Podcasts about First Church

"Sacrament" is not a common word in Unitarian Universalist discourse, but we say it every Sunday in our Affirmation. Let's explore what we really mean when we say "the quest of truth" is our sacrament.

Today we continue our Lenten series "A Revolution of Habits" with a sermon about "Integrity" from Pastor Vance referencing Matthew 5:33-37.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

Hello and welcome! I'm Jonathan Gouthier, a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut, and host of the Faith First Podcast. We've all experienced moments of desperation, hurt, and brokenness, searching for something—or someone—to make us whole again. Then Jesus steps in, bringing healing, hope, and the victory our hearts long for. In Him, we find the love and restoration we've been searching for all along. He takes our trauma and makes it our triumph, let's listen in to the message by our Lead Pastor Steve Darr right now…In this episode, you'll discover:How Scripture outlines the transformation from trauma to triumphWhy the examples in Scripture ought to bring us hopeWhen life is at its worst, God is at His bestWhat is the ultimate trauma, and what is the ultimate triumphThe greatest transformation of trauma to triumph is found in the cross of Christ. He carried the weight of sin, and on the cross, God the Father forsook Him. Yet it is through the cross we find victory, and through His resurrection there is found triumph. If you've been listening to the Faith First Podcast for a while, we thank you. If this is your first time, we invite you to click the subscribe button below. This will send you a notification when the next episode is launched. And until next time, remember that God takes your trauma and transforms it into triumph faith first.

In his sermon, "Reclaiming Religious Language: Blessing," Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter explores what it really means to give and receive a blessing in a world filled with conflict, fear, and uncertainty. Through stories, personal experiences, and the teachings of Jesus in the Beatitudes, he explores how blessing can begin with simple attention to one another and to the realities of life. This message invites us to slow down and see the people around us with compassion and care. When we recognize the humanity in others, our words and actions can become blessings that bring connection, healing, and hope into everyday life.

DJ Pup Dawg features Asha, the Roxbury liaison who works for the mayor. She and DJ Pup Dawg speak with several guests about upcoming events in the Boston area: Henry Knox 250th Anniversary: Alex Meadow, Deputy Director of Partnerships for the City of Boston, discusses a community event on Saturday celebrating the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox bringing cannons through Roxbury. The event includes a parade starting at 2:00 PM at Fenway High School, followed by a speaking program at 3:00 PM and a light show at 4:00 PM at the First Church on Putnam Street. 311 Day: Irgi, the 311 Director, talks about the first-ever 311 Day event on Wednesday, March 11th, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM at the Mattapan Library. The event aims to educate residents on how 311 works and provide information on various city departments. Liaison Information: Asha encourages listeners to stay updated on the activities of the city's liaisons by visiting boston.gov/events and subscribing to their newsletter at boston.gov/newsletter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello and welcome! You're listening to the Faith First Podcast brought to you by the First Church in Torrington, CT. I'm Jonathan Gouthier, your host and a Pastor here at First Church and in this episode, I am joined by our Lead Pastor Steve Darr as we discuss the power of Holy Communion.In this episode, you'll discover:How is Holy Communion not a ritual even though we celebrate it monthly?What are we to remember through participating in Communion?Do the host or bread and the juice or wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus the Christ?What does remembering the actions of Christ being crucified do to us as believers/The breaking of Christ's body on the cross was the ultimate act of obedience to God the Father. It demonstrated Jesus' perfect submission to God's will even in the face of the unimaginable suffering. It is a call to remember the love that binds us together.If you are new to the Faith First Podcast, I ask you to hit the subscribe button to be notified when our next episode will launch. And until then, Remember the body and blood that was shed for you faith first.

Welcome to worship. Today we continue our Lenten series "A Revolution of Habits" with a sermon on from Pastor Vance referencing James 5:7-11.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

"Hello and welcome! I'm Jonathan Gouthier, a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut and host of the Faith First Podcast. At First Church we set aside the first Sunday of every month to celebrate and remember the body broken and the blood shed for us through Holy Communion. Did you know Jesus' body broken, His crucifixion has power for us today? That's what the message is about that we will hear given by our Lead Pastor Steven Darr. Sit back and be attentive to this message…In this episode, you'll discover:How is Holy Communion more than a ritualWhat does Holy Communion symbolizeWhy is healing a part of the outcome of CommunionWhat is meant by Communion being an act of obedienceIn instituting the Lord's Supper, Jesus symbolized the breaking of HIs body through the bread, signifying the sacrifice He was about to make for our sins. The physical breaking of Jesus' body is evident in His trial, scourging, and in His crucifixion and underscores that His suffering was a payment for sin. If you've been listening to the Faith First Podcast for a while, we thank you. If this is your first time, we invite you to click the subscribe button below. This will send you a notification of when the next episode is launched. And until next time, through Jesus's body broken we know we are forgiven faith first.

