Galloway UMC ”Living the Word”

ROOTS: Power in the Waiting, part 2 of 6

SERMON SERIES ROOTS -- part 2 of 6 -  Rev. Brandon Halford   This sermon explores the theme of waiting as a season of spiritual formation, drawing parallels between John Wesley's early years of preparation and the disciples' waiting period between Jesus' ascension and Pentecost. Pastor Brandon emphasizes that waiting is not wasted time but rather God's way of deepening our faith, building character, and preparing us for His purposes. Through Wesley's story - from his rescue from a house fire as a child to his years of disciplined religious practice before experiencing true spiritual transformation - we see that God often works in hidden seasons to form us before using us. The disciples similarly had to wait for the Holy Spirit's power rather than rushing into ministry through human strength alone. The sermon challenges the congregation to trust God's timing and recognize that preparation often feels powerless, but God uses these seasons to create dependence on Him rather than on our own abilities.

ROOTS - The Mother of Methodism - part one of six

This Mother's Day sermon explores the profound influence of Susanna Wesley, known as the Mother of Methodism, on the origins of the Methodist movement. The message emphasizes how faith is often formed not in pulpits but in homes, through the quiet, faithful presence of mothers and women of faith. Susanna Wesley, mother of 19 children including John and Charles Wesley, demonstrated remarkable spiritual discipline through daily prayer, individual weekly meetings with each child, and family devotions that grew into community gatherings. Her intentional faith formation and unwavering commitment to personal relationship with Christ became the foundation of Methodist practices like small groups and class meetings. The sermon challenges listeners to recognize that they don't need to stand in a pulpit to change the world - they can shape faith through everyday moments, conversations, and faithful living, just as Susanna did in her ordinary yet extraordinary life.

Baccalaureate Sunday - Remember Who You Are

Rev. Katie Giedd, Student Minister In a world that constantly pressures us to conform, we must remember our true identity as God's chosen people. Peter reminds us that we are a royal priesthood, called to declare God's praises. Paul instructs us not to conform to worldly patterns but to be transformed by renewing our minds. This transformation, like a metamorphosis, changes us from the inside out. While the world tells us our worth comes from grades, social status, or careers, these things should never define our identity. We are called to live countercultural lives, being in the world but not of it. Like Simba in The Lion King, who forgot his royal identity, we sometimes hide from our calling instead of embracing who God has made us to be.

The Shepherd's Voice

Confirmation Sunday -- Rev. Haven Boyd -- "The Shepherd's Voice This sermon explores the importance of recognizing and following the voice of Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd. Using the analogy of Pastor Haven's relationship with his dog Elton, the message illustrates how we learn to recognize voices through relationship and time spent together. Just as sheep know their shepherd's voice, we must learn to distinguish Christ's voice from the many competing voices in our world. The sermon emphasizes that we are shaped by the voices we listen to, and that through spiritual practices such as worship, prayer, scripture reading, and service, we can grow closer to Christ and better discern His voice. The message concludes with a focus on confirmation, in which young people use their own voices to commit to following Christ, while also serving as a reminder for all believers to realign with the voice that brings abundant life.

AWAKENING: Abide, Part Two

Rev. Dr. Raigan Miskelly, Senior Pastor    This sermon explores the restoration of Peter after his denial of Jesus, focusing on the intimate conversation by the charcoal fire where Jesus asks Peter three times 'Do you love me?' Pastor Raigan connects this to Jesus' teaching about being the vine and branches, emphasizing that Christian life is not about trying harder but about staying connected to Christ. The message highlights how union with Christ transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to live an 'awakened life' in divine relationship. Just as Peter was restored and commissioned to feed Jesus' sheep, we are invited into this divine dance of relationship that naturally overflows into blessing others.