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.
The Image of Community
As we journey into summer and the season after Pentecost, we follow the arrival of the Holy Spirit with a celebration of the mysterious Trinity. The idea of the Trinity has surely inspired volumes of works simply to explain its theological concept. It is difficult for us to understand how God can be both infinitely whole and also three completely separate persons (Creator, Christ, Spirit). Perhaps the phrase from John below says it well: “you can’t handle it now.” And…
Sparks of the Spirit
Pentecost Sunday is a long-standing tradition in Christian churches because it is the moment of the arrival of God’s Holy Spirit among the faithful followers. Classical Christian theology affirms God in trinity, and this moment brings completion to the triune presence. Scripture: John 14:8-17, 25-26; Acts 2:1-8, 12-21 (CEB)
Grace in the Gardens
As we conclude our series this week, we find parallel imagery and inspiration in Victor Hugo’s masterpiece alongside the garden’s of sacred text. The bishop who gifts Valjean with silver has a daily practice of walking in a garden. As Valjean raises Cosette, he does so in a home with an unruly garden that he evidently struggles to maintain. Marius and Cosette profess their love to each other in the secrecy of that same garden. Often people associate God with…
Do You Hear the People Sing?
This week we consider the young students to whom Cosette becomes inextricably drawn. These idealists call themselves “Les Amis de l’ABC,” an interesting name that seems to indicate that their voices are raised on behalf of others. Do you hear the people sing? Scripture: Habakkuk 2:9-11; Mark 11:1-11 (CEB)
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…