Voices from Church and Trade

Small Seed, Big Bloom | A Sermon on Hidden Faith and God's Surprising Work What if the kingdom of heaven is already growing — quietly and invisibly — within us? In Small Seed, Big Bloom, guest preacher Rev. Cecelia D. Armstrong, Co-Moderator of the PC(USA) General Assembly, reflects on Matthew 13:31–33, where Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed: small, easily overlooked, yet capable of transforming everything around it. Preached on February 22, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, this sermon invites us to look beyond expectations of rapid growth or visible success and instead pay attention to what God may be nurturing beneath the surface. Rather than focusing only on dramatic expansion, this message asks a deeper question: What is hidden within you that God is waiting to bring to life? In this sermon, we reflect on: The surprising and sometimes disruptive nature of God's kingdom Why faith does not always grow in predictable ways How God works through what is unseen and unexpected Discovering the gifts and calling hidden within us Trusting that small seeds of faith can lead to transformative change As we journey through Lent, this sermon invites quiet introspection — noticing what God has already planted within us and allowing that hidden seed of faith to grow for the sake of our community and the world.

The Reconciliation of All Things | A Sermon for an Anxious World When the world feels fractured and uncertain, what does Christian hope look like? In this sermon, The Reconciliation of All Things, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Amos 5:18–24 and Matthew 17:1–9 to explore how justice, glory, and reconciliation belong together. Amos calls God's people beyond hollow worship toward justice that "rolls down like waters," while the Transfiguration reveals Christ's radiant glory — a vision meant not to remove us from the world, but to steady us for life within it. In this message, we consider: Why worship and justice cannot be separated The danger of assuming God is automatically on our side How the mountaintop vision strengthens us for the valley What it means to participate in God's work of reconciliation How trusting God's larger purposes frees us from anxious striving The future does not depend on our fear or frantic control. It belongs to God. And that frees us to live with courage, clarity, and compassion here and now.

In this sermon, "Form and Content," Rev. Anna Dickson reflects on how the way we share the gospel must match the heart of the gospel itself. Drawing on Exodus 4:10–16 and 1 Corinthians 2:1–12, this message explores Paul's decision to proclaim Christ not through polished speech, persuasive technique, or displays of strength, but through humility, vulnerability, and trust in the Spirit. At the center of the sermon is the conviction that the good news of Jesus Christ is the good news of a crucified love—and that only love can truly carry that message. This sermon invites us to consider what it looks like to embody what we proclaim, how God's power is revealed in weakness, and how the church can offer a credible and hopeful witness in a weary and divided world—when our lives reflect the love we speak about. Sermon preached by Rev. Anna R. Dickson on February 8, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture readings: Exodus 4:10–16 and 1 Corinthians 2:1–12.

Why Didn't I See That? | A Sermon on Practicing Love in Plain Sight What if the greatest surprise of faith is not what we believe—but who we fail to notice? In this sermon, Why Didn't I See That?, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats and the unsettling realization that Christ is already present among us—especially in people who are hungry, forgotten, overlooked, or struggling. Drawing from Ezekiel 34:1–6, 11–16 and Matthew 25:31–46, this message invites us to listen for God's voice in places we may have learned to pass by. It gently challenges the way we measure faith and reminds us that discipleship is formed not only by what we believe, but by how love quietly shapes our daily choices. In this episode, you are invited to reflect on: Why so much goodness goes unnoticed until it is too late What Jesus means when he says, "you did it to me" How compassion becomes a habit of the heart Why the practice of love matters more than religious arguments If you've ever wondered how to live faithfully in a world full of need, division, and distraction, this sermon offers a clear and hopeful word: Christ is already near—and love is the way we learn to see.

For Such a Time as This | A Sermon on Fate, Calling, and Courage In this sermon, we reflect on For Such a Time as This and the enduring human question of how we discover our purpose in a world shaped by forces we did not choose—and what it means to respond when a moment of moral clarity and courage is placed before us. This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on January 18, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the Second Sunday after Epiphany. The scripture readings for this message are Romans 12:9–21 and Esther 4:1–17. January 18, 2026 Bulletin Drawing from the story of Queen Esther, this sermon explores the difference between fate—the circumstances we are born into or find ourselves in—and destiny—the calling we discover when we listen for God's voice and choose to act. Esther's story becomes a lens for our own time, when silence, comfort, or going with the flow can feel easier than risk, truth, or faithfulness. In this message, we explore: The tension between fate and God-given purpose How calling often emerges in moments of crisis The courage to speak and act for the sake of others What it means to live a transformed life shaped by love, justice, and hope Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a thoughtful and timely invitation to listen for what God is asking of us—not in some abstract future, but here and now, in the world as it is. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Topics: Esther sermon, for such a time as this, Christian calling, courage and faith, Romans 12, purpose and destiny, discipleship, Christian ethics

