Gray Memorial United Methodist Church Sermons

In this sermon, Pastor Beth explores how human beings often place ultimate hope in things too small to hold it—family, institutions, nostalgia, or control. Christian hope is not rooted preserving the world exactly as it is, but in the redeeming presence of the living Christ. Because Christ is alive, our lives are no longer anxious attempts to earn God’s love, but faithful responses to the God who has already come near. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

We’ve all experienced how tasting something good changes us—but too often we try to keep the best things to ourselves. In 1 Peter, we’re reminded that when we have truly tasted the goodness of God, we are changed in ways that can’t be contained. God is at work shaping us—not individually, but together—into a community of “living stones” who reflect God’s love in the world. Through acts of service, generosity, and grace, we become a visible witness to the goodness we have received. Because Christ is alive, we are being made new—and God is still building something beautiful among us.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

This sermon reflects on Jesus as the Good Shepherd who offers abundant life—not as ease or comfort, but as a life of meaning, connection, and care. Using the story of Chris the sheep and the imagery of Psalm 23, Pastor Beth explores how life can quietly become heavy when we try to live independently or listen to the wrong voices. Because Christ is alive, the Shepherd is still calling, still gathering us into community, and still leading us into a life that is full, shared, and free.Scripture is read by Bill Eddy.Sermon by Rev. Beth Demme.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples walk away from Jerusalem in confusion and grief, only to discover later that the risen Christ had been with them all along. This sermon explores how we, too, often fail to recognize Christ’s presence—not because Christ is absent, but because we are looking for something else. Even in seasons of uncertainty and change, the good news remains: Christ is on the road with us, and one day we may look back and see where he has been all along.Scripture is read by Bill Eddy (Luke 24:13-35). Sermon by Rev. Beth Demme.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In this Easter message from John 20:1–18, we follow Mary Magdalene as she moves from grief and confusion to recognition when the risen Christ calls her by name. The resurrection does not erase the darkness all at once, but reveals that God meets us in the very places that feel like endings. God is already present, already at work, making love visible. Because Christ is risen, we no longer have to live as though love will run out. We can live as people who have been seen, called, and sent to make that love visible in the world. Scripture read by Bill Eddy.Sermon by Rev. Beth Demme.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem looked like the moment everyone had been waiting for—but the crowd misunderstood the kind of king he truly was. Expecting power and quick change, they celebrated with “Hosanna!” and turned to "Crucify him!" when Jesus did not meet their expectations. This sermon by Rev. Beth Demme invites us to recognize how love is made visible not through force or control, but through humble, self-giving grace—and to consider how we might miss that same love today.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Joe Moxley reflects on John 11:33–37, where Jesus weeps, to show that God’s love is not distant but deeply present in human sorrow. Through stories of family, grief, and pastoral care, he reminds us that love becomes visible not just in words, but in simple acts of presence—sitting, holding, and showing up. In a world full of loss, this sermon invites us to follow Christ’s example by making love tangible for others in their moments of need. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In John 9, Jesus restores sight to a man born blind—but the deeper story is about learning to see what God is doing. As the man’s understanding grows layer by layer, he moves from simply knowing about Jesus to recognizing him as Lord. This sermon invites us to examine our own blind spots and to consider how encountering Christ can transform us so that love becomes visible in our lives.Sermon by Rev. Beth DemmeTo access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In “Love Made Visible in the Listening,” Rev. Beth Demme explores Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4, revealing how Jesus crosses deep cultural and religious boundaries simply by sitting down, listening, and truly seeing another person. The sermon challenges long-standing assumptions about the woman’s story and invites us to notice how easily people can be reduced to labels that keep us from recognizing their dignity. When we learn to listen and see others the way Christ does, love becomes visible in our communities and in the world.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

