Medina UCCC Weekly Sermons

Medina UCCC Podcasts
Medina UCCC Podcasts
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Christianity

Weekly sermons and scripture reflections from United Church of Christ, Congregational, in Medina, Ohio, delivered by the Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon, the Rev. Meghan Malone and special guests. Each episode explores faith, biblical teaching, spiritual growth, and real life topics like peace, anxiety, purpose, and resilience through the lens of Christian scripture. Whether you are seeking encouragement, deeper understanding of the Bible, or practical ways to live out your faith in everyday life, these messages offer thoughtful guidance rooted in tradition and relevant to today’s world. Welcoming, loving, and serving for over 200 years, this historic Medina church invites you to listen, reflect, and grow wherever you are.

  1. 4h ago

    Here After: Legacy

    What does it mean to leave a legacy, and how can everyday acts of generosity change lives for generations? In this special stewardship sermon, the Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon reflects on the nearly 207-year history of Medina United Church of Christ and the sacrifices that helped build its foundation. Then, Director of Finance Pete Metzloff shares his personal journey from administrator to minister, revealing how the congregation's generosity continues to provide food, shelter, financial assistance, and hope to neighbors in need. A moving reminder that stewardship isn't simply about what we give, but the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind.

  2. 5d ago

    Love at the Center: Faith After Hell | Guest Sermon by Brian Recker

    What if the path to heaven isn't about believing the right things, but about how we treat one another? In this special sermon at Medina United Church of Christ, author and former evangelical pastor Brian Recker concludes the Hellbent sermon series with a powerful message about moving beyond fear-based religion and embracing a spirituality rooted in love. Drawing from Matthew 7:12–14 and his book Hellbent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love, Brian explores the meaning of the narrow gate, the power of empathy, and why loving our neighbors may be the most important expression of faith. A thought-provoking invitation to rethink heaven, hell, repentance, and what it truly means to follow Jesus.

  3. Oct 24

    If not hell… Why Jesus?

    What if salvation isn't about escaping punishment, but discovering a more abundant life? In this sermon, Rev. Meghan Malone explores how the fear of hell can shape our understanding of God, ourselves, and one another. Drawing from the story of Zacchaeus, the teachings of Jesus, and Brian Recker's book Hell Bent, we consider a different understanding of salvation, one rooted in love rather than fear. It's a reflection on forgiveness, reconciliation, and the possibility that God's promise of abundant life isn't just for the hereafter, but for the here and now. Scripture References: John 10:10; Luke 19:1–10 Referenced Work: Brian Recker, Hell Bent. *To support our mission or help create more podcast content like this, donate using our secure portal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onrealm.org/uccmedina/-/form/give/now⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OR Texting UCCMEDINA to 73256 Who is the Rev. Meghan Malone? Meghan Malone is the Associate Pastor of Youth and Mission at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Medina, Ohio. She has a bachelor’s degree in Comparative Religious Studies from The Ohio State University and a Master of Divinity Degree from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Meghan previously served as a minister for The United Church of Granville, finishing her time there as their Transitional Pastor in January 2022. During the pandemic, Meghan completed her Clinical Pastoral Education at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and worked there as a chaplain resident and contract chaplain. Meghan enjoys telling the stories of the Bible through queer and feminist lenses, talking about mental health, and helping others to fall in love with the Bible again. She and her husband Logan both grew up in Johnstown, Ohio.

  4. Oct 18

    What the Bible Actually Says (And Doesn’t Say)

    What happens when Christian love leaves people feeling condemned instead of cared for? Drawing on Matthew 5:21–26, this sermon explores Jesus’ teaching about anger, reconciliation, and Gehenna, often translated as “hell.” It challenges faith rooted in fear and shame and invites us toward forgiveness, healing, and a love that restores people to community. For anyone who has experienced religious hurt or wrestled with teachings about judgment, this message asks: Does our faith reflect the mercy of Jesus? Works Cited Brian Recker, Hell Bent, p. 84. Brian Recker, Hell Bent, p. 85. *To support our mission or help create more podcast content like this, donate using our secure portal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://onrealm.org/uccmedina/-/form/give/now⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OR Texting UCCMEDINA to 73256 Who is the Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon? The Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon serves as the senior pastor of United Church of Christ Congregational in Medina, Ohio. Prior to coming to Medina in April 2017, he was the associate pastor at Sylvania UCC in northwest Ohio. Luke earned his Doctor of Ministry through the Methodist Theological School in Ohio with an emphasis on transformational leadership in 2022. His thesis was on adaptive leadership and ecclesiology. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University. Before seminary, Luke worked as a tool and fastener sales representative and store manager for Capitol Building Supply in Washington, D.C. Luke and his wife, Kate, have two children. Luke grew up in Dennison, Ohio, and enjoys sports, music, and Dungeons and Dragons. He is a member of the UCC Next Generation Leadership Initiative.

