Sun Prairie United Methodist Church Podcast

Pastor Jenny reflects on Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard, contrasting our instinct for fairness with the surprising generosity of God’s grace. God keeps returning, inviting, and making room for those still waiting, offering a grace based not on what we have earned or deserve but on God’s unconditional love. The challenge is to stop keeping score, make room for others, and receive God’s generosity with gratitude rather than resentment when that same grace is extended to someone else.

This Word-of-the-Week Devotion from Pastor Jenny Arneson reflects on Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 and the simple kindergarten lesson that we don’t have to do things alone. Drawing on the many people who recently stepped up to help with a church flooring project, Pastor Jenny reminds us that everyone has something to contribute and that, by helping one another, we can accomplish together what none of us could do alone.

This Word-of-the-Week Devotion from Pastor Jenny Arneson reflects on the hymn I Love to Tell the Story and the ways stories help us remember who we are, where we belong, and what we have been given. As Sun Prairie United Methodist Church celebrates 180 years, Pastor Jenny invites us to keep telling and retelling our stories of life and faith—especially the “old, old story” of Jesus and his love.

 

 

 

 

Pastor Jenny reflects on Jesus’ practical guidance for navigating conflict, reminding us that the simple kindergarten lesson “Use Your Words” is also a lifelong gospel practice. Rather than avoiding hurt, holding grudges, or seeking revenge, Jesus calls us to speak truth in love, listen to one another, and seek healing and reconciliation. Our words can wound or heal, build walls or open doors—and Christ promises to be present with us even in the difficult conversations

This Word-of-the-Week Devotion from Pastor Jenny Arneson reflects on Ephesians 4:32 and the simple but essential lesson to “be kind.” Drawing on the word “kind” tucked inside “kindergarten,” Pastor Jenny reminds us that ordinary acts of compassion, patience, forgiveness, and attentiveness are never wasted and can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Pastor Jenny reflects on Jesus’ call to “take up your cross and follow me,” reminding us that Christian faith is not a spectator activity but a life of discipleship and participation. Rather than asking what the church can do for us, we are invited to ask what God might do through us as we offer our gifts, time, and lives in service to others. As a new ministry year begins, the challenge is not to have everything figured out, but simply to know whom we are following—and to have the courage to follow wherever Jesus leads.

This Word-of-the-Week Devotion from Pastor Jenny Arneson reflects on Isaiah 9:6 and the Christmas promise of Emmanuel, God with us, a promise worth celebrating in every season. Drawing on Howard Thurman’s “The Work of Christmas,” Pastor Jenny reminds us that we live out Christmas joy each day as we care for the lost, broken, hungry, and hurting and become instruments of God’s peace.

Pastor Jenny reflects on Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” as one that shapes not only what we believe, but how we live. Knowing Jesus means allowing his love, mercy, justice, and welcome to shape the way we serve others. Ultimately, our most powerful answer may be expressed not in words, but in lives of compassion, generosity, forgiveness, and love.

Pastor Jenny reflects on how adversity, whether an everyday frustration or a life-changing hardship, can disrupt our plans and sense of control. Psalm 91 reminds us that God does not promise a life free from trouble, but promises to be present with us in it. As we practice trusting God through daily disruptions and bring them to God in prayer, we find refuge and strength for whatever adversity may come.

Pastor Jenny reflects on Jesus’ difficult encounter with the Canaanite woman to show that God’s mercy refuses to remain within the boundaries we create. Her persistence reveals a faith that trusts even the “crumbs” of Christ’s mercy are enough, and Jesus ultimately responds with healing. We are challenged to notice those we too easily ignore and to offer the kind of mercy that listens, draws near, and reaches to the margins.

This Word-of-the-Week Devotion from Pastor Jenny Arneson reflects on Hebrews 13:8, which reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Like home plate on a baseball field, God’s truth remains a steady and unchanging reference point amid the shifting circumstances, opinions, and uncertainties of life.

Rev. Eric Swanson reflects on Paul’s words, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” emphasizing that Christian strength does not mean doing everything alone. God first meets us with presence, then gives us endurance—often through the people and community who walk beside us. Faith reminds us that when life feels too difficult to carry ourselves, “we’re in this together,” strengthened by God and one another.

This Word-of-the-Week Devotion from Pastor Jenny Arneson reflects on Romans 5:3–5, where suffering produces endurance, character, and ultimately a hope rooted in God’s love. “Grounded hope” does not deny pain or offer easy optimism, but trusts that God is present with us in life’s hardest realities—and calls us to help hold that hope for others.

Pastor Jenny reflects on the feeding of the 5,000, emphasizing that God's work begins not with abundance but with the willingness to offer what we already have. Jesus shifts the disciples' focus from what they lack to what is in their hands, reminding us that God multiplies ordinary gifts—time, compassion, resources, and service—into extraordinary blessings. Rather than waiting for someone else to solve the world's needs, we are invited to place what we have into Christ's hands and trust God to create abundance.

This Word-of-the-Week Devotion from Pastor Jenny Arneson reflects on the hymn God of Grace and God of Glory, with its prayer, “Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the living of these days.” Written during a time of global uncertainty, the hymn reminds us that amid today’s divisions and challenges, God continues to redeem our time, calling us to live with wisdom, courage, hope, and faithful love.