https://www.spreaker.com/show/washington-street-umc-sermon-podcastwww.wsumc.com.]]>enChristianityCopyright Washington Street UMChttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/2e1f6382355e8d7c3ffeb90bf11d7686.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/show/washington-street-umc-sermon-podcastMon, 17 Aug 2026 20:03:13 +0000Washington Street UMCWashington Street UMCfeeds@spreaker.comThe weekly sermons from Washington Street UMC in Alexandria, VA. To learn more about Washington Street UMC, check out the church online at www.wsumc.com.www.wsumc.com.]]>false6e8fcbe7-9a05-54e3-b8fa-8b00771b9289episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/temple-tax--74223707https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74223707Sun, 16 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMatthew 17:24-271068falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/come-on-out--73775028https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73775028Sun, 09 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJohn 11:1-441339falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/daybreak--73179364https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73179364Sun, 26 Jul 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMark 5:1-201334falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-i-get-a-witness--73057338https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73057338Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMark 1:21-281277falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/body-and-soul-the-hole-in-the-roof--72974853https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72974853Sun, 12 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMark 2:1-121175falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hauling-water--72871200https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72871200Sun, 05 Jul 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJohn 2:1-111177falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sin-or-obedience--72745980https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72745980Sun, 28 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRomans 6:12-231309falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dead-or-alive--72637407https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72637407Sun, 21 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRomans 6:1-111213falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/shake-it-off--72554189https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72554189Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMatthew 9:35-10:81396falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/righteousness-by-faith--72459652https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72459652Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRomans 4:13-25782falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-promise-kept--72143187https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72143187Sun, 24 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCActs 2:1-21931falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/firm-in-our-faith--72088469https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72088469Sun, 17 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMC1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-111327falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-hope-that-we-have--71979554https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71979554Sun, 10 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMC1 Peter 3:13-221206falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/living-stones--71877820https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71877820Sun, 03 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMC1 Peter 2:2-10895falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/philemon--72285779https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72285779Fri, 01 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Book of Philemon1237falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/by-his-wounds--71742192https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71742192Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMC1 Peter 2:19-25999falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-does-love-have-to-do-with-it--71499657https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71499657Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMC1 John 4:7-211666falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/genuine-faith--71298087https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71298087Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMC1 Peter 1:3-91158falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/he-is-not-here--71163046https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71163046Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMatthew 28:1-101248falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cosw-joint-maundy-thursday--71086958https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71086958Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCExodus 12:1-101308falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/marching-orders--71006247https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71006247Sun, 29 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMatthew 21:1-111425falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/controlled-by-the-spirit--70832837https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70832837Sun, 22 Mar 2026 14:57:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRomans 8:6-111303falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/children-of-the-light--70659163https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70659163Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCEphesians 5:8-141447falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/while-we-are-still-sinners--70554582https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70554582Sun, 08 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRomans 5:1-111101falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/born-again-in-the-darkness--70487320https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70487320Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJohn 3:1-171168falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/justification-by-faith--70391341https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70391341Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRomans 4:1-5, 13-171316falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/one-for-one--70252483https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70252483Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRomans 5:12-191274falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/majesty--70108953https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70108953Sun, 15 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMC2 Peter 1:16-211001falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/secret-wisdom--69876151https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69876151Sun, 08 Feb 2026 18:16:52 +0000Washington Street UMC1 Corinthians 2:1-121218falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/this-little-light-of-mine--69548691https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69548691Sun, 18 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIsaiah 49:1-71373falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/there-s-something-in-the-water--69408452https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69408452Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCLuke 3:15-17, 21-221709falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/predestined--69308767https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69308767Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCEphesians 1:3-141023falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/by-the-law--69244015https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69244015Sun, 28 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCLuke 2:22-401040falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-it-all-began--69212632https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69212632Wed, 24 Dec 2025 22:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCLuke 2:1-20784falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nothing-is-impossible-with-god--69168697https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69168697Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:37:40 +0000Washington Street UMCLuke 1:26-38840falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/great-is-god-s-faithfulness--68948697https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68948697Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCLamentations 3:22-27, 31-33, 40-41 and 55-581092falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/life-after-death--68820030https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68820030Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRomans 6:8-141233falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-greatness-of-his-power--68724348https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68724348Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCEphesians 1:15-231027falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stay-ready--68593746https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68593746Sun, 16 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMatthew 25:1-131268falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/i-am-not-going--68503250https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68503250Sun, 09 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMark 9:42-501427falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-s-all-in-god-s-time--68418310https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68418310Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCEphesians 1:11-231035falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blessed-to-be-a-blessing--68333814https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68333814Sun, 26 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCPsalm 116:4-71443falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/singing-truth-to-power--68217807https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68217807Sun, 19 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAn uplifting morning of song, poetry, prayer, and reflection. We raised our voices while "Singing Truth to Power". Through hymns treasured and new, we sang in celebration of justice, hope, and faith. In the words of John Wesley, come ready to sing...3596falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-black-hole--68136696https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68136696Sun, 12 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCLuke 15:14-321508falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/kingdom-of-self--68031633https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68031633Sun, 05 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMatthew 19:22-261182falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-greatest-commandment--67943248https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67943248Sun, 28 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCDeuteronomy 6:4-91136falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-high-priest--67769820https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67769820Sun, 14 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCLeviticus 14:1-321313falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-people-will-perish--67680031https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67680031Sun, 07 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCExodus 32:1-61195falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/let-ministry-continue--67597690https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67597690Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCHebrews 13:1-8, 15-161096falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-first-last-supper--67497544https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67497544Sun, 24 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCExodus 12:1-141575falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ordinary-people--67417753https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67417753Sun, 17 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCExodus 3:1-151385falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foolish-plans--67322837https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67322837Sun, 10 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCExodus 1:8-2:101354falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/get-over-it-move-on-know-that-god-has-a-plan--67246095https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67246095Sun, 03 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGenesis 45:1-111646falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/playing-favorites--67153981https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67153981Sun, 27 Jul 2025 14:56:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGenesis 25:19-341234falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/where-is-the-sacrifice--67056520https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67056520Sun, 20 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGenesis 22:1-141275falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/yeah-right--66974633https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66974633Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:27:45 +0000Washington Street UMCGenesis 18:1-151320falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/and-it-was-so--66884465https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66884465Sun, 06 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGenesis 1:1-2:31466falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/first-class-or-coach--66805472https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66805472Sun, 29 Jun 2025 14:56:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJonah 1:12-17, 2:101536falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/one-in-christ--66696922https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66696922Sun, 22 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIt is Christ that connects us1591falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-are-justified--66580576https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66580576Sun, 15 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Wesleyan Three-fold means of grace1334falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-you-feel-the-fire--66498830




]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66498830Sun, 08 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe spirit is with us, it is Pentecost!




