Pekin First Podcast

Tough subject for many! As we approach valentine’s day let’s explore our strengths and weaknesses in Relationships with each other. How we find it so easy to give up on a relationship or how it is so easy to lose yourself in a relationship. 

In Episode 75 of the Pekin First Podcast called, Flying Lessons, we dive into Heather Robertson’s powerful new book. This book is filled with  reminders that growth isn’t always smooth—but it’s always worth the destination. From learning when you’re at your best, to asking the hard question—who do you want to be?—this episode challenges you to rethink success, identity, and even failure.Not everyone has to agree with you. You belong to you. And maybe… just maybe… you’re doing better than you think.Join us as we explore what it really means to fly.

Don’t you love it when things turn out better than expected? Those moments when we say, “What a pleasant surprise, “or “Wow, that worked out perfectly.” But what if Jesus said something like that about our faith?In Matthew 8, Jesus encounters a Roman centurion in Capernaum who asks for his servant to be healed. When Jesus offers to come to his home, the centurion responds with remarkable humility and confidence: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Scripture tells us that Jesus was amazedby this faith—the greatest He had seen up to that point.What does it mean to have a faith that amazes Jesus? In this episode, we explore what “amazing faith” looks like in today’s world and how we can grow and strengthen our faith so that we, too, might live with trust, humility, and confidence in Christ.

New year, new promises—but why do so many of them fade so quickly?As a new year begins, many of us take time to reflect on our lives and set New Year’s resolutions or personal goals. We promise ourselves that this year will be different. Yet studies show that nearly 80–90% of resolutions are abandoned within the first few months.In this episode, we explore how you can be part of the small percentage—about 8–9%—who succeed in keeping at least some of their goals. We’ll focus on the four F’s: Faith, Fitness, Family, and Finance, and how intentionally prioritizing just one or two of these areas can lead to a healthier, more successful year.Most importantly, we’ll be reminded that even when our promises fall short, God’s promises never fail. No matter the outcome of our goals, His faithfulness remains unbroken.

Over time, even the strongest foundations can develop weak spots or cracks. The foundations that hold up large buildings and homes can wear down, suffer damage from fires or earthquakes, and after years of stress, they sometimes need major repairs—or even a complete rebuild.So when is the best time to rebuild a foundation? Most building experts will tell you that in the Midwest, summer is ideal because of the weather.But what happens when our faith foundation begins to crack? What if it’s been shaken by hardship, worn down by time, or strained under a load that feels too heavy to carry? When that happens, how do we strengthen it—or rebuild it altogether? And when is the best time to do that?Rebuilding our faith means re-centering our lives on Jesus Christ. And there’s no better time to do that than at Christmas—a season that reminds us of hope, renewal, and the solid foundation we find in Him.

Episode 55- I’m Still HereWe all have a place in this world. God brought us into the world and gave us purpose and value. Sometimes we forget our value and just how much we mean to those around us. When we feel pushed out or set aside it can be emotionally draining and even painful. This week we will dig into the tools that God offers us to deal with this feeling. Some of the scripture that helps us deal with this is  Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

With the holidays in full swing, it’s so easy to place unrealistic expectations on ourselves—trying to do more, give more, and be more than we were last year, or even yesterday. But what happens when those expectations fall short? When things don’t go as planned?This week, we’re diving into how we can release the pressure we put on ourselves and lean into God’s expectations instead—expectations rooted in grace, peace, and the hope He brings. Join us as we explore what it means to embrace the season with a heart aligned to Him.

On this thanksgiving we are giving thanks for the Children, Family and Youth Programs we have. This week I am Joined by Emmy Theis and Sandy Delgado and we discuss the great ways we are reaching children and youth and the ways we the youth are giving back as well. For information on any children, family and youth programs going on you can email [email protected] or [email protected]

As we head into advent and the season for giving Pekin First has grace flowing thru it. From the Cunningham tree to the open table, Pekin First is bringing light to the world. This week we will dig a little deeper into our what and why of just some of the ministry going on. Weather you are on the giving side or a person 

As life happens it is so easy to just expect that negative things are going to happen. Most of us are waiting for the “other shoe to drop” if you will.. But what would happen if we were grateful for everything that happens in our life! Even the tough stuff! If we look at stories in the bible we see many examples such as Job, Jonah, and even Jesus where life got tough but there faith and there gratitude to God never waivered. This week we will explore how we can continue to be filled with gratitude in a world so determined to get us down.

