Sermons at McKendree UMC
Sermons that deepen our relationship with God, build relationships with one another, and inspire and strengthen us to show love to neighbors.
The Bible is more than a collection of ancient stories—it's a series of writings shaped by many different authors over centuries. Some of these books, like the Psalms, are compilations meant for worship and prayer. Others are letters that the authors never imagined would be read as sacred scripture. This sermon series will explore how these diverse writings connect to tell a unified story of faith.
We begin with creation, travel through narratives of a people bound by divine promises, navigate through wilderness, settle into a promised land, suffer profound losses, and celebrate the hope brought by a child in Bethlehem at Christmas. Throughout this journey, we’ll ask key questions: What do these stories reveal about God and humanity? How do they inform our relationships with God and each other? Join us as we explore these narratives and uncover the connecting threads of faith, redemption, and hope.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 of Living in God's Story, we dive into the powerful story of Hannah from 1 Samuel 1. Hannah's raw, heartfelt prayer in the face of deep grief and misunderstanding reminds us of the boldness and vulnerability that true faith requires. We explore how her story connects to God’s larger plan for Israel and for us today, offering a model of persistence in prayer and trust in God’s promises. Join us as we reflect on what it means to pray like it matters, to live out our prayers, and to be part of how God is acting in the world.
Study Guide
In this week's sermon, Pastor Cyndi dives into the story of the golden calf from Exodus 32-33, exploring how impatience and distractions lead us away from God. Drawing from the journey of the Israelites, we reflect on modern-day idols and the importance of spiritual disciplines like prayer and waiting. Discover how God invites us into a deeper relationship and transformation, even in times of uncertainty. We end with a practical prayer, “Help me want to love you, God. Help me want to love my neighbors,” as we seek to reframe waiting as a spiritual practice that draws us closer to God’s presence.
Previous Sermon Series
I Needed That
In this series, we take a deep dive into favorite scripture passages selected by members of the congregation. What scriptures do McKendree UMC folks turn to in times of struggle, carry in their pocket, or post on a bathroom mirror?
Growing Up in a Time of Conflict, Change, and Uncertainty...
The Acts church had no idea of the change God was bringing or the resistance and sabotage they would face. We'll learn from the early church, as they must quickly grow up as a church and as disciples. The world is still a place of conflict, change, and anxiety, so the scriptures are practical and meaningful.
Pastor Cyndi leads a related Zoom study, on Sundays at 7 pm, based on Everyone Loves a Non-Anxious Presence: Calm Down, Grow Up, and Live Your Best Life. If interested, email the church office and receive the Zoom link and class materials (info@mckendreeumc.org).
Get your groove on, as together we explore some of the Greatest’s Hits in Matthew’s Gospel. We’ll flow with the love of the Greatest Commandment, move with the mission of the Great Commission, and groove in the grace of Jesus' yoke. It's all part of the harmony of a life lived in rhythm with divine purpose.
Our relationship with God is closely related to our relationship with other people. Jesus said the Greatest Command has two parts: Love God and love your neighbors. During the 40-day season of Lent, we will consider the forgiveness we need to accept and to give.
Jesus and the Games People Play
In life and relationships, people engage in various kinds of games. While he didn't use words like monopoly or battleship, Jesus talked about some of these games in the Sermon on the Mount. This series will help you understand the good life God wants for us.
When John baptizes at the Jordan River, he calls those who show up to repent, change their hearts (intentions). God wants more than sorry.
As we begin the New Year in the Gospel of Matthew, we look at what makes this gospel unique (as well as the game Herod plays).
Advent 2023
In a world ruled by Herod and the Romans, poverty and destitution were widespread. But it was in this bleak world that Christ was born, bringing good news of great joy. This season, we can find joy in Luke’s gospel, even in times of fear or grief, as our joy is rooted in the truth that we belong to God.
Remember, you are part of God’s story. There is joy to be found, even if you are weary.
Click sermon title below to listen online
Pastor Paula Dallas.
The Gospel story begins with two people, Zechariah and Elizabeth, who had reason to be weary.
Fall 2023 ThanksLiving
Paul wrote to the church in Colossae out of concern. He had received news that teachers were saying Jesus was not enough. It was critical the church understand that Jesus is our best revelation of God. What we think about Jesus impacts every aspect of life.
Devotions for Week 1 (October 15)
Devotions for Week 2 (October 22)
Devotions for Week 3 (October 29)
Devotions for Week 4 (November 5)
Devotions for Week 5 (November 12)
Narrative Budget (November 19)
Coming November 19:
Colossians 4:7-18 Everyone Says Hello
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Pastor Cyndi McDonald Colossians 4:2-6
Paul opens his letter to Colossae by describing his prayers for them, prayers that they will grow to live lives worthy of the grace they have received. Giving thanks is part of this process. But now, as the letter ends, he asks them to pray for him. They have a role to play in God’s story.
November 12, 2023
The life God wants us to put on in Colossians 3:12-17 seems so perfect. How do we allow God to bring about these changes within us?
Colossians 2:6-7 Pastor Cyndi McDonald
We continue to give thanks, because this practice and habit is part of how God is shaping us so that we are better able to live out God’s commands to love God and love our neighbors as ourself.
Colossians 1:15-24 Pastor Cyndi McDonald
Trusting God deeply is crucial to living an abundant life. However, having a wrong image of God can hinder this. For instance, if you perceive God as distant and uncaring, you may blame God when things go wrong or turn away under the assumption that God doesn’t care.
So, what is the proper understanding of God? The best image of God is revealed through Jesus. Paul suspected that the Colossae depended on the law rather than on Christ and striving for spiritual growth in harmful ways due to a dysfunctional image of God. He taught them a hymn they could sing to remind them of what God is really like.
Colossians 1:15-20 Dr. Dominic Lele
In his letter to Colossian Christians, Paul describes Jesus as revealing the Image of God. This image helps us to understand more about God, and how people are created to be.
Colossians 1:1-14
Pastor Paula Dallas introduces us to the setting for the book of Colossians. In his letter to Colossae, Paul addresses the question of identity. They are God’s holy people, faithful in Christ and loving. Faith and love are nourished by the hope they found in the gospel. Yet there is pressure on this church to keep hope. How can we be a people of hope and thanksgiving when it seems all is lost?
Previous Sermon Series
The Apostles Creed