]]>1145falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/returning-to-the-light--66370094https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66370094Sun, 01 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Ascension of Christ1042falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-are-never-alone--66295219https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66295219Sun, 25 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus is always with us!1066falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/indivisible--66150366https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66150366Sun, 18 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGod will level the playing field1292falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-good-shepherd--66058048https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66058048Sun, 11 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGod provides all of our needs.1160falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/parting-directives--65922804https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65922804Sun, 04 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOver Breakfast1369falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/seeing-is-believing--65796750https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65796750Sun, 27 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIt is okay to have doubt1118falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/he-is-risen--65670275https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65670275Sun, 20 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCSin and Death have been defeated once and for all1210falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/someone-has-to-shout--65569810https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65569810Sun, 13 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCYou can't keep the good news to yourself!975falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/anointing-of-the-king--65404374https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65404374Sun, 06 Apr 2025 14:56:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRight place, right time and right provisions.1121falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/steadfast-love--65257882https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65257882Sun, 30 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGod's steadfast love provides true happiness to the faithful.1712falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sudden-death--65086563https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65086563Sun, 23 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCBad things happen to good people. God's ways are not our way.1133falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/citizenship-in-heaven--64995946https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64995946Sun, 16 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOur kingdom building must continue; Jesus paid the price1232falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-crumbs-under-the-table--61313510https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61313510Sun, 08 Sep 2024 14:57:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus died for us all. No one has to settle for the crumbs under the table.1160falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/talk-is-cheap--61252424https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61252424Sun, 01 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGod wants to see some action.1437falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/who-should-i-turn-to--61157130https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61157130Sun, 25 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCDo we know where our help comes from? How do we achieve eternal life?1496falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-living-bread--61079981https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61079981Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:18:09 +0000Washington Street UMCWhat do we believe?1406falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/doing-better--60990722https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60990722Sun, 11 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe particulars of Christianity1415falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-bread-of-life--60926306https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60926306Sun, 04 Aug 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus is the bread of life that feeds our souls1102falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-ingredients-for-a-miracle--60847964]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60847964Sun, 28 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCFaithfulness, Obedience and Willingness]]>998falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-quiet-place--60766504https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60766504Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCEven Jesus needed a break.1543falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stepping-on-toes--60698044https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60698044Sun, 14 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhat is your most beloved sin?1466falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/shake-it-off--60642367https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60642367Sun, 07 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe past is past. The present is now. The future is ours.1295falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/my-last-three-words-confidence--60413725https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60413725Sun, 16 Jun 2024 14:59:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThere are times in our lives when we feel like we are on those boats in the midst of the stormy waters. The choppy waves leave us wondering, were is the Lord? The text reminds us to be confident in the Lord's presence.1048falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/my-last-three-words-community--60341557https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60341557Sun, 09 Jun 2024 14:57:00 +0000Washington Street UMCChurches are not meant to be country clubs, which often maintain exclusive membership policies. The apostle reminds us that, as members in the household of God, we are a new creation. With our new body, we have new eyes. With new eyes, we learn to see...1061falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/my-last-three-words-commitment--60264115https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60264115Sun, 02 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe church has a lot of old, stuffy rules that often get in the way of important ministry matters. Jesus was not immune to others telling him how he could and couldn't live faithfully before God. As members of the body of Christ, we should ask...1654falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lord-here-i-am-send-me--60198447]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60198447Sun, 26 May 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGod could do all the work by himself, but there is a divine plan to use you and me -- so all can have access to God's love.]]>1637falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/but-you-can-t-stay-here--60099675https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60099675Sun, 19 May 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe disciples had returned to Jerusalem following the ascension, where they worshipped God and prayed. The arrival of the Spirit drives them out, reminding us all that the Spirit does not gift us to remain in social halls of homogeneous comfort, but...1054falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-don-t-have-to-go-home--60003674https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60003674Sun, 12 May 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe disciples longed to sit in Jesus' presence. They mourned his crucifixion, and locked themselves in the upper room. When Jesus returned, they wanted nothing more than abide in his presence. But Jesus doesn't call us to stay in his presence, Jesus...1070falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/general-conference-followup--59883312https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59883312Sun, 05 May 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThis is the invitation of Jesus himself, that we might know we are loved, and that we might abide in Jesus’ love by keeping Jesus’ commands, commands that require us to love one another as Jesus loved us (that is, laying one’s life down for another)....1381falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-people-of-god-for-whom-the-world-is-our-parish--59702407]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59702407Sun, 28 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThere are only three General Rules for Methodists. The rules lead us in our mission as the Church. Even beyond our stated mission at WSUMC, the United Methodist Church also has a leading mission: To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the...]]>1068falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-people-of-god-who-tend-to-the-ordinances-of-god--59587596https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59587596Sun, 21 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe third General Rule is "Attend the Ordinances of God." The ordinances of God were those things that Wesley identified as being required of God's people, including works of piety and works of mercy. What does this look like our modern society?1068falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-people-of-god-who-do-good--59471585]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59471585Sun, 14 Apr 2024 14:57:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe second of the General Rules is "Do Good." Sometimes the "good" that we are do seems obvious, but at other times, it can be tricky. What does doing "good" look like in our community - in our lives?]]>689falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-people-of-god-who-do-no-harm--59344886https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59344886Sun, 07 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe first of the General Rules is "Do no Harm." Sounds easy, right? Perhaps not. This isn't a passive avoidance of intentionally doing harm to another person. This means declaring solidarity with people from all walks of life, and being intentional...1031falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/again-again-we-draw-on-courage--59164596https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59164596Sun, 24 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOn Palm Sunday, we remember that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was not a risk-free, palm party. It was a protest parade—a protest against those in power, a parade to prepare the way for a different kind of king. And this was all happening with plots to...883falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/again-again-we-are-reformed--59086982https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59086982Sun, 17 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe desire for God to write on our hearts so that God’s law can re-shape and re-form us from the inside out. Reformation is a journey of letting the old fall away for something new to emerge, of returning to God’s words over and over, of being drawn...995falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/again-again-god-loves-first--59002710https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59002710Sun, 10 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAfter inviting Nicodemus to be born anew, Jesus tells him in John 3 that God so loved the world that God sent his son to restore it. Therefore, when we read John 3:16, we remember that Jesus is speaking in metaphor and poetry. Ultimately, love is...1132falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/again-again-we-are-shown-the-way--58920511https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58920511Sun, 03 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAccording to John, Jesus begins his ministry by showing more than telling. In the temple, Jesus disrupts and overturns the systems of corruption and profiteering taking place, but ultimately points us to the promise of restoration. Paul reminds the...1096falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/again-again-the-sun-rises--59261793https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59261793Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAccording to Mark, on the first day of the week, the women rise with the sun and buy spices to anoint Jesus’ body. They are shocked to find the tomb empty, and leave in fear and terror. Mark’s resurrection story is less triumphant than the other...956falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/again-again-we-are-called-to-listen--58831120https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58831120Sun, 25 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCLike the disciples, we are often stuck in the pattern of messing up over and over again. We cling to power, we climb the ladder, we memorialize and commercialize Christ’s teachings rather than embodying them. However, we can’t be trapped by shame,...1141falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/again-again-god-meets-us--58740538https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58740538Sun, 18 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGod meets Jesus at the water before he is tempted in the wilderness—this is important. First and foremost, God claims us. God meets us in the liminal space, at the water’s edge, at the threshold of something new, and names us Beloved. God’s covenant...972falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/again-again-we-re-invited-in-ash-wednesday-service--58851057https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58851057Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAs Lent begins, we’re invited in—to community, to this season, to our own spiritual journey, to true transformation. We’re on this journey together, but we’re invited to turn inward. Therefore, spiritual practices are not for show. Matthew 6 and...1154falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-get-a-car-everyone-gets-a-car--58656534https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58656534Sun, 11 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCBernie Sanders may be hailed as the champion of American socialism, but his views on sharing a common cup are nothing compared to the radical communalism of the early Christian community. Moving away from a government mandated socialism, we will find...1152falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-s-getting-hot-in-here--58577482https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58577482Sun, 04 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIs it warm in here, or is it just me? Climate change is a debated issue - does it even exist? It would be impossible to make a Scriptural defense of climate change, for the science to even consider such a topic just didn't exist. Into the...1015falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-manage-immigration-challenges--58491754https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58491754Sun, 28 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCImmigration has long been a contentious issue in our nation. Nationally, we've debated from which countries we should allow people to immigrate, how many people we should allow to immigrate, and how difficult the process of naturalization should be....1104falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-disagree-without-the-vitriol--58405152https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58405152Sun, 21 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe have a bad practice of condemning to hell everyone with whom we disagree. This kind of vitriolic reaction to others usually betrays the call of Christ to love our enemies. How can we engage faithfully with those who have such polar opposite...1133falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-is-callling-are-you-listening--58297996https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58297996Sun, 14 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe call is for everyone, just different according to your willingness to hear and obey. Secondly, the call is not about perfection but a call to follow God and walk with God. It may be because someone prayed for you, not that you prayed.1217falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-trust-our-belovedness--58234200https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58234200Sun, 07 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn Jesus’s baptism, we hear from the heavens that Jesus is the Son of God, and we witness that he did not come to serve alone, but to share in ministry in the midst of community. We see Jesus’s purpose affirmed, as he is filled with the Spirit to