Urban Village Church

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This is the official podcast of Urban Village Church in Chicago. If you would like to support our ministry, please visit https://pushpay.com/pay/urbanvillagechurch/.

Urban Village Church


    • Jun 1, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 1,268 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Urban Village Church

    6/1/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Emerging: Show By Your Good Life | James 3:13-18

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 31:15


    What does it mean to live with wisdom from above? This week, we're reflecting on James 3:13–18, where scripture calls us to lives marked by humility, gentleness, and peace.

    5/25/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Emerging: Why do you stand looking up? | Acts 1:1-11

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 18:00


    5/11/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Emerging: Right In Front Of You | Luke 24:13-35

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 28:13


    This week, we'll explore Luke 24:13–35, the powerful story of the Road to Emmaus. Two disciples, heartbroken after Jesus' crucifixion, walk with a stranger who opens the Scriptures to them—and in the breaking of bread, they realize it's the risen Christ. It's a beautiful reminder that Jesus walks with us, even when we don't recognize Him. Join for a message of hope, revelation, and renewed faith.

    5/4/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Emerging: In The Meantime | John 20: 11-26

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 31:26


    This week we dive into the story of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, focusing on the disciples' initial disbelief and the powerful encounter with Thomas. We explore faith, doubt, and the nature of Jesus' resurrection, emphasizing the importance of believing in Jesus even when the evidence as circumstantial.   #resurrection #focusonGod #beliefisfaith #believinginJesus #umc

    4/27/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who?: Choose Happiness | Proverbs 17: 22 NRSV

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 35:55


    Proverbs 17:22 tells us that a joyful heart brings healing, while a crushed spirit withers us to the core. Join us as we explore how joy can renew our strength and faith. Discover practical ways to let God's joy be your true medicine! Rev. Pamela Lightsey will end with a thought-provoking theological study afterward.

    4/20/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who?: There's More to the Story | Acts 10: 34 - 43 NRSV

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2025 53:37


    This Sunday we shared Peter's declaration with the powerful truth: God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. Jesus went around doing good and healing those oppressed. Though He was put to death on a cross. God raised Him on the third day—and He appeared to those chosen as witnesses. Peter says: We ate with Him. We walked with Him after the resurrection. And now, we've been commanded to share this Good News. #GoodNews #JesusIsLord #Acts10 #HopeForAll #NoPartiality #ForgivenessThroughChrist #GospelTruth

    4/13/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who?: Betrayal | Luke 19:29-42

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2025 39:54


    Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! This week, we reflect on Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem—a moment of joy, praise, and deep compassion. In Luke 19:29–42, we see Jesus celebrated as King, yet moved to tears over a city that missed its moment with God. Experience the hope, power, and peace of Holy Week and Palm Sunday. #PalmSunday #Luke1942 #HolyWeek #JesusIsKing

    4/6/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who?: Reasonability | John 12:1-8

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2025 37:03


    Six days before Passover, Mary does something extraordinary—she anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, wiping them with her hair. While some criticize her, Jesus affirms her act of love and devotion. This moment reminds us to pour out our hearts in worship, holding nothing back. True love for Christ isn't about cost—it's about surrender. How can we show extravagant love for Jesus in our daily lives? Join us as we experience God's presence together! Whether you're new or a longtime member, we can't wait to welcome you with open arms. Let's gather in faith, lift our voices in worship, and grow together in His Word.

    3/30/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who: Lost & Found | Luke 15: 11 - 32 NRSV

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 45:36


    The Parable of the Prodigal Son – A Story of Redemption and Welcome! In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus shares a powerful story of love, grace, and restoration. A son demands his inheritance early, squanders it all in reckless living, and finds himself lost and broken. In desperation, he returns home, expecting rejection—but instead, his father runs to embrace him, celebrating his return with open arms. This story is a reminder that no matter how far we wander, God's love is always ready to welcome us home. Whether you are returning, searching, or visiting for the first time—our church is a place of grace, joy, and belonging. You are welcome here!

