July 5, 2026: Love Knows No Borders
Matthew 22: 36-40

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

1. Look In (Heart Check) — 5 minutes

Jesus says the second commandment is "like" the first — loving our neighbor is inextricably linked to loving God.

• When you think about the phrase "Love Knows No Borders," what kinds of "borders" (cultural, political, social, or personal) do you find hardest to cross in order to show Christ ’s love?

• How does our love for God give us the strength to cross those boundaries?

• As our nation marks 250 years, political and ideological divides can feel incredibly sharp. How does anchoring our identity first in our love for God help us cross those internal "borders" to love someone on the "other side"?

2. Look Out (Perspective Shift) — 5 minutes

In Jesus' time, the definition of "neighbor" was highly debated, which is why he often used parables to expand their worldview to include outsiders and enemies.

• Who are the "outsiders" or marginalized groups in our local community today?

• What does it practically look like to love someone across a border of deep disagreement or different life experiences without compromising our faith?

3. Look Forward (Action Step) — 5 minutes

"On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Love is meant to be active and tangible.

• As we reflect on 250 years of our nation's history, what is one practical, small boundary your group or family can cross this week to extend God ’s love to someone you wouldn't normally interact with?

Since 15 minutes fly by, we may not get to all of the questions, but I invite you to reflect on these questions this week and in the days to come. If we get excited about one question more than another, it ’s okay. The idea is to connect and talk. The goal is connection, not “finishing the list."

 Music this week:

• They’ll Know We Are Christians

• I See the Love of God in You

• Show Me Your Ways

• Entrance

• Live in Charity

• Holy Ground

• Table of Love

June 28, 2026: No One Serves Alone
Luke 10: 1-11

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

This coming Sunday, we will have our congregational meeting. Our church has two congregational meetings per year that are scheduled: one in January to approve the budget for the year and hear the State of the Church (our fiscal year is the calendar year, January to December). The second scheduled meeting takes place in June to elect new officers, chairpersons, and other leaders, as our Program year runs from July through June. (I ’m not sure why we do it this way, but we do!) This is not to say that we cannot have more than two, but these are the two that are always scheduled.

This week ’s scripture guides my thinking about church membership, particularly church leadership. No one serves alone. Our scripture for this week begins with, “... the Lord commissioned seventy others and sent them on ahead in pairs to every city and place he was about to go. He said to them, “The harvest is bigger than you can imagine, but there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest.”

Indeed, the work, “the harvest, ” of the church is vast – “bigger than you can imagine ”. We have outreach ministries and ministries we engage in together “inside ” the church, and the number of volunteers is small. This Sunday, I want to honor those who have served the church in this season. I also want to invite each of us to imagine together how we can support the mission and ministry of our church. Can you understand budgets? Do you enjoy doing yard work? Can you read scripture? What are the things you enjoy? We can use your gifts. No one serves alone!

Music this week:

• With You

• Live Loud

• Greater Grace

• Home (Phillip Phillips)

• My Peace I Leave You

• Totally Available

• Bread for the Journey

Sunday, June 21, 2026
A Daddy ’s Love
Scripture: Luke 15: 1 -32

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

William Wesley Taylor married my mother when I was 8 years old and my brother, Jeffrey, was 3 years old. He adopted us a little over a year later. Daddy was the brother of my mother ’s best friend, and they started dating after my biological father died. I am a true “Daddy ’s Girl. ” When my parents were dating, Daddy would bring my mother beautiful flowers and would bring me a bouquet of daisies. To this day, daisies are among my favorite flowers.

Daddy has always been there for us (me, my brother and sister). He encouraged us to face challenges with dignity. He defended us fiercely when others tried to hurt us or deny us something that was rightfully ours. This week, as I am thinking about Pride and Juneteenth, I realize the role Daddy played in my understanding of both. Daddy supported me when I came out — not a reality for many of my friends. When we were young, Daddy insisted that we learn about our history and heritage as African Americans. He would teach the other kids in our neighborhood, too. He ran to the edge of town for me, for us.

Our scripture this week is the story of a parent who comes to the edge of the city to reclaim their child. In that culture, a child, particularly a son, who disrespected his father and brother, would be seen as an enemy. An enemy could be killed at the entrance to the village. Any neighbor who got word that this younger son had returned, could have gone to the village gate and killed him. The father runs to the edge of town to reclaim his son, to save his life, and to preserve his dignity no matter how he left town. That ’s a Daddy ’s love.

 Music this week:

• Hallelujah (your love is amazing)

• I Have a Hope

• Let the River Flow

• El Shaddai

• Glory, Glory Lord

• I Will Celebrate

• Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ

Sunday, June 14, 2026
Turning Toward the Light: Generosity, Intimacy and Trust
Scripture: Matthew 6: 1 -6, 16-21

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

In a culture obsessed with visibility, likes, and public applause, where does our faith find its true home? This week, our community dives into Matthew 6:1 -6, 16 -21, exploring a timely message from Rev. Daphne Gascot Arias, who wrote one of the commentaries for our Stewardship Campaign this year, that challenges the performance-driven rhythm of modern life.

