Sermons are listed below with the most recent sermons first. Sermons may be browsed by date, books of the Bible, speaker, and more. Check back often for updates.
Hearts Full of Love
As we continue to explore the story of Les Misérables, we come to a story of love that is inserted in the middle of great conflict–the conflict of Valjean’s ongoing escape and the conflict brewing between Les Amis and local authorities. In the midst of this darkness, a spark of love erupts. Scripture: John 15:9-17 (CEB)
There Was a Time…
This week we continue our Worship series titled The Grace of Les Misérables, based on the book by the same title by Rev. Matt Rawle. This week we look at the life and struggles of Fantine, a woman who fell in love before finding herself a single mother. Fantine faced unimaginable choices and terrifying realities, and throughout this, is continually judged and continually dehumanized. Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46 (CEB)
Fallen?
As we continue our Worship series on Les Misérables, we turn our attention from Jean Valjean to Javert, the police inspector whose rigid sense of justice conflicts with Valjean’s expression of compassionate grace. Scripture: Matthew 5:38-39 (CEB)
Escape Into Grace
This week we begin Eastertide and a new Worship series titled The Grace of Les Misérables, based on the book by the same title by Rev. Matt Rawle. This opening week of the series, we focus on the main character, Jean Valjean, who moves physically and spiritually from imprisonment to grace. Scripture: Luke 6:32-38 (CEB)
From Darkness to Light
Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Each year, Easter Sunday is the culmination of a season of introspection and spiritual discovery, an emerging from a time of authentic introspection to a time to celebrate the natural transformation that takes place as a result of such work. We sing hymns and we recognize the newness that is made possible! We celebrate a fuller understanding of new life, especially new life in the risen Jesus! Scripture: Luke 24:1-12, Acts 10:34-43 (CEB)
Good Friday: Were You There?
Technical note: This service was held at Pacific Beach UMC and is reposted here for the convenience of LJUMC community members. Good Friday marks the day when hate and fear did their worst…the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. On this day of grief and sorrow, we will gather with one another, in God’s care, to remember Jesus’ death on a cross. LJUMC joins the good people at Pacific Beach UMC in their sanctuary in prayerful reflection online and in-person for Good…
Maundy Thursday
The Maundy Thursday celebration is traditionally an honoring of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. Told in all four of the Gospels, this tradition celebrates the institution of Holy Communion. In addition, the Gospel of John tells of a new commandment to love one another. The word “maundy” is from the same Latin root of the word commandment. We join together with the people of Pacific Beach UMC for an in-person and online service to confess and be pardoned, to…
Giving Up Popularity
Technical Note: We apologize. Once again, the embedded video has no sound, this time until the 32:55 marker. This Sunday is the traditional celebration of Palm Sunday, and is a peak of celebration in Jesus’ ministry that leads to the valley of death on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Ultimately, we arrive at an even higher peak on Easter Sunday! And we must acknowledge the fullness of this journey—a very real journey for Jesus and those in first-century Jerusalem, and…
Giving Up Being Right
Technical Note: We apologize. The first 10 minutes of the embedded video has no sound. We are blessed with leadership from Rev. Mark Wiley, who has served around the Southern California region including in Santee. Pastor Mark continues our Lenten series with a poignant reminder that we’re not always right–and that’s ok! Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21 (NRSV); John 12:1-8 (CEB)
Giving Up Judgment
A few months ago, we focused our Worship on this same text; and instead of a traditional didactic message, we heard the story through song. For the most part, congregation members were supportive. I confess that I worried it was too out-of-the-box. I worried about judgment. It occurs to me that this is similar to the worry that the prodigal son faced as he wrestled with going back home to his family. I wonder if the father experienced some worry…
Giving Up Expectations
I’ve often found wonderful humor in this familiar phrase: “If you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans.” In our lives, we sometimes have a tendency to build up our expectations on how things are going to turn out with every circumstance. Even so, I find from time to time that God draws something unexpected—and sometimes incredible—out of whatever meager imaginings I may have had. Perhaps you have too… Scripture: Luke 13:1-9 (CEB)
Giving Up Fear
We live in a world that often feels like it’s ruled by fear. There are so many of us fearful of disease and illness, of being judged, of losing abilities or freedoms. Yet so often our scriptures remind us not to be afraid! Scripture: Genesis 15:1-12,17-18; Luke 13:31-35 (CEB)