From The Desk of Pastor Matt

Every year, I try to take a chance once or twice to plan out all the sermons I’ll preach. It often feels like a huge task. I must do enough hunting around to come up with new ideas or ways to reinvigorate old ones. It can be a little stressful. There are commentaries to be read and stories to think of.
               
However, this time, as I worked on the sermons for the rest of the year, I was reminded what an incredible privilege it is to do this. I thought about the words I often read from our Regional Minister, Rev. Michael Davison, as he posts on Facebook about what he has been up to. He almost always starts his post by saying, “This Sunday I was gifted the grace to fill the pulpit at (insert the name of the church he was preaching at).” He is right, preaching is a huge gift that God has entrusted to me.
               
That realization helped me to find new gusto as I planned out sermons. Hopefully, I have interesting sermons planned out for the remainder of 2026.
               
With that new life breathed into me, I would like to share some of the sermons and series I have for the rest of this year. I hope that helps to gather your curiosity.

Also, if you ever want to sit around and talk about sermons after they are done, just let me know.
               
Here are the planned sermons:

  • In July, we’ll look at the scriptures we find in the lectionary. We’ll talk about the parable of the sower, God being with us even in the tough times, and the parable of the pearl of great price.
  • In August, we have a sermon series entitled, “What if Jesus Was Serious?” What if Jesus was serious about some of the things he said? Could we live by them? How would that change us and the world?
  • In September, we’ll look at the story of Gideon being outnumbered and what that story means for us. We’ll also discuss what we can learn from Amish Spirituality. I spent a summer living in Amish country in Pennsylvania. I learned so much from the Amish there. I hope to share with you what I gleaned.
  • In October and November, we’ll take our time looking at the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. I am excited about the sermons because they have helped me so much.
  • At last, in December, we’ll travel through Advent by talking about some Christmas hymns and songs. By digging through those songs and their history, I hope we will never sing them the same again.

Believe it or not, that is enough to get us through the year. I look forward to it!

Peace,

Pastor Matt