Jesus invites us into the “secret place” — not a space of hiding or exclusion, but a sacred sanctuary of deep intimacy with God. Drawing a beautiful illustration from the Puerto Rican yagrumo tree, Rev. Daphne notes how the tree’s leaves possess two distinct sides: a deep green and a shimmering, light-reflecting silver. While culture sometimes dismisses this double-sided nature as hypocrisy, the yagrumo actually shows us what authentic generosity looks like. Its silver side turns upward not to boast, but to receive the life-giving rain.

Our spiritual disciplines — giving, praying, and fasting — are meant to operate the same way. They are not instruments for public recognition, but practices designed to tilt our hearts toward divine love. True stewardship isn't measured by a spreadsheet; it is an overflow of trust in the One who sees in secret.

Where is your treasure? Toward what light is your heart turning? Join us this Sunday as we gather to recalibrate our desires, practice "inconvenient selflessness," and learn together how a hidden, faithful life can quietly shake the world with grace.

 Music this week:

• Because of Your Love

• I Want to Know You (in the secret)

• Remind Me Who I Am

• Start a Fire

• Hide Me in the Shelter

• The Way I Was Made

• Peace in Christ

Sunday, June 7, 2026
Novena, Chapter 3: Waiting While We Run
Scripture: Hebrews 12: 1 -2

Jacob Perez, preaching

We have talked about waiting for revival, and Hebrews 12 reminds us that waiting is not always done in stillness. Sometimes it’s about lacing up and running, even when we are tired and even as we are carrying things we have not yet learned to put down.

This Sunday, we dive into the weights and sins that cling to us. What are we dragging into the race that was never ours to carry? What might it look to lay it down together?

Join us as we continue our Novena series, as we look with hope toward God lives, our church, and our world.

Music this week: 

• Indescribable

• You Are Merciful to Me

• We Fall Down

• Open the Eyes of My Heart

• Eagle’s Wings

• I Wanna Be More Like You

• Start a Fire

May 31, 2026: Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled
John 14: 1-14

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

This passage is part of what is commonly called “The Farewell Discourse, ” in which Jesus gives his disciples — and those of us who are listening along — a word for how to live in a world without his bodily presence. These last words, however, are really the first words in how to be a Christ-follower in the confusing and chaotic times that his disciples then and now occupy. Christ’s commandment, “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” may be as difficult to grasp for us as it was for his early followers. There is so much that troubles us, both globally and personally.

But in the words to follow, Jesus gives us three keys to help unlock the Way to an un-troubled heart. First, the Way of Relationship. Throughout this passage, Jesus listens carefully and responds with love to his disciples, modeling for them and for us how to create a space where questions are heard and respectfully answered.

Second, Jesus offers the Way of Justice. When Philip asks to be “satisfied,” Jesus replies with gentle incredulity that Philip must not know him very well. The Savior’s sacred task on earth is not so much to satisfy his followers, as to fill us with a holy dissatisfaction. That dissatisfaction with the status quo can fan into a mighty flame the small spark of desire for justice that resides in each human heart.

Third, Jesus offers the Way of Generosity. He makes the incredible promise that his followers will do “mighty works” that will surpass anything he has been able to accomplish in his time here on earth. Look around, friends! Those mighty works are happening right now in our community, through our acts of generosity. Your time, talent and treasure are indeed creating a mighty work here and now. May it continue to be so!

Based on John 14:1-14

 Music this week:

• You’ve Got a Friend

• Your Love Reaches Me

• Better is One Day

• Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

• Seek Ye First

• My Life is in You, Lord

• Grace Alone

Our apologies — it appears that we had technical difficulties and did not record or livestream this service.

May 24, 2026: We Are A Holy Spirit People
1 Corinthians 12: 3-13

Scott Sumner-Moore delivering a sermon outlined by Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor

On Pentecost Sunday, Christians around the world celebrate the formation of the church when the Holy Spirit called people into community as Christ ’s body and blessed them with universal understanding of languages. Pentecost, which literally means “fifty days, ” is a moveable feast which always occurs on the seventh Sunday after Easter. Though it may not be as ubiquitous as other key Christian celebrations, it is a tremendous day in church history. Some theologians describe Pentecost as the Church ’s birthday. Others describe it as a “big bang” that brought the Church into being, for just as God ’s Spirit came rushing into the world over the waters of creation, in Acts 2, God ’s Spirit rushes into the world to gather and transform God ’s people.

So where does that leave us? In 1 Corinthians 12, we are reminded that it is through the Holy Spirit that we are bestowed with spiritual gifts. How do we share those gifts at work, at school, at church?

If we are willing to be amazed, Pentecost is one of the most awe-inspiring days in our Christian calendar. If we are willing to be transformed, it is an opportunity to be renewed in energy and faithfulness toward the work of God ’s kindom on earth when all people will experience true liberation and boundless love.

