Shows
Kearney First UMC PodcastsTubing, Orientation, Disorientation, and ReorientationWelcome to our Monday Morning Podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt shares a story from his time as a camp counselor and how it ties in with a passage from Isaiah. God will be with us through everything. God is still our God through the peace and through the trial. This season of Lent is a time to embrace the movement from orientation to disorientation to reorientation and discover God indeed with us.
2026-02-2310 minKearney First UMC PodcastsLife with the Shepherd: Beloved in the WildernessWelcome to our Sunday Sermon Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jen Gibbs looks at Psalm 23:1 and the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4. Jesus is our good shepherd who knows His sheep by name. We belong to the shepherd in three unique ways: we are created as objects of divine affection, we are purchased by Jesus' sacrifice, and we are cared for by God through the Holy Spirit. God chooses us over and over. The words "I lack nothing" in Psalm 23:1 are not words of denial, they are words of trust. Dependence on God is not a weakness.
2026-02-2221 minKearney First UMC PodcastsPsalm 23 and LentWelcome to our Monday Podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen invites us to read Psalm 23. She invites us to put ourselves in the scripture and reflect on where we have had valleys in our lives. During this season of lent, Jo Ellen challenges us to read through Psalm 23 each day.
2026-02-1613 minKearney First UMC PodcastsTransfigurationWelcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at the transfiguration of Jesus. There is something about being a the mountain top and looking out over the world that gives us a new perspective. What perspective does seeing Jesus transfigured and raised give us? How do we follow Jesus from the peak down the mountain? How can we live in a way that lets Jesus' light shine in us? How can we live in a way that meet others where they are and walk with them?
2026-02-1521 minKearney First UMC PodcastsReflecting or Veiling?Welcome to our Monday Morning Podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt takes a look at a passage from 2 Corinthians and Exodus 34. Both mention Moses veiling his face but for different reasons. In Exodus, it is to cover his radiance after meeting with God. In 2 Corinthians, Paul says it is to cover a fading glory. Jesus' life and calling removes the veil of the old ways. The movement of the Spirit through the church eclipses the old ways. In life, when do we cover our faces or hearts before Jesus and His teaching as a way of hiding ourselves from His glo...
2026-02-0914 minKearney First UMC PodcastsBasics Anew...Some Things Must ChangeWelcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at the story of the rich young man and Jesus. When told that he must give all he has away, the rich young man walks away from Jesus feeling sad. What was he protecting or withholding from Jesus, or using as an excuse not to follow Jesus? What things must change? What things do we protect or hold back from Jesus? Pastor Matt reminds us that God's grace is with us and we are to love the Lord our God with all that we have. How often to we f...
2026-02-0823 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWhat Jumps Out?Welcome to our Monday Morning Podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt reflects on the story of Zacchaeus using a read, see what jumps out, discuss or reflect, and read again method. Do the same things stand out? What do we conclude from them? Does something else stand out? Can we imagine what it was like at that point in history? Can we feel the emotion of the crowds or individuals involved? Why did the writer phrase it like that?
2026-02-0213 minKearney First UMC PodcastsBasics Anew: Being Christian Is...Welcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen invites us to think about what it is to be a "Christian." We were never meant to experience the Christian life alone. It is meant to be spent together from times of grief to times of celebration. The "Church" is a people, not a building. We learn more about each other and God in community. Our community and culture have a hand in shaping who we are and what we believe. What do you surround yourself with? How do we engage better as Church people in our communit...
2026-02-0121 minKearney First UMC PodcastsReflective PracticesWelcome to our Monday Morning Podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt invites us to think about our reflective practices. When or where have we intentionally or accidentally discovered the created world declaring God's glory? What was our response? Do we cultivate time to reflect or do we keep busy with other things? Do we act on our reflections and discoveries or do we keep them to ourselves?
2026-01-2611 minKearney First UMC PodcastsBasics Anew...The Bible IsWelcome to our Sunday Sermon Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen shares some statistics about the Bible and what it means to Christians. Did you know it is one of the most purchased books yet one of the least read? The Bible is a workbook. It is something that you use, study, take notes on, and read over and over again. It guides our beliefs and should shape our actions. If what we focus on shapes us, what are you focused on?
2026-01-2522 minKearney First UMC PodcastsInspiration of CharacterWelcome to our Monday Morning Podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen invites us to think of people who have demonstrated characteristics of graciousness, holiness, caring, and equipping in our lives.
2026-01-1911 minKearney First UMC PodcastsJesus Calls Us A People of CharacterWelcome to the Sunday Sermon Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at the ways we are called and marked by God. Salvation includes living out Jesus' instructions. That is why there is so much time dedicated to instruction on how to live in the gospels. Being complete in love must include giving of ourselves. To act on our values is an active choice we make. The thing people need from the Church and from Christians is to see Jesus. Do you live in a way that shows Christ?
