As we discover ancient Christian texts, we also should reconsider the way we have taught from Scripture. In this podcast I will be sharing sermons where I include these ancient texts and see how they might change our previous understanding of the Bible.
When the disciples cried out, “Lord, increase our faith,” Jesus pointed them to something small, stubborn, and invasive: the mustard seed. In the ancient world, mustard was not a polite herb, it was a weed that spread everywhere once it took root. That is what real faith looks like. It does not stay safe or ornamental. It disrupts, it grows, it takes over.In this message, Rev. Shawn Garan explores Luke 17:5–10, the surprising cultural background of the mustard seed, and what it means for us to nurture a living, persistent faith. Faith is not about quantity but about nature. Faith is Dory saying, “Just keep swimming.” Faith is William Wallace crying, “They may take our lives, but they cannot take our freedom.” Faith is Churchill declaring, “Never, never, never give up.”Join us as we discover that mustard-seed faith may be small, but it will not be stopped.
Why would Jesus praise a dishonest manager? In Luke 16:1–13, Jesus tells one of His most confusing parables. On the surface, it looks like a story about shady accounting. But beneath the surface, it is really about the soul, the ego, and the radical freedom of grace.Life often feels like a ledger we can never balance. The bills pile up, mistakes weigh heavy, and the debts—emotional, spiritual, even relational—seem too much to repay. Yet in this parable, Jesus shows us that the good news of the gospel is not about keeping perfect accounts. It is about grace that cancels the debt entirely.Through everyday stories, biblical reflection, and psychological insight, Pastor Shawn Garan invites us to discover what it means to stop keeping score and start living free. The books are closed. The debts are forgiven. Grace has balanced it all.
Welcome to worship at UCC Southbury. Today's message, “Found in the Search,” reflects on Luke 15:1–10, the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. These are not just Hallmark card stories but living images that reveal how God searches for us and how Scripture can act as a mirror to our souls.We will explore what it means to notice what is missing in our lives, to let the light of God's Word shine on us, to patiently sweep through the clutter of our hearts, and to rejoice when even the smallest part of us is found. Pastor Shawn also shares his own story of going after the “one” that felt lost and how the Spirit continues to guide that search.Wherever you are on your journey, whether wandering, weary, or feeling found, this service is for you. Join us as we worship, pray, and celebrate the God who never stops searching until we are home.
Psalm 139 reminds us that there is nowhere to hide from God's presence. At first that can feel unsettling. God sees us at our best and our worst. But this Scripture is not about surveillance, it is about love. To be known by God is not to be shamed, but to be healed. Not to be condemned, but to be made whole.In this sermon we explore what it means to be fully seen by God, how to live honestly in God's gaze, and how practices like prayer, reflection, and community draw us deeper into fellowship with the One who knows us completely and loves us still.
Hebrews 12 tells us that everything that can be shaken will be shaken...so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Paul calls us ambassadors for Christ, carrying the life of God's Kingdom into a world that feels fragile and uncertain. What does it mean to live out of that unshakable Kingdom when everything else is shifting around us?Join us for worship as we explore how faith, hope, and love remain steady when jobs, identities, and even our world feel unsteady.
In Luke 12:32–40, Jesus offers a radical invitation: “Do not be afraid, little flock… it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” But how do we live in that kingdom when our lives are already overflowing with noise, possessions, and pressure?In this message, Rev. Shawn Garan reflects on the call to live more simply, drawing connections between Jesus' teaching, the ancient Christian practice of asceticism, and modern movements like minimalism. Along the way, we consider how challenging economic times might actually be a spiritual invitation to let go of what does not last and make room for what truly matters.Whether you are curious about minimalism, longing for more peace, or wondering what Jesus' words mean for our cluttered world, this sermon will encourage you to slow down, open your hands, and receive the gift God is already giving.If this message speaks to you, please like, share, and subscribe for more reflections on faith, Scripture, and the life of the soul.
