2020 Sermons

December 27, 2020: The journey into 2021 is beginning—thankfully! In 2020, it’s been easy to get hung up on what’s going on around us. We all veer off the path we want to travel sometimes. The surest way to stay focused is to be clear about who is leading you. Rev. Rick Kress preaches.

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

December 24, 2020: Traditional Christmas Eve Service available early at 3 p.m. to watch at your convenience and at 9 p.m. to watch together on Facebook.

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

December 23, 2020: Join us for The Christmas Story in Four Acts Children’s Service featuring the Open Door music team. 

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

December 20, 2020:  Join us for a special service designed for those for whom the holidays may be difficult. It is our prayer that you will find comfort and hope in knowing that you are not alone, your feelings are honored and that God knows your pain and loves you unconditionally. Rev. Judy May preaches.

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

December 20, 2020:  This last Sunday in Advent, we are reminded of the Angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. Gabriel says to her “Be not afraid”. If there was ever a time in our history that every person needs to hear the same word from God: “Be not afraid.” Advent and Christmas are all about God being with us personally in Jesus. Knowing that God is with us through all the frightening times of life brings us hope and comfort. I hope you will join us for worship Sunday online. Rev. Jeff Regan preaches.

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

December 13, 2020:  I keep this quote from Bono (the lead singer of U2) above my desk at church: “Some songs save your life. Some songs change your life. Some songs are your life.” Songs define our lives, and as United Methodists, songs (and singing) express our faith and give praise to God. This Sunday is All Music Sunday, where the music of Christmas will stir our souls and remind us of the One that we await in Bethlehem. These songs have good news to share for you and for all the world. Like you, I’ve so missed the opportunity to sing together, to join with all your voices. This Sunday, let’s sing where we are, and although in our homes, may we feel the Holy Spirit and the power of our collective voices giving praise to the One who has brought forgiveness, peace, and salvation to the world!  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

December 6, 2020:  On the first Sunday of Advent, Pastor Erin and the prophet Isaiah focused on hope, the restoration of hope in the lives of those who had come to believe there was none to be had. But the story of our ancestors in the faith, our faith story, is that God comes to us in our need, comes in signs and wonders we can claim as hope restored. 

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

November 29, 2020: This is the first Sunday of Advent. The prophet Isaiah asks for God to “tear open the heavens and come down.” He wants God’s entry to be dramatic, in-your-face, loud; a divine interruption with miraculous reverberations. I get that, especially after giving birth during the pandemic and living through the darkness of 2020. With hope, I’m crying out for God to be with us, too. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Dwell on earth as in heaven so that we are not alone anymore! Shine your Light into the darkness! Sound the trumpet with Good News! Surprise us, please, and work in our lives and in our world to make all things new! We begin this season with a focus on HOPE. What awesome deeds might God do in this season, that we do not expect?  How do you hope that God’s presence would come to us and greet us right where we are, at home?    Rev. Erin Fitzgerald preaches.

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

November 22, 2020: “Lord, when did we see you?…” This question comes from the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. It’s a question asked by the ones who were simply being Jesus people. Through their words and actions, they were being grace, offering healing, creating community, and advocating for the suffering. I am so grateful to be in the midst of such Jesus people. You encourage my faith. Join us for online worship as we ponder this powerful passage and give thanks for those who, even now, are living and loving like Jesus. You make the world a better place.  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

November 15, 2020:  “Lord, I need patience, and I need it right now!” Have you found yourselves ever saying or praying this before? Chances are you probably have. How do we grow our patience, especially during challenging times? Join two senior high youth, Mike McGowan and Kaleb Price as they offer messages about patience during this Sunday’s online worship service. In fact, let your friends know, too. I’m sure they could use the encouragement as well! 