 Music this week:

• We Come from the Spirit

• A Song Must Rise

• Let Your Glory Fall

• Spirit of the Living God

• Water, River, Spirit, Grace

• Create in Me a Clean Heart

• One Spirit of Love

May 17, 2026: Novena, Chapter Two: Waiting Through Worship
Habakkuk 3: 2, 12-19

Jacob Perez, preaching

This week, we continue chapter two of the Novena series where we learn how God gives us worship as a way to wait for deliverance, for revival, for healing. We continue to journey as we did a few weeks back through the book of Habakkuk where the prophet concludes that even as it feels like the promise of God’s deliverance is unattainable, even as fear and trembling sets in, even still the prophet chooses to give God worship.

Our series is about waiting on God’s promise, working toward revival, and, for this week, worshiping even when we don’t feel like it.

Music this week:

• Salvation is Here

• Hungry (Falling on My Knees)

• Living Water

• Protector of My Soul

• There's a Light

• You Are My Strength

• I Surrender All

May 10, 2026: We Are Family
John 14: 15-21

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

This Sunday, as we gather to celebrate Mother ’s Day, we do so with a spacious and inclusive understanding of what it means to "mother." In our community, we recognize that mothering is not defined solely by biology, but by the fierce, nurturing, and persistent love that sustains us. We honor the biological mothers, the adoptive parents, the chosen family, the mentors, and those who "mother" through art, activism, and friendship. We also hold tender space for those for whom this day brings grief, longing, or complex memories.

Our scripture for the morning, John 14:15 -21, offers a beautiful theological anchor for this expansive view of family. As Jesus prepares to leave his disciples, he offers a profound promise: "I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you." In the ancient world, to be orphaned was to lose one's place in the social fabric — to be without a protector or a home. But Jesus redefines kinship. By promising the Advocate (the Holy Spirit), Jesus assures us that we are never solitary. We are woven into a divine family where the Spirit acts as the ultimate nurturer, dwelling within us and connecting us to one another across all boundaries.

In the sermon "We Are Family," we will explore how we are called to be that Spirit-led family for one another. Just as the Spirit nurtures us, we are invited to "mother" the world - tending to the vulnerable, advocating for the marginalized, and ensuring that, in this house, no one ever feels orphaned.

Join us as we celebrate the love that makes us kin.

 Music this week:

• We Come from the Spirit

• Lord, I Give You My Heart

• Heart of Worship

• Eagle’s Wings

• Who is My Mother, Who is My Brother?

• Come Share the Lord

May 3, 2026: That’s My Secret, Cap!
1 Timothy 4: 11-14; Esther 4: 12-14

Charlotte Thompson, preaching

We are thrilled to welcome Charlotte Thompson as our guest preacher on Sunday, May 3rd.

Charlotte is our Regional Youth Director (RYD). She ’s been involved in camp at the Community of the Great Commission for over 40 years. Charlotte is a lifelong member of First Christian Church of Selma, where her husband is the current pastor. Her passion for youth ministry began when she was a youth herself. Her main goal as RYD is to make sure the kids of this region really know who Jesus is. She is also working on rebooting the Regional Youth Council.

She is married to Chad, and together, they have six children, a son-in-law, and two cutie-patootie grandkids named Luke and Claire.

Here is a little information about what she will preach about on Sunday: Last week at Annual Gathering, we talked about Esther living in her bubble as queen. She had no idea what was happening to her people outside the palace. It reminds me of the poem "First They Came" which says things like, "First they came for the Communists, but I didn't speak out because I'm not Communist." It's calling us to stand up for people outside of our circle because we are all children of God. Esther had to remember that she isn't just a pretty face, but she is part of a larger community that she needs to stand up for. Who can you stand up for today?

 Music this week:

• Amazing Grace (Peaceful, Easy Feeling)

• Every day

• Holy Spirit Rain Down

• Pass It On

• Here I Am, Lord

• Offering

April 26, 2026: Novena, Chapter 1: Waiting for Revival
Habakkuk 1: 2 - 2: 14

Jacob Perez, preaching

This week, we read the story of the prophet Habakkuk who cried out to God for help in the midst of war and political violence all around him. For Habakkuk, there was a promise that God was supposed to deliver, a promise of liberation and justice. But it just was not happening. And so, Habakkuk exclaimed one of the boldest lines in the Bible: How long, God, will I keep crying for help, and you not answer?

Whether it ’s how we feel when we read the news or how we sit with the trials and tribulations that impact our daily lives, it ’s easy to see the parallels between our current moment and Habakkuk ’s time.

What is that liberation we are waiting for? I believe it is revival, an outpouring of God ’s Spirit that illuminates the Gospel of Christ in our lives. And while we wait, what we know as a season and practice of “Novena, ” how shall we prepare our hearts for revival? Join us on Sunday as we discuss!

Also, a heads up: we ’ll be experimenting slightly with the order of service, always with an eye toward making the service smooth and accessible to visitors and members alike. We ’d love to get any feedback you have afterward.

