From The Pulpit of DUMC

1. Jesus crossed boundaries. He spoke to someone others avoided. Faith often begins by stepping across lines we did not draw. 2. Conversation builds what division tears down. Jesus and the woman built a relationship. In the process, centuries of hostility began to crumble. 3. People matter more than systems. Jesus cared more about her life and salvation than about social rules. 4. Deep change requires real dialogue. This was not a quick exchange. It was honest, personal, and transformative. 5. Unity starts one conversation at a time. We do not have to fix the world. We can begin with one person. One conversation. One step toward trust. Lenten Challenge: Who is one person you could sit down with this week and truly talk to?

The Temptations First Sunday of Lent Matthew 4:1–11 1. The Temptations Are Ours Too Jesus was tempted with comfort, power, and status. We face the same pull toward self first living. 2. Jesus Chose Obedience Where others chose self, Jesus chose faithfulness. He trusted God instead of chasing control. 3. The Kingdom Looks Different Not built on greed or ego. But on mercy, service, generosity, justice, and peace. 4. We Get to Choose Every day we choose who we follow. Self or Christ. Power or service. 5. Grace Is Still There Even when we fail. God's grace always welcomes us back.

Listen to Him – Matthew 17:1–91. We Live in a Noisy WorldMany voices compete for our attention.God's voice cuts through the noise:“This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.”2. The Mountain Reveals Who Jesus IsOn the mountain, the disciples see Christ's glory.The One who shines in light is the same One who stepped into the water with us.Fully divine. Fully human. Close to us.3. Mountaintop Moments MatterWe all experience moments of clarity and grace.In worship. In prayer. In love. In creation.These moments are not escapes.They are maps for when life feels foggy.4. The Mountain Is Not the DestinationJesus leads the disciples back down.Following Him means moving toward real life.Toward need. Toward suffering. Toward the cross.5. Lent Is a Season of ListeningQuiet the other voices.Refocus your heart.Hear again Christ's invitation:“Follow me. Do not be afraid.”Remember This:The God of the mountaintop is not distant.In Jesus, God is right here.As close as your breath.Listen to Him.

1. Blessing Is Not the ContainerWe spend much of life building security, success, and comfort.Jesus cares less about the container and more about what fills it.2. Empty Space Makes Room for God“Blessed are the poor in spirit” means there is room for God to work.When we stop relying on ourselves, grace has space to enter.3. Jesus Invites Relationship, Not CertaintyJesus does not offer quick answers or a step by step program.He simply says, follow me. Walk with me. Come and see.4. The Kingdom Is Upside DownThe world values power, success, and control.Jesus lifts up humility, mercy, peacemaking, and compassion.5. Blessing Is Found in ProximityFrom the margins we see people, not problems.Jesus is already there, and that is where blessing breaks through.6. The Beatitudes Describe RealityThey are not rules to follow.They reveal what life looks like when God reigns.7. With Less of Us, There Is More of GodLife itself is a gift.Every breath is grace.Blessing begins with gratitude.

1. Jesus is the lightJesus brings light into darkness, hope into despair, and clarity into confusion. His light shows us a different way to live.2. Following Jesus begins with an invitationJesus did not argue or coerce. He simply said, “Follow me,” and invited people into a new and more compelling life.3. Everyone is shaped by a way of lifeThere is no neutral ground. We are all formed by something. Culture, fear, success, distraction, or the kingdom of God.4. Evangelism is not pressure or persuasionInviting others into faith is not about guilt, fear, or proving we are right. It is about sharing a gift we have freely received.5. Evangelism looks like sharing breadLike one hungry person telling another where to find food, faith is shared by saying, “I found life here, and there is room for you too.”6. The kingdom of God offers a better wayJesus invites us into a way of life marked by love, mercy, justice, forgiveness, and peace.7. Invitation flows from a changed lifeWhen we live differently, listen deeply, and love generously, invitation becomes natural.8. There is room at the tableGod's table is abundant. The call is simple. Do not keep the good news to yourself. Who is one person you can invite to come and be fed?

