Messages

“The Stuff” Our guest preacher is the Rev. Dr. Margaret Zedan. She received her MDiv from the Dubuque Seminary, and a DMin from the Lutheran Southern Seminary. She has served…

“Gotta Go!” The Ascension isn’t an optional add-on to the story. It’s not something that we may, or may not choose to discuss if we’ve any time after we’re done…

“I Am With You” “I will not leave you orphaned…” Jesus says this to his disciples in our gospel reading. While an image of children first comes to mind when…

“Home” “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me.” Lots of Christians spend lots of time apologizing for that statement.…

“Good Sheep” Our Gospel reading tells us that the Risen Christ has come to stand over and against the powers that undergird tyrants and human corruption. He’s telling us that…

“Emmaus Road(s)” Jesus Christ is alive! He is as alive today as he was when he walked the road with us. He wants to walk your road, too alongside you.…

“Scars” Life isn’t all sweetness and light for Christians. We know this. We feel great pain—physical, emotional, and spiritual. We often live with sadness and grief. We’re no strangers to…

“Signs of Life” Jesus’ resurrection takes place against a backdrop of grief and despair. As the world grapples with war, mass shootings, and disasters—natural and man-made—we must reflect on how…

“Straight from the Donkey’s Mouth” Jesus did not die for an institution. He died for people for persons. That is to say, he died for individuals. Jesus died for persons…

“Do You Believe This?” Neither Martha nor Mary knew that the story would end with a resurrected Lazarus. Mary saw death as the end and not even Jesus could fix…

“Here’s Mud In Your Eyes!” The man in John’s gospel who—though born blind—was able to see again. His healing was a cause of rejoicing for him, and his family, and…

“Come and See A Man…” Today’s sermon is a first person narrative sermon, from the point of view of the Samaritan woman. Among it’s many lessons, it reminds us that…

“Clean Hearts” American author and co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Ellen Gould White puts it this way: “We may have flattered ourselves, as did Nicodemus, that our life has…

First Reading: Exodus 24:12-18 12 The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and wait there; I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the…

Every point of the Scout Law helps guide young people to make ethical and moral decisions over the course of their lives. Ideally, they remind themselves of the tenets that…

“New Wineskins” As his children, God gives us both the power, and the authority to choose life, and was the one who made new life possible in the first place. A…

“Risky Business” The disciples in today’s gospel reading risked everything to follow Christ. They walked away from jobs and family, from life as they knew it. So have many others…

“Running Out” Today, here in our world, here in our community, it might feel like we are running out of wine. It might feel like there is no hope and…

“Understanding Baptism” Baptism—properly understood, whether baptized as an infant or an adult—is a powerful reminder of who we are. What I mean is that through Baptism, the Holy Spirit gives…

“I Am. In Us.” In choosing to become one of us, “I AM” entered into the fullness of the human experience. Through Jesus, God joined in on our lives from…

“I Am—With Us” I believe that God is always with us, the one who gives us life in the first place. But I also believe that in overflowing love God…

“A Carpenters Dream’s” Now, some of us have a deep and abiding faith like Mary. Some of us are more like Joseph, living in a world of cause and effect.…

“The Love of Advent” Video games will break, cell phones will become obsolete, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but the gift of love will endure. Indeed,…

“The Joy of Advent” On this Gaudete (Latin for “joy”) Sunday, as we wait and prepare, we are also called to rejoice. The coming of the Messiah and the Gospel…

“The Peace of Advent” God is coming with a peace that will finally make everything right. Where there is pain and suffering, God’s peace is coming. Where there are desperate…

“The Hope of Advent” The good news is that Advent does not depend on optimism. Advent is rooted in promise, the promise that makes hope a way of life for…

“The Cross of Christ the King” It’s out of the crucifixion that we learn how to love. It’s out of the unimaginable pain of the cross and the immeasurable generosity…

“Talents” As one Catholic bishop wrote, “Life is a gift from God. All that we have in this life is part of that gift. Stewardship reinforces this belief and reminds…

“If Only…” We often talk about the saints as if they’re somehow morally or spiritually superior to us, as if they had it all together, and did everything right. But…

“Unexpected God” At the heart of the Reformation begun by Martin Luther, was the recognition that he’d been worshiping the wrong God. He was taught to see and fear a…