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

November 8, 2020:  “So, what’s keeping your lamp lit?” Yes, this question may sound a little like a television commercial, but it’s sentiment is right out of Matthew’s Gospel. We are now in the post-election season. It is a time to remember what keeps us grounded, what keeps us hopeful. How is faith part of your post-election plan? Join me for worship as we consider how living and loving like Jesus will keep our lamps burning bright.  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

November 1, 2020:  Please join us for worship this Sunday as we observe what John Wesley called “a festival I truly love.” When we gather, whether virtually or in person, we will celebrate All Saints Day, an opportunity to give thanks for all who have gone before us in the faith, and those living among us who surround us, encourage us, cheering us on in our faith journey. In the Gospel text we will hear Jesus speak to one of the great attributes that all saints need to acquire. We will also celebrate communion with all the saints. If worshipping at home, please have your bread and juice ready in order to participate during the liturgy. In-person communion will follow all safety protocols with individual elements provided.  Rev. Judy May preaches.

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

October 25, 2020:  Losing something— or someone— can be very painful. Yet, many losses are necessary, because in that losing, we find encouragement in what follows. Rev. Rick Kress preaches.

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

October 18, 2020:  Moses was in relationship with God; he knew he was known and loved by God. He had several up close and personal encounters with God and understood himself to be part of God’s chosen people and plan. Moses wanted more, he wanted to see God’s face. So he asked for God to reveal more of God’s self…the glory, the goodness, the grace and mercy.  You’re invited to worship with us this week, in person and online, as God reveals God’s self to us in Spirit and Truth.  Rev. Erin Fitzgerald preaches.

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

October 11, 2020:  As followers of Jesus, we desire to keep God in the center of our lives, but it may be a challenge sometimes. We may too easily discover other things vying for our attention, vying for our worship. This is an age-old challenge that continues even today. There are many things that want our worship, our devotion, but they are only things and not God. Join me as we discover how all that glitters… is not God. Rev. David Eardley preaches.

If you can’t watch the sermons on Facebook, watch videos on Aaron Wilson’s site.

October 4, 2020: It’s been said that it took the Israelites one day to leave Egypt, but it took 40 years to get Egypt out of the Israelites. Have you ever wrestled with your identity? Has your past defined you more than your present or your future? Moses and the Israelites could relate. They knew who they used to be. Would they be willing to see themselves as God saw them? Are we willing to claim the identity that God has given us?  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

September 27, 2020:  As people of faith, we believe that God is always at work in our lives and in the world. We trust in the mystery, even though we cannot always anticipate or control the outcomes. When we trust, we are often surprised by the miraculous ways that the Lord intervenes and provides. Worship with us this week as we explore the story of Moses who got everything he needed for the Israelite people out of a bumpy, lumpy, ugly rock. Rev. Erin Fitzgerald preaches.

September 20, 2020:  “Will this be enough?” “Do I have enough?” Ever had those thoughts? The Israelites certainly did. They were out in the wilderness, far from Egypt, and they were hungry. Where was the food? How would their hunger be satisfied? Join us for worship as we discover how God provides for us when we’re in a wilderness… then and now! Rev. David Eardley preaches.

September 13, 2020:  We begin a new series this Sunday called, In the Wilderness, where we’ll be following the Israelites into their Exodus journey. Suddenly, there were in a very unfamiliar place. Their world felt turned upside down. Maybe you can relate to this feeling. Join me as we discover how they took those first steps into God’s hope, strength, and resilience.  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

September 6, 2020:  If you, in this 21st century, wanted to encourage others to stand firm in their Christian faith against all odds, continue to be the church, as well as awaken others to the call to be God’s people in the world, what code language would you use? Would you use numbers, or colors, or animals, or symbols, or phenomenon of nature? How would you communicate the message for the need to keep the “powers that be” from perverting, destroying, or even imprisoning you?

