McFarland UMC Podcast

*** A Sermon for Pastor Wayne's last Sunday in the pulpit following his retirement after six years at McFarland United Methodist Church and eighteen years in the Holston Conference. The sermon is based upon 2 Corinthians 13:11-13.*** Saying goodbye is a daily part of life, but when it involves someone who deeply impacts us, it becomes much harder. Pastor Wayne's sermon draws on the Apostle Paul's farewell to the Corinthians, a community he cherished and nurtured despite their conflicts and

Sermon for June 9, 2024. In Pastor Wayne's latest sermon, he explores how Jesus consistently pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo, as depicted in the Gospel of Mark. From the outset of his ministry, Jesus performed miracles, called disciples, and healed the sick, drawing both widespread attention and the ire of religious leaders who saw him as a threat to their power and the stability with Rome. Mark's Gospel is succinct and direct, highlighting the extraordinary nature of Jesus.

Our Scriptures for today are: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17; and John 3:1-17 In today's sermon, Pastor Wayne addressed a common misconception held by some ministers who claim they do not preach doctrinal sermons, deeming them boring and irrelevant. This preacher insists he only preaches Christ crucified, focusing on practical issues rather than theology. However, Pastor Wayne points out several flaws in this approach. Firstly, everyone, to some extent, is a theologian. Theology is simply what we think about

On this day of Pentecost, our lessons were from Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 105: Romans 8:22-27 and Acts 2:1-21 Pastor Wayne's sermon reflects on Jesus' final words to His disciples at the ascension, emphasizing the Great Commission to preach repentance and forgiveness to all nations. It recounts the Pentecost event, where the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to speak in various languages, symbolizing the inclusivity of the Gospel. The early Christian community's devotion to teaching, fellowship, and prayer is highlighted as

This Sunday we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus to heaven 40 days after the Resurrection. Our Scriptures are Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 1; Ephesians 1:15-23; and Luke 24:44-53. Pastor Wayne's sermon reflects on the significance of Ascension Sunday and the message conveyed through the Apostle's Creed, emphasizing the physicality of Jesus's existence and his ascension into heaven. It highlights the Great Commission as a call to action for all Christians, emphasizing the responsibilities of discipleship and the importance of loving and

We continue our look at how we are to live following the resurrection in this sermon from May 5, 2024. The scriptures are:Acts 10:44-48Psalm 981 John 5:1-6John 15:9-17

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NRSVUE).  Join us as we explore this “I AM” saying of Jesus. Acts 8:26-40Psalm 22:25-311 John 4:7-21John 15:1-8

On this 4th Sunday of Easter, we look at the image of the Good Shepherd. Our readings are: Acts 4:5-12Psalm 231 John 3:16-24John 10:11-18

Scriptures this week are:Acts 3:12-19Psalm 41 John 3:1-7Luke 24:36-48 In this sermon delivered by Pastor Wayne, he reflects on a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus as recounted in Luke's Gospel. The disciples, filled with fear, grief, and shame after Jesus' crucifixion, find themselves huddled together, trying to make sense of their world turned upside down. Suddenly, Jesus appears among them, dispelling their terror with words of peace. He invites them to touch him, grounding them in the reality of his resurrection.

Easter changes everything! So how does this change relate to us? We turn to the epistle of 1 John for the next few weeks. Join us on the journey.

The story of the Resurrection as found in Mark 16:1-8 seems incomplete. The women leave the garden because they are frightened and they told no one. It seems incomplete because no one did anything. But is that the story that Mark wanted to convey?  Perhaps the emphasis is on the fact that they did nothing because there was nothing to be done. God had done it all. Death was vanquished. Hope was restored. We join with millions around the world declaring “Christ

The sermon on John 3:1-21, delivered by Pastor Wayne, delves into the symbolism of Nicodemus coming to Jesus by night, exploring the themes of darkness as spiritual blindness and the transition from ignorance to understanding. Nicodemus represents those who question Jesus and struggle with his teachings, yet also embodies the journey of seeking truth and enlightenment. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to confront their spiritual blindness and expand their understanding of God's teachings. Nicodemus's nighttime visit symbolizes the

