Topic: Justice

In this powerful and deeply personal sermon, guest preacher Amanda Udis-Kessler reflects on her journey from rejection to belonging, offering a Christian vision where LGBTQ+ pride and faith are not in conflict but are deeply intertwined. Drawing on Isaiah’s call to justice and Jesus’ commandment to love, she argues that justice and love are not abstract ideals, but embodied, ethical actions that help all people flourish. Through stories, scripture, and reflection on human dignity, she proclaims that pride is not the opposite of humility—it is the opposite of shame. With grace and clarity, she invites us to praise with pride, love with courage, and build a world where everyone can flourish as God intends.

In this sermon, Pastor Wes explored Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. Comparing our desire for quick solutions to life’s mysteries with the neatly wrapped endings of a Scooby-Doo episode, he challenged us to embrace the unresolved nature of Jesus’ teachings. The widow’s unwavering determination in seeking justice serves as a call for us to persist in faith and advocacy, even when answers are elusive. Who are we standing with? Where are we insisting on justice? This parable reminds us that faith is not about solving a puzzle—it’s about persistence, hope, and transformation.