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Chicago: Lessons on Authenticity and Change

There’s something captivating about a good performance. The lights dim, the music swells, and suddenly we’re transported into someone else’s story. For nearly 50 years, audiences have experienced the dazzling world of “Chicago: The Musical,” currently performed by our own McPherson Community Theatre. This Tony Award-winning show continues to pack theaters because it brilliantly reveals […]

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Bible changing lives faith sermon spiritual growth transforming the community united methodist church

Embracing Transition: God’s Call in Our Lives

On this Father’s Day, many of us arrive with hearts full of gratitude for the fathers and father figures whose voices have shaped our lives. Some carry complicated emotions about absent or imperfect fathers, while others celebrate cherished memories and ongoing relationships. Today also marks a significant transition as we celebrate Deacon Jeanne’s years of […]

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Bible changing lives Christian living faith sermon spiritual growth transforming the community united methodist church worship

Bridging Divides: Faith and Community in a Complex World

The first day of June puts us right between seasons. Around McPherson, we see the signs – graduation ceremonies just finished, swimming pools ready to open, and colorful gardens blooming while farmers watch their crops grow. Many of us feel pulled between wrapping up spring activities and starting summer plans. Think about times in your […]

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Bible Christian living faith sermon spiritual growth transforming the community united methodist church

Transformations: From Persecution to Purpose on Memorial Day Weekend

As Memorial Day arrives tomorrow, many of us find ourselves in that space between honoring the past and welcoming summer. Flags wave alongside blooming flowers. Communities prepare for both solemn ceremonies honoring those who gave their lives and the familiar celebrations marking summer’s start. Through these moments, we honor the past while looking forward to […]

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Bible Christian living faith sermon spiritual growth transforming the community united methodist church

Breaking Barriers: Lessons from the Early Church

It’s mid-May in Kansas, and as we gather this morning, you may have one eye on the sky. The National Weather Service is warning of severe storms developing late this afternoon across our region, with the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and even tornadoes. Tomorrow brings another round of severe weather. These spring storms […]

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Bible Christian living faith sermon spiritual growth transforming the community transition

Embracing Life’s Detours: Faith Lessons from Philip

Sermon Today our worship feels special. We’re celebrating both Mother’s Day and our high school seniors. You may see a few proud moms wipe away some tears as they watch their kids grow up. Our seniors might feel both excited and nervous about what comes next after graduation. Significant milestones in our life sometimes come […]

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Bible faith sermon spiritual growth transforming the community united methodist church worship

Facing Life’s Storms: Lessons from Stephen’s Faith

Spring in Kansas brings storm season, when dark clouds gather and warning sirens test our readiness. Many of us know that feeling when the sky turns eerily green, signaling it’s time to seek shelter or watch from the porch – depending on your strategy. Consider moments when you’ve faced a different kind of storm – […]

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Bible Christian living faith spiritual growth transforming the community worship

Easter Morning: Discovering Life Beyond Death

There’s something deeply hopeful about this morning’s soaking rain after our long dry spell. We’ve just experienced the 9th driest March on record over the past 131 years, with rainfall over 1.6 inches below normal. In fact, this has been the 15th driest year to date, with precipitation more than two inches below what we […]

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Embracing Palm Sunday: Joy and Sorrow Intertwined

As spring fully awakens around us, many of us feel caught in a season of contrasts. The landscape transforms before our eyes – daffodils have pushed through soil once frozen, trees exchange winter bareness for delicate buds, and warmer breezes replace winter’s chill. Yet while nature embraces renewal, many of us might still carry burdens […]

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Bible changing lives Christian living faith sermon spiritual growth transforming the community worship

Transforming Lives: Lessons from Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus

As April arrives, basketball fans across the country have their eyes fixed upward – watching shots arc toward the basket, players jumping for rebounds, and championship celebrations with confetti falling from arena ceilings. Is One Shining Moment your favorite part of the tournament? This Final Four weekend, millions witness stories of persistence, unexpected heroes, and […]

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Bible changing lives Christian living faith sermon Sharing Christ spiritual growth transforming the community united methodist church

Bridging Divides: Lessons from the Rich Man and Lazarus

Have you noticed how this time of year plays tricks with our expectations? One day teases us with spring warmth, the next reminds us winter hasn’t quite finished. With April Fool’s Day just around the corner, we’re reminded how easily we can be fooled by appearances. Have you experienced that moment of uncertainty over the […]

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Bible sermon spiritual growth transforming the community worship

Finding Home: Lessons from Jesus’ Parables

Spring break has wrapped up, and many of us are settling back into our routines. You might have just returned from a family trip, catching up on accumulated emails, or simply enjoyed a quieter week at home. Regardless, there’s something about returning—the familiarity of your own bed, the comfort of regular routines, the sense of […]