Podcasts about Pentecost

My life was profoundly affected by the example of five American missionaries who died trying to get the Gospel to a Stone Age tribe in Ecuador who had never heard the name of Jesus. They were actually murdered by the tribe that was then known as the Aucas. We now know them as the Waoranis. Amazingly, the wife of one of those missionaries and the sister of another actually went to the tribe that had killed their loved ones to tell them about Jesus. Today, some of the murderers of the missionaries are pastors of the Waorani church. It's an amazing story. I had the unforgettable privilege a few years ago of going to the Ecuadorian jungle to tape a radio program about what happened there. And I met Mincaye, one of the killers, one of the pastors. I learned that those missionary women had difficulty translating the Bible into the native language because this tribe literally had no word for or even concept for "forgive." But the message somehow had gotten through to Mincaye. Here's what he said: "What we did to those missionaries was a terrible thing. But one day soon I will see them in heaven because Jesus has washed our hearts." I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Jesus In Their Language." A spiritual rescuer had come to people to whom the word "forgive" meant nothing. But God's messenger to them did what effective missionaries have always done. She found a way to say it in words the people could understand. You know, we can do no less for the spiritually dying people around us. Obviously, the need to translate Christ's message is hard to miss in a foreign setting where there is a clearly different linguistic language. But the need to translate the Jesus-story is easy to miss when our neighbors and friends speak that same linguistic language we do, but they speak a different cultural language. The words of our Christian "tribe" simply have no meaning, or the wrong meaning, to the lost "tribe" next to us. Many lost people assigned to us by God have no better understanding of "born again," or "saved," or "accepting Christ," or "sin" than Mincaye did of "forgive." In our word for today from the Word of God, we discover one big reason thousands of people from all over the world came to Jesus in the first outreach ever held by the Christian Church. It was Jerusalem, it was Pentecost, and according to Acts 2:6, "Each one heard them (that is the apostles) speaking in his own language." Now that was a special miracle from God, but it underscores that people must hear Christ's message in a language they can understand, which our church language - which I call Christianese - is not. Maybe you've been transmitting the Good News about Jesus and getting little or no response. Could it be they're stumbling over your vocabulary? You can't just transmit the Good News; you have to translate it into everyday, non-religious words. In Jesus' parable of the four soils, three of which produced little or no good harvest, we see the major difference between those three soils and the soil that produced great fruit. In each case, Jesus explains that "this is the man who hears the word." But where there was a great harvest, Jesus said, "This is the man who hears the word (and here's the one difference) and understands it" (Matthew 13:23). We've got life-or-death information we have to deliver. We cannot afford to have our lost family and friends miss it because we said it in words they don't understand. It's time to move beyond the comfort of our Christianese to communicate the message people cannot afford to miss. The words we use could be decisive for each of us in our personal rescue mission for Jesus. You're God's missionary where you are. If you make the effort to translate the Good News into the language of the person who needs it, you could be part of a life-giving miracle!

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 72, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Kings 22:1-28, Michael Kurth, First Canticle: 11, New Testament: 1 Corinthians 2:1-13, David Sibley, Second Canticle: 16, Gospel: Matthew 4:18-25, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.

Officiant: Fr. Wiley Ammons, Psalm(s): Psalm 119:73-96, Laura Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Kings 22:1-28, Michael Kurth, First Canticle: 12, New Testament: 1 Corinthians 2:1-13, David Sibley, Second Canticle: 17, Gospel: Matthew 4:18-25, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Laura Ammons, used by permission.

In this message, Pastor James explores the historical significance of the Southern Stairs in Jerusalem and connects it to the sermon delivered by the Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost. He highlights the core truths of Peter's message about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing how they are as relevant today as they were then. Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.comSubscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 61, 62, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Kings 21:17-29, Michael Kurth, First Canticle: 13, New Testament: 1 Corinthians 1:20-31, David Sibley, Second Canticle: 18, Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.

We're kicking off a brand-new revival series on Called For More! Riley and Jack unpack what happened in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit showed up, the Church was born, and 3,000 people gave their lives to Jesus in a single day. From the fire that fell at Pentecost to revivals like the Great Awakenings, Azusa Street, and even Asbury, they show how every move of God points back to that moment. Get ready to see what revival really is, why it matters today, and how God still uses ordinary people to change the world.

Officiant: Fr. Wiley Ammons, Psalm(s): Psalm 68, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Kings 21:17-29, Michael Kurth, First Canticle: 10, New Testament: 1 Corinthians 1:20-31, David Sibley, Second Canticle: 15, Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Laura Ammons, used by permission.

