Lower Manhattan Community Church

This message focuses on forgiveness and compassion. Jasmine Wood walks through Luke 23, the crucifixion scene, where almost everyone at the foot of the cross is demanding something from Jesus. He only gives two things: forgiveness, and a promise to remember a dying man.

Vito Aiuto explores Jonah chapter 3 and what this pivotal moment reveals about God’s character. Through Nineveh’s repentance, we see a God whose mercy and grace are abundant, and whose judgment is rooted in love.

This week, Vito Aiuto takes us through Jonah chapter 2, where Jonah calls out to the Lord in prayer from the depths. We are reminded that God meets us even in our lowest moments and invites us to draw near to Him. Though prayer looks different for each of us, God hears us wherever we are.

Before the storm. Before the great fish. Before Jonah runs. God speaks. Vito Aiuto kicks off our Summer Sermon Series in the Book of Jonah by looking at where the story truly begins: the Word of the Lord.

What are the most foundational gifts a father can offer a child? Godfrey Moye shares a message with five essential actions that shape a person’s life. This message is filled with practical advice for parents and healing words for every person who needs a reminder of God’s message to us — each one perfectly reveals the will and heart of God, the ultimate Father.

Does it feel like your mission or your life is falling apart? Jasmine Wood brings our Acts series to a close with the story of Paul in the final two chapters of Acts. After a shipwreck, Paul arrives on the island of Malta with seemingly nothing to offer, and yet, God does big things through him. Join us as we explore missional presence: living with and for others in a way that makes people want what we have found in Jesus.

In today’s message, Pastor Vito Aiuto explores the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Led by the Spirit into an unexpected encounter, Philip meets a man reading the prophet Isaiah and, beginning with that very passage of Scripture, shares the good news of Jesus. Through their conversation, the Ethiopian comes to faith and is baptized. Acts shows the gospel spreading in powerful ways through public preaching and large gatherings, but also through personal, one-on-one encounters. Philip’s story reminds us that God often works through simple acts of witness, attentive listening, and faithful conversation. The same Spirit who empowered Philip continues to lead and empower followers of Jesus today, inviting us to participate in God’s work of drawing people to faith.

This week, Vito Aiuto explores the powerful story of Peter and John encountering a man who had been unable to walk since birth. When they pray for him in the name of Jesus, he is miraculously healed—a sign, Peter explains, of the greater work Christ is accomplishing in the world. More than a physical restoration, this healing points to Jesus’ mission of bringing wholeness to lives fractured by sin, suffering, and despair. Join us as we reflect on what this miracle reveals about God's ongoing work of renewal, hope, and transformation.

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things Jesus asks us to do. It becomes easier when we remember that throughout the story of humanity, God has forgiven us over and over again. In this message, Jasmine Wood walks us through Acts 6-7 and the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, forgiving his enemies. Forgiveness isn't a suggestion, but a command from Jesus. It's the oldest thing God has ever done and when we forgive others, Jesus takes notice.

In this sermon, Pastor Vito walks us through reconciliation in Acts 10 through the relationship between Apostle Peter and Cornelius, a Roman centurion. In this message we see that Jesus continues to reconcile people who once stood far apart, creating one new family that crosses ethnic, social, and cultural boundaries.

We continue our series on the Book of Acts, exploring the work Jesus began in the Gospels and how it continues through His disciples by the power of the Holy Spirit. In this episode, we focus on caring for the poor and are joined by special guest Elise Chong, CEO of Hope for New York. The message concludes with an inspiring and uplifting update from Elise, highlighting the many ways Hope for New York serves and supports those with whom Jesus deeply identifies.

Our series on Acts continues with a focus on fellowship. Jasmine Wood preaches from Acts 9 and makes the case that holy community isn't a program, but the body of Christ made visible. Through the story of Saul's conversion and one man named Barnabas who chose to vouch for him when no one else would, we explore three movements of holy community: being taken before you've earned it, being witnessed through your transformation, and learning to show up before you feel ready.

When the Philippian jailer asks, “What must I do to be saved?” The answer given leads to faith and baptism for him and his whole household. This week Pastor Vito delivers a message on how baptism is the visible sign that a person has been brought into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through baptism, Jesus continues to welcome people into his community and into the transforming life of the kingdom of God.

