McKendree UMC (Lawrenceville, GA)

When Jesus asked his disciples that question, many compared him to prophets from the past. But Peter saw something more: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In this sermon from Matthew 16, we explore what Peter recognized—and how Jesus continues to challenge our expectations about power, mercy, and the way God works in the world.This week’s breath prayers.

Rescue Me from Danger(Matthew 14:22–33)Will Jesus keep us safe? In a world that feels unstable — financially, politically, personally — it’s a question many of us carry. In this message, we turn to Peter and the story of walking on water to explore what “safety” really means.Peter steps out of the boat not because the storm has stopped, but because Jesus is there. When he begins to sink, his simple prayer — “Lord, rescue me” — becomes a model for all of us.This sermon invites us to reconsider what we mean by safe. Not comfort. Not control. Not the absence of storms. But the presence of Christ in the middle of them.

On Ash Wednesday, we begin Lent by asking a simple but searching question: Am I in tune with the pitch? Drawing from Psalm 51, this sermon explores how drift happens gradually—through small compromises, unchecked desire, and silence where truth should speak. When David is confronted by Nathan, he finally hears how far off he has become and prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Like musicians tuning before the music begins, Lent invites us to pause, listen, and realign our hearts with God’s grace. Through a simple daily breath prayer, we practice making space and releasing what weighs us down—trusting that the God who creates can create again in us.

(Acts 2:42–47; 2 Corinthians 3:17–18)We live in a time when everyone is certain. But certainty is not the same as discernment.In this final sermon of the series on hearing God’s call, we explore Paul’s words about the veil that can cloud our vision—and the promise that whenever we turn to the Lord, the veil is lifted. Discernment isn’t about being right. It is about being transformed into Christ’s image.Acts 2 gives us a glimpse of what that transformation looks like: a community devoted to God and to one another, marked by generosity, shared life, and glad hearts. As we prepare to enter Lent, we are invited to turn again—not toward argument, but toward communion.A sermon handout is available on the show page.

Pastor Paula Dallas explores the call of God through the story of Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–15). Saul believed he was serving God, yet his life was redirected when Christ met him and revealed a new purpose. His transformation shows that God can use every part of a person’s story—strengths, failures, and experiences—for the sake of the gospel.Drawing connections to figures like Rosa Parks and McKendree’s own BJ Griffith, the message emphasizes that God’s call is not reserved for a few extraordinary people. Ordinary lives, lived in faith and obedience, can shape communities and change the world. Each person is called by God and equipped with gifts that matter. When God calls, get up and go.A sermon handout is available on the show page.

On Pentecost, not everyone stood up like Peter—but everyone was speaking. In this sermon, we explore what it means to be uniquely gifted in a community where the Spirit is poured out on all people. Drawing on Acts 2, 1 Peter 4, and insights from Trevor Hudson, we reflect on spiritual gifts as part of discernment: not tools for status, but ways love becomes real. The question is not Do I have a gift? The Spirit has already answered that. The question is what we are doing with the gifts we’ve been given.A sermon handout is available on the show page.

Discerning God’s will isn’t about certainty. It’s about relationship. Drawing on 1 John 4, this sermon explores how discernment grows over time and how love for people, not fear, is the guide that helps us recognize God’s voice.A sermon handout is available on the show page.

What we believe about God shapes everything—how we listen, how we love, and whether others can hear good news through us. In this sermon on Acts 2:4–13, we explore how Pentecost is less about extraordinary gifts and more about transformed hearts. When God’s love becomes relationship rather than idea, it becomes audible to the world.See the Episode website for the handouts.

This sermon explores Jesus’ baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit as signs of God’s deep desire to be with us. Pastor Cyndi reflects on baptism as God’s declaration of love—not something we earn—and on prayer as a turning toward God in trust. As part of a series on discerning God’s call, the message invites listeners to return to the water, remember who they are, and listen for God’s presence.Matthew 3:13-17Acts 2:1-4 CEBSee the Episode website for the handouts.

Too often people wonder whether God has a unique and personal call for them. And if so, how do we discern God’s call? Over the coming weeks, we will use Scripture and Trevor Hudson’s book, In Search of God’s Will, to listen for God’s call—together, prayerfully, and with active participation.We begin with what scripture says (and doesn't say) about whether each person has a unique call.See the Episode website for the handout.

Study Notes for September 15, 2024Video of U2 Beautiful DayIn this episode of Living in God's Story, we explore Genesis 15, delving into God's profound promise to Abram through the imagery of stars and smoke. Highlights: Perspective Shift: How Abram's view of the stars challenges us to see beyond our limitations and recognize the constant signs of God’s commitment in our lives.Divine Commitment: The fiery symbols reveal God’s commitment and enduring presence. God’s promises through Abram’s story are complex and gradually revealed in scripture.Tune in to see how these ancient promises continue to inspire and guide us today.

