Series: Creation in Scripture

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.

In his sermon on Luke 12, Pastor Wes invites us to consider Jesus’ reminder to “consider the ravens” as a call to embrace peace over worry. Observing creation, from playful ravens to blooming lilies, Pastor Wes explains how Jesus uses nature’s resilience to illustrate God’s care for us. Despite our tendency to worry and strive for control, this passage reminds us that we are deeply connected to all of creation and cared for by God’s love. Jesus’ words urge us to let go of perfectionism, fear, and the need for control, and instead, to find calm and confidence in God’s unwavering kindness.

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.

Pastor Wes shared how 2 Corinthians speaks to a generosity that goes beyond duty, likening it to his grandmother’s homespun wisdom about giving and life’s lessons. Paul’s message—“God loves a cheerful giver”—can be translated to mean a “hilarious giver,” reflecting an overflowing, joyful generosity. Rather than a calculated or reluctant act, giving is a way to embrace the abundance and creativity we see in creation. Pastor Wes encouraged us to envision our lives as filled with seeds we plant—our gifts and actions—and challenged us to consider where we share and sow with the same boundless, joyful love that God embodies.

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 his sermon on Ezekiel 37:1-10, Pastor Wes invites the congregation to reflect on the powerful imagery of the valley of dry bones. He connects Ezekiel’s vision of a desolate place filled with lifeless bones to our own experiences of feeling dried up and distant from God in challenging times. Pastor Wes emphasizes that, like the bones brought to life by God’s spirit, we, too, can find renewal. He encourages us to consider where we feel dried up and how we experience the Breath of God, urging us to carry this life-giving spirit into our lives.

In this sermon on Jonah 2, Pastor Wes explores Jonah’s story as a powerful reflection of our own lives and struggles. Jonah’s reluctance, his self-centeredness, and even his half-hearted obedience resonate with anyone who has ever tried to resist a difficult calling. Yet, when swallowed up by life’s challenges or spit out in unexpected places, we, like Jonah, often find ourselves crying out to God. Through Jonah’s flawed journey, Pastor Wes reminds us that God is present—even in our messiest, most uncertain moments—and offers us hope, strength, and healing.

In this sermon, Pastor Wes reflects on God’s immediate presence as revealed in the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3. By examining God’s name, ‘I Am,’ and the significance of Moses removing his sandals on holy ground, Pastor Wes highlights the importance of recognizing ordinary moments as holy. Using anecdotes and humor, he draws parallels between Moses’ call and our daily lives, suggesting that we can cultivate holy awareness through ordinary acts. He emphasizes how God intimately observes and participates in our lives, encouraging the congregation to recognize the presence of ‘I Am’ in every moment.

In Genesis 15, Abram, having followed God’s call into uncertainty, wrestles with doubt and frustration as he wonders when God’s promises will come to fruition. Pastor Wes reflects on Abram’s moment of deep uncertainty, drawing parallels to our own lives when we feel the tension of promises unfulfilled. Despite God’s reassurance that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars, Abram struggles to see the realization of this promise. Pastor Wes highlights the beauty of the ordinary, daily faithfulness, as Abram continues to wait. The sermon invites us to reflect on our own moments of waiting and to trust in God’s continued presence and promise, even when fulfillment seems distant.