1. God Is Our RefugeWhen life feels unsettled or noisy, God remains steady and present.“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46Remember: We do not face uncertainty alone.2. Noise Drowns Out What MattersOur world is full of voices, opinions, and constant chatter.More words do not always bring more wisdom.Remember: Not all noise deserves our attention.3. Listening Is a Spiritual PracticeListening is not passive. It is an act of faith.We cannot truly listen to one another if we are not first listening to God.Remember: Listening is a habit of the heart.4. Silence Makes Space for GodSilence helps us slow down and notice God's presence.In stillness, we learn to hear the still, small voice of God.Remember: Silence is not empty. It is full of God.5. Begin with a Simple PrayerWe do not need fancy words to listen well.“Lord, speak, for your servant is listening.”Remember: God is already speaking. We are invited to listen.6. When We Truly Hear, Our Words Give LifeListening changes how we speak and how we live.Our words can move from spiritual chatter to words that bring hope and life.Remember: Listening leads to love.A Simple Practice for the WeekTake two or three minutes each day to be still.No agenda. No rushing. Just listening.Be still. Listen. Trust that God is near.

Big IdeaThe letters of the New Testament remind us who we are called to be. Saints. Set apart. Different in a way that points the world to Christ.Key Scripture“To the church of God in Corinth… called to be saints.”1 Corinthians 1:2Key Points to RememberMost of the New Testament is made up of letters written to real churches with real problems.When we read these letters, we are reading someone else's mail, but God still speaks to us through them today.Paul calls the Corinthians saints, not because they were perfect, but because they were called to live differently.A saint is not a super Christian. A saint is someone set apart in love, humility, justice, and compassion.Being set apart does not mean being better than others. It means reflecting Christ in how we live.The world should see generosity instead of greed, welcome instead of exclusion, peace instead of violence.Even when the church falls short, God does not give up on us. We are still called, loved, and invited to grow.A Question to Reflect OnWhen the world looks at my life, what do they see?Do they see something that points them toward Jesus?A Prayer to Carry With You“Thank you, God, that you judge us not by the perfection of our actions, but by our readiness to live boldly in faith.”Living It Out This WeekLook for one small way to live set apart this week through generosity, kindness, justice, or peace so others might catch a glimpse of God's kingdom.

1. Baptism reveals who Jesus isJesus is named as God's Beloved Son. From the very beginning, His ministry is grounded in love, presence, and grace.2. Baptism reveals who we areWe are claimed by God, forgiven, and given a new identity. We are not defined by our past, our labels, or our worst days.3. Baptism is a beginning, not magicThe water does not make life perfect, but it marks us. Each day is an invitation to live into who God says we are.4. Jesus gets in the water with usGod is not distant. Christ enters our mess, our pain, and our uncertainty and stands with us.5. Our primary identity is in ChristBaptism reshapes our allegiance. We belong first to the kingdom of God, where love of neighbor comes before everything else.6. Remember your baptism dailyWhen fear, division, or shame tries to tell you another story, remember who you are and to whom you belong. You are God's beloved.

Epiphany is about revelationJesus shows us what God is like through love, mercy, and humility.God's light often comes in unexpected placesThe Magi found God not in power, but in vulnerability.Not all light leads to lifeConsumerism, fear, and division promise brightness but leave us empty.The light of Christ reveals and frees usIt uncovers who we truly are and invites us to live honestly and whole.Every person bears sacred worthBecause God became human, every neighbor shines with dignity and value.Following Jesus changes our directionLike the Magi, encountering Christ means we do not go home the same way.Our calling is to be the lightThe world will know God's love by how we love one another.

Christmas is more than historyChristmas is not just about something that happened 2,000 years ago. It is about what God is still doing today.God does not wait for perfectionWe often think we need to fix ourselves before God can enter our lives. Christmas tells us God comes right into the mess.God moved inAt Christmas, God put on flesh and became our neighbor. God chose closeness over distance.“For you is born a Savior”This message is personal. Not just for the world, but for you right where you are.A Savior comes to healThe word Savior points to healing and wholeness. God desires peace within us and between us.God wants relationship, not debateGod is not just an idea to think about. God is seeking connection and love.Christmas is an invitationAs John Wesley said, the best of all is God is with us. And as Martin Luther and Meister Eckhart reminded the church, Christ longs to be born in us.Make room for ChristThe heart of Christmas is allowing Christ to dwell within us so that love, healing, and hope can shape our lives.

