Sermons from January 2025
Deep Waters
This Sunday we continue our journey in Luke, with the story of Jesus’ call on Simon/Peter. These “call stories” are a key part of Jesus’ work, and subsequently ours, and I love how Luke tells it. It’s distinct from the others. So we look at that story, which I think you will find meaningful and relevant. -Pastor Paul SCRIPTURE: Luke 5:1-11 (NRSVUE) 5 Once while Jesus was standing beside the Lake of Gennesaret and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear…
For the Common Good
We have a BIG passage this Sunday. Coincidently, as President-Elect Trump is inaugurated on Monday, our reading for this Sunday is often referred to as Jesus’ inaugural address. Regardless of who would be inaugurated, this serves as a reminder that there is more for us than what happens on the steps of the Capitol. We must be socio-politically engaged and active, and we must recognize that elections really do have consequences, but we also have a call and hope beyond…
Breaking Down Baptism
Hello, Beloved of Prospect Park UMC! Did you know that’s your name? Beloved? Well if not, we’ll dig into why (among other things) this Sunday in worship. This Sunday is the “Baptism of Our Lord” Sunday, the Sunday we remember Jesus’ baptism. Baptism is one of those things most Christians believe they understand, but then if we do, why do various denominations do it differently and for different reasons? This Sunday we are “Breaking Down Baptism”, and I hope also…
It Must Be Tested
This Sunday is Epiphany Sunday, which is the day we remember the Magi following the star to come and find and worship the Chris-child. This story is only found in Matthew’s Gospel, so since we will be in the Gospel of Luke we will not be focusing on those curious little wanderers, but they still deserve to be recognized and remembered. They are actually a huge part of my own faith journey, but we will unpack that rich story another…