    3/23/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who: Living Up to Our Potential | Luke 13: 6 - 9 NRSV

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 31:57


    In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a man who had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. For three years, he came looking for fruit, but found none. Frustrated, he told the gardener to cut it down, questioning why it was taking up space without producing anything. But the gardener responded, asking for one more year. He would tend to the tree by digging around it and adding manure, hoping it would bear fruit. If it did, great; if not, then it could be removed. This story invites us to reflect on patience and second chances. The gardener's plea for more time symbolizes God's patience with us, even when we don't live up to expectations. It's a reminder that growth and transformation are processes, and we are given opportunities to change and bear fruit in our lives. It challenges us to consider how we might need nurturing or a fresh start, and to trust that, with care, we can become what we are meant to be.

    3/16/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who: Jesus Is Still Crossing Over | John 4: 7 - 30 NRSV

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 43:57


    In this passage from John 4:7-30, Jesus has an unexpected conversation with a Samaritan woman at a well. He asks her for a drink, which surprises her, as Jews and Samaritans typically didn't interact. Jesus responds by offering her "living water," a spiritual gift that leads to eternal life. The woman initially thinks He's talking about physical water, but Jesus explains that the water He offers will quench a deeper thirst — one for meaning, connection, and spiritual fulfillment. He then reveals that He knows about her life — that she's had five husbands and is currently with someone who isn't her husband. This leads her to recognize that Jesus must be a prophet. She asks Him about the right place to worship, and Jesus tells her that true worship isn't about a specific location but about connecting with God in spirit and truth. He further reveals that He is the Messiah, the one who has come to bring healing and hope to all. In awe, the woman leaves her water jar behind and goes to tell others in her community about Jesus, asking, “Could this be the Messiah?” Her story draws many others from the town to come and meet Jesus, reminding us that God's message is for everyone, no matter their background or circumstances.

    3/9/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who: | Scripture

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2025 42:41


    Romans emphasizes salvation through faith, not works, and reminds us that believing in Jesus and the resurrection leads to salvation. Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. Join us Sunday as we deep dive into Romans and are reminded of the importance of salvation for us.

    3/2/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who?: Divine Investments | Colossians 3: 1 -3

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 27:12


    We are reminded to focus our attention on heavenly things rather than earthly. Join us this week as we share about spiritual life and the future we will share with Christ.

    2/23/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | The Humanity in Us All: Keep the Peace | John 14:25-30

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025 44:42


    Jesus comforts and encourages his disciples as he prepares to leave. As he leaves, he promises that the Holy Spirit will help the disciples continue their ministry after his ascension to heaven. In this verse, Jesus teaches the disciples to lead with truth, not emotion. The Holy Spirit helps the disciples understand the Word, grow in serving others, and stop sin. The Word gives disciples peace, comfort, and protection. Finally, Jesus shows us the importance of obedience and faith in the commandments.

    2/16/25 | Rev. Dr. Eddie Journey | The Humanity in Us All: First Love | Revelation 2:2-5a

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 36:50


    This week we focus on the commands given to the church at Ephesus as they remember and repent, and do the works they did at first. It is important to remember the works we were doing when we first became believers, repent and turn away from where we are now and turn away and bad and return to the work we were doing when we first became believers, and prioritize things of great value, such as loving one another and serving others.

    2/9/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | The Humanity in Us All: Do Something Different | Genesis 22:1-19

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2025 47:31


    God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham obeys God and God intervenes to stop the sacrifice.

    2/2/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | The Humanity in Us All: Do Something Different | Proverbs 25: 7b - 28

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 57:41


    This week we speak of self-control and the Fruits of the Spirit.

    1/26/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Abundance and Scarcity: God's Got It | Philippians 4:19

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025 27:50


    God will meet all your needs to the riches of glory in Christ. We declare provision from God.