Music this week:

• I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

• Holy is the Lord

• Come, Now is the Time to Worship

• I Need You More

• Let Your Glory Fall

• When I Think About the Lord

• Surely the Presence of the Lord

• I Wanna Be More Like You

• Holy Ground

• For Everyone Born

April 19, 2026: For the Beauty of the Earth
Genesis 1: 1 - 2: 3

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

On the vast plains of the Maasai Mara, the horizon doesn’t just end; it seems to lean into the infinite. During my recent journey to Kenya, I stood in the quiet of the savannah and felt the truth of our scripture, Genesis 1:1-2:3, in a way that felt brand new. In the Mara, you can still hear the “Divine Breath” that brought order out of chaos. You hear it in the rhythm of the great migration, the wisdom of the Maasai guardians who live in harmony with the land, and the delicate balance that sustains every living thing. It is a place where God’s declaration of “very good” still echoes through the tall grass.

But as we gather in advance of Earth Day, we must also listen to a different sound: the cry of a creation that is out of balance. Earth Day is not merely a secular holiday; for us, it is a Sabbath moment. In our Genesis reading, God completes creation by resting, signaling that the Earth has its own inherent value apart from what it can “produce”.

To be a “Sabbath people” means honoring the Earth’s need to rest and recover. Climate justice is the recognition that when we deny the Earth its rest, the most vulnerable among us suffer first. Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the beauty of this world — from the acacia trees of Africa to the hills of Mt. Diablo — and recommit ourselves to the holy work of ensuring it remains “very good” for all of God’s children.

Sabbath for the Earth: 3 Ways to Practice Creation Justice

• The Power of “Stop”: Commit to one “No-Drive” or “No-Spend” day this week to reduce your carbon footprint and practice Sabbath stillness.

• Restore the Soil: Plant a native species in your garden or a pot to support local pollinators, honoring the biodiversity God called “good.”

• Advocate for Rest: Write one email to a local representative supporting policies that protect our local watersheds and green spaces.

 Music this week:

• Morning Has Broken

• Child of Love

• Forever Reign

• Give Thanks

• Genesis Song (Every Nation Dubai Music)

• How Beautiful

April 12, 2026: The Great Fifty Days: Jesus Among Us
John 20: 19-29, John 21: 1-23 (selected verses), Luke 24: 13-35, Matthew 28: 16-20

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

The stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and the lilies are in full bloom — but the story of Easter is only just beginning. While the world often moves on from the celebration once the sun sets on Easter Sunday, we are just entering Eastertide, the joyous "Great Fifty Days" that lead us all the way to Pentecost.

This Sunday at First Christian Church, we are doing something a little different. Instead of a traditional sermon, we are inviting the Word and song to take center stage. We will journey through selected passages detailing Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, alternating these powerful readings with music and congregational singing.

Did you know that scripture records at least 12 separate appearances of the risen Christ? From the quiet garden meeting with Mary Magdalene to the lakeside breakfast with the disciples, these moments remind us that the Resurrection wasn't just a one-time event from the past — it marked the beginning of a new way to be present in the world.

As we listen to these ancient stories, we are reminded that Jesus didn ’t stop appearing 2,000 years ago. He continues to reveal Himself to us in our daily lives: in the breaking of bread, in the face of a stranger, and during quiet moments of communal prayer. Join us this Sunday as we let the scriptures and our songs remind us that He is risen indeed, and He is still walking among us.

Music this week:

• Indescribable

• Build My Life

• Let The River Flow

• Day by Day

• Consuming Fire

• Sanctuary

• Abide

• Bread for the Journey

• Who Am I? 

Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026: The Good News Is Alive in the World
Matthew 28: 1-10

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

This Easter Sunday, we reach the breathtaking conclusion of our journey through the "Good News." We began with small seeds and quiet parables, but in Matthew 28: 1 -10, the Gospel describes a seismic shift that refuses to be ignored. There is an earthquake, a dazzling angel, and a stone rolled away not just to let Jesus out, but to let us see in. For Matthew, the Resurrection isn't a quiet or ambiguous event — it is loud, astonishing, and transformative.

Throughout Lent, we have seen how the Good News grows without limit, like a mustard seed, and expands to feed every hungry soul, like the loaves of bread. Now, we witness the ultimate truth: Death cannot stop the Good News. It is alive, unbound, and wild in the world. It will not be buried, and it cannot be silenced.

Just as the angels proclaimed at Advent, the messenger at the empty tomb speaks those life words: “Do not be afraid. ” As Jesus greets the women on the road, he doesn't simply offer comfort; he gives a commission. He sends them back to Galilee — back to everyday places of life, this time with good news to share that cannot be ignored, and he promises that he will be there, waiting for them.

As we celebrate this Sunday, we look back at the stories that have shaped us these forty days. Where have we seen the Kindom of God breaking through? The Resurrection tells us that the risen Christ is undeniably present, not just in the empty tomb, but in the faces of our neighbors, the needs of the stranger, and the good works currently "creating and dancing" in our community.

The Good News is more than a memory; it is a living force. This Easter, let us go out seeking the Christ who is already ahead of us, moving in the world and alive in each of us. 

 Music this week:

• Christ the Lord is Risen Today

• Let It Rise

• Lift Me Up

• Lord, I Give You My Heart

• Because He Lives

• Eat This Bread

March 29, 2026: The Good News Inspires Us to Act
Mark 11: 1-11

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

There are two things happening in worship this week! The first is the Dedication of Brooklyn Kay Silversmith, the daughter of Mykah and Peyton Hodges Silversmith, and the great -granddaughter of Joyce Parlin!