-) Fear can cloud our vision and lead us away from God's heart-) God often works most powerfully in moments that feel broken-) The more excellent way is not legalism, but love-) Compassion and mercy reflect the heart of God-) Saying yes to God does not remove fear, but it leads us through it-) Love is not a feeling but a faithful, lived commitment-) God is with us even when life is not going according to plan-) What feels like an ending may be the beginning of something more beautiful

• Isaiah calls out injustice but also promises hope.• A new shoot from the stump of Jesse points to Jesus, who brings justice and peace.• The peaceable kingdom isn't only about heaven. It starts here when we live out Christ's teaching.• Peace is possible, but it takes effort, sacrifice, and intention.• Jesus blesses peacemakers, not peace admirers.• Advent invites us to work for peace in our homes, relationships, and communities.• Small acts of peace matter. They move the world closer to what God desires.

1. Advent is a season of active waiting.We pause, pay attention, and prepare our hearts for Christ to meet us again.2. Matthew 24 isn't about predicting the end.It's a reminder to stay faithful in the present, not to look for an escape.3. God's future is unfolding now.With Jesus' coming, the world has already begun to be reshaped. Our call is to join that work.4. Don't cling to what's passing away.Institutions and old systems fade. God's kingdom endures.5. The faithful remain to rebuild.In Noah's story, those “left behind” were the ones partnering with God to renew the world.6. Our task is to live with intention.Show mercy, work for justice, love your neighbor, care for creation. This is how we wait well.7. Hope grows through action.God shows up in surprising ways, and we're invited to be part of the renewing work one person at a time.8. The question isn't when Christ will come, but how we live until he does.Be alert. Be faithful. Plant seeds of God's new creation today.

Takeaways:• God is doing a new thing even when we can't yet see it.• The worst things are never the last things.• Our calling is to be a sign of hope, not a gatekeeper of it.• God's future is one of joy, healing, and renewal for all creation.• Live so others can glimpse God's new day breaking in.

Take Home Notes:Scripture: Matthew 14:13–21Theme: God's abundance meets our faithfulness.Main Points:Grace in Action:Grace isn't a thing God gives—it's God giving us Himself in Jesus Christ.The Myth of Scarcity:The world says there's not enough time, love, or resources. God says, “There is more than enough.”You Feed Them:Jesus calls us to meet the needs of others with what we have—trusting God to make it sufficient.Abundance in Christ:In Jesus' hands, our “not enough” becomes more than enough.Faithful Stewardship:Generosity is an act of trust—believing that God will provide for every need.Reflection Question:Where is God inviting you to trust that He is enough?Key Quote:“Jesus says, give me your nothing, and taken, blessed, broken, and given, it becomes all that is needed.”

1. God's Word is Living LightScripture isn't just information; it's God's presence lighting our path. It gives enough light for the next faithful step, even when the road ahead is unclear.2. The Bible Is a Gift That Lasts a LifetimeToday's third graders receive more than a book; they receive a lifelong companion that offers wisdom, comfort, and hope.3. Scripture Shapes, Not Just InformsReading the Bible isn't about mastering words but being transformed by them. God's Word molds our character, our choices, and our compassion.4. We Are All LightbearersEvery act of kindness, forgiveness, and gentleness shines God's light into the world. Children learn what Scripture means by watching how we live it.5. Grace Is Always EnoughGod's love doesn't depend on perfection. Grace means we can always begin again because love is endlessly renewing itself in us.6. Keep the Lamp BurningMake space for Scripture in your daily rhythm. Read, pray, and reflect with others. Let your life become a lamp that helps someone else find their way home.

Scripture Focus: Luke 17:11-19Main Idea: Gratitude builds a strong foundation of faith; it makes us whole, not just healed.Key Points:Leprosy isolated people, but Jesus restored them through compassion.The Samaritan leper, the outsider, was the only one who returned to give thanks.Gratitude changes us from the inside out. It transforms healing into wholeness.Faith built on gratitude helps us stand firm when life erodes around us.Being grateful doesn't ignore pain; it gives us strength to face it with hope.Reflection Questions:Where do you see “modern lepers” in your life, people pushed aside or overlooked?How can you practice gratitude this week, even in difficult moments?What is the foundation your faith is built on?Takeaway:Gratitude is more than good manners; it's how we become whole in Christ.