    1/19/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Abundance and Scarcity: Where God Leads | Psalm 23

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2025 32:54


    Have you ever wondered where God is present in the scarcity of your life? What is God doing when times are tough and hope is in short supply? Have ever wondered how and where God is leading you?

    1/12/25 | Rev. Jonathan Grace | Abundance and Scarcity: Hope from the Margins | Ruth 1: 6 - 18

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2025 28:44


    As we continue our sermon series on abundance and scarcity, we focus on how marginalized voices and experiences illuminate pathways toward abundant living and transformation. Who is God inviting you to listen to as we seek the abundance that God offers in the midst of scarcity.

    1/5/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | More Than We Imagine | 1 Kings 17: 7-16

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 36:55


    God used the brook to sustain Elijah, and now the means God had used to provide for His servant dried up.

    12/29/24 | Rev Jonathan Grace | Advent: New Years Eve service

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024 17:32


    Listen to our recent sermon series from Wicker Park, preached by Rev. Jonathan Grace, Lead Pastor.

    12/22/24 | Rev Jonathan Grace | Advent: We sing stories of hope | Luke 1:46-55

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024 35:02


    This Sunday marked the fourth Sunday of Advent. We prepare our hearts to receive Christ as we focus on God's love. In our Scripture, Mary sings about a God of liberation who pulls the powerful from their thrones and lifts up the lowly. Mary sings a story of hope, one in which justice and joy are interwoven. As we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth, may we also sing stories of hope, justice, and joy.

    12/15/24 | Rev Jonathan Grace | Advent: We allow ourselves to be amazed | Luke 1:57-66

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 32:10


    In the moment of affirming the promise, God restores us. How often do you allow yourself to be amazed? Wonder is all around us—can we recognize it? As we learn how to rejoice in a weary world, can we live in a way that allows amazement and wonder to surprise us often? In Psalm 126, those who expect to reap tears are granted a surprise: shouts of joy. Amazement is a balm for the weary.

    12/8/24 | Rev Jonathan Grace | Advent: We find joy in connection | Luke 1:24-45

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 29:21


    In community, our joy expands. When we can't rejoice, we can carry each other's joy. This week we continue our Advent worship by lighting the Hope and Peace candles, finding connection with each other, and by learning how God brings peace and joy in the midst of our weariness.

    12/1/24 | Rev. Jonathan Grace | Advent: We Acknowledge Our Weariness | Luke 1: 1-23

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 33:11


    As Advent begins, we start by acknowledging the weariness, grief, rage, and hopelessness we carry—and we also affirm that we are made for joy. Sometimes weariness can harden us and prevent us from living fully. We've had hard journeys. Grief has left a scar on us. This is how we show up to Advent. We see how God brings joy in the midst of our weariness.

    11/24/24 | Rev. Jonathan Grace | Stewardship: How Our Giving Changes the Community | Micah 6:6-8

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 40:03


    The prophet Micah contrasts our expectations of sacrifice with the sacrifices that God actually calls for. Instead of vanity and punishment, God desires justice, kindness, and a relationship. This sermon explores why we think of sacrifice and giving to God as a painful experience, and contrast that with the joy that comes with giving.

    11/17/24 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Stewardship: Why Giving Matters for the Church | Mark 12: 41-44

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 59:50


    In this story, Jesus redefines how we think about giving and what God looks for in our tithing. We explore the understanding of abundance to God, and what it means to give out of poverty rather than wealth.

    11/10/24 | Rev. Jonathan Grace | Stewardship: Tithing and Discipleship | Matthew 25: 14-30

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2024 29:08


    The parable considers how fear and a scarcity mindset keep us from using our resources for God. This week we explored how to shift from a scarcity to an abundance mindset, and how to actually engage with the world in faith that our resources will grow.

