Arapaho UMC

Arapaho UMC
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Arapaho UMC

Progressive theology and engaging Sermons & podcasts from an inclusive church in Richardson, Texas. We are intentional about our faith development: we ask questions, develop deep and lasting friendships, and work together to make a positive difference in our community. Nobody is perfect here, but being a part of this place brings out the best of us.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Purpose

    Our purpose is not only about what lies ahead but about living meaningfully in the present. Jesus calls us the light of the world, inviting us to live as places where God’s love meets the needs of humanity. As individuals and as a church, we are called to embody justice, joy, and flourishing right now. Practicing the discipline of generosity is central to this calling. Generosity helps us open our hands and hearts, allowing God to use who we are and what we have to bring light to the world. When we give—our time, our resources, our presence—we reflect God's love, cultivate relationships, and create spaces where others can thrive. Generosity shapes us to see others with compassion and helps us act as a community that embodies love and justice. It pushes back the darkness, protects the vulnerable, and offers hope to those around us. Together, through our shared generosity, we illuminate the world, revealing God's presence and inviting others into the work of goodness and grace. By practicing generosity, we live into our purpose as individuals and as a church, becoming a collective light that transforms our world.

  2. FEB 9

    Transformation

    Generosity is a transformative force that helps us live into God’s calling for our lives. Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus calls us to open our hearts and hands, responding with bold generosity to repair and reconcile the brokenness in our communities. As individuals, generosity connects us to God’s vision, helping us live beyond ourselves and actively love our neighbors as we love ourselves. As a church, generosity allows us to embody love and justice in action, building spaces and opportunities that uplift the vulnerable and create a glimpse of the abundant future God calls us to. When we listen to the voices of the marginalized and act with open-hearted generosity, we participate in the work of liberation—not just for others, but for ourselves. Through our collective efforts, salvation becomes a present reality, bringing life and reconciliation to the world. This is an invitation to take the next step in our journey of generosity, transforming our lives and communities in profound and sacred ways.

  3. FEB 2

    Refresh Your Next Step

    Our lives are filled with choices, big and small, and each step we take shapes who we are becoming. Beginning a new year reminds us not just of milestones but of the shared journey we are all on, navigating uncertainty and change. In those moments when the path ahead feels overwhelming, we can refresh our focus by asking a simple question: what is the next right thing in love? Jesus modeled this wisdom in Scripture, guiding people to take small, loving steps forward rather than trying to leap ahead. Doing the next right thing means loving God, our neighbors, and ourselves through acts of justice, kindness, and care. It’s less about grand plans and more about showing up with courage and grace for the moment we’re in. Whether it’s a meal, a phone call, or a hard decision, each step reveals more about who we are, what we value, and how we contribute to the flourishing of others. Together, we can trust that God walks with us, delighting in our steps, catching us when we stumble, and shaping our journey for good. So, we keep going—one faithful, loving choice at a time—knowing that even small steps lead to great transformation. Let’s continue this journey together, refreshed and guided by love.

  4. JAN 26

    Refresh Your Yes

    In this sermon, we reflect on Jesus’ words: “Let your yes be yes and your no be no,” and explore how to refresh the power of two life-shaping words: Yes and No. Every decision we make sets a direction, and we are invited to refresh our “yes” to align with God’s sacred purpose for our lives, letting our “yes” reflect what truly matters