From The Pulpit of DUMC

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#375: Rev. Dr. Jody Seymour | April 19, 2026 Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

1. We all live by a “song.”
The world is constantly shaping what we believe and how we live.

2. Not every song is good for the soul.
Messages of power, fear, and division are loud, but they are not God’s song.

3. Worship teaches us God’s song.
We gather not just to hear it, but to let it take root in our hearts.

4. God’s song is love.
It begins with this truth: “I love you.”

5. We are meant to carry the song outward.
Faith is not just for Sunday. The world needs to hear it through us.

6. We don’t sing alone.
People like Kevin help us learn and live the song together.

7. Even in a “strange land”… sing.
Especially in hard or uncertain times, the world needs God’s song more than ever.

#374: Rev. David Hockett | April 12, 2026 Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

1. The church is more than what we do
It’s not programs, buildings, or branding. That’s not the essence.

2. Jesus meets us in our fear
The disciples were hiding… and Jesus showed up anyway.

3. We don’t have to have it all together
Doubt, questions, and uncertainty don’t disqualify us. Even Thomas was met with grace.

4. The church is Christ’s presence among us
We are the church because Jesus is with us. Not because we are perfect.

5. Peace comes before purpose
Jesus first says, “Peace be with you”… then He sends them.

6. We are sent to live like Easter people
Not just in church, but in everyday life… at work, at home, in our relationships.

#373: Rev. David Hockett | April 5, 2026 Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Easter means:

God breaks cycles we thought were permanent
Death, fear, and brokenness don’t get the final word
The worst thing is never the last thing
There is life even in the places that feel “dead”
Love wins

What this means for us:

We don’t have to live stuck in fear or defeat
We can bring Jesus into the hardest parts of our lives
We can choose forgiveness, hope, and courage
We can live like resurrection is real

Simple Practice This Week:
Identify one “small tomb” in your life
(a fear, habit, relationship, or burden)

Then ask:
“What would it look like to invite Jesus into this?”

#372: Rev. Jim Humphries | March 29, 2026 Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Palm Sunday reveals two parades: one of power (Pilate), one of peace (Jesus).
Jesus enters not with force, but with humility on a donkey.
The crowd expected a king who would take power, but Jesus came to transform it.
It’s possible to celebrate Jesus and still misunderstand His mission.
The kingdom of Jesus is marked by peace, compassion, mercy, and grace.
Following Jesus means more than words, it means living differently.
Palm Sunday asks: Are you part of the Jesus parade, and do you understand where it’s leading?

Simple Practice for the Week:
Each day, choose one moment to reflect Jesus’ way, serve someone, show compassion, or respond with grace instead of control.

#371: Rev. Meredith Hinton | March 22, 2026 Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Faith is personal
Jesus doesn’t ask what others believe, He asks you. Faith becomes real when we claim it for ourselves.
Grace has been with you all along
Before you ever chose God, God was already reaching toward you through people, moments, and experiences.
Saying “yes” is just the beginning
Confirmation is not the finish line. It’s the start of a lifelong journey of growing in faith.
We grow through community
Faith isn’t meant to be lived alone. We learn how to follow Jesus by walking alongside others.
The church has a responsibility
Young people are not just the future of the church. They are the church right now. How we live shapes their faith.
Faith is not about having it all figured out
It’s about continuing to follow Jesus through questions, doubt, joy, and struggle.

#370: Rev. David Hockett | March 15, 2026 Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

1. Faith changes how we see.
Faith is not closing our eyes. It is learning to see the world clearly through God’s grace.

2. Suffering is not about blame.
Jesus redirects us from asking “Who is at fault?” to noticing what God is doing.

3. A changed life is powerful evidence.
Like the healed man said: “I was blind, but now I see.”

4. We can be blind without realizing it.
Pride, assumptions, and comfort can keep us from seeing God at work.

5. Kingdom vision sees people differently.
Through Christ we begin to see others as beloved children of God.

6. Jesus seeks us out.
Even when we feel rejected or pushed aside, Christ comes looking for us.

Lenten Invitation:
Ask God to open your eyes so you can see the world, and others, through the light of Christ.

#369: Rev. David Hockett | March 8, 2026 Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

The Bible tells one big story.
From Genesis to Revelation, the gospel is the good news that God loves the world.

God loves the real you.
Not the version you pretend to be, but you as you are.

Jesus came to save, not condemn.
John 3:17 reminds us that Christ came to rescue the world.

The church should reflect Jesus.
Instead of pointing fingers, we open our arms in grace.

Our calling this week:
Help others experience God’s love.

#368: Rev. Jim Humphries | March 1, 2026 Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

1. Jesus crossed boundaries.
He spoke to someone others avoided. Faith often begins by stepping across lines we did not draw.

2. Conversation builds what division tears down.
Jesus and the woman built a relationship. In the process, centuries of hostility began to crumble.

3. People matter more than systems.
Jesus cared more about her life and salvation than about social rules.

4. Deep change requires real dialogue.
This was not a quick exchange. It was honest, personal, and transformative.

5. Unity starts one conversation at a time.
We do not have to fix the world. We can begin with one person. One conversation. One step toward trust.

Lenten Challenge:
Who is one person you could sit down with this week and truly talk to?

#367: Rev. Jim Humphries | February 15, 2026 Feb 22, 2026

Show notes

The Temptations

First Sunday of Lent
Matthew 4:1–11

1. The Temptations Are Ours Too

Jesus was tempted with comfort, power, and status.
We face the same pull toward self first living.

2. Jesus Chose Obedience

Where others chose self, Jesus chose faithfulness.
He trusted God instead of chasing control.

3. The Kingdom Looks Different

Not built on greed or ego.
But on mercy, service, generosity, justice, and peace.

4. We Get to Choose

Every day we choose who we follow.
Self or Christ.
Power or service.

5. Grace Is Still There

Even when we fail.
God’s grace always welcomes us back.

#366: Rev. David Hockett | February 15, 2026 Feb 15, 2026

Show notes

Listen to Him – Matthew 17:1–9

1. We Live in a Noisy World

Many voices compete for our attention.
God’s voice cuts through the noise:
“This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.”

2. The Mountain Reveals Who Jesus Is

On the mountain, the disciples see Christ’s glory.
The One who shines in light is the same One who stepped into the water with us.
Fully divine. Fully human. Close to us.

3. Mountaintop Moments Matter

We all experience moments of clarity and grace.
In worship. In prayer. In love. In creation.
These moments are not escapes.
They are maps for when life feels foggy.