Faith is a legacy, passed down through generations of believers.We each are a gift to the body of Christ, uniquely called to serve.United Women in Faith model what it means to live a sincere faith through service, justice, and compassion.“If we lack peace, it's because we've forgotten that we belong to each other.” – Mother TeresaAsk yourself: Where is worship sending me this week?

-) We are saved by grace, not by works, but created in Christ for good works (Ephesians 2).-) Worship, Belonging, and Growing prepare us to live out our faith through Impact.-) The church makes God's love real when we serve others in Jesus' name.-) Impact is not optional—it's the game we were created to play.-) Every act of compassion, generosity, or service is a way to share Christ's love.

Key PointsWe don't settle. God offers more than being “a little better.” We are invited to be transformed into Christ's likeness.Growth is discipleship. Worship and belonging lead us into intentional spiritual formation—through study, prayer, fellowship, and service.John Wesley's vision: To be “altogether Christian” means loving God fully, loving neighbor deeply, and trusting God completely.Holiness is the goal. God's aim is not just smarter or nicer people, but holy people who live and love like Jesus.The early church grew through teaching, prayer, breaking bread, serving, and generosity. The same practices form us today.Pathway for GrowthWorship weeklyPray dailyRead Scripture consistentlyJoin a group for learning and accountabilityServe to make a differenceGive joyfully and generouslyScripture“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” – Romans 12:2ReflectionWhere am I settling for “good enough” instead of pursuing holiness?How am I intentionally creating space to grow in faith?What next step can I take this week on the pathway of discipleship?

-) We all need a place to belong.-) Belonging is deeper than fitting in—you can be fully you.-) In Christ, we belong to God and to each other.-) The church must be a community of radical welcome.-) Our belonging shows the world God's love is real.

Sermon Title: WorshipSeries: A Future with HopeScripture: Isaiah 6:1-8Worship is the center of our life together, the foundation for belonging, growing, and making an impact.Worship draws us out of ourselves and focuses our attention on God.Engaging and inspiring worship changes us, connects us with God and one another, and opens us to God's grace.Like Isaiah, we encounter God in worship and are sent to live out God's mission in the world.Worship is not just one hour on Sunday, it shapes every hour of our lives.Reflection QuestionsWhat comes to mind when you hear the word “worship”?Why do you attend worship? What is your favorite part of worship and why?Recall a moment in worship when you experienced the presence of God. What difference did that experience make in how you see and engage the world?Where and to whom is worship sending you? Sending Davidson UMC?Is there someone you could invite to join you in worship at Davidson UMC?

Acts is an open story. Luke leaves the ending unresolved because the mission continues with us.Faithfulness is possible because of Christ. We don't rely on our own strength but on the faithfulness of Jesus.God's love wins. Even in hardship, rejection, or loss, the resurrection declares that God's love is stronger than sin and death.Small things matter. Every act of kindness, generosity, justice, and witness is part of God's kingdom work.You are needed. Each person has a unique role in God's mission—the story of Acts is still being written through us.

Scripture: Acts 26:9–18, 28–29Main Points:We are called to be witnesses.Every Christian life tells a story; our words and actions communicate something about God to the world.Meeting Jesus changes everything.Paul knew about Jesus, but his life changed only when he came to know Jesus personally. Our relationship with Christ makes our witness possible.Key Quotes:“Your life may be the only sermon someone ever hears. Live it well.”“Knowing about Jesus made no difference to Paul. Knowing Jesus changed his life forever.”Reflection Questions:What story is your life telling right now?Where might God be opening a door for you to share hope with someone?How are you nurturing your relationship with Jesus so your witness flows from love?Takeaway:Grace always takes the first step toward us. Like Paul, we are met by Jesus, changed by Jesus, and sent to tell the story of God's love.

