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Sun Prairie United Methodist Church Podcasts
Episodes
Monday Jun 13, 2022
Monday Jun 06, 2022
Monday May 30, 2022
Monday May 23, 2022
Monday May 16, 2022
Monday May 09, 2022
Monday May 02, 2022
Monday May 02, 2022
Pastor Jenny Arneson's weekly devotion is published on Monday at 6:00 AM.
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Written by: Jenny Arneson
Narrated by: Bill Anciaux
“Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son.’” --Mark 15:39
At the end of this Holy Week, we will remember the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday. Each year it seems that I am asked by someone why we call a day of pain, death, and sorrow ‘Good?’ History tells us that it was not until the fourth century, some 400 years after the death of Jesus, that the Church began observing the Friday before Easter as the day associated with the crucifixion of Christ. At first it was called Holy or Great Friday by the Greek Church. It was not until the sixth or seventh century that ‘Good Friday’ was adopted by the Roman Church.
History aside, Good Friday, while a stark reminder of Jesus being put to death, is also the reminder that God took the worst the world could do and made it Good…out of death, God will bring resurrection. That is the ‘Good’ of Good Friday and the story of God’s goodness. Friday can only be called ‘Good’ because of what happened on Easter.
At Easter, hope is resurrected and death does not have the last word. In these days ahead, we will see Jesus as servant to all, and as the giver of the Bread of Life and Cup of Blessing. We will see the disciple Peter betray Jesus, but find forgiveness; Mary Magdalene will weep outside the tomb, but will know comfort in hearing her name called; and Thomas will have his doubts shattered.
There are no shortcuts in this Holy Week to the joy of Easter, but in the midst of it all, may you know the goodness of God!
Gracious God, in the midst of sorrow, sadness and horrors that have been part of human existence and that are part of life in this world, may we hold to the story of your goodness that gives us hope and life in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Written by: Brenda Wingfield, Retired UM Deacon
Narrated by: Bill Anciaux
“Be still before the Lord, and wait for him. Don’t get upset when someone gets ahead – someone who invents evil schemes. Let go of anger and leave rage behind. Don’t get upset – it will only lead to evil.” –Psalm 37:7-8
For me, Lent is a time for thinking or pondering and/or questioning what is happening not only to us but to the world around us. (Ponder is one of my favorite words – just wanted you to know.) The Psalms can be useful for many times in our lives but these verses speak to me now in this 2022 Lenten time.
We are a push button society and if it doesn’t work on the first push, we’ll push it again! I admit I love my washer and dryer that operate with the push of a button; my favorite device is my Keurig coffee machine. Sometimes, though, we need to step away from buttons and ponder.
I invite you to read again the selected verses and use them.
Find a place, any place, where you can spend time alone. Quiet yourself and then be still. Let your mind be still. Be open to any thoughts that may come in. Be still and be open to God. Be aware of what comes into your thoughts. Sometimes I have been flooded with ideas, remembrances, blessings, etc. Other times there is nothing. Regardless, I am always left comforted and refreshed.
Give “time away with God” a try. And if you wish to share you experience with me, I’ll be glad to listen.
God of all time, thank you for giving us each other and thank you for your presence that will never leave us. Amen.
Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Childhood Memories and Stories
Writer: Amanda Hinthorn, Director of Christian Education
Narrator: Bill Anciaux
“Hear this, elders; pay attention, everyone in the land! Has anything like this ever happened in your days, or in the days of your ancestors? Tell it to your children, and have your children tell their children, and their children tell their children.” --Joel 1:2-3
My kids know lots of stories about what my husband and I did when we were growing up to celebrate Christmas. They see the ornaments from our childhood each year as we hang them on our Christmas Trees (Yes, trees plural. We have three). We talk often about what Christmas was like when they were babies now that they are teenagers. In fact, they have started asking great questions about our traditions. Why do we eat pancakes every Christmas morning? Who decided our Christmas Eve dinner would always be alfredo?
But, as we make our way through Lent this year, I have realized in our household we don’t talk about Lent and Easter memories. I don’t think it’s because Dale and I don’t have them. I know that we do. Our first Easters together when we were dating were spent at Dale’s grandparents’ hunting eggs as college students. I learned very quickly to only look for the green ones. Dale had been assigned green eggs at birth. All the grandkids had a color to hunt for. Their new partners and spouses were a variation of their color. So I became light green.
However, I don’t think my kids know that story. I don’t think my kids know any of these stories. Why don’t we talk about this? Why don’t we share the stories and make memories during Lent and Easter like we do during Christmas and Advent?
If the story continues, it's our job to share it. Talking with kids in our families and faith communities about our foundational moments in faith shapes their foundations. If they only hear stories from one time in our Christian year, how will they know and understand the importance of others? How can we help them create foundational memories during Lent and Easter that will have them sharing stories for years to come?
I don’t know all the answers, but I do know this. My son loves Fat Tuesday because we decided to make it a foundational moment in our Lenten journeys each year. The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday we eat pancakes too. We talk about the why of using up the fat and sugars in our home before we begin our Lenten journey together. I cannot guarantee he will share this story as he ages but I do know this. Last year, when I forgot to make the pancakes he made them himself.
God, you call us to share stories with others. Help us remember that each day is an important day with you. Each day presents us with opportunities to make faith memories that will help us move the story forward for generations to come. Amen.