Second: As we enter Holy Week, we are invited to witness a tale of two parades. During Passover week, Jerusalem would typically groan under the weight of a Roman triumph — a calculated display of imperial might designed to intimidate. In those processions, the Governor rode on a majestic horse, surrounded by the wealthy and the elite, a stark reminder of who held the power.

Therefore, Jesus offers a radical contrast. His march is not for the powerful, but for the people: the hungry, the poor, and the afraid. As he enters the city, the crowd is not moved by military pageantry but by his authenticity and humility. They see through the cold brilliance of Rome and are instead drawn to the warmth of Jesus ’ leadership. This is a grassroots climax; the energy is infectious, mobilizing ordinary people to throw their cloaks in the dust and wave palm branches in the air.

This year, we focus on Mark ’s Gospel, which highlights the "ripple effect" of Jesus ’ presence. Interestingly, Mark barely mentions the entrance itself; instead, the spotlight is on the crowd's response. The Good News here is not a concept to be studied, but a reality to be embodied. From the disciples retrieving the colt to the strangers joining the procession, faith is shown through action.

As we shout "Hosanna" this Sunday, we must ask ourselves: What will this Good News inspire us to do? How will the Gospel move us? This week, let us move beyond verbal instruction and follow Jesus putting our beliefs into physical practice.

 Music this week:

• All Glory, Laud, and Honor

• Blessed Be Your Name

• When I Think About the Lord

• How Majestic is Your Name

• Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

• Lead Me, Guide Me

March 22, 2026: The Good News Is Rooted in Justice, Mercy and Faithfulness
John 8: 2-11

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

As we draw closer to Holy Week, we witness the mounting tension between Jesus and the religious authorities. In this week ’s Gospel, a moment of teaching in the Temple is abruptly interrupted as scribes and Pharisees drag a woman caught in adultery before Jesus. Their goal is a "lose-lose” trap: either Jesus contradicts Mosaic Law, or he abandons his message of grace.

Instead of engaging in legalistic spectacle, Jesus flips the script. By inviting those without sin to cast the first stone, he moves the focus from public punishment to personal transformation. In the end, he defuses the trap, condemning no one and restoring the woman ’s dignity.

While Jesus ’ ministry was deeply rooted in the Torah, his actions often called for a radical reinterpretation of the Law —an approach that emphasized human life over strict adherence. He reminds us that the "weightier matters" of the law, as seen in Matthew 23:23, are justice, mercy, and faith.

This Week ’s Reflection:

As we navigate the rules and expectations of our lives, how can we choose the most compassionate path? Join us as we explore how Jesus avoids the traps of judgment to focus on the humanity in all of us.

 Music this week:

• River of Mercy

• I Have a Hope

• You Are My Strength

• You Are Merciful to Me

• I Will Go and Do

• Take My Life

March 15, 2026: The Good News Is Protection and Care for the Vulnerable
Matthew 19: 13-15 and Deuteronomy 24: 17-22

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

In our modern world, the image of Jesus welcoming children often seems like a "cute" or "sweet" Sunday School lesson. However, in the social hierarchy of the first century, Jesus’ actions were highly subversive. By focusing on those with no status or power, Jesus wasn't just showing kindness — he was reshaping the Kindom of God around the vulnerable.

This radical hospitality is rooted in the ancient mandates of Deuteronomy 24:17 -22. God commanded the Israelites to leave the edges of their harvests for the immigrant, the orphan, and the widow. The reason was simple yet profound: "Remember that you were a slave in Egypt." Our own history of vulnerability should be the catalyst for our current compassion.

Today, the "Good News" challenges us to look beyond what is comfortable. Whether it is the child seeking a blessing or the immigrant seeking a safe harbor, the biblical mandate is clear: the vulnerable are not to be pushed to the edges but brought to the center.

Living out the Gospel means moving beyond "thoughts and prayers" to active protection. It means making sure that those cut off from traditional safety nets are not only shielded from harm but also cared for so they can thrive. As we reflect on these scriptures, let us ask ourselves: How are we leaving the "edges of our fields" for those in need today?

When we care for the "least of these," we aren't just doing a good deed —we are embodying the very heart of God.

 Music this week:

• Undignified

• Your Grace is Enough

• Simple Life

• Seek Ye First

• Protector of My Soul

• What A Friend We Have in Jesus

March 8, 2026: The Good News Is Together, Nothing is Impossible
Mark 6: 32-44

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

In this week ’s Gospel, Jesus and his disciples seek a quiet retreat, only to be met by a massive crowd. Rather than turning them away, Jesus leads an impromptu teaching session born of pure compassion. As evening falls, the disciples — worried about logistics — urge Jesus to send the hungry crowds away. Instead, Jesus issues a staggering challenge: “You give them something to eat.”

Faced with financial constraints and meager provisions, the disciples see only impossibility. Yet, when they "go and see" what they actually have, their five loaves and two fish multiply until thousands are fed.