As we conclude the 90 day challenge to read the entire New Testament, we encounter Revelation, written in the first century, in code, for the very reasons listed above…the struggle to be faithful amidst the seductions and threats of the Roman Empire. Revelation is not primarily about the future, but about the ongoing present life of discipleship, in all times and all places…to truly be the church, to be the New Jerusalem in the world, where God and Jesus rule in justice and abundance for all people; a place whose gates are always open and whose light always shines; a place of great joy where the darkness of violence, exploitation and death is vanished. The vision of John of Patmos is not a word of doom and gloom, but an exciting call to live NOW in God’s kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven.

John’s vision, the Revelation, comes to him in worship, and he encounters Jesus. This Sunday we will have the opportunity to encounter Christ in the symbols of bread and cup. Sharing virtually, we remember that to do so is to be in union with Christ, redeemed and included in Christ’s holy church. Please have your bread and wine (juice) prepared as Rev. Eardley leads us through the communion liturgy. Rev. Judy May preaches.

August 30, 2020: How to you hear the voice of God? Does it sound like a trumpet horn sounding in the wilderness? Or a loud, booming voice with eloquent rhetoric? John had a vision of Christ and was privileged to hear His voice. John received this message, “do not be afraid” and was reminded of God’s everlasting presence. Join us this Sunday as we consider a vision of Christ that brings us comfort and hope during this wilderness time.  Rev. Erin Fitzgerald preaches.

August 23, 2020: As we near the end of our 90 day New Testament Challenge, we find ourselves reading the Apostle Paul’s letter to Titus. His advice is pretty clear: do good. Not too confusing, right? Yet, if we’re honest, this isn’t always so easy. Join me as we encourage one another to be signs of Jesus in this uncertain time.  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

August 16, 2020:  A rose is a rose is a rose. Perhaps. But can we apply the same distinction to the fruit that has appeared in our stores and markets the last few years…a fruit is a fruit is a fruit? How many of you have purchased a square watermelon, or a pear shaped like a praying Buddha? Someone or some ones have been challenging our assumptions about the shape of our fruit. No longer are watermelons just long and oblong and pears just, well, pear-shaped.

This Sunday our scripture (Galatians 5:22-26), will focus on fruit. The apostle Paul wants us to hear all about fruit…Jesus fruit. You’ve no doubt heard of the varieties…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…fruits of the Spirit. I hear Paul asking, “In what shape is the shape of our fruit, your Holy Spirit fruit?” Is the fruit of the Spirit blossoming in us in the “bud” stage, or needing some tender loving gardening? How will we answer? What’s Paul’s advice?  Rev. Judy May preaches.

August 9, 2020:  How does one love an invisible God, or serve a Jesus who walked the earth 2,000 years ago? This side of heaven, we have blurry vision. We don’t see the whole picture, but that’s ok. Our faith—and hope—help us see what matters—and what lasts. Rev. Rick Kress preaches.

August 2, 2020:  The challenge to read the entire New Testament now takes us to Paul’s letter to the Romans. His is the voice for the message this Sunday and we hear of his disappointment and sense of urgency. His fellow Jews have not yet accepted the truth of the gospel and he is anxious to help them understand that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law. Paul says it’s all very simple, just two statements: “Jesus is my Master” and “I believe God raised Jesus from the dead.” Paul tells his readers/listeners, and us, that this truth he proclaims is available to all, no exceptions, to everyone who calls for help. Then comes the second part of his message. Make the confession with your lips, believe it with all your heart, then go, take the good news to those who have yet to hear it. Paul’s message to the first century church must not be lost in the 21st century…speak it, believe it with trust and obedience, then go and tell. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! Lips, heart, feet.  Rev. Judy May preaches.