Study Notes and Reflection Questions.Video referenced in the sermon of Charles and Marcus describing two years of friendship and growth.

In Acts 4:31, the apostles' prayer for boldness led to a moment that shook their very foundation—literally and spiritually. They were filled with the Holy Spirit, transformed into fearless witnesses. What if that kind of divine shaking happened to you? Pastor Cyndi explores both Biblical and recent examples of people embrace this kind of transformative faith and are reshaped by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 3 teaches us how to pray for others. To pray for others in this way can expand our longings to conform to God’s desires. It’s one of many “birthday gifts” given to us through the ages, some in scripture and some from the saints who have gone before. Routinely praying a prayer, even when we don't feel like it, can be a way of opening ourselves to God's transformation.

Philippians 4:7 promises that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. But how do we open ourselves to God bringing about this peace within us? Pastor Cyndi McDonald reflects on what peace looks like, and then how the next two verses lead us into experiencing this peace.

Pastor Cyndi McDonald reflects Isaiah 30:15, in trusting God in times that seem out of control. In returning and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.

Pastor Cyndi McDonald 1 Peter 4:8-11

Pastor Cyndi McDonald reflects on two favorite scripture passages submitted by two people in the congregation: Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:34. She shares how these scriptures are helping her get through a current trial.

Pastor Paula Dallas. Let's be Easter people! A sermon about how we need and celebrate the Resurrection throughout the year. John 20:1-18

Pastor Paula Dallas.

Nobody gets the problem they can handle. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a problem. Sometimes life throws problems at us. And sometimes it's God! Take the case Ananias, sent by God to heal Saul (who comes breathing murderous threats to destroy Ananias and his church family.) What gives Ananias strength to follow God's will? How can we make similar choices, especially when it comes to bringing peace to times of anxiety, conflict, and change.

Can people change? Paul grew up saying the morning blessing, giving thanks for being a man and not a woman, free and not a slave, Jew and not a Gentile. Yet in Philippi, these are the very people who first respond to his message. Paul can be hot-headed and reactive, but in prison, he stops, prays and sings, and God works in a miraculous way.

The miracle of Pentecost is followed by a community of people who devote themselves to the Apostles’ teaching, shared meals, community, and prayer. It doesn’t take long, though, for tension in the community to express itself. Secrets, whether from God or one another, is a symptom that someone is wrong. It can be a symptom of idolatry, which is deadly.

The miracle of Pentecost is followed by a community of people who devote themselves to the Apostles’ teaching, shared meals, community, and prayer. It doesn’t take long, though, for tension in the community to express itself in a “triangle”. Unfortunately, triangles don't address the underlying issues. How will you respond when you find yourself in a triangle? You could (1) put on your superhero cape & save the day! (2) walk away saying, "not my monkey, not my circus", or (3) hand over the keys. We'll look at 3 examples of times when Jesus was drawn into a triangle.

Acts 2 describes the birth of the church. It’s a miracle for people to hear beyond the condemnation and the promise, “I will be your God and you will be my people”. They will still disagree with one another, but will stay together. Can you love someone with whom you disagree?

Jesus asks disciples who doubt to go and make disciples. How do you invite someone to be part of the discipleship process? We’ll look at how John the Baptist and Jesus did this (John 1) with a story, a question, and an invite.

Jesus asks disciples who doubt to go and make disciples. At McKendree UMC, we emphasize connections. So many people are hungering for relationships and wondering if they are welcome.

Jesus asks disciples who doubt to go and make disciples. It's confirmation and graduation Sunday, and we describe how at McKendree UMC we do this with an inviting “front porch” and a kitchen full of action

Jesus asks disciples who doubt to go and make disciples. Let’s be sure we do this in a way that isn’t weird.

Loving the neighbor seems easy…until it gets hard.

Matthew 22:34-40 What is the Greatest Commandment? Turns out God is most interested in a relationship of love. Seeing the law as a list of rules only gets in the way of the relationship God desires.

Matthew 28:1-10 Jesus could have started the Easter people by showing up for all Jerusalem to see. Instead, he sends them away to Galilee, where they spread the resurrection news through telling of their own encounters.

When a paralyzed man is brought to Jesus, he first offers forgiveness. What a scandal! What gives him the authority to forgive sins? Jesus' ministry as Messiah is a ministry of forgiveness. He will send his disciples with a similar ministry, and it can be a ministry of love as hard as nails.

Jesus concludes his sermon on the mount with a warning about judging others. When you find yourself labeling or judging, you should ask whether this is a warning about your condition. He ends his sermon by stating that we must listen to him and put his words into action. Anything else is like building a house in sinking sand.