 On this second Sunday of Lent, we proclaim the heart of John 3:16–17: God loves the world and comes not to condemn, but to save. As we continue our Love Made Visible series and remove another layer from the painting in worship, we ask what it means to step into the light and see our neighbors with curiosity and compassion. Joined by Tori Stephenson, MSW, from the Big Bend Continuum of Care, we listen, learn, and consider how we can make God’s love visible—for the sake of the world. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In this first week of Lent, we follow Jesus into the wilderness and discover that love is formed long before it is seen. The temptations he faces are not obvious evils but subtle distortions—grasping for control, turning identity into performance, and seeking power without faithfulness. As we begin our journey toward the cross, we learn that in the wilderness, love becomes visible when we refuse the shortcuts and trust the God who calls us beloved. Scripture is read by Kim Maxwell.Sermon by Rev. Beth DemmeTo access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

On this Ash Wednesday, we begin our Lenten journey with Psalm 51 and the honest prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Rather than bargaining with God or hiding our brokenness, we learn to lean fully on God’s steadfast love, the love that makes repentance possible and begins its work even in the dust. As we enter a season called Love Made Visible, we trust that God is slowly, faithfully creating something new within us, layer by layer.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In this final message of the Awakened to Grace series, we reflect on how ordinary practices (prayer, scripture, silence, fasting, Sabbath, and service) create space for God’s transforming grace. Drawing on Matthew 25, we see that grace opens not only our eyes but also our hands. Scripture is read by Kim Maxwell.Sermon by Rev. Beth DemmeTo access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In this sermon, Pastor Beth explores Sabbath as a gift of grace looking at Genesis, Jesus’ teaching in Matthew, and the wisdom of John Greenleaf Whittier. Through story, hymn, and Scripture, we discover that Sabbath is not about doing less perfectly, but about trusting that the world—and our lives—are already held by God. This message invites us to pause, rest, and see what Sabbath awakens in us when we stop striving and dare to call life good. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

This is a look at fasting as a spiritual performance or act of deprivation, but as a way of creating space to awaken to God's grace. Drawing on Jesus's teaching in Matthew 6 and the prophetic call of Isaiah 58, the message invites us to fast from whatever dehumanizes our neighbors, especially the habits of heart that harden us in the face of suffering and injustice. Ultimately, this sermon calls us to a fast that moves us outward, loosen the bonds of injustice, and leads us into lives marked by courage, compassion, and concrete love.Sermon by Rev. Beth DemmeTo access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In this sermon, we meet the prophet Elijah not at his strongest, but at his most exhausted—hiding in a cave where God does not appear in noise or spectacle, but in a sound of sheer silence. Drawing on Scripture and real-life stories, this message explores how silence is not the absence of God, but a place where grace becomes noticeable and presence becomes real. Awakened to Grace Through Silence invites listeners to release the pressure to strive and, instead, make space for stillness and discover that God meets us gently, even in our weariness. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

On the road to Emmaus, Scripture does not give the disciples new information—it awakens them to the grace that has been walking with them all along. In this sermon, Pastor Beth explores Scripture not as a test to pass or a weapon to wield, but as a companion that walks with us through questions, doubt, and hope. To be awakened to grace is to discover that we do not walk alone, and that God is already at work, opening our hearts to recognize Christ in our midst. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Guest preacher Joe Moxley offers a message about prayer on January 11, 2026.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

On Epiphany Sunday, we reflect on how God’s light often appears in ordinary places and unexpected moments especially for the weary, the searching, the outsider, and all who long to belong. Scripture reading by Kim Maxwell.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we reflect on the nearness of God’s love, a love that does not stay distant but comes close to hold life in the midst of a complicated world. Drawing on Luke’s Christmas story and the image of refugia, we see how God creates small and unexpected places of refuge such as Bethlehem, a manger, and ordinary shepherds where love awakens and begins to move. The good news is this: God has already come close, God is already at work, and God will carry love forward through us, not because we are perfect, but because God’s love is.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

On one of the longest nights of the year, we gather to make space for what is often left unspoken at Christmas. Absence, sorrow, and long seasons of waiting still exist. God meets us not by erasing our pain, but by sitting with us in it, offering presence rather than quick fixes. Jesus is the steadfast light that the darkness cannot, and will not, overcome.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