When Jesus says, “I came to bring fire to the earth,” He is speaking of something far more personal than we might expect. This is the fire that purifies, challenges, and renews — the fire that burns away what is false and ignites what is true.In this message, Rev. Shawn Garan explores Luke 12:49–56 alongside the burning bush, the fiery furnace, and the tongues of flame at Pentecost. Discover why stepping into God's fire is never for our destruction, but always for our transformation.Reflect Before You Watch: • Where have you felt the “heat” lately — a challenge, change, or call you cannot ignore? • Could this be the Spirit inviting you to step forward in faith?
This week's sermon, The Gospel of Guilt: Learning to Listen, Not Run, explores one of the most powerful and often misunderstood emotions in the spiritual life: guilt. Drawing from Psalm 51 and real-life moments (including one about staying up past bedtime as a kid), Rev. Shawn Garan reflects on the difference between toxic guilt and healthy guilt. He invites us to consider how both Scripture and psychology can help us face guilt without shame and find the grace hidden inside it.With insights from Carl Jung, warm humor, and pastoral care, this message offers a new way to think about guilt. It does not have to trap us. It can guide us. And it might just bring us back to God.Scripture: Psalm 51:1–12
What kind of God asks a prophet to marry someone who will break his heart? And what does that say about the kind of love God offers us?In this sermon, Rev. Shawn Garan walks us through the strange and beautiful story of Hosea. This is not just about a prophet and a broken marriage. It is about a God who chooses to stay. More than a tale of judgment or ritual, Hosea reveals the depth of God's longing for connection. It is not about religion as performance. It is about relationship. Real, raw, faithful love.If you have ever felt far from God, tired of spiritual checklists, or unsure how to come back home, this message is for you.
Why do we get so consumed by the success of others? Why does injustice bother us so deeply? And how do we learn to let go of control in a world that feels unpredictable?In this sermon, we take a deep psychological dive into Psalm 37, exploring how this ancient text speaks directly to our modern struggles with envy, control, waiting, and surrender. Through the lens of Jungian psychology, we uncover how projection, ego-striving, and impatience keep us trapped—and how trusting in God's deeper process leads to real peace.
Join us for a powerful start to the new year as we explore what it truly means to live a blessed life. In this service, we reflect on Ephesians 1:3-14, where the Apostle Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are chosen, redeemed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Through inspiring worship, heartfelt prayer, and a meaningful message, we'll discover how God's blessings shape our identity and guide us into His purposes.Whether you're seeking a fresh perspective, spiritual renewal, or encouragement for the year ahead, this service will remind you of God's unfailing love and grace. Come and experience the joy of being part of God's family as we worship together.Highlights: • Call to Worship: Celebrating God's blessings • Unison Confession: Starting the year with grace and renewal • Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14 (NRSV) • Sermon: Living the Blessed Life: Chosen, Redeemed, and Sealed in Christ • Assurance of Pardon: Rejoicing in God's forgiveness and graceLet's step into this new year with hope, faith, and the assurance of God's blessings. Subscribe for more inspiring messages and worship experiences.
In today's service, we explore John 2:1-11, the story of the wedding at Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. More than just a celebration-saving act, this story is rich with symbolic meaning, offering profound insights into transformation, divine timing, and the abundance of God's grace.Through a unique lens—what we call the psychological hermeneutic—we'll dive deep into how Scripture speaks to our souls, bypassing the ego and leading us into deeper truths. Where in your life do you feel like the “wine has run out,” and how might God be inviting you to trust in His power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary?
What if this year could be different? What if instead of chasing external achievements, you focused on aligning your life with God's grace and purpose? In this sermon, Rev. Shawn introduces the concept of the soul-led life—a way of living where we nourish our souls, embrace grace, and allow Scripture to transform us from the inside out.Through a fresh approach to Scripture using a psychological hermeneutic, this sermon explores how the Bible isn't just an ancient text but a living guide to help us navigate the challenges of modern life. Drawing from Ephesians 3:1–12, we'll uncover how Christ's grace reconciles the divided parts of ourselves and leads us toward wholeness.If you're ready to embark on a journey of transformation this year, this message is for you. Let's make this the year we live a soul-led life, grounded in God's Word and guided by His love.