    11/3/24 | Rev. Jonathan Grace | Stewardship: What Does the Bible Say about Giving? | 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 29:19


    We can never outgive God. It often feels like giving is a tough requirement, especially when we have limited resources. However, when we give we find that God takes our giving and creates abundance.

    10/27/24 | Rev. Jonathan Grace | Stewardship: What We Give to the Church | Leviticus 27: 30

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 26:37


    This Sunday we begin our Stewardship sermon, What We Give to the Church. We dive into Leviticus 27:30 as our Scripture reminds us that all things belong to God. Giving back to God is an acknowledgement of the righteousness, goodness, and the lordship of God over all creation. The need to give back also creates a just society in which serving God and keeping God's commandments create a mindset of giving rather than greed. 

    10/20/24 | Dr Pamela Lightsey | Rest Along the Way | Hebrews 4:1-10

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 23:00


    This week we join Dr Pamela Lightsey. Our sermon series on Rest dives into Creation as not a one-time act. It is ongoing, though God rested on the seventh day. Similarly, our ability to produce this or that should not be an end goal by which we gauge when we can/should rest. Rest should be our vision for our everyday lives; part of our dreams for the best possible future. Rest is not an end goal but an ongoing reality.

    10/13/24 | Jonathan Grace | Imago Dreamer | Hebrews 4:1-10

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 28:30


    You are made in the image of a God who rested. And maybe when God rested on the 7th day of creation, God dreamed—of you, me, and the best reality for all.  What would it look like for all of us to rest and dream like God? Join us Sunday as we share from Hebrews 4:1-10.

    10/06/24 | Darren Calhoun | Free to Rest | Deuteronomy 5:12-15

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 17:22


    Rest is a form of liberation that should be integrated in our personal and societal lives. We also celebrate World Communion Sunday and celebrate liberation in God's community. Join us as we dive into Deuteronomy 5:12-15.

    9/29/24 | Jonathan Grace | I Will Give You Rest | Exodus 33:12-14

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 30:32


    This Sunday we are continuing our sermon series on rest. We have discussed God's intentions for our rest, but how do we find rest when our lives are not in line with God's hopes for us? Let's discuss how God provides rest when we are restless. See you on Sunday!  This week's scripture will be Exodus 33: 12-14.

    9/22/24 | Jonathan Grace | Rest Is Divine | Psalm 132

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 28:44


    Psalm 132 shares that Rest is anything that grounds us in God and keeps us focused on the divine task.

    9/15/24 | Who We Meet Along the Way | John 4: 5-26

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2024 34:41


    On Sunday we explored the story of the Samaritan Woman whom Jesus encounters at a well. We also considered the people God invites us to meet along our journeys, and how each encounter is a chance to grow closer to God and to grow in understanding of our neighbors.   Our scripture: John 4: 5-26

    8/25/24 | Jonathan Grace | Ally or Freedom Fighter? | Esther 4: 9-17

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 30:49


    Allies have the liberty (and have often exercised this liberty) to come and go as they please in the work of liberation. It's easy enough to put up signs or wear clothing stating, Black Lives Matter. But what sacrifices are we willing to make to learn about these Black lives and to ensure their true liberation? Historically, those who claimed to be freedom fighters stayed the course, even to the point of personal harm. Liberation is a dangerous endeavor. We're excited for this sermon as we dive into scripture from Esther 4: 9-17.

    8/18/24 | Jonathan Grace | Our Lives Matter: Reintroducing Ourselves to Ourselves | 1st Kings 19: 9b-18

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 28:39


    This week's sermon, Our Lives Matter: Reintroducing Ourselves to Ourselves, shared Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey's book Our Lives Matter. In writing the book, Dr. Lightsey had to address the fact that her understanding of herself had shifted, and she had to come to terms with who she had become. We need to take the time to reintroduce ourselves to ourselves so that we can understand who God has led us to become, and to know how this new self can answer God's call on our lives. We explored scripture from 1st Kings 19: 9b-18.