be...877falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-make-room--58132354https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58132354Sun, 24 Dec 2023 22:30:00 +0000Washington Street UMCLuke’s Gospel tells us that when Mary gives birth to Jesus, she lays him in a manger, for there was no place for them in the guest room. The city had no room, but God makes a place here anyway. Let us make room - for strangers and neighbors alike. For...742falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-are-filled-with-amazement-and-hope--58047302https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58047302Sun, 17 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhen it comes time to name the child, Zechariah affirms the name given by the angel and by Elizabeth. In that moment of affirming the promise, Zechariah’s speech is restored. Everyone is filled with awe. And Mary sings a song about God's liberation,...749falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-find-joy-in-connection-how-does-a-weary-world-rejoice--57989801https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57989801Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn community, our joy expands. When we can’t rejoice, we can carry each other’s joy. Through the prophet Isaiah, we hear God speak tender words of comfort; this is the comfort we can give to and receive from each other during this season.981falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-acknowledge-our-weariness-how-does-a-weary-world-rejoice--57989753https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57989753Sun, 03 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAs Advent begins, we start by acknowledging the weariness, grief, rage, and hopelessness we carry—and we also affirm that we are made for joy. Sometimes weariness can harden us and prevent us from living fully and feeling the joy. This is how we show...1035falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/giving-up-the-benjamins--57846865https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57846865Sun, 19 Nov 2023 14:50:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn our culture, chasing the Benjamins is just what you do. Money is everywhere, and so is the invitation to get more of it. From "get rich quick" schemes, to billion dollar lottery payouts, to casinos offering the lure of cash jackpots, to triangle...1133falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/giving-up-wastefulness--57619612https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57619612Sun, 12 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGood stewardship is often expressed in terms of charity and tithing. Stewardship is often measured in how much you give away. Without question, giving is a regular invitation of the Bible. Yet, it is also important that stewardship focus on good care...1107falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/giving-up-control--57532858https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57532858Sun, 05 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCFrom Genesis to Revelation, we are instructed to be stewards of God's resources. The Bible claims, time and again, that everything is God's, and we are simply stewards of it. To reclaim a faithful posture toward stewardship, we have to reclaim who is...1076falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-big-ask--57483622https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57483622Sun, 29 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Big Ask is not, "What does Jesus want now?" The Big Ask is, "What are you willing to do when Jesus calls?"989falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/loving-our-enemies--57354932https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57354932Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus pushes us beyond the culturally acceptable practice of "loving our neighbors, and hating our enemies," and invites us into a more faithful posture of "loving our enemies, and praying for those who persecute us." This is not an easy change in...1235falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/wilderness--57293029https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57293029Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:57:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe may linger in our wilderness for a night, but blessedness will come in the morning. The Psalmist declares, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning”! Oh, our night may be twenty or thirty years long, but if we hold out and...1319falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-steady-work-of-living-water--57180513https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57180513Sun, 08 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn baptism, we use water as a symbol of God's forgiveness, connecting us with all the ways water has been used to mark new beginnings in our faith history. Today, we remember our own baptism, and consider the lasting power of the water used when we...1066falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/beginning-again-with-love--57029575https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57029575Sun, 01 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhatever wrath God feels about injustice and our complicity in it, whatever anger God directs at the human capacity for evil, flows out of love. God gets angry at sin because sin hurts the people and the creation God loves."1083falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jonathan-edwards-is-not-my-homeboy--56926629https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56926629Sun, 24 Sep 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhat kind of shame do we hold because of things we've been taught we have done "wrong," or because of parts of our life we've been told are "wrong"? Though many in the church hold to his lineage, Jonathan Edwards' approach to condemning humanity as...1202falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-liberation-of-know-it-all--56842644https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56842644Sun, 17 Sep 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRachel Held Evans states, "Certainty isn't faith." The life of the disciple Simon Peter gives us a great example of how a life of following Jesus doesn't have to be marked with clear knowledge, perfect discipline, or unquestionable faith. Instead of...968falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/on-the-days-when-i-believe--56763178https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56763178Sun, 10 Sep 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMC"Why are you a Christian?" This is the opening question in Rachel Held Evans book, Wholehearted Faith. How would you answer this? It is because of the people around you who invited you to church or encouraged you in the faith? Or is it because of the...1079falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-labor-of-love--56700229https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56700229Sun, 03 Sep 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOn Labor Day weekend, we may be reminded of the origins of Labor Day, which offered a brief pause into the normal work-week structure during the Second Industrial Revolution (1882). But did Labor Day go far enough in shifting how we labor? The apostle...1140falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/restored-by-god--56615717https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56615717Sun, 27 Aug 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe promise of Revelation is that we are returned to the intimacy with God that existed in the Garden.1072falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/community-with-god--56543386https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56543386Sun, 20 Aug 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCPentecost offered an invitation to be "the body of Christ", and an invitation to share in community in a way never done before.1030falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/saved-by-god--56464148https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56464148Sun, 13 Aug 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThere is salvation for all through belief in Jesus.1611falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/exile-from-god--56393027https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56393027Sun, 06 Aug 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGod's patience and repeated warnings provide many opportunities for repentance, but the children of Israel disregard the God of their redemption.968falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/closeness-with-god--56320777https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56320777Sun, 30 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCFollowing the arrival of the people Israel in the Promised Land, judges were appointed to ensure the people lived according to the covenant. But Israel wanted kings at their head, instead of judges, so that they might "be like the other nations."...844falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/guidance-from-god--56199339https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56199339Sun, 23 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMoses is given the Ten Commandments atop Mount Sinai. The Ten are offered to provide covenantal guidance to the people Israel. As we look at the larger arc of the universe, we should consider what role the Ten Commandments play in the greater...1083falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/covenant-with-god--56128604https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56128604Sun, 16 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCFollowing the flood, God forms a new level of intimacy through the covenant with Abraham. This new covenant establishes a lineage out of Abraham that will be given a homeland, a sense of belonging, and a purpose of vocation. God is forging a new path...931falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rescued-by-god--56050604https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56050604Sun, 09 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe story of the flood wraps up the opening stories of creation. We were created in intimacy with God, humanity then found themselves distanced from God, and through the flood, creation is rescued by God. This three-fold pattern will become the norm...1037falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/distant-from-god--55908391https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55908391Sun, 02 Jul 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCHumanity, which was given dominion over all the earth, was enticed to try and take dominion over God. This action led to their being evicted from the Garden of Eden. This first sin snowballed until God was so upset with humanity that God decided to...915falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/intimacy-with-god--55105669https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55105669Sun, 25 Jun 2023 14:56:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe creation narrative indicates that humanity is different than the rest of creation. God spoke to us; God breathed life into us; God gave us words of instruction, unlike any other part of creation. We are, as God's created humanity, formed in the...977falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-the-midst-of-community--54298232https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54298232Sun, 11 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAs a Christian community, we are to be the witness of God's love in the world as the physical representation of Christ. Our witness then should look like the witness of Christ. Matthew 9 offers a great example of Christ's witness, as he dines with the...1751falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/go-therefore--54099846https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54099846Sun, 04 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe gifting of the Spirit first creates a space of welcome, but the Spirit doesn't allow the newly formed church to be too comfortable. Following the kind of gathering imagined in the Great Commission, the body of believers then live a life that...1490falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/enduring-through-community--54052503https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54052503Sun, 28 May 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCFollowing Jesus' physical departure at the Ascension, Pentecost comes and offers an enduring promise: we are gifted to be a people of Christ in community. Though the disciples were unsure of what life would be like in the absence of Christ, God makes...2050falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-are-never-alone--53970416https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53970416Sun, 21 May 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThere will always be something else inviting us to turn from the ways of God. But faithful disciples must stay alert and focused, always reminding ourselves of the God of all grace, who will restore, support, strengthen, and establish us. We remain in...1107falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fear-not--53871716https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53871716Sun, 14 May 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCFocus on "Do not fear what they fear" ... how can we be ok with the changes that are happening?1183falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-unchangeable-consistency-of-change--53776772https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53776772Sun, 07 May 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCChrist was not defined as a stagnant truth, but a living stone. So too should our faith be a living stone, as we continue to be built and grow in understanding and faithfulness. As the world changes, so too must we, in faithful ways as God leads.1073falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/but-now--53705043https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53705043Sun, 30 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCTake a little of Christ with you in all you do - don't act one way at church on Sunday and another way the rest of the week.758falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-foundational-truth--53629241https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53629241Sun, 23 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCBeing born anew in Christ leads us to claim a foundational truth that is centered on mutual love. In a world that is continually changing, we must maintain this truth, and insist upon this mutual love.1004falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-lasting-impact-of-easter--53558734https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53558734Sun, 16 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe promise of Easter is that we have this new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. How does that new birth sustain us when the world around us doesn't reflect that same joy?915falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-justice-of-easter--53502612https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53502612Sun, 09 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCFor Jesus, one of his main ways to demonstrate love was to redefine "justice." Throughout his witness, Jesus makes it clear that God's love is not neutral; God takes sides. God loves everyone, but pays particular attention to those who society...844falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/maundy-thursday--53504871Mandatum ovum is Latin for the words, “New Command.” It is the phrase that offers us the namesake for our Holy Thursday gathering, which we call “Maundy Thursday.” In this command, Jesus offers his followers a new way of understanding what it means to be a follower of Christ: to love one another.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53504871Thu, 06 Apr 2023 23:30:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMandatum ovum is Latin for the words, “New Command.” It is the phrase that offers us the namesake for our Holy Thursday gathering, which we call “Maundy Thursday.” In this command, Jesus offers his followers a new way of understanding what it means to...Mandatum ovum is Latin for the words, “New Command.” It is the phrase that offers us the namesake for our Holy Thursday gathering, which we call “Maundy Thursday.” In this command, Jesus offers his followers a new way of understanding what it means to be a follower of Christ: to love one another.]]