The scriptures for today are: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19:1-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; andJohn 2:13-22 In Pastor Wayne's sermon, he juxtaposes the idealized image of the Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with the harsh reality of the region's puppy mills. He challenges the theological justifications for animal exploitation while weaving in an allegorical story about the creation of dogs and cats to highlight the unique bond between humans and animals. Transitioning from this exploration of human-animal relationships, Pastor Wayne delves

This sermon offers a profound reflection on the nature of discipleship and the essence of Christian faith as portrayed in Mark 8:31-38. Here's an analysis of its key points: 1. **Peter's Misunderstanding**: The sermon begins by highlighting Peter's misconception of Jesus' identity as the Messiah. Peter, like many Jews of his time, expected a triumphant, conquering Messiah who would deliver Israel from its oppressors. However, Jesus redefines the role of the Messiah, emphasizing suffering, rejection, and ultimately, resurrection. 2. **Conflict

On this First Sunday in Lent, our Scriptures are: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; and Mark 1:9-15. In his sermon based upon the Gospel text, Pastor Wayne delves into the significance of Jesus' wilderness experience, particularly focusing on Mark's concise account compared to the more detailed versions in Matthew and Luke. It reflects on the symbolic elements of the wilderness—temptation, wild animals, and angels—as well as the broader themes of uncertainty, doubt, and reliance on the Spirit. Pastor

The sermon reflects on the concept of mountaintop experiences, drawing from the biblical account of the Transfiguration in Mark 9:2-9. These experiences are described as moments of intense connection with God, where individuals feel spiritually uplifted and enlightened. However, Pastor Wayne emphasizes the importance of not remaining on the mountaintop indefinitely but returning to the valleys of everyday life, where the true work of ministry and service takes place. Using personal anecdotes and anecdotes from others, Pastor Wayne illustrates the

Our scriptures today: Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; and Mark 1:29-39. Pastor Wayne's sermon on the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany explores the concept of waiting on the Lord. He challenges the traditional understanding of waiting as a passive expectation for God to act, suggesting that Isaiah calls us to recognize God's presence within and around us. Waiting, in this context, involves trusting, relying on, and being confident in the Lord. The sermon emphasizes the power of service

The Urgency of Jesus' Authority: A Sermon Reflection on Mark 1:21-28 In this powerful sermon based on Mark 1:21-28, Pastor Wayne emphasizes the urgency of Jesus' ministry as portrayed by Mark. Pastor Wayne highlights the Gospel writer's focus on immediacy, showcased by the rapid response of the disciples to Jesus' call, underlining the swift unfolding of significant events in the early chapters. The sermon centers on Jesus' visit to Capernaum, where he enters the synagogue and teaches with authority. The

Our scriptures for today, the first Sunday after Christmas, the 7th day of Christmas : Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40. In this sermon, Pastor Wayne reflects on the post-Christmas period, acknowledging the varied experiences people have had during the holiday season. Pastor Wayne criticizes the stress and pressure associated with the pursuit of a “perfect” holiday celebration, emphasizing that the current form of Christmas celebration differs significantly from its original purpose – a celebration of the joy

A message for the Second Sunday of Advent: December 10, 2023.

In this sermon, Pastor Wayne reflects on the true meaning of Advent/Christmas amidst the bustling holiday activities. While society celebrates with lights, decorations, and gift shopping, the church is reminded that Advent/Christmas is also a season of shadows, where darkness and struggles intensify. Drawing from Mark 13, Pastor Wayne emphasizes Jesus' preparation of his disciples for difficult times, cautioning them about various challenges. However, the central message is one of hope – the assurance that Jesus has come, is continually

Today, on Christ the King Sunday, Pastor Wayne takes us through a profound reflection on the final judgment from Matthew's Gospel. As we wrap up the church year, we're reminded of the last moments Jesus spent teaching before his crucifixion. In the past weeks, the scriptures used in worship emphasized the need for preparation, echoing the parable of the bridesmaids and the parable of the talents. Today's discourse from Matthew 25:31-46 delves into the final judgment when all nations stand

The sermon revolves around the movie “Shenandoah,” where Pastor Wayne describes the protagonist, Charlie Anderson, as initially indifferent to church and religion. Despite his reluctance, he fulfills his late wife's wish by taking the family to church, mostly out of duty. The central theme emerges when tragedy strikes, and Charlie questions the purpose of giving thanks to a seemingly distant God. Pastor Wayne relates this to personal experiences of worry, emphasizing that excessive worrying is often fueled by a desire

What if we stopped considering the “greatest commandment” as prescriptive? What if we considered it as prescriptive of a lifestyle that draws us closer to each other and to our God who longs to engage with us face to face? Join us as we consider Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; and Matthew 22:34-46.

The game is afoot. The Pharisees and Herodians are tag teaming to try and get Jesus to trip up and be discredited. They ask a question about taxes. Jesus responds by asking for a coin. He then he asks who is depicted on the coin. The reply, “the emperor.” Jesus responds, “then give to the emperor the things that are the emporer's, and give to God what is God's.” That begs the question, what is God's? Join us as Pastor

God has had it with “stiff necked” people. When God sees the people convincing Aaron to created a golden calf so that they can worship it, God goes into a rage. But Moses stops God and reminds God of his desire for a relationship with God's people. He asks, why would you want to destroy your people after you have brought them out of Egypt with “great power and a mighty hand?” And God changed God's mind. We live in

Today's text combines a look at the 10 Commandments with the parable of the wicked tenants. It examines the question of what is God wanting from us and how do we respond? Our lessons today are:Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20Psalm 19Philippians 3:4b-14Matthew 21:33-46

Today, we welcome the Reverend Keith Moore to bring the message in worship. Keith is the director of the Wesley Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Keith is addressing the tendency of the older generations throughout time to pass along the “sour grapes” that place the younger generations teeth on edge. His message is a challenge for all of us to commit to God's call on our lives. The texts for today are Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Psalm 25:1-9;

The landowner engages workers for his vineyard at the beginning of the workday. They agree to a wage for the work. Then, at several different times in the day, he engages more workers. When the end of the day comes, the workers line up to receive their wages. All of the workers receive the same wage regardless of the number of hours worked. Is this fair? Is it fair that someone who acknowledges God and lives as they are called

We welcome Michael Feely, executive director of Mountain Top as our guest speaker this morning. Who do we say Jesus is? Do we show it in our life?

Moses was hiding out in the wilderness when he encountered a burning bush that was not being consumed by the fire. At this miracle bush, Moses encountered God and received his marching orders to “tell old Pharaoh to let my people go.” Peter had just received high praise from Jesus, “upon this rock I will build my church…” he said. But then when Peter objected to the future that Jesus was describing to the Disciples, he hears “get behind me,

This is the third and final message in a series dealing with the General Rules of the Methodist Societies: 1) Do No Harm; 2) Do Good; and 3) Stay in Love with God. These rules stand at the very heart of what it means to be Methodist. If implemented, they could change the world. They definitely change the lives of the very folks who make them a rule of life. The Scriptures for today's message revolve around James 5:13-20 and

On this eighth Sunday after Pentecost we are once again hearing Jesus share a parable about a farmer and crops. This time he's talking about weeds and productive seeds occupying the same space and he tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven is like this. What? Join us as Pastor Wayne takes a look at this parable. The scriptures this week are Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139, Romans 8:12-25, and Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43.

Jesus is telling stories again. In this story, Jesus is telling stories about a farmer sowing seeds. The farmer is God. The dirt? Well, that's us. Some good dirt. Some bad dirt. Some seeds flourish. Some don't. We've heard it all before. But what about the sower? That sower is pretty extravagant in the way that he spreads those seeds. Join us as Pastor Wayne looks at the sower and the amazing grace that is showered upon us.

What does it mean when Jesus says, “my yoke is easy and my burden is light?” Join us as we explore what it means to be yoked with Jesus.

What does it mean to offer a cup of cool water to the little ones? This is Jesus providing instruction to the disciples prior to their first mission trip. Our scriptures this week are Romans 6:12-23, Psalm 13, Matthew 10:40-42.  We are all called to live out and live into a radical hospitality. What does that mean for us as individuals? As a congregation? How is McFarland living out radical hospitality now?

The scriptures this morning are from Jeremiah 29:4-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-15, and John 15:1-12 We welcome the Reverend Fred Dearing as our guest preacher this morning. Fred is a retired Elder in the Holston Annual Conference serving both large and small churches. He has served as a District Superintendent in Holston (including the former Chattanooga District) and in South Sudan. He has served as the chair of the Conference Mission Team, the Board of Ordained Ministry, and as Dean of

Using the text from Genesis 18:1-15 and Matthew 9:35-10:23 Pastor Wayne asks the question Is anything too wonderful for God?

On this Second Sunday after Pentecost, we look at what it means to create disciples. The sermon title is “Trusting the Unknown.” The scriptures for today are Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33, Romans 4:13-25, and Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26.

Matthew 28:16-20 offers us one of the versions of Jesus' last words to his disciples and followers before the resurrected Jesus ascends to be with God the Father in heaven. These words have come to be known as the Great Commission. But what does the Great Commission mean for us today?

Today is Pentecost Sunday. It is the day that the Holy Spirit was unleashed like a violent wind and it changed the course of history.  But what does Pentecost mean for us today? How can the church reach new people in a climate where the “nones” and the “dones” are increasing as Christianity is judged by the loudest voices who quite often tend to espouse a Christianity that is devoid of Christ and is more judgmental than loving.? As the

Today celebrates a combination of events in the history of the church. Our text from Acts 1:6-14 acknowledges the Ascension of the Jesus on the fortieth (40th) day of Resurrection, the text from 1 Peter 4:12-14 and 1 Peter 5:6-11 and Psalm 68 deals with the topic of the sermon, John 17:11 includes some of Jesus' final commentary to the disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. It is also Heritage Sunday in The United Methodist Church. Celebrated on the Sunday

Welcome to the New Year! Welcome to the Eighth Day of Christmas, a day that we are celebrating as Epiphany Sunday. In his message this morning, Pastor Wayne asks why it took visitors from “the East” to see the significance of this newborn King as the Messiah that Israel had been waiting for. How often are we oblivious to what is right in front of us? On this New Year's Day 2023, we join with Methodists around the world in The post 2023 Three Kings and a Savior appeared first on McFarland UMC.

“For unto us a child is born…”  Join us for Christmas morning worship. This was a very informal “carols by request” service with a brief meditation by Pastor Wayne. Merry Christmas everyone! The post Christmas Day 2022 appeared first on McFarland UMC.

Hello McFarland! Pastor Wayne here! Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. Normally in this space we would present the message for today. However, today was the Sunday that the choir performed their cantata, The Promised Hope. The choir did a good job with a touch of adversity since sickness limited their number. But they persevered in spite of the challenges. I thank them for their hard work and dedication. I wish that I could present their performance in this space. However, The post Advent 4: 2022 appeared first on McFarland UMC.

As we continue traveling “On The Way to Bethlehem,” we drop in to visit with Joseph. The man engaged to Mary. Well, probably more like Mary, a slightly older teenager who has established a reputation as a carpenter, or craftsman. He is in an arranged engagement/marriage with Mary. He's just found out that Mary is pregnant and he is not happy. This child is not his. How does he react? What does he do? Join us as we take a The post Joseph: What's The Story Joe? appeared first on McFarland UMC.

Happy New Year, you brood of vipers! This Sunday, we begin a new liturgical year in the church. Typically, we would be dealing with either the prophecies or, in this case as we move to the Gospel of Matthew, we would hear from John the Baptist as he addresses the “brood of vipers” who have come to hear him prophecy. However, that will not be the case for this year. This year, we will concentrate on the story. In this The post Mary: Touched By An Angel appeared first on McFarland UMC.

We tend to worry about all sorts of things. But Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7 that we shouldn't be anxious (worry) about anything. He even goes on to say that if we let our worries be known to God through prayer that God will grant us a “peace that surpasses understanding.” How cool is that? We will gather at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 21 to decorate the sanctuary for Advent. I hope to see as many of you The post Thansgiving Sunday 2022 appeared first on McFarland UMC.

In today's text, Jesus encounters seekers who are impressed with the Temple in Jerusalem. He warns them that what they see will be destroyed. What does this mean for us today? The post Open-Mouthed Tourists appeared first on McFarland UMC.

One of the perils of preparing sermon series in advance is that while you may stay within the scripture that you have chosen, the focus of your scripture may change. That is the case with our scripture this morning, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5. My original intent was to focus on the folks with “itching ears” who would lean away from sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Yet, as I worked on the sermon, I found myself drawn to deal with 2 Timothy The post Itching Ears appeared first on McFarland UMC.

Sermon at McFarland UMC for October 9, 2022 The post Present Yourself to God appeared first on McFarland UMC.