This story serves as a masterclass in communal care and community organizing. Modern society often insists we must fend for ourselves, creating a “scarcity mindset” where resources never seem like enough. Tending to a whole community can feel overwhelming, but Jesus demonstrates that compassion is the energy source for collective action.

By prioritizing physical needs alongside spiritual ones, Jesus mobilizes a movement. The Good News empowers us to believe that:

• Our “small” offerings are enough when shared

• Collective care dispels perceived impossibilities

• Our limiting beliefs do not limit what God can do

When we stop focusing on what we lack and start building networks of mutual support, the impossible becomes possible. Join us this Sunday as we explore how miracles happen through the power of community.

 Music this week:

• Dream Small

• Greater Grace

• Start A Fire

• Step by Step

• Nothing is Impossible

• Come Share the Lord

March 1, 2026: The Good News Is Great Love for God and Neighbor
Luke 7: 36-50; Matthew 25: 35-40

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

This week, we dive into the very foundation of Jesus ’ teachings and actions: The Greatest Commandment. At its core, the call to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind is intrinsically connected to the call to love our neighbors as ourselves. But what does that love actually look like when it breaks social norms?

In our Gospel reading from Luke, we witness a dinner party interrupted by a "shocking" guest. While Simon the Pharisee focuses on the rules of conduct, a woman enters uninvited and bathes Jesus ’ feet with expensive perfume and tears. Simon sees a "sinner" and a "party foul," but Jesus reorients Simon ’s focus. He asks Simon to truly see the woman, recognizing her bold hospitality and "great love" — a tender devotion Simon himself failed to extend.

Her actions challenge us: Can we truly love God if we do not love our neighbor? Is not honoring the divine image within another the most profound way to honor God?

To deepen this connection, we pair this story with Jesus ’ instructions in Matthew 25. When we care for the hungry, the stranger, and the imprisoned, we are not merely fulfilling a duty; we are showing "great love" to Christ himself. This week, we invite you to join us for "The Good News is Great Love for God and Neighbor," as we explore how loving the "least of these" is the ultimate expression of our love for the Creator.

 Music this week:

• Jesu, Jesu

• Here I Am to Worship

• Remind Me Who I Am

• To Love You

• Hungry (falling on my knees)

• Table of Love

February 22, 2026: The Good News Is So Good It Catches Us By Surprise
John 2: 1-11

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

Welcome to the start of our Lenten journey, "Tell Me Something Good: Grounding Ourselves in the Good News This Lent." Typically, we expect Lent to begin in the dry heat of the desert, grappling with temptation and austerity. Yet, in the Gospel of John, Jesus ’ public ministry doesn ’t open with a struggle against scarcity; it begins at a wedding banquet in Cana.

It might feel a bit lavish — perhaps even subversive — to start a season of reflection with a miracle centered on keeping the "good vibes" flowing. But this is the heartbeat of the Gospel: the good news begins with joy. In John 2:1 -11, we witness a God who cares about the success of a party and the dignity of a host. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels that lead with the wilderness, John insists that the essence of Jesus ’ work is inherently beneficial, delightful, and abundant.

As we revisit this familiar story, we invite you to examine your assumptions. Does a miracle involving choice wine seem "unnecessary" for a Savior? If so, consider this: the kin-dom of heaven is so good it should catch us by surprise. Like the fine wine saved for last, God ’s grace is a surplus that cannot be contained. Throughout this season, Jesus ’ teachings may challenge our comfort, but we can trust they are rooted in a love that never runs dry. Join us as we celebrate a God whose goodness is better than we can imagine.

Based on John 2:1–11

 Music this week:

• Hallelujah (your love is amazing)

• There’s a Light

• Let the River Flow

• Create in Me a Clean Heart

• I Hope

• Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ

February 15, 2026: Courage to Bear the Light
2 Peter 1: 16-21

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

As we conclude our "Unveiled Courage" series this Transfiguration Sunday, we find ourselves standing on the mountaintop with Peter, James, and John. In 2 Peter 1:16 –21, Peter recalls that moment of blinding brilliance, insisting that his testimony isn ’t a "cleverly devised myth" but a firsthand account of Majestic Glory. Yet, he quickly pivots from the mountain peak to the valley below, reminding us that we possess something even more reliable: the prophetic word that shines like a lamp in a desolate place.

The title of this week's sermon is "Courage to Bear the Light." It is a fitting finale because, while fear instinctively seeks the shadows in which to hide, courage demands that we shine. In a national landscape currently marred by overt racism and xenophobia, the shadows can feel particularly long and cold. When rhetoric is used to dehumanize and divide, the temptation is to dim our own lamps to avoid notice. However, being a witness to the Transfiguration means we are grounded in a truth that transcends earthly prejudice.

To bear the light is to refuse to let fear dictate our neighbors' worth. Like the "lamp shining in a [desolate] place" that Peter describes, our courage is found in the steady, persistent glow of justice and truth. We don't just admire the light from a distance; we become the vessels for it. Join us this Sunday as we learn how to stay grounded in what we have witnessed, carrying that light into the disturbing corners of our world until the day dawns and the morning star rises in our hearts.

