Shows
Kearney 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 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: The SonWelcome! In this Sermon, Pastor Matt looks at Jesus's use of repetitive language in John 8. Jesus uses the "I Am" language to show connection to God using the same language God uses to identify Godself from the Old Testament. Jesus will set free those in slavery to sin and "beastliness." How have we been beastly and how can we be free of it? If Jesus is persistent in showing grace when having to repeat himself, how might we respond with persistent grace when we are at the end our patience with others?
2025-03-1623 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: WitnessWelcome! In this midweek devotional, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at the witness of Jesus in John 8. She comments that we are often too harsh or quick to judge others while Jesus shows grace. Perhaps we are called to be better witnesses of Jesus and give good testimony to what God is doing in our lives rather than to pass judgement upon others.
2025-03-1311 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: Amazing GraceWelcome! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen preaches on the passage in John when a woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus. Pastor Jo Ellen explains that how Jesus responds to the crowd and this woman is reflective of how God reacts to us when we sin. We are beings created to be in relationship with God, our community, creation, and fellow believers. Through community we get a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God will be like. During this season of Lent, let us take time to reflect on our practices and lean into and restore our relat...2025-03-0921 minKearney First UMC PodcastsLent: Purses, Desks, and Truck SteatsWelcome to our mid-week devotional! In this episode, Pastor Matt speaks to the season of Lent. He asks listeners to consider one's purse, or desk, or truck seat. These often collect a great number of things that need to be gone through and cleaned out as do our spiritual lives. What do we need to sort through to better follow Jesus in these next 40 days? What are practices you can to do turn your focus toward God and godly living?
2025-03-0613 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: The MysteryWelcome! In this Sunday Sermon, Pastor Matt encourages us to look around in John 7. What is the setting? Who are involved? Can we relate to Jesus' biological brothers in being disappointed when Jesus doesn't do what we want or call us to act in the way that keeps us comfortable? How do we react when God doesn't fit the box we think God should be contained within? If we are to live as reflections of Jesus and if Jesus is Living water, what is flowing from us?
2025-03-0224 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: The Living Water and MessiahWelcome to our mid-week devotional podcast! In this devotional, Pastor Matt expands on John 7 looking at Jesus proclaiming to be "Living Water" and the people's reactions and contradictions in trying to figure out if Jesus is in fact the long awaited Messiah or if Jesus is just a prophet or simply a wise teacher.
2025-02-2718 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus? The Bread of LifeWelcome! In this Sunday Sermon, Pastor Matt reminds us that our salvation comes from God's grace, not our hard work and to follow Jesus is to let Jesus priorities our heart's desires. Pastor Matt also asks, "What satisfies your heart?"
2025-02-2321 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: Traveling in Your BoatWelcome to our mid-week devotional podcast! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at the story of Jesus walking on water in John 6. She asks, "Do you want Jesus traveling in your boat?" and talks about putting on grace to be our best.
2025-02-2011 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: GathererWelcome! In this Sunday Sermon, Pastor Matt points out similarities of Jesus feeding the 5000 to God providing manna in the wilderness in Exodus and Elisha overseeing the multiplying of bread in 2 Kings 4. He goes on to state that Jesus is a sign of what is coming for all his followers. Jesus is a template for us to pour ourselves into to become fully what humanity was meant to be. When we give our lives to Jesus, He transforms us and we find God who supplies for all our needs.
2025-02-1624 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: The Lord of Sabbath and LifeWelcome! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at the religious leaders' responses to Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath in John 5 and poses many questions to the congregation. Some of these questions include: Where might we be prioritizing religious routine over truly experiencing Christ? In what ways have we been reactive because someone did or said something that doesn't fit how we think life should be? Have we driven away someone with our reacting or has it ever transformed someone's life for the better? How have we been reactive when someone says or does something followed by the jus...2025-02-0924 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: What Good Is The Church?Welcome! In this mid-week devotional, Pastor Matt looks at the beginning of John 5 asks, "What good is church or being an active part of a specific church?"
2025-02-0612 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: Living WaterWelcome! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at John 4 and asks, "What's filling your cup?" When we try to fill our cups on our own, we find ourselves empty in time. When God fills our cups, we stay full. The living water Jesus provides is for all people. What kind of water do you want?
2025-02-0219 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: When Christian Walks Look DifferentWelcome! In this episode, Pastor Matt looks at the story of John the Baptist's disciples questioning John when Jesus begins to baptise people as well. When you hear or read this passage in John 3, how do you think John the Baptist's disciples asked? Was their tone questioning, accusatory, self-righteous or something else? Have you ever had a conversation with Christian who believes differently than you do? How did you respond to them?
