The CCUPC Cutting Room Floor

Mark 2:13-17 - Sermon

Ever wonder who you'd instinctively cross the street to avoid? Pastor James reveals how Jesus scandalously calls Levi—a despised, traitorous tax collector—to follow him, then boldly dines at his table with "sinners and scum." This isn't mere inclusion; it's Jesus embodying his mission as the Great Physician who moves toward the sick, not away from them. His holiness isn't fragile—it heals rather than hides. As our church navigates loving difficult people, this message challenges us to examine our own baptized avoidance and discover the scandalous grace that welcomes us all. Don't miss this transformative call to follow Jesus to uncomfortable tables! Sermon 5-17-26

Not Just Me - Sermon

What if the people who can't reach Jesus today are waiting for your faith to carry them there? When four friends couldn't push through the crowd, they tore open a roof to lower their paralyzed friend to Jesus—proof that real faith doesn't stop at obstacles but demolishes them. Pastor James reveals how Jesus sees both our bodies and souls, offering complete healing to whole people, not just spiritual band-aids. Feeling stuck helping others or needing to be carried yourself? This powerful message shows how your faith can become a stretcher for those who can't walk to Jesus alone. Don't miss this life-changing truth—dive in now! Sermon 5-10-26

Greater Than Moses - Sermon

Can being told to "stay away" from others actually become an act of desperate faith? When a leprous man broke social boundaries to approach Jesus, he believed in Christ's power but questioned His heart—"If you are willing, you can make me clean." Pastor James reveals how Jesus' surprising anger wasn't aimed at the man, but at the disease, isolation, and shame destroying God's good creation. Through Christ's touch, the direction of contamination reversed—holiness became more contagious than uncleanness, restoring not just the man's body but his place in community and relationship with God. This isn't just healing; it's re-creation itself breaking into our broken world. Discover how Jesus' restorative touch can transform your understanding of belonging and wholeness. Sermon 5-3-26

Mark 1:35-39 - Sermon

What if your good intentions are actually distracting you from God's true purpose for your life? Pastor Dena reveals how even Jesus faced relentless demands and overwhelming crowds pressing for his attention, yet he chose to slip away in the early morning darkness to pray and stayed laser-focused on his mission to preach the gospel. Like Jesus, we're bombarded with urgent needs and endless notifications, but true fulfillment comes through carved-out wilderness moments with God that fuel our real calling—sharing the good news with those around us. Ready to discover your divine mission beyond the chaos? Don't let busyness rob you of your purpose—watch now and find your focus! Sermon 4-26-26

You Showed Up - Sermon

Guest preacher, Aaron Steton from Hope Force International. What if you're the only Jesus someone ever meets? Pastor Aaron discovered this truth firsthand when Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica—arriving as the first relief flight, he witnessed how showing up transforms despair into hope. From Elijah's dramatic Mount Carmel showdown to a simple phone call that changed a lonely ninth grader's life, Aaron reveals how God works through ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Whether it's disaster relief or daily kindness, we're called to embody Emmanuel—God with us—for neighbors, coworkers, and even difficult people who carry heavy loads. Don't miss this stirring message about the transformative power of simply showing up when it matters most. Sermon 4-19-26