Based on 2 Peter 1:16–21

 Music this week:

• Siyahamba

• Here I Am to Worship

• Open the Eyes of My Heart

• Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

• This Little Light of Mine

• How Beautiful

February 8, 2026: Courage to See with the Spirit’s Eyes
1 Corinthians 2: 1-16

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

In 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16, Paul reminds the early church that true wisdom isn't found in impressive speeches or human certainty, but in the quiet, persistent movement of the Spirit. This week's theme -- “Courage to See with the Spirit’s Eyes” — invites us to shift how we perceive the world and one another. Fear narrows our vision, shrinking our imagination to the size of our anxieties. But the Spirit, the very breath of the Holy One, widens our sight until we can recognize possibility where we once saw only limitation.

Progressive faith teaches that God — mysterious, expansive, and ever-unfolding — is not confined to old assumptions. When we dare to see through the Spirit’s eyes, we begin to notice the sacred in places we overlooked: in the wisdom of children, in the resilience of marginalized communities, in movements for justice, and in the quiet courage of everyday people choosing compassion over convenience.

Seeing this way requires bravery, It means loosening our grip on fear-based narratives and stepping into a larger, more generous reality. But as Paul assures us, we are never left to do this alone. The Spirit accompanies us, nudging us toward deeper understanding and clearer vision.

As our series, “Unveiled Courage: Seeing Clearly, Living Fearlessly” continues, may we open ourselves to this wider sight — trusting that when we look with the Spirit’s eyes we glimpse not only what is, but what can be.

Based on 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

 Music this week:

• We Come From the Spirit

• With You

• Consuming Fire

• In the Light

• Holy Spirit Rain Down

• Water, River, Spirit, Grace

February 1, 2026: Courage to Embrace God’s Strange Wisdom
1 Corinthians 1: 18-31

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

As we continue our series, “Unveiled Courage: Seeing Clearly, Living Fearlessly,” we are invited to confront a challenging truth: true courage often appears foolish to the world. We live in a culture that worships the “strong” -- the loudest voices, the most polished resumes, and the most certain conclusions. We are taught that to be safe, we must be in control.

But this Sunday, as we explore 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31 we encounter a God who works through a different kind of logic. In a message titled “Courage to Embrace God's Strange Wisdom,” we will examine how the Cross subverts everything we think we know about power. The world sees a cross and sees defeat; God sees a cross and reveals ultimate liberation.

Fear is a creature of habit, It clings to familiar hierarchies and the safety of the status quo. However, spiritual courage invites us to let go. It calls for the bravery to let God unravel our need for worldly validation and reweave us with a grace that centers the “lowly.” the “weak,” and the “despised.”

Following a marginalized Savior calls us to deconstruct our own pedestals and find the sacred in places society ignores. Are we brave enough to be “fools” for love? Let’s gather this week to lay down our armor and embrace the beautiful, subversive wisdom that sets us truly free.

Based on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

 Music this week:

• Glory, Glory Lord

• Everyday

• Heart of Worship

• Be Thou My Vision

• Show Me Your Ways

• El Shaddai

January 25, 2026: Courage to Seek Unity
1 Corinthians 1: 10-18

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

In our current series, “Unveiled Courage: Seeing Clearly, Living Fearlessly,” we are exploring what happens when the scales fall from our eyes, and we begin to see ourlife and faith through God's perspective. This Sunday, we apply that “unveiled” vision to the way we live together as a community.

Moving Beyond the Fog of Friction

In 1 Corinthians 1: 10-18, Paul addresses a church blinded by its own internal competition. The believers in Corinth had lost sight of the Gospel because they were too busy choosing sides - —lining up behind their favorite leaders like fans of rival teams.

When we live in fear, our vision narrows. We begin to see our siblings in Christ as competitors for resources or influence. But unveiled courage allows us to see clearly: we are not defined by our “camps,” but by the cross. Courageous unity isn't about forced agreement; it's about the fearless decision to keep Christ at the center, even when we disagree.

Seeing Our Future Together

This Sunday is a significant moment for us to practice this fearless living. Immediately following our worship service, we will transition into our Annual Congregational Meeting. As we pull back the curtain on the year ahead, we will review 2025 and share the hopes and visions that have emerged as we seek to serve our community in the coming year.

When we see clearly, we realize that a budget is more than just a financial document — it is a testament to our shared courage. We invite you to stay and participate as we move into 2026 with a spirit of unity and a heart free from fear.

 Music this week:

• Gather Us In

• Child of Love

• Lord, I Give You My Heart

• Live in Charity

• They’ll Know We Are Christians

• One Bread, One Body

January 18, 2026: Courage to Trust God’s Calling
1 Corinthians 1: 1-9

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

This Sunday, as we observe the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, we continue our series, “Unveiled Courage: Seeing Clearly, Living Fearlessly.” Our focus shifts to 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9 where we explore the “Courage to Trust God's Calling.” It is easy to look at a monumental figure like Dr. King and see only the finished product of his courage. However, Dr. King's legacy teaches us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the trust that God provides the strength we lack. In his famous “Kitchen Table Experience” in 1956, a young exhausted, and fearful Dr. King sat in his kitchen at midnight, ready to give up. In that moment of deep vulnerability, he heard a divine voice assuring him: “Stand up for justice. and God will be at your side forever.”