Join us for Day1 Episode 4200, “Insisting on Praise: Reading Psalm 79 Together,” featuring Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church and Rabbi Yael Splansky of Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto, the first Jewish voice ever featured on Day1 in its 80-year history. Byassee preaches “Through not For” and Splansky offers “Insisting on Song: Cracking the Code on Psalm 79.” Together they reflect on devastation, hope, praise, and interfaith friendship through Psalm 79, offering wisdom for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost.

Party Episode! Lectionary Date: September 28, 2025 [16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] It's a party episode: all four of us discuss Amos's scathing critique. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!

Morning lessons: Psalms 45; 1 Kings 8; Hebrews 8.  My heart overflows with a noble song; I will sing my words to the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 61, 62, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Kings 21:17-29, Michael Kurth, First Canticle: 13, New Testament: 1 Corinthians 1:20-31, David Sibley, Second Canticle: 18

Lead Pastor Ashley Mathews preaches from the Gospel of Luke on the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost.

Anna and Matt welcome Andy the Postal Worker to help explain today's attribute: God is Faithful—He always keeps His promises. Kids learn that while people sometimes mess up, God never fails. In Acts 1–2, we see how God kept His promise by sending the Holy Spirit to His people—right on time, in the perfect way. What You'll Learn:

Jacob and Aaron take a look at the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, which are Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, and Luke 16:1-13.

On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the parable of the dishonest manager in Luke's gospel, which they rename it as the parable of the "wiley pastor." The commendable manager uses the absolution – the forgiveness of debt – as generously as he can, in order to gain friends for himself. Likewise, preachers ought to give the absolution as frequently as possible, since it is the best thing in life. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley More from the hosts: John Hoyum Steven Paulson  

Given on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, occurring on the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost.

Acts 2 tells the story of Pentecost - an awe-inspiring event when the Holy Spirit came upon all types of believers, moving His presence from a building into his people. The invitation to faith was and is for everyone, not just those who fit a certain mold. Jesus is not looking for the gifted; He's looking for the obedient.This message is part of our series in the book of Acts, which is like the "part 2" of Luke's writing, capturing the life and ministry of Jesus as it's lived out through his early church.---Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected!Website: http://localchurchgr.orgLocal Church Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgrLocal Church Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgrWeekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLCVisit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expectEvents: http://my.localchurchgr.org/eventsIf you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/giveNeed prayer? Please let us know! - https://localchurchgr.org/care

Send us a textJoin Fr. Aaron & Marissa Burt for this week's episode, in which they consider the readings for Proper 20, the Sunday between 9/11-9/17: Amos 8:4-12; Psalm 138; 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (8-15); Luke 16:1-13.They discuss Amos' prophetic warning against greed & exploitation, Paul's exhortation to prayer, and Jesus' parable of the shrewd manager.Mentioned in the episode:--International Justice Mission--The Justice of Jesus: Reimagining Your Church's Life Together to Pursue Liberation and Wholeness, by: Joash Thomas--The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money is the Root of Racism and How the Church can Create a New Way Forward, by: Malcolm Foley--The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural World of the Bible, by: Michael S. Heiser--Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament, by: Sandra L. Glahn--The Eden Podcast with Bruce FlemingNotes:--Dwell App--Prayers of the People for Pentecost--2019 Book of Common PrayerPentecost: A Day of Power for All People, by: Emilio AlvarezAudio Sermons for Advent AnglicanThe Bible ProjectThe Bible Project video on 1 TimothyThe Bible Project video on Amos1:02 Collect1:44 Amos 8:4-1229:02 Psalm 13838:44 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (8-15)59:58 Luke 16:1-13 Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

Today we continue our study through the book of Acts, with a stop in Acts chapter two. The day of Pentecost has arrived, and with it, the Holy Spirit. Without question this is one of the most significant events in the Bible, as the third member of the Holy Trinity descended upon the early Christian Church. As we will see in today's message, the work of the Holy Spirit began immediately, and the results were quite startling to those who witnessed them.

Fr. Allen Preaching, 14th Sunday after Pentecost, 9-14-25.

Evening lessons: Psalms 44; Zephaniah 1; Matthew 13:1-23. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us what you did in the days of old.

In this first week of the series "The Spirit Filled Church," Pastor Bob explores Acts 2:1-13, discussing the powerful arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the transformative impact of His presence in the lives of believers, and the miraculous ability to communicate God's message across diverse languages, emphasizing the ongoing importance of the Holy Spirit in the Church today.