Main IdeaCourage doesn't come before we act. It comes as we step out in faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit will meet us and give us strength in the moment.Key PointsPaul knew danger awaited him, yet he pressed forward, confident that God was with him.Like a firefighter running into a burning building, Paul's courage came from serving someone greater than himself.Jesus' words came true: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) Paul used wisdom to speak and act with boldness.Courage grows like a muscle. The more we use it, the stronger it becomes.The Holy Spirit is always ahead of us, waiting to give us the words, wisdom, and courage we need.Scripture to Remember“Keep up your courage... for I have work for you yet to do.” – Acts 23:11For ReflectionWhere in your life is God calling you to step beyond what feels safe?What “burning buildings” in our world—poverty, injustice, division—need us to step into with courage?How can you trust the Spirit to give you courage in the moment instead of waiting to feel ready?TakeawayFaith calls us deeper. Courage awaits us not before, but in the act of following Christ into the hard and holy places of this world.

Title: A Life Worth FollowingSermon Take-Home NotesGod is With Us – John Wesley's final words, “The best of all is, God is with us,” are a reminder that God's presence is constant—in joy, trials, weakness, and weariness.Paul's Farewell – In Acts 20:17-35, Paul's final words to the Ephesian elders reveal his deepest priority: not comfort, reputation, or legacy, but faithfulness to the gospel and finishing the race God gave him.Imitating Christ – Faith grows through imitation. Paul followed Christ so closely that others could follow him. We are shaped by those who walk in the way of Jesus, and we shape others as they watch us.People Are Watching – Our presence, words, and actions—especially in difficult moments—form the faith of those around us. Even small acts of kindness, patience, and love can have lasting impact.The Power of the Holy Spirit – We cannot live this life of imitation in our own strength. The same Spirit that empowered Paul and the early church empowers us today to live with grace, courage, and truth.The Upside-Down Way of Jesus – True life is found in pouring ourselves out in love, not in self-protection. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” In losing ourselves for the sake of Christ, we are filled.Faithfulness is Communal – Spiritual formation is not just personal—it's something we practice together, encouraging one another toward love and good deeds.Your Life Matters – Whether or not you feel influential, you are shaping the faith of others. Live in such a way that your life points not to your own strength, but to God's grace.Reflection Questions:Who are you imitating?Who is imitating you?How can you live more intentionally so that your life points others to Christ?

Scripture FocusActs 17:1-9Big IdeaFollowing Jesus means giving him ultimate allegiance and allowing his upside down kingdom to reshape every part of life.Key InsightsThe early church was known for challenging the status quo because they proclaimed another King—Jesus.Civil authorities hold only the authority God permits, so every government stands under God's judgment.We often seek a gospel that blesses our plans instead of living lives that bless God.True renewal comes not through programs but through people who take Jesus seriously and follow his way of sacrificial love.Kingdom VisionForgiveness over revenge (Luke 15).Extravagant generosity that levels the field (Matthew 20).Humility that serves from the bottom up, not commands from the top down (John 13; Philippians 2).Reflection QuestionsWhere do I give Caesar-like powers more loyalty than Jesus?How might I respond to today's headlines if I viewed them through the gospel first?What practical step can I take this week to embody Christ's generous, servant-hearted kingdom?Next StepsPray daily, “Lord, turn my world right-side up for Your kingdom.”Look for one tangible way to serve someone on the margins.Share a story this week of where you saw God's upside down kingdom break in—then invite a friend to do the same.

Sermon Title: Gathered and SentScripture: Acts 13:1–31. Everything flows from the heart.Howard Thurman said, “Everything we do flows from our center.” If our heart is centered in God, our actions will reflect God's love.2. Worship, prayer, and fasting come before mission.The early church didn't start with strategy or structure—they started with spiritual practices, then sent Paul and Barnabas into the world.3. We are not just gathered—we are sent.The church is called to gather for spiritual renewal and then go into the world to serve, love, and witness to Christ.4. Mission begins here.You don't have to go overseas to be a missionary. Your mission field is your workplace, your school, your neighborhood.5. You are a minister of the gospel.Your baptism is your commissioning. Whether or not you're a pastor, you are called to be a witness of God's love.6. Keep the rhythm.A healthy church (and believer) balances both gathering and sending. Leaning too far into one or the other weakens the body.7. The mission of God has a church.God's desire to love and save the world has us—the church—as its instrument. It's our shared calling to live this out daily.Reflection Question:Are you leaning too much into gathering or too much into going? How is God calling you to embrace both?Closing Encouragement:You are part of something bigger. You are gathered to be empowered—and sent to make a difference. Let's be the church our world needs.

