Sermons for a Critical Faith

What if spiritual growth isn't about arriving—but about becoming?This Sunday, we'll explore how faith unfolds as a journey, not a destination. Through the image of a tree planted by water in Psalm 1 and Jesus' time in the wilderness in the Gospel of Matthew, we're reminded that even seasons of doubt, grief, and struggle can deepen our roots.Sometimes life pushes us onto roads we never meant to travel. The question isn't whether the path is hard—it's what keeps us grounded while we walk it.Join us as we reflect on what sustains us, what shapes us, and how we keep growing—step by step.

Ash Wednesday Service

What if the clearest glimpse of God isn't found at the top of the mountain—but in the middle of real life?In Matthew 17:1–15, Jesus is revealed in dazzling glory. But he doesn't stay there. He comes down. Back to the noise. Back to the need. Back to the mess.Because God is not set apart from us.God is with us.

‘You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world.' What does that look like in everyday life?Discover a way of living that changes us—and the people around us.#saltoftheearth #lightoftheworld

Many hoped for a powerful hero.Instead, Jesus comes as the Lamb of God—meeting the world's brokenness with forgiveness, healing, and love.This isn't about quick fixes or escaping hard realities.It's about a deeper freedom that transforms hearts, communities, and systems.What does it really mean to follow a Saviorwhose power looks like sacrificeand whose mission is justice, mercy, and hope?Join us this Sunday as we rediscover who Jesus truly is—and what it means to boldly carry that light into the world.#followJesus #LambofGod

In times of injustice, fear, and suffering, people of faith are left asking:Where is God in all of this?This Sunday, we'll explore what it means to live a courageous, active faith—to trust God in the chaos,to keep our focus on hope,and to stand boldly with the most vulnerable.This is not a passive faith.It's a faith that shows up.Join us as we listen for God's voice and discover what faith looks like right now.#trustGod

Moses doubted. Jonah ran. Gideon hesitated.When God called, they all wondered, “Surely not me.”Yet God kept calling—patiently, persistently.And the same is true for us today.What does it really mean to be a servant of God in the world we live in now?Where faith meets everyday life… and excuses give way to purpose.Join us as we explore God's call—and why it might be closer than you think.#ServantofGod

Life is complicated. It can be overwhelming—and often lonely.But in Jesus, God steps directly into our human struggles and calls us into something more.Baptism isn't just a ritual.It's a shared “Yes”—to faith, to community, and to a life shaped by compassion rather than fear.In a world marked by isolation, God offers an antidote:Belonging. Support. Hope.Join us as we explore how baptism draws us into a life meant to be lived together.#baptism

The Magi thought they knew what they were looking for. A baby king. Freedom for a nation.What they found instead changed everything.This Sunday, you'll receive a Star Word—a word to guide you, stretch you, and grow you in the year ahead. Like the Magi, we may think we understand what our word means… but God often leads us somewhere deeper than we expect.You may not know where your Star Word will take you.But you can trust where it leads—straight to the heart of God. 

“This, this…” — a phrase that echoes across centuries and lands right in our own moment. The Magi saw the reverberation of Light and followed it, longing for a new world order rooted in peace and compassion. But the Light they found was born into danger. The Holy Family became refugees, fleeing a fearful tyrant — a story that feels heartbreakingly familiar in every age. Even in returning home, the child of Mary and Joseph would grow up knowing oppression — shaping a ministry that proclaims a bold truth: God is still with us. We are called to be with one another — especially in hard times. Join us as we reflect on a faith that follows the Light, faces reality honestly, and dares to choose compassion in a broken world

When we sing “let loving hearts enthrone him,” we're singing the very essence of the Christmas story.Not power. Not prestige. Love.This week we reflect on Joseph — protector of Love, hospitality embodied. His quiet courage and sacrifice shaped not only the survival of Jesus, but the values Jesus would live and teach: love for all, kinship over kingdom, compassion over control.#Advent #LetLovingHeartsEnthroneHim #LoveForAll #FaithInAction #ChristmasHope

We're used to hearing Jesus called the Son of God or Son of Man… but this week, we're turning our attention to a title the carol repeats again and again: Son of Mary.Join us as we celebrate Mary's bold “yes” and the joy that rises even in challenging seasons.#Advent #SonOfMary

December 7, 2025 Sermon by Rev. Dr. Sue Coller

Have you ever felt like things are out of control in this world? If so, then you've experienced the same feeling that people had in Jesus' time. Join us to explore humanity's need for a savior to bring us hope. #WhatChildIsThis #Advent

What does true worship really look like? It goes beyond what we do in church every Sunday. Join us to discover how loving our neighbor is at the heart of true worship. 