Will These Bones Live? | A Sermon on Hope in Desolate Places What do you do when a situation—personal, communal, or even global—feels beyond repair? In this sermon, Will These Bones Live?, Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lapsley reflects on Ezekiel's haunting vision of the valley of dry bones and the deeply human question it asks: Is new life still possible here? Preached on January 11, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, this message draws from Ezekiel 37:1–14 and Ephesians 2:1–10 to explore how God's Spirit meets us not in mild discouragement, but in places of real loss, exhaustion, and devastation. This sermon invites you to consider: Where you may have stopped expecting renewal What it means to tell the truth about how dry things really are How God's breath brings life in ways we cannot manufacture or control Why hope is not denial, but a form of courage If you are carrying grief, weariness, or a sense that something in your life or in the world is beyond saving, this sermon offers a steady, honest, and deeply hopeful word: God is still at work, even here.

The Rebirth of Wonder | A Sermon for Epiphany In this sermon, we reflect on The Rebirth of Wonder and the invitation of Epiphany to see the world—and God's work within it—with renewed awe, curiosity, and openness. This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on January 4, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the Second Sunday of Christmas and Epiphany. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 60:1–6 and Matthew 2:1–12. Drawing from the story of the Magi, this sermon suggests that anxiety often takes root when wonder is lost—and that God does not always relieve our fear by giving us certainty, but by giving us light enough for the next faithful step. Epiphany invites us to follow that light, even when the path leads beyond what we can control or fully understand. Wonder widens our vision, restores imagination, and opens us again to trust that God is still at work in the world and in our lives. In this message, we explore: How wonder expands faith when anxiety narrows it The Magi as models of curiosity, courage, and attentiveness Following God's light without needing certainty or control Epiphany as an invitation to ongoing discovery and trust Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a thoughtful and hope-filled reflection on how God's light restores wonder—and how wonder, in turn, helps steady anxious hearts and reorient us toward hope. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Topics: Epiphany sermon, wonder and anxiety, rebirth of wonder, Matthew 2 sermon, following the star, Christian hope, light of Christ

Nurturing Jesus | Mary, Discipleship, and Faithful Presence In this sermon, we reflect on Nurturing Jesus and what it means to care for, protect, and grow the presence of Christ in our lives and in the world—drawing especially from the faithful witness of Mary, who nurtured Jesus with courage, trust, and love. This sermon was preached by Audrey Webb-Kahrs on December 28, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the First Sunday of Christmas. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 11:1–6 and Luke 2:22–41. Drawing from these texts, the sermon invites us to reflect on Mary's role in nurturing Jesus—from presenting him in the temple to pondering his life in her heart—and how her attentiveness, faith, and perseverance model a way of discipleship grounded in care and trust. The message reminds us that Jesus is formed not only through miracles and proclamation, but through ordinary acts of love, presence, and devotion. In this message, we explore: Mary's role in nurturing and forming the life of Jesus Faithfulness through care, patience, and trust The sacredness of ordinary moments in spiritual growth How we are called to nurture Christ's presence in the world today Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a gentle and hope-filled reflection on how the promise of Christmas continues through the quiet, faithful work of nurturing love. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Topics: Mary in the Gospel of Luke, Christmas sermon, nurturing faith, Luke 2 sermon, discipleship, spiritual growth, First Sunday of Christmas, Christian reflection

The Power of Joy | A Sermon on Faith, Strength, and Hope In this sermon, we reflect on The Power of Joy and how joy, rooted in God's love, becomes a sustaining strength in our lives. This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on December 14, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 40:1–5 and Luke 1:39–56. Drawing from these texts, the sermon invites us to consider how joy shapes our faith, carries us through seasons of challenge, and opens us to deeper trust in God's presence at work in the world and in our own lives. In this message, we explore: The biblical meaning of joy Joy as a source of spiritual strength Faith and joy in uncertain or difficult seasons Living with hope and love in our everyday lives Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a thoughtful reflection on how joy forms us as people of faith and calls us to live with compassion, resilience, and hope. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Topics: sermon on joy, biblical joy, faith and hope, Christian encouragement, spiritual strength

In this Advent sermon, The Mystery Made Known, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on God's surprising way of working through ordinary people and unexpected moments. Drawing from 2 Samuel 7:1–16 and Luke 1:26–38, he explores how God's promises often unfold in ways we could never foresee—and how Mary's faithful "yes" invites us to trust the mystery of God's presence in our own lives. Sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on December 7, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.

Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis F. Galloway on November 30, 2025, and rooted in Matthew 3:1–12 and Mark 13:24–37, this Advent sermon explores the mystery of time—the difference between the hours that govern our days and God's "eternal now" that breaks into our ordinary lives. Through the voices of John the Baptist and Jesus' call to watch and stay awake, we're invited to prepare our hearts, embody the fruits of the Spirit, and look for the moments when God's time interrupts our own. A reflection on hope, transformation, and the sacred work we do while we wait for Christ to come again.

