I’m Fixed Upon It
Peter gets it right—then immediately gets it wrong. In Matthew 16:21–23, Peter declares Jesus is the Messiah, but when Jesus speaks about suffering and death, Peter rebukes him. Jesus responds, “Get behind me, Satan,” exposing the tension between human expectations and God’s mission.
Pastor Paula explores how we, like Peter, often think in human terms—seeking power, safety, and control—while Jesus calls us to trust God’s bigger story. The good news? The sentence does not end with suffering. On the third day, Jesus was raised.
Peter gets it right—then immediately gets it wrong. In Matthew 16:21–23, Peter declares Jesus is the Messiah, but when Jesus speaks about suffering and death, Peter rebukes him. Jesus responds, “Get behind me, Satan,” exposing the tension between human expectations and God’s mission.
Pastor Paula explores how we, like Peter, often think in human terms—seeking power, safety, and control—while Jesus calls us to trust God’s bigger story. The good news? The sentence does not end with suffering. On the third day, Jesus was raised.
Who Even Is Jesus
When Jesus asked his disciples that question, many compared him to prophets from the past. But Peter saw something more: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In this sermon from Matthew 16, we explore what Peter recognized—and how Jesus continues to challenge our expectations about power, mercy, and the way God works in the world.
When Jesus asked his disciples that question, many compared him to prophets from the past. But Peter saw something more: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In this sermon from Matthew 16, we explore what Peter recognized—and how Jesus continues to challenge our expectations about power, mercy, and the way God works in the world.
Rescue Me From Danger
Rescue Me from Danger
(Matthew 14:22–33)
Will Jesus keep us safe? In a world that feels unstable — financially, politically, personally — it’s a question many of us carry. In this message, we turn to Peter and the story of walking on water to explore what “safety” really means.
Peter steps out of the boat not because the storm has stopped, but because Jesus is there. When he begins to sink, his simple prayer — “Lord, rescue me” — becomes a model for all of us.
This sermon invites us to reconsider what we mean by safe. Not comfort. Not control. Not the absence of storms. But the presence of Christ in the middle of them.
Rescue Me from Danger
(Matthew 14:22–33)
Will Jesus keep us safe? In a world that feels unstable — financially, politically, personally — it’s a question many of us carry. In this message, we turn to Peter and the story of walking on water to explore what “safety” really means.
Peter steps out of the boat not because the storm has stopped, but because Jesus is there. When he begins to sink, his simple prayer — “Lord, rescue me” — becomes a model for all of us.
This sermon invites us to reconsider what we mean by safe. Not comfort. Not control. Not the absence of storms. But the presence of Christ in the middle of them.
Jesus sought me
Can you trust Jesus?
In this first Sunday of Lent, we ask Peter. Before he is the rock of the church, he is Simon the fisherman — tired, taxed, and washing empty nets. Jesus steps into his ordinary life, fills his nets beyond measure, and when Simon falls in fear, does not step back.
“Do not be afraid.”
This sermon explores how Jesus seeks us in empty nets and full ones, and how trust begins with one small response: “Because you say so.”
Can you trust Jesus?
In this first Sunday of Lent, we ask Peter. Before he is the rock of the church, he is Simon the fisherman — tired, taxed, and washing empty nets. Jesus steps into his ordinary life, fills his nets beyond measure, and when Simon falls in fear, does not step back.
This sermon explores how Jesus seeks us in empty nets and full ones, and how Peter’s trust began with one small response: “Because you say so.”
Tune My Heart
On Ash Wednesday, we begin Lent by asking a simple but searching question: Am I in tune with the pitch?
Drawing from Psalm 51, this sermon explores how drift happens gradually—through small compromises, unchecked desire, and silence where truth should speak. When David is confronted by Nathan, he finally hears how far off he has become and prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
Like musicians tuning before the music begins, Lent invites us to pause, listen, and realign our hearts with God’s grace. Through a simple daily breath prayer, we practice making space and releasing what weighs us down—trusting that the God who creates can create again in us.
This week’s Breath Prayers.
On Ash Wednesday, we begin Lent by asking a simple but searching question: Am I in tune with the pitch?