If you're wishing and waiting for God to DO SOMETHING about what is going on in the world, then this sermon is for you.Let's explore how engaging with God to bring God's vision to life is the work of hope. 

Join us as we explore Habakkuk's question: "How long must we endure all the wrongs against us?". It's a very human question and one many are asking in today's world. We must remember that God never promised things would be easy, and God's message for us is that a better day is coming 

Did you know early Christians experimented with building their own community built on relationships? Some might consider them foolish for selling everything they had, but there is a lesson in there about the value of companionship and hospitality to people from all walks of life. Join us to discover how investing yourself in community is the path to enduring hope and gratitude. 

Last week we discussed the value of a courageous vision to align your money practices with your faith. But the vision isn't just about us. To make a real impact, we need to share this vision with the world. Join us and dare to dream of a world where everyone is interconnected and loves their neighbor.     #FaithInAction   

We all have spiritual gifts in the form of our time, energy, and even money. How we "spend" these gifts should reflect our values and help us make an impact on the world. Join us to learn how to make your spending more intentional and courageous. #spiritualgifts #moneystories

What's your money story? We have all internalized messages about money that affect our lives and our faith. Join us as we explore Matthew 22:15-22 where Jesus is questioned about paying taxes. #moneystories

Join us on World Communion Sunday for a special sermon by Rev. Wolson Kennedy from PCUSA's office of special offerings #WorldCommunionSunday

Do you make time to play? Sometimes play may seem frivolous when there are so many obligations competing for our attention. However, play is an important way of building community. Join us to discover how God calls us to build community through play.  #buildingcommunity #faithcommunity   

Join us as we explore the parable of the dishonest steward in Luke 16:1-13.#parables #thedishoneststeward

Join us for a sermon by special guest Rev. Jeff Chu, author of Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand, on how the power of love can heal us. First Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, Nebraska.

If you've ever asked, "What Would Jesus Do?", you know the answer is anything but simple. Because life is messy, "What Would Jesus Do?" might not even be the best question to ask. Join us to discover a better question to help us live out our faith. #WWJD #WhatWouldJesusDo

We've turned away from the source of life — neglecting our world and each other. What happens when the ripple effects of climate change hit home? How can returning to God's economy restore our community and heal our planet?Join us as we explore Jeremiah 2:1-13 and discover a path back to the living water that sustains us all.#LivingWater #CareForCreation #Jeremiah2 #ClimateJustice #FaithInAction

Are you ready to answer the call? Like Jeremiah, we're called to stand up — honestly, faithfully, and with compassion — for what needs to be fixed in our world and for those who need our voice. Join us as we explore what it means to live out our prophetic calling. #CalledToCourage #FaithInAction #Jeremiah #StandForJustice

Join us as we conclude our sermon series on Jonah. 

Let's continue learning from Jonah in our latest sermon series from Rev. Sue Babovec.

Join us to continue Rev. Sue Babovec's sermon series on Jonah

Join us for a special service led by the participants from our Spring Fellowship Trip. 

Join us as we embark on a journey through the pages of Jonah to uncover a timeless truth - whether we are talking about 300BC or 2025, humans have a tendency to be contrary.Let's explore the consequences of disobedience and discover how we can navigate the challenges of obeying God's call in a world prone to rebellion. This is the first in a four part sermon series on Jonah. 

Sometimes it feels like everything is upside down in our world today. If we want things to change, we need to answer the call to embody hospitality, service, and putting others first. Join us for a powerful sermon that explores Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 and how we can become part of the change we want to see in the world.

Can we find the good in people with vastly different views?Join us for a sermon on how Jesus taught his disciples to love their neighbors despite their differences. 

With God's guidance, we can navigate life's toughest shipwrecks.Join us to discover the lessons from Paul's journey and how to find hope in turbulent times!

We have all suffered from hurts that just don't seem to heal, whether they are physical or emotional. Join us as we unravel the tangled web of internal and external blocks to wholeness in our lives. We'll explore why healing isn't always easy, and how we may unknowingly hinder our own or others' healing journeys. Don't miss out on this transformative message of healing and restoration 

What does it mean to be truly free?Join Pastor Sue Coller for this inspiring sermon on finding freedom in our lives and how our courage can inspire others to do the same.May 11th, 2025 | The Cup of Freedom: The Freedom To Sing | First Presbyterian Church