Cross Connect Sermons

Have you ever been stopped by a memory that still warms your heart? Maybe it was a voice you can still hear, a smile you can still picture, or a moment of grace you will never forget. I believe that is what happens when love lingers. The people who shaped our faith, prayed for us, and showed us what it means to live with compassion and courage never truly leave us. Their light keeps shining.

For the past month, we've been asking a simple yet life-shaping question from Psalm 116: “What can I give back to the Lord for all the good things he has done for me?” Week by week, we've explored how gratitude overflows into generous hearts, Spirit-filled lives, and now, in our final message,  a church that gives back together.

We continue our Stewardship series with a message entitled “Lives That Give Back.” In 1 Peter 4, we are reminded that every one of us has been entrusted with gifts, meant not for self-promotion, but for the good of others. “Serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God's diverse gifts,” the writer urges. In other words, the stewardship of our lives is not about spotlighting our talents, but about offering our presence in love.

In Luke 7, we encounter an unnamed, uninvited, and unexpected woman who becomes the truest worshipper in the room. She kneels at Jesus' feet, weeping and pouring out costly perfume, not to impress but to express a heart overwhelmed by grace. She says nothing, asks nothing, yet gives everything in a vulnerable act of love. Jesus sees not just her actions but her heart, and declares, “She has shown great love because she has been forgiven much.” Her story stands in stark contrast to the hollow hospitality of her host, reminding us that true worship flows not from duty but from deep gratitude of the heart.

This series will lead us toward Commitment Sunday on October 26, when each of us will be invited to participate by submitting our 2026 Estimate of Giving Card as an act of worship. It will be a time for us to say together, with our hearts and our commitments, “Here's what I can give back to the Lord.”

Have you ever faced a moment where standing firm in your faith came with real risk? Where following God meant going against the grain, and maybe even standing alone? These moments test our character, our courage, and most of all, our trust in God.

There are some moments in life when moving forward means letting go. This week in our Trusting the Covenant series, we encounter one of the hardest spiritual truths of all: sometimes, something has to die before something new can be born.

We continue our Trusting the Covenant series with a sermon entitled “Invited to Heal and Hope.” In Isaiah 55 and Isaiah 40, God speaks tenderly to a people who are weary, wounded, and worn out—people not unlike us.

Have you ever longed for a fresh start? A moment where grace breaks in, where the past no longer defines you, and the future begins to bloom with hope? If so, you're not alone. The people of Israel knew what it meant to lose their way and to be met by a God who never gave up on them.

We continue our Trusting the Covenant series with a message entitled “Permission to Wrestle.” Our guide is Job, a man who had every reason to walk away from his faith, but instead chose to engage God honestly, fully, and relentlessly.

Sunday, we continued in our Trusting the Covenant sermon series with a message entitled “Provision of Prayer,” grounded in two rich and honest psalms, Psalm 13:1–6 and Psalm 107:1–9. These passages give voice to the full spectrum of human experience. Psalm 13 is a raw cry of lament: “How long, Lord?” while Psalm 107 turns our attention to God's enduring faithfulness: “Give thanks to the Lord because he is good.”

Have you ever felt like your connection to God was running low—like a phone slowly losing charge? You're still functioning, still going through the motions, but something vital feels… disconnected.

Director of Youth Ministries, Kristi Sanford preaching.

We finish our Living the Covenant series with a message entitled “Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly.” These familiar words from Micah 6:8 capture the heart of what covenant living should look like. But when we hold them alongside the piercing honesty of Amos 5 and Isaiah 6, we're reminded just how often we fall short, and just how deeply God desires something more.

One of the most direct challenges in all of Scripture comes from James: “Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers.” It's a reminder that covenant living is not just about what we believe—it's about how we live it out.

We continue our Living the Covenant journey with a message titled “Forgiving Hearts.” As we explore how the covenant takes root in everyday life, we turn to the wisdom of the New Testament letters: practical guidance for living with one another in light of what God has done for us.

As we continue our Living the Covenant series, we find ourselves on Independence Day weekend—a time when we give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy, remember those who've sacrificed, and reflect on what it means to live as citizens in this world. It's also a time to ask deeper questions about how we use our freedom: Are we living wisely? Are we choosing well? Are we aligning our lives with God's purposes?

Storms will come. Culture will shift. Life will stretch us in unexpected ways. So what keeps us grounded? This week in our Living the Covenant series, we turn our attention to a sermon entitled: “The Anchor of Faith.”

Leadership is more than holding a position—it's about shaping a people. As we continue our Living the Covenant series, this week we explore what it means to lead within God's covenant community with a sermon entitled: “Covenant Leadership.”

We continue our journey through Living the Covenant with a message titled “A Reoriented Life.” As we step into Episode 10 of our Covenant series—The Spirit-Led Community—we'll explore how the Holy Spirit transforms not just individuals, but entire communities. In covenant life, we don't just receive the Spirit—we are reoriented by it. We become people who think differently, see differently, and act differently in the world.