>1007falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-conflict-is-the-next-faithful-step--53427516https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53427516Sun, 02 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCConflict avoidance is not the way of Jesus. In his ministry, Jesus often put himself in the midst of conflict for the purpose of proclaiming the way of God. We saw the same thing in the early church, when Paul and Peter disagreed on the expansiveness...1112falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/disconnecting-and-recentering--53352215https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53352215Sun, 26 Mar 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe world is not lacking religious zealots. Take a nice spring drive through the beauty of our Commonwealth, and you'll find it hard to miss religious symbolism, whether that is crosses, the name "Jesus," or other flags paying homage to a diety -...882falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/de-escalating-the-gaslit-powderkeg--53262464https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53262464Sun, 19 Mar 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIt seems like every corner we take we find another gaslit fight waiting to break out. The world is anxious, like a lit powder keg, waiting for ignition. In such a tense moment, what we need is to cultivate a calming presence that difuses tension and...1191falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/getting-over-ourselves--53182813https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53182813Sun, 12 Mar 2023 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe're all just a little bit conceited, aren't we? We live in a world that has given us permission to be a know-it-all, who can spit out fake news as if it were truth, and people will believe us. But the way of Christ is one of humility and...892falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-you-feel-my-pain--53110086https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53110086Sun, 05 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCVery few of us live without wounds that lie beneath the surface. We have likely been traumatized, or we know someone who has. The world would try to convince us that carrying wounds and trauma makes us less loved, less faithful, and less able. Yet...943falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/critical-evil-theory--52878547https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52878547Sun, 26 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus faced the devil in the wilderness, a spiritual force that invited Jesus to turn away from the truth of God's power and authority. Paul says that, for all people of faith, we struggle in a similar fight against spiritual forces and cosmic powers....961falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-failure-to-love--52842425https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52842425Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:30:00 +0000Washington Street UMCLent is a journey to discover wholeness. But to admit we have wholeness to discover, we must begin in the acknowledgement of the brokenness of our world. The world is plagued by sin - separation from God - separation from love. Sin is a failure to...941falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hope-beyond-hope--52813765https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52813765Sun, 19 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe often think of hope as short-term planning: What do you hope will happen in your upcoming job interview; your athletic competition; or you current dating relationship? But hope isn't the same as goal-setting. Hope offers us something greater; it is...1088falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-practice-of-hope--52716238https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52716238Sun, 12 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAs we maintain a focus on hope, we find that hope is not a stagnant entity. Hope is not just something we think about or believe in, hope is a motivator that leads us into action. Like a daily walk, hope is something that we practice and live out.1198falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hope-travels-in-story--52649802https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52649802Sun, 05 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Old Testament offers a beautiful witness to the power of hope in story. By offering hope in story, we are able to pass on hope, to share hope, and to include the greater community in the promise of hope.870falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hope-lives-in-the-body--52584185https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52584185Sun, 29 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCHope, properly defined, is a full-body experience. It lives not just in our minds or souls, but hope lives in the body. It's visible, experienced, and felt in every fiber of our being.1051falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-hope-is--52516828https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52516828Sun, 22 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAfter we have defined what hope is not, we can go back to the drawing paper to define what hope is. Hebrews defines hope as "a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul." What is this, and how do we claim such hope?1142falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-hope-is-not--52463612https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52463612Sun, 15 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhen we confuse what hope is, we might wonder how Job ever held on to hope in the midst of his troubles and trials. To understand how Job maintained hope, it would do us well to first understand what hope is not.1129falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-keep-seeking--52391562https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52391562Sun, 08 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Magi were seekers. They sought wisdom, they sought the divine, they sought fortunes to tell the future. Their seeking leads them to Jesus, the newborn king of another culture and religion. And yet, their seeking is also what protects them from...1159falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/reflection-on-god-s-presence--52343374https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52343374Sun, 01 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCReflection by two lay members during a joint worship service of WSUMC and Roberts Memorial on a time they’ve felt God’s presence in their lives.734falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-tell-this-story--52292602https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52292602Sat, 24 Dec 2022 10:30:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe tell this story every year. We tell this story because it illustrates so clearly God’s desire to be in relationship with us. We tell this story because we, too, are invited to come to the manger and witness the miracle of birth. We tell this story...887falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-see-god-in-each-other--52228302https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52228302Sun, 18 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThis week we return to Mary’s experience. After receiving the news from the angel, she retreats to her cousin Elizabeth’s house. When Mary arrives (perhaps unannounced), Elizabeth doesn’t just welcome her—she is filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks...797falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-can-choose-a-better-way--52162242https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52162242Sun, 11 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAs far as Joseph knows, his new wife has been unfaithful to him and broken their marriage contract.And yet,instead of punishment,he chooses not to publicly disgrace or humiliate her. This interruption in his life becomes a holy invitation when the...853falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/god-meets-us-in-our-fear-from-generation-to-generation--52099035https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52099035Sun, 04 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhen the angel Gabriel comes to Mary, she is perplexed and confused—and no doubt, afraid. And yet, the angel’s news is: “Do not be afraid.” Do not be afraid. We hear this refrain all throughout the Christmas story and remember it is the most common...987falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/there-s-room-for-every-story-from-generation-to-generation--52033509https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52033509Sun, 27 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOur series begins with Matthew’s genealogy. In that long list of names, we remember the trauma and triumph of those who came before; each name holds a story and their story gives way to Christ’s story. When you zoom in, you may not be able to see how...1065falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/uuddlrlrba-select-start--51966357https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51966357Sun, 20 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus says that wars and insurrections are the precursor to torment and arrests of faithful disciples. Luke proclaims these are signs that the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God is near. For many who claim the Christian faith, the events of the world...1060falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-sky-is-falling--51886718https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51886718Sun, 13 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus says that wars and insurrections are the precursor to torment and arrests of faithful disciples. Luke proclaims these are signs that the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God is near. For many who claim the Christian faith, the events of the world...862falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blessed-are-the-poor--51811920https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51811920Sun, 06 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhile All Saints' Day is a time to remember our loved ones past, it is first and foremost a time to celebrate those whose lives were committed to holy living. In the Beatitudes, Luke lays out the characteristics of such holy living. When we think of...928falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-prayer-for-us--51739443https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51739443Sun, 30 Oct 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn today’s passage, the Apostle Paul is praying for a young church that their love for one another and that their faith might continue to grow by the power of God. The Church of South Washington Street as a new “church” is in need of the same prayer.750falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/feeling-abandoned--51669847https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51669847Sun, 23 Oct 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn the race that Paul describes, there are many stages. At times, we will run the race alongside others. But at times, we will be left to run the race on our own. In all times, we are called to acknowledge God's presence in our midst and to proclaim...994falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-are-from-your-father-the-devil--51602189https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51602189Sun, 16 Oct 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus offers some harsh words to people who have been sure that they are in the in crowd. They grew up in the right community, went to the right schools and professed the proper beliefs. However, they seemed to miss the...1255falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/throw-him-into-the-outer-darkness--51537948https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51537948Sun, 09 Oct 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOur understanding of the Outer Darkness usually mimics our understanding of hell. But are they the same thing? Is Christ really saying that the unforgiving slave will be thrown into a place of eternal torment? Perhaps it's time we dig a little bit...4119falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/throw-him-into-the-outer-darkness--51537828https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51537828Sun, 09 Oct 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOur understanding of the Outer Darkness usually mimics our understanding of hell. But are they the same thing? Is Christ really saying that the unforgiving slave will be thrown into a place of eternal torment? Perhaps it's time we dig a little bit...4119falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-are-slave-of-all--51454619https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51454619Sun, 02 Oct 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe word 'slave' is all but written out of the scriptural text by modern English translations. We rightfully have such an adverse reaction to the word, and we refute any encouragement to embrace slavery. Yet, Christ gives this clear imperative, to be...1227falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/go-nowhere-among-the-gentiles-the-difficult-words-of-jesus--51388005https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51388005Sun, 25 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCFollowing Jesus is more tricky than many of us thought. It's hard enough to follow Jesus' teachings but what if Jesus' teachings change throughout the Gospels? When we look back through Jesus' teachings we see Jesus say and do things that challenge...1078falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hate-your-father-and-mother-the-difficult-words-of-jesus--51311392https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51311392Sun, 18 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus says that anyone who wants to be his disciples must "hate his father and mother, sister and brother, wife and children." How does this call to hate match up with Jesus' command to "love God and love your neighbor"? Are we really supposed to act...1201falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sell-all-you-have-the-difficult-words-of-jesus--51229641https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51229641Sun, 11 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus tells the rich young ruler that to inherit eternal life, he needs to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor. He then says it's harder for a wealthy man to enter heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. These...1392falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/being-remolded--51161716https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51161716Sun, 04 Sep 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCI recently learned that the lynching of Benjamin Thomas in 1899 was, at least in part, supported by the then mayor, George L. Simpson. Mayor Simpson was at the time attending Washington Street MEC, South, and was, just a couple years later, received...991falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-we-make-a-difference--51069561https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51069561Sun, 28 Aug 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIf you're still here - if you can endure the questioning and the skepticism of our role as the church - then it means you're committed to something greater than an building, a denomination, or a corrupted entity. To be a part of that which God created...1019falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-we-usa-god-s-prophet--50996696https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50996696Sun, 21 Aug 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe corruption of Christian Nationalism stems from a misreading of the Biblical text, assuming that we - the United States of America - are God's "chosen people." God does appioint Jeremiah "over nations and kingdoms," ... "to destroy and overthrow,...1035falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-the-church-salvable--50919599https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50919599Sun, 14 Aug 2022 14:56:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe often think of ourselves - the Church - as God's "gift" to the world. We read the scriptures as if they support our unending lust for power, authority, and control over all non-Christians, as if somehow we're "better." And yet, the scriptures state...1097falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-really-matters--50852685https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50852685Sun, 07 Aug 2022 14:56:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIt seems it doesn't matter if you're working full-time, part-time, or even on a sabbatical break - if you're known to be a pastor, people are going to ask you questions about the church. If they aren't asking you questions, they're giving you their...1009falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/and-yet-i-still-love-you--50776997https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50776997Sun, 31 Jul 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCTo love is a natural human emotion. To love as God loves is to see everyone in God's image and likeness. But what is transformational love? We can ponder that answer together as we journey with Hosea.1161falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/perseverance-in-prayer--50728943https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50728943Sun, 24 Jul 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCI learned early in life that