July 26, 2020:  Have you ever thought about your Jesus story? When did you first get to know Jesus? Who are some of the people who have been mentors for you? Join me online or in-person this week as we hear the Apostle Paul tell his Jesus story, in his own words. May his Jesus story invite you to remember your Jesus story, and as you do so, give thanks that you are a part of Jesus’ story, too!  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

July 19, 2020:  Continuing our 90 day reading of the New Testament, we move now into The Acts of the Apostles, Luke’s account of the early Church and its importance in shaping the identity of today’s church. Jesus has ascended after instructing the apostles as to their continuing ministry. They are instructed to pray and wait for God’s promise of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost arrives, Peter preaches, and 3,000 come to faith. Chapter three offers us the first story of the Jerusalem mission, a healing story. A beggar, lame from birth, is not only restored to health, but restored to community.  Rev. Judy May preaches.

July 12, 2020: “Jesus, the Bible says that we should kill her for her sin. What do you say?” The scribes and Pharisees await Jesus’ reply. The crowd waits as well. Silently, he scribbles in the sand. What will he say? What will he do? A woman’s life hangs in the balance. Join us as we ponder Jesus’ reply. Is what Jesus says greater than what the Bible says?  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

July 5 2020: Having a hard time focusing as everything seems to compete for your attention? Ours is an age of distraction. It wasn’t so different in Jesus’s day. With noise from every angle, Jesus taught that God’s activity in the world cut through it all. What clarity do you seek in your life? See if Jesus’s teaching penetrates your distractions. Rev. Rick Kress preaches.

June 28, 2020:  For this Sunday, it’s beginning to look a lot like… well, you get the idea! Join me as we hear the good news about the birth of Jesus Christ—a little less than six months before Christmas Eve. How might this story encourage us as we encounter it a little out of context? Sometimes it’s in those unusual times and spaces where God is waiting to meet us.  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

June 21, 2020: With the nicer weather, it’s been great to be outside and taking care of our yard. One of our ongoing projects involves weeding… they seem to grow everywhere! Give them the smallest crack in the pavement, and they begin to grow. It’s interesting that Jesus uses them as a metaphor for the Kingdom of God in some of his parables. Join me as we learn about God’s kingdom from these weeds of faith.  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

June 14, 2020:  The miracle story from Matthew 14:22-33 describes how Jesus appeared to his disciples in a totally unexpected place and time. The disciples had been through a long night of a whipping wind and battering waves. Land is seemingly a long way off. Certainly this was no time or circumstance to expect a visitor…especially someone without a boat. Suddenly, there was Jesus walking toward them in the early morning hours. So unexpected is his appearance that the disciples don’t recognize Jesus. Their first reaction is one of fear. Fright closes their eyes and hearts to his true identity. Because they don’t expect to see Jesus, they assume the figure is a ghost. How often do we allow fear, an unexpected, or unpredictable encounter close our eyes and hearts to an encounter with the risen Christ? What keeps you from seeing the unexpected Jesus? Rev. Judy May preaches.

June 7, 2020: Rev. Carter Grimmett preaches on his last Sunday at St. Paul’s.

May 31, 2020:  The sound was like a rushing wind… this is how Luke describes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Throughout COVID-19, we’ve been leaning into God’s Spirit, welcoming God’s strength, peace, and love into our lives. But guess what? There’s more! Join us as we invite the Holy Spirit to lead us into the world to be God’s good news to everyone around us. Rev. David Eardley preaches.

May 24, 2020: What does it feel like to have someone praying for you? Who lifts your life, your journey, your hopes, your fears up to God? The lectionary text for the last Sunday of Easter, John 17:1-11, lets us overhear Jesus praying. This prayer is often referred to as “the real Lord’s Prayer.” The fourth evangelist shares this final prayer offered by Jesus as he prepares to make the journey to the cross. Feet have been washed, the commandment to love has been given, and Jesus prays. You are invited to worship with St. Paul’s this Sunday and overhear Jesus pray…FOR YOU! Rev. Judy May preaches.

