5.3K
Downloads
533
Episodes
Sun Prairie United Methodist Church Podcasts
Episodes
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.
We would love to know you’ve been with us. Would you please record your attendance with us?
Visit https://forms.gle/T8uT1hxagmMF2p879 to record your attendance anytime.
Visit our website and social media to learn more about us. https://www.sunprairieumc.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunprairieumc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunprairieumc/
Saturday Feb 19, 2022
Saturday Feb 19, 2022
We continue our February worship series called, Jesus Says... Each week we are looking at what Jesus says in Scripture and how it can apply to our lives today. Our scriptures this week will be Colossians 3:12-17 and John 8:1-11. Pastor Brad's sermon is titled, Jesus Says...My Followers are Compassionate.
We would love to know you’ve been with us. Would you please record your attendance with us?
Visit https://forms.gle/T8uT1hxagmMF2p879 to record your attendance anytime.
Visit our website and social media to learn more about us. https://www.sunprairieumc.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunprairieumc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunprairieumc/
Saturday Feb 12, 2022
Saturday Feb 12, 2022
We continue our February worship series called, Jesus Says... Each week we are looking at what Jesus says in Scripture and how it can apply to our lives today. Our scriptures this week will be Psalm 1 and Luke 6:17-26. Pastor Jenny's sermon is titled, Jesus Says...Blessed Are You.
We would love to know you’ve been with us. Would you please record your attendance with us?
Visit https://forms.gle/T8uT1hxagmMF2p879 to record your attendance anytime.
Visit our website and social media to learn more about us. https://www.sunprairieumc.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunprairieumc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunprairieumc/
Saturday Feb 05, 2022
Saturday Feb 05, 2022
This week, we will begin our February worship series called, Jesus Says...
Each week we will look at what Jesus says in Scripture and how it can apply to our lives today.
Our scriptures this week will be Psalm 138 and Luke 5:1-11. Pastor Jenny's sermon is titled, Jesus Says...Nothing But Net.
We would love to know you’ve been with us. Would you please record your attendance with us?
Visit https://forms.gle/T8uT1hxagmMF2p879 to record your attendance anytime.
Visit our website and social media to learn more about us. https://www.sunprairieumc.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunprairieumc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunprairieumc/
Saturday Jan 29, 2022
Saturday Jan 29, 2022
We will conclude our January worship series, What's Your Story?
This week, we will hear about call stories. Our scriptures will be Psalm 71:1-6 and Jeremiah 1:4-10.
Rev. Claire Douglass, our Pastor of Youth & Young Adults, will be preaching.
Her sermon is titled To Build and To Plant. We would love to know you’ve been with us.
Would you please record your attendance with us?
Visit https://forms.gle/T8uT1hxagmMF2p879 to record your attendance anytime.
Visit our website and social media to learn more about us. https://www.sunprairieumc.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunprairieumc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunprairieumc/
Saturday Jan 22, 2022
Saturday Jan 22, 2022
We are in the midst of our January worship series, What's Your Story? This week, we will talk about miracle stories. Our scriptures will be Luke 4:14-21 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. Pastor Jenny's sermon is titled, See the Miracle.
We would love to know you’ve been with us. Would you please record your attendance with us?
Visit https://forms.gle/T8uT1hxagmMF2p879 to record your attendance anytime.
Visit our website and social media to learn more about us. https://www.sunprairieumc.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunprairieumc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunprairieumc/
Saturday Jan 15, 2022
Saturday Jan 15, 2022
We will continue this week with our January worship series, What's Your Atory? This week, we will talk about our childhood stories. Our scriptures will be Psalm 36 and Luke 2:15-19. Pastor Brad's sermon is titled, A Letter Home.
We would love to know you’ve been with us.
Would you please record your attendance with us?
Visit https://forms.gle/T8uT1hxagmMF2p879 to record your attendance anytime.
Visit our website and social media to learn more about us. https://www.sunprairieumc.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunprairieumc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunprairieumc/
Sunday Jan 09, 2022
Sunday Jan 09, 2022
In this second week of the New Year, we will continue with our January worship series, What's Your Story? This week, we will hear the story of the Baptism of Jesus and remember our own Baptism and renew our baptismal vows Our scriptures will be Isaiah 43 1 7 and Luke 3 15 17 21 22 Pastor Jenny's sermon is titled, Remembering Your Baptism
We would love to know you’ve been with us. Would you please record your attendance with us? Visit https://forms.gle/oqCX124a5pU1sZ8j8 to record your attendance anytime.
Visit our website and social media to learn more about us. https://www.sunprairieumc.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunprairieumc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunprairieumc/
Thursday Jan 06, 2022
Thursday Jan 06, 2022
Join us as we explore our sermon series "What's Your Story" as we take a look at our founding story as United Methodists.
