Join as Becca Bateman reflects on the parable of the Wedding Banquet from the Gospel of Luke. With All Saints Day coming upon us, we will take time to reflect on how, throughout the ages, the people of the church have been called to a life of risk-taking mercy and humility. Then, we ponder what is our calling today?
In his sermon, John Willingham focuses on one of Jesus' most challenging parables. What does his image of a "worthless slave" have to say to us as Christians? Join us as we ponder together.
In the sermon, John Willingham focuses on a parable told when Jesus was a dinner guest in the home of a Pharisee. His story offers a word about the nature of salvation as he describes another banquet where some refuse to attend and others are compelled to be part. Join us as we consider what he might be saying to us as believers who also play a key role yet in how others experience the Good News of Jesus.
In the sermon, John Willingham focuses on a day when Jesus responds to the question that endures to this day about human suffering and whether or not those moments reflect God’s punishment. While clearly saying “no,” Jesus then tells the crowd to repent lest similar outcomes befall them. Join us as we ponder what might have been his meaning in that curious response.
Becca Bateman explores the true peace Jesus gives and the nourishment we need for the journey as we celebrate together World Communion Sunday.
John Willingham's sermon focuses on a parable from Jesus that teaches us about prayer. What does his tale say about the times when we ask, search, and knock before God? Join us as we ponder that and other questions related to this vital part of our life as disciples.
In the sermon, John Willingham reflects on some challenging words from Jesus about what it means to be one of his disciples. Join us (on the street!) as we ponder his instructions and consider how we might best respond as a new program year at DPC begins.
This week, join Pastor Becca Bateman as we look at the familiar passage in which a party is thrown once the lost item is found. The cost of the party is great, not because of the price, but because of the great risk in having a party where all are welcome.
In the sermon, John Willingham concludes our summer-long series on the book of Judges by finishing the story of Samson. Not only do those events conclude the life of that complicated judge, but they mark the end to God’s experiment of seeking to keep the people faithful through such leaders. Join us as we ponder and give thanks for what God did next.
In his sermon, John Willingham focuses on the day Samson loses his amazing physical strength. It came after repeatedly being asked why he was so strong. Join us as we ponder what he learned after his power disappeared and what that moment has to say about the source of our strength, too.
In his sermon, John Willingham continues our focus on Samson by reflecting on a troubling glimpse of escalating violence and retaliation brought about by that ancient judge. Alongside those images, though, we will hear Jesus speak of a better way. Join us as we ponder how his words might take hold in our own lives.
In his sermon this week, John Willingham reflects on the first glimpse of the judge Samson as an adult, and it isn’t good. Instead, over the course of the narrative there are threats and acts of violence, taunting and accusations, rage and marital abandonment. What could that storyline possibly say to us as believers in the 21st century? Join us as we ponder one possibility together.
The journey through Judges continues in the 13th chapter, beginning the story of Samson. His birth was announced by an angel and he was destined to be used by God to rescue Israel from the oppression of the Philistines. Pauline Sexton preaches on another ancient story that teaches us about the faithfulness of God to a nation that was constantly a disappointment.
Join in as Becca Bateman reflects on the triumphs of Gideon (as read by Lay Leader Galen Hays) and how they were never meant to point to a human as the hero, but to God. In what ways does this also show the greater story arc that God appears in ways no one expects?
In the sermon, John Willingham continues our month-long focus on the Israelite judge Gideon. After hesitating, reducing his troops and learning of a dream’s interpretation he finally launches the battle for which he had been chosen. As he sends out the troops, he has them shout out words that point to the partnership behind that moment and our lives of faith, too. Join us as we ponder the character of that divine-human relationship upon our days.
In his sermon, John Willingham continues our focus on Gideon, recalling the moment when that timid judge came up with two ways for God to guarantee success in the battle ahead. In both moments, the Divine One responded in just the way that leader asked. What does that ancient moment have to say to those times when we seek God’s involvement and reassurance still? Join us as we ponder together.
In the sermon, John Willingham continues the summer-long look at the Book of Judges and focuses this week on Gideon and the moment when he is given the second name of Jerubbaal. What does that second moniker say about him and us as people of faith? Join us as we ponder together.
Continuing our focus in Judges this week, Pauline Sexton looks at Gideon, a farmer who was called by God to lead Israel to liberation. He was an unlikely leader and he had a lot to learn. Join us as we reflect on his story.
Becca Bateman preaches on Judges 5 thinking about not only what God is doing in this story but also the ways God heals us, our communities, and societies from the ways sin has caused brokenness.
In his sermon, John Willingham continues our summer series by reflecting on the witness of the only female judge in ancient Israel, a prophetess named Deborah. What does her response to a fearful general long ago say to the moments when we are troubled, too? Join us as we ponder her example together.
In his sermon, John Willingham continues our summer look at the Book of Judges by focusing on a cycle of trouble and heartache for the Israelites of old. John also reads from Ephesians Chapter 4. Using that Biblical pattern, he invites us to consider a new approach on gun laws following the most recent cycle of violence in our land. Join us for this time of collective pondering as we seek to find a better way.
In his sermon, John Willingham begins our summer preaching series drawn from the Old Testament book of Judges. In our first text, we are given a glimpse of the precarious nature of the Christian story. Join us as we are reminded of our essential part in sharing the faith with one another and those who come next.
*Due to technical issues, John's May 22 sermon could not be shared last week, but we are happy to be able to offer it to you now* In the sermon, John Willingham reflects on the recent death of his mother by recalling the last trip they made together; a journey made possible by DPC.
This week Pauline Sexton preaches on John 17 in the wake of days of hatred, violence, and heartbreak. In this prayer, Jesus, just hours before his death, prays that the world would know of the love of God through how we love one another. If “thoughts and prayers” seem not enough is love the way?
Our Scripture Lesson comes from John 10:22-30. In the sermon, John Willingham focuses on the moment when religious leaders come to Jesus and demand “If you are the Messiah tell us plainly.” In response, Jesus speaks of his unique connection with God. Join us as we ponder the significance of his words for our lives of faith today.
In this special Youth Sunday edition of the DPC Podcast, Riley reads from 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Olivia offers her reflections of growing up in the church, and our Youth Choir offers us a beautiful rendition of "Look at the World"
Lay Leader Marie Stevens reads from John 21:1-14. In his sermon, John Willingham focuses on the third moment in John’s gospel when the risen Christ appears to his disciples. It begins with a night of unsuccessful fishing and ends with a breakfast over a charcoal fire. Join us as we allow that Biblical moment to help us ponder the times in our own lives when Jesus shows up, too.
The good news of the Resurrection was for all creation. As Earth Day reminds us to care for our earth, join Pauline Sexton as we look at our responsibility to care for the world as we live in witness to how the Resurrection impacts our life and choices.
Pastor John Willingham reads from John 20:1-10. In the sermon, John focuses on one of the men who, upon hearing Mary Magdalene’s news, rushed to the empty tomb on the first Easter morning. In the narrative, we see ways that unnamed disciple models faith and still falls short. Join us as we ponder his response and what that imperfect example might be saying to us.
Lay Leader Doug Barnett reads from John, Chapter 19. In the sermon, John Willingham concludes our Lenten look at moments during his final hours when Jesus was handed over from one group or person to the next. This Sunday, we focus on two moments when Jesus reversed the process with handovers that brought life-changing implications for you and me. Join us as we recall and celebrate both gifts.