May 17, 2020: Even though Jesus is speaking to his disciples in the Upper Room, it feels like his words are meeting us exactly where we are as we shelter in place. He says this: “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you.” Have you felt like this recently, like you’re off by yourself? Maybe you have family members that you can’t see, or can’t leave their places. Jesus has good news for you and for them: you are not alone! Join us as we learn how Jesus bridges the gap of loneliness and alone-ness in our lives and in our world.  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

May 10, 2020: Jesus’ words seem so appropriate for our times, “Don’t be afraid. Trust in God. Trust also in me.” What does it look like to trust Jesus? How do we live out this trust each day, even when we’re anxious? Join us online this Sunday to find out the answer! AND you’ll want to be watching this Sunday for a very special tribute to the mothers in our church! Rev. David Eardley preaches.

May 3, 2020: During these most difficult times, we find ourselves asking for relief, and healing as we face life trials and challenges. For years many of us have found our faith anchored in the miracles of healing and relief. While we quietly and humbly give thanks for our deliverance, we should also use this opportunity to testify to the glory of God in our lives, not just in our personal victories, but in the glory and strength found in our struggle. You see, we all have a story to tell. Rev. Carter Grimmett preaches.

April 26, 2020: Have you ever been disappointed? Have you ever had something not turn out the way you hoped? Have you ever been confused about a situation? Most likely, you answered yes to these questions. This Sunday we’ll find ourselves on a long walk with some disappointed disciples who are feeling the exact same way. Along the way, as the sun begins to set, another person joins them on the journey. And the rest, they say, is history. It’s also a really amazing story of hope and resilience and seeing Jesus that you won’t want to miss. Rev. David Eardley preaches.

April 19, 2020: When Christians celebrate Easter, we are also celebrating the beginning of our mission, our identity as a community of faith. The gifts from the risen Jesus to the first disciples are Easter gifts to us as well…peace, joy and the strength and power of the Holy Spirit. With these gifts comes a commission to the disciples, then and now, to continue the work of Jesus. We are to hear and respond to the words of Jesus, “Just as the Father sent me, I send you.” United Methodist Bishop, Laurie Haller, asks this question we might ponder and pray about: “Where have you been to boldly proclaim, ‘I have seen the Lord!’ and then put your resurrection faith into practice?” Rev. Judy May preaches.

Easter April 12, 2020: Join us as we celebrate Easter together. Afterwards, the video will be available for you to share with friends or host a watch party as well. We will also be sharing this again on Easter Sunday at 1pm and 7pm if you want to view the replay along with others.

Good Friday April 10, 2020: Join us for a virtual Tenebrae Service.

Good Friday April 10, 2020:  Enjoy our 12:30 p.m. Good Friday Worship Service.

Holy Thursday April 9, 2020: This is an interactive experience. If you are able to participate in the service, all you will need is a candle & match, a bowl of water & towel, and a cross you have in your home. The cross can be a wall ornament or jewelry or whatever you may have. You can even draw a picture of a cross. Holy Thursday observes what happened the night before Jesus’s crucifixion. It is a time to reflect and gather strength for uncertain times. Rev. Rick Kress preaches.

April 5, 2020:  Facebook Live service due to church service cancellation because of Covid-19 social distancing. In very short order, our world has been challenged in ways we’ve not seen before. What is a Christ-follower’s response? Consider the example of Jesus during Holy Week, which began with Palm Sunday. Jesus faced tremendous pressures, but his response was to plant seeds of hope. How can we do that in our current crisis? Rev. Rick Kress preaches.

March 29 2020:  Facebook Live service due to church service cancellation because of Covid-19 social distancing. “Jesus wept.” We know this to be the shortest verse in the bible, but perhaps one of the best to illustrates the depth of compassion and love of our Savior. When we are going through hard times, Jesus feels our pain and struggle. With Jesus by our side, no matter what the grief or hardship is that we face, we can be resuscitated and resurrected like Lazarus; we will have help to stand up and unbind our weary bones. Rev. Erin Fitzgerald preaches.

