Sun Prairie United Methodist Church Podcast

A Light To Our Path

This Word-of-the-Week Devotion from Pastor Jenny Arneson reflects on Psalm 119:105, which describes God’s word as a guiding light in our lives. It reminds us that staying grounded in Scripture shapes our faith and actions, offering steadiness in a chaotic world.

Rooted in Trust

This devotional message from The Upper Room's Disciplines 2025 reflects on Jeremiah 17:5-8, contrasting the fragility of relying on human strength with the steadfastness of trusting in the Lord. By rooting ourselves in God, like a tree planted by water, we gain the confidence to endure life's uncertainties and bear fruit even in challenging times.

Sermon - Here's the Catch

In her sermon, Here’s the Catch, Pastor Jenny Arneson reflects on Luke 5, where Jesus meets weary fishermen who’ve caught nothing all night. Yet, he calls them to try again—to go deeper.

What happens next changes everything.

Like those fishermen, we’re invited to trust, step beyond comfort, and cast our nets in deeper waters. What might we discover if we do?

Character

This Word of the Week devotion from Pastor Jenny Arneson reflects on Romans 12:9-12, which outlines the character of a true Christian—genuine love, rejection of evil, perseverance in hope, and faithfulness in prayer. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, Pastor Jenny encourages us to examine our own character, ensuring that it aligns with Christ’s teachings and shines with God’s love, truth, and goodness.

Faith Worth Passing On

This devotional message from The Upper Room's Disciplines 2025 reflects on 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, where Paul emphasizes the importance of passing on the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection. Inspired by both his faith journey and recovery experience, Rev. Dr. Jorge Acevedo encourages believers to embrace their role as messengers, sharing Christ’s transformative love with a world in need.

Sermon - Love Regardless

Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice. In a world filled with fear and division, how do we live out love as an action, not just an idea? Drawing from 1 Corinthians 13, Pastor Jenny challenges us to choose love—regardless of circumstances.

Peace

Pastor Jenny reflects on the word “peace” and how we can foster peace in ourselves and our relationships by engaging in peaceful conversations and embracing compassion and kindness. She recalls the prayer of St. Francis as a model for how we can make a difference while facing the days in which we live.

Equipped for the Call

 

This devotional message from the Upper Room's Disciplines reflects on Jeremiah 1:4-10, where God calls Jeremiah despite his doubts, reassuring him with divine presence and empowerment. Just as Jeremiah, Moses, Isaiah, and others wrestled with fear and uncertainty, we too are called by God in various ways throughout our lives, and holding to God's promises, we can find the courage and reassurance to follow

Sermon - The Community of All Creation

In this week’s message, Pastor Claire Douglas invites us to reflect on the beauty of creation and our role in its care. Drawing from her experiences at Pine Lake camp and her time as an environmental studies student, she shares profound insights about resilience, renewal, and harmony with nature.

With the Ponderosa pine as a metaphor and Isaiah’s words of hope as our guide, we’ll explore how God’s creative power makes a way in the wilderness—not just for the Israelites of old, but for us today.

How can we, like the Ponderosa pine, thrive amidst challenges and partner with God to care for creation?

My Life Flows On

Pastor Jenny shares how the hymn "My Life Flows On" and Psalm 96:3 inspire peace and strength amid life’s challenges. She invites us to find joy in God’s works and the songs of our faith.

A Place for Every Gift

This devotional message from the Upper Room's Disciplines reflects on 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, emphasizing that unity in the church does not require uniformity. It celebrates the diversity of God-given gifts within the body of Christ, encouraging believers to appreciate and use their unique talents to create a welcoming, unified, and thriving church community.

Sermon - Finding Joy in Your Hope

What does it truly mean to live as a follower of Christ in today's world? This week, Pastor Jenny delves into the revised Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, exploring how they guide us in addressing economic and political challenges with justice, equity, and faith. Rooted in scripture, these principles challenge us to rethink our natural inclinations, embrace diversity, and embody the transformative love of Christ. Join us to discover how these teachings can inspire meaningful change in our lives and communities—bringing us closer to the joy of living in God’s world.

Be The Ones

Inspired by Micah 6:8, this week’s Word of the Week reminds us to "be the ones" who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Through faith and hope, we are called to be agents of change in a world longing for transformation.

Hope That Shines Like a Light

This devotion by Reverend Stephanie B. Dunn reflects on Isaiah 62:1-5, where the prophet proclaims hope and restoration for Jerusalem despite its desolation. Linking Isaiah’s vision to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s pursuit of justice, the message challenges us to choose hope and trust in God’s faithfulness in creating a more just world.

Sermon - A Subway Surprise

Pastor Brad Mather delves into the power of respect, using Jesus' midnight conversation with Nicodemus as a lens for our own relationships. Discover how this message challenges us to treat others with dignity, even in a divided world.