“Family Redefined” When we speak of ourselves as a congregation we often use the word “family.” Different people. Different backgrounds. Different stories. Different reasons for being a part of this…

“Made Well” “Do you want to be made well?” The man at the pool of Bethesda never actually answers Jesus’ question. Wrapped up in the logistics of being unable to…

“YHWH” Some words have the power to stop me in my tracks. They have a way of affecting me deeply, and changing the way I think about things; the way I…

“Welcome Here” As we celebrate World Communion Sunday, I’m aware of the many different ways we do it, and how important those ways are to us. Still, it’s not how…

“Everyday People” It never ceases to amaze me to see the ordinary people God used in the Bible. From cover to cover, the Bible has shown us ordinary men and…

Storytime with Pastor Jeff, Part 3: “The Shoe Man” I believe that we have a lot to offer people. As Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, we are called—actually, commanded—to love…

Storytime with Pastor Jeff, Part 2: “Soul Nudge” We are living in an upside down world right now. We may be tempted to return hatefulness with hate. To retaliate. To…

Storytime with Pastor Jeff, Part 1: “His Name Was Bill…” Today, we begin the first of three Sunday’s which I’m calling “Story Time with Pastor Jeff,” where I will share…

“A Fish Tale” As we write our own fish stories—like Jonah—can only bring a rich catch to God if we speak God’s Word to others; if we speak a word…

“Let the Healing Begin” Reading this healing story, our tendency is to side with Jesus and the woman and the crowds, and against Jesus’ opponents, even to be glad about…

“If We Are the Body of Christ, Which Part Are You?” Separateness is an illusion. We are all part of one Creation. We are all beloved—those we like and those…

“Humility,  Forgiveness and Love” Today, we welcome Ruling Elder Beth Doebereiner to our pulpit. As a member of Montgomery Presbyterian Church, she serves as treasurer and just completed six years…

“Trouble Sleeping” Are we having trouble sleeping? Perhaps it’s time to stop kidding ourselves, others, and—especially—God. Perhaps it’s time to open ourselves up to the possibility that God is calling…

“Celebrating Christ(mas)” Why celebrate Christmas in July? Well, it seems to me that Jesus is with us every minute of every day, not just in December, when we traditionally have…

“Knowing the Difference” Some parts of life are temporary. Some are eternal. Wisdom knows the difference. If we want to have any kind of meaningful relationship with God; if we…

“New Neighbor” We’re quite familiar with the traditional boiling down of the Parable of the Good Samaritan’s message to an example story: “We should help everyone, everyone is our neighbor.”…

“Citizenship” This morning we welcome Rev. Dr. Erwin Goedicke to our pulpit. Erwin was pastor of North Presbyterian Church for almost 34 years before he retired last July and he…

“No wHere? Now Here.” This morning, we welcome Lisa Allgood back to our pulpit. Lisa is the General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Cincinnati, and great supporter of our church!…

“Akedah (The Binding of Isaac)” Today’s sermon, takes a different look at what we believe is a familiar story—important in all three “Abrahamic” faiths (Islam, Judaism and Christianity)—asking: “What If?”…

“Who Is God?” One in Three—Three in One. When we encounter God, we encounter all three, whether we realize it or not. This is the mystery of God, and that…

“Forgotten God” Today is Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit is on full display for all to see, and fills the disciples, who’ve now become apostles—learners who’ve now become messengers—we  should…

Guest Preacher: Rev. Beth Anne Crego, Westwood United Methodist Church The disciples and others throughout the millennia have done their jobs; so, how will others get to know God’s saving…

“Becoming the Beloved Community” God wants to use us. It’s often through a simple invitation, and a warm, sincere welcome, showing genuine interest in the person or people that find…

“How Wide Is Wide?” As the old hymn goes, that there’s a wideness in God’s mercy. But I ask you: What about us? How wide is wide?  Is it as…

“All the Way” Gospel Reading: John 21:1-19—Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples 1 After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself…

“Unlocking Doors” If we have an ounce of understanding, an iota of conscience, if we’re honest with ourselves, and with God, don’t we long for something more? Something better than…

“He is Risen Indeed!” In the economy of the Christian faith Jesus’ resurrection and ours are the obverse and reverse side of the same gospel coin. He is “the first fruits…

“The Wisdom of Easter” Perhaps, this Easter, we could we let our reflection on the meaning of Easter be introspective and allow it to change us. We could allow our…