March 22, 2020:  Facebook Live service due to church service cancellation because of Covid-19 social distancing. This is one my favorite stories in John’s Gospel. It’s beautifully and powerfully written as two themes, fear (blindness) and hope (vision), clash with each other. We discover how fear actually blinds us to the possibilities of God. There’s so much more that God has in store if we’re willing to embrace the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Rev. David Eardley preaches.

March 15, 2020:  Facebook Live service due to church service cancellation because of Covid-19 social distancing.  She was thirsty. She was alone. She was an outsider. Actually, Jesus was the last person she wanted to see, but there he was, just waiting around Jacob’s well. With nothing to lose, they began a conversation about giving, and it changed her life forever. Join us as we encounter Jesus at Jacob’s well and hear his words for us.  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

March 8, 2020:  “For God so loved the world…” this has to be one of the most famous verses in all the world… right? In this conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus lays out the core motivation of God toward us and all creation—love. Come and consider how we live in and respond to this abundant love which God offers to everyone.  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

March 1, 2020:  Every day we have many choices to make. Some choices are easy to make, while others may be far more subtle. What (or Who) guides us in our decision-making? Just like us, Jesus faced a life full of choices. Come and discover what guided Jesus through his myriad of choices, and how it may be a blessing for you.  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

February 23 , 2020:  You’ve probably heard people talk about Jesus as great guy, a good teacher, an inspirational leader, a visionary CEO, but Jesus is so much more. In this week’s gospel reading, Peter, James, and John experience a glimpse of Jesus’ divinity, and it takes their breath away. They discover there is a WHOLE LOT MORE about Jesus, and that Jesus would be there for them.  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

February 16 , 2020:  Intentional faith is something to be proud of, and it is what we strive to be and attempt to do. Being intentional about our faith is not easy because we can sometimes have a difficult time living our faith beyond the comfort of what is often convenient. 7Our challenge is learning and recognizing the difference between practicing our faith and living our faith. Rev. Carter Grimmett preaches.

February 9, 2020:  This is such a great Sunday to be at St. Paul’s as we celebrate Scouting during worship and as we enjoy our first ever ArtFEST, celebrating the joy of creativity within the arts. Jesus calls us to have faith like salt and light, adding zest and brightness to the world around us. Bring your friends and neighbors as we celebrate the many ways we seek to be salt and light in this community!  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

February 2, 2020:  Do you want the secret to happiness… real happiness? I’m not talking about that “my team’s in the Super Bowl” kind of happiness, which only last for a while (or never if you’re a Lions fan). This is the kind of happiness that will be there when life gets hard, really hard. Interested?  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

January 26, 2020: Jesus changes people’s lives. Jesus changes where people are going. Jesus changes people’s priorities. To follow him means change. This Sunday we’ll experience it firsthand through the lives of his first disciples. They left their nets and followed him. They made a choice, and it was for Jesus. Join us as we consider the ways that Jesus has called us into changed lives. Rev. David Eardley preaches.

January 19, 2020:  “Come and see.” With these words, Jesus begins inviting others to follow him. How powerful these words are. Through being with Jesus and seeing his ministry to others, these first disciples will begin to see him for who he is… God’s own Son. How might we, through our presence and our actions, help the world see Jesus in us and in the world? Join us as we come and see Jesus.  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

January 12, 2020: At Jesus’ baptism, God calls him, “Beloved.” It is such a significant affirmation as he begins his ministry. How do you respond when you hear God calling you, Beloved? Join us this Sunday as we receive this good news from God and share it with others. This Sunday is also United Methodist Women Sunday, as we celebrate their incredible ministry in our community and in our world. Truly, they are committed to helping others hear God calling them “Beloved.”  Rev. David Eardley preaches.

January 5, 2020: Everyone who sought out the baby Jesus had different ideas about what the Christ child was about. They were all surprised! For some, it was a pleasant surprise. This is what Epiphany is about: seeking one thing, but finding something else. The surprise is that something else is something better. Check it out! Rev. Rick Kress preaches.