The Journey of Trust: Walking Forward in Faith Life has a way of throwing curveballs—unexpected challenges that test our patience, plans, and peace. But what if those disruptions weren't just obstacles? What if they were invitations to trust and grow? In this episode, we reflect on Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, not as a romanticized nativity scene, but as a profound story of faith, perseverance, and transformation. With insights from Scripture, Carl Jung, and everyday life, we'll explore how moments of discomfort and chaos often lead us to discover a deeper trust in God's plan. Join us as we uncover the universal patterns of growth hidden in the Christmas story and discover how to embrace our own journey of trust this Advent season. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration, hope, and a fresh perspective on navigating life's unexpected turns.
Spotify Description: Advent 1: The Call of the Self – Hope in the Annunciation In this first message of our Advent series, we explore the story of the Annunciation—not just as a historic event, but as an archetypal call that resonates in our own lives. Inspired by Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel, Carl Jung's insights on the Self, and Ed Edinger's wisdom on transformation, we'll uncover how these patterns guide us toward growth and wholeness. What does it mean to answer the call of the divine within? How do moments of discomfort and uncertainty nudge us toward our true purpose? Join us as we reflect on Mary's faith and courage, and discover how her story serves as a model for hope, trust, and transformation in our own spiritual journeys. Perfect for anyone seeking a deeper, more personal connection to the Advent story this season.
Join me for a message from Norman Vincent Peale's book the Power of Positive Thinking.
Join us as we continue through our series on Norman Vincent Peale's classic, the Power of Positive Thinking. This week we cover, "How to Be Well Liked."
A message from our series on the Power of Positive Thinking
A message from our series on the Power of Positive Thinking.
A message from our Positive of Positive Thinking Series.
A message from 8/18 from our series on the Power of Positive Thinking.
A message give at our church on 8/4 from the series, The Power of Positive Thinking.
A message from our series in the Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale.
In this message we look at chapter 4 of Norman Vincent Peale's book: The Power of Positive Thinking. uccsouthbury.org shawngaran.com
Part 3 in our series on Norman Vincent Peale's book Power of Positive Thinking.
Part 2 in our series on Norman Vincent Peale's book the Power of Positive Thinking.
In this series we are looking at Norman Vincent Peale's book the Power of Positive Thinking. This message covers chapter one.
A Sunday Message applying some psychoanalytic concepts of God in the Biblical narrative. #happymothersday
Part Three in our series on the Gospel of Mary. uccsouthbury.org
Part Two in our series on the Gospel of Mary taught here at the United Church of Christ Southbury. uccsouthbury.org
I haven't looked at the Gospel of Mary in awhile but I thought for this post-Easter season, we would drop in and take another look at this insightful discovery that may give us more of a perspective on what happened between Easter and Pentecost.
A message given on 3/24/24 on Palm Sunday summing up the teachings we did in Jeremiah and Jonah. The Scripture is Matthew 20:29-34.
The conclusion to our series on the Prophet Jonah. uccsouthbury.org
Jonah 2:1-10 Part Three in our series on the prophet Jonah taught here at the United Church of Christ. uccsouthbury.org
Part Two in our study on the prophet Jonah taught here at the United Church of Christ Southbury. uccsouthbury.org
Join us for our new 2 part series on the prophet Jonah. Our text is Jonah 1: 4-17. uccsouthbury.org
The Conclusion to our series in our Jeremiah. Our text is from Jeremiah 31: 31-34. uccsouthbury.org
The third installment on our series covering the prophet Jeremiah.
The first part in a series that looks at the message of Jeremiah Part One.
Join us for our fifth installment on the Book of Jeremiah.
Join us for our fourth installment on the Book of Jeremiah.
Join us for our third installment on the prophet Jeremiah.
Join us for our second installment on the prophet Jeremiah.
Have you ever wanted to know the big picture story of the Bible? Join us as we study the book of Jeremiah in a 6 part series on the Old Testament prophet.
A modern take on an ancient parable. This is a Sunday message at the United Church of Christ Southbury. You can find out more about us at uccsouthbury.org and shawngaran.com
As I am going to try and upload a bunch of messages I have not uploaded in awhile to provide some more content. I will be staying active with my current messages so thanks for being patient and continuing to listen. Many blessings! Shawn
A Sunday message give here at uccsouthbury.org You can also find me at shawngaran.com
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