Sermons from 2024 (Page 3)
Rev. Shannon Weston’s Sermon: Sunday, May 5, 2024
The feeding of the 5, 000 – it’s a familiar story, and it’s a great story, but it is because it is a great story that I wonder if its complexity is often overlooked. Luke’s version of the story isn’t in the lectionary, but in it are details about the community and Jesus’s continued empowering ministry that should not be overlooked.
Rev. Shannon Weston – April 21, 2024
This week we celebrate Earth Day in worship by focusing on plastics. Jesus said, “I came that you may have life and have it abundantly,” Jesus tells his followers. Unfortunately, we seem to have confused “abundance” with “excess,” and nowhere is that more obvious than in the ways we produce, use and discard plastics. Join us as we discuss the question, Do the plastics we create give us a better appreciation for the abundance that exists in God’s creation, or…
Rev. Shannon Weston – April 14, 2024
Jesus’ work never ended. Still hasn’t. As soon as the same day he had been seen raised in the garden, Jesus found the disciples gathered in a room huddling for fear, all except one, Thomas. The following week, when Jesus returned, Thomas was with them. Jesus apparently knew Thomas was doubtful of the disciples’ report and invited Thomas to inspect his body. But Thomas didn’t need further proof. Jesus then explained the responsibility Jesus was passing on to the disciples…
God is a God of Liberation – Easter Sermon
Three days doesn’t seem like a lot unless you’re waiting. Easter is the most joyous day of our church calendar year—the day of resurrection—the day of liberation from sin and death. What is more hopeful than death not having the last word? And what word is more needed today than that one? On Easter we embrace the great ministry of faith that God is a god of liberation, our chains are gone! And this liberating love is more powerful than…
Who Do You Say I Am?
Minister Lea Gilmore explores Mark 8:27-30, where Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” Delving into this passage, Lea will unpack its significance for our identity as a church and as children of God. – Minister Lea Gilmore’s sermon from March 17, 2024.
Rest as Resistance
The first thing God does after creating the heavens and the earth is rest. Then tells us to do the same. God mentions it again in the commandments, putting it as high as fourth, to keep the sabbath day holy. We are God-made creatures who need rest, not just for our bodies but our minds, hearts, and souls. Join us this Sunday as we hear God’s command for rest as resistance to the prophet Elijah.
Real Change Takes Time
We are people who run from one thing to another; we want or perceive we need everything “now” because if we don’t address it now, we will forget. It’s enough to look back and say, “Wasn’t it better the way it was before?” or as the Israelites in the desert said, “maybe Egypt wasn’t so bad.” Join us this week as we are “on the road” (or lack thereof) with Moses and Aaron while the community struggles to break the…
On the Road…
In this week’s sermon, we will join Jesus and the disciples “On the Road.” Jesus will be giving his disciples another warning of what is coming when they reach Jerusalem, and it’s not looking good. He is preparing his disciples, and not all are having it. Some are excited about the ministry ahead, and some are afraid. This week, we’ll dig into what it means for Jesus to be fully human in terms of his dignity and ours and what…
Reaffirmation of Baptism
Rev. Jenny Williams leads us in a special Reaffirmation of Baptism liturgy to start of Lent.
Glowing Jesus
The Rev. Dr. Anita Hendrix joined us on Sunday, February 11 for a sermon on the Transfiguration. Seeking the radiant presence of Christ in all parts of our lives can transform the our world into a place of love, hope, and grace.
Teachings about Communion
For his last sermon at Govans, Pastor Tom invites the children to circle up around a blanket on the floor; a makeshift Communion Table. He teaches about how we welcome all kinds of people but also work to keep everyone safe, and how the symbols of the bread and cup represent Jesus love and courage within us always.
Words of Encouragement for the Pastoral Transition
In our story today, Jesus pauses on his way to heal a little girl so that he can attend to a desperate woman. During the pause the little girl dies, but Jesus then raises her from death. Pastor Tom reflects on how we as a church never stop our ministry but sometimes we do have to take time to focus on immediate needs that demand our attention. Doing so faithfully, positively, and gratefully will result in us doing greater things…