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.
Parables from the Underside
Two sons – one leaves home, squanders his inheritance, and begs for forgiveness. Another who never left home, didn’t spend his inheritance, and begs for recognition. The younger son needs redemption. The older son needs restoration. How is the oldest son like our LGBT+ siblings, most notably our transgender siblings, who are afraid and hurt, and who are asking the church to recognize them? Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 (CEB)
Simon, Do You See this Woman?
The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Sunday, we continue our series in consideration of the treatment of women. One of the questions Jesus asks the pharisee is: “Do you see this woman?” We all want to be seen and valued, no matter who we are. Scripture: Luke 7:36-50 (CEB)
Lifting Up the Lowly
As we begin exploring the Gospel of Luke, God chooses an old couple who have been infertile and then chooses a very young woman. Both will bring children into the world—and those children will change the world. Scripture: Luke 1:39-55 (CEB)
Super Sunday
This week is Transfiguration Sunday, a significant day for us as we move into Lent. These are a reminder of God’s power and presence, and of how Jesus both fulfills and transcends the laws and the prophets. It must have been an incredible sight! As we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday, let us experience the wonder and joy—and let us do so as we turn our faces toward Lent. Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9 (CEB)
But I Say
As we continue the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus pushes even more overtly against the common cultural practices—practices that remain today. He reminds us that our very thoughts are worthy of our consideration and evaluation. I suggest that what Jesus is getting at is that he wants more from us than a change in behavior. He wants from us and from humanity a change in heart, a change in being. Scripture: Matthew 5:21-37 (NRSVue)
You Are
In today’s text, Jesus asks us to reflect on the power we already have. “You are salt. You are light.” Not, “Do you want to be salt, or do you want to be light?” You already are. You already add flavor to this world. You already shine with a dazzling light. You are already loved and cherished by God. Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20 (CEB)
Not Lacking
Paul’s opening to his first letter to the church in Corinth begins with effusive affirmation. Paul reminds the faithful members of the community that they are good enough, smart enough, and worthy. As the church, we too may need such affirmation, but this doesn’t suggest that our work is done. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Psalm 40:1-3 (CEB)
The Water’s Fine
This first week of our series feels like the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry. John the Baptist has been proclaiming the forgiveness of sins in baptism, and Jesus arrives to be baptized as well. This baptismal tradition continues today, and in the United Methodist tradition we consider this a beginning of a life of faith and spirituality in community. For many of us, this changes us profoundly. Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 (CEB)
Turn, Turn, Turn
Our New Year’s Day service brought a familiar text and music as we begin a new year looking both forward and backward… Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (CEB)
Inconceivable!
We gather for a casual service with many of our in-person participants wearing favorite Christmas garb as we sing Christmas carols and enjoy the La Jolla community of faith! Scripture: Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4 (CEB)
Let the Stable Still Astonish
Our traditional Christmas Eve service is an essential experience with the La Jolla UMC faith community and indeed the surrounding community of La Jolla!. The Christmas story will be told through Scripture and song, and conclude with candle lighting. Scripture: Luke 2:1-7 (CEB)
The Journey of Joy
We place a great deal of value on traditions. Very often there is good reason for tradition! And sometimes it’s helpful to remember what is tradition and what may be behind a tradition. Scripture: Luke 2:22-40 (CEB)