On Joy Sunday, we explore how the angels’ proclamation of “good news of great joy” transforms ordinary lives. Through the story of the shepherds, we discover that joy does not erase hardship but reshapes how we live—and how we witness to God’s nearness in the world. Joy is not just a gift we receive; joy is our witness to a God who still comes close and sends us out to share that joy with all people.Scripture reading by Susan HutchisonTo access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

The shepherds lived on the margins, carrying wounds the world refused to see—yet God chose them to receive the first news of the Savior. Their story becomes a window into our own experience of feeling torn, weary, or unworthy. This message proclaims the Advent truth that Jesus brings peace to every broken place—within us, among us, and between us and God. Scripture reading by Susan HutchisonTo access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In this Advent message, Pastor Beth reflects on what it means to wait with hope when the world feels weary and the promises of God seem slow in coming. Looking at Mary and Joseph’s story, she reminds us that hope is rooted not in certainty, but in remembering God’s faithfulness and trusting that nothing is impossible with God. Hope is not naive; hope is stubborn. As we light the first candle, we are invited to become people of hope who carry light into dark places and trust that God is still at work, even now. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Luke 23:33-43 On Christ the King Sunday, we’re reminded that Jesus rules not by force or intimidation, but by mercy, compassion, and self-giving love. Standing between two kingdoms—fear and control on one side, faith and surrender on the other—Christ gathers what the world scatters and reconciles what seems beyond repair. In a week when many families struggle with division or old wounds, we’re invited to remember who our king is and let his kingdom of grace take root in us. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

A message by special guest, Seals Martin, a student with the Wesley Foundation at FSU and TSC. Scripture is read by Bill Eddy.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Join us as we celebrate 60 years of ministry and mark All Saints Day.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

 This week’s message explores what it means to be truly seen and set free by Jesus, through the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19. It also reflects on the powerful real-life journey of Leo Schofield, whose story reveals the surprising places grace can show up. Together, these stories remind us that Jesus still sees us, stays with us, and sets us free. Scripture is read by Bill Eddy.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector invites us to see ourselves more clearly and humbly. Drawing from the ministry of Father Greg Boyle and his book, Tattoos on the Heart, this sermon challenges us to let go of spiritual pride and embrace a love that draws the circle wider. We are called not to judge but to be transformed—so that our compassion expands beyond ourselves. This sermon reminds us that there are no outsiders to Jesus's mission, ministry, or love. It's a call to see ourselves and others through God's expansive lens of grace rather than our limited perspective of judgment. Whether you're struggling with self-acceptance or finding it hard to extend grace to others, this message offers hope and a fresh understanding of what it means to be beloved by God.This message is for anyone seeking encouragement about God's unconditional love or wrestling with questions about judgment, grace, and acceptance in faith communities.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In this message, Pastor Beth explores Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge, reminding us that faith is what carries us through the “holy in-between”—the time between what is and what will be. Through stories of two modern mothers who turned grief into persistence, we see what faith that won’t let go looks like in real life. This is a message of hope, courage, and trust in God’s justice that is already breaking into the world.Scripture is read by Todd Clark.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Pastor Beth explores Luke 17:11–19 alongside the story of Dr. Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Both the healed leper and Opal Lee show what it looks like when gratitude doesn’t stand still—it returns, and love clears the way for others. This message invites us to live a faith that turns healing into wholeness and thanksgiving into action. Scripture is read by Todd Clark.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

This is the third-week of our three-week series about Abundant Life. Abundant life requires community, compassion, and a commitment to justice.  Scripture is read by Davison Tekseni.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Jesus commands us to love one another, to lay down our lives for each other. Being pious (or religiously "correct") is not what we are called to. We are commanded to not only feel empathy, but to put our compassion in action.Scripture reading by Davison Tekseni.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

God made us for each other. Abundant life begins in, and requires, community.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

