Cross Connect Sermons

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.

This week, we continued our journey through our current sermon series, “By The Light,” exploring the profound and transformative influence of God's light in our lives. I am excited to preach this week's sermon entitled “Redeemed By the Light” based on John 8:1-12 (CEB). This passage not only sheds light on the powerful act of forgiveness but also illuminates the transformative power of God's grace in our lives.

Sunday, we looked at two scriptures that emphasize being led by the light of God, first as we follow the Israelites through the wilderness in Exodus 13:17-22, and second as we consider how faithfulness to the day-today light of God's guidance can lead us to be part of world-changing transformation.

Today we will hear about being “Called By the Light.”  God used His mighty voice to call forth light from the darkness in Genesis 1:1-5, and that same voice called out to simple fishermen and commissioned them to become Jesus' first disciples in Matthew 4:18-22.  And that same voice calls to us today!

In a world filled with noise and distraction, the art of listening seems to be fading away. This week we will focus on Isaiah 6:1-8 (CEB) and 2 Corinthians 5:13-17 (CEB), where we will find a profound call to listen—not just with our ears, but with our hearts and spirits. Isaiah recounts his awe-inspiring vision in the presence of the Almighty. In the midst of this divine encounter, Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah responds with unwavering obedience, saying, “Here I am; send me!” This passage challenges us to consider how attentive we are to God's voice and how readily we respond to his call.   As followers of Christ, we are called to live not for ourselves but for Jesus, who died and was raised for us. This transformation begins with listening—listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, listening to the cries of the broken and oppressed, and listening to the heartbeat of God for our lives and the world around us.   As we prepare for worship this week, here are some questions for reflection: In what ways do you prioritize listening to God's voice in your daily life? Are there any obstacles that hinder your ability to hear God clearly? Reflect on a time when you felt a clear prompting from the Holy Spirit. How did you respond? What did you learn from that experience? How does the concept of being “new creations” in Christ, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:17, shape your understanding of listening and obedience in your Christian journey?

This Sunday is the Day of Pentecost in which Christians remember the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the first followers of Jesus, as described in Acts Chapter 2. This Sunday I will be preaching a sermon entitled “The Gifts of the Holy Spirit,” which will focus on Romans 12:4-17. This passage reminds us of the richness of God's grace bestowed upon each believer, empowering us with unique gifts for the edification of the Body of Christ and the transformation of the world. As we prepare our hearts for Pentecost Sunday, let us reflect on the following:   What gifts has the Holy Spirit entrusted to me, and how can I use them for the glory of God and the benefit of others? In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of discernment and prayer to better understand and develop my gifts? How can I actively participate in fostering unity within the body of Christ, recognizing and valuing the diverse gifts of my fellow believers?

This Sunday, I am very excited to lead our congregation in worship and the celebration of United Women in Faith and all women who have nurtured and impacted our lives. To do so, we will dive into scriptures that highlight the legacy of women's leadership throughout God's story. We will consider the unique and strong leadership of Deborah in Judges 4:1-16 as well as the prominence and plentitude of female leadership in the early church as noted in Romans 16:1-16.

I invite each of us to reflect on our collective mission as a church and to recommit ourselves to our vision: “To be a Christian community inviting all to gather in love, grow in faith, and give back in joyful service.” At the heart of this vision lies a profound truth: each of us is called for a purpose. As we reflect on our call, let us move forward in faith. For we are called for such a time as this, entrusted with the sacred task of advancing God's kingdom here on earth.

Have you ever thought about what enriching means? When I think of it, I think in the concept of our foods. Enriched foods have nutrients added back to them after processing, such as vitamins and minerals. The goal is to reduce nutrient deficiencies in the general population. Oats, breakfast cereals, bread, eggs, fruit juice, milk, and salt are some examples of enriched foods that we eat daily where nutrients have been intentionally added back in for our health and well-being.  As you look around the realities of our world, both near and far, it's clear that some of our processes of life have removed some key communal nutrients that keep us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually well. What would it be like if we, members of the Body of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama, intentionally added some metaphorical nutrients back into our community?

“Love Huntsville” is not just a sermon title—it's a call to action, a challenge to live out the gospel in our everyday interactions. By embracing this message, we commit to being agents of change in our community, reflecting the heart of God through our willingness to connect, serve, and love.