Drawing from Psalm 51, this sermon explores how drift happens gradually—through small compromises, unchecked desire, and silence where truth should speak. When David is confronted by Nathan, he finally hears how far off he has become and prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
Like musicians tuning before the music begins, Lent invites us to pause, listen, and realign our hearts with God’s grace. Through a simple daily breath prayer, we practice making space and releasing what weighs us down—trusting that the God who creates can create again in us.
Becoming
Acts 2:42–47; 2 Corinthians 3:17–18
We live in a time when everyone is certain. But certainty is not the same as discernment.
In this final sermon of the series on hearing God’s call, we explore Paul’s words about the veil that can cloud our vision—and the promise that whenever we turn to the Lord, the veil is lifted. Discernment isn’t about being right. It is about being transformed into Christ’s image.
Acts 2 gives us a glimpse of what that transformation looks like: a community devoted to God and to one another, marked by generosity, shared life, and glad hearts. As we prepare to enter Lent, we are invited to turn again—not toward argument, but toward communion.
(Acts 2:42–47; 2 Corinthians 3:17–18)
We live in a time when everyone is certain. But certainty is not the same as discernment.
In this final sermon of the series on hearing God’s call, we explore Paul’s words about the veil that can cloud our vision—and the promise that whenever we turn to the Lord, the veil is lifted. Discernment isn’t about being right. It is about being transformed into Christ’s image.
Acts 2 gives us a glimpse of what that transformation looks like: a community devoted to God and to one another, marked by generosity, shared life, and glad hearts. As we prepare to enter Lent, we are invited to turn again—not toward argument, but toward communion.
The moment God calls your name
Pastor Paula Dallas explores the call of God through the story of Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–15). Saul believed he was serving God, yet his life was redirected when Christ met him and revealed a new purpose. His transformation shows that God can use every part of a person’s story—strengths, failures, and experiences—for the sake of the gospel.
Drawing connections to figures like Rosa Parks and McKendree’s own BJ Griffith, the message emphasizes that God’s call is not reserved for a few extraordinary people. Ordinary lives, lived in faith and obedience, can shape communities and change the world. Each person is called by God and equipped with gifts that matter. When God calls, get up and go.
Sermon Handout
Prayer Walk Handout
Pastor Paula Dallas explores the call of God through the story of Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–15). Saul believed he was serving God, yet his life was redirected when Christ met him and revealed a new purpose. His transformation shows that God can use every part of a person’s story—strengths, failures, and experiences—for the sake of the gospel.
Drawing connections to figures like Rosa Parks and McKendree’s own BJ Griffith, the message emphasizes that God’s call is not reserved for a few extraordinary people. Ordinary lives, lived in faith and obedience, can shape communities and change the world. Each person is called by God and equipped with gifts that matter. When God calls, get up and go.
Sermon Handout
Prayer Walk Handout
Everyone has a part to play
Discerning God’s will isn’t about certainty. It’s about relationship. Drawing on 1 John 4, this sermon explores how discernment grows over time and how love for people, not fear, is the guide that helps us recognize God’s voice.
Pentecost reminds us that the Spirit is poured out on everyone—no one is left out. This sermon reflects on spiritual gifts as part of discernment, asking not what gifts we have, but how love takes shape through them. With scripture, lived examples, and wisdom from Trevor Hudson, we are invited to notice what God has already placed in our hands and how those gifts might build up others.
Sermon Handout Page 1
Sermon Handout Page 2
Prayer Walk Handout
When Love Is the Test
Discerning God’s will isn’t about certainty. It’s about relationship. Drawing on 1 John 4, this sermon explores how discernment grows over time and how love for people, not fear, is the guide that helps us recognize God’s voice.
Discerning God’s will isn’t about certainty. It’s about relationship. Drawing on 1 John 4, this sermon explores how discernment grows over time and how love for people, not fear, is the guide that helps us recognize God’s voice.
Sermon Handout
Prayer Walk Handout
Listening for the Heart of God
What we believe about God shapes everything—how we listen, how we love, and whether others can hear good news through us. In this sermon on Acts 2:4–13, we explore how Pentecost is less about extraordinary gifts and more about transformed hearts. When God’s love becomes relationship rather than idea, it becomes audible to the world.
