Sermons by Lori Leopold
Old and New
We are deep into a section of Matthew’s gospel that offers us a party of parables! This Sunday we’ll look for God in common things like seeds, yeast, fields, pearls and more. How do these ordinary things reveal the extraordinary aspects of the Divine?
To Weed or Not To Weed
This week our scripture passage is the parable of the wheat and the weeds. Who wants a weedy garden? And shouldn’t we pluck out the weeds–catch them early–when we see them?
A Sower Went Out to Sow
This week our scripture passage is Jesus’ Parable of the Sower. It’s one of Jesus’ many parables that challenges us to consider how God’s goodness and grace get planted in the world and when/how/why the things of God grow! What seeds need to be sown? What difference does the soil make? And what qualities are called for in the Sower?
Beyond Imagination
Today Pastor Lori and Lay Leader, Ken B., share inspiration and updates from our California-Pacific Annual Conference. This year’s theme is “ASTONISH.”
Called in the Spirit
While women have been integral to ministry since the beginning of time, it wasn’t until 70 years ago that women, in Methodist tradition, gained full clergy rights. This week we will celebrate that milestone, mindful that the Spirit calls whom the Spirit calls.
Finding Jesus
This Sunday we experience Jesus through the lens of Matthew the tax collector. Jesus found him sitting at his tax collector booth. But what did Matthew discover about what it means to find Jesus as he witnessed Jesus’ interactions with those in need?
Everywhere
This Sunday we celebrate Trinity Sunday, which is not simply an opportunity to learn about a doctrine of the church, but more importantly, it’s a chance to contemplate the invitation to be in relationship with the Divine who, with an abundance of love and grace, interacts with us in a whole myriad of different ways.
Finding Our Voice
This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost, recalling the coming of the Holy Spirit, what’s often referred to as “the birthday” or “the beginning” of the church. What changed with the inbreaking of the Holy Spirit? How did it empower people of faith to connect with one another, across all their differences? And does the Holy Spirit still have that power today?
Down to Earth Church
This Sunday is Ascension Sunday, a day in the life of the church that is baffling, awe-inspiring and rich with meaning and invitation. What can this peculiar account of Jesus being “taken up” into the clouds mean for us, the church in Southern California in 2026?
Reminders
This Sunday the lectionary readings continue in “Jesus’ farewell discourse.” Some of you may be thinking… “Hey, didn’t we just celebrate Easter? Why are we back to talking about Jesus’ words to his disciples right before his death?” And what does the word “abide” mean here? Good questions!