Scripture: Acts 9:1–19Main Idea: Saul's transformation into Paul shows us that real change is possible—and that love, not shame or hate, is what brings lasting transformation.Key Points:Like Mark Twain, Saul had a troubling past, but he didn't stay there. God used even his worst moments to tell a new story.Saul was literally “blinded by the light” of Christ—and came out seeing everything, and everyone, differently.Ananias had to change too. Forgiving Saul meant letting go of fear, anger, and judgment.The early church made space for Saul to become Paul. That forgiveness made room for one of the greatest voices in Christian history.Real change doesn't come through shame. It comes through love—bold, courageous, Christ-like love.We must ask ourselves: Are we like Jonah, clinging to resentment? Or like Ananias, ready to welcome transformed lives?Reflect:Who have I written off as beyond redemption or change?Where might God be asking me to lay down resentment or fear?Am I loving people into belief—or arguing them away from it?Quote of the Week:“In the end, we love people into belief. We do not argue them into belief.” – Tim KellerNext Step:Pray this week for the eyes to see others—especially those who have hurt or opposed you—as Jesus sees them: full of possibility and beloved by God.

Scripture Focus: Acts 7 – The Martyrdom of StephenKey Themes:Stephen's Legacy: Stephen was a young man “full of grace,” chosen to serve the early Christian community. He was killed not for his works, but for speaking the truth of Jesus.Martyria = Witness: The Greek word for martyr also means witness. Stephen's death bore witness to the radical love of Christ—even forgiving his killers, just as Jesus did.Faith Isn't Always Safe: Jesus warned his followers that discipleship would be hard and would not guarantee safety. True faith is not a self-help strategy but a risky, countercultural way of living.Fear vs. Love: Fear often drives people to violence, division, and control. Love, by contrast, expands and frees us—even when it leads us into difficult places.Comfort Can Be a Temptation: The church today may be tempted to keep the “safe” parts of ministry—traditions, programs, professionalism—while leaving out Jesus, whose radical grace and call to servanthood makes people uncomfortable.A Call to Examine Ourselves: Like the religious leaders, we can be threatened by new movements of God's Spirit. Ask: What am I afraid of? Where am I resisting love's call because it feels unsafe?Faithfulness Over Safety: We are not promised safety. We are promised God's presence. Like Stephen, we can risk boldly for love, trusting we are always in God's hands.Reflection Questions:Where in my life am I playing it safe instead of following where love leads?How might fear be limiting my faith or my ability to witness to Christ?What does love require of me today—even if it feels risky or hard?Quote to Remember:“Of course he's not safe. But he is good.” – C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the WardrobeClosing Challenge:Don't tiptoe through life. Run, hop, skip, risk, and love boldly. Because even in the hard places, God is already there.

1. You Are More Than What Afflicts YouJust like the man who said “I am Legion,” we often define ourselves by our struggles. But Jesus doesn't see us as problems to fix—He sees us as people to restore.2. We Are Spiritual Beings Having a Human ExperienceIn a world that often ignores the spiritual realm, Luke's Gospel reminds us that forces—good and bad—are real. What you allow to “possess” you shapes who you become.3. Possession by the Wrong Things is Loud, Lonely, and a Dead EndLike the man in the tombs, when we're controlled by pride, shame, addiction, or fear, we isolate ourselves and lose our true identity.4. Healing Begins When Jesus Asks, “What's Your Name?”Naming your pain and standing in the presence of Christ is where healing starts. It's how God begins restoring you to yourself.5. Church is Where We Come Up for AirLike whales needing breath, we need sacred moments to remember who we are and whose we are. Worship is our place to breathe deeply and reconnect with the Spirit.6. Grace Isn't Complete Until It Flows Through YouJesus sends the healed man back home, not to retreat, but to witness. Our healing and restoration are not the end—they are the beginning of a life lived for others.7. God Won't Let GoLike Disney's rule for character hugs, God never lets go first. When we run to God, we're held in a love that never leaves—even when we're sent back into the world.

