Luke 3:15-22
2022-01-0916 minSermons at Morehead FCCAn Adventurous Faith: a sermon for EpiphanyToday Pastor Nancy speaks of Epiphany, magi, stars, and unintended journeys. Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
As part of our faith community's spiritual practice we receive a star word for personal reflection in the new year. If you would like to receive a star word from us, message us on social media @fccmorehead (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter).
2022-01-0216 minSermons at Morehead FCCA Welcoming Community"I see a glimmer of hope in this story of the young boy Jesus, who finds a home among religious teachers…who don’t chase him away, or discount his questions, or ignore his insights. But who in their wisdom recognize in his questions a growing life of faith and choose to nurture that faith in him. Can that be our faith community today? Can we relate to others not in fear, but with the best of our attention, finding in others the seeds of spiritual longing and faith to be explored?" --Pastor Nancy, in her sermon for the firs...
2021-12-2620 minSermons at Morehead FCCA Safe Haven"Oh, how we need more Elizabeths, don’t we? –those who see beyond the surface things to the deep longings of our hearts. Our world aches for more of those wise folks who give words of blessing, not judgement; those who encourage, rather than tear down." Listen as Pastor Nancy explores the story of Mary's visit with Elizabeth.
Want to read the text of this sermon? Visit Pastor Nancy's blog at https://ruminari.wordpress.com/2021/12/19/close-to-home-a-safe-haven/
Scripture reading: Luke 1:39-55
2021-12-1920 minSermons at Morehead FCCCollective RepairIn her sermon Collective Repair, Pastor Nancy offers a fresh perspective on the preaching of John the Baptist. Could it be that John was less of an end times doomsday prophet and more of a promoter of faith-based practical living? In his targeted advice for tax collectors and soldiers, we find an invitation to life with intentionality and justice in our own lives.
Scripture readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, and Luke 3:7-18.
2021-12-1223 minSermons at Morehead FCCOrigin StoriesIt's not just superheroes who have origin stories. Many of us have those stories of our early lives which highlight themes in the arc of our living. In her sermon for the second Sunday of Advent Pastor Nancy explores the origin story of John the Baptizer, the divinely imposed silence upon his father, Zechariah and his joyous canticle of praise and hope as he and Elizabeth name their newborn son. Zechariah's story leads us to wonder, who has been part of our origin story? and who are we blessing with an origin story rooted in love?
Scripture...
2021-12-0523 minSermons at Morehead FCCThe Great Homecoming"Advent steers clear of the sparkling glitter of the holiday season. It always begins at what feels like an ending--with the world crashing down, with chaos and upheaval, images of global destruction, people fainting from fear." Listen as Pastor Nancy speaks of the homesickness which marks the time of Advent.
You can read the text of the sermon at Pastor Nancy's blog, https://ruminari.wordpress.com/2021/11/28/close-to-home-the-great-homecoming/
Sermon: The Great Homecoming
Scripture readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, and Luke 21:25-36
2021-11-2821 minSermons at Morehead FCCChoose Joy"It is the extravagance of God's creative grace we see in the beauty of wildflowers which blossom for a moment and then fade...in the freedom of a soaring hawk or in the beauty of the songbird's melody. There is an overflowing wildness to the grace in Creation, an extravagance that astounds us. Today is indeed enough." Listen as Pastor Nancy explores the familiar teaching of Jesus, "Consider the lilies...."
Sermon: Choose Joy
Scripture: Joel 2:21-27; Psalm 126; Matthew 6:24-34
2021-11-2119 minSermons at Morehead FCCProvocateurs of LoveWhat's the church to do when the voices of fear, hatred, and despair grow louder? Reclaim their calling as incubators of love, rediscovering their identity as an alternative community of love and good deeds. Listen as Pastor Nancy explores a difficult passage in the gospel of Mark and finds inspiration in some startling words from Hebrews.
Sermon: Provocateurs of Love
Scripture: Mark 13:1-8; Hebrews 10:23-25
2021-11-1419 minSermons at Morehead FCCWhen the Penny DropsThe story of the widow's mite, two small copper coins, which she drops into the treasury box at the Temple is a familiar story within Christian circles. Often the woman and her giving is lifted up as an example for us to give generously. But is that what Jesus is describing when he says of her, "she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."
Listen as Pastor Nancy invites us to zoom out on this encounter and see the larger critique Jesus is leveling upon a social system w...