Today we transition our revolution series from kindness to a "A Revolution of Habits" for the season of Lent. Pastor Rushing shares a sermon about "Holy Habits" referencing Daniel 6:7, 10-23.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

Thanks for joining us! We'd love to give you more information about who we are and how to get plugged in here at Hillside. Fill this page out on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmcworship.com/im-new/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find this week's bulletin, sermon notes, and reflection questions right here: https://hmcworship.com/wp-content/uploads/2_22_26-Bulletin.docx.pdfFollow along in the YouVersion Bible App: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bible.com/events/49568097

Today we continue our sermon series "A Revolution of Kindness." Pastor Vance shares a sermon "A Revolution of Compassion" referencing Luke 10:25-37.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

Hello and welcome to the Faith First Podcast where we bring you messages and conversations of just how to walk your faith out in this world. I'm Jonathan Gouthier, your host and a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington CT and in this episode, I am joined by our Lead Pastor Steve Darr to talk about Life and how it is God's Sacred Gift.In this episode, you'll discover:Why is life so sacred to God?How is life diminished in our society today?What do we say to those that hold to a transgender ideology?Why must we seek to be reconciled back to God? And what does that mean?The value of human life is not determined by societal norms or personal opinions, it is established by our Creator. From conception to eternity, every person is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.We try to provide some very practical ways to step out in your faith and we pray it is beneficial to you who are listening. If you are new to the Faith First Podcast, I ask you to hit the subscribe button to be notified when our next episode will launch. Until next time, view each person as being made in the image of God faith first.

Join us for a much loved and meaningful tradition – Youth Sunday! Our YRUU teens lead the service, sharing their musical gifts and reflections on our theme year "Return Again."

Today we continue our sermon series "A Revolution of Kindness." Pastor Vance shares a sermon "A Revolution of Generosity" referencing 1 Timothy 6:17-19.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

Head-On with Roxanne Kincaid broadcast from February 9, 2026. This episode covers the aftermath of the Super Bowl, political controversies, and listener calls from The H.O.R.N. Super Bowl Recap: A rundown of the festivities, including the "fandamtastic" food spread featuring Benton's bacon and Roger's stuffed peppers, alongside a critique of the overwhelming number of AI and betting advertisements. Halftime Show Culture War: Analysis of Bad Bunny's "fake American" controversy sparked by Jake Paul (who lives in Puerto Rico), and the ratings flop of the competing "TP USA" halftime show. Coin Toss Conspiracy: Roxanne details a confusing moment during the Super Bowl coin toss involving a Ben Franklin coin and Joe Montana that raised questions about the game's integrity. Olympics Censorship: Reports that NBC muted the boos from the crowd when JD Vance and his wife appeared on screen during the opening ceremonies in Milan. Immigration Cruelty: A look at the Trump administration's expedited deportation order for 5-year-old asylum seeker Liam Ramos and his father, contrasted with the administration blaming Biden for a recent sex trafficking case. Washington Post Shake-up: Publisher Will Lewis resigns following mass layoffs and the paper's failure to endorse a candidate, with the former CEO of Tumblr stepping in. Measles Outbreak: Criticism of CDC Deputy Director Ralph Abraham for deflecting blame regarding the rising measles cases and low vaccination rates in the U.S.. International Relations: Trump demands the U.S. own half of the Canadian-built Gordy Howe International Bridge. Ghislaine Maxwell Hearing: Discussion on Maxwell pleading the Fifth before Congress and her lawyer's suggestion that she would speak if granted clemency. The Wile E. Coyote Theory: A lengthy segment with caller Dave comparing the Trump administration to Wile E. Coyote and the "First Church of the Holy Roadrunner". Elmo's Verdict: A lighthearted note that Elmo tweeted support for Bad Bunny, calling him "Good Bunny".