This is exactly what Paul unveils for the church in Corinth. Though they were a fractured and messy community, Paul reminds them that they are “enriched in every way” and “not lacking in any spiritual gift.”

Seeing Clearly: We stop looking at our own limitations and start seeing the lavish grace God has already poured into us. Living Fearlessly: We find the strength to act not because we are qualified, but because God is faithful to sustain us to the end.

Join us this Sunday as we learn how to trade the paralysis of “not enough” for the Courage to Trust in God's Calling.

Reflection Question: Dr. King once said “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” As you look at the staircase of justice and healing in your own community, what “first step” is God calling you to take today, trusting that God has already given you the gifts to take it?

Based on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

 Music this week:

• Abide

• I Have a Hope

• Holy Spirit Rain Down

• You Are My Hiding Place

• Calling All Angels

• Hush

January 11, 2026: Courage to Cross Boundaries
Acts 10: 34-43

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

As we step from the glow of Advent into a new year, we carry with us the holy whisper that has guided us through the season: Do not be afraid. Epiphany invites us to discover what that promise looks like in practice. In this six-week series, "Unveiled Courage", we follow the early church's journey of revelation — from Peter's boundary-breaking vision in Acts to Paul's call for unity, humility, and Spirit-led wisdom in 1 Corinthians, to the bold witness of Peter.

Across these scriptures, God unveils truth not simply to open our eyes, but to embolden our lives. We learn that courage is not the absence of fear — it is the willingness to move through fear with clarity, humility, and hope. We discover a God who shows no partiality, a Christ who unravels human wisdom, and a Spirit who teaches us to see beyond what is obvious into what is possible.

As we prepare for our Lenten theme, "Tell Me Something Good", this Epiphany series helps us gather the good news we will soon be ready to proclaim. Together, we will practice seeing clearly and living fearlessly, trusting that God's light still rises, God's wisdom still surprises, and God's love still leads us forward.

So, come, people of God, step into the light that reveals and restores. Come with open eyes and open hearts, ready to see clearly. God calls us beyond fear, beyond division, beyond the wisdom of the world. Come seeking the courage that only love can give. Christ meets us in unexpected places and invites us to follow another way. Come to worship the One who unveils truth and leads us forward over these next six weeks, and beyond. Let us worship God with courage, wonder, and joy.

 Music this week:

• Heart of Worship

• Every Move I Make

• Build My Life

• Everything Is Beautiful

• Give Thanks

• Help Us Accept Each Other

• Peace in Christ

January 4, 2026: Fear Doesn't Stop Us
Matthew 23-12,16-18

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

As we conclude our Advent/Christmas series, Herod remains in power, Christ is born, yet it feels as if the world has not changed. The temptation to give up is strong, especially in the face of violence. But the magi don't let Herod's fear-driven demands stop them from honoring the newborn Christ or returning home by a different way. They model for us what it looks like to be led by hope, moving through fear without letting it paralyze us.

As this series ends and a new year begins, we proclaim our journey continues, and fear won't have the last word.

Music this week:

• While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

• Emmanuel, Emmanuel

• God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / We Three Kings

• What Child Is This?

• Home By Another Way

• Let There Be Peace On Earth

Meg Sumowiec led this Taizé service of prayers, songs, silence, and communion as we celebrated Christmastide together in a contemplative service.

Music this week:

• Emmanuel, Emmanuel

• Come and Fill

• Give to Use Your Peace

• Live In Charity

• Come and Pray in Us

• Eat this Bread

• Glory to God

December 24, 2025: Christmas Eve: Good News Is Louder Than Fear
Luke 2: 1-20

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

The Christmas season can be filled with sentimental images of Mary, gentle and mild, holding a calm, sleepy Jesus. But the host of angels proclaims to the skies,"Glory to God in the highest!" What would it look like for us to proclaim the good news loudly, with overflowing joy? In a world that weaponizes fear, where algorithms decide what gets importance, what gets circulated, and what takes up space, let us be disruptive with our joy. Let us be loud and unruly, amplifying the good news like the shepherds running into the streets of Bethlehem. In a world where good news never feels loud enough to drown out fear, let us shout with the angels, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace!"

Good news is louder than fear! In the story of Jesus' birth, good news breaks through fear and appears boldly in a chorus of angelic voices: "Glory to God! Peace on earth!" In the nativity story, good news doesn't come in a quiet whisper, a constellation of stars, the smoke of incense, or even a foggy dream. The good news is loud, clear, and unstoppable. For this is a holy night, but not a silent one; the good news of great joy for all people will not be silenced.

Keeping Vigil for Hope through the Longest Night

On December 21, 2025, at 5 p.m., we held the ecumenical Longest Night service here at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where we created a space to acknowledge difficult emotions during the holiday season, especially fears about the world.