Morning Prayer for Sunday, September 14, 2025 (The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, or the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity [Proper 19]; Holy Cross Day).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 37:1-18Hebrews 4:14-5:10John 12:23-33⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.

This is Wade's sermon at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI for Pentecost 14C. The lessons are: Hosea 3:1-5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; Luke 15:1-10. We'd love to have you join us at Resurrection for a Sunday service sometime at 9am.  Ss always, if you are enjoying the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, or TuneIn Radio. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.  And, of course, share us with a friend or two! If you'd like to contact us we can be reached at podcast@LetTheBirdFly.com, or visit our website at www.LetTheBirdFly.com. Thanks for listening!

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 24, 29, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Kings 19:8-21, Michael Kurth, First Canticle: 16, New Testament: Acts 5:32-42, Andrew Armond, Second Canticle: 21, Gospel: John 11:45-57, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.

The good news about being lost. A sermon for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost on Luke 15:1-10 by Rev. Justin Morgan Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Officiant: Fr. Wiley Ammons, Psalm(s): Psalm 8, 84, Laura Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Kings 19:8-21, Michael Kurth, First Canticle: 15, New Testament: Acts 5:32-42, Andrew Armond, Second Canticle: 17, Gospel: John 11:45-57, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Laura Ammons, used by permission.

Follow the order of worship below along with streamed service above. Feel free to view the order online or download it here. Live-streamed service available Sundays 9am until 12:30pm CST. If you're traveling or homebound and miss that window, you can email streaming@covenantchicago.org to get a link to the service. Pentecost_091425

Most philosophers and religious leaders throughout history have suggested that contentment is the secret to happiness. And yet, modern research also seems to suggest that $34k/year income is a threshold, and $75k/year is another income threshold for happiness. So which is it? Can we be content without X amount of dollars? Should we be content where we're at and never pursue more money? What can we do with the money we have that will bring greatest joy?Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna

Welcome to Citipointe Church Online. We love that you're joining us for our online experience.Run To Win (Part 1) | Ps Mark RamseySeptember 14th - 10:15am ServiceTo connect with or contact us, visit https://citipointechurch.com/connectTo GIVE online, visit https://citipointechurch.com/givingIf you have made a decision today to follow Jesus, please let us know by filling out the form found here: https://citipointechurch.com/i-have-decided/Citipointe Church exists to unmistakably influence our world for good and for God.

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost; Sermon based on Colossians 1:9-12, Romans 12:1-2, and Proverbs 19:21. Preached at The First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn (https://linktr.ee/firstchurchbrooklyn). Podcast subscription is available at https://cutt.ly/fpcb-sermons or Apple Podcasts (https://apple.c....This item belongs to: audio/first-church-brooklyn-sermons.This item has files of the following types: Archive BitTorrent, Columbia Peaks, Item Tile, Metadata, PNG, Spectrogram, VBR MP3

Morning lessons: Psalms 40; 1 Kings 6; Hebrews 5:11-6:20.  I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined to me, and heard my call.

Evening lessons: Psalms 39, 41; Habakkuk 3; Matthew 12:22-50. I said, “I will take heed to my ways, that I may not offend with my tongue.

Morning lessons: Psalms 42, 43; 1 Kings 7; Hebrews 7.  As the deer pants for the water brooks, so longs my soul for your, O Lord.

By Tom Murray

By Dean Pinter

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 24, 29, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Kings 19:8-21, Michael Kurth, First Canticle: 16, New Testament: Acts 5:32-42, Andrew Armond, Second Canticle: 21

Dear friends in Christ, welcome to this podcast from All Saints Episcopal Church in Portland. All Saints is a loving, welcoming parish serving Southeast Portland for over a century. Our purpose is to celebrate God's love, seek and serve Christ in all persons, and go forth into the world rejoicing in the power of the Spirit!Today, we invite you to join the Very Rev. Andria Skornik as she preaches the gospel, and explores the mysteries of God in our modern world.

Wicker Park Lutheran Church Rev. Carla Thompson Powell September 14, 2025 Listen to Rev. Carla’ sermon here! The post Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.