What is it like to be a Methodist? Why would someone want to join a denomination? In this episode of the Pekin First Podcast Pastor Sean and myself will summarize the 4 week small group that just took place. We will hit some of the hot button issues and go in depth on why we welcome EVERY ONE to be a Methodist.   Join the conversation on youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, And Amazon Music.  

The Stories that are hard to tell. The drug addiction, alcohol addiction, lust addiction, and toxic relationships are just some of the stories that surround us all. The skeletons we talk about this time of year are not near as scary as the ones we all have in our closet. This week we will talk about how beautiful it is that the ugliest parts of our story taught us grace. This week join Pastor Sean, myself and our special guest as we talk about moments of doubt and using those pieces to build us back up. God gives us the strength to be strong, fierce and brave in the moments that could break us. God sees every version of us and is never disappointed. 

Can we agree that there is some darkness in the world today? Just as there has always been? We live in a broken world. It can be a fearful place. A discouraged place. A skeptical, angry, frustrated place. But the amazing thing is, that the darker a place is, the less light is needed! The smallest flashlight or candle can light up a dark room. No matter how small your light is, it is exactly what this world needs. In Matthew 5:13-14, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls his followers the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world". This week on the Pekin First Podcast we will explore How when Jesus told us we were the salt and the light, he knew just how valuable Those two items were . 

Do you ever look at someone and think I wish I had that blessing.. We all wish we had the blessing of something more.  Some wish they could sing or play an instrument while Some wish they had the blessing of money or vanity.  In Mathew Chapter 7, 7-8 as a part of the sermon on the mount, Jesus says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you”. Does this mean that if we ask God for money, we will be rich if we ask God for talent we will have talent? We will explore this text and how it applies to the world today and how our wants may not be what Gods plan is for us.

In Golf many will say that the drive off of the tee is one of the most important shots of the game. It sets up the entire hole. Some golf enthusiasts will also say that where you stand in relationship to the ball when teeing off is what sets up the drive. To far in front of the ball and the ball goes too far one-way. To far behind the ball it goes to far the other.   The key is to be centered on the ball as is in life! As we work our way thru life Centering ourself on God sets us up for each phase of life. Not centering ourselves on God takes us off the best path.

What is your happiness? Is it wanting to live on the beach? Maybe it’s wanting to travel the world or having enough money to never have to worry about money. What in your mind will make you happy? In this world of wanting more all the time we lose track of what happiness is. God never promises to give us all that we want so we can be happy, God will provide according to his plan to glorify his kingdom. 

In the age of multi-tasking are we really focused on what is in front of us? When at a meeting, are you focused on the meeting at hand or are you focused on the 10 things that are coming after the meeting? When in a conversation are you focused on what someone is saying to you or are you focused on what you are going to say next? When you are sitting in church are you focused and listening to God, or are you worrying or thinking about the next thing that day? This week we will focus on the importance on being where we are. Especially when it comes to God and worship

Did you ever hit that time in your life where I can do this on my own becomes your mission statement. Attending Church becomes a thing of the past faith takes a back seat to a career, relationships, or Maybe it a back seat to addiction, and unhealthy relationships. Join me this week on the Pekin First Podcast as I talk about Gods unconditional love and how no matter where you are in your life God is with you and loves you.

As we face the trials of everyday life it is easy to forget the opportunity for Joy that God has given us. In dark times we tend to ask God for healing, joy, and comfort. When we ask these things do we open our hearts to listen to the gift that God has given us? Scripture says “if you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you” . Trusting God is knowing that he will not give you wisdom but he will give you the opportunity to be wise! He will not give you comfort but will give you the opportunity to be comforted! He will not give you joy but he will give you the opportunity to be joyful. Trust God with all your heart, and know that when your faith is tested, God will always be faithful.  

This week we will talk about ROC House Ministry and how this ministry changes lives. Lets go back to the beginning and dig into the true roots of the why. We will explore other components of the ROC house ministry along with the current projects going on.