"Hello and welcome! I'm Jonathan Gouthier, a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut and host of the Faith First Podcast. Do you know you are fearfully and wonderfully made just as God intended you to be? Scripture speaks to us about life. How it is sacred from cradle to eternity. That's what today's message by our Lead Pastor Steven Darr is all about So, let's listen in…In this episode, you'll discover:Why is life so valuable to God and to usHow do Jesus' teachings reinforce the value of human lifeWhat obstacles devalue human lifeHow the strategy of Satan is to distort what God has said about your lifeDespite eternal truths, we see the value of life diminished in various ways within our society. Each year, millions of lives are lost, lives that God Himself has intricately woven together in the womb. This rejection of the sanctity of life grieves the heart of our Creator and ought to grieve our hearts. If you've been listening to the Faith First Podcast for a while, we thank you. If this is your first time, we invite you to click the subscribe button below. This will send you a notification of when the next episode is launched. And until next time, drink in the living water that restores your soul faith first.

In her sermon "Love at the Center," Rev. Beth Dana reflects on the meaning of unconditional love through the story of Hosea Ballou, a child who learned that he was loved even when he was muddy, curious, and imperfect. That early lesson shaped his belief that God's love must be wide enough for everyone. Rev. Dana invites us to remember that we are already beloved and we should see others the same way, especially in a world that often teaches shame, fear, and exclusion. Love is at the center of Unitarian Universalist faith and shows up in everyday practices like worship, community care, justice work, and self-compassion. The sermon calls us to keep choosing love, to take risks for it, and to let it guide how we live together.

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

Today we continue our sermon series "A Revolution of Kindness." Pastor BJ shares a sermon "A Revolution of Hospitality" referencing Genesis 18:1-8.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

Today we continue our sermon series "A Revolution of Kindness." Pastor Vance shares a sermon "A Revolution of Grace" referencing 1 Peter 4:8-11.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

In a time of violence and division Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter's sermon "Giving Heart" reflects on what it means to keep a giving heart when fear and anger feel overwhelming. Rev. Kanter names the grief and exhaustion many are carrying while affirming a Unitarian Universalist faith that sees this world as sacred and deeply interconnected. We are invited to move beyond tolerance toward genuine inclusion rooted in generosity, joy, and human dignity. This sermon calls for a steady practice of hope and care that resists dehumanization and protects our shared humanity even in the hardest moments.

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

Over the past 10 years, the Lord has shown His favor towards His church. We have seen miracles, baptisms, and so much more! As time progresses, we will continue to strive to be the church of Acts 2:42; devoting ourselves to the teaching of scripture, fellowship, commuion, and prayer! 

Today starts a new sermon series "A Revolution of Kindness." Pastor Vance shares a sermon referencing Ruth 1:1-18.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

In this Holiness Today podcast episode, host Nate Gilmore and regional director Stan Reeder interview Dave Anderson, lead pastor at Kankakee First Church. Anderson shares his testimony of transitioning from a high-powered law career to ministry after wrestling with a divine call for five years. He discusses his experience revitalizing churches in crisis, emphasizing prayer-first leadership and the "power of the text" in preaching. The conversation highlights his commitment to discipling young leaders and his belief in surrendering outcomes to God's "resurrection power".   Lifelong Learning Code: 28473 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning.

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

A Unitarian Universalist Sermon for Martin Luther King Day | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald | 01.18.2026 In his sermon "The Name of Love," Rev. T. J. FitzGerald reflects on on Martin Luther King Jr.'s message for us in troubled times. Drawing from Dr. King's teachings on agape love, nonviolence, and moral courage, this UU sermon explores what it means to live with purpose when fear, injustice, and division feel overwhelming. It looks honestly at the tension between love and resistance and why Dr. King believed real love always carries a cost. King's speech at SMU on March 17, 1966: https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu/mlk/transcripts

This past Sunday was Baptism of the Lord Sunday where we remember our baptisms. Pastor Vance shares a sermon referencing Isaiah 43:1-7.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

Who we are is shaped by each other, even as we long to be our own person. We'll explore the UU value of interdependence and how we balance being ourselves with belonging to each other.

Beyond the Buffet: A Unitarian Universalist Sermon About Pluralism | Return to Who You Are | Rev. Beth Dana In her sermon, "Beyond the Buffet," Rev. Beth Dana explores what it truly means to be Unitarian Universalist in a world of many religions and cultures. Rev. Dana invites us to move past the idea of religion as a pick-and-choose buffet and instead embrace genuine pluralism, deep respect, and real engagement with difference. She also reflects on the other shared Unitarian Universalist values of transformation, justice, equity, interdependence, generosity, and love, and shows how they call us to honor many paths to the sacred without claiming to hold all the answers.

