Sun Prairie United Methodist Church Podcast

Sermon - The Church

Pastor Brad Mather's sermon, "The Church," contrasts the universal Church with local congregations, highlighting the early Christian community's unity and care for one another. He emphasizes how local churches continue to make God's love real through their actions and outreach.

Knots

In this week's "Word of the Week" devotion, Pastor Jenny Arneson reflects on the moments when life's challenges leave us feeling "tangled in knots." She reminds us that, just as we once needed help tying our shoes, God is always there to untangle the knots in our lives and offer the help we need.

Seeking Signs in a World of Uncertainty

This week’s devotion explores the themes of uncertainty and anxiety through the lectionary reading from Mark 13:1-8. Reflecting on Jesus' warnings about the dangers of seeking signs, the discussion emphasizes finding faith and reassurance in God’s presence rather than in dramatic or miraculous events.

Sermon - Water Washed and Spirit Born

In the sermon Water Washed and Spirit Born, Pastor Jenny delves into the sacrament of baptism, highlighting it as a covenant through which we experience God’s unconditional love and grace. She explains that baptism connects us to Jesus’ example, calls us into a supportive faith community, and empowers us to live as God’s beloved, sharing hope and compassion in the world.

Trust

In this week’s Word of the Week devotional, Pastor Jenny explores Trust, drawing from Psalm 139:11-12, where even darkness is light to God. Just as our eyes adjust to darkness and reveal hidden clarity, trusting in God can illuminate our way through life’s uncertainties.

Faith Over Perfection

In this week's devotion, we explore the profound assurance found in Hebrews 9, where we’re reminded that Christ’s sacrifice, given once for all, frees us from striving for perfection. Join us as we reflect on what it means to live in peace and trust, knowing that God will handle the rest.

Sermon - The Power of Holy Communion

In this series, we’ll uncover the deep meaning behind three powerful gifts in the Christian journey—Communion, Baptism, and the Church. Today’s sermon takes us to the Communion table, where generations have gathered, and where a young boy's "tea party" with Pastor Jenny and a child breaking his sandwich to "take Jesus in" 20 times reveal how these sacred traditions shape us in unexpected ways.

Civility

In this week's "Word of the Week," Pastor Jenny reflects on the importance of civility, drawing from the Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians. She encourages listeners to model humility, gentleness, and patience, especially as we approach Election Day in the United States.

Hallelujah: An Invitation to Act with God

This week we explore the enduring character of God in Psalm 146—a God who lifts the oppressed, frees captives, and calls us all to action. Ray Buckley invites us to see Hallelujah as more than praise; it’s an invitation to participate in God's ongoing work of justice and compassion.

Sermon - The Wise and Foolish Builders

Pastor Jenny Arneson’s sermon explores the closing of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the importance of building a strong foundation for life. She reflects on how faith can provide stability during life’s challenges and encourages us to ground ourselves in Christ’s teachings.

God Colors

Pastor Jenny reflects on the vibrant beauty of autumn and how it mirrors the way God’s true colors are revealed within each of us. Drawing from Matthew 5:13-14 and the imagery of changing leaves, she encourages us to shine our light and bring out the divine beauty in the world around us.

Eyes to See, Hearts to Follow

We explore the story of Bartimaeus, whose restored sight leads him to follow Jesus on the way (Mark 10: 46-52). Through this powerful encounter, we are invited to open our eyes to God’s grace and embrace our true identity as beloved children called to walk in love and faith.

Selah

In this episode of the Sun Prairie United Methodist Church Podcast, Pastor Jenny Arneson reflects on the word Selah from Psalm 46:10, inviting us to "be still and know that I am God." She explores how this ancient musical pause encourages moments of rest in our daily lives to reconnect with God and find renewal.

Redefining Greatness

This week’s devotion explores Mark 10:35-45, where James and John ask Jesus for places of honor in His kingdom. Through a thoughtful story and reflection, Skip Armistead challenges us to reconsider what true greatness looks like.

Sermon - Do Unto Others

Pastor Jenny Arneson's sermon from our October 13, 2024 worship service is entitled "Do Unto Others."