Sermons from 2026

Sermons from 2026

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!

Finding Our Way

This week’s text from John brings us alongside Philip and the other disciples as they begin to face the idea of “life after Jesus.” Jesus spoke words of reassurance and instruction to the disciples and to us today… helping us to remain grounded in Christ while navigating life in uncertain and difficult times.

Coming and Going

This week’s scripture reading from John draws our attention to Jesus as “the shepherd” as well as to Jesus as “the gate.” How do we hold these two images together? In what ways do those images challenge us and how do they lead us, in the gospel writer’s words, to “abundant life?”

While You Walk Along

Have you ever had one of those “lightbulb” moments? Have you ever wondered what that “lightbulb” moment was like for the disciples after the Emmaus road? Think about that Emmaus experience from Luke 24 as we prepare for guest preacher Adam Marshall on Sunday.

Yes / And

Easter is more than a day… it’s a season!  Join us this Sunday as we move into the season of resurrection and new life, gathering with Jesus, Thomas and the other disciples amid fear and doubt, to receive Jesus’ words of peace, presence and promise.  Our guest preacher is the Rev. Lesley Brogan.