Matthew 28:16-20Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. We are party deprived. That's the argument Ellen Cushing makes in a wonderful little article in The Atlantic earlier this year. On any given weekend or holiday, only 4% of Americans hosted or attended a social event. Polling shows most people like the idea of parties, but nobody wants to host them. Maybe that sounds familiar.None of this should surprise us. More than any other time in modern history, adults spend less time with friends and more time alone—and we're strangely okay with it. In fact, we often prefer it. Confined to our couches, transfixed by our phones, feeding on the stories our screens serve us. Simply put: we need more parties.And yes, that's part of my response to today's question: is the church a mission center or a social club? This is the second-to-last week of our Asking for a Friend series. And we have covered lots of big topics. But today the question is both what should the church with a capital C—the universal body of Christ across all time and space—be, but also the lowercase c church: Cross of Grace. What are we? A mission center or a social club?Someone was looking at the list of questions a couple weeks ago and began laughing out loud. Oh no, I thought, we made a typo. But then they turned to me and said “who's preaching on the 14th?”. I lied and said I don't know because depending on why they laughed I might have changed it. But this person said well because it'll be the easiest answer of them all. I said “why is that?” and they said because the answer is yes!It is both a mission center and a social club. I'm sure many of you think so, too. But if I had to guess, most would say the church needs to be a mission center:the place that equips, educates, empowers, and then sends out not just people but disciples to share the gospel in word and deed. That's what Jesus commands in the Great Commission: Go, baptize, make disciples.Here at Cross of Grace, that language is familiar. Nearly 25 years ago, when we were just getting started in the school and knocking on doors, we called ourselves a mission center—even without a building. It's also why we call ourselves Partners in Mission, not members. Members join to consume. Think wellness center, country club, or book club. But partners engage to participate. And this mission of sharing the grace of Jesus Christ, with no strings attached, depends on your participation.It just so happens that church is also a social club. And sometimes we feel guilty about that—like fellowship is less important than mission, or just a by-product of “real” church work. But here's the problem: too often we treat mission and worship like consumers. We show up, get what we think we need, and leave. That makes faith transactional—something we “use” to make ourselves better.So maybe the real question is: should mission always come first, and fellowship second? I don't think so. I don't think that's what the Bible shows us, either. Which is why today I want to come to the defense of church as a social club, because fellowship is not secondary. It's essential.Keep in mind, when we talk about church as a mission center or social club, we're talking in metaphors. And metaphors are helpful—they give us new ways of seeing something familiar. But no single metaphor ever tells the whole story. Take the old saying that the church is a “hospital for sinners.” It sounds good, but if we lean on it too hard, church becomes just a place you visit when you're sick, get patched up, and leave until the next problem. Every metaphor has limits. Whether we call the church a hospital, a mission center, a social club, or one of the thousand other metaphors we use. At best, they point us toward the deeper truth: the church is a community of flawed people, gathered by God, given the gift of grace in Jesus Christ.This gift of grace doesn't just forgive us; it transforms us. It places us in relationship with God, and that changes who we are. As Isaiah says, we become a light that reveals the source of our gift, a lens that offers a new way of seeing the world. We become liberators for those held down by oppression. That is what Jesus did, and that becomes our mission too—not because we have to, but because we can't help but share what we ourselves have received.But that kind of work is never easy. It is hard, long, dangerous, and exhausting. Which is why the grace of God doesn't just send us out—it also gathers us in. It gives us each other. Because if we're going to live into this mission for any length of time, we will need fellowship.That's exactly what we see in Acts. After hearing Peter proclaim the grace of Jesus, the people were moved. But notice what they did next: they didn't scatter to form food pantries or community centers. Instead, they devoted themselves to eating and praying together. In just five verses, Acts gives us five reminders of the early church's desire simply to be with one another. Fellowship wasn't an afterthought, and it didn't come after mission. The two rose up together, side by side, as the Spirit's gift to the church.To me, the bigger miracle of Pentecost wasn't that people suddenly spoke in languages they had never learned. The real miracle was that people actually wanted to be with one another. Can you imagine such a thing in the year of our Lord 2025? Fellowship be damned—we'd rather be alone. Or maybe the deeper truth is we don't really know how to be together anymore. And that's exactly why I want to defend the Church—this church—as a social club for this moment in time. Because if we don't know how to be together, then practicing fellowship is the mission. At a time when political violence is rising, when fear of our neighbors is the default, when anxiety and loneliness feel normal—and we're largely okay with that—the work the church is called to right now is fellowship itself.And if you think that's not biblical, Jesus should did spend a lot of time eating and drinking with people… so much so that he was known as a glutton and a drunk. And the people weren't just his disciples, but those who were different from him in every imaginable way.Maybe if we spent more time together, if we ate and drank more together, if we learned how to talk and listen to one another, if we began to see the image of God in each person, we wouldn't feel the need to tear each other apart over political disagreements. I know that's an over simplification, but I also believe it's true. What's really happening at our social gatherings—brew club, Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest, moms' night, or anything else—is that the grace of Jesus Christ is shaping us. It's teaching us to be a people who want to be together.This desire is not soft sentimentality. It's the work of the Spirit: forming in us a determination to care for our neighbors and seek their good, even when they are different, indifferent, or opposed to us. Grace gives us the desire—and the courage—to be in the company of one another. And when we do, we begin to see the face of God in every person, whether a Partner in Mission, a neighbor, a friend, a Democrat, a Republican, a president, pundit, and more.The Church is constantly reforming how we meet the needs of our neighbors and the world around us. Right now that looks like more parties and more fellowship—especially with people who don't look, act, think, believe, or behave like us. Yet, what never changes is what we offer. The church, this church, always offers the grace of Jesus, with no strings attached. We offer it at the font, at the table, through the resources we share, and yes, through the fellowship that binds us together in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Readings: Exodus 32:7-14 | Psalm 51:1-11 | 1 Timothy 1:12-17 | Luke 15:1-10. Preached for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost (2025-09-14).

