From The Pulpit of DUMC

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#280. Rev. David Hockett - June 2, 2024 Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

Rev. Hockett's sermon emphasized the importance of moving beyond "dead orthodoxy" to a living faith that truly embodies God's love. He shared a personal story about navigating COVID restrictions at a restaurant, illustrating how following the letter of the law can sometimes miss the spirit of it. Drawing from John Wesley's transformative experience at Aldersgate, Rev. Hockett reminded us that true faith combines correct beliefs with heartfelt love for God and neighbor. He encouraged us to be a missional people, actively loving and serving others, especially in these challenging times. In essence, the world needs more people who love like Jesus.

#279. Rev. Jim Humphries - May 26, 2024 May 28, 2024

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Rev. Jim Humphries explores the theme of fear in his sermon "Fear Not." Drawing parallels between childhood memories of "The Wizard of Oz" and Isaiah 6, he challenges the perception of God as a terrifying deity. Humphries emphasizes the message of love and reassurance in scripture, advocating against living in fear and promoting a God of forgiveness and mercy. He encourages listeners to embrace their role as partners in spreading God's love and to follow where God leads, rather than succumbing to fear.

#278. Rev. David Hockett - May 19, 2024 May 20, 2024

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Rev. David Hockett's sermon on Pentecost Sunday reflects on the dichotomy of life's beauty and challenges. He begins with personal anecdotes about movable feasts like Easter and Christmas, humorously illustrating the concept. He then delves into the complexities of life, acknowledging moments of celebration as well as tragedy, referencing recent events and existential questions. Drawing from Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones, Hockett reflects on how life can feel barren and devoid of hope, akin to the exiled Israelites' sense of loss and disconnection from God. However, he emphasizes that the Spirit of God can bring life even in the most desolate places, challenging the notion that life is solely contingent on physical circumstances or locations. Highlighting the significance of Pentecost, Hockett celebrates the ongoing presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit, empowering believers and the Church to overcome challenges and experience renewal. He stresses that the Spirit breathes life into the Church, sustaining its vitality and purpose beyond human efforts. Hockett concludes with optimism, suggesting that the current moment may be a "holy moment" akin to Ezekiel's experience in the valley, calling for a forward-looking perspective filled with hope and anticipation of God's future. He encourages the congregation to embrace the transformative power of the Spirit and to move forward with faith and openness to God's possibilities.

#277. Rev. Dianne Lawhorn - May 12, 2024 May 13, 2024

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Rev. Dianne Lawhorn's sermon reflects on the inevitability of transitions in life, drawing parallels between a child's first day of kindergarten and Jesus preparing his disciples for his departure. Through Jesus' prayer in John's Gospel, she emphasizes the importance of remaining connected to God amidst worldly challenges, seeking protection, unity, and joy in faith. Lawhorn underscores the value of a personal relationship with Jesus, urging listeners to abide in him for guidance, purpose, and fulfillment in ministry, despite worldly pressures. She encourages a focus on spiritual growth and authenticity, aspiring to lead others into a transformative connection with Christ.

#276. Rev. David Hockett - May 5, 2024 May 06, 2024

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Rev. David Hockett delivers a sermon reflecting on the recent United Methodist General Conference, emphasizing its diversity and the importance of love and unity in making decisions. He discusses significant conference outcomes, such as removing language excluding LGBTQ individuals and adopting revised social principles. Hockett underscores the Methodist tradition of connection, highlighting its global impact through missions and support for various causes. He invokes John Wesley's vision of Methodism as a community grounded in love, advocating for unity amidst diversity. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace Wesley's rules of doing no harm, doing good, and staying in love with God as a means to embody the body of Christ in their community.

#275. Rev. David Hockett - April 28, 2024 Apr 29, 2024

Show notes

Recently, there has been a lot written and said about how churches are declining, becoming less relevant, and what needs to be done to reverse that trend. This week’s reading from John suggests that the answer is not another program or strategy, or in clever leadership techniques. What is required is our remaining in Christ. Discipleship requires us to remain connected to the One whose promise couldn’t be more clear, “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, when the relationship intimate and organic, the fruit will come.” God’s mission through the Church, to love and heal the world is about a practice, a way of life in which we stay connected to Christ who loves us in order that we might love others well.

#274. Bishop Christian Alsted - April 21, 2024 Apr 22, 2024

Show notes

Bishop Christian Alsted begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to preach at Davidson UMC, reflecting on the value of freedom and its significance in different contexts, notably in Ukraine. He shares insights on the concept of freedom, reflecting on personal limitations and the deeper freedom found in following Jesus's teachings. Drawing examples from scripture and experiences in Ukraine, he emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace and the communal nature of spiritual growth. Alsted concludes with a call to embrace a collective journey towards a better life rooted in love and faith.

#273. Rev. Dianne Lawhorn - April 14, 2024 Apr 22, 2024

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For many of us, we think of Easter Sunday as the end of our Lenten season. So, Easter Sunday comes and goes and we settle back into life as if we've moved back into ordinary time. Instead, we should celebrate Easter as a season where the transformation that happened during our Lenten journey is lived out, alongside of the reality of the resurrection. This Sunday, we will be looking at Luke 24:36-48. This scripture speaks to us about the peace that Christ offers us within doubt. Come and experience, alongside of the disciples, the opening of your minds, as we witness together the miracle that the Easter season celebrates!

#272. Rev. Jim Humphries - April 7, 2024 Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

Easter morning and the empty tomb are behind us, but Jesus continues to amaze and surprise in the hours and days that follow. While the disciples are locked away in fear, Jesus appears among them and peacefully breathes the Holy Spirit upon them. But Thomas is not with the disciples that first evening, so he misses out on seeing the resurrected Lord. Was Thomas the only disciple not afraid to be out in public? Perhaps he was braver; had stronger faith than the others? When Jesus returns to the disciples a week later, and Thomas finally gets the opportunity to see his risen Lord, he believes and makes the first public profession of faith in Jesus: "My Lord and my God!" For Thomas the disciple, seeing was believing. How about for those of us who can't see Jesus; how do we believe? Read John 20: 19-31 to prepare for worship this Sunday.

#271. Rev. David Hockett - March 31, 2024 Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

Hear the good news of Easter. The crucified Son is also the risen Lord. The victim is also the Victor. The stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, the darkness is dispelled, the light shines, a new day is dawned. We are an Easter people. Not a Good Friday people, not a Saturday-life-in-between kind of people, but an Easter people. So, whatever fear, or loss, or guilt, or shame, or brokenness, or grief, or sin we carry - hear the good news and cling to hope. As Bishop Willimon noted, “Beyond the pain, beyond the loss, beyond the cross, there is an empty tomb. And there - new life begins.”

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