Last Sunday marked the beginning of our next movement in our year-long journey through Scripture—Living the Covenant. It's also Pentecost Sunday, a day when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. It's a powerful moment to reflect not only on God's presence among us, but on what it means to live as a covenant people, united by love and committed to one another.

This Sunday, we were excited to welcome Rev. Vicki Cater as our guest preacher for a special service celebrating United Women in Faith Sunday.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday for mourning and honoring U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  The first observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868, and was then known as Decoration Day.  Prior to this first national observance, many communities had begun the practice of laying flowers at the graves of soldiers killed during the Civil War; Mary Ann Williams is credited with the idea of laying flowers on the graves of Confederate and Union soldier alike.  It was not until 1971 that Memorial Day became a recognized federal holiday, was moved to the last Monday of May each year, and was held to respect fallen soldiers of all American wars, not just the Civil War.

This Sunday is a special day in the life of our church—Senior Sunday! We honored and celebrated our graduating high school seniors as they prepare to enter a new chapter in their lives. These young adults have grown in faith, served in ministry, and journeyed through important seasons right here at Trinity. Now, we have the joy of sending them forward with love, prayer, and encouragement.

On Sunday, we gathered for a meaningful day of worship as we celebrated Mother's Day with a sermon entitled “A Mother's Love,” based on Exodus 2:1–10 and 2 Timothy 1:3–7 (CEB). Through these powerful Scriptures, we reflect on the strength, sacrifice, and spiritual nurture that caregivers of all kinds offer to the people in their lives.

Our scripture focus comes from Acts 2:42-47 and Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-13—two powerful reminders of what it looks like when the Body of Christ comes together in unity, purpose, and love.In Acts 2, we see the early church devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. They worshiped together, cared for one another, and served their community—and “the Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved.” In Ephesians 4, Paul calls the church to live worthy of the calling they've received—walking in humility, gentleness, and patience—striving for unity in the Spirit.

This Sunday was a deeply meaningful day in the life of our church as we celebrated Confirmation Sunday. Our confirmands—students who have spent time learning, asking questions, serving others, and growing in their understanding of faith—were ready to take the next step in their journey by affirming their commitment to Christ and becoming full members of Trinity United Methodist Church.

In Matthew's Gospel, the angel at the tomb declares, “Don't be afraid! You are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn't here, because he's been raised from the dead.” Fear is replaced with hope, and sorrow gives way to joy. The resurrection proclaims that because Jesus lives, all fear is gone!

This Sunday, we celebrate Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week and a pivotal moment in our journey toward Easter. Palm Sunday marks the day Jesus entered Jerusalem, greeted by crowds waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9). It is a day filled with hope, celebration, and expectation, yet it also ushers in the events that lead to the cross. We are honored to welcome Bishop L. Jonathan Holston as our preacher for this special day.

In Mark's Gospel, we meet a man who asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus lovingly challenges him to release his possessions and follow him. But the man walks away, unable to let go of the pride he places in his wealth and accomplishments. Pride often masks a deeper fear—the fear of losing control, appearing weak, or depending on others. Yet Jesus calls us to humility and faith, reminding us that true security comes from trusting in God.

If someone you loved asked, “Who do you say that I am?” you'd have an answer. You might say, “You are my friend. You are kind. You are funny. You don't let me be hard on myself. You make me better. You help me relax and have fun.” But in a close friendship, it's not just the words that matter—it's the shared experiences and how they've shaped your life. Maybe they have a phrase you've picked up over the years, a quirk that makes you laugh, or even a habit that annoys you when others do it. Close relationships change the way we live. At least, they should.

Historically, All Saints Sunday has been a sacred day in the Christian Tradition, observed as early as the 4th Century. In this week's service, we will celebrate Holy Communion, recognizing the communion of saints—those who are present with us and those who have joined the heavenly assembly. We will also name those in our congregation who have passed in the last year, giving thanks for their witness and reflecting on how their lives continue to inspire and challenge us today. I am grateful that many of their family members will be with us in worship.

Last Sunday, we concluded our 2025 Stewardship Campaign with a sermon entitled “I Am Here to Rejoice – A Day of Celebration,” based on Ephesians 3:14-21 (CEB) and Psalm 118:19-24 (NRSV). In this season of reflection, we are reminded that God calls us to not only a life of purpose but also a life of joy. The Apostle Paul's prayer in Ephesians invites us to explore the depth of God's love—a love that strengthens, roots, and fills us with all the fullness of God. This powerful reminder speaks to God's ability to accomplish more than we can ask or imagine through the Spirit at work within us.

Through this message, we'll reflect on how each of us is uniquely equipped by God to support the church's growth and unity. We'll explore the significance of using our gifts to strengthen the body of Christ and emphasize that every member plays a crucial role in nurturing our faith community.

I'm excited to share with you today about the second message in our sermon series, “Why Trinity.”  Last Sunday we learned about our purpose, considering Esther's role at a very specific moment in history to accomplish a very specific work of God.  This week we will talk about growth as part of our participation here at Trinity United Methodist Church.