What do we build our lives around—and does it hold water? Reflecting on Luke 14 and Jeremiah 2, Pastor Beth talks about our human tendency to chase approval, status, and control, even in the name of faith. The good news is, God doesn’t discard us when we end up cracked and empty. Instead, God meets us with living water and grace that soaks into every broken place. You don’t have to earn your seat at the table—God has already saved one for you.Scripture reading by Kim Maxwell.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

What bends us out of shape—and what helps us stand tall again? In this sermon on Luke 13:10–17, Pastor Beth explores the healing power of mercy as something essential—not optional—in the life of faith. From Jesus healing a bent-over woman in the synagogue to how we treat those held in places like "Alligator Alcatraz," this message challenges us to see every person as beloved and worthy of dignity. Mercy isn’t weakness—it’s a reflection of God's justice and love. And it’s something we all need to both receive and share. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Special Guest, FLUMC Bishop Tom Berlin, offers this message on the power of holding onto faith in every circumstance. Drawing from Hebrews, he reminds us that hope in Christ offers a future beyond despair and even death — a promise greater than “nothingness.” With honesty about the ups and downs of discipleship, he urges us to “hold the cord of faith” on both our best and worst days. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

What does it really mean to “be dressed for action” and wait faithfully? From disaster zones to church kitchens, discover how the gifts God has already given you can change lives—right now. Sermon read by Kim Maxwell.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Through the Parable of the Persistent Friend in Luke 11:1-13, Jesus teaches us to be persistent in our prayers. Why? Because persistent prayer changes us. We pray persistently that our life itself might become a prayer. A prayer that God’s will be done in us and through us so that we will love God with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Luke 10:38-42In a world full of noise and hurry, Jesus invites us to slow down and listen deeply. Through imagined journal entries from Mary and Martha, this sermon explores what it means to be present with Christ rather than distracted by good but lesser things. When we listen deeply, we create space to be transformed—and to live differently.Scripture read by Todd Clark.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us to BE a neighbor. Offering thoughts and prayers isn't enough.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In this sermon, Pastor Beth explores how the kingdom of God often comes near in quiet, ordinary ways—through healing, kindness, courage, and presence. From ancient stories to present-day heartbreak and hope, we’re invited to open our eyes to the holy ground beneath our feet. The kingdom isn’t far off; it’s closer than we think. Scripture is read by Todd Clark.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

When we get a driver's license, it can bring a new sense of freedom, but it's the freedom to share the road. Christian freedom is similar. We are free to love our neighbor, not free to live selfishly.Scripture is read by Davison Tekseni.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Psalm 42 invites us to let the deepest parts of ourselves (the parts we try to keep hidden) reach out for the deepness of God's love and mercy.Scripture is read by Tony Daniels and the congregation.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

The Trinity is a relationship between God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit - not a puzzle to solve, but a truth to lean into.The Trinity reflects God's majesty and intimacy - God is both far above us and deeply present with us.The Trinity is not an abstract idea, but a lived reality that shapes how we are to live our lives in relationship with God and one another.Trying to describe or define the Trinity is like trying to capture profound human experiences in words - it ultimately falls short, but the act of reaching for it brings us closer to God.Believing in the Trinity means trusting that God is always reaching toward us, walking with us in suffering, and guiding us through the Holy Spirit.Scripture is read by Davison Tekseni.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

Art Varnadore shares examples with us of how God's Holy Spirit has been present in his life.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

This week we have a sermon by a guest preacher, Rev. Bob Gibbs, our retired District Superintendent.Scripture is read by Susan Hutchison.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

In Acts 11, Peter tells the story of what happened in Acts 10. God showed him a vision (three times!) that required him to re-interpret scripture based on the new things God was doing.Scripture read by Susan Hutchison.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

The story of Tabitha invites us to think about what needs to be resurrected in us.Scripture read by Susan Hutchison.To access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.

The stories of the Apostles Peter and Paul teach us that God doesn't define us by our worst moments. Scripture read by Susan HutchisonTo access the bulletin for this service, visit www.graymumc.org/bulletins.