Sermons on Spiritual Growth
Lord’s Prayer Sermon Series – July 7, 2024
This week in our series on the Lord’s Prayer, we turn to “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be This week in our series on the Lord’s Prayer, we turn to “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Lord’s Prayer Sermon Series – June 30, 2024
This week we begin a worship series on the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer has brought together followers of Jesus into the heart of his teachings. I find it so enriching that there are different translations and interpretations of this prayer. Words and phrases that might resonate with us in new ways and connect us to God and all creation. For at the heart of this prayer is our interconnectedness. Nowhere will you find “give me my bread” or “forgive my…
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 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…
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.
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…
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.
Cultivating Generousity through Financial Giving
Pastor Tom offers some basic teachings about financial giving including the use of proportional giving as a way to measure our growth as generous people. Many people don’t feel able to tithe today, but we can make that as a goal and ask God to help us become more generous.
Two Keys to Meaningful Daily Prayer
We read of David’s second attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to his new capital in Jersusalem. Though there are several details that differ between the two attempts, we will look broadly at how his intention changed and the attention he paid to his body changed. How can paying attention to our intention and to our bodies in prayer make our daily prayer practice more meaningful?
Loving An Invisible God
The instruction to love God is central to both the Jewish and Christian faiths. So, how do we do it? How do we love a God who is invisible and completely beyond our comprehension? Pastor Tom reflects on this question by comparing how loving a person is the same as loving God and how it is different. In many ways, it is quite different and yet, if we practice our love for God we will improve the ways we love…