As we begin our 2025 Stewardship Campaign, “Why Trinity,” I am excited to share that we will start this journey with a sermon entitled “I Am Here for a Purpose,” based on Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 (CEB) and Esther 4:9-17 (CEB). In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. We are reminded that the body of Christ is made up of many parts, each with a purpose, all contributing to the unity and growth of the whole. This message is echoed in the story of Esther, where she discovers that she has been placed in her position “for such a time as this” to make a difference for her people. Both of these scriptures speak to the truth that God has a specific purpose for each of us within the church and in the world.

This final sermon, based on Matthew 16:24-28 (CEB), invites us into a conversation on what it means to follow Christ with humility and selflessness while navigating the pursuit of success and prosperity in our daily lives. The passage challenges us to take up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow Jesus—a call that seems counterintuitive in a world that often celebrates self-promotion and personal gain. Yet, within this paradox lies the heart of the Gospel.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Rev. Dr. Charles Gattis in preparation for this week's conversation, titled “Dare to Keep Dreaming.”  During our preliminary meeting, Dr. Gattis and I found much common ground as United Methodist clergy who have each served multiple decades.  And yet, as different generations in our own families often do, we found that we held differing views on several important topics.  Charles and I will be using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral - Scripture, Reason, Experience and Tradition - to guide our discussion.

As we continue our new sermon series, “From Both Sides of the Table,” we will consider the most notorious bad guy of all time, the villain whose name is defined in the dictionary as “one who betrays under the guise of friendship”: JUDAS.

As we kick off our new sermon series, “From Both Sides of the Table,” we will discuss the topic that has sparked countless debates, divided communities, and even strained relationships: “Who's Going to Heaven?”

As our “Let's Be Real” sermon series concludes, we will consider two of the most intense prayers offered by our Lord Jesus: the request for God the Father to lift the burden of crucifixion from the Son (Luke 22:39-42) and his intercessory prayer for forgiveness directed towards the people who took his life (Luke 23:33-34).  We clearly see in these verses the Lord's struggle between his own will and the will of the Father, and his capacity to love the unlovable even while suffering death.

This week, we will explore the complexities and challenges of maintaining healthy relationships, drawing wisdom from the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:38-48 (CEB) and the Apostle Paul's teachings in Romans 12:9-21 (CEB).

As we continue our series, we're going to wrestle with the question we've all asked at some point or another: “Is the Bible Really Useful?” How can a book that was compiled thousands of years ago by people in ancient and less advanced civilizations actually be relevant to my life today? How can a book that includes inaccurate scientific facts and words that have inspired such hatred and evil in humanity's history be trustworthy for my life today?

This Sunday, we begin a new sermon, “Let's Be Real,” where we will explore the raw and unfiltered realities of our daily lives, acknowledging that even as followers of Christ, we are real people facing real problems and real issues.

This weekend was, Discovery Weekend, a special event where our Middle Schoolers, guided by our High Schoolers, dive deep into the journey of faith. It was a unique opportunity for our youth to explore the paths walked by different figures in the Bible, the journey of Jesus, and reflect on their own life journeys. As part of our Discovery Weekend, our Director of Youth Ministry, Amber Cloud, will be preached in the 10:30 Contemporary Service. These messages are not just for our youth but for our entire congregation. It serves as a powerful reminder that each one of us is intricately designed by God for a distinct and meaningful purpose.

As United Methodists, we believe the Holy Spirit continually guides God's people into deeper understanding and interpretation of God's word. As we faithfully and fervently study the scriptures, the Holy Spirit uses our collective tradition, experience, and reason to lead us closer to God's Truth. This approach of our Methodist heritage has come to be known as the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.

As United Methodists, we believe that our faith must be active and transformative, extending beyond the walls of the church into the world. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This mission compels us to engage in ministries of compassion, justice, and mercy. This calling is not just an abstract concept but a concrete practice. It involves recognizing and responding to the needs around us, whether in our local community or globally.

Continuing our exploration of “Who We Are” as United Methodists, we will consider our relational framework during this Sunday's worship services.  What does it mean for Methodists to be “in connection,” and why does it matter for us today?

In this series, we will embark on a journey to explore our identity as United Methodists by affirming our core beliefs, practices, and purpose. We will highlight our theology of grace, the importance of connection, our mission-driven mindset, and our approach to understanding scripture. Most importantly, we will focus on our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

As we conclude our sermon series, “By The Light,” I am thrilled to preach our final sermon, “Illuminated By the Light,” based on Luke 11:33-36 (CEB). This series has taken us on a journey, exploring how God's light profoundly impacts and shapes our lives. Our final sermon will draw us deeper into understanding how we can live as reflections of this light in our daily lives.

I pray you are enjoying our current sermon series, “By The Light.” Over the last few weeks, we have been exploring the theme of light throughout the Judeo-Christian Tradition. I am thrilled to preach this week's sermon entitled “Transformed By the Light,” based on Acts 9:1-10a, 17-18 (CEB). This powerful passage tells the story of Saul's dramatic encounter with the light of Christ on the road to Damascus, a moment that changed his life and the course of Christian history.