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Westminster Worship Notes & Sermons |
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Today's Message |
Sermon |
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2nd Sunday after Epiphany |
We continue in the season of Epiphany with its emphasis on light and revelation, with Isaiah's description of God's people as a "light to all nations", and John's reminder that our light is rooted in the Lamb of God. |
"Light of the Lamb"
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Baptism of the Lord Sunday |
This service remembers and affirms the covenant of baptism in the life of the church. |
Beloved
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Epiphany Sunday |
"Light" is the common liturgical symbol for the season of Epiphany |
Water of Grace... Chalice of Love
Guest Preacher Rev. Sam Buffat
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1st Sunday after Christmas |
The central text for worship this morning is Matthew's description of Herod's search for the baby Jesus who he perceives as a threat to his rule. |
The Other Half of the Story
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Christmas Eve |
Christmas Eve marks the moment of God's incarnation among us. |
The Angels' Point of View
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4th Sunday in Advent |
Love |
Mary's Song and the Inefficiency of Love
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3rd Sunday in Advent |
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols |
Sing Noel!
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2nd Sunday in Advent |
Peace |
Simeon's Song and the Incalculability of Peace
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1st Sunday in Advent |
Hope |
Zechariah's Song and the Unpredictability of Hope
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Christ the King Sunday |
Christ the King Sunday lifts up the often-misunderstood metaphor of the the kingship of Jesus Christ. |
A Strange King
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33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Our worship today reflects the various themes found in the psalms from thanksgiving to confession to lamentation to joy. |
Psalms of Thanksgiving
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32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time |
We reflect today on God's promises to use our time and money to create something new and wonderful. |
Participation, Priorities and Peace
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31st Sunday in Ordinary Time |
For look, I am going to create new heavens and a new earth. Isaiah 65:17 |
Seeing Death and Life
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30th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
God calls us to see with new eyes that which is required of us: do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. |
People of Protest
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29th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. |
Prayer
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28th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
We continue our reflections on the parables of Jesus. Today we rejoice in the wideness of God's mercy and the healing provided to God's people. |
Guest Preacher Pastor Gwen Brandfass
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27th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
On this World Communion Sunday, we celebrate with other Christians around that we are all united by one bread, one body, and one Lord of all. |
Everyday Courage
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26th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Our parable today, known as the rich man and Lazarus, is a stark portrayal of the responsibility of those who have much to share with those who have little. |
Seeing Lazarus
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25th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
In our parable text this morning, Christ calls for us to be more faithful, more forgiving, and more considerate of our relationships with one another as we exercise our commitment to follow him. |
The Shrewdness of Grace
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24th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
In today's parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin, we glimpse the overwhelming grace of God seeking out the lost. |
One of the Ninety-Nine
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23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Our worship this morning focuses on discipleship and the call of Christ to follow him as we rally together for the coming year. |
Rally Sunday
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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time |
In our parable text this morning, Jesus tells us that "those who humble themselves will be lifted up." |
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21st Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Today we consider the healing grace of God and how he calls us unto his ministry no matter our brokenness or imperfections. |
Thou Art Loosed
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20th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
The text for worship today is the inspiring words of Hebrews where we are reminded of our connection to a "great cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us. |
The Baggage of Tradition
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19th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Today we are reminded that no matter our circumstances or station in life, God is waiting to welcome us and embrace us with his mercy and love. |
A Tale of Two Women
Guest Preacher Rev. Rod Johnson
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18th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
The central text for worship today is the response of Jesus to a request by a person in the crowd to command his brother to divide the family inheritance. Jesus warns the crowd through the parable of the rich fool and unsettling commands to be on our guard against all kinds of greed. |
A Cup of Grace
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17th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Today the hymns, responses, prelude and postlude reflect different aspects of prayer. Discover what these say about prayer; among them - to whom, where and how we pray. |
Prayer: More Than Words
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16th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
