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.
Heart of the Matter
This Sunday we will focus on the lectionary text from Mark 7, which covers the conversation between Jesus and some Pharisees and legal experts. Although it is easy to glance over this text and jump to a conclusion that Jesus is condemning the religious practices held by the Pharisees and legal experts, a closer look at Jesus’ response will help us understand that what he is mainly concerned with is the intention of their hearts. Technical note: We experienced ongoing…
Personal Protective Equipment
This Sunday’s lectionary text is one that has been preached a number of times, and those with church backgrounds have likely heard this scripture directly or at least allusions to its imagery. Images of breastplates and helmets likely have limited impact for us, but perhaps we are familiar with other ways of wearing barriers to protect ourselves. Technical note: We experienced unexpected difficulties with this week’s audio. We apologize for this challenge to this week’s Worship service. Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20…
Treasured
This Sunday we celebrate VBS Sunday, a sharing of the message and joy of the week of Vacation Bible School we have enjoyed with children in our community. This year’s theme has been Treasured, where we are reminded that we are treasured by God, and that God’s love is a precious treasure to us! Scripture: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 (CEB)
Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?
This final question in the series may be the most asked, and is certainly the most common question I am asked when people want to push or challenge me on my religiosity. I am convinced that even the most faithful people have asked this question. Some come to find peace and some wrestle throughout their lives. For me, there is no simple answer. And so I hope that our exploration offers the spark of ongoing discovery of God’s presence in…
How Does Science Relate to Faith?
This Sunday’s question addresses a topic long debated among scientists, theologians, philosophers, and more. The Church’s history is inconsistent in terms of how scientific theories have been viewed, and many wrestle even today with this question. With a background in molecular biology, Pastor Derek addresses this important question reminding us that science and faith are not necessarily incompatible with one another. Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5, 9-13, 20-21, 24-27; 2:4-9, 18-22 (NRSV)
How Do We Face Evil & Injustice?
We are nearing the end of this season of questions with just a few weeks to go. This week’s question comes from an LJUMC member who asks about our responsibility in standing up to bullies and bigots. As a spiritual community of faithful Christians, we might see this as our duty. We may also acknowledge that it is difficult to stand up to wrongdoing… Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20 (CEB)
What’s the Household of God?
This week’s topic in our “Questions That Matter” series is inspired by the Epistle reading from our Revised Common Lectionary. Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus tells his readers that they “are fellow citizens with God’s people…” who “belong to God’s household.” If your household is like mine, sometimes there is disagreement or even argument. This seems to be the case for Paul’s readers as he invites them into reconciliation with one another as one body in God’s household.…
Is Heaven Real?
Continuing our Questions That Matter series, we turn to a question that was asked in more than one form and has thus been synthesized into this: Is Heaven real? Our concept of eternal life is deeply rooted in sacred text, and I suggest it is intended to bring hope. But sometimes it is used to exclude. In this week’s message, we will consider the idea of eternal life, heaven, and who it’s for… Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23 (CEB)
What’s So Important About Community?
This week we continue our “Questions That Matter” series with a question about community. This is deeply connected to our festivities this Sunday as we gather together to celebrate Independence Day. We will connect in an important way! I suggest that this kind of connection carries emotional and spiritual importance for us all. Scripture: Romans 12:1-8 (CEB)
Why Should I Give to the Church?
As we continue our “Questions That Matter” series, we turn to the matter of giving to the church. It seems as though there are many requests for money for worthy causes: natural disasters, public service organizations, educational institutions, and many more. Why should we give to the church too? Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 (CEB)
What Does it Mean to be CALLED by God?
Our “Questions That Matter” series continues with a question about God’s call from our own Rev. John Fanestil, who experienced his unique call nurtured in the spiritual family of La Jolla UMC! Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38 (CEB)
Why Is the Bible Like That?
Our “Questions That Matter” series continues with a question from Joey, age 8: “How many people wrote the Bible? And why are some stories repeated?” Great questions, Joey! We’ll take a crash course in why the Bible is the way it is, and how interpretation matters. We’re glad to have you with us as we attempt to answer. Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-25 (CEB)