"Sabbath Means Freedom" - Deuteronomy 5:12–15, Matthew 11:28–30

"Sabbath Means Freedom" - Deuteronomy 5:12–15, Matthew 11:28–30

“Observe the Sabbath day, and keep it holy,” says Deuteronomy's version of the Ten Commandments. Does that sound like one more religious rule that’s too hard, or at least, too inconvenient, to take seriously? Or might an intentional break from our hectic lives be a path to freedom? This sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. Joanne Whitt on Sunday, July 12, 2026. The scripture readings were from Deuteronomy 5:12–15 and Matthew 11:28–30

"Queen Esther & the Anonymous Miracle Maker" - Ester 7 & 9

The "morning after" our country’s 250th, we turn to a similar would-be dynasty with its own ancient treasury scandal, arbitrary system of discrimination, and freewheeling corruption. As in Queen Esther's time, we live somewhere between our nation's promises and betrayals. And yet miracles still find us! It's as if, all along, they were waiting "for such a time as this." Rev. Victor Floyd delivered this sermon on Sunday, July 5, 2026. The scripture reading was from Esther 7:1–6, 9–10; 9:1–2, 20–22, 29–32.

"For Such A Time As This" - Esther 4:1–17

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve never heard God’s voice. I couldn't possibly be part of God’s plan or called by God,” the story of Esther is for you! Esther felt the same way. And believe it or not, like Esther, we are called to a particular service, for particular people, in particular times. What do the times call us to do today? Rev. Joann H. Lee delivered this sermon on Sunday, June 28, 2026. The scripture reading was from Esther 4:1–17.

"A Particular Kind of Church" - Romans 12, Jeremiah 29:4–11

Before Pastor Marci leaves for Sabbatical, she'll share a vision the Session is dreaming for the church, and how we can use this sabbatical time to live into our vision. In our story from Paul's letter to the Romans, we're reminded that we're called to particular service when we follow Jesus. How can we be faithful to who God is calling us to be today? And in our story from Jeremiah, we are reminded that God calls us to care for the communities in which we are planted. How can we be the best neighbor for our community? This sermon was delivered by Rev. Marci A. Glass on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The scripture readings were from Romans 12 and Jeremiah 29:4–11

"Inheritance" - Ruth 4:1–22

Today we hear the ending of the story of Ruth, and while it is a happy ending, of sorts, Ruth is still “acquired” in a transaction by Boaz at the city gates. As honorably as Boaz behaves in this story, he still buys her as property. At the end of the story, Boaz is still Boaz and Ruth is still a Moabite woman—being acquired at the city gates and praised for her fertility.  What is a faithful response by modern readers to a story that only partially recognizes the agency of women?  The sermon was delivered on Sunday, June 14, 2026 by Rev. Marci A. Glass. The scripture reading was from Ruth 4:1–22