2021-11-0720 minSermons at Morehead FCCFinding New JerusalemFrom sacred poetry in the books of Isaiah and Revelation, we find biblical writers seeking to offer hope to people facing hardships. There is hope, not in some far off future, but here and now, as the beloved community discovers God is moving in with humanity, seeking to spread shalom and abundance with all the earth. Listen as Pastor Nancy weaves these two readings together for her sermon, Finding New Jerusalem, for All Saints Day worship.
Scripture: Isaiah 25:6-9; Revelation 21:1-6
2021-10-3124 minSermons at Morehead FCCThe Old Ways Are Not WorkingOutside the walls of Jericho sits a man, blind and begging on the side of the road. Jesus passes by along with his disciples and a crowd of folks excited to follow the teacher and healer on his way to Jerusalem. Until, that is, the beggar, Bartimaeus, begins making a scene. As he throws off his cloak and heads toward Jesus, we see what it means to follow Jesus along the way. Listen as Pastor Nancy unpacks this powerful scene from the 10th chapter of Mark's gospel.
Scripture: Mark 10:46-52
Sermon: The Old Ways Aren't W...
2021-10-2420 minSermons at Morehead FCCRiding ShotgunWhat does it mean to live a life of significance? Is it only for those in positions of power? In our gospel story two disciples take Jesus aside in the hopes they might make it big and gain influence by being his top two followers. Jesus pushes back, asking them to reimagine power and discipleship. As she explores this ancient story, Pastor Nancy weaves together thoughts from contemporary pop culture including The Office, Calvin & Hobbes, and Ted Lasso.
Scripture reading: Mark 10:32-45
2021-10-1727 minSermons at Morehead FCCPossessedAnother question is posed to Jesus, this time, not from an antagonist. A man kneels before Jesus, asking the question, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Listen as Pastor Nancy explores the hidden assumptions behind the question, and invites us to listen to Jesus's answer in new ways.
Scripture: Mark 10:17-31
2021-10-1027 minSermons at Morehead FCCBehind the QuestionIt's one of those tough passages in the gospels. Jesus is asked about marriage and divorce, and the words seem harsh to us. Acknowledging the pain the church has caused to divorced persons, Pastor Nancy invites us to look again at this story. Can we find a word of hope in them? Where is the good news for us today?
(After some technical difficulties in our livestream service, Pastor Nancy recorded her sermon again from home.)
Scripture: Genesis 2:18-24; Mark 10:2-16
Sermon: Behind the Question
2021-10-0423 minMultifaith MattersA Conversation with a Pagan and Satanist on Christian Responses to HalloweenWe can count on it every October. Not only will trick or treaters be at our door, many Christians will share their concerns about the alleged evils of Halloween, and with it, sometimes literally demonize Pagans and Satanists. David Dashifen Kees, a Pagan, and Stephen Bradford Long, a Satanist, share their thoughts on Christian responses to Halloween. Along the way we reflect on things associated with the holiday, and spirituality, including the importance of liminality, boundary maintenance, and living in the shadow of death.
For those who want to explore this topic in more depth from an...
2021-09-291h 00Sermons at Morehead FCCThere's Always a MountainNote: this sermon was recorded outdoors next to a creek which affects the sound quality. This is the final sermon in a month long series on the Season of Creation. You can watch the complete worship service on YouTube; there you'll be able to see some of the beautiful landscape of eastern Kentucky. In Isaiah's hope for his people we find an alternative vision of God's shalom which Isaiah sees lived out on the mountain of God, a place of justice and plenty, of peace and community. Listen as Pastor Nancy encourages people of faith to "live like the...
2021-09-2722 minSermons at Morehead FCCCatching a Glimpse of the Spirit's Bright WingsNote: this sermon was recorded outdoors which affects the sound quality. This is what summer sounds like in Kentucky! You can watch the complete worship service on YouTube; there you'll be able to see some of the beautiful landscape of eastern Kentucky. For the third Sunday in the Season of Creation Pastor Nancy moves from lament to praise. It's so easy to be discouraged by the urgency of climate change. How do you practice listening to the songs of the skies? Where do you find hope?
Scripture - Jeremiah 4:23-28; Psalm 19
To support the ministries...
2021-09-1916 minSermons at Morehead FCCWho Do You Think You Are?How we read the creation stories of Genesis matters. In this second sermon in our 2021 celebration of the Season of Creation Pastor Nancy reflects on the dangers of understanding human beings as having domination over the earth. As a counterpoint she invites us to imagine humanity as part of God's gardening staff, tending the landscapes we live in with care and intention.