We highlight our utter dependence upon God as we sing, "Thou art the life, by which alone we live." Our biblical lessons and sermon focus on the one necessary thing at the heart of the faith. |
One Necessary Thing
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15th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
The themes of the "Great Commandment," "You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might," a variation of Deuteronomy 6:5, are expressed both in word and song this morning. |
Love the Lord Your God
Guest Preacher Kathleen Cook Owens
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14th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Paul argues that God has created something entirely new in Jesus Christ. This new creation means grace and not law is at the heart of the spiritual life. The new creation also results in a new kind of community where categories of race, gender, and ethnicity take on a different meaning. |
Seeds of a New Creation
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13th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Today the liturgy describes the church as a new kind of community, "a holy nation" called to proclaim the mighty acts of God. The celebration of the Lord's Supper symbolizes the new creation in Christ where all divisions are destroyed and a new kind of people comes into existence. |
Freedom for One Another
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12th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Our worship today celebrates the uniqueness of our individual identities within the larger body of Christ. The text from Paul's letter to the Galatians affirms the value and significance of our racial, ethnic, and gender identities within the body of Christ. |
Crises of Identity
Guest Preacher Craig Howard
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11th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
In his second letter to the Galatians, Paul argues that God has created something entirely new in Jesus Christ . . . that we have been "crucified with Christ" and it is no longer I who live but "Christ who lives in me." |
Dying and Living in Christ
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10th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
This morning we will recognize new members and also baptize a young child. Both actions occur around the baptismal font speaking our baptismal renunciations and promises. |
To Be Gospelled
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Trinity Sunday |
We celebrate the Triune God with The Spirit That Sets Us Free with the combined Christ and Westminster Presbyterian Chancel Choirs and instrumentalists. |
The Irrational God
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Day of Pentecost |
For early Christians the day of Pentecost marked the coming of the Holy Spirit when "a sound like the blowing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house." |
Dangerous Fire
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7th Sunday of Easter |
Christ is our Alpha and Omega, the bright morning star who nourishes us with the water of life. |
Confessing Unity
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6th Sunday of Easter |
At the heart of John 14 are the words "Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." The opening hymn reflects our trust in God who is "our maker, defender, redeemer, and friend." |
The Fear Factor
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5th Sunday of Easter |
When we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we enact the truth of a new heaven and a new earth. |
Dwelling in Place
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4th Sunday of Easter |
The Seniors of the WPC Youth Group have chosen this theme: "God's love for the world forms a connection among all people. It helps one appreciate people who seem different and is a source of comfort when one feels distanced from ones for whom they care." |
Seniors' Messages
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3rd Sunday of Easter |
Our worship today focuses on the glory of God as revealed through the majestic beauty of his creation of all things on the earth, in the skies, and in the seas. |
Sabbath Living
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2nd Sunday of Easter |
As we offer our utmost praise to God in worship this morning, may His word speak to us and strengthen our faith. |
Wounded & Doubting Apostles
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Easter Sunday |
We begin our worship today confronted by the mystery of the empty tomb much like the women who came to anoint the body of Jesus so long ago. Our introit joyfully announces that Christ is risen and the words of our call to worship reflects our celebration of this miracle. |
I Have Seen the Lord
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Good Friday |
"Tenebrae" is a Latin word meaning "shadows." As the light diminishes and the shadows lengthen, the symbolism points clearly to the physical and spiritual darkness and despair which accompanied the passion of our Lord. |
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Maundy Thursday |
"Maundy Thursday" derives its name not from the act of communion, but from the "Great Commandment" that Christ gave to his disciples: "love one another, as I have loved you." Christ sealed this commandment in an act of utter servant hood when he himself washed the disciples' feet. |
Washing the Dishes
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Passion/Palm Sunday |
On this Passion Sunday, the gospels proclaim the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem, and the entry of Christ into death. |
Palms to Passion
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5th Sunday in Lent |
Our worship today focuses on: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." The gospel lesson tells of the solider whose ear was cut off when he came to arrest Jesus. |
The Purity of Pease
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4th Sunday in Lent |
Our worship today focuses on "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." The gospel lesson lifts up the parable of the lost sheep. |
Guest Preacher Erica Liu, Pres House
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3rd Sunday in Lent |
Our worship today focuses on "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" and the marked distinction between the prayer posture of the Pharisee and the Publican. |
Serving the Other
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2nd Sunday in Lent |