What we believe about God shapes everything—how we listen, how we love, and whether others can hear good news through us. In this sermon on Acts 2:4–13, we explore how Pentecost is less about extraordinary gifts and more about transformed hearts. When God’s love becomes relationship rather than idea, it becomes audible to the world.
Sermon Handout
Prayer Walk Handout
God Names and Claims Us
This sermon explores Jesus’ baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit as signs of God’s deep desire to be with us. Pastor Cyndi reflects on baptism as God’s declaration of love—not something we earn—and on prayer as a turning toward God in trust. As part of a series on discerning God’s call, the message invites listeners to return to the water, remember who they are, and listen for God’s presence.
Matthew 3:13-17
Acts 2:1-4 CEB
This sermon explores Jesus’ baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit as signs of God’s deep desire to be with us. Pastor Cyndi reflects on baptism as God’s declaration of love—not something we earn—and on prayer as a turning toward God in trust. As part of a series on discerning God’s call, the message invites listeners to return to the water, remember who they are, and listen for God’s presence.
Matthew 3:13-17
Acts 2:1-4 CEB
Sermon Handout
Prayer Walk Handout
Good News! God has a unique calling for you
In this introduction to the series, we begin with what scripture says (and doesn't say) about whether each person has a unique call.
Recommended reading:
In Search of God’s Will by Trevor Hudson
Handout for week 1: includes notes from the sermon, a summary of Chapter 1, and a listening exercise from Chapter 1.
Too often people wonder whether God has a unique and personal call for them. And if so, how do we discern God’s call? Over the coming weeks, we will use Scripture and Trevor Hudson’s book, In Search of God’s Will, to listen for God’s call—together, prayerfully, and with active participation.
We begin with what scripture says (and doesn't say) about whether each person has a unique call.
The handout for week 1 includes notes from the sermon, Chapter 1 of the book, and include a listening exercise from Chapter 1.
December 22: Life For The World
Luke 1:39-55
Mary’s song, “Magnificat” proclaims God’s justice and mercy for all generations. In storytelling and reflection, Pastor Cyndi connects Mary’s journey to Elizabeth with the songs of Miriam, Hannah, and Isaiah, highlighting Mary’s trust in God’s promises and her role in bringing life to the world. Join us as we consider how Mary’s song invites us to sing boldly and live as bearers of God’s justice, hope, and love.
Luke 1:39-55
Mary’s song, “Magnificat” proclaims God’s justice and mercy for all generations. In storytelling and reflection, Pastor Cyndi connects Mary’s journey to Elizabeth with the songs of Miriam, Hannah, and Isaiah, highlighting Mary’s trust in God’s promises and her role in bringing life to the world. Join us as we consider how Mary’s song invites us to sing boldly and live as bearers of God’s justice, hope, and love.
December 15: Hope For The World
Hope for the World
What does Isaiah’s vision of Jubilee have to do with hopeless places—and maybe even a Jeep that wouldn’t run? This week, we’ll journey through ancient promises and unexpected grace, discovering how God’s good news reaches the low places in every life.
What does Isaiah’s vision of Jubilee have to do with hopeless places—and maybe even a Jeep that wouldn’t run? This week, we’ll journey through ancient promises and unexpected grace, discovering how God’s good news reaches the low places in every life.
December 1: Faith For The World
December 1: Faith For The World
This Sunday, we begin our Advent journey with the story of Daniel, a faithful servant of God living in exile. Daniel’s daily practices, like praying three times a day, remind us that faith is not just personal—it shapes how we live and influences the world around us. In a culture that often opposed his beliefs, Daniel’s unwavering commitment to God became a witness to kings and empires, showing that small acts of faithfulness can have a global impact.
Join us as we explore how our own faith, lived out in daily actions, can reflect God’s light for the world. Together, we’ll consider how we can prepare our hearts and lives this Advent season to make room for Christ and share hope with others. There’s a place for you as we discover what it means to live "Faith for the World."
This Sunday, we begin our Advent journey with the story of Daniel, a faithful servant of God living in exile. Daniel’s daily practices, like praying three times a day, remind us that faith is not just personal—it shapes how we live and influences the world around us. In a culture that often opposed his beliefs, Daniel’s unwavering commitment to God became a witness to kings and empires, showing that small acts of faithfulness can have a global impact.
