Book: Psalms

In this sermon based on Psalm 29, Dr. Sarah Melcher reflects on God’s power, especially as seen through the awe-inspiring force of storms. She shares personal experiences, connecting ancient Israel’s reverence for God’s strength to the modern challenges of climate change. Dr. Melcher emphasizes our role in environmental stewardship, drawing from theological insights that God’s redemptive work includes all of creation. She calls for partnership with God to “serve and preserve” the earth, seeking peace and strength from God to live sustainably.

This sermon invites us to consider the clutter within our hearts and souls, asking God to help create a renewed spirit within us. Reflecting on personal experiences and the challenges we often carry, Pastor Wes likens our internal clutter to an old church basement filled with neglected items. Just as we clear out physical spaces, we’re called to open our hearts to God’s restorative presence, allowing divine love to cleanse and transform us. Through deep breaths and mindful prayers, we can embrace God’s continual work in our lives, inviting peace and purpose into our daily journey.

This sermon explores Psalm 65’s celebration of God’s presence within creation, drawing from the spiritual insights of Brother Lawrence, who found the sacred in everyday tasks, and poet Mary Oliver’s idea that “attention is the beginning of devotion.” Reflecting on Psalm 65, which describes God’s active presence in the natural world, the sermon invites us to open our senses to the teaching and mystery in creation. By contemplating our lives through the seasons of nature, we can become more aware of God’s presence in all moments, whether in awe or struggle, and carry this awareness to the communion table as a tangible expression of God’s grace.

In Psalm 100, Pastor Wes explores the call to “sing a new song” as a way to worship and praise God. Drawing from the Psalm’s theme, Pastor Wes reflects on how creation itself is constantly singing God’s praises—from babbling brooks to rustling trees—inviting us to join in. He examines the role of music and hymns in our faith journey, acknowledging the diversity of musical expression within the church. Pastor Wes challenges the congregation to reflect on how they embody worship, praise, and blessing in their lives, and encourages them to find new ways to live and sing their faith. The sermon emphasizes the power of music as a tool for justice and unity, urging the church to embrace a diverse range of expressions in its worship and to lift every voice in song.

In this sermon, Dr. Christine Hoffman invites the congregation to reflect on what it means to sing “the Lord’s song,” drawing from Psalms 81:1-4 and 137:1-6. She explores three key questions: Where are we when singing the Lord’s song, what makes it the Lord’s song, and why do we sing it? Dr. Hoffman shares how places, like memorials and moments of loss, shape our hymns, while highlighting how singing through grief connects us to God’s faithfulness and hope. Through examples of both despair and joy, she reminds us that hymns unite us in faith, allowing space for both lament and praise.