In this compelling message, Rev. Dr. Jerry Cannon invites us into a powerful call to live out genuine Christian love in our everyday encounters. Drawing from Scripture, Hebrews 113:1-5, he explores what it truly means to treat folk right—not merely with politeness, but with dignity, compassion, and radical grace. He challenges us to consider how we respond to those on the margins, how we handle conflict, and how we reflect the character of Jesus in our relationships. Whether with longtime friends or people we barely know, the way we treat "the other" becomes a gospel witness. Using the simple but profound framework of A-C-T, he invites us to consider what faithful living looks like in real time: Acceptance — seeing every person as created in God's image, without condition or exclusion Compassion — responding to human need not with judgment, but with presence, empathy, and shared humanity Testimony — allowing our lives to speak, becoming living witnesses to the love of Christ in the world With warmth, humor, and pastoral wisdom, Rev. Cannon challenges us to move beyond good intentions and practice a faith that shows up—at home, in the church, and in the community. This message calls us not only to believe differently, but to live differently. Listen and be encouraged to ACT with courage, kindness, and Christ-shaped love. And yes—he manages to connect The Beverly Hillbillies to the gospel, reminding us that hospitality doesn't have to be fancy to be holy.

Sermon preached by Rev. Alice Ridgill on November 16, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is John 4:4-18, 27-30, 39-42.  

Sermon preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on November 9, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is 1 Samuel 16 (selected verses).

Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on November 2, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Revelation 7:9-17.

Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on October 26, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Acts 4:32-37.

Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on October 19, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Mark 5:21-43.

Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on October 12, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Hebrews 11-12:3 (selected verses).

Sermon preached by Rev. Keith Grogg on October 5, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is 2 Timothy 1:1-14.

Sermon preached by Rev. Lucy Baum on September 28, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is John 15: 1-12

Sermon preached by Rev. Chuck Williamson on September 21, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Luke 15:1-2.

Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on September 14, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Mark 2:1-12.

Sermon preached by Rev. Lewis Galloway on September 7, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Mark 12:28-31.

Sermon preached by Rev. Mary Bowman on August 31, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is 1 Samuel 16:1-13. This sermon is part of the series, I've Always Wondered - Kids' Questions of Faith

Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on August 24, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Job 38 (various), 42:1-6. This sermon is part of the series, I've Always Wondered - Kids' Questions of Faith.

Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on August 17, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Genesis 4:1-16. This sermon is part of the series, I've Always Wondered - Kids' Questions of Faith.

Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on August 10, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Psalm 119 (various). This sermon is part of the series, I've Always Wondered - Kids' Questions of Faith.

Sermon preached by Rev. Mary Bowman on August 3, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Genesis 1:26-31. This sermon is part of the series, I've Always Wondered.

Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on July 27, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Acts 16:6-15 . This sermon is part of the series, Her Perspective.

Sermon preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on July 20, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Esther 4: 1-17 . This sermon is part of the series, Her Perspective.

Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on July 13, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-17. This sermon is part of the series, Her Perspective.

Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on July 6, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Ruth 1:1-1. This sermon is part of the series, Her Perspective.

Sermon preached by Rev. Chuck Williamson on June 2, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Matthew 22:1-14. This sermon is part of the series, The Parables of Jesus..

Sermon preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on June 22, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Matthew 13:1-15. This sermon is part of the series, The Parables of Jesus.

Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on June 15, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Luke 18:9-14. This sermon is part of the series, The Parables of Jesus.

This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on June 8, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture passage for this sermon is Matthew 25:1-13.

This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on June 8, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture passage for this sermon is Matthew 25:1-13.

This sermon was preached by Rev. Chuck Williamson on May 25, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for this sermon is Revelation 21:1-4; 21:22-22:5.

This sermon was preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on May 18, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture passage for this sermon is John 21:1-14.

This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on May 11, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture passage for this sermon is John 21:15-19.

Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on May 4, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for this sermon is Luke 24:13-25.

This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on April 27, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for this sermon is John 20:19-31.

This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on April 13, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for this sermon is Luke 19:28-40.

  This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on April 6, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for the sermon is John 12:1-8.  

This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 30, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for the sermon is Luke 15:1-3; 11b-32 (Prodigal).

  This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 23, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for the sermon is  Luke 13:1-9.  

This sermon was preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 16, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for the sermon is Luke 13:31-35.

Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on March 2 at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The Scripture for this sermon is Mark 9:2-9.

Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on February 23, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. This is the final sermon in the series "Living Your Okayest Life." The Scripture for this sermon is Jeremiah 1:4-10.

Sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Chuck Williamson at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on February 16, 2025. The Scripture for this sermon is Acts 9:1-6. 

Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on February 9, 2025. The Scripture for this sermon is 1 Kings 19:1-16.