“A New Commandment” Maundy Thursday is an annual reminder that God’s ways aren’t our ways. Though difficult to acknowledge the reality is that humans tend to believe that life is…

“OUR Story” We gather on Palm Sunday to once again tell the story of Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week. So—let us tell the story…

“Perfect Scents” Jesus sees the beauty of Mary’s gesture of love, and Jesus tells us that God’s greatest gesture of love is coming. It’s coming on the cross of Good…

“Prodigal” This parable is about the Loving and Prodigal Father, one who refuses to give up on his children, no matter how lost they may be, no matter how far…

“What’s Fair?” Good and bad things happen all the time to good and bad people alike. The notion that bad things only happen only to bad people was put to…

“Desires” In our gospel reading, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, what might have been. How do respond? That’s not a rhetorical question. Are we willing to follow Jesus, to pick up…

“The Uneasy Burden” Today’s sermon includes the story “The Burden of the Crucifix: What the Sweetbrier Pastor Did Instead of Writing Lenten Sermons.” It was written by James Calvin Schaap,…

“Metamorphosis” The Oxford Dictionary defines transfiguration as “a transformation; a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural…

“Deep Water” People say that the net full of fish is the miracle of this story, but I don’t know. I think the real miracle of this story is that…

“Duty to God” Scouting has been part of the history of Westwood First since 1923 (yep, that’s 99 years)! We are proud of that tradition, and welcome Cubs, Scouts and…

“Afflicted” My preaching professor in seminary told our class something that most preachers have known for a long time. Which is that in our preaching we’re to comfort the afflicted,…

“Perspective” Despite all that’s been said, and all that’s written, all that been passed on to us, it’s easy to forget, as writer/theologian George MacDonald once wrote, that “affliction is…

There was no service this week because of technical issues.

“The Good Wine” Hey, here’s a crazy thought: Is it an accident that we worship together—be it in-person or virtually—on Sunday? Talking about a miracle happening on the third day,…

“Now What?” It seems to me that what Jesus’ baptism meant to Him was that when He found himself in trouble, He would never find himself alone. It meant that…

As we well know – the story did not end in Bethlehem. The child would grow and become strong, filled with wisdom – the favor of God upon him. The…

First Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a…

First Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-55 39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and…

“A Father’s Love” Christmas is a time to remember God’s love born in human flesh, and we are to express his unconditional love to others, becoming examples of God’s love…

“Rejoice!” It may well seem that focusing our attention on the waiting for what is coming, but is—as yet—not here, might be futile; a waste of time, a cause for…

“The Way It’s Supposed to Be ” John preached repentance. We, too, need need to acknowledge, and accept, the fact that we’re sinners, and that we need to repent. We…

“With the World Enough” In the Jesus of Crib and Cross, God comes to be with us, and for us, that we may taste and see how good God truly…

“With The World Enough” We are enough. A simple enough message, yet so important that God sent Jesus to bear that message in his flesh and blood. Simple, profound, compelling.…

“Fear” For many people fear remains an all-pervasive, all too vivid, reality. It shapes their behavior by day, and molds their dreams by night. It effects how they think. It…

“The Widow’s Mite Redux” Jesus was intentionally highlighting the widow’s gift in the Temple as an illustration of just how messed up Jerusalem was—how corrupt the religious system was in…

“Remember. Decide.” We’re called to choose this day, the same way that Joshua called the people of Israel to choose. But while the choices are pretty much the same, the…

“Freed to Follow”

“Does the World Need the Church?” Does the world need the church? Does Westwood need Westwood First Presbyterian Church? I believe that it does, but not as we are. Certainly…

“All In” When it comes to our wealth and our possessions, it’s all about our attitude—our priorities—and it boils down to two things: First, that stewardship isn’t just about giving.…

“Celebrating Jesus” God has made us family. God’s family. A family that stretches around the world. A family that’s been called to love as we’ve been loved; to know as…

Costly Grace Do we see the irony in the fact that the one who ended up mutilated for sin was Jesus himself? The irony that the one who said cut…

“Defining Greatness” Greatness in God’s eyes is found in our willingness to pick up our crosses and follow Jesus Christ; to receive, accept—and truly welcome—those we’d normally consider unreceivable, unacceptable,…