Note: this sermon was recorded outdoors which affects the sound quality. This is what summer sounds like in Kentucky!
Scripture - Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8
To watch the video of this sermon a...
2021-09-1223 minSermons at Morehead FCCFragile: Handle with CareCarl Sagan famously wrote of his response to seeing a picture of Earth taken from the Voyager 1 at the edge of our solar system, in which Earth appears as a pale blue dot, "To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known."
During the month of September we'll be celebrating the Season of Creation; each week focusing on a particular part of our world. In her sermon, "Fragile: Handle with Care," Pastor Nancy invites us to see the...
2021-09-0515 minSermons at Morehead FCCSacred MattersIn our final installment of A Summer with David: Lessons from an Imperfect King, Pastor Nancy leads a reflection on the startling sensuous love poetry in The Song of Songs. How did these ancient love poems become included in scripture? What wisdom might they hold for us in our day?
Scripture: Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Sermon: Sacred Matters
2021-08-2918 minSermons at Morehead FCCHoly SpacesFollowing the plans of his father before him, Solomon now presides over the opening worship ceremony of his newly constructed temple. Even as he offers a dedication prayer, he questions his efforts, saying, "But can God really dwell on earth? Look the heavens and the heavens beyond the heavens cannot contain You. How much less this house that I have built."
In the long extended days of pandemic, what are the sacred spaces we inhabit? When sanctuaries are closed, where to we experience the Holy? Listen as Pastor Nancy reflects on the sacred spaces in our lives.
2021-08-2219 minSermons at Morehead FCCSeeking Wisdom in an Age of MisinformationKing Solomon like his father is the stuff of legends--renowned for his wisdom, wealthy beyond measure, countless wives and concubines. At the beginning of his story is the tale of a dream, a dream in which God asks what Solomon desires. At this crucial juncture, Solomon asks for wisdom, wisdom to discern between good and evil. What does this fable have to say about our days of disinformation and distrust? How can the church be a place which forms people with discerning hearts? Listen as Pastor Nancy explores this passage from Hebrew Scriptures.
Scripture: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:1-14
2021-08-1523 minSermons at Morehead FCCRegretsThe tragic story of King David draws to a close this week as the lectionary reading describes David receiving the news of the death of his son Absalom. Pastor Nancy retells the story of their estrangement and invites us to imagine a different outcome. Listen in as she asks, "what if?" The gospel story gives us the chance to break the cycles of violence and retribution and to practice the power of our moral imaginations to make a way of peace where there was once no way.
Sermon series: A Summer with David: lessons from an imperfect...
2021-08-0823 minSermons at Morehead FCCIn Need of MercyJust when King David thinks he's successfully covered up his indiscretions, the prophet Nathan comes for a visit. He ensnares the king with an story of an outrageous injustice, and soon David is caught in the prophet's trap. Listen as Pastor Nancy continues our series: A Summer with David.
Scripture:
2021-08-0120 minSermons at Morehead FCCUnchecked PowerNow the saga of David takes a dark turn, as the storyteller of 2 Samuel recounts the encounter of David with Bathsheba and the actions which follow. from this moment on, his life is on a trajectory of decline, tragedy, and loss. What are we to do with such disturbing passages in scripture, what Phyllis Trible calls "texts of terror"? Listen as Pastor Nancy explores the history of interpreting this story and offers some ways for the church to be in solidarity with those who have been victimized by abuses of power today.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1-17
2021-07-2525 minSermons at Morehead FCCGrand DesignsKing David has big plans. With a new capital and a new palace in place, now he begins drawing up designs for a fabulous temple in which to house the Ark of God. Before the first shovel is in the ground, the prophet Nathan has some startling news for David: God rejects the offer, and counters with a grand design beyond David's dreams. Listen as Pastor Nancy explores why we might be moved to pray, "God, take our best-laid plans and tell us no."
Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a
2021-07-1819 minSermons at Morehead FCCDance Like Nobody's Watching“There are many roads which lead to God. I have chosen the one of dance and music.” -- Rumi
In the six sermon "Dance Like Nobody's Watching" in the series, "A Summer with David," Pastor Nancy spends time unpacking the celebratory story of David's decision to move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. What can we learn from this ancient story of communal joy and the ominous dangers which surround the Ark?
Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
2021-07-1124 minSermons at Morehead FCCNot Leaving out the Details"On this fourth of July we can pause to consider how we tell our own stories. Can we tell them honestly, without skipping over the uncomfortable parts? Can we be truly patriotic or will we slip into the sin of idolatry of nationalism?" --Pastor Nancy, from her sermon, "Not Leaving out the Details," part of the series, "A Summer with David: lessons from an imperfect king."
Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
2021-07-0420 minSermons at Morehead FCCLament in a Forgetful WorldThis week's scripture passage finds David leading the people in the face of grief. They have lost a battle, their king and his son have been killed, and the future is unsure. Pastor Nancy in her sermon, "Lament in a Forgetful World," invites us to consider the ways in which the church is called to engage in lament.
"As we lean into moments of lament, we learn to be in solidarity with those who cry out for social justice. Making the space for honest lament opens us up to be changed ourselves, to grow as disciples, to...
2021-06-2721 minSermons at Morehead FCCConfronting GiantsIt's a familiar bible story many learn in Sunday School, the young boy David takes down the giant Goliath with only his slingshot and 5 smooth stones. "What do we do with a story we’ve known since childhood? with a story whose themes are woven into some of our favorite books and movies? How do we free the tale from our expectations and allow it to speak to us beyond the easy platitudes of Sunday School lessons?"
In her sermon "Confronting Giants," the third in our series "A Summer with David: lessons from an imperfect king" Pastor Nanc...
2021-06-2021 minMultifaith MattersRev. Munther Isaac and a Palestinian Christian PerspectiveRenewed conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is the background for this episode. Munther Isaac is our guest, and as his book The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope describes, Christians have lived in Palestine since the earliest days of the Jesus movement. Yet, in the heated tensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the voices of Palestinian Christians are often unheard and ignored. As a Palestinian pastor and theologian, Isaac gives the perspective of Palestinian Christians on the other side of the separation wall. He laments the injustices suffered by the Palestinian people but...
2021-06-2026 minSermons at Morehead FCCThe Perils of First ImpressionsIn our 2021 summer worship series, "A Summer with David: lessons from an imperfect king" we're following the story of David and the beginnings of the monarchy in Israel. In her second sermon in the series, "The Perils of First Impressions," Pastor Nancy explores the selection and anointing of the young David to be the next king of Israel. How do we decide who will be a good leader? The writer of Samuel contrasts the decision-making of the prophet Samuel with the way God discerns, writing "God sees with the heart."
Pastor Nancy explains, "In our day we...
2021-06-1322 minSermons at Morehead FCCBe Careful What You Wish ForThis summer we begin a deep dive into the story of David and the beginnings of the ancient monarchy in Israel through the books of 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. How does an ancient story about prophets, judges, and kings relate to our modern context? Listen to Pastor Nancy as she opens up the series with her sermon, Be Careful What You Wish For. Scripture text: 1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15).
2021-06-0621 minMultifaith MattersDuerksen and Stella on Christian and Hindu Perspectives on the Meaning of LoveDarren Duerksen is a Christian who teaches at Fresno Pacific University, and Fred Stella is a Hindu affiliated with the Hindu American Foundation. Both men have been guests individuall on the podcast previously, but they come together in a conversation from Facebook Live to discuss “Why should I love my neighbor?: Hindu and Christian similarities and differences on the origins and nature of love.” How do these traditions understand the nature of the divine as a source and inspiration for love, as well as the nature of revelation in gaining instruction on love? How do the distinctives connect to thin...
2021-06-031h 02Sermons at Morehead FCCSaying Yes to God's Community of LoveIn the dazzling glory of a vision in the Temple, Isaiah hears a call from God, "Who will go for us?" And in response, he steps out in faith saying, "Here I am, send me!" Listen as Pastor Nancy explores this ancient call and how it connects with our current journeys of faith, in her sermon for Trinity Sunday, Saying Yes to God's Community of Love. Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-13, Romans 8:12-17.
2021-05-3022 minSermons at Morehead FCCWe're in the Wrong PlaceFor Pentecost Sunday 2021 in-person worship returned to FCC Morehead, KY. Pastor Nancy explores the story of the gift of the Holy Spirit and its implications for our current day. Sunday sermon title: We're in the Wrong Place. Scriptures: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Acts 2:1-21.
2021-05-2318 minSermons at Morehead FCCLeft with FootprintsWhen artists attempted to depict the story of the ascension of Jesu (Acts 1:1-11), some interesting images appear. Today Pastor Nancy reflects on one detail from a painting by Master of the Dominican Cycle in a passion series painting from the 16th century. You can view the painting at the German National Museum.
