La Jolla Presbyterian Church Sermons

Persistent Faith (Faithfulness) - Sermon for May 31st, 2026

What does it mean to keep trusting God when answers feel delayed? In Luke 18:1–8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow - a woman who continues seeking justice from an unjust judge who neither feared God nor cared about people. Through her persistence, Jesus paints a picture of enduring faith: a faith that keeps praying, trusting, and returning to God even in seasons of uncertainty. Rev. Kiersten Hill’s message, “Persistent Faith,” explores how the fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness takes shape through steady trust, perseverance, and a life continually turned toward God. Join us this Sunday! We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at chadf@ljpres.org to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ. It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Good (Goodness) - Sermon for May 24th, 2026

The fruit of the Spirit takes shape in the way we live and serve others. This Sunday, Rev. Mike Sedgwick will share a message titled “Goodness,” centered on 2 Peter 1:5–8. Peter paints a picture of spiritual growth that is active and ongoing, encouraging us to grow in faith through lives marked by goodness, perseverance, self-control, and love. Together, these qualities point toward a life being shaped more fully by Christ and expressed through the way we care for and respond to others. Join us this Sunday! We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at chadf@ljpres.org to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ. It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Unexpected Kindness (Kindness) - Sermon for May 17th, 2026

What does kindness look like when it interrupts our plans, comforts a stranger, or asks us to slow down for someone in need? This Sunday, Rev. Dr. Sheri Perenon will share a message titled "Unexpected Kindness," reflecting on Luke 10:33–37 and the story of the Good Samaritan. In this passage, Jesus paints a picture of mercy that crosses social boundaries and challenges us to see one another differently. It’s an invitation to live with present, practical, and willing compassion. Join us as we reflect on how this kind of kindness shapes the way we move through the world and care for others. We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at chadf@ljpres.org to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ. It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Keep Going (Patience) - Sermon for May 10th, 2026

Patience is not passive; its enduring strength grows over time as we learn to trust God in every season. Rev. Dr. Dave Rohde continues our series with a message titled Keep Going, focusing on the fruit of the Spirit: Patience. In 2 Timothy 3:10–4:2, Paul points to a life shaped by perseverance, faithfulness, and a willingness to keep going - even as he faces persecution himself. It’s a reminder that patience is not simply waiting, but staying grounded in God’s truth and calling. Join us this Sunday as we reflect on this kind of steady endurance and how it shapes our relationships, deepens our faith, and guides how we move through life. We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at chadf@ljpres.org to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ. It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

The Seven Wonders of Christ’s Peace (Peace) - Sermon for May 3rd, 2026

Is peace something we wait for, or something we live into? This Sunday, Rev. Scott Mitchell continues our “Keeping in Step with the Spirit” series with a message titled “The Seven Wonders of Christ’s Peace,” based on Ephesians 4:1-7 & 4:11-13. In this passage, Paul calls us to live lives marked by humility, patience, and unity; grounded in the peace that comes from Christ. It’s a picture of peace that isn’t passive or fragile, but active and resilient, holding us together even in the midst of life’s challenges. Join us as we explore what it means to pursue this kind of peace and live it out in our relationships and community. We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at chadf@ljpres.org to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ. It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.