prayer is a conversation with God. How would your prayer life change if you saw prayer as not just a conversation with God, but an active conversation?725falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hospitality-has-its-rewards--50613064https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50613064Sun, 17 Jul 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOften we think of hospitality as the ‘what we do’ for someone else. But Jesus calls us to see hospitality at a higher level, not just how we act, but what we gain access to.884falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/who-is-not-my-neighbor--50536021https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50536021Sun, 10 Jul 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe typically define our neighbors by geographic location, who lives next door, who lives across the street or down the street. Does that mean that there are people who are not my neighbor?693falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/all-you-need-is-god--50469953https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50469953Sun, 03 Jul 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAs adults we learn quickly what we need to do the things we want to do. We need money to live on, a job to get the money and skills to get the job. But what do we need to get to heaven?847falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/good-mentor-or-god-mentor--50379967https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50379967Sun, 26 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCEveryone can benefit from the support of a good mentor. However, as disciples, called to do the work of Christ in the world, we don’t just need a good mentor, we need a God Mentor. Let’s explore together what it means to have God for a mentor,...1075falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/released-renewed-sent--50278813https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50278813Sun, 19 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCReflection on the scriptures - Luke 8:26-391648falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/and-still-we-are-loved--50187812https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50187812Sun, 12 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe know God's love is unconditional. But the conditional world in which we live can make holding onto and living into that truth challenging. Let us once again be reminded of God's love and consider how to keep that unconditional love in the forefront...687falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-of-pentecost-the-power-to-believe--50089694https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50089694Sun, 05 Jun 2022 14:58:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Power of Pentecost is the promise of the Holy Spirit, unleashed in our lives, every day. Our power to believe in the Holy Spirit makes Pentecost not about an event, but an experience.872falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-love-got-to-do-with-it--50012959https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50012959Sun, 29 May 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMC“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:12, 13)908falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/any-questions--49923145https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49923145Sun, 22 May 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWith long-held religious beliefs in tow, Judas imagines he’s earned a VIP pass with God. Yet Jesus declares God’s love includes those not in line with Judas’ personal creed. With belief in Christ - not in my creed - we may live by the affirmation that...1482falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/love-sacrificially--49814705https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49814705Sun, 15 May 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThis week we return to a Lenten text so we can be reminded what our post Resurrection work should be. A work rooted in love and manifest by action…a sacrificial love. What does that type of love mean for us?1007falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hearing-doing-living--49729355https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49729355Sun, 08 May 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe good shepherd discourse makes clear the connection between Jesus and the church, the body of believers who profess Christ. What are we being called to do as those believers? It may not be what you think!697falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-this-the-last-time--49627218https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49627218Sun, 01 May 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe as Christians live our lives responding to Jesus’ “Follow Me”. But looking at this very familiar passage, dare I ask, “follow you where, Jesus”? Together let us discover our roles as followers.731falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/change-reflection-mission--49547176https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49547176Sun, 24 Apr 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe apostles stood before the temple council unafraid to proclaim the truth of God in Jesus Christ. Their witness to God's love in the world stands as an invitation for us who call themselves disciples today. As we reflect on the history of our...1236falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recognizing-the-resurrected-lord--49466333https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49466333Sun, 17 Apr 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCEven after 3 years of ministry, of teaching and witnessing to the promise of God that would lead Jesus to the cross and beyond, the disciples still didn't understand the empty grave. They were frightened when they found the tomb empty. Mary was...960falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-church-are-we-so-silent--49399640https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49399640Sun, 10 Apr 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe are so quick to proclaim a Palm Sunday attitude, celebrating and shouting Hosanna as we proclaim the love of God in Jesus Christ. We love to celebrate Jesus' life-giving love as it pertains to our well-being. But, in the face of the perils of...903falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-church-why-do-we-not-listen--49318776https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49318776Sun, 03 Apr 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Church has not always done the best at proclaiming life for its neighbors. From the crusades, to the witch trials, to colonialism ... the Church has often been the cause of death. One might wonder, how would we respond if we heard the stories of...1034falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-church-has-the-church-become-a-country-club--49224919https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49224919Sun, 27 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe toxicness of institutionalism and nationalism have so perverted the church, that we've become comfortable creating country clubs in place of churches. We like to control who is in and who is out. We like to determine who gets seats of honor and...1062falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-church-are-we-so-nationalistic--49137801https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49137801Sun, 20 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus was often critical of the Pharisees, but perhaps never is he as critical as he is about their focus on Jerusalem. The nationalistic focus around Jerusalem becomes a major critique of Jesus. The apostle Paul picked up on this critique when...1022falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-church-are-we-so-institutionally-focused--49059189https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49059189Sun, 13 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Biblical text is full of guiding words to help govern the life of the church disciple, and the work of the Church. Every bit of this guidance is to help the church proclaim a witness of God's love in and God's will for the world. Yet, instead of...1242falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-church-are-you-so-hungry-for-power--48979870https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48979870Sun, 06 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhile in the wilderness, the devil tempted Jesus to worship him by offering him authority over all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus refused, quoting Scripture's declaration, "The Lord is God; the Lord alone." Yet, since the days of Constantine, the...1251falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-church-are-you-so-self-obsessed--48934989https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48934989Thu, 03 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAs the season of Lent begins, we consider the question: "Why, Church?" The dual punctuations, the question mark with the comma, invites a very different answer than the question "Why Church?" The comma adds an extra pause and an invitation to...1112falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/beams-of-heaven-as-i-go-hymns-of-charles-a-tindley--48897083https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48897083Sun, 27 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn our final week of this focus on the hymns of Rev. Charles Tindley, our guest preacher, Rev. Pia Diggs, looks at the hymn, "Beams of Heaven as I Go." The beams of heaven are witnessed in God offering structure and stability in our lives, akin to the...1433falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nothing-between-hymns-of-charles-a-tindley--48818038https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48818038Sun, 20 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn the hymn "Nothing Between," by Rev. Charles A. Tindley, the lyrics invite us to consider a life of faith where nothing - read that again, NOTHING - stands between us and the love of God in Jesus Christ. What would life look like if nothing (i.e....1802falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-ll-understand-it-better-by-and-by-hymns-of-charles-a-tindley--48716733https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48716733Sun, 13 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGuest Preacher: Rev. Dr. James Daniely (Roberts Memorial UMC) As a child in S.C., I remember Hurricane Gracie . The sky was very dark, the wind howled, trees could be heard breaking, and the rain was torrential. Those things combined to make me very...1243falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/leave-it-there-hymns-of-charles-a-tindley--48648406https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48648406Sun, 06 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCTindley's hymns offer similar petitions to the Psalms. The scriptures not only invite our voicing of frustration and lament to God, in the Psalms, we are given the words to use! Whether praying in anger toward a friend, a heart of hate toward the...1396falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-shall-overcome-hymns-of-charles-a-tindley--48521849https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48521849Sun, 30 Jan 2022 15:30:00 +0000Washington Street UMCPastors James Daniely (Roberts Memorial UMC) and Thomas James (WSUMC) join together in the pulpit to look at the invitation of the song "We Shall Overcome." What are we being asked to overcome? By looking at the history of our churches, and the...1749falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stand-by-me-hymns-of-charles-a-tindley--48424107https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48424107Sun, 23 Jan 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn his hymn "Stand by Me," the Rev. Dr. Charles A. Tinley offers a reminder of the promise and invitation to God that through the hardest times of life, God will be there to be by our side. As referenced with Paul and Silas, even when the hardship...1237falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-need-more-good-wine--48323634https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48323634Sun, 16 Jan 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus’ first miracle in Cana of Galilee is one of his most well known. But the changing of water into wine is not just some cool parlor trick. Like many of God’s life giving moments, the wedding guests don’t even acknowledge the glory of God in their...1085falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-new-beginning-wesley-covenant-renewal-service--48237019https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48237019Sun, 09 Jan 2022 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMC1540falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mary-women-of-advent--48066675https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48066675Fri, 24 Dec 2021 22:30:00 +0000Washington Street UMCSometimes it feels like we still find it hard to make space for this child’s birth. We are so caught up in the political undertakings of our day that we just don’t have room for the proclamation of one who declares worth among the most vulnerable and...752falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bathsheba-women-of-advent--47995195https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47995195Sun, 19 Dec 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOn this fourth Sunday of Advent, we will hear the story of Bathsheba. It can a triggering story, especially for those who have shared Bathsheba's pain. But Bathsheba's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus is a reminder of the promise of Christ, who...1057falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ruth-women-of-advent--47906641https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47906641Sun, 12 Dec 2021 15:56:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOn this Third Sunday of Advent, we are learning from and about Ruth, who is the third woman named in Jesus' family tree (Matthew 1:1-17). Ruth the Moabite is a powerful reminder that God's love is expansive, inviting and including in the story of...1160falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rahab-women-of-advent--47805144https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47805144Sun, 05 Dec 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThis Advent season, we are learning about the five women named in Jesus' family tree in Matthew 1:1-17. The second woman is Rahab, mother of Boaz. A Canaanite living in the city of Jericho, Rahab is often remembered for her illicit business. However,...1131falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tamar-women-of-advent--47704006https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47704006Sun, 28 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThere are just five women named in the family tree of Jesus, found in Matthew 1:1-17. The first woman named is Tamar, whose story is told in Genesis 38. Though she is a Canaanite, a Gentile, and twice a widow, Tamar's pursuit of justice and...1215falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/all-hail-king-jesus--47600355https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47600355Sun, 21 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAs we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, we should take pause to ask, what are we celebrating? Are we celebrating the king we want Jesus to be, or the king Jesus declares himself to be? Are we looking for a Christ with imperial aspirations, or...1169falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-god-who-changes-fortunes--47483192https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47483192Sun, 14 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOur guest preacher this morning is the Rev. Dr. Veronice Miles, who serves Wesley Theological Seminary as the Mary Elizabeth McGehee Joyce Associate Professor of Preaching. She brings a faithful message on the song of the people in 1 Samuel 2:1-10,...1763falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/remembering-what-we-ve-been-given--47372852https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47372852Sun, 07 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAll Saints Day is not just about remember the names of our loved ones lost, it is also about remembering what they've given us. The witness of those who have come before us lives on in our faithful witness, which in turn leads the next generation.1212falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/your-people-shall-be-my-people--47276060
*Due to audio problems, the first few minutes of the sermon are difficult to hear. We apologize for the inconvenience.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47276060Sun, 31 Oct 2021 14:30:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRev. Dr. James G. Daniely is the guest preacher this Sunday, as WSUMC joins in worship with Roberts Memorial UMC. Pulling from the book of Ruth, Rev. Daniely asks us to consider what faithfulness looks like today with Ruth's statement to Naomi at the...
*Due to audio problems, the first few minutes of the sermon are difficult to hear. We apologize for the inconvenience.]]>542falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-and-of-identity-yes-and--47161399https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47161399Sun, 24 Oct 2021 14:57:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIt is not your identity that determines your faith. It is not your qualifiers that determine whether or not you are capable of receiving the promise of new life. God's love in its full divinity is greater than the shallowness and brokenness of our...1171falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-and-of-reconciliation-yes-and--47032618https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47032618Sun, 17 Oct 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn the parable of the prodigal son, the younger son had squandered all he had and was welcomed back by the father. It's a great promise of God's love for all who have sinned and lost. But the story isn't just about a younger son, it's about a father...1104falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-and-of-the-darkness-yes-and--46938363https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46938363Sun, 10 Oct 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCHave you ever been in the same place as Job? Have you ever felt like the world was against you? Have you ever been tired, weary of the world, and felt exhausted in a cloud of darkness? It's not always easy, but the story of Job invites us to find the...1193falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-and-of-the-law-yes-and--46814750https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46814750Sun, 03 Oct 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhat are we do to with the law? Entrap Jesus into heresy? That's what the Pharisees tried to do, and they used divorce as the area of law to attempt such a task. Perhaps we should consider more deeply the intent of Mark 10:2-12, and rethink our own...1094falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-and-of-faithfulness-yes-and--46708674https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46708674Sun, 26 Sep 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCYes, we will not always understand the almighty work of God’s love in the world – we may not even always agree with it … and … God still invites you and me to pursue this call of discipleship, to learn and to grow, to expand and to embrace, to be...988falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-and-of-new-life-yes-and--46651977https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46651977Sun, 19 Sep 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGuest Preacher: Shani Mcilwain. Sometimes death is a reminder that we can't stay comfortable. We must die daily to flesh, and wake up new each and every morning, receiving the daily grace and mercy of God. You don't have to rely on yesterday's grace -...1227falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/yes-and--46487206https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46487206Sun, 12 Sep 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe first step to living into the "yes, and..." invitation is to say yes. We can't add on the "and" until we've acknowledge what is. And yet, saying "yes" is insufficient for God, and it shouldn't be sufficient for us as God's people.1080falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/habitual-faith--46415821https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46415821Sun, 05 Sep 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOver the past year, we've all formed some new habits. Whether that's working from home, or joining in worship from your pajamas, habits define a lot of behaviors. Sometimes, we don't even know that our habits exist, and it's not always easy for...1124falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ephesians-wrap-up--46297950https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46297950Sun, 29 Aug 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCKimberly Young moderates a conversation between Rev. James Daniely of Roberts Memorial UMC and Rev. Thomas James of Washington Street UMC as both churches wrap up a study on Ephesians. How does the teaching of the apostle on being "imitators" of God...2752falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/worship-preparation--46193124https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46193124Sun, 22 Aug 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWorship isn’t simply a time to praise God, it’s a time of preparation that we may go forth to live every moment of every day firmly planted in the promise of whom God has created us to be. Worship is a time of preparation, a time in which we are...1344falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/worship-conversion--46097216https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46097216Sun, 15 Aug 2021 14:00:15 +0000Washington Street UMCWorship is about having our mind converted to the ways of God. It’s about learning to discern what is of God and what is not. Worship is a time of conversion from the ways of the world to the mind of God.1120falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/worship-confession--46005140https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46005140Sun, 08 Aug 2021 14:00:16 +0000Washington Street UMCThe apostle makes it abundantly clear that truth-telling, honest-living, up-lifting speech is necessary in the work of maintaining the unity of the community. To get to this level of honesty with one another and with God, we must engage in the holy...1182falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/worship-unity--45917128https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45917128Sun, 01 Aug 2021 14:00:11 +0000Washington Street UMCThe church was created in unity with its many gifts to function as the body of Christ in the world. Our purpose is to mimic for the world the love of God in Christ, and that means, working with every effort to maintain the unity in which the body was...1235falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/worship-prayer--45837594https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45837594Sun, 25 Jul 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCPrayer is not a one-way conversation, even when you're by yourself. Prayer is about being in communion with the Lord. In this way, prayer is not just a part of worship, prayer is worship and worship is prayer.986falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/worship-peace--45748160https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45748160Sun, 18 Jul 2021 14:58:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOur society continues to try to find ways to put us at odds against each other, as if binaries are the way of God. The apostle reminds us in Ephesians, that such division is not of God - on the contrary, in Christ, we have a peace that breaks down the...1209falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/worship-praise--45656355https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45656355Sun, 11 Jul 2021 14:00:08 +0000Washington Street UMCThe change in how we do worship over the past year brings up some necessary questions. How and why do we worship? Can we really worship at home on TV? Can we worship on a big screen at church? This week we begin a look at what constitutes worship,...1196falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-america-isn-t-1--45572591https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45572591Sun, 04 Jul 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCYes, it's July 4, but that doesn't keep the prophet from speaking truth. The honest truth is, America isn't #1. Even as great as we might think ourselves to be, even the prophet couldn’t stand on his own feet without the breath of God in his lungs.982falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/humility-and-peace-life-in-the-spirit--45467317https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45467317Sun, 27 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCI believe we have to ask questions, not just of others, but of ourselves. To ask ourselves if the people, ideological positions, or personalities we align ourselves with reflect the love, grace, and acceptance of Christ.1002falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-mind-of-christ-life-in-the-spirit--45283541https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45283541Sun, 13 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIf it is the sin of seeking the knowledge of God that brings death in the Garden, it will be the knowledge of God that gives life through Christ. It is this knowledge of the divine that Paul believes we receive in the gifting of the Spirit.1117falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-image-of-god-life-in-the-spirit--45186852https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45186852Sun, 06 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCLife in the Spirit isn't just about our corporate identity, it also defines our personal identity. Being in the Spirit means being transformed, being shown, being called, being identified, being gifted, and being included as those who radiate the...1099falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/life-in-the-spirit--45091628https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45091628Sun, 30 May 2021 14:00:03 +0000Washington Street UMCFollowing the gifting of the Spirit on Pentecost, we enter into an extended season in the Church, which we call “Ordinary Time.” It is a time to reflect on the life of Christ as a model for the life of the Church. This is the life of one living in the...1001falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/empowered-by-the-spirit--45048155https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45048155Mon, 24 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAs we celebrate Pentecost, it's helpful to consider the difference between the power of God in Christ and the power of God in the Holy Spirit. Understanding how the Spirit empowers the us is essential to claim our identity as the Church. The power of...1040falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-ascension-and-human-fragility--44853051https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44853051Sun, 16 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Church has this historical problem of thinking that our knowledge of Christ gives us power over the rest of humanity. But the ascension makes clear: Jesus doesn’t embed himself in us. Jesus doesn’t even stick around so that we might chain him up...1265falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/signs-wonders-and-deep-debates--44737887https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44737887Sun, 09 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCPerhaps this biblical story of the Jerusalem Council - this argument over the basic claims of the gospel - is more relevant to our time than we might think at first. The debate over accepting the Gentiles into the early Christian church gives us some...1146falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-freeing-and-invitational-gospel-church-get-your-acts-together--44580338https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44580338Sun, 02 May 2021 14:00:14 +0000Washington Street UMCHear this Church, we need to stop trying to limit who can receive the Good News – who can be welcomed into the body of Christ. It is our calling to preach and teach the good news, and then to rejoice in celebration and welcome all who proclaim that...1076falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-threat-to-institutional-powers-church-get-your-acts-together--44469741https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44469741Sun, 25 Apr 2021 14:00:19 +0000Washington Street UMCThe power of Christ and the work of the Church is a threat to societal powers – whether political or institutional. The power of Christ is a threat to any individual who seeks wealth and power for themselves, especially at the expense of others. The...1110falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-good-news-is-life-giving-church-get-your-acts-together--44379862https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44379862Sun, 18 Apr 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe – the Christian Church – have strayed so far from whom God created us to be. In the coming few weeks we’re going to consider how we might reclaim for the Church our call and our witness. Today's text in Acts 3 invites us to consider that when we...1223falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/where-do-we-go-from-here-stride-toward-freedom--44203307https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44203307Sun, 04 Apr 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCEaster is worth the celebration, but do we really know why we're celebrating? Do we fully understand the invitational power of God in the resurrection? Not only do we remember the Easter story, but we also consider how the story invites us to be...1238falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/method-of-the-opposition-stride-toward-freedom--44097979https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44097979Sun, 28 Mar 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCPolice cars and chariots have a lot in common. Their mere presence is a statement of power. Jesus was riding in to town using a borrowed bicycle. Across town, Pilate entered the city with sirens blazing. One coming in humility, the other in a prideful...1375falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/multiply-stride-toward-freedom--43987331https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43987331Sun, 21 Mar 2021 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe movement Dr. King teaches is one of non-violence. Like Jesus' invitation to be a grain of wheat, it's a call to understand that our death does not lead to an absence of change, but that our willingness to die leads to a multiplying of God's love...1483falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-movement-gathers-momentum-stride-toward-freedom--43875656https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43875656Sun, 14 Mar 2021 14:00:14 +0000Washington Street UMCJohn 3:16 is one of the most well-known, often quoted scriptures in the whole of the Christian Bible. Yet, it is often used to chastise those of no faith for lacking faith. In its context, spoken by Jesus to Nicodemus, it seems to have a different intent.1636falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-day-of-days-stride-toward-freedom--43799441http://wsumc.com/?post_type=risen_multimedia&p=11332Sun, 07 Mar 2021 15:00:14 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus' rage in the temple isn't just a statement against the corrupt economic practices that preyed on traveling pilgrims, it's also a statement about the witness of the presence of God. Jesus defines his body as the dwelling place of God, and in the...1219falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-decisive-arrest-stride-toward-freedom--43680289http://wsumc.com/?post_type=risen_multimedia&p=11317Sun, 28 Feb 2021 15:00:31 +0000Washington Street UMCMark 8:31 includes Jesus saying that he "must undergo" great suffering, and would die at the hands of the temple leaders. Still today, it is regularly debated in the church whether or not Jesus "had" to die. Perhaps this question is best answered in...1082falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/have-you-ever-been-tempted-stride-toward-freedom--43621546https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43621546Sun, 21 Feb 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCBishop Sharma Lewis, resident bishop of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, opens the season of lent with a message about facing temptation. What can we learn about facing temptations in our lives today from the temptations Jesus...1048lent,satan,scripture,tempationfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-transfigured-one-emmaus-road--43621886https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43621886Sun, 14 Feb 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOn the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus. Their presence harkened back to the final text of the Old Testament, in which Malachi invites the faithful to remember the covenant made with Moses, and the to look forward to the...1119elijah,emmaus,freedom,jesus,liberation,mosesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-suffering-servant-emmaus-road--43621691https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43621691Sun, 07 Feb 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIsaiah promises that the Messiah to come will come as a suffering servant. This would have been an unexpected and unwelcome announcement by those who desired a warrior-like king to redeem them from their enemies. Yet, as Jesus walked the Emmaus Road...1257christ,emmaus,faithfulness,servantfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-unlikely-king-emmaus-road--43621885https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43621885Sun, 31 Jan 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCZechariah promises a humble king to come, making his entrance on the back of a the colt of a donkey. This is an unlikely king who comes to rule with the full strength of God's peace. Make no doubt, it's overpowering, but in God's way, not the way of...1075nationalism,peace,prophet,zechariahfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-son-of-god-emmaus-road--43621884https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43621884Sun, 24 Jan 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJesus uses the Hebrew Scriptures to point to himself as the Messiah. Looking at 2 Samuel 7, it seems that not only does Jesus hail from the line of David, not only is Jesus the one who is called the Son of God, not only is Jesus the one who calls God...1078emmaus,love,nathan,prophet,unconditionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-city-of-david-emmaus-road--43622505https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43622505Sun, 17 Jan 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn his use of the Hebrew Scriptures to point to his role as God’s Messiah, Jesus probably would have used Micah’s prophecy. Micah, like the other prophets, promises one who is to come who will not rule through militaristic adventures and war...1259jesus,luke,messiah,peacefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-foretelling-emmaus-road--43622502https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43622502Sun, 10 Jan 2021 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhat did Christ say to the disciples while walking the Emmaus Road? I wonder if the disciples walking down the path were bemoaning Christ’s absence and failure to fulfill their hoped-for vision of a Messiah, much like many of us as the faithful do...1121america,epiphany,faithfulness,nationalismfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-message-of-christmas--43622503https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43622503Sun, 27 Dec 2020 15:59:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWashington Street UMC and Roberts Memorial UMC join together on the Third Day of Christmas to proclaim the Hope, Joy, Peace, Love, and Light of Christ.1111christmas,hope,joy,love,peacefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/christmas-eve-light-in-the-darkness--43623193https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43623193Thu, 24 Dec 2020 22:30:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe birth of Christ is disruptive to the devastating pain of human frailty. The gift of God in Christ flips all of the societal expectations upside down, and whether shepherds who come in lowliness, or Magi who come bringing valuable gifts, the...1022christmas,hope,light,sentimental,symbolic,tradition,truthfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/borrowing-hope-light-in-the-darkness--43622504https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43622504Sun, 20 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCPastor Kathy Escobar says that when hope is running low, sometimes the best thing we can do is borrow hope from one another. In the Magnificat, Mary provides more than enough hope for us all to borrow, offered in the assured promise of who Christ is...1181advent,angels,hope,humility,magnificat,maryfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hoping-for-a-new-year-light-in-the-darkness--43623110https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43623110Sun, 13 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe paradox of Advent is that even in the darkness, there is a light. Even in our brokenness, there is healing. Even in our weariness, there is rest. The Advent promise is that the gift of God comes to offer light in the midst of our weary world.1286advent,brokenness,gabriel,mary,promisefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lost-in-the-wilderness-light-in-the-darkness--43623111https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43623111Sun, 06 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThere’s power in memory. Mark uses the power of memory in the opening of his Gospel to frame the coming of Christ through the remembrance of God’s saving acts in the history of Israel. Though not all memories are uplifting, the beauty of Advent is the...1185advent,darkness,john,peace,remembrance,wildernessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-year-end-lament-light-in-the-darkness--43623112https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43623112Sun, 29 Nov 2020 15:58:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAfter a year that presented a plethora of challenges, it may be our desire to skip Advent and dive straight into Christmas. But not so fast! The good news of Emmanuel, God with us, is that we don’t have to skip the weariness and brokenness, or act as...12362020,advent,brokenness,emmanuel,wearyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/christ-the-king-sunday--43624326https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624326Sun, 22 Nov 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRev. David McWilliams of Del Ray UMC shares the message on this Christ the King Sunday as Del Ray and Washington Street UMC join in worship together.961falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-unites-us--43624272https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624272Sun, 15 Nov 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCRev. Dr. James Daniely of Roberts Memorial UMC and Pastor Thomas from Washington Street UMC share together a message proclaiming God's unifying love in the midst of a season of great division among the nation.1298christ,equity,king,love,nation,unityfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-in-and-the-out--43623237https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43623237Sun, 08 Nov 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn the parable of the bridesmaids, we always want to identify with the bridesmaids who made it in to the wedding banquet. But is that really the best option? Was that group really the best witness of faithfulness? It’s time we rethink this parable,...1288bridesmaids,election,eschatology,heaven,jesus,parablefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-great-multitude--43623236https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43623236Sun, 01 Nov 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThis All Saints Day, we are reminded of the work God is already doing in the world, and the end to which God is already working. As we remember the saints, we don’t celebrate their selfishness, or their tribalism – we remember their call to see our...1093election,gifts,glory,revelation,saintsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/walk-humbly-fix-your-focus--43623233https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43623233Sun, 25 Oct 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Bible is full of examples of what it means to ‘walk humbly with your God,’ and they help us understand what Micah is instructing to God’s faithful community. But walking humbly isn’t an isolated instruction. Micah’s instructions are offered as one...1180exile,faithfulness,humble,justice,mercy,micahfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/biblical-humility-fix-your-focus--43623234https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43623234Sun, 18 Oct 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMicah calls the people of Israel to humbly walk with God. But what does a humble walk look like? Why don’t we start with humility … what is humility? Not an easy question to answer, but the Biblical witness gives us some guiding words.1046bread,humble,humility,micah,moses,wildernessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/love-mercy-fix-your-focus--43624136https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624136Sun, 11 Oct 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCMercy is the willingness of the one who has power to withhold such power, or to shift such power, for the purpose of God’s greater justice: so that all of humanity, all of God’s created, might share equally in community with one another. But what does...1279agape,exile,israel,kindness,mercy,micahfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/biblical-mercy-fix-your-focus--43623235https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43623235Sun, 04 Oct 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCTo a nation that was broken with transgression, Micah offers three simple instructions. The second of which is to ‘love mercy.” As we hear the prophet speaking to us today, to a nation torn apart by transgression, what does it mean for us to ‘love...1048grace,hesed,justice,kindness,mercy,micahfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/do-justice-fix-your-focus--43623232https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43623232Sun, 27 Sep 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCJustice is the desire of God, maintained throughout the Biblical text. Both the Old and New Testament stories proclaim this as the will of God. But the text also makes clear, this is Godly work we are to participate in – as the prophets declare, we...1134israel,jeremiah,justice,prophets,righteousnessfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/biblical-justice-fix-your-focus--43624165https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624165Sun, 20 Sep 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe hear the word ‘justice’ thrown around a lot these days. “Social justice,” “Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” “justice for Breonna Taylor,” and so on. Micah, among other prophets, also used the word as a primary instruction to the people of