Our worship today focuses on the first beatitude: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." The scripture lessons also lift up the temptation of Christ in the desert and speak of his enduring spirit in the face of great adversity. |
Walking in the Desert
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1st Sunday in Lent |
Our worship today focuses on the first beatitude: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." The scripture lessons also lift up the temptation of Christ in the desert and speak of his enduring spirit in the face of great adversity. |
Poverty of Spirit
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Transfiguration Sunday |
Transfiguration is about the light of God in Christ's face, a light that will continue to shine on our Lenten path even as we walk towards the cross of Holy Week. |
Mountains and Valleys
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6th Sunday in Epiphany |
Our worship today focuses on our need for God's help and the constancy of care He provides for us through His grace. |
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5th Sunday in Epiphany |
Our worship today focuses on the call of Christ to "come, follow me" and his instruction that we will become "fishers of men." |
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4th Sunday in Epiphany |
As we offer praise for the light of Christ placed in our hearts, our worship today focuses on the God who unites and empowers us for ministry. |
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3rd Sunday in Epiphany |
We celebrate the ways God has equipped His Westminster community of faith for ministry. This morning's Scripture describes the "body of Christ" formed at Westminster and in the wider world. |
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2nd Sunday in Epiphany |
In this of the season of Epiphany, we celebrate the light of Christ present in our hearts, and our worship today focuses on the "dance of the spirit." |
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Epiphany Sunday |
Epiphany Sunday is a day set aside for celebrating the "shining forth" or revelation of God to humankind in the person of Jesus Christ. |
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1st Sunday after Christmas |
The visible church is the true church, the community of men and women called by God, redeemed by Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. |
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4th Sunday of Advent |
On this last Sunday of Advent, our worship focus is on God's love experienced as incarnation: "God with us" in the world. |
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3rd Sunday of Advent |
"Arise, Shine" A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols |
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2nd Sunday of Advent |
On this Second Sunday of Advent, our worship focus is on God's promise of peace. "First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others." Thomas A. Kempis |
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1st Sunday of Advent |
During this liturgical season, we prepare to receive God's great gift of his son, Jesus Christ. The theme of the first Sunday of Advent is one of hope. |
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Christ the King Sunday |
The scriptures, hymns, and service music chosen for worship today are reflective of the both Christ's sovereignty and of the kingdom of God. |
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Thanksgiving Sunday |
On this Thanksgiving Sunday, we offer our praise and thanks to God for the bountiful blessings he has bestowed upon us. |
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Stewardship Sunday |
On this Stewardship Sunday, we dedicate the gifts God has shared with us for his work in and through the ministries of Westminster Presbyterian Church. |
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All Saints Sunday |
All Saints Sunday: On this day, we recognize and remember those "saints" who have gone before us, especially our family members and friends whom we name now in our hearts. |
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Reformation Sunday |
Reformation Sunday: As Presbyterians, we embrace and embody the statement "once reformed, always reforming," reflecting the ever-evolving nature of our relationship to Christ and his church. |
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Today, we offer our praise for God's work in and through Westminster Presbyterian Church over the past 90 years. The spirit of this service is one of thanksgiving. |
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Today we focus on our use of the monetary and spiritual gifts God has bestowed upon us, recalling Jesus' words: "Many who are first will be last, and the last will be first." |
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The experience of Job illustrates that while our faithfulness to God may waiver, especially during times of trouble, God's faithfulness to us is constant and always assured. |
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Installation of Alex Thornburg as Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church |
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World Communion Sunday . . . we are all united by one bread, one body, one Lord of all. |
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Jesus speaks of our call to radical vulnerability. It is in this vulnerability that true healing can occur. |
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Our worship today observes the call we have from Christ to "take up our cross and follow him," even though the way of the cross may not always be the easiest path for us to choose. The Affirmation of Faith, taken from the Confession of 1967, is particularly interesting with its emphasis on reconciliation through the cross. It was one of the first church statements to address concerns about race, gender, and even the environment. |
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Today's Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant reminds us of the vows and promises made at our baptism, and our worship service reflects our Rally Day focus on the God who has chosen us and claimed us as his own. |
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Our worship service today focuses on the human struggle between hypocrisy and humility, the constancy of God's grace in response to our sinful nature, and our celebration of the sacrament of Holy Communion. |
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