Sun Prairie United Methodist Church Podcast

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.

Cultivating Peace

In this episode of the Sun Prairie United Methodist Church podcast, we consider a meditation from "Disciplines" by Christina Denoto, reflecting on wisdom and peace as described in James 3:17 - 4:2. Denoto shares insights on how true peace is built through collective efforts, intentional actions, and a closer relationship with God, encouraging us to be peacemakers in our daily lives.

Sermon - The Identity of Jesus

WOW - Imagine

Pastor Jenny introduces "imagine" as the word of the week, reflecting on Ephesians 3:20, which speaks to God's power accomplishing far more than we can ask or imagine. She illustrates how our imagination can help us connect with faith and God's guidance.

TGWC - Guarding the Tongue

This week's reflection focuses on the power of the tongue, drawn from James 3:7-12, and encourages us to use our words wisely, emphasizing that our speech should reflect God's holiness and bring life, not harm, to the world.

Sermon - Putting Faith Into Action

In her sermon, "Putting Faith Into Action," Pastor Jenny Arneson emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith through actions, as outlined in the second chapter of the book of James. The James passage warns against showing favoritism and stresses that faith without works is meaningless. Pastor Jenny also draws on the example of Bart Starr, a Green Bay Packers quarterback, who lived his faith through service, and she challenges the congregation to find ways to serve their community and put their faith into practice.

WOW - Backroads

Pastor Jenny reflects on Matthew 7:13-14, emphasizing the value of taking the "narrow road" in life, which is often harder but more rewarding. Drawing from her own experience of traveling on scenic back roads, she encourages slowing down to notice the beauty and presence of God in everyday moments.

TGWC - Faith in Action

This week's meditation, based on James 2:14-17, explores the deep connection between faith and works. James Strickland, a retired Christian educator, reflects on his church's challenging but rewarding decision to become a reconciling congregation, emphasizing the importance of living out one's faith through concrete actions of love and inclusivity.

Sermon - Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

Pastor Jenny uses the analogy of a sprinter's starting blocks to illustrate how the letter of James provides practical guidance for living a life of faith. Just as starting blocks help sprinters achieve a strong start in a race, the teachings in James offer a foundation for Christians to live thoughtfully and faithfully, emphasizing the importance of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and active in demonstrating God’s love.

WOW - Rest

Pastor Jenny shares the word of the week, "rest," referencing Exodus 33:14 and Matthew 11:28 to emphasize the importance of taking time to rejuvenate both spiritually and physically. She reflects on her own experiences with rest during workouts and encourages everyone to honor life's rhythm of work and rest as a sign of reliance on God's provision.

TGWC - Doers of the Word

Read James 1:17-27. When do you find yourself as merely a “hearer” of the word and not a “doer”? What motivates you to act on God’s word?

WOW - Change

Pastor Jenny discusses the inevitability of change, whether in the seasons or life’s routines, and encourages viewing it through faith, trusting that God is our strength and refuge. She also shares an acronym for "change," reminding us that "Christ Has Allowed New Gifts to Emerge," and urges turning to God during times of transition.