2026-01-1828 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWhat Is the Good News?Welcome to our Monday Morning Podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt asks, what is the good news we proclaim as church and followers of Jesus? Is this good news to us and to others? Do we all need to be doing the exact same thing to be living into the "good news?" Is the "good news" we claim reflected in how we live our lives?
2026-01-1214 minKearney First UMC PodcastsBeing a People of PracticeWelcome to our Sunday Sermon Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen shares we are a people of practice. We are called to new life in Christ that is shared with others. the effect of our faith should be evident ot others. If you are on a sports team or play an instrument and you never practice, do you get better? We need to practice our faith and being like Jesus.
Please note, Jo Ellen's mic cuts out around the 23:11 mark. We apologize for this inconvenience.
2026-01-1126 minKearney First UMC PodcastsBeing a People of Practice in the New YearWelcome to our Monday podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen encourages to think about how we will live out our practices of faith in the new year. Jesus calls us to live into our faith that is real, vital and growing. Discipleship takes work and preparation, it's not a passive thing.
2026-01-0506 minKearney First UMC PodcastsThe Main ThingsWelcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt asks, "How are you growing like Jesus or closer to Jesus? How are you 'growing up' in your salvation?" Salvation is not a one and done event. It is a lifelong journey that Jesus calls us to.
2026-01-0418 minKearney First UMC PodcastsA Look at the New Year: How Can We Live So That We Might Be Shaped By Jesus?Welcome to our Monday Podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt share a little bit about the future of this podcast and the reason behind the change in the release date. He asks, how can we live so that we might be most fully shaped by Jesus? How are we following Jesus?
2025-12-2912 minKearney First UMC PodcastsLight for Living - Christmas Eve 2025Welcome to our podcast! This is our Christmas Eve service from 2025. Pastor Matt looks at the Polar Express and ponders how hard it can be to believe. The trouble isn't believing that Jesus was born, the trouble is believing Jesus' birth makes a livable difference in our lives. At Christmas, God gives of God's self by giving us Jesus who is the light of the world who guides us to live in unity with God. Belief isn't a mental exercise, it's a light that shapes our living. Jesus, the light and life of God, persistently shows up before we feel w...
2025-12-2821 minKearney First UMC PodcastsA Christmas Day BlessingMerry Christmas! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen reads the Christmas Story from Luke 2 and shares a special Christmas blessing to you and yours.
2025-12-2503 minKearney First UMC PodcastsSigns of LoveWelcome to the Sunday Sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and asks if we ever feel melancholy at Christmas time? Of if Christmas has ever felt "not like Christmas" before? God gives of God's self in Jesus to give us courage to live in the melancholy and uncertainty of life. We are never alone, for God is always with us.
2025-12-2122 minKearney First UMC PodcastsJesus, the Greatest Gift of LoveWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen encourages us to think of how we show love. Jesus is the greatest gift of love from God. How can we share God's love with others?
2025-12-1806 minKearney First UMC PodcastsBlossoming JoyWelcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen shares that Joy is not something we engineer, but something God gives us. In today's reading, Isaiah tells about a release and restoration in community with God. It is a song of hope and joy. When we find relationship and family in God, we are released from the troubles of this world and restored in God's joy Joy can found in service and being present in our community. Where is your joy?
2025-12-1417 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWaiting In Between ArrivalsWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt says the season of Advent is a time of waiting, but what does waiting look like? What are the practices that help us wait faithfully or through which God transforms us into the Kingdom Jesus is creating?
2025-12-1107 minKearney First UMC PodcastsSeeing A Realm of PeaceWelcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast! Pastor Matt begins this sermon with a brief history of what is going on when Isaiah writes today's passage and why Isaiah calls King Ahaz a stump. Have you ever felt "Stump-ish?" Have things ever not gone how you planned or as fruitful as you'd like? Do you ever fell cut off from that which was once thriving? Isaiah says a ruler is coming who will promote peace and uplift those in need. God helps us re-center our vision onto a Holy and good leader, building a kingdom of peace in our midst.
2025-12-0723 minKearney First UMC PodcastsPondering HopeWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen invites us to ponder what hope looks like for us and for the world. Jo Ellen prays that we look for the little bits of hope in everyday, no matter how small they may be.
2025-12-0413 minKearney First UMC PodcastsHope of A Wonderful Life: First Sunday of AdventWelcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast! This sermon begins our Advent series. Pastor Jo Ellen shares that Advent is a time to prepare and hope for the promise of Jesus's birth. One of our movie pairings this week was "Spirited" in which the main character learns that one small good thing a day can make a big difference towards a better world. In "It's A Wonderful Life," the main character learns the world is better with him in it. The same can be said for you. The promise of Christ gives us hope. What are your hopes?
2025-11-3018 minKearney First UMC PodcastsLooking Toward AdventHappy Thanksgiving! In this episode, Pastor Matt shares a little about the end of Matthew and a brief look at Advent. The story of Jesus has always been rooted in God being with us always. From the opening genealogy of Matthew that shows Jesus' lineage from Abraham (and the promise God would make him a nation that would impact the world), to Jesus's Great Commission to the disciples to go into the world, tell all people the good news, and that Jesus will be with us until the end of the age, God will never leave us.
2025-11-2714 minKearney First UMC PodcastsFollowing Jesus: The End of the Matthew SeriesWelcome to our Sunday Sermon Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at the disciples asking Jesus when the temple will be destroyed, what sign will there be for the coming of God's kingdom, and Jesus' response in the Parable of Sheep and Goats. It is a parable of vision, showing what being a follower of Jesus looks like. It is encouragement to have endurance of faith and to keep following Jesus. Jesus is the sign that God's kingdom has come and we are to continue to be Church for all people.
2025-11-2324 minKearney First UMC PodcastsThankful For God With Us in Our StrugglesWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen shares a bit from the end of Matthew. She encourages us to be thankful for Jesus promising to be with us to the end of the age. We may have struggles in our lives, but how wonderful it is to have a God who walks with us. At the end of this episode, Jo Ellen shares a breath prayer, a type of prayer that has two parts. The first part is as you breathe in and the second part is as you breathe out. "God, be my strength every...
2025-11-2010 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWhat to Do With What You've Been Given - UMC SundayWelcome to our Sunday Sermon Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jen Gibbs shares a little bit about what United Campus Ministries does and how it serves students. She preaches on the Parables of the Talents and challenges us to think about what we have been given. God has entrusted us with many valuable talents. How are we using them? No matter how many or how few talents one may have, everyone is expected to do something with what they've been given. When we bury what God has given us, we miss the joy of seeing it grow. Joy is the rewa...
2025-11-1625 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWaiting Expectantly in Community and Looking Toward AdventWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen reflects on the importance of being church community outside the church walls and shares about upcoming events. She asks "How would it change your life if you were to wait expectantly for the return of Christ? What do you wait expectantly for?"
2025-11-1311 minKearney First UMC PodcastsTwo Sons, Tenants, and A WeddingWelcome to our Sunday Sermon Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at parts of Matthew 21 and 22 which is a collection of parables. It is not enough just to know scripture in our heads and reason it, but to do something with it. Our words need action to back them up. We can say to God's calling, but if we don't act on our words, they mean nothing. How can we shape our lives like Jesus if we don't deeply know Jesus? Where is our fruit and are we sharing our fruit? Who is our neighbor?
2025-11-0924 minKearney First UMC PodcastsCalled and Equipped: Perfection Not RequiredWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt looks at Jesus' instructions to His disciples to retrieve a donkey and Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. In our lives, we may be called to do things that are uncomfortable or result in confrontation. Jesus equips us to handle these situations. We do not have to know exactly how the perfect prayer or devotion is said in order to answer Jesus' call. Jesus humbly enters a common gate to Jerusalem without the display of a grand king. He walks with us, not above us. As the people cried out hosanna to Jesu...
2025-11-0613 minKearney First UMC PodcastsThe Greatest?Welcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at Matthew 20:20-28. Jesus flips the order of the world in the sense of power. The world operates with "power over" and almost always turns to oppression, violence, abuse, and control that ignores or devalues the most vulnerable. We don't always see the subtle way power "power over" shapes our lives, hearts, relationships, and our world. Do we struggle with how to have authority without being authoritarian?
Jesus shows power in service and submission to others with "power under" Christ. When we embrace Jesus and follo...
2025-11-0221 minKearney First UMC PodcastsTo Listen and Have Compassion as a Part of God's HealingWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt looks at Matthew 20:29-34 when the blind men call out to Jesus for healing. How are we called to healing? We may think that we can't heal others in the same way Jesus did, but being the means by which God begins to heal someone may be as simple as hearing and listening when someone calls out, then showing and acting with compassion towards them.
2025-10-3014 minKearney First UMC PodcastsParable: The Generous Vineyard OwnerWelcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at the Parable of the Generous Vineyard Owner in Matthew 20. In our western culture, we often finding ourselves comparing ourselves to others. We look at the work we've done and easily take responsibility when things go well, but may just as easily shift blame away from us when things do not go well. When someone is having a hard time in life, are we quick to assume they did something in life to cause it?
In the parable read today, who do you relate to? The v...
2025-10-2623 minKearney First UMC PodcastsLoving God by Addressing Christian NationalismWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt reflects on the recent Orders and Fellowship Gathering which was themed: Loving God by Addressing Christian Nationalism. Matt shares some of the things he learned and offers some of the ponderings he is working through. One of the points the speaker of the conference made was "When we fuse our Christian and American identities, it is worse for us as a nation and worse for us as Christian folk sharing in God's mission of redeeming the world through Jesus." When we fuse these identities and confuse them, we sometimes lose...
2025-10-2313 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWhat Is Your Treasure?Welcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at Matthew 19 and how Jesus interacts with children and the rich young man. She poses the question, if you only had 2 minutes to grab what you treasure, who or what would you grab? Jesus treasured children in a society that saw children as workers and property. Jesus invited children to be right next to Him and blessed them. What if we followed Jesus like a child? Children do not have the same worries adults do. If we trusted Jesus like a child trusts, what would our faith l...
2025-10-1928 minKearney First UMC PodcastsForgive Like JesusWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen reflects on Pastor Matt's sermon from Sunday. She thinks about how quick children are to forgive and how Jesus provides an example on forgiveness. Even before people said they were sorry, Jesus forgave.
2025-10-1610 minKearney First UMC PodcastsA Community of ForgivenessWelcome to the Sunday Sermon Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at the story of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18. He challenges us to put ourselves in Corrie Ten Boom's position. When approached by a former guard of the concentration camp she was held in asked for her forgiveness.... if you were in her position, would you have forgiven him? Jesus shows us the kingdom of God is experienced in community. Living in community requires forgiveness and forgiving as many times as it takes.
2025-10-1223 minKearney First UMC PodcastsThe Blessing and Kindness of ChildrenWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen shares about what a blessing children can be in our lives, both children who may be our own and children we interact with in society. Children love and serve wholeheartedly, which may play into why Jesus calls us to follow Him like children. Kindness is deep within the human soul that echos the compassionate goodness of God.
2025-10-0912 minKearney First UMC PodcastsChildren and StumblingWelcome to our Sunday Morning Sermon Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at Matthew 18. We are called to humility, to live as invitational witnesses of the Kingdom of God and to let go of pride. Pride is focused on self, power, and creates division. Humility is focused on others, that there is a place for everyone. Be humble so others can see Jesus calling them through you.
2025-10-0519 minKearney First UMC PodcastsThe Mustard Seed and the Wesleyan QuadrilateralWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at Jesus' transfiguration and the story of the mustard seed. She encourages us to ask questions and grow our faith using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. Read scripture as our base then use our reasoning, experiences, and traditions to guide our understanding. God can take faith as small as a mustard seed and grow it exponentially.
2025-10-0212 minKearney First UMC PodcastsTransfiguration and ButterfliesWelcome to our Sunday morning podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at Jesus' transfiguration. She uses the example of butterflies to see Jesus' transfiguration as well as our own changes in our life journeys. Sometimes, we are called to the mountaintop and sometimes we are called to lay low like a caterpillar in a cocoon. Then we are called to fly. Through each and every stage, God loves us to our core.
2025-09-2826 minKearney First UMC PodcastsGod's Love is EverywhereWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen shares a children's book that has a message we all need to hear from time to time. God's love is everywhere. No matter how big and loud or small and quiet life can be, God's love is there and always will be.
2025-09-2513 minKearney First UMC PodcastsThe Seeds That God PlantsWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at an exchange between Jesus, the pharisees, and the disciples. Jesus says that what comes out of the mouth is what comes from the heart. The seeds that God has not sown will be uprooted, but that which God has sown will grow. We want what is planted in our hearts to be good. How can we feed our hearts with good things?
2025-09-1813 minKearney First UMC PodcastsJesus and the Canaanite WomanWelcome to our Sunday sermon podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt looks at Jesus's interaction with the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15. In this passage, we see lines that have been drawn and Jesus crossing them. Have we seen any lines drawn in our lives? Have we drawn our own lines? Have we gotten too comfortable on the "right side/our side" of the line that we refuse to acknowledge the other side? God's mission and the work of the Holy Spirit extends beyond and across any and every line humanity could ever draw. The kingdom of God has no line o...
2025-09-1427 minKearney First UMC PodcastsTaking Time to Be StillWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt looks at Jesus intentionally taking time to be alone in Matthew 14 and the feeding of the 5000. Taking time to be with God gives us space to be conduits through which God can and does work. Being still with God so that God's presence can become part of our presence with others. Have we been present enough to notice someone else's struggle?
