Sermons – Pacific Beach United Methodist Church

Our scripture reading from Mark invites us to reflect on the notion of "seeking." When and how does "seeking" impede the movement of the Spirit and when and how does it lead us deeper into relationship, light and life? The post Seeking appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Our scripture reading from Mark invites us to reflect on the notion of "seeking." When and how does "seeking" impede the movement of the Spirit and when and how does it lead us deeper into relationship, light and life? The post Seeking appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Today we explore ways we can get "off course" from the true intention of Sabbath and reorient ourselves...away from "measuring up" and toward "measuring" that which is truly valuable from the perspective of Sabbath rest. The post How We Measure (Up) appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Guest speaker Karen Scanlon leads us in reflection on how we will spend the time we have been given. The post These Are the Days We Are Given appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

On this 4th Sunday of Advent, we spend time with Mary and Elizabeth, two expectant mothers who encounter one another with love, care and blessing. How do we understand blessings and in what contexts do we experience them? The post Blessings appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

The angel's words, "Do not be afraid," are words that are repeated over and over again throughout scripture. What did Mary make of those words? What do they mean to us as we move through this Advent season? How do we take them to heart and what difference do they make in our own lives that are so often touched by anxiety and fear? The post Despite Fear appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

In this time of waiting, watching, hoping, praying how can we stay attentive to the movement of God's Spirit? The post From Generation to Generation appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Join Pastor Lesley as we explore the question; what does it mean when we ask God to "Save us from the time of trial.”? The post Hope Comes appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Has a loved one in your life passed this year? Join us as we light candles and remember the saints of our lives. The post We Remember Them appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Can prayer work as a shopping list? Does God give you all the things you ask for in prayer? The post You Don’t Always Get What You Want appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

How much is "enough" and what does God want from us when it comes to managing our resources? The post Supersize appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Did you know that our church has been around for 75 years? Come join in the 75th Anniversary Celebration with some familiar faces! The post To God Alone the Glory appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Together with Tim we explore our human attempt to create a portrait of Jesus throughout Western art history, and the different forms it takes on. The post Seeking the Face of Jesus appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Is Jesus still in the habit of inviting himself over for dinner? How might we respond to such an invitation? And how would our response shape our ability and desire to gather at Christ's table with siblings near and far, like us and very different? The post Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

We continue in the Gospel of Luke, a gospel that focuses our attention again and again on our use of resources and our treatment of those in society who are most vulnerable. The post Holding Fast to Life appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Today we spend time with possibly Jesus' most perplexing parable! Why on earth does Jesus seem to commend the dishonest manager and what is Jesus, along with the gospel writer, Luke, trying to tell us about money, resources and fullness of life? The post Shrewd in Spirit appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Today marks the 21st anniversary of 9/11. We lost so many and so much on that day, yet we have a God who searches wholeheartedly for each one. The post Lost appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Join us for our Labor of Love Celebration with special guest Pastor Bob Rhodes! The post Labor of Love appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Jesus attended a dinner at the home of one of the religious leaders.  Jesus offered advice about more than just table manners...he was talking about Kingdom manners. The post Table Talk appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Join us on Sunday to hear more about the "bent over woman" and explore what it might mean for us and our world today as we continue to seek freedom from that which binds or diminishes us. The post Set Free appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Who on earth is Eutychus? Join us as we ponder Eutychus' story, his experience in that upper room and how he might encourage us in relation to those who have "fallen" in life or "fallen away" from the life of the church. The post Faces of Our Faith: Eutychus appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Through the story of Judas we are reminded that we grow in faith in many different ways. The post Faces of Our Faith: Judas Iscariot appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

This week we are exploring the story of Mary Magdalene with guest speaker and Sunday School Director, Dart Rhoades. The post Faces of Our Faith: Mary Magdalene appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

This Sunday we will return to the story of Jesus' birth and infancy, focusing on a woman and prophet named Anna. The post Faces of Our Faith: Anna appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

This Sunday we are delighted to welcome the Rev. Lesley Brogan as our preacher.  She will help us explore the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch, inviting us into the realities of his difficult life, the hurdles he faced, and the depth of his faith. The post Faces of Our Faith: The Ethiopian Eunuch, Overhearing Another’s Prayer appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Today we begin at the beginning...with Adam and Eve, focusing on the second creation story (yes, there are two of them!). This story looks less at the creation of the cosmos and more at God's intention for human community. The post Faces of Our Faith: Adam & Eve appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Today's passage gives us the opportunity to reflect on what it means for us to "follow Jesus," and how that takes shape in unique ways in each of our lives. The post First Things First appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Our Gospel reading is the account of "Legion," a man occupied by many demons.  We explore this fascinating text, digging in a little deeper to find ways that this passage intersects with our lives.. The post Mobbed appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Come and enjoy the "Phun" as Pat Walker journeys with us through the various mysteries in Physics, Philosophy and "Phaith." With a pinch of humor, a shake of meaning, and a cup of faith, Pat walks with us as someone trying to understand and be thankful for it all.  The post Phun with Physics Philosophy and Phaith appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Pentecost is the fiftieth and last day of the Easter Season, the day the church received the gift of the Holy Spirit. It's considered the “birthday of the church” as the gathered assembly received the Holy Spirit. How does the spirit break out of our expectations and become "too hot to handle," even today? The post Too Hot to Handle appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Today we remember the victims of the Uvalde shooting, share our grief and tears and reaffirm our faith, holding fast to the hope we receive from God through Christ Jesus our Lord. The post Uvalde vigil: remembrance, grief, faith and hope appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Join us on Sunday as we explore these passages that remind us of the divine vision that guides, encourages and inspires us. The post Be Thou My Vision appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Peter's world was turned upside down when he realized the Holy Spirit was pushing and expanding the boundaries of their faith community in order to include those who had previously been adversaries. The post In and Out of God’s Way appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

This week we spend time with the only woman in the Bible who is named as a disciple...Tabitha.  (Also known as Dorcas.)  (Which can be translated gazelle!)  Tabitha was well known in the community for her charitable spirit and good works supporting widows and the poor. The post Get Up appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Paul went from being early Christianity's biggest threat to being its biggest proponent, following an unexpected and life-changing encounter with the risen Christ.  We may not match the high drama of Paul's story, but what can we learn about how God transforms individual identity and uses us as instruments in God's unfolding story? The post Instrument appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

It's Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance.  The disciples, understandably afraid, were holed up, locked inside, unsure and uncertain about what would happen next.  Jesus came to them, showed them his wounds and breathed the Holy Spirit upon them. Bring your hope, fear, doubts, struggles...bring it all and come as you are! The post Believe appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

We have been intentional this Lent in our exploration of what it means to be "filled to the brim" and to lean into the abundant and expansive life to which God calls us.  There is no day that "overflows" with God's love and grace more than Easter. The post Living Into Resurrection appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Good Friday marks the day when hate and fear did their worst...the day of Jesus' crucifixion.  On this day of grief and sorrow, we will gather with one another, in God's care, to remember Jesus' death on a cross. The post Good Friday: Were You There? appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Mary anointed Jesus's feet with expensive perfume. What bold, brazen acts of faith, beauty and love might we be called to as we approach Holy Week this year? The post Brazen appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Bailey Brawner leads us through a reflection on the Parable of the Prodigal Son as we work to be open to God's perspective and really allow ourselves to be known by God. The post Lost and Found appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Adam will be leads us through a reflection on the Parable of the Fig Tree as we contemplate God's care and nurture in this holy season. The post Worthy appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Our scripture passage for this second Sunday in Lent has us contemplating the nature of God.  Jesus describes himself in a somewhat surprising way...like a mother hen who wants to gather in all of her baby chicks. The post Gathered In appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Today we introduce our Lenten theme, "Full to the Brim."  We will contemplate what we need to "do" or "undo" in order to lean into the abundant life God offers. The post The Power of Empty appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

This Sunday will mark the end of the season of Epiphany, a season when the identity and mission of Jesus are revealed in small and large ways.  Our text for this week is Luke's account of the Transfiguration, arguably the grandest of all the epiphany accounts. The post Chosen appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

We continue this week in Jesus' sermon on the plain.  Last week we contemplated what Jesus' "blessings and woes" told us about God.  This week we dive into what that might look like, in practical terms, for each one of us. The post The Economy of Grace appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Come with us as we challenge our mainstream understanding of the word "blessed" and expand our thinking, seeing and understanding beyond "me" to embrace a divine sense of "we." The post A Level Place appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

After a demoralizing night of attempted fishing, Jesus instructs Simon to go back out into the deep waters and drop his nets for a catch. Miraculously, Simon pulls in such an abundance of fish that other boats and fisherfolks come to his aid. The post Catch appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Today, Jesse Hodge, will be reflecting on the calling of the young prophet, Jeremiah, encouraging all of us to consider our own calling in this precious life. The post Purpose appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Today we look at the beginning of Jesus' ministry from Luke's perspective. In Luke, Jesus' ministry starts in the middle of a worship service. Jesus stands in the synagogue, reading scripture in his faith community. But the ordinary turns extraordinary when Jesus makes an astonishing claim! The post Anointed appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

Today we spend time in the Gospel of John with the first of seven "signs" that Jesus performs or offers, each one giving us a glimpse into his true identity and mission. This first sign is the account of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. The post Revelation appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we take a step closer to the manger, spending time with Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Our text returns us to the home of Elizabeth and Zechariah where Mary finds refuge in the early days of her pregnancy.  What did it mean for her to find safe space in the midst of that uncertain time?  How did that safe haven impact her capacity to be "Theotokos," or "God-Bearer"—the one who provided the first home and safe space for God incarnate? The post Safe Havens appeared first on Pacific Beach United Methodist Church - PB UMC - PBUMC.