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Turning to Jesus
Written by: Lucie Yaba, Seminary Intern
Read by: Denise Utter
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” --Matthew 11:28-31
Are we worried, restless, or do we wonder where God is in the details of our life? Coming gently and lowly to Jesus may look different for you than it does for other people. But the key is that we approach Jesus and build our personal relationship with Jesus.
Lent provides us an invitation and reminds us that Jesus took our burden upon his shoulders and paid the price for our forgiveness, deliverance, restoration and freedom. During these 40 days of Lent we are each invited to slow down and focus as Jesus. This reminds us of how God delivers us from sin, death, and darkness. Our darkness may be the situation that is bothering us right now and we feel like no one can feel our pain and suffering. Maybe we do not know who to turn to for help and comfort. But God is telling us that Jesus came as the Divine in the middle of humanity to save us from our darkness. Whatever the situation that is bothering us, its solution is in Jesus. If we trust in God, God will deliver us from the domination of darkness.
Dear God, thank you for your presence in our lives. Amen
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Written by Pastor Brad Mather, Director of Caring Ministries
Read by Bill Anciaux
Matthew 5: 6-8
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Mt. Adams overlooks Cincinnati and the Ohio River and has long held a special place in the life of the Queen City. Not only was it once home to a cable car but for years it was also home to the famous kilns of Rookwood Pottery. Like an old European village, narrow streets meander its crowded crest and if you’re looking for “upscale” shops and eateries, Mt Adams is the place to go.
On the summit, like a citadel, stands The Holy Cross Immaculata Church built in 1859 for the steady stream of German Catholics who were immigrating to the area at the time. But the church is best known for its 96 steps that take on special meaning during Lent and Holy Week.
During the weeks leading up to Easter, the 96 steps serve as prayer stations for those hardy enough to make the climb, and thousands make the journey every year. I can’t make the claim of having made the climb myself, even though I grew up in Cincinnati, but I’ve always loved the imagery and thought.
Lent, after all, calls us to re-dedicate ourselves to a life of prayer that more fully connects us to the Risen Christ and the gifts of Easter. If your prayer life, like mine, can always use a boost, why not make each day during Lent a prayer station of its own.
Reignite in us, O God, a passion for prayer. Let it be the place where we bring both the joy of life’s blessing and the sadness of life’s losses, knowing that God will hear our prayers. Amen.
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Written by Pastor Claire Douglas, Youth & Young Adult Ministries
Read by Denise Utter
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident…I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” --Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14
In January of 2020, a friend of mine sent me a star word for the year. When I opened the envelope to discover the word “goodness” written inside, I must admit I laughed. 2019 had been a rough year within the church when it was sometimes difficult for me see the goodness around me. I figured God must have a sense of humor if God intended me to see the good in 2020. If only I had known just how right, I was.
Finding the goodness of God has lately become a challenge for me. Goodness has not always been easy to see through COVID-19 closures, senseless hate crimes, the outbreak of war. Yet even in my darkest moments of doubt, I find myself returning to this passage from Psalm 27, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” It reminds me no matter what pain or suffering, or anger or hatred surrounds us, we will still see God’s goodness now within our lives.
Lent is a season when we re-center ourselves in our relationships with Christ. We ask ourselves what are the things that we need to let die to experience new birth? What are the ways that we are being challenged to grow closer to God? I don’t know what ways you are being challenged by God this Lenten season, but I do know we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Holy God of Love, help us to see your goodness throughout this Lenten season. In your name we pray, Amen.
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Written by Pastor Jenny Arneson
Read by Bill Anciaux
“We beg you as Christ’s representatives, ‘Be reconciled to God!’” 2 Corinthians 5:20b
Today is Ash Wednesday, which begins the 40-day season of Lent. This is a season for prayer and soul-searching. In Lent, we are asked to look deep within ourselves to find those places where we need to seek forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation, and healing. Lent is also a time we remember the life, teaching, suffering and death of Jesus so that we can more fully celebrate his resurrection on Easter.
Our theme for Lent this year is The Story Continues… Not too long ago, we celebrated the humble beginnings of the Jesus story, which started in a stable. During Lent, we will allow the story of Jesus to continue as we make the journey with him to the cross. We will also reflect upon and share our own stories during Lent.
When you tell the story about yourself or your family history, what do you highlight? What do you celebrate about your story? Are there pieces of your history that you skip over in telling your story? What is it about your story that you would rather ignore? Where is God in your story?
One thing the pandemic has shown us is how much our stories intertwine with one another and that there are common threads throughout our stories. The pandemic has taught us the importance of listening to and hearing the stories of each other.
So, what’s your story? How will you share it? How can your story offer hope to others? How do you allow your story to continue?
Lots of questions…But in these days of Lent, I invite you to reflect upon and ask questions about your own story. Perhaps write your story down for yourself or for others. And may our story draw us closer to God and one another.
Gracious God, we know that our story continues as we follow the story of Jesus to the cross. In this season of Lent, may we turn to you for strength and courage. Thank you for continuing to write our story as you journey with us, offering us your love and grace each day. Amen.
Saturday Feb 26, 2022
Saturday Feb 26, 2022
We conclude our sermon series, Jesus Says.
Our scriptures this week will be Exodus 34:29-35 and Luke 9:28-36. Pastor Jenny's sermon is titled, Jesus Says...Prayer will Change You.
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