Studying scripture is a daily meal- it sustains and nourishes you. In week two of our series in Acts, Vito Aiuto unpacks what it truly means to study God’s Word. It’s not about checking boxes or finding the right answers, it’s about knowing the true King and walking in his ways.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Jesus is still at work, and he is praying for you. Join Vito Aiuto as we kick off our 10-week series through the Book of Acts, discovering practical ways to meet Jesus and boldly share his love with those around us.

Step into the first Easter morning through the eyes of Mary Magdalene—grieving, searching, and surrounded by darkness. In this message, Pastor Vito explores how Jesus’ resurrection came “while it was still dark,” revealing a God who meets us in our pain, doubt, and brokenness. Through the Lord’s Prayer and John 20, we see a personal Savior who calls us by name and brings hope before we have it all together. Wherever you are, this is an invitation to encounter the risen Christ who meets you right where you are.

On Palm Sunday we look at Judas, the Last Supper, and the final hours before the cross.

In Luke 9:1-6, Jesus sends his men out with almost nothing. The apostles were simply given authority and a message. This week we step into the lives of the apostles and their assumptions about who is deserving of such a welcome.

To be fully known and fully accepted is at the heart of what every person wants. This week we look at four apostles who wrestled with doubt and identity, and discover that God’s complete knowledge of us isn’t something to fear, but the very thing that steadies us when everything else feels uncertain.

Jesus didn’t choose safe or "good" men. He chose fishermen and transformed them into leaders who changed the world. This week, we start our series on the 12 apostles by looking at the first four men Jesus called.

The Bible begins with a broken meal in the Garden and ends with a promised feast in the new heavens and new earth. The Lord’s Supper looks back to the cross, makes Christ present with us now, and points us forward to the wedding feast of the Lamb.Vito Aiuto walks us through the meaning of this sacred meal: how, when we eat it today, we do so in hope, anticipating the day when God will make all things new and every hunger will be satisfied.

This week, Vito Aiuto teaches on The Feast for the Journey. Jesus meets us wherever we are, feeding us along the journey—because while we may not see him, he sees us. In our grief and weariness, he gives us himself, sustaining us with hope.

In this sermon, Vito Aiuto invites us to see Communion as more than a ritual. The Lord’s Table becomes a shared meal for all hungry people- forming us as family and drawing our deepest hunger toward God.

Vito Aiuto explores the difference between living by the clock and living in the kind of time shaped by abiding in Jesus. Instead of pressure to produce, Jesus invites us into his gentle friendship- a love that shapes us and calls us to love others the same way.

Pastor Vito Aiuto invites us to notice something we might be too close to see: the Bible’s story is deeply about food. From the garden to Jesus as the Bread of Life, scripture keeps asking what truly sustains us. Join us as we begin a four-week series on communion- the meal Jesus gave us to save and send us.

In this sermon, Vito Aiuto walks us through Luke 17 to reveal that the story of the ten lepers is ultimately about the mercy and mission of Jesus. Gratitude, he explains, is born when we truly see Christ- who comes to outsiders, heals the broken, and leads us into joyful praise.

Youth Minister Godfrey Moye delivers a compelling message on God’s original commandment, rooted in Genesis 1:26–28. This episode explores how loving God means faithfully caring for what He has given us dominion over—His sheep and His creation.

When Jesus feels absent, what do we do? Vito Aiuto opens the first message of 2026 with a reflection on Luke 2:41-51, exploring how we search for God and what it means to find him when he feels hidden.

Vito Aiuto reflects on the name, Son of God, in the book of Matthew. This relational name reveals Jesus as the Son who enters exile, fulfills Israel’s story, and opens the way home. This Advent message invites us to see the gospel not just as forgiveness or hope, but as belonging in the family of God.

In the third week of Advent, Vito Aiuto looks at Matthew 2 and the surprising kind of King Jesus is. As Herod attempted to maintain power, the Magi obeyed dreams and signs from God. In this season, Jesus invites us to listen, trust, and follow the true King.

Vito Auito continues our Advent series by looking at Matthew 1:18-25 and the name- God With Us, exploring how Jesus enters our world with compassion, humility, and saving grace. It’s a reminder that God draws near to us right in the middle of our real-life crises.

This week, Vito Aiuto opens Advent in the Gospel of Matthew, where the season begins not with angels or shepherds but with a list of names. In Jesus’ genealogy we find promise, a true King- the name above all names.

Vito Aiuto preaches on the “Ten Words” of Exodus 20- often called the Ten Commandments- and shows how these are not distant rules but God’s personal words of love, freedom, and formation. See how these words invite us into a deeper relationship with God who rescued His people.

