Sun Prairie United Methodist Church Podcast

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."

Do Unto Others

In this week's message, Pastor Jenny Arneson explores the Golden Rule from Matthew 7:12, inviting us to reflect on how kindness and compassion can shape our interactions. She also shares a simple experiment for staying grounded during challenging moments—especially in election season.

Shedding Baggage - Lessons from an Unexpected Journey

A seemingly routine flight takes an unexpected turn when a last-minute passenger boards with a powerful story. His experience invites reflection on the challenges of traveling through life with unnecessary baggage and the grace that helps us along the way.

Sermon - Turning Our Values Upside Down

Pastor Jenny Arneson's World Communion Sunday sermon invites us to reflect on what truly matters, both in our personal lives and as a church community. Drawing from the Beatitudes, she offers a fresh perspective on values that challenge the norms of our world, encouraging us to consider how we might live out these teachings in ways that make a difference.

Billboards of Grace

In this "Word of the Week," Pastor Jenny from Sun Prairie United Methodist Church reflects on Ephesians 4:2-3, calling for humility, gentleness, patience, love, and peace amidst a divisive world. She encourages us to be "billboards of grace," embodying Christ's compassion in our interactions, particularly during stressful times, such as the current election season.

Learning from the Little Ones

Today's devotion discusses the significance of Jesus welcoming children, emphasizing the importance of humility and recognizing the value children bring to the kingdom of God.

Sermon - Recognizing God

Pastor Jenny draws parallels between the intrigue of soap operas and the suspense found in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Esther. She highlights Esther’s courage in speaking up to save her people, emphasizing how God works through ordinary people to resist injustice and bring hope to the world. She encourages us to act with faith and courage in our own lives.

AWOL - Absent Without Leave

 

Pastor Jenny reflects on the feeling that God may sometimes seem absent from our lives, comparing this experience to the military term AWOL (Absent Without Leave). She emphasizes that while we may feel distant from God during struggles, it's important to remember God's presence often comes in moments of silence, and we can find comfort and guidance by intentionally seeking that connection through prayer or quiet reflection.

Embracing Authenticity

This week's devotion, written by Cynthia Johnson Oliver, reflects on James 5:13-20, emphasizing the importance of bringing one's authentic self to the church, whether in joy, suffering, or need of healing. She encourages the church to embrace diversity and meet people where they are, echoing James’s call for inclusivity and compassion over judgment.

Sermon - Parking Meters

Pastor Brad reflects on the ways in which rules, both personal and societal, can sometimes impoverish our lives, using examples like parking meter laws, sports coaching policies, and the Pharisees’ strict adherence to religious laws. He emphasizes that Jesus challenged senseless rules, urging instead that we follow the spirit of God's will, which prioritizes compassion and meaningful living over rigid regulations.

Harvest Moon

In this week’s "Word of the Week," Pastor Jenny reflects on the beauty of the harvest moon and its symbolism, drawing from Matthew 5:14-16, where Jesus calls us to let our light shine before others. She encourages listeners to embrace the light of Christ and intentionally let it guide and shine through us in a world that needs it.