Sermons by Bob Rhodes (Page 3)

Mary’s Visit with Elizabeth

We continue our Advent series as Mary travels from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, seeking understanding and a trusted place to sort through extraordinary news. Her arrival at Elizabeth’s home leads to a moment of recognition, encouragement, and joy that comes before either woman can fully explain what is happening. This passage invites us to consider the strength that honest companionship can offer and the clarity that can emerge when someone can see what we ourselves are still…

Disappointment, Doubt, and a Dream

We continue our Advent series with Joseph’s story in Matthew 1:18–24, where a painful crossroads meets an unexpected message. Joseph carries disappointment, fear, and a future he can no longer see clearly, yet he chooses a path shaped by compassion and trust. This week we explore how divine guidance can show upin uncertainty. Scripture: Matthew 1:18-24 (NRSVue)

The Annunciation to Mary of Nazareth

We begin our Advent series in an overlooked village in Galilee, where an unexpected message interrupts an ordinary day. Luke’s Gospel invites us to consider Mary’s openness and the quiet ways divine possibility can take shape in the corners of life we often miss. Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 (NRSVue)

Anticipation

We conclude our series, “The Days are Surely Coming,” with “Anticipation.” Jeremiah points to a promised shepherd who leads with wisdom, gathers the scattered, and makes daily life secure. We’ll explore anticipation as a steady way of living—grounded in justice, honest about harm, and ready for the reign of Christ. Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-6 (NRSVue)

Nostalgia

We’re beginning a new three-week series, “The Days are Surely Coming.” This Sunday’s message, “Nostalgia,” explores the pull of the way things were—traditions, spaces, and songs that touch our hearts—and invites us to honor what formed us and open to the future God is shaping among us now. Scripture: Haggai 2:1-9 (CEB)

Humble Faith

We conclude our series “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” with stories of humble faith. In Luke, a tax collector stands apart and prays for mercy. In Matthew, a woman anoints Jesus with oil, offering what she has in love. Both moments reveal generosity that asks for nothing in return. As this season of stewardship draws to a close, we’re reminded that every gift—of time, care, or resource—becomes part of a story that continues through us. Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13 (CEB),…

Whole Faith

We continue our series Standing on the Shoulders of Giants with stories of gratitude and belonging. In Luke, a Samaritan turns back to give thanks after being healed. In Ruth, a family finds new life through ordinary acts of care. Both remind us that faith becomes complete when it is shared — in prayer, in service, and in community that makes room for everyone. Scripture: Ruth 4:9-17 (NRSVue), Luke 17:11-19 (CEB)

Faith to Change

We begin our new series Standing on the Shoulders of Giants by remembering the faith of those who came before us. Their presence built a community that continues today. In Luke 17, the disciples plead for more faith, uncertain if they have enough to follow. Jesus answers that even faith as small as a mustard seed can change everything. Paired with Deuteronomy’s call to teach faith in daily life, we hear an invitation to presence: to keep showing up, trusting…

Trust

We conclude our “Call & Response” series with trust. After spending time with wonder, integrity, and lament, we turn to a psalm that points to the steady presence of God. Psalm 91 speaks to those who know fear and uncertainty, offering language of shelter and care. Trust grows from that divine relationship, shaped by prayer and strengthened by presence. Scripture: Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 (NRSVue)

Lament

We continue our Call & Response series by turning toward the honest expression of sorrow, grief, and lament. Some of this comes from the ways we fall short. Some comes from the pain we carry or the suffering we see around us. Psalm 79 gives voice to what’s hard to say out loud, and reminds us that staying close to God doesn’t require having everything figured out. Scripture: Psalm 79:1-9 (NRSVue)

Integrity

We continue our Call & Response series with a question many of us ask without saying it out loud: does faith really shape how we live? Psalm 14 names a world where people say one thing and do another, where words about God are easy but action is rare. This week we sit with that tension and listen for what it means to live with integrity. Scripture: Psalm 14 (NRSVue)