I’m Not Stuck Unless I Stop | Think Again: Faith, Depression, and a Way Forward
What do you do when you feel stuck, discouraged, or convinced that nothing you do will make a difference?
In this first sermon of the Think Again series, we explore learned helplessness, Romans 12:2, and Jesus’ encounter with the man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5. Pastor Cyndi shares part of her own experience with depression and the way disappointment, comparison, and repeated setbacks can narrow what we are able to see.
#ThinkAgain #DepressionAndFaith #ChristianSermon #RenewYourMind #FaithAndMentalHealth #SpiritualGrowth
What do you do when you feel stuck, discouraged, or convinced that nothing you do will make a difference?
In this first sermon of the Think Again series, we explore learned helplessness, Romans 12:2, and Jesus’ encounter with the man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5. Pastor Cyndi shares part of her own experience with depression and the way disappointment, comparison, and repeated setbacks can narrow what we are able to see.
“I’m not stuck unless I stop” does not mean pushing harder, ignoring grief, or refusing to rest. It means continuing to discern: God, what is your way from here? What is one faithful step I can take?
This message is about renewing our minds, questioning the stories we tell ourselves, and learning to see that one closed way does not have to mean a closed future.
Scripture: Romans 12:2; John 5:1–9
Read this week’s Daily Devotion Guide.
#ThinkAgain #Romans12 #John5 #DepressionAndFaith #ChristianSermon #RenewYourMind #FaithAndMentalHealth #SpiritualGrowth
If these messages have been helpful to you, there’s a place for you in the McKendree community. You can also support this ministry by giving at mckendreeumc.org/give.
Africa Sunday: Making Disciples of All Nations
Jesus tells his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.” On Africa Sunday, Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz challenges the church to take all nations seriously. Drawing from his own multicultural family and ministry in diverse Gwinnett County, he reminds us that every person bears the image of God and that diversity is not an optional church program but part of the gospel’s vision. The nations are already among us. What would it look like to become a church where people of every race, culture, language, and background are not simply welcomed, but valued, seen, included, and given a true place to belong?
Jesus tells his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.” On Africa Sunday, Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz challenges the church to take all nations seriously. Drawing from his own multicultural family and ministry in diverse Gwinnett County, he reminds us that every person bears the image of God and that diversity is not an optional church program but part of the gospel’s vision. The nations are already among us. What would it look like to become a church where people of every race, culture, language, and background are not simply welcomed, but valued, seen, included, and given a true place to belong?
Connecting All Through Christ
Jesus sends the disciples into the world with a promise: “I am with you always.” The church does not exist simply to create connections among people who are already here. Christ sends us to build connections—with neighbors, with people whose lives look different from ours, and with a world God already loves. In this final sermon of the series, we consider what it means for McKendree to be People. Doing life together. Connecting all through Christ.
Jesus sends his disciples into the world with more than a command to make connections. He sends them to make disciples—to carry God’s life-giving, love-giving grace into the world. In this sermon, we explore the final phrase of McKendree’s vision: Connecting all through Christ. Through Christ, people encounter a love that gives life, crosses boundaries, changes us, and sends us to participate in God’s transformation of the world.
Doing Life Together
Jesus told his disciples not only to make disciples, but to teach people to live what he had taught them. Faith takes shape through practices learned in community: worship, prayer, forgiveness, service, generosity, and love. But the group itself is never the destination. In this sermon, we explore how doing life together prepares us to live and speak our faith beyond the walls of the church.
Jesus told his disciples not only to make disciples, but to teach people to live what he had taught them. Faith takes shape through practices learned in community: worship, prayer, forgiveness, service, generosity, and love. But the group itself is never the destination. In this sermon, we explore how doing life together prepares us to live and speak our faith beyond the walls of the church.
People
Jesus entrusted the work of making disciples to eleven ordinary, imperfect people—some of whom still had doubts even as they stood before the risen Christ. In this sermon, we consider what that says about the people God chooses and the people the church is called to become. At McKendree, “People” means there is room for real people, with real stories, questions, gifts, and imperfections, to be part of what God is doing in the world.
Jesus entrusted the work of making disciples to eleven ordinary, imperfect people—some of whom still had doubts even as they stood before the risen Christ. In this sermon, we consider what that says about the people God chooses and the people the church is called to become. At McKendree, “People” means there is room for real people, with real stories, questions, gifts, and imperfections, to be part of what God is doing in the world.
Teach me
When Peter asks Jesus how many times he has to forgive, he is really asking a question most of us carry: when is enough enough? In this sermon, we follow Peter into that tension and discover that Jesus refuses to reduce forgiveness to a number. Instead, he points to a different way of living—one shaped by mercy, honesty, and the kind of community that deals truthfully with hurt. This message holds the weight of real wounds while inviting us to take a next step toward forgiveness that is not about keeping score, but about becoming people who reflect the grace we have received.
When Peter asks Jesus how many times he has to forgive, he is really asking a question most of us carry: when is enough enough? In this sermon, we follow Peter into that tension and discover that Jesus refuses to reduce forgiveness to a number. Instead, he points to a different way of living—one shaped by mercy, honesty, and the kind of community that deals truthfully with hurt. This message holds the weight of real wounds while inviting us to take a next step toward forgiveness that is not about keeping score, but about becoming people who reflect the grace we have received.
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.