2021-05-1618 minSermons at Morehead FCCInterrupted by the Spirit"Too often we tend to think of faith as a one time decision, perhaps at our baptism or when we join a particular church. Peter’s story offers us another way of imagining our faith, one of process and discovery--of making mistakes, of changing one's mind, of having our ways of understanding God and the world challenged, enlarged, of being--as Peter was that day in Caesarea--interrupted by the Spirit....That's part of the journey of faith. It’s not measured in how firmly our feet are planted, but how expansive our love becomes." --Pastor Nancy
Scripture texts: Acts...
2021-05-0922 minSermons at Morehead FCCIt Takes PracticeOn the fourth Sunday of the Easter Season, Pastor Nancy returns to the story of Peter and John in Acts 4, as she continues our reflections on life after resurrection. As the Elder of 1 John writes, this eastering life requires practice, we live into a life of divine love, one day at a time, one action of love after another. It's through our practice of love that the Sacred breaks through our brokenness and uncertainty, transforming us into disciples who follow in the footsteps of Peter. Scripture passages: Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24.
2021-04-2524 minMultifaith MattersAsma Uddin on the Christian-Muslim Divide and Political VulnerabilityIn The Politics of Vulnerability, Asma Uddin, American Muslim public intellectual, religious liberty attorney, and activist, provides a unique perspective on the complex political and social factors contributing to the Muslim-Christian divide. Unlike other analysts, Uddin asks what underlying drivers cause good people to do, or believe, bad things? Why do people who value faith support measures that limit others', especially Muslims', religious freedom and other rights?
Uddin humanizes a contentious relationship by fully embracing both sides as individuals driven by very human fears and anxieties. Many conservative Christians fear that the Left is dismantling traditional "Christian...
2021-04-1823 minSermons at Morehead FCCTransformed by Divine LoveHow does a stammering, impulsive fisherman, who in Jesus's darkest hours denied him 3 times transform into a bold, risk-taking apostle who can bring good news to an outcast and to those in power? The Elder who wrote 1 John tells us it's because of God's initiative, embracing Peter as a beloved child. It's that love that opens up a different future for him and for us.
Deep inside most of us long for someone to tell us who we are. In the light of Easter resurrection we take on a new name now we are children of God...
2021-04-1819 minSermons at Morehead FCCEaster People in a Post-Christian WorldIn recent weeks the findings of a Gallop research Poll on church membership have been in the news. For the first time since they began tracking the numbers in 1937, membership in a faith community fell below 50% of the U.S. adult population. The headlines have been everywhere, marking this milestone. "If we take seriously the findings of these studies, the truth is, dusting off our traditions and sprucing up our worship services is not what folks are looking for. For many, there’s a longing for authenticity, for true community, for a group of people honestly struggling with what it...
2021-04-1125 minSermons at Morehead FCCWhy Back to Galilee? An Easter sermon for unsettled times.What are we to make of the ending of Mark's gospel? With only five verses and no resurrection appearances by Jesus it stands alone with its abrupt, unsettling end. On Easter Sunday in 2021, as many churches have yet to return to in person worship services, Pastor Nancy suggests we consider the unfinished ending as an open invitation--how are we responding to the news of resurrection?
2021-04-0417 minSermons at Morehead FCCBless This: The Messiness of CrowdsChanting crowds, a donkey, branches and cloaks lining the road, shouts of Hosanna ringing in the air--there is always a festival feel in our celebrations of Jesus entering Jerusalem. Pastor Nancy invites us to imagine ourselves in the crowds that day. What might move us to shout Hosanna, God save us? Who is crying out, save us, today?
Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 and Philippians 2:5-11.
2021-03-2819 minSermons at Morehead FCCBless This: Our Broken HeartsWhat do you do when political structures exploit the poor and religious institutions align themselves with the powerful? According to the prophet Jeremiah you expect God to do a new thing. On the fifth Sunday of Lent Pastor Nancy explores the dream of Jeremiah of the day when God's covenant bypasses the powerful and transforms the hearts and minds of the people with God's law of love. Scripture texts - Jeremiah 31:31-34 and John 12:20-33.
2021-03-2121 minSermons at Morehead FCCBless This: The World's WorstOn the fourth Sunday of Lent, Pastor Nancy explores an obscure story about a bronze snake from the book of Numbers and its unexpected appearance in Jesus's late night conversation with Nicodemus. As we make our way through Lent on the way to Good Friday and the cross, we must gaze upon the cross, and if we look at it honestly, "we see humankind's rejection of...divine love lived out in Jesus....the worst that the world can offer: all of the fear, the anger, hatred, bigotry, the greed, lust for power, the poisonous nationalism, the idolatry of self."