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

Today is Epiphany and the 11th day of Christmas. Pastor Vance shares a sermon referencing Matthew 2:1-12.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

The Fire This Time | Return to Who You Are | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald We begin the year with our annual burning ritual. In honoring the UU value of transformation, we let go of what no longer serves us—making room for new commitments and deeper truths.

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

Christmas reminds us that Jesus often shows up in ways we don't expect. Many of us struggle with faith not because we doubt God's existence, but because He hasn't met the expectations we placed on Him. This message invites us to lay down those expectations and discover who Jesus truly is—and why that changes everything.

Today is the fourth week of the Advent season and Pastor Vance discusses the unexpected guests that arrived at the inn to experience Jesus's birth. In today's sermon he references Luke 2:8-20.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

Merry Christmas, a child is born! Tonight is Christmas Eve and we celebrate the coming Lord through songs and scriptures.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

Is faith alone enough to make you a child of God—or is there more to it? Do you have to do, or not do, certain things? Follow certain laws or traditions? These were hot questions for the early church, and they finally had a summit meeting to hash it out. Everybody who was anybody was there. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

The 25th Annual Christmas Caravan - one hour of Christmas songs and hymns by gospel artists such as the Staple Singers, Gospel Keynotes, First Church of Deliverance Choir, Clark Sisters, Ward Singers, Rev. James Cleveland & Angelic Choir, and others.

Pastor John of First Church explains to us how all the errors and contradictions in the bible actually make him trust it MORE than if it were actually perfect.Cards:What Does "Inerrant" Even Mean?

Today is the third week of the Advent season and we explore "The Face of Faithfulness" a sermon shared by Pastor Vance referencing Matthew 1:18-25.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

The First Church of Aoki | lemonparty 164 The keyboard breaks and the mouse splits in half but Ben pitches his new movie idea while chaos ensues.... Devan goes off on dog reassignment surgery, Jace protects children from the homeless of Los Angeles, Gubba Mud is up to her old homestead eggy tricks, and the boys praise Randy Rainbow in this holiday ep... this week on lemonparty. https://www.lemonparty.life/ https://hellofresh.com/lemon10FM https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LEMON bonus episodes ⁠https://www.patreon.com/lemonparty⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when deconstruction becomes an identity—and woundedness becomes a platform? In this episode of the Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with pastor and writer Tara Beth Leach about the growing online ecosystem where deconstruction is monetized, anger is rewarded, and discipleship is often replaced by endless dismantling. Tara Beth shares why she believes some deconstruction is necessary (especially as faith matures), but warns that deconstruction without reconstruction can become a spiral that forms people in cynicism rather than hope. She describes how churches can respond to cultural crises without becoming “statement churches,” why partisan politics becomes idolatrous, and how practices like liturgy and theology formation can subvert polarization and re-form the Christian imagination. In this conversation, you'll hear about: Why online deconstruction and local church reality are often very different The danger of mistaking deconstruction for discipleship How algorithms reward outrage and shape Christian formation Why Gen Z is often hungry for embodied, communal faith Liturgy and slow formation as a pastoral response in a divided age The difference between charisma and character—and what churches celebrate Supporting women in ministry: why men often “call out” people who look like them Tara Beth's “G.R.E.A.T.” morning prayer practice and her book The Great Morning Revolution   Tara Beth Leach is a pastor, preacher of the Word, and writer. She speaks widely at conferences, retreats, and universities across the country on Women in Ministry, Church Leadership, and the call to be a Radiant Witness. She is the Senior Pastor at Good Shepherd Church in Naperville, IL and previously served at Christ Church in Oakbrook and as Senior Pastor of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena (”PazNaz”) in SoCal. She is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University and Northern Theological Seminary and has authored three books, including Emboldened and Radiant Church. Tara Beth is the co-founder of Propel Ecclesia and is also the co-host of The Pastors Table podcast. She has two beautiful and rambunctious sons and has been married to the love of her life, Jeff, since 2006.   Mentioned Resources:

In this Unitarian Universalist Advent sermon, Rev. Beth Dana invites us into the quiet and often uncomfortable space of waiting. As we light candles and prepare for Christmas, we explore how Advent is less about rushing to joy and more about holding hope in the dark. Through story, tradition, and reflection, this message reminds us that waiting can open our hearts to something new. In a world marked by fear, division, and uncertainty, Advent calls us to break open closed doors and welcome light, peace, and love. This sermon connects the Christmas story to our lives today and encourages us to trust that even when we cannot see it yet, hope is already breaking through.

Sunday evening message from the pulpit of Falls Baptist Church