We Remember… On September 11, 2001, almost 3,000 people lost their lives. At 8:46am, American Airlines Flight 11 hit the north tower of the World Trade Center, and at 9:03am,…

“We’ve Got Work To Do” Christians have good reason to celebrate Labor Day, and in light of our understanding of vocation it can be an occasion to thank God for…

“A Time For Perspective” Solomon—the Teacher (and presumed by some to be author of Ecclesiastes)—for all his wisdom did not have all the answers. Nor do we. We’re far too…

“Even To Our Old Age…” The enemy wants you to believe that you’re rejected and useless. But God speaks a better word over your life:  “Even to your old age…

“Strange Blessings” We live in a world of swords. Some in our wallets. Some in our hearts. And some in the words that come from our mouths. The divisions among…

“Livin’ the Dream” While it’s not easy being a dreamer in this world with all its harsh realities, this is the dream to which we must become committed. It is,…

“Christmas in July?” Why in the world would we celebrate Christmas in July? Let me say it this way: Our celebration of worship this Sunday, much like the one we…

“The Nature of Grace” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is quoted as saying that, “It is the nature of grace always to fill spaces which have been empty.” That’s what grace…

“Go and Tell” This morning’s sermon is being delivered by Lisa Allgood, the Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Cincinnati. First Scripture Reading: Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you?…

“IN-dependence Day” Our guest preacher this morning is the Rev. Jerry Grigsby. First Reading: Jeremiah 28:5-9—Sign of a True Prophet 5 Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to the prophet Hananiah in…

“Just Believe” Jesus’ power to heal and raise the dead is —I believe—at the very heart of the gospel itself. The power of God’s inexpressible love for us, capable of…

“In the Midst of Giants” If our children are to stand confident in the midst of giants, then we ought to tell them about the God with whom nothing is…

“Dangerous Hope” “Hope is the only thing more powerful than fear. A little hope is effective, a lot of hope is dangerous.” That is what the Kingdom of God, to…

“Signs” Watching for signs from God are an important part of process of discernment. We’re to be still and know that God is God—that the Lord is God indeed. So…

“God’s Side” As Christians How can we not do everything in our power to help make that God’s new reality possible? A reality where countries “will beat their swords into…

“Straight Talk” We—the Church—are a Pentecost church. We have been—and always will be—a Pentecost church. We are a fellowship—a family—with different backgrounds, different life experiences. We have different levels of…

“Okay, Get to Work!” We live in what’s called the “between time,” the time between the Resurrection and Jesus’ return. There’s a tension there as we wait, because we don’t…

“God Is the Name for Mother…” Even though a woman may forget her nursing child or show no compassion for the child, God will never forget us. Never. Ever. If…

“Abide in Love” Jesus says, we must abide in him. What does this mean? Well, three things: “remain,” “stay,” and “wait”—that is, mutual connection, dependence and continuance. What this all…

“Grateful Center” Our faith gives us our identity and reminds us that God’s faithfulness in providing a home for us, is constant and sure, even when human faithfulness to God…

“Emmaus Road(s)” Jesus Christ is alive—as alive today as he was when he walked the road with Cleopas and his companion. He wants to walk our roads, too. With him…

“Living As We Believe” The key truth of Easter is that Jesus is risen—that He is alive. This ought to make a difference in our lives, most especially as we…

“Cliffhanger” The silence at the end of Mark’s gospel waits to be filled in by every generation. It’s waiting now for us. Can we do it? Can we tell the…

“We Knew…” The journey we’re on began in Advent and if we’ve been paying attention, we knew where it was headed. There was no doubt that the place Jesus was…

“More Than We Think…” Jesus commands them to love one another. He says: this is what you know, that God is love. We know that we will be able to…

“Save Us!” God answers our cries of “hosanna,” ”save us,” in ways so utterly and incredibly unexpected, that we have to wonder if they can possibly be true. But they…

“It’s That Simple” We struggle to comprehend the scope, the dimensions, the scale of God’s love—the depths, breadths, and heights of that love—the lengths to which God has gone in…

“Look Up and Live” Like the snakes of long ago, sin and its consequences—in a word, death—remain. But we too have a way to survive the bite of sin and…

“The True Temple” God’s house is, first and foremost, a house of prayer, but the building itself must never be our sole focus. It should never become a hinderance to…

“As If” We must forever move forward in faith, despite our doubts and fears—that is the path of true discipleship. It’s hard to trust. No one wants a cross. But…

“A Dangerous Place” “The wilderness is a dangerous place. You only go there if you have to.” Mark’s Gospel account of Jesus’ temptations doesn’t provide many details. But the few details…

The Lenten journey begins… Scripture Reading: Psalm 51 The quintessential Lenten Psalm. David knew what he’d done. He knew the depth and breadth of his sin. But he also knew…

“Divine Encounters” At the top of the mountain of transfiguration, Jesus shows the disciples the glorious nature of the Christ. And it seems to me that it might be impossible…

“Our Father’s Business” The picture of the boy Jesus who lives the life of a normal child obedient, dutiful in his parents care, the foreshadowing of his future teaching in…

“Possessed” Jesus doesn’t leave us to deal with our demons alone, however we define them. Not when we are beloved and belong, body and soul to God bought at a…

“An Urgent Call” God calls each of us by name and in a personal way. And each call is urgent. Scripture Readings: Jonah 1:1-17; Mark 1:14-20 Our readings are once…

“Listen!” God calls everyone. At different times and in different places and in different ways, but make no mistake: God calls everyone! Scripture Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; John 1:35-51 Our…

“Down to the River” As we go “down to the river to pray, studyin’ about that good ol’ way,” floating down the river of Advent and Christmas toward Lent and…

“The Troubling Star” The light of the Star of Bethlehem reveals a new path, a path back to the world; a source of help; a source of encouragement. Whatever our…

“True Story” Joy to the World the Lord is come. It’s true, but not because we sing it, because we say it, or even because we believe it. It’s true…

“The Innkeeper’s Story” In the midst of all of the busy-ness of “preparing” for Christmas—is it possible to lose sight of what is truly important? We might want to heed…

“The Forgotten Man of Christmas” A look at Joseph, Jesus’ adoptive father. His example of righteous is one that we all would do well to follow. Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25…

“Changing Everything” When Mary said yes to Gabriel, all of heaven rejoiced and the plan set in motion was one that would cause a new light to shine in the…

“Tidings of Comfort and Joy” Words of comfort and a call for repentance as we continue our Advent journey. We do not repent so that we might hear God’s words…

“Hope is Coming” The Advent Wreath candle we light today is a reminder of the hope that Christmas brings—as we look back at the birth of Jesus Christ and look…

“Here is OUR King!” Jesus is our King. Duh, of course He is! But what does that mean? Does it change the way we live? How? https://youtu.be/nKYJoqzmfQo Scripture Readings: Revelation…

“God’s Economy, Part Four: Future Returns” Today’s sermon is the fourth of four in a series, intended to offer a more comprehensive understanding of Stewardship—something far more than money, pledging…

“God’s Economy, Part 3: Risk Assessment” Today’s sermon is the third of four, which are intended to offer a more comprehensive understanding of Stewardship—something far more than money, pledging and…

“We Do!” Today’s sermon, while not entirely about stewardship, nevertheless engages the theme of God’s hopeful future. Our worship service is highlighted by a celebration of the Sacrament of the…

“God’s Economy, Part Two: Investing in God’s Future” Today’s sermon is the second of four, which are intended to offer a more comprehensive understanding of Stewardship—something far more than money,…

“God’s Economy, Part One: What’s God’s?” Today’s sermon is the first of four, which are intended to offer a more comprehensive understanding of Stewardship—something far more than money, pledging and…

“Child-Like” Today’s sermon invites us to look at our faith and asks the question—Is our faith child-ish or child-like?—while looking at specific characteristics of a child-like faith. Scripture Reading: Mark…

“Hard Truths” Today’s sermon looks at the harsh reality and the hard truths about the world, which we will only be able to overcome if we stand united as Christ’s…

“To Will and To Work” God is within us to will and work for his good pleasure. And God’s pleasure is that all people would know him as the loving…

“It Isn’t Fair!” Generosity is the deepest characteristic of the holy and because we’re made in God’s image, our being generous is the secret to our joy. The vineyard in…

“Forging Ahead” Discipleship—following Christ—is about moving forward, becoming more and more the people and the church that God calls us to be. The story of the Exodus, is very much…

“Where Two or Three Are Gathered” Jesus offers a clear blue-print for how we’re to live with one another. How our church might be holy place, where holy relationships will…