Reviving My Faith 9-14-25 Pastor Joe Myers

Join Rev. Hannah and Rev. Brittany’s fresh conversation in our series: “What We Really Mean When We Talk About …” This time, the female pastors look back to Genesis 1:2 to discuss the Holy Spirit, which may surprise some Christians, as we often think about the Holy Spirit coming on the scene at Pentecost in the Book of Acts. But the two reverends of First UMC of San Diego argue God’s Spirit is shown throughout the Bible and has been around since the beginning of time. Through this digital Bible study, the pastors talk about the Holy Spirit through a progressive theological lens in these ways: Whether there a difference between “the Spirit of God” and “the Holy Spirit” How the Holy Spirit is everywhere for everyone … not just Christians or humans in general The situation that prompted the ancient Jews to write Genesis What Genesis 1:2 and the Holy Spirit could mean for us today amidst the current chaos of our social climate Why we started and continue to try to contain the Holy Spirit and separate it from God It’s such a rich and interesting conversation but just starts to scratch the surface on everything that could be explored in relation to the Holy Spirit. So, we invite you to continue the conversation by our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: When you hear “Holy Spirit,” what comes to mind? How does Genesis 1:2 help us see the Spirit at work today—in the world and in people’s lives? These words were written in exile, to people who felt hopeless. How might they bring comfort to us when we feel powerless and abandoned? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There is also an optional paid membership that unlocks additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

Join Rev. Hannah and Rev. Brittany’s fresh conversation in our series: “What We Really Mean When We Talk About …” This time, the female pastors look back to Genesis 1:2 to discuss the Holy Spirit, which may surprise some Christians, as we often think about the Holy Spirit coming on the scene at Pentecost in the Book of Acts. But the two reverends of First UMC of San Diego argue God’s Spirit is shown throughout the Bible and has been around since the beginning of time. Through this digital Bible study, the pastors talk about the Holy Spirit through a progressive theological lens in these ways: Whether there a difference between “the Spirit of God” and “the Holy Spirit” How the Holy Spirit is everywhere for everyone … not just Christians or humans in general The situation that prompted the ancient Jews to write Genesis What Genesis 1:2 and the Holy Spirit could mean for us today amidst the current chaos of our social climate Why we started and continue to try to contain the Holy Spirit and separate it from God It’s such a rich and interesting conversation but just starts to scratch the surface on everything that could be explored in relation to the Holy Spirit. So, we invite you to continue the conversation by our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: When you hear “Holy Spirit,” what comes to mind? How does Genesis 1:2 help us see the Spirit at work today—in the world and in people’s lives? These words were written in exile, to people who felt hopeless. How might they bring comfort to us when we feel powerless and abandoned? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There is also an optional paid membership that unlocks additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

Evening Prayer for Saturday, September 13, 2025 (Eve of the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, or the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity [Proper 19]; John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople and Teacher of the Faith, 407).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 38Habakkuk 1Matthew 11⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 55, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Kings 18:41-19:8, Michael Kurth, First Canticle: 12, New Testament: Philippians 3:17-4:7, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Second Canticle: 19, Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.

Officiant: Fr. Wiley Ammons, Psalm(s): Psalm 138, 139, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Kings 18:41-19:8, Michael Kurth, First Canticle: 9, New Testament: Philippians 3:17-4:7, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Second Canticle: 15, Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Laura Ammons, used by permission.

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 55, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Kings 18:41-19:8, Michael Kurth, First Canticle: 12, New Testament: Philippians 3:17-4:7, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Second Canticle: 19

Mike DeSimone | Recorded August 2, 2025