  5. Oct 8

    The Fear Beneath Our Faith

    What if faith was rooted in love rather than fear? In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon explores the difference between a Christianity built around the fear of punishment and one centered on God's unconditional love. Drawing from Genesis, the writings of Augustine, and 1 John 4, Pastor Luke examines original sin, personal responsibility, and what it truly means to live in a relationship with God. From a stolen pear to the surprisingly revealing act of returning a shopping cart, this sermon asks a simple but profound question: What if the purpose of faith isn't to avoid punishment, but to become more loving? Works Cited: Pastor Zach Lambert, discussion of the apocalyptic lens in Christianity. Society of Normal People Brian Recker, Hellbent, p. 25. *To support our mission or help create more podcast content like this, donate using our secure portal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://onrealm.org/uccmedina/-/form/give/now ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OR Texting UCCMEDINA to 73256 Who is the Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon? The Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon serves as the senior pastor of United Church of Christ Congregational in Medina, Ohio. Prior to coming to Medina in April 2017, he was the associate pastor at Sylvania UCC in northwest Ohio. Luke earned his Doctor of Ministry through the Methodist Theological School in Ohio with an emphasis on transformational leadership in 2022. His thesis was on adaptive leadership and ecclesiology. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University. Before seminary, Luke worked as a tool and fastener sales representative and store manager for Capitol Building Supply in Washington, D.C. Luke and his wife, Kate, have two children. Luke grew up in Dennison, Ohio, and enjoys sports, music, and Dungeons and Dragons. He is a member of the UCC Next Generation Leadership Initiative.

  6. Oct 2

    Mirror, Compass, X-Ray

    What is the Bible actually for? In this episode, Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon explores a question that has divided churches, shaped traditions, and challenged believers for generations. Rather than treating Scripture as something to be used as a weapon, Luke offers three ways to encounter it: as a mirror that reflects our own lives, a compass that points us toward Christ, and an X ray that reveals what our actions say about who we are. Through humor, personal stories, Exodus, Philippians, and the teachings of Jesus, Luke considers what changes when the goal of faith is not simply knowing the Bible, but encountering the living God through it. A thoughtful reflection on Scripture, faith, action, and what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. *To support our mission or help create more podcast content like this, donate using our secure portal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onrealm.org/uccmedina/-/form/give/now⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OR Texting UCCMEDINA to 73256 Who is the Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon? The Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon serves as the senior pastor of United Church of Christ Congregational in Medina, Ohio. Prior to coming to Medina in April 2017, he was the associate pastor at Sylvania UCC in northwest Ohio. Luke earned his Doctor of Ministry through the Methodist Theological School in Ohio with an emphasis on transformational leadership in 2022. His thesis was on adaptive leadership and ecclesiology. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University. Before seminary, Luke worked as a tool and fastener sales representative and store manager for Capitol Building Supply in Washington, D.C. Luke and his wife, Kate, have two children. Luke grew up in Dennison, Ohio, and enjoys sports, music, and Dungeons and Dragons. He is a member of the UCC Next Generation Leadership Initiative.

  7. Sep 24

    Hit the Books: Falling in love with the Bible again

    What stories shape the way we see the world, and what might change if we believed a better story was possible? The Bible’s stories of wilderness, daily bread, and Jesus’ parables offer a call to trust God’s provision, resist despair, and imagine a more generous world. Drawing on Philippians, this message invites the community to stand together in hope and join Christ’s work of good news for the poor and freedom for the oppressed. Donate using our secure portal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onrealm.org/uccmedina/-/form/give/now⁠⁠⁠⁠ OR Texting UCCMEDINA to 73256 Who is Rev. Meghan Malone? Meghan Malone is the Associate Pastor of Youth and Mission at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Medina, Ohio. She has a bachelor’s degree in Comparative Religious Studies from The Ohio State University and a Master of Divinity Degree from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Meghan previously served as a minister for The United Church of Granville, finishing her time there as their Transitional Pastor in January 2022. During the pandemic, Meghan completed her Clinical Pastoral Education at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and worked there as a chaplain resident and contract chaplain. Meghan enjoys telling the stories of the Bible through queer and feminist lenses, talking about mental health, and helping others to fall in love with the Bible again. She and her husband Logan both grew up in Johnstown, Ohio.

  8. Sep 18

    Wrestling with the Text

    What if Scripture is not meant to leave us comfortable every time? In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon invites us to wrestle honestly with the Bible, finding both comfort in the God who makes a way out of no way and challenge in the things we continue to pursue. Reflecting on the parting of the Red Sea, forgiveness, faith, and the meaning of 25 years, he asks what it means to become better neighbors and people of peace. *To support our mission or help create more podcast content like this, donate using our secure portal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onrealm.org/uccmedina/-/form/give/now⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OR Texting UCCMEDINA to 73256 Who is the Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon? The Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon serves as the senior pastor of United Church of Christ Congregational in Medina, Ohio. Prior to coming to Medina in April 2017, he was the associate pastor at Sylvania UCC in northwest Ohio. Luke earned his Doctor of Ministry through the Methodist Theological School in Ohio with an emphasis on transformational leadership in 2022. His thesis was on adaptive leadership and ecclesiology. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University. Before seminary, Luke worked as a tool and fastener sales representative and store manager for Capitol Building Supply in Washington, D.C. Luke and his wife, Kate, have two children. Luke grew up in Dennison, Ohio, and enjoys sports, music, and Dungeons and Dragons. He is a member of the UCC Next Generation Leadership Initiative.

See All (151)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Weekly sermons and scripture reflections from United Church of Christ, Congregational, in Medina, Ohio, delivered by the Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon, the Rev. Meghan Malone and special guests. Each episode explores faith, biblical teaching, spiritual growth, and real life topics like peace, anxiety, purpose, and resilience through the lens of Christian scripture. Whether you are seeking encouragement, deeper understanding of the Bible, or practical ways to live out your faith in everyday life, these messages offer thoughtful guidance rooted in tradition and relevant to today’s world. Welcoming, loving, and serving for over 200 years, this historic Medina church invites you to listen, reflect, and grow wherever you are.

Information

More From Medina UCCC Podcasts

You Might Also Like