Join us as we explore how our own faith, lived out in daily actions, can reflect God’s light for the world. Together, we’ll consider how we can prepare our hearts and lives this Advent season to make room for Christ and share hope with others. There’s a place for you as we discover what it means to live "Faith for the World."
November 24: It Will Be Different
Giving people a law and making covenant wasn’t enough to bring the change God wants. Pastor Paula explores the promise made to Jeremiah of a new covenant, one written on hearts instead of stone tablets or scrolls.
Giving people a law and making covenant wasn’t enough to bring the change God wants. Pastor Paula explores the promise made to Jeremiah of a new covenant, one written on hearts instead of stone tablets or scrolls.
November 17: God is still sending prophets
As we continue exploring the Old Testament, we see God calling imperfect people into partnership. From Moses to Hannah to Jonah, God invites individuals into the holy work of co-creating a future shaped by justice and mercy. Isaiah’s story reminds us that God’s call is not reserved for the perfect but for the willing and that God is still sending prophets.
As we continue exploring the Old Testament, we see God calling imperfect people into partnership. From Moses to Hannah to Jonah, God invites individuals into the holy work of co-creating a future shaped by justice and mercy. Isaiah’s story reminds us that God’s call is not reserved for the perfect but for the willing and that God is still sending prophets.
November 10: Choose Your Own Adventure
In “Choose Your Own Adventure,” we explore the choices that shape our journey as disciples, focusing on Jonah’s struggle with God’s expansive mercy. Jonah stands at a crossroads, confronted with God’s call to love beyond his comfort zone by extending grace to Nineveh—those he least expected or wanted to help. Throughout the Old Testament, we’ve seen God’s covenant widen and invite more people in, with each choice deepening the relationship between God and God’s people. Jonah’s story leaves us with a question: Will we embrace a faith that stretches us beyond what feels comfortable, making choices that open our hearts to love, or will we remain closed off, content within our limits? Just as Jonah’s story is left open-ended, so is our choice to respond to God’s invitation to live, grow, and serve by grace.
In “Choose Your Own Adventure,” we explore the choices that shape our journey as disciples, focusing on Jonah’s struggle with God’s expansive mercy. Jonah stands at a crossroads, confronted with God’s call to love beyond his comfort zone by extending grace to Nineveh—those he least expected or wanted to help. Throughout the Old Testament, we’ve seen God’s covenant widen and invite more people in, with each choice deepening the relationship between God and God’s people. Jonah’s story leaves us with a question: Will we embrace a faith that stretches us beyond what feels comfortable, making choices that open our hearts to love, or will we remain closed off, content within our limits? Just as Jonah’s story is left open-ended, so is our choice to respond to God’s invitation to live, grow, and serve by grace.
November 3: God provides
In this episode, Pastor Paula describes how God provides for Elijah during a time of drought and famine. Who would expect the way God acts in 1 Kings 17:1-16? Paula invites us to trust in God's provision and care for those on the margins.
In this episode, Pastor Paula describes how God provides for Elijah during a time of drought and famine. Who would expect the way God acts in 1 Kings 17:1-16? Paula invites us to trust in God's provision and care for those on the margins.
October 27: A Place for God, a Prayer for Us
2 Samuel 7:1-17 tells the story of David’s desire to build a temple for God, only to learn that God’s plan is far greater. Instead of a structure made of cedar and stone, God promises to establish a lasting dynasty through David’s descendants—a house built from people.
Pastor Cyndi McDonald highlights the connection between worship and service, rooted in the Hebrew word avodah, meaning both. John Wesley’s teaching—“there is no holiness without social holiness”—shows how faith is lived out through acts of love and service. Every act of worship, both inside and outside the sanctuary, contributes to the house God continues to build today.
In this episode, we explore the story of Solomon dedicating the temple in 1 Kings 8, reflecting on how this sacred space symbolizes where heaven meets earth. Building on last week’s theme from 2 Samuel 7, where God promises David a lasting dynasty, we see Solomon fulfill part of that promise by constructing a temple. However, Solomon's prayer reminds us that God cannot be contained by walls—nor can God’s love. We discuss how faith is not just about grand moments but lived out in daily choices and relationships, inviting us to carry God’s love wherever we go and embrace a deeper connection with God and others.