“Devoted: Living a Long Obedience Together”Part of our series on the Book of ActsScripture Focus: Acts 2:42–47

Scripture: Psalm 67Key Themes & Takeaways:Pause and Reflect: Just as Brad had to pause mid-hike, we are invited to stop and reflect, especially during times of transition.God's Presence: Like Wesley's words, “Best of all, God is with us.” God's grace remains with us in every season.Blessing and Mission: Psalm 67 is both a blessing and a call—to be the hands and feet of Christ, offering ourselves for others.Unity and Forgiveness: Mistakes will happen. Be quick to forgive, slow to blame, and always aim to build one another up.Praise with Joy: Let worship be full of joy and authenticity. May this church be a place where people encounter God and are renewed.Live the Vows: Continue your discipleship through prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.Support One Another: Speak to God about one another before speaking to others. Encourage your leaders.Brad's Prayer for Us: That we would be people of rest, praise, joy, and service—filled with the Spirit and led by grace.Parting Words:Do no harm. Do good. Fall in love with God.Carry this simple wisdom into your life as disciples of Christ.

Sermon Take-Home Notes“Re-Rigging the Boat: Love in Action After Easter”John 21:1–19 | Rev. David Hockett | May 11, 20241. Faith is more than belief—it's a call to action.Jesus doesn't just ask Peter if he loves Him—He tells him to feed His sheep. Our faith is meant to be lived out in how we care, serve, and love others.2. Love requires embodiment.Saying we love Christ is just the start. The world will know we follow Jesus not by our words alone, but by how we live, how we love, and how we serve.3. Sometimes following Jesus means “re-rigging the boat.”Casting nets on the other side wasn't easy for the disciples—it meant reworking everything. Likewise, we're often called to adapt, risk, and step outside our comfort zones for the sake of the Gospel.4. The Church isn't a destination—it's a mission.We aren't called to simply fill seats, but to fill hearts. Church isn't about buildings; it's about being Christ's body in the world—feeding His sheep wherever they are.5. Everyone matters to God.Jesus sought out Peter even after denial and failure. That same grace is offered to us—and we're invited to extend it to others. Everyone, everywhere, matters to God.Reflection Questions:Where is Jesus calling me to “re-rig the boat” in my life or ministry?Who in my life needs to hear or experience Christ's love this week?How can I embody the love of Christ beyond the walls of the church?

Take-Home Notes for the Congregation:1. God's Love Is Relentless and UnconditionalJust like the mother bunny in The Runaway Bunny, God's love follows us wherever we go. Nothing can separate us from it—not fear, failure, distance, or doubt.2. The Good Shepherd Leads—He Doesn't DriveSheep follow the voice they know. Jesus doesn't push us forward; He goes ahead of us, calling us to follow Him in trust and love.3. God Comes to Find Us, Not Just Wait for UsThe gospel isn't just about a light on a distant hill—it's about the God who leaves the fire, steps into the cold night, and brings us home.4. The Image of the Shepherd Is a Comfort—And a CallJesus seeks the lost and brings them home, but He also calls us to do the same. We are invited to follow Him by becoming shepherds—agents of love, compassion, justice, and healing.5. Our Response Is to Follow and Reflect the ShepherdTo live as Easter people is to go where Jesus goes—into the valleys, into the suffering, into the lost places—bringing the light of God's love with us.Reflection Question for the Week:Who in your life might be longing for the warmth of God's love? How can you reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd to them this week?

Jesus meets us where we are.Even when the disciples were hiding in fear, Jesus came to them with compassion, offering peace, not judgment.Our faith journey requires training.Like the disciples, we often fall back on old habits in hard times. We build resilience through spiritual practices: Scripture, prayer, communion, acts of mercy, and Christian community.Fear doesn't disqualify us.Jesus doesn't wait for us to "get it all right." He meets us in our fear and sends us out empowered by the Holy Spirit.Doubt is part of the journey.Thomas' story shows that questioning and searching are natural parts of growing in faith. Jesus welcomes our honest doubts and calls us deeper into belief.We are called to go and offer peace.As Easter people, we are not meant to stay locked in fear. We are sent to be a presence of peace, hope, and love to a hurting world.Key phrase to hold onto:"Peace be with you." — Let this be the posture you carry into every encounter.