2025-01-3016 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: Midwife of New BirthWelcome! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen reflects on Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus in John 3. She shares that God's love was in action before we ever came to be. God didn't "need" us but God "wanted" us. We are called to be like Jesus and be born anew in water and spirit. We need to do and put into practice what we are taught and called to do.
2025-01-2621 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: Empty or Full?Welcome! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen expands on Pastor Matt's sermon from Sunday and continues to build on a John Mark Comer book. As you listen ask yourself, "Am I filled up and close to God or do I feel empty and further from God? As I look at my life and my years to come, who or what am I changing into or being shaped to be like?"
2025-01-2312 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus? The Life of the PartyWelcome! In this sermon, Pastor Matt shares the story of the wedding in Cana and of a friend who is on a sober journey. Looking at the ceremonial water jars that were filled for Jesus to turn water to wine, we see Jesus transforming hearts and lives through showing the abundance of God. Like the jars being filled, we begin anew in God's abundance. Will you let God transform your life with a vision of abundance?
2025-01-1920 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: What Are You a Disciple Of?Welcome! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen asks: "Who or what are you a disciple of and how is that working out for you?" The things and people we follow are reflected in how we live our lives. What is your strongest reflection?
2025-01-1612 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus: ManifestationWelcome! In this sermon, Pastor Matt shares insight into the hopes for this year's series. This series and this year's reading plans may help us grow in understanding, but our greater hope is that through the Gospels of John and Matthew in the summer and fall, we will see Jesus as the light that illumines our lives as we continue to follow Him.
2025-01-1220 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus? Diving Into John: IncarnationWelcome! In this podcast, Pastor Jo Ellen shares a story originally heard on Paul Harvey's radio show. This story about a man, a snow storm, and birds helps us understand why God needed to become human for our sakes.
2025-01-0908 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWho Is Jesus? Diving into John: An IntroductionHappy New Year! In this podcast, Pastor Matt explains some changes coming to the midweek podcast episodes. We are changing this podcast's focus to be a mini Bible study to help us grow in our faith. Our Sunday sermons will focus on Jesus through the gospels of John and Matthew. We have a reading plan available in print and on our website and it's about a chapter a week beginning in John from Epiphany through Pentecost then Matthew Pentecost to Advent. These midweek podcasts will focus on segments of the non-preached passages of scripture from the pastor who didn't pre...2025-01-0208 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWords for the Beginning: Lessons and LaughterWelcome to the last Sunday of our Advent series! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen, Jen Gibbs, and Jeanine Spangler lead us through several short lessons and scripture to remind us to be joyful in the new year.
2024-12-2920 minKearney First UMC PodcastsReflection for Christmas: Beautiful Doesn't Need to be PerfectMerry Christmas! Welcome to our midweek podcast. In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen reflects on the importance of finding joy in what we have. She reminds us not to worry about things that are imperfect or not how we expect them to be as things don't need to be perfect to be beautiful.
2024-12-2606 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWords for the Beginning: Hope is Worth the RiskWelcome to the fourth Sunday of Advent! Our Advent series focuses on words for new beginnings and blessings that we may need reminders of. In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen reminds us we are each selected to fill a role: to live a life of active and vibrant faith in Jesus Christ being bringers of light and hope to the world.
2024-12-2215 minKearney First UMC PodcastsPoking the Bear: Kingdom, Kin-dom, and Loosening the Chains of InjusticeWelcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt expands on points from his Sunday sermon, doing the good that is yours to do. Looking at the words of the prophets, Pastor Matt reminds us that God calls us to loose the chains of injustice, which may be uncomfortable for us. Jesus came to expand God's "kingdom" and "kin-dom." So what is the Christian's role with power and relationship? What is the Christian role in the broader world? Is stopping at just "doing the good that is our to do" letting Christian folk off too easily?
2024-12-1913 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWords for the Beginning: Do the Good That Is Yours To DoWelcome to the third Sunday of Advent! Our Advent series focuses on words for new beginnings and blessings that we may need reminders of. In this sermon, Pastor Matt reminds us that God calls and equips us to work in His new kingdom. Even when conflict and strife abound in the news, we all have good to do in the world. Whether it is big or small, let us do the good that is ours to do.
2024-12-1528 minKearney First UMC PodcastsPoking the Bear: Is Church Community Important?Welcome to our midweek podcast! In this episode, Pastor Matt expands on points from his Sunday sermon and challenges us to think beyond the individuality mindset we often have. In a culture that focuses on individuality, we may need to take a step back and remember that we are called to community. Our Sunday morning thoughts and actions shouldn't be limited to Sunday mornings, but rather should be our everyday life.
2024-12-1212 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWords for the Beginning: We Can't Go AloneWelcome to the second Sunday of Advent! Our Advent series focuses on words for new beginnings and blessings that we may need reminders of. In this sermon, Pastor Matt uses the stories of The Christmas Carol and Ruth and Naomi to remind us that salvation and transformation come through relationship. Salvation is about being transformed by the grace of God when we can't do it ourselves. Change happens in the midst of relationship. Through Jesus we find God in the midst of humanity and our relationships reflect that love.
2024-12-0825 minKearney First UMC PodcastsCovenant Group Conversations: Matt SipeWelcome to the final Covenant Group Conversation! In this podcast, Pastor Matt Sipe, one of Pastor Matt's Covenant Group friends, shares the importance of having friends who think, believe, and view thing differently from us. He shares about the Law of Group Polarization and how it can lead to extreme actions when differing views are not heard in a group.
2024-12-0508 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWords for the Beginning: You Are A BlessingWelcome to the first Sunday of Advent! Our Advent series focuses on words for new beginnings and blessings that we may need reminders of. In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen reminds you that you are a blessing. The season of Advent invites us to prepare our hearts to be wrapped in the love of God. Each of us has the potential to carry God's love into a weary world.
2024-12-0117 minKearney First UMC PodcastsCovenant Group Conversations: Dale AdamsWelcome to the third of four Covenant Group Conversations! In this podcast, Dale Adams, one of Pastor Matt's Covenant Group friends, shares insight on how to deal with flighty friends and unpredictable friendships. Through his unique choice of language, Dale reminds us to exercise patience, grace, and forgiveness with our friends as we may not always know what they are going through. Sometimes our friends need us to be understanding while other times, our friends may need a gentle reminder of how their actions make us feel disconnected from them.
2024-11-2805 minKearney First UMC PodcastsYou've Got a Friend in Me: When Friends Blow ItWelcome to the final sermon of our "You've Got a Friend in Me: What the Bible Shows Us About Friendship" sermon series! In this sermon, Pastor Matt acknowledges that we don't always get everything right in our friendships. Sometimes we blow it. Matt looks at the relationship between Jesus and Peter as an example. We see moments when Peter gets things right and also times when he sticks his foot in his mouth. We see God pour out forgiveness and grace through Jesus not giving up on Peter. How can we be a people, through our friendships creating ripples like...2024-11-2426 minKearney First UMC PodcastsCovenant Group Conversations: Brian MarcoulierWelcome to the second of four Covenant Group Conversations! In this podcast, Pastor Brian Marcoulier, one of Pastor Matt's Covenant Group friends, reflects on the importance of having friends who ask you the hard questions in life. He challenges us to lean into or find a friend or group of friends who will spend time with us, hold space with us, ask us the hard questions, and hold the space for us to find the answers to those hard questions.
2024-11-2108 minKearney First UMC PodcastsYou've Got a Friend in Me: When Friends Betray UsWelcome to the seventh sermon of our "You've Got a Friend in Me: What the Bible Shows Us About Friendship" sermon series! In this sermon, Pastor Matt addresses the hurt and frustration we feel when a friend betrays us. Using Jesus, Judas, and Peter as examples, Matt gives a list of three things to remember if a friend betrays you. First, acknowledge the pain and know it's ok to not be ok. Second, resist instinctual retaliation and the urge to blame yourself for another person's actions. Finally, endure trusting that God works beyond the betrayal. Sometimes there is no closu...2024-11-1724 minKearney First UMC PodcastsCovenant Group Conversations: Rob HamiltonWelcome to the first of four Covenant Group Conversations! In this podcast, Pastor Rob Hamilton, one of Pastor Matt's Covenant Group friends, shares his thoughts on friendship with 1 Corinthians 13 as a guide. He challenges us to think about the relationships we hold dear and if our words and actions align with Paul's words in 1 Corinthians. Let love be the greatest thing among us and our foundation.
2024-11-1407 minKearney First UMC PodcastsYou've Got a Friend in Me: Can We Still Be Friends?Welcome to the sixth sermon of our "You've Got a Friend in Me: What the Bible Shows Us About Friendship" sermon series! In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at the example of Paul and Barnabas while pondering the question, "Can we still be friends?" Often times in our lives, we experience changes in our relationships. Sometimes those changes come about by disagreements or differing viewpoints. We may find ourselves asking, "Can we still be friends?" Sometimes the answer is yes! Sometimes the answer is yes, but it will take time for the relationship to mend. And sometimes the answer is no. ...2024-11-1028 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWalking With The Word: Grieving TogetherWelcome to Walking with The Word! In this episode, Pastor Matt talks about grief and walking with one another through it. Grief can be experienced in many different ways, but having someone to be with you and listen to you can help you start to heal from it.
2024-11-0709 minKearney First UMC PodcastsYou've Got a Friend in Me: What Happens When Friends Die?Welcome to the fifth sermon of our "You've Got a Friend in Me: What the Bible Shows Us About Friendship" sermon series! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen addresses the heartbreaking reality of grief when a friend dies. She looks at how David mourned Jonathan's death in 2 Samuel and sympathises with her own grief experiences. Grief is not something that can be rushed, nor is it something that will ever fully go away. God is always with us through our grief and often gives us friends who can be a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on when we g...2024-11-0319 minKearney First UMC PodcastsYou've Got a Friend in Me: I Get By with a Little Help from My FriendsWelcome to the fourth sermon of our "You've Got a Friend in Me: What the Bible Shows Us About Friendship" sermon series! In this podcast, Pastor Matt looks at the story of the stretcher bearer friends who brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus for healing. He shares that God brings life, healing, and wholeness often times through our stretcher bearing friends or the friends who carry us when we can't carry ourselves. Who have been your stretcher bearing friends and who has carried you to Jesus?
2024-10-2726 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWalking with the Word: Being a HostWelcome to Walking with The Word! In this episode, Pastor Matt thinks back on Pastor Jen's Sunday sermon and his time in college. He challenges us to follow Jesus' example to be good hosts where ever we go.
2024-10-2412 minKearney First UMC PodcastsYou've Got a Friend in Me: Praying FriendsWelcome to the third sermon of our "You've Got a Friend in Me: What the Bible Shows Us About Friendship" sermon series! In this podcast, you'll hear some of our children read the scripture and a message from Pastor Jen Gibbs. Jen shares how God has a hand in bringing friends together. She uses the example of Daniel and his friends to show how powerful it is to have friends who pray for you and love you. Who are your friends you know will be there for you no matter what?
2024-10-2029 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWalking with The Word: Our Friendships Show God in the WorldWelcome to Walking with The Word! In this episode, Pastor Matt reflects on a conversation he had with a college student on friendship. He remarks, "Friendships can be spaces and relationships through which we see God and through which God works in our lives to make us as friends living witnesses of what God is like to the world."
2024-10-1710 minKearney First UMC PodcastsYou've Got a Friend in Me: Best Friends ForeverWelcome to the second sermon of our "You've Got a Friend in Me: What the Bible Shows Us About Friendship" sermon series! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at the story of David and Jonathan and compares their friendship to the kind of friendship God wants with us. God desires to know you and the whole arc of the Bible shows how much God loves us. Will you be best friends with God?
2024-10-1323 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWalking with the Word: Reflecting on FriendshipsWelcome to this episode of Walking with the Word! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen reflects on Pastor Matt's Sunday sermon, a life-long friendship of her mother's, and two friendships of her own.
2024-10-1010 minKearney First UMC PodcastsYou've Got a Friend in Me: Fierce FriendsWelcome to the first sermon of our new sermon series, "You've Got a Friend in Me: What the Bible Shows Us About Friendship." In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at the story of Ruth and Naomi along with modern studies and stories to show how friendships benefit us physically, emotionally and spiritually. Through these examples, we can see how God bears fruit through our relationships and friendships and inspires us to be the means through which God bears fruit in the lives of others.
2024-10-0623 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWalking with the Word: The Goal of the Christian Life and Practice Before PracticeWelcome to Walking with the Word! In this episode, Pastor Matt expands on his sermon from Sunday. He ponders what the goal of a Christian life is and compares it to preparing for and running a marathon. Before one can step foot across the finish line, there are steps or practices that must be done before really practicing like finding the motivation to start, then making space and time to begin practicing, and then press on towards the goal.
2024-10-0210 minKearney First UMC PodcastsSeeing Discipleship through Women in Mark: Cruciform LivingWelcome to the final sermon of the series "Seeing Discipleship Through Women in Mark." In this sermon, Pastor Matt invites us to look at the shape of the cross. It reminds us that Jesus is fully connected with God while still wholly and fully reaching out to humanity. We are called to follow Jesus which can be shown by being a servant to others, welcoming those who are overlooked, and caring for all. Discipleship requires humility in the midst of community.
2024-09-2931 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWalking with the Word: When Following Jesus Looks Different From What Is ExpectedWelcome to Walking with the Word! In this episode, Pastor Matt reflects Pastor Jo Ellen's sermon and contemplates the feelings that arise when following Jesus looks different from what is expected, similar to how the religious leaders questioned Jesus for how He followed and interpreted God's will.
2024-09-2609 minKearney First UMC PodcastsSeeing Discipleship through Women in Mark: Sacrificial ActionWelcome to the third sermon of the series "Seeing Discipleship Through Women in Mark." In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen uses the story of the Widow's offering to ask, when have you given Jesus your all? What does your "all" look like?
2024-09-2218 minKearney First UMC PodcastsSeeing Discipleship through Women in Mark: Kingdom SpeechWelcome to the second sermon of the series "Seeing Discipleship Through Women in Mark." In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen uses the story of the Syrophoenician Woman in Tyre to teach us about being active in our faith.
2024-09-1516 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWalking with the Word: Living Like Jesus Is Lord of Our LivesWelcome to this episode of Walking with the Word! In this episode, Pastor Matt reflects on what it might look like to live like the Kingdom of God is at hand and Jesus really being Lord of our lives.
2024-09-1207 minKearney First UMC PodcastsSeeing Discipleship through Women in Mark: Reformed LifeWelcome to the first sermon of the series "Seeing Discipleship Through Women in Mark." In this sermon, Pastor Matt asks, how have you experienced Jesus restoring you?
2024-09-0828 minKearney First UMC PodcastsBeing Neighborly: What Does Kindness Look Like?Welcome to the fifth sermon of the sermon series, "Bein' Neighborly." In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen asks, what does kindness look like?
Love and kindness often go hand in hand. Pastor Jo Ellen points out that kindness often involves loving others, listening to others, and pointing others towards Jesus.
2024-09-0123 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWalking with the Word: Love Through Action and HospitalityWelcome to this episode of Walking with the Word! In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen recalls stories of love shown through hospitality and care.
2024-08-2910 minKearney First UMC PodcastsBein Neighborly: What Do You Mean By Love?Welcome to the fourth sermon of the sermon series, "Bein' Neighborly." In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen asks, what do you mean by love? How do we show love and what is love?
Love is a word that can have so many descriptors attached to it. For example, we say love is messy, love is hard work, love is emotional, or love is full of do overs. What do you mean by love when it comes to being neighborly?
2024-08-2521 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWalking with the Word: Why Jesus and Why Church?Welcome to this episode of Walking with the Word! In this episode, Pastor Matt ponders two common questions: Why Jesus and why church?
2024-08-2210 minKearney First UMC PodcastsBein' Neighborly: How Do I Do This?Welcome to the third sermon of the sermon series, "Bein' Neighborly." In this sermon, Pastor Matt asks, how do we be good neighbors? Do our behaviors reflect our values? Are we aware of what goes on around us? How can we give generously to our neighbors? How can we sit at Jesus' feet to learn and listen to him?
2024-08-1822 minKearney First UMC PodcastsBein' Neighborly: Where Are You Headed?Welcome to the second sermon of the sermon series, "Bein' Neighborly." In this sermon, Pastor Matt asks, "What do you want to be known for?"
As followers of Jesus we want to be known for Jesus. That we live in such a way that Jesus shines through our lives.
2024-08-1125 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWalking with the Word: Won't You Be My NeighborWelcome to this episode of Walking with the Word! In this episode, Pastor Matt reflects on Pastor Jo Ellen's sermon, recalls neighbors from his childhood, and remarks on how our values as Christians can lead us to be good neighbors to all.
2024-08-0810 minKearney First UMC PodcastsBein' Neighborly: Won't You Be My Neighbor?Welcome to the first sermon of the new sermon series, "Bein' Neighborly." In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen reminds us of Jesus' words in Matthew 22, to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." and "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Pastor Jo Ellen looks at Mr. Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and asks, "Who has been a good neighbor to you? How can we be good neighbors to others?"
2024-08-0419 minKearney First UMC PodcastsWalking with the Word: Living in a Genesis 3 WorldWelcome! In this episode of Walking with the Word, Pastor Matt share additional thoughts on Pastor Jo Ellen's Sunday sermon. He talks about living in a Genesis 1 & 2 world and Genesis 3 world. A broken, fallen world, but imbued with enough of God's character and spirit and the fingerprint of the Creator to see a glimpse the goodness that God has already proclaimed over it.
2024-08-0110 minKearney First UMC PodcastsA Summer of Seuss: Stars in Our EyesWelcome to the last sermon in the Summer of Seuss series! In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen reminds us that from the summer to the winter, the day to the night, there is value and good in all of God's creation and that includes you.
2024-07-2816 min