2025-09-1111 minKearney First UMC PodcastsTreasure: Growing SeedsWelcome to our Sunday Sermon Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen explains that parables help us look forward to our "one day, someday" in Heaven. The kingdom of Heaven is a great treasure to look forward to and we have a taste of now through living life with Jesus.
2025-09-0720 minKearney First UMC PodcastsParables of Small ThingsWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt looks at the Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Parable of Yeast. Both represent the Kingdom of Heaven and God's grace growing in and through us. Transformation takes time, but it does happen.
2025-09-0408 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWhoever Has Ears, Let Them HearWelcome to the Sunday Sermon Podcast! Please note, this sermon has a couple of audio corruption moments that we were unable to fix in editing. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at the parable of wheat and weeds. Jesus didn't want us to wait to start living like Him. "All who has ears, let them hear," includes us today! What do you hear in the parables of Matthew and in scripture? Are you a seed? God is an extravagant God and God grows in us something bigger than we can...
2025-08-3121 minKearney First UMC PodcastsThe Parable of the WeedsWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt briefly talks about what a parable is from a literary genre perspective and reads the Parable of the Weeds from Matthew 13. Matt invites us to think of the farmer in the story as God. God knows how things will work out and has the patience to see things through. God knows that we will grow. God is active in our lives to draw out God's character to make us more like Jesus. Even when we are in the weeds, God is committed to our growth and patient enough to see it...
2025-08-2810 minKearney First UMC PodcastsThe Kingdom is Like... the Parable of the SowerWelcome to our Sunday morning Sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt shares the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. Perhaps when you read or listen to this parable, you worry about what kinds of soil you are. Matt invites us to take a step back and remember that this is the Parable of the Sower, not the Parable of the Soils. Jesus shows us the shape of God's extravagantly generous and gracious character that falls on us because God declares it so. Like the Sower, God doesn't get frustrated but continues to sow. God continues to work God's grace...
2025-08-2422 minKearney First UMC PodcastsTelling Your Story in CommunityWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. She makes note that you can read the parable literally or metaphorically, much like some stories in our lives. How we tell our own stories of faith are sometimes told very literally while others have deeper or hidden meanings. Having a community that we can share our stories with is a wonderful and fruitful thing to have and engage with. You never know who may need to hear your story.
2025-08-2111 minKearney First UMC PodcastsJesus on Sabbath KeepingWelcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast! In this sermon, Jen Gibbs invites us to take a look at the Sabbath. Taking a Sabbath wasn't intended to be a luxury. God declares that everyone and everything deserves rest. Jen challenges us to go against he pressures of the world and take back time to rest rather than be pushed by society to always be busy. Rather than seeing Sabbath as a burden in our schedule, look at it as a blessing. We are not what we do, but who we live by. Sabbath is a time to reconnect with God.
2025-08-1727 minKearney First UMC PodcastsTaking a SabbathWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen share some of her thoughts on Sabbath and how true the phase, "You don't know how much you need a Sabbath until you take one." really is.
2025-08-1408 minKearney First UMC PodcastsJesus Heals with Great Love and KindnessWelcome to the Sunday Sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at Jesus healing the bleeding woman and Jairus' daughter in Matthew 9. As you listen, think about if you have ever needed healing. In each of the stories shared in Matthew, no one earned Jesus' healings. For some, they were coming to Jesus as a last resort. It didn't matter how they came to Jesus, it mattered that they came to Him. They were given healing freely with kindness. They came as they were just like we should come to Jesus. Whole-ness comes from God and you are nev...
2025-08-1020 minKearney First UMC PodcastsJesus's Identity as a HealerWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt looks at Matthew 8 which contains many stories of Jesus healing people. He reflects on Jesus's identity as a healer and the nature of God's kingdom.
2025-08-0716 minKearney First UMC PodcastsSermon on the Mount: The Main ThingWelcome to our Sunday sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at Matthew 7. He comments that sometimes we see the Christian Life as a strict set of rules of "do this, don't do that." In the sermon on the mount, there are a few rules and "do this, don't do that" examples, but as a whole, it is about living as a whole in society and how we treat others. It is an introspective guide on how to think through every part of our lives. Our guide on how to live our lives with others to reflect Jesus. Jesus...
2025-08-0323 minKearney First UMC PodcastsBeing God's BelovedWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen shares a little bit about her time at the chautauqua in Ohio. She reflects that we are all God's beloved. There is no "us" or "them." We are all loved and made whole in Jesus and we are called to seek God.
2025-07-3112 minKearney First UMC PodcastsSermon on the Mount: TrustWelcome to our Sunday Morning Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt asks, "How do you define trust?" We often see trust as transactional, but that's not the same with God. God give with no strings attached. We can trust in God who never gives up on us.
2025-07-2720 minKearney First UMC PodcastsLearning Jesus' Way and Centering on HimWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this week's episode, Pastor Matt looks at the next section of Matthew 6 building off of his Sunday sermon. The Sermon on the Mount includes Jesus' instructions to live His way and how to keep Jesus at the center of our lives.
2025-07-2413 minKearney First UMC PodcastsSermon on the Mount: Humility in HolinessWelcome to our Sunday Morning Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at the next section of the Sermon on the Mount which contains the Lord's Prayer and a reordering on instructions when praying giving and fasting. Through these reordered practices, Jesus invites us into the heart of God so that the holiness that God creates in us may be the spark that leads to our transformation and the world's transformation.
2025-07-2024 minKearney First UMC PodcastsThe Beatitudes: Salt and LightWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at Matthew 5 and reflects on the beatitudes. How are you being salt and light today? How are you growing closer to Jesus?
2025-07-1711 minKearney First UMC PodcastsSermon on the Mount: Holiness AppliedWelcome to our Sunday sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at Matthew 5:38-48. She comments on Vacation Bible School starting this week and how important it is for children to learn through play and how spirituality helps promote humanity in children. She reflects on how she knew Jesus through "the popsicle man" from her childhood VBS experience. VBS helps children learn and discover who they are in Jesus just as Matthew 5 helps us learn who we are as followers of Christ. If we have learned Jesus' teaching, we will see life and behavioural changes from who we wer...
2025-07-1322 minKearney First UMC PodcastsSermon on the Mount and the Camino de Santiago Part 2Welcome to our midweek podcast! This is the second part of a two part series looking at Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and Pastor Matt's experience walking for four days on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. in this episode, Pastor Matt invites us to ponder the seasons of hardship in our lives and how we equip ourselves during these times. How might we set aside some things that make our walk harder while seeking to recognize that our walk is our walk regardless of our speed, success, or destinations. How can we embrace ourselves and our day? God has the p...
2025-07-1011 minKearney First UMC PodcastsTeacher: The BeatitudesWelcome to the Sunday sermon podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen invites us to "read it again!" Think back to your favorite story from childhood, the story you wanted to hear over and over. Then think about reading or listening to that story now. How has your perspective changed?
Our perspectives and contextualization changes as we grow and learn. How we read scripture is the same way. Read through Matthew 5:1-20 and look for what resonates with you in this season of your life. Which beatitudes have you resonated with before that you may not resonate with a...
2025-07-0622 minKearney First UMC PodcastsSermon on the Mount and the Camino de Santiago Part 1Welcome to our midweek podcast! This is the first of a two part series looking at Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and Pastor Matt's experience walking for four days on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. In this first part, Pastor Matt explores the difference between "Wisdom Literature" and "Rule Books." Wisdom literature is useful at any point in life and invites continual interaction or pondering where rule books are applicable in specific situations and circumstances. While waiting for part 2, take some time to ponder what you have been carrying in your life. What do you need help carrying and are y...
2025-07-0310 minKearney First UMC PodcastsTestimony and Call to Connect: A People of HealingWelcome! In this Sunday podcast, guest speaker Gene Tillotson shares some of his personal experiences in serving the community and a Chat GPT assisted script about why individuals come to church.
2025-06-2920 minKearney First UMC PodcastsJesus as Teacher: Believing in Us More Than We Believe In OurselvesWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt looks at Jesus calling the first disciples and how it show us about being us. Peter, Andrew, James, and John left everything behind to follow Jesus perhaps because when a system told them they were not enough to become rabbis, Jesus saw them and said they were enough. Jesus believes in us more than we believe in ourselves. How different would the world be if we treated others like that?
2025-06-2611 minKearney First UMC PodcastsTeacher: In The WildernessWelcome to our Sunday Podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. Jesus' temptation was a big event and he needed time to recover after. When have we had big things in our lives that required us to take a step back, prepare, experience the event, learn from it and recover after? The sabbath is a blessed time to rest and allow our souls to catch up with our bodies in our lives of hurry. Do we find ourselves making time to follow Jesus, or are we too busy to follow Jesus?
2025-06-2221 minKearney First UMC PodcastsJesus in Matthew: The Light is NearWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. She comments that Jesus is the light of the world and we no longer have to fear the darkness. Jesus is God's light come near to us and we can have peace and comfort in Him.
2025-06-1909 minKearney First UMC PodcastsJesus' Baptism and OursWelcome to our Sunday Sermon Podcast! We have begun the Matthew half of our sermon series. In this sermon, Pastor Matt asks you to remember the vows that are often said at baptisms in the United Methodist Church. If you have been baptised or have taken these vows, how can we live into them? How can we as a community act on these vows as God's beloved?
2025-06-1526 minKearney First UMC PodcastsJesus In Matthew: Jesus as a TeacherWelcome to the mid-week podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen introduces the second half of this year's reading plan as we begin going through the book of Matthew. She invites us to view Jesus as our teacher and think about "What am I supposed to be learning?" or "What is Jesus teaching me?" as we read through scripture.
2025-06-1211 minKearney First UMC PodcastsOn Pentecost: Living Into Jesus' PromiseWelcome to the Sunday podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Matt shares Pentecost was not a single event, but the beginning of a new chapter. The Holy Spirit equips each of us to live into Jesus' promise and calling through relationships.
2025-06-0827 minKearney First UMC PodcastsPentecost: Excitement of the Holy SpiritWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen shares part of Acts 2 which tells the Pentecost story. How often are we excited about the Holy Spirit and the work the Holy Spirit does? How often do we forget just how powerful the Holy Spirit is? The coming of the Holy Spirit is the life of God reaching out to us. No one is beyond the reach of the Holy Spirit and how exciting is that!
2025-06-0513 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho is Jesus: The SenderWelcome to this Sunday service podcast! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen reflects that there are a lot of callings from Jesus in the book of John. In today's passage in John 21, Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?" Jesus asks us too, "Do you love me? Feed my sheep." The sheep we feed and how we feed them may look different from each other, but it's important to find your sheep and feed them. We are called to do the good that is needed to be done.
2025-06-0125 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: Being EnthusiasticWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt asks us to look at Peter's enthusiasm when he jumps out of the boat to swim to Jesus. Are we that enthusiastic about Jesus? Are we willing to live into the fullness of God even when we don't have all the answers? Are we actively looking for signs of God in our lives?
2025-05-2912 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: Lord and GodWelcome! In this Sunday Sermon, Pastor Matt invites us to think about these questions: What does Jesus do that shows us what life in His name looks like? What do those people who help shape your life and faith do that inspires you? How can we show up for our family, community, and world?
2025-05-2525 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho is Jesus: Good InfluencesWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen shares a bit more on John 17 and about three ladies who had a positive impact on her life. Who has been a good influence on your life and faith journey?
2025-05-2211 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: The OneWelcome! In this Sunday sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen asks us to think about our life lists and people who have had an impact on our lives. What is on your life list you would share with someone younger or your younger self? Who or what is influencing you as you live into your faith? Are all your influences good influences? In John 17, we hear Jesus praying for His disciples, which includes us. What do your prayers look like?
2025-05-1816 minKearney First UMC PodcastsJesus Calling: May 14Welcome to our midweek podcast! Pastor Matt and Pastor Jo Ellen were unavailable to record a podcast this week, so our Multimedia Director, Anne, shares a short devotional out of the book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
2025-05-1502 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: The PeaceWelcome! In this Sunday Sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at John 16 when Jesus is explaining how a helper will come after He goes back to the Father. Pastor Jo Ellen explains the Holy Spirit is like a polaroid, a snapshot to when Jesus was here with us in person. We can look to the Holy Spirit and remember that moment of peace. Where do you look for peace? Is it in sports, media, success, family, community or church? The good news is Jesus came for all of us to have peace.
2025-05-1123 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: A Way of Life Led by the Holy SpiritWelcome! In this midweek podcast, Pastor Matt looks at John 16 and Jesus' words on the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus warns that life will not be easy, but He does promise a comforter, guide, and presence (the Holy Spirit) will be there for us. Matt challenges us to think through our lives and look for where we have been filling time that the Spirit might be trying to speak to us through. He also challenges us to think of Jesus as a way of life and not just a set of facts. How would our lives be different if we...
2025-05-0813 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: The VineWelcome! In this Sunday Sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen shares lessons the Confirmation Students have learned over this past year. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches bearing fruit of love. The Confirmation Students have taken steps to say they want to bear fruit as well and be part of this church. Pastor Jo Ellen reinforces that "church" is not a building, but rather the people. After all, what is at the heart of the word church? "U R"
2025-05-0412 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: When the World Hates YouWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt reflects on the passage of John 15 when Jesus says "If the world hates you, keep in mind they hated me first." and how the people immediately with Jesus responded, how the first century Christian people responded, and how we may respond in the present day. Matt reminds us to keep these lenses in mind as we in the American midwest do not experience persecution like Christians in other parts of the world or in other eras of history experienced it.
2025-05-0116 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: The Way, The Truth, The LifeWelcome! In this Sunday Sermon, Pastor Matt reflects on our church's history for it's 154th birthday and holds comfort in Jesus' words in John 14. Our church has been through many ups and downs, but God has been with us through it all. By following Jesus' truth (His teachings) and way (or His life style), we experience a 'with God life.' We can do this each and every day, it just takes practice.
2025-04-2721 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: Love One AnotherWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt wrestles with Easter and the resurrection. He touches on Jesus' new command to "love one another as I have loved you" and what that really means in a world that often doesn't seem transformed after the resurrection. How can we let the resurrection of Jesus and his entire witness change us?
2025-04-2413 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: The Risen One - Easter SundayHappy Easter! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at the resurrection story in John 20. He focuses on Mary Magdalene and her grief. He shares that Easter doesn't erase our grief or fix what feels broken, but meets us in the middle of it. God raised Jesus from the dead. He calls us by name, so that we can walk with courage on the way of Jesus - even when the road is hard and we carry heavy things. Whatever hard path we are walking or lies ahead of us, Jesus walks it with us giving us the courage to follo...
2025-04-2019 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: Jesus BiscuitsWelcome! In this mid-week podcast, Pastor Jo Ellen shares her recipe for "Jesus Biscuits" and speaks to Holy Week taking it's time. Holy Week is a time to sit in the wilderness with the questions, grief, and uncertainty of life, but we are not alone in it. God sits with us in it. His love still holds us through the grief and the waiting.
2025-04-1711 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: TriumphantWelcome! In this Palm Sunday sermon, Pastor Matt looks at ancient and modern expectations of a triumphant king and savior. In John 12 Jesus speaks to the expectations and the kind of triumph He brings. Often times, we want God to show up dramatically or triumphantly. When God doesn't show up like how we expect, are we disappointed? Do we think God failed or that we have failed in some way?
2025-04-1317 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: The Good GardenerWelcome to this week's midweek podcast! In this Episode, Pastor Jo Ellen reads a passage from the book Good Enough by Kate Bowler that focuses on Mary coming to the empty tomb and mistaking Jesus for the gardener. A good gardener will sow seeds and tenderly care for them, no matter how long they may take to grow. Like Jesus, seeds die and are buried to provide new growth. As we approach Holy Week, let us walk along with Jesus, the good gardener and seed planter.
2025-04-1015 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: Lord Over DeathWelcome! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at Jesus raising Lazarus. Jesus declares He is the resurrection and the Life. Like the stone needing to be rolled away for Lazarus to come out of the tomb, what are some things in our lives that block us from Jesus? Like the grave clothes, what are we bound by that we need a community around us to free us from? We can be unbound if we are willing to listen to our shepherd.
2025-04-0615 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: God With Us When We Have Hard Questions and No Clear AnswersWelcome to the mid-week podcast! In this devotional, Pastor Matt looks at the passage of Lazarus's death in John 11, the hard questions it poses, and possibly why it is a suggested passage for a funeral service in the United Methodist Book of Worship. This passage poses many hard questions to Jesus from those observing Him and from us. Within the passage, Jesus doesn't offer many clear or concise answers that leave us wanting or wishing for more.
2025-04-0316 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: The Good ShepherdWelcome! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at John 10 and Jesus describing himself as the "Good Shepherd" Jesus is our good shepherd who watches over us, protects us, and leads us. We are his sheep and part his flock. Salvation is not just for when we die, but for every day. We participate in community and share our gifts and talents to better the flock. What kind of sheep do you want to be and whose voice do you want to listen too?
2025-03-3023 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: Asking Personal Questions While Reading ScriptureWelcome to the mid-week podcast! In this devotional, Pastor Matt looks at an interaction in John 10 where people intend to stone Jesus. He prompts us to read scripture while asking questions personal to us and our faith such as, "What does this passage mean for me in terms of my personal relationship with Jesus/God?" or "How would I fit in this story?"
2025-03-2708 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: The LightWelcome! In this sermon Pastor Jo Ellen looks at John 9. Jesus heals a man born blind by spitting on the ground, making mud, putting the mud on the man's eyes, then having him wash. For this man, the miracle of sight is more than enough for him to believe.
Where have you seen Jesus? Our testimony or story can be more powerful than any sermon. People can see Jesus in us and we can see Jesus in others.
2025-03-2322 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: Missing the Forest for the TreesWelcome! In this mid-week devotional, Pastor Matt shares a selection from John 7 where the pharisees question a man whose eyesight was restored by Jesus on a Sabbath. The Pharisees are so focused on the act of breaking sabbath (a tree) that they miss the betterment of a man's life through miraculous healing (the forest). When have we been too focused on a "tree" that we miss the "forest" the Holy Spirit is working in?
2025-03-2012 min