    8/11/24 | Juan Pablo Herrera | Pay It No Mind | Philippians 4:4-9

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 28:40


    We shall continue to rejoice as we face hardships in life.

    8/4/24 | Rev. Jonathan Grace | Kin-dom Come: Love and Humility | John 13: 1-17

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 30:32


    This week our sermon series on Emergent Strategy, Kin-dom Come: Love and Humility, included scripture from John 13: 1-17 Brown identifies love and humility as essential tools for transformation. These virtues can help us navigate the complexities of social change and build stronger, more resilient communities. This sermon will focus on the transformative power of love and humility. We will discuss practical ways to cultivate these virtues in our daily lives and ministry, emphasizing that true social change begins with the transformation of our own hearts.

    7/28/24 | Pamela Lightsey | Kin-dom Come: Spiritual Makeover | Galatians 6:1-5

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 21:09


    This week's scripture is Galatians 6:1-5   This sermon shares that we must open up to relationships and urge to be deeper rather than just conversational. We should spend time with one another, share spiritual conversations, and grow together.

    7/21/24 | Rev Jonathan Grace | Kin-dom Come: Getting Strategic for Social Change | Acts 1:1-14

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 31:49


    Effective strategy for social change means making tough decisions, being disciplined, and staying focused on our goals. In this sermon, we will explore how Jesus and the early church employed strategic thinking to spread the Gospel and bring about transformative change, and how we can apply these principles to our context.

    7/14/24 | Dr Pamela Lightsey | Visioning: Seeing What We Cannot See | Philippians 3:12-21, Hebrews 11

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 13:27


    brown encourages us to practice visioning, to see and create what does not yet exist. This means imagining and believing in the possibilities beyond our current reality. As people of faith, we are called to dream big, envisioning a world where justice, peace, and love prevail. It is safe to say many of us are worried about the future. Genuine concern is not bad, but it could lead us to despair.

    7/07/24 | Dr Pamela Lightsey | Mindset Matters | Romans 7:14-25 and Romans 8:1-5

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 18:57


    This week we will explore Romans 7:14-25 and Romans 8:1-5. We talk about the love and relationship between the law of Moses and humans. We also share the freeing of human sin through love given to us.

    6/23/24 | Rev. Lois McCullen Parr | Shine | Romans 5:8

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 18:29


    Romans 5:8 shares that "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Our responsibility is to shine in this light.

    6/23/24 | Pamela Lightsey | Aging | Deuteronomy 34:5-9

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 30:02


    After watching over Israel for 40 years, Moses dies on Mount Nebo, not before seeing the promised land of Canaan from a distance. Moses also lays his hands on Joshua which symbolizes the transfer of authority (and spirit of wisdom and divine gifting) for leading Israel. In Deuteronomy 34:5-9, we explore rites of passage and love.

    6/16/24 | Darren Calhoun | Come Out, Come In - Why Telling Your Story Matters | John 9:13-34

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2024 52:35


    This week's scripture reading is from John 9:13-34. In this text, we read about the miracles given to us. Pharisees react to Jesus' healing of a blind man, they seek explanations rather than accepting the faith of a miracle. Join us this week as we share our stories, our truth, and our miracles.

    6/9/24 | Pamela Lightsey | Hold on For the Blessing | Genesis 32:22-31

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 26:16


    Jacob is blessed and named Israel, as he having struggled with God and with humans and has overcome. The scripture reading is from Genesis 32:22-31

    6/2/24 | Pamela Lightsey | Leaving | 2 Kings 2:1-12

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024 27:05


    In 2 Kings 2:1-12, the Elijah is taken up to Heaven as Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. We explore Elijah's interaction with the prophets and trip with Elisha to Jericho.

    5/26/24 | Pamela Lightsey | Moving | Matthew 8:18-22

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 29:20


    This week we read the passages in Matthew 8:18-22. Join us as we talk about the assurances of life.

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