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Strength
Written by Maecie Ledden, Confirmation Student
Read by Chase Rimrodt
I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God
is with you wherever you go.
--Joshua 1:9
There are many times in your life when you will be given the opportunity to go outside of your comfort zone. I was given the opportunity one summer to go on a five-day backpacking trip. God presented me with this opportunity, but I did not perceive it that way. I did end up going on the trip and I grew so much knowing God was with me. God calls upon us to use the strength he gives us to be strong and courageous, by presenting opportunities. Many people do not see these and turn away from the challenge. We should all try to see the times God gives us the opportunity to grow, with the security of knowing God is with you wherever you go.
Gracious God, let others take these opportunities you present in our everyday lives and flourish with them. Thank you for explaining that growth doesn't happen in your comfort zone but in the times, you leave it. We appreciate the security you provide for us as we take on challenges and learn more about ourselves and our faith. Amen
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Dreaming
Written by Claire Douglass, Pastor of Youth & Young Adults
Read by Denise Utter
… But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared
to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be
afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is
conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth
to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because
he will save his people from their sins.’
-- Matthew 1:20-21
You may be surprised to learn that according to the Guinness book of World Records, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” as recorded by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single of all time. No one can deny that listening to White Christmas is quintessential part of our Christmas experience, but it was originally a bit of a dark horse. Penned by Irving Berlin for the blockbuster musical film Holiday Inn, everyone expected that another song “Be Careful It’s My Heart” would be the film’s biggest musical hit. But as Holiday Inn was about to be released, the United States entered World War II. Suddenly White Christmas with its dreams of glistening treetops and sleigh bells ringing in the snow captured the hearts and minds of families missing loved ones around the world.
Advent is a season made for dreaming, for reflecting on the past and imagining the future. It is a season for challenging ourselves to look past the obvious and believe in a world where angels might appear, the impossible might happen and God might be where we least expect. But the story of Joseph reminds us that not all dreams are merry and bright. Some dreams may be challenging and send us in new directions in life. Some dreams are meant to push us beyond what we believe is possible to become the kind of people who change the world. This advent season, let us all dream big dreams. The kind of dreams that push us beyond what is comfortable and easy, that together we may become a Christmas people ready to change the world.
Loving God, thank you for this season of dreaming that offers hope for change to come into a waiting world. Amen
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Parents
Written by Addison Richards, 4th Grader
Read By Tian Brooks
Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the
God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
–Psalms 25:5
Have you ever seen the Lord? Well, I see him every day in my parents. In Psalms 25:1-10, we are told to put our trust in the Lord who will guide us and teach us but not judge us by our wrongdoings.
I find this to be the same with my parents. I put my trust into them to guide me along the right path and to not judge me for when my attitude is not the best or I make a mistake. I want them to love me for who I am and help guide me on the path of love. So, for me, I am able to see the way of the Lord through the love of my parents, which gives me a connection with God. So, let us all remember the love of our parents and of our God. Their love is forever!
Dear God, thank you for loving parents who show and share your love. Amen
Monday Dec 27, 2021
Monday Dec 27, 2021
If You Believe God Answers Our Prayers, Say AMEN!
Writtten by Dan VandeKolk, Welcome Center Host
Read by Bill Anciaux
This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-
we know that we have what we ask of him.
--1 John 5:14-15
For several years my daughter Pam had periodic issues of SVT; episodes of an abnormally fast heart rhythm. There are options available to someone with this condition. One is a surgical procedure known as Ablation Therapy. Another is to treat the tachycardia with medication. After trial and error with the medication, rapid heart rate issues were controlled most of the time. But, after time, the medication was no longer effective, and the Ablation was performed. While the ablation was successful for treating the SVT, Pam started experiencing Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) following the ablation surgery. AFib is another form of irregular heart rhythm, as I understand it.
A year or so later she experienced another episode of AFib with a rapid heart rate and she was transported to the hospital. The medical team tried different medications to get the heart rate back to normal without success. All the while, Pam had been praying for the AFib to stop. Finally, the doctor said she was going to have to perform an electrical cardioversion (electric shock). Pam was scared and hesitant to have the procedure done but after reassurance from the medical team she agreed. While being prepped for the procedure, Pam prayed a different prayer. She prayed “Be with me through this.” Her heart rate immediately went back to normal rhythm. While being prepared to be released, the nurse asked her what she had been doing when her heart rate returned to normal after all those hours. She replied, “I was praying.”
Pam believes the prayer she needed to pray was to accept God’s will and pray for His Presence- “Be with me, be by my side” instead of “make this stop,” was really the difference in her prayer being heard and ANSWERED!
During this season of Advent, I wonder what prayers were being said by Joseph and Mary many years ago. I believe their prayers may have been very similar.
“Be with us, be by our side” History shows us that God answered their prayers than and continues to answer our prayer requests centuries later.
I say AMEN!