“Reach, Love, Enrich, and Serve Huntsville,” inspired by Matthew 28:19 (CEB), “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” By focusing on reaching out, loving unconditionally, enriching the lives of others, and serving our community, we endeavor to make Huntsville a reflection of the Kingdom of God. This series is not just about personal growth, but it's a call to collective action - a vision to see our city transformed by the grace and truth of the Gospel.

This week, as we conclude our sermon series, “Signs and Wonders,” we turn our focus to the most pivotal event in Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our upcoming sermon, entitled “The Endless Miracle,” based on Matthew 28:1-10 (CEB) is a reminder that the resurrection is not merely a historical event but a vibrant, living testimony of God's miraculous power and unfailing love. It serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the continuous, amazing, and wonderful work of God in the world and in our lives.

Palm Sunday is not only a celebration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem but also a reminder of the journey he undertook for our salvation. Let us come together, in anticipation and reflection, as we explore “The Miracle Question” and prepare our hearts for the profound journey of Holy Week.

Our “Signs and Wonders” series continues in this fifth week, with an encounter between Jesus and a blind man. Jesus and His disciples are very familiar with the village of Bethsaida, as some of the disciples live there (John 1:44), and they may have been expecting to come home for a bit of rest. However Jesus' reputation has preceded him, and so friends of the blind man bring him to the Healer. Christ pulls the man from the village, spits saliva on his eyes, and touches the man with his hands. On the first try, the man remarks that he can now see - but people look like walking trees to him! Jesus touches him again, and on the second touch the man's sight is fully restored.

In a world where divisions seem more pronounced than ever, the message of Jesus' inclusive love and power is a beacon of hope. Jesus did not only come for the righteous or the socially acceptable, but he came for all. The synagogue leader and the bleeding woman represent the spectrum of society—from the respected to the marginalized. Jesus' response to both is a profound lesson in breaking barriers that we, too, are called to follow.

This Sunday, we continue this series focusing on Luke's account of Jesus miraculously feeding five thousand people with the same amount of bread and fish I would typically feed my family of four. For Trinity, a congregation passionate about feeding our fellow brothers and sisters who find themselves hungry, I believe this particular miracle has inspired us to do much of the mission ministry we do with First Stop, Meals to Grow, Meals on Wheels, Food for Thought, and more. In other words, Trinity loves answering God's call to feed others - so this miracle means a lot to us!

As we continue our spiritual journey through this Lenten Season, our attention turns to Jesus calming the storm, as recounted in Mark 4:35-41 (CEB). This passage not only demonstrates Jesus' remarkable authority over the natural elements but also highlights his profound presence that brings peace in the most chaotic moments.

Lent invites us to a time of deep reflection, prayer, and penance, offering us a sacred space to repent of our sins, engage in acts of service, and embrace self-denial. It's a season that prepares our hearts for the joy and hope of Easter Sunday, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ.

We have spent five weeks now “thinking on these things,” inspired by Paul's letter to the Philippians.  As we complete this series with our final message, “What's On Your Mind?”, let's take the time to thank God for the many ways we have been inspired by His Spirit so far, and for the blessings still to come.

The focus of our upcoming sermon is around the question “What Are You Praying For?” and based on Philippians 4:1-7 (CEB). We will reflect deeply on the nature of our prayers and how they connect us to God's peace and his greater purpose for our lives. In the text, the Apostle Paul encourages us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving. This passage reminds us that prayer isn't just about asking for things; it's about aligning our hearts with God's will and experiencing his peace.  As a supporting text, we will read Romans 8:18-28 (CEB), which further explores this idea, assuring us that God works for the good of those who love him, even during our struggles and uncertainties.

This week we will reflect on the question “Are You There Yet?” based on the encouraging words of Philippians 3:12-21 (CEB). Philippians 3 challenges us to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Jesus Christ. It's a powerful reminder that our spiritual journey is a continuous pursuit, not a one-time achievement.

While most of the roadways were clear, our church parking lot and sidewalks were covered in ice and slush. For the safety of our congregation and staff, we decided that the church facility would remain closed on Sunday, January 21. However, Trinity's worship staff have created this worship experience that specifically addresses the challenges that we faced and endured this week.

The second part of the sermon series dedicated to the study of Paul's letter to the Philippians.

Are you struggling with life's circumstances? Through the empowering teachings of scripture in the book of Philippians, this series will shift our thoughts and actions from life's struggles & anxieties toward what is true, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. As we align our hearts and minds with the joy and peace of Jesus Christ, our lives are transformed from the inside out.

December 24th, 2023

December 17th, 2023

December 10th. 2023

December 3rd, 2023