God, saying,...1194equity,exile,justice,micah,mishpat,shalomfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/instructions-to-a-hurting-nation-fix-your-focus--43624144https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624144Sun, 13 Sep 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn this midst of a continuing pandemic, and amidst the varying hardships overwhelming our nation, you make ask of God, what do you want of us? How can we see your divine healing in this land? Micah offers guidance in just such a situation – so listen...1131covenant,justice,love,mercy,micah,nation,prophetfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-of-the-tongue--43624137https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624137Sun, 06 Sep 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn a political season, when words tend to fly freely from our mouths, it’s important to remember the text of James 3. It’s not the tongue that curses and blesses, it’s the words we convey and express with the tongue. How can we use our words to bless,...734blessing,curse,james,politics,tongue,zachariahfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pick-up-your-cross--43624145https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624145Sun, 30 Aug 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCChrist says, if you want to follow me, deny yourself and take up your cross. This is not a simple invitation. It is, as Peter found, a radical deviation from the powers and desires of empires. It invites a humility and willing vulnerability for the...1138crucifixion,discipleship,faithfulness,oppression,passionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/peace-life-together--43624140https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624140Sun, 23 Aug 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCLet us not say “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace. We must commit to the unequal and preferential option for Black lives, for, God knows, our Black brothers and sisters, in their bodies and in their souls, have long suffered and suffer now an...1256falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/encouraging-life-together--43624143https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624143Sun, 16 Aug 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCEncouragement, which comes in many forms, is necessary for healthy and faithful relationships. We have the ability to encourage another by offering affirmation. And yet, sometimes we should not be affirmed. At times, our encouragement needs not to...1091falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/be-yourself-life-together--43624142https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624142Sun, 02 Aug 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThrough acknowledgment of what is, by naming sin that exists, by naming our participation and benefit from sin, freedom becomes possible. Because of God’s love in Jesus Christ, we can claim our sin, we can be made new, and we can have a new life that...1054falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/slow-down-life-together--43624138https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624138Sun, 26 Jul 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhy do we value multi-tasking so much? Why is American individualism defined by busyness? Perhaps we should slow down and acknowledge God’s call, not for our own exceptionalism, but for a unified global well-being.1184falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pay-attention-life-together--43624141https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624141Sun, 19 Jul 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCListening is redemptive; it has the power to change lives and communities. If we’re going to see positive change in the world – if we’re going to see positive change in our own community – we have to start listening.1180falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gratitude-life-together--43624139https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624139Sun, 12 Jul 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn recent weeks, if it wasn’t already known, it has become quite clear, we are an ungrateful people. We need a reset to rethink our relationships, our expectations, and our place in the community. We need, like the healed Samaritan Leper, to be a bit...1320falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-charge-for-the-church-of-south-washington--43624581https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624581Sun, 05 Jul 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCOur work as the Church of South Washington is to lay claim to the promise of God in Jesus Christ, that we are not fully capable of being the Body of Christ, so long as any member of our God’s created is incapable of being who God has made them to be....1188falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-community-rejoices-having-nothing-possessing-everything--43624585https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624585Sun, 28 Jun 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhatever your worry – whatever binds you from being everything God has created you to be – through the power of God in Jesus Christ, you are loosed. The love of God in Jesus Christ frees you from all that keeps you from living into God’s will for your...1536falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/investing-in-the-community-having-nothing-possessing-everything--43624586https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624586Sun, 21 Jun 2020 14:58:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGod has blessed this world with more than we would ever need. And yet, so many still go without. As Christ was our example, our call is not to offer temporary relief that retains one’s oppression, but to offering freeing love that gives new life.1441falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/community-catalyst-having-nothing-possessing-everything--43624584https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624584Sun, 14 Jun 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAs we consider what it means to be a Community Catalyst, what does that look like in the world today where the church is not the withholder of power, but still proclaims God’s power? How does the church not be the gatekeeper of grace, but still...1348falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-gifts-of-the-community-having-nothing-possessing-everything--43624580https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624580Sun, 07 Jun 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe reason the American Dream is such a farce, is that America started with a vision that not all people were created equal – regardless what the Constitution says. But as the church, as God’s people, we are called to proclaim God’s love for all...1025falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/practice-neighbor-love-having-nothing-possessing-everything--43624583https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624583Sun, 31 May 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Spirit isn’t sent to make us comfortable. The Spirit isn’t sent to pat us on the back for the work that we’ve already done. The Spirit is sent that we might break down any barrier, any power, any divide that separates any person from true life and...1379falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gods-people-having-nothing-possessing-everything--43624582https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624582Sun, 24 May 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCGod’s desire for the world is not that a few succeed, while the many suffer. God’s desire is for us all to thrive as one body, as one people, as one creation who live and love in a peaceable union. This was not the world before COVID-19, and it is not...1109falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-immeasurable-greatness-easter-in-exile--43624656https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624656Sun, 17 May 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe role of the Church is to bear witness to Jesus and His love and power, at work to save the world. The immeasurable power of Christ, filling up the church, and overflowing through the Church, to fill all in all. That is the hope, that is the...1490falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/exile-redeemed-easter-in-exile--43624657https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624657Sun, 10 May 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIt may be Easter in exile, but we are not left on our own to fend for ourselves. We are empowered by the risen Christ to claim that new life, eternal love, and God’s glory are designed for all people. This means not only feeding the hungry, housing...1168falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/an-easter-covenant-easter-in-exile--43624658https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624658Sun, 26 Apr 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIt is Easter in Exile, and God has a promise, that in Christ, in the resurrection, a new covenant is born. May this season of exile in our lives lead us to claim God’s promise not just for ourselves, but for everyone born, that everyone may know God’s...1146falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/easter-in-exile--43624769https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624769Sun, 19 Apr 2020 14:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCBuild your homes. Live in them. Plant gardens. Go for an isolated walk. Enjoy the sunshine. Seek the well-being of the community in which you live. Learn to live as Easter people in a time of exile.1140falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pisteos-jesou-christou-my-how-the-bible-has-changed--43624919https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624919Sun, 23 Feb 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWhen Paul says that we are saved by "the faith of/in Jesus Christ," what does he mean? Paul believed this faith was a faith that tore down walls, not a faith that built walls up. Paul believed this faith removed the demarcations that had divided the...1341falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/yada-ginokso-my-how-the-bible-has-changed--43624920https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624920Sun, 16 Feb 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe English language often fails to speak to the breadth and depth of the original Biblical languages. A deeper look at the Greek and Hebrew makes very clear: the Biblical Word is not Lord; the Bishop is not the Lord; the Church is not the Lord; Jesus...1142falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/anthropos-man-person-my-how-the-bible-has-changed--43624916https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43624916Sun, 09 Feb 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIt's time we stop using the Biblical Word to exclude people who have been called - gifted, inspirited, and empowered - to serve God. Though the English translation has been used to silence women in the church, a quick study of the Biblical text shows...1301falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/arsenokoites-man-bed-my-how-the-bible-has-changed--45882594https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45882594Sun, 02 Feb 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCIn 1 Corinthians 6, Paul had a specific focus in his teaching, and it wasn’t covenantal, faithful, sacred, and permanent relationships between two people of any gender … it was acts that abused, broke covenant, and forced unfaithful, non-sacred,...1363falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/shalom-peace-my-how-the-bible-has-changed--45882568https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45882568Sun, 26 Jan 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Biblical text never promises wealth and prosperity to the faithful. What it does promise, is peace, well-being, and unity among the gathered faithful. The English translation fails us when it replaces God's vision of shalom, with our worldly...1165falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/doulos-slave-my-how-the-bible-has-changed--45882549https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45882549Sun, 19 Jan 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCThe Biblical witness can not be summed up by any one passage of the scriptural text. When passages are cherry picked, it most often leads to a watered down gospel or failed truth that does not stand the test of the Gospel on the whole. How we treat...1146falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chamad-covet-my-how-the-bible-has-changed--45882517https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45882517Sun, 12 Jan 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCWe should not cheapen the Biblical word due to our insufficient English translations, but claim the fullness of God’s desire for humanity as laid out in the ancient texts. God longs for us to delight in the goodness of creation, but not in a way that...1210falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/seeing-the-word-of-god-my-how-the-bible-has-changed--45882458https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45882458Sun, 05 Jan 2020 15:00:00 +0000Washington Street UMCAlmost every major division within the greater Christian body stems from a disagreement in the way we read and understand the Biblical text. The translating of the ancient Greek and Hebrew texts is a challenging task, and often has lasting...1220falsefull