When our hearts are heavy with fear and panic, we turn to the Lord to be our hope and salvation!  Let us empty our hearts from the burdens that do not belong there.  Instead, with a child-like faith, we find our spirits renewed in God's love!

Whittier First UMC's Podcast

Lenten Series: Show me the Way Part IV

Water brings everything to life; we need it to live and for the world to exist!  For our souls, we need more than just physical water.  Jesus said his truth and message will satisfy the deep longing of our hearts.  Plus, this living water is for everyone!  Are you thirsty?

Lenten Series: Show me the Way Part III

There cannot be security without brokenness or satisfaction without hunger. The journey to the promise land is through the wilderness.

Lenten Series: Show me the Way Part II

We are all in a spiritual journey, a pilgrimage of the heart, to find connection with God and each other. The cry of our hearts is ”Show Me Your Way O Lord” (Psalm 25:4). In this journey we must learn to listen to the God who is already instructing and guiding us on this path. As Henri Nouwen says, “Praying is first and foremost listening to Jesus, who dwells in the very depths of your heart. He doesn’t shout. He doesn’t thrust himself upon you. His voice is an unassuming voice, very nearly a whisper, the voice of a gentle love."  Will you join us in this journey?

Lenten Series: Show me the Way Part I

When was the last time you talked to God? When was the last time God talked back? The Lenten season calls us into "conversations" with God—not just one-way petition prayers, but an open heart and quiet mind that allows the still, small voice of God to come through. How do we carve out sacred space to hear and study the Living Word during these 40 days and beyond? And just what might God have to say if we really listened?

Listen up: A Lenten Lesson

All You Need is Love’ sung by The Beatles, is more true today than ever.  In this isolated & lonely world we have the power to share this love by extending attention & affection to each other: a handshake, fist bump, hug, embrace, kiss on the cheek, etc. What sustains us in this world is the love of Christ; let us share the love!

Spiritual Adventure Awaits: It's all about love

Do you remember how it felt when you were a child, and someone stronger held you in their arms? Do you recall that feeling of knowing that your parent or family will take care of you? As children of God, may we come to know God's abundant grace and generosity in a new and fresh way!

Spiritual Adventure Awaits: Shift 5 Generosity

There is a possibility that every person we encounter has something to offer us: a blessings, a lesson, a gift.  If we stay open, perhaps we will also see the face of Jesus in each person. Christ serves us; let us serve as If we are serving Christ directly!so

Spiritual Adventure Awaits: Shift 4 Service

 What ever we do in life, we take baby steps first. From learning how to walk to learning how to use a walker, it takes practice & patience. It is the same with following Jesus. We practice, practice, practice until we can teach others about God’s love. 

Spiritual Adventure Awaits: Shift 3 Discipleship

 In speaking about “Passionate Worship”, the shift from an event-even performance-to an experience, I borrow the words of Bishop Schnase, the author of Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. ‘Worship describes those times we gather deliberately seeking to encounter God in Christ. We cultivate our relationship with God and with one another as the people of God. We encounter a fresh vision of God’s reality in Christ so that God’s Spirit can reshape our lives and for us into the Body of Christ. 

Spiritual Adventure Awaits: Shift 2 Worship

Have you ever experienced authentic hospitality? This is a place where the host is not only interested in your care but curious about you!  God shows us what authentic hospitality looks like, as we are ALL invited in with an open heart, open mind, and an open door!

Spiritual Adventure Awaits: Shift 1 Hospitality

 2020 is here; we need clarity and vision for the New Year. We are called to see the value and worth of others through the empowerment of the Spirit. May God give us insight and a broader perspective through the lens of love. 

Spiritual Adventure Awaits: Intro

Christmas is about hoping and dreaming of a world where compassion becomes our compass, where the love of Jesus brings light and healing to the world.  It might seem too idealistic; but dreaming and hoping are the first steps towards receiving the Christ-child in our lives. We dream first and then put our dreams into actions! Will you dream with me?

Christmas Eve 2019: Dreams Come First

 This week the Nutcracker goes to the Nativity as we conclude our sermon series with the Children’s Pageant and brief message about gifts the unexpected, the unwanted, the ones we didn't even know we needed but that change our lives and our hearts completely. 

The Nutcracker & Christmas, Part IV: Children & Youth Program

 As the Nutcracker comes to life, he must face the evils that lurk in the night. The Mouse King attacks him and he is facing the fight of his life. This is true for all of us: we too must face the darkness that comes against us. Yet, in all of this, God is Emmanuel, the one who is with us! 

The Nutcracker & Christmas, Part III: The Mouse King

This is a christian progressive message that is based on the Bible. We believe that Jesus clearly gives us both spiritual and social salvation, teaching us to live with justice and compassion. We practice "Open Hearts, Open minds, Open Doors" These are live Sunday morning sermon recordings.

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Whittier First UMC's Podcast

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