First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, a Member Church of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and More Light Presbyterians

Sermons from 2019

“Between the Already and Not Yet” A sermon based on Matthew 24:36-44

On Sunday, December 22nd, 2019 We are very close to the Nativity now. Just 2 more days. As we approach that blessed day, when we celebrate God’s best gift to the world, we feel many things. Joy. Peace. Love. Hope renewed. Delight. Maybe even surprise. Wonder. But how about speechlessness? I suggest to you that speechlessness is a very appropriate sensation at…

“Between the Already and Not Yet” A sermon based on Matthew 24:36-44

on Sunday, December 1st, 2019 Hope. Anticipation. Expectation. These are the dispositions of Advent. And I had the pleasure of seeing these fully embodied on Thanksgiving Day as we cooked and baked all day. Our dog, Luna, was ever in the kitchen, watching us as we worked on the countertops, just waiting, hoping, anticipating every little morsel that might happen to fall…

“Sweat the Big Stuff” A sermon based on Haggai 1 and Luke 20:27-38

On Sunday, November 10th, 2019 You’ve all heard the expression, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” It’s an aphorism intended to help us to remember to focus on the things that really matter. We have such an aphorism because we so often get lost in the small stuff. Sometimes I feel like there’s a mysterious force, rooted right in our DNA, that drives…

“Blessing Completed” A sermon based on Luke 17:11-19

On Sunday, October 13th, 2019 Are you ready for thanksgiving? I don’t mean the celebration in November, though, I have to admit, I’ve already been thinking about ordering our locally raised turkey for this year’s feast. No, I’m thinking of taking stock of all for which we can be thankful. I think we certainly could use the change in perspective.[i] Recent days…