Easter Is Now:Easter isn't just a past event—it's the beginning of a new and abundant life today. Christ's resurrection means life, hope, and freedom are already breaking into the world.Faith Is Encounter:The earliest Christians didn't believe simply because of an empty tomb; they believed because they encountered the living Christ. Our faith is built on meeting Jesus personally.Hope for a Hurting World:Even when life feels like Good Friday, Easter reminds us that the worst is never the end. If everything is not yet all right, it's not the end.Easter Is for Everyone:In the Eastern Church, resurrection is seen not just as personal victory but communal transformation. Christ's resurrection lifts up all of humanity.Living the Resurrection:Because Christ lives, we are called to live differently—with courage, compassion, hope, and community. Our lives are meant to reflect the reality of Easter every day.Everything Will Be All Right:Easter assures us that, through Christ, life and love have the final word. No matter the darkness we face, God's love is making all things new.

Disordered Love: Sin isn't just bad behavior—it's often loving the wrong things too much, and the right things too little. Pride begins here.Pride vs. Humility: Pride makes everything transactional and self-centered. Humility asks, "Who are you?"—not "What can you do for me?"Jesus' Example: On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem in humility, not power. He modeled a life of service, not domination.The Way of the Cross: Jesus invites us to follow him by dying to pride and embracing the humility that sees every person as sacred.Freedom in Identity: We are “dust”—but sacred dust, made in God's image. Knowing this frees us from chasing status and lets us love well.Holy Week Question: Do we really believe that humble, sacrificial love is the path to life? Are we willing to follow it?

Scripture Focus: Micah 6:8"What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?"

Sermon Notes – “Who Am I Becoming?”Fourth Sunday in Lent | Rev. David Hockett | Luke 15:11-32✝️ Key ScriptureLuke 15:11-32 — The Parable of the Prodigal Son

✨ Take Home Notes – March 3rd Sunday of LentSermon Title: "God Loves Us Because God Is Good"Scripture: Luke 13:1–9Rev. David Hockett

Sermon Notes: Trusting God in the WildernessRev. David Hockett | Davidson UMCKey Scripture:Luke 4:1-13 – Jesus' temptation in the wildernessMain Themes:Jesus Was Tempted, Like UsJesus faced the temptation to seek power, control, and efficiency over love and trust in God.His humanity makes His struggles relatable, yet He chose a different way—showing us a better way to live.The Purpose of LentA time to prepare our hearts for Easter.A season of letting go—of control, power, self-sufficiency—and learning to trust in God.A chance to reflect on our own temptations and realign our hearts with God's love.The Nature of TemptationTemptation is often about disordered love—loving the wrong things or the right things for the wrong reasons.The temptation to control others can feel easier than loving them.The Church's Struggle with Power & ControlEven in ministry, we often seek efficiency and results instead of trust and spiritual transformation.True faithfulness comes not from working harder but from drawing closer to Jesus.What We Truly NeedNot more programs, strategies, or skills—but more time with Jesus.Like Mary sitting at Jesus' feet (Luke 10:38-42), we are called to be still and listen.The most important practices:Prayer & WorshipConfession & ForgivenessSilence & ListeningThe Central Question: Do We Trust God?Jesus rejected power and control because He trusted God completely.We are called to move beyond curiosity about Jesus to trusting in His way of love.The Journey Out of the WildernessTrue faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting God in uncertainty.We remember:Who we are – God's belovedTo whom we belong – ChristWho holds our future – God aloneReflection Questions:Where in my life am I tempted to seek power or control instead of trusting God?How can I use this season of Lent to deepen my relationship with Christ?Am I making space to listen to God, or am I relying on my own strength?Prayer for the Week:"God, help me to trust You more. In moments of uncertainty, remind me that You hold my future. Teach me to love as You love and to follow Jesus' path, even when it is difficult. Amen."Next Steps:Spend time in prayer and silence this week.Reflect on where you may be resisting trust in God.Consider ways to practice letting go and surrendering to God's love.

Sermon NotesSeries: Questions Jesus AskedTitle: “What Are You Looking For?”Scripture: John 1:35-39Preacher: Rev. David HockettMain Question: