The United Church of Canandaigua

2026-06-14: Torn and Trusting - Rev. Dr. Wade Allen

Facing an uncertain future in prison, Paul models what it looks like to trust God when you don't know how things will turn out. This sermon explores the tension Paul holds between his own desires and God's purposes, calling the congregation to place Christ at the center of life and hold everything else with open hands.

2026-06-07: Chains and Conductors - Rev. Dr. Wade Allen

Paul writes from prison not with bitterness but with joy, because his chains have only served to advance the gospel. This sermon explores how God uses our most difficult circumstances as conductors of his power, and calls us to the same gospel-centered freedom Paul modeled.

2026-05-31: 155 Years and Counting - Rev. Dr. Wade Allen

Paul's opening to the Philippians is a letter of deep affection and confidence, not in circumstances, but in the God who finishes what he begins. This sermon launches our summer series through Philippians by grounding us in partnership, joy, and Paul's prayer that our love would abound more and more in wisdom and bear fruit through Jesus Christ.

2026-05-24: Sent and Equipped - Rev. Dr. Wade Allen

On Pentecost Sunday we conclude our journey through the Gospel of John. Jesus appears to his frightened disciples on Easter evening, breathing on them and commissioning them as a sent people empowered by the Holy Spirit. John's Pentecost story connects the breath of new creation in Genesis and Ezekiel to the mission Jesus gives his followers. As we close this series, the congregation will be invited to consider whether they are living as sent and equipped people, carrying the message of forgiveness to a world that needs to hear it.

2026-05-17: The Prayer Before the Cross - Rev. Dr. Wade Allen

On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus prays an intimate prayer that pulls together everything John has been showing us since chapter 1. We will explore how Jesus defines eternal life not as a destination but as a relationship with God that begins right now. Come ready to hear the invitation that is on every page of John's Gospel and discover that his prayer on the night before the cross was prayed for you.