2021-03-1420 minSermons at Morehead FCCBless This: Foolishness and Freedom"...if we've abandoned the cross and taken up the trappings of glory and power of the world, then we're left with nothing but crumbling monuments to our own folly, dollar store idols of our own creation."
In her sermon for the third Sunday of Lent Pastor Nancy holds three scripture texts in conversation with one another. The Ten Commandments, Jesus clearing the Temple, and Paul's take on the foolishness of the cross shed light on the liberating work of God in the world.
Scripture passages: Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, and John 2:13-22.
To le...
2021-03-0823 minSermons at Morehead FCCBless This: Saying Yes to God Knows WhatIn the age of GPS mapping apps, directions are always at our fingertips. Use your current location and select destination—with just a click, each road and every turn appears. Our spiritual journey has no quick guides. One day the path seems clear, other times the way is hidden from us. The journey of faith is a walk of trust, radically trusting in the God who calls us, walks with us and paves our way in steadfast love.
In her sermon for the second Sunday of Lent Pastor Nancy finds explores what it means to take up on...
2021-03-0119 minSermons at Morehead FCCBless This: Changing DirectionOn the first Sunday of Lent Pastor Nancy opens up the story of God's first covenant found in Genesis 9:8-17. A story of a bow hung in the heavens, a sign of remembrance of lives lost and of God's vow never to bring destruction to life on earth again. What can we learn from this ancient story? How can we find inspiration in this story to meet the challenges of our day?
2021-02-2122 minSermons at Morehead FCCGlory in the Margins: a sermon for Transfiguration SundayAs the church moves from the season of Epiphany to the time of Lent, we pause for a moment with the Peter, James and John on a far away mountain top. There in a mysterious moment of revelation, the disciples catch of glimpse of glory in the person of Jesus. But what does it mean? And how are we to understand this strange story? Listen as Pastor Nancy invites us to see the glory of God in the moment.
2021-02-1419 minSermons at Morehead FCCThe Everyday Lives of GrasshoppersThe mind numbing realities of life during the pandemic can be exhausting. Pandemic burnout pulls us down as we wonder when this will all end. Join Pastor Nancy as she explores the questions and the inspiration found in Isaiah 40:21-31. Whether it's in the soaring majesty of eagle's wings or in the fragileness of a grasshopper's wings, you just might find some words of hope you need for today.
2021-02-0719 minSermons at Morehead FCCTough Words on Love and FreedomIn her sermon "Tough Words on Love and Freedom" Pastor Nancy goes behind easy platitudes and thin excuses to explore the real world wisdom of the Apostle Paul's words, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" from 1 Corinthians 8.
2021-01-3123 minSermons at Morehead FCCYou Can't Be Serious?In her sermon "You Can't Be Serious?" for Sunday, January 24, 2021, Pastor Nancy invites us to consider two call stories, the first from Jonah 3:1-10, and the second from Mark 1:14-20. "In God’s realm all things are possible. The good news is spread by imperfect people--folks struggling with their own prejudices, or those just struggling to get by."
2021-01-2422 minSermons at Morehead FCCWhen the Word of the Lord Is Rare: a sermon for Sunday, January 17, 2021In this week's sermon Pastor Nancy Gowler explores the richness of the story of the call of Samuel. She lifts up the faithfulness of his mother Hannah, the blindness of his mentor Eli, the corruption of Eli's sons, and the unsure response of a young boy learning to listen to the voice of God in his life. You can find the story in 1 Samuel 3:1-20.
2021-01-1724 minSermons at Morehead FCCDragging the Burdens of the Past with Us: a sermon for the Baptism of Our Lord SundayThe events of the week of January 6, 2021 have shaken our country to its core. In her sermon on the Sunday after the violence inside the nation's capitol in Washington, DC, Pastor Nancy addresses the dangers of Christian Nationalism and looks for hope in Mark's gospel story.
You can read the text of her sermon on Pastor Nancy's blog: https://ruminari.wordpress.com/2021/01/10/dragging-the-burdens-of-the-past-with-us/
2021-01-1024 minSermons at Morehead FCCStar Light, Star Bright - EpiphanyIn this sermon for Epiphany Sunday Pastor Nancy Gowler asks us to imagine ourselves invited to journey along with the magi to Bethlehem to see the Christ Child. What is this time holding for us? What keeps us from crossing the threshold? What star awaits us? This sermon was preached on Sunday, January 3, 2020 at First Christian Church in Morehead, Kentucky, USA.
2021-01-0320 min