Join us as we continue our series, The Way Out & The Way In. This week, Vito Aiuto preaches on The Mountain & The Mission, exploring Exodus 19: 1-25 and highlighting our mission as His people.

In this week’s message, Vito Aiuto walks us through Exodus 17, showing how God uses seasons of need to give us provision, direction, and substitution. Even after freedom, the Israelites questioned God- a pattern that still mirrors our own hearts today. Join us as we explore the people who need to be saved and the God who does the saving.

This week, Alicia Lee, takes us through Exodus 16 and reminds us that freedom is not the destination. As the Israelites entered into the wilderness, God provides them with manna- a daily and perfectly sufficient provision. Join us as we reflect on how Jesus, our Bread of Life, provides us with sustaining grace, provision, and rest.

This week, Vito Aiuto continues our series in Exodus 15- the song of God’s people after crossing the Red Sea. Before they plan or move forward, the Israelites stop to sing, celebrating God’s strength, faithfulness, and victory. Join us as we explore how God meets us in the wilderness and teaches us to remember, rejoice, and sing even when we’re still in the middle of the story.

Exodus chapter 14—the parting of the Red Sea—showcases how fear can keep us from the path God has for us. Vito Aiuto teaches on God’s gift of The Way Out and the struggle of accepting The Way In. Reminding us that God give us a place for our eyes, a path for our feet, and an angel to defend us.

Jasmine Wood continues our series in chapter 12 of Exodus. This message explores the tenth plague- the death of the firstborn son- leading to the birth of Passover. Through this text, we dive deeper into God leading his people into a new beginning. Like the Passover Lamb, Jesus, promises new beginning for us and all the community.

In Exodus 7–11, the plagues serve not just as divine acts, but as unfolding lessons in God’s authority and Moses’ formation. Jasmine Wood guides us through two pivotal scenes: Pharaoh’s stubborn refusal to relent and Moses’ bold assertion “We will all go,” where worship is the goal. These moments reveal why each plague is narrated in full depth and why God is playing a long game. These events are not simply to display power, but to underscore that God summons everyone to worship. (Yes!)

This episode continues our Exodus series in chapters 5-6, the Israelites are beaten down by years underneath Pharaoh’s rule. However, in these verses the Lord promises to deliver his people from the strategies of the enemy who attempts to kill, bury, and exhaust all hope. Jasmine Wood dives deeper into how God delivers us for a purpose and promises us hope in Jesus.

Exodus is more than a gripping story. It’s a revelatory journey that speaks directly to us. In chapter three, two life-defining questions rise to the surface: “Who am I?” (Moses asks) and “Who are You?” (he asks God). God answers through the mystery of a burning bush, using fire again and again as a sign of his presence throughout Exodus. How can we be sure He will be with us and come through? Vito Aiuto explores how God’s very name holds the promise.

This episode continues our Exodus series with a message from Vito Aiuto. Chapter two opens with Pharaoh’s daughter seeing Moses not as a stranger, but as a life worth saving. Her actions are made possible through the faithfulness of two women in Moses’ life: his mother and his sister. God works through both women, and He also works through His covenant. He hears the cries of His people, not simply because of their words, but because He remembers His promise. In the same way, God is using each of us through both calling and covenant to make a lasting difference in His Kingdom.

This week, guest pastor Chris Mayes brings us Psalm 116, a psalm of lament that gives voice to our anger, disappointment, and hurt. The psalms remind us that God welcomes our honesty and meets us in the rawest places of grief. But they also point us beyond despair, drawing us back to the steady love and presence of God.

Vito Aiuto opens our new series on Exodus, the story of an enslaved people brought out by God and led into His promises. The journey is framed by two movements: the way out and the way in. And it begins with two women, Shiphrah and Puah—names history might forget, but God remembers, because He sees His people.

What does it mean to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit? Jasmine Wood takes us to David’s desperate prayer in Psalm 143, Simon the Sorcerer’s attempt to control the Spirit, and Mary’s lesson to never assume Jesus’ presence. Together, these stories remind us of the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and the invitation to adjust to Him.

Covenant relationship is vital to our walk with God. Youth Minister Godfrey Moye leads us through the five verses of Psalm 100, guiding us from making a joyful noise to entering God’s presence with singing. This song of prayer reminds us of the depth of God’s love for us.