Sermons from 2026
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?
Life Long Learning
“To what can I compare this generation?” the text begins. Through the lens of a first-person second career Religion Major, this text is opened up with the hopes of living more faithfully, seeing more clearly, loving God more deeply all while getting an “A” on Life’s Midterm Exam. In Matthew is Jesus really asking us this question now? Today? At the same time our country is celebrating her semi quincentennial? Our work, our Life Long work is answering this question.
Assuming Righteousness
What have you felt like you needed to give up? Today we ponder a passage that depicts Abraham as having been asked to sacrifice his son.
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!