Mcfarland Umc Podcast

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NRSVUE).  Join us as we explore this “I AM” saying of Jesus. Acts 8:26-40Psalm 22:25-311 John 4:7-21John 15:1-8

On this 4th Sunday of Easter, we look at the image of the Good Shepherd. Our readings are: Acts 4:5-12Psalm 231 John 3:16-24John 10:11-18

Scriptures this week are:Acts 3:12-19Psalm 41 John 3:1-7Luke 24:36-48 In this sermon delivered by Pastor Wayne, he reflects on a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus as recounted in Luke’s Gospel. The disciples, filled with fear, grief, and shame after Jesus’ crucifixion, find themselves huddled together, trying to make sense of their world turned upside down. Suddenly, Jesus appears among them, dispelling their terror with words of peace. He invites them to touch him, grounding them in the reality of his resurrection.

Easter changes everything! So how does this change relate to us? We turn to the epistle of 1 John for the next few weeks. Join us on the journey.

The story of the Resurrection as found in Mark 16:1-8 seems incomplete. The women leave the garden because they are frightened and they told no one. It seems incomplete because no one did anything. But is that the story that Mark wanted to convey?  Perhaps the emphasis is on the fact that they did nothing because there was nothing to be done. God had done it all. Death was vanquished. Hope was restored. We join with millions around the world declaring “Christ

The sermon on John 3:1-21, delivered by Pastor Wayne, delves into the symbolism of Nicodemus coming to Jesus by night, exploring the themes of darkness as spiritual blindness and the transition from ignorance to understanding. Nicodemus represents those who question Jesus and struggle with his teachings, yet also embodies the journey of seeking truth and enlightenment. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to confront their spiritual blindness and expand their understanding of God’s teachings. Nicodemus’s nighttime visit symbolizes the

The scriptures for today are: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19:1-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; andJohn 2:13-22 In Pastor Wayne’s sermon, he juxtaposes the idealized image of the Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with the harsh reality of the region’s puppy mills. He challenges the theological justifications for animal exploitation while weaving in an allegorical story about the creation of dogs and cats to highlight the unique bond between humans and animals. Transitioning from this exploration of human-animal relationships, Pastor Wayne delves

This sermon offers a profound reflection on the nature of discipleship and the essence of Christian faith as portrayed in Mark 8:31-38. Here’s an analysis of its key points: 1. **Peter’s Misunderstanding**: The sermon begins by highlighting Peter’s misconception of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. Peter, like many Jews of his time, expected a triumphant, conquering Messiah who would deliver Israel from its oppressors. However, Jesus redefines the role of the Messiah, emphasizing suffering, rejection, and ultimately, resurrection. 2. **Conflict

On this First Sunday in Lent, our Scriptures are: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; and Mark 1:9-15. In his sermon based upon the Gospel text, Pastor Wayne delves into the significance of Jesus’ wilderness experience, particularly focusing on Mark’s concise account compared to the more detailed versions in Matthew and Luke. It reflects on the symbolic elements of the wilderness—temptation, wild animals, and angels—as well as the broader themes of uncertainty, doubt, and reliance on the Spirit. Pastor

The sermon reflects on the concept of mountaintop experiences, drawing from the biblical account of the Transfiguration in Mark 9:2-9. These experiences are described as moments of intense connection with God, where individuals feel spiritually uplifted and enlightened. However, Pastor Wayne emphasizes the importance of not remaining on the mountaintop indefinitely but returning to the valleys of everyday life, where the true work of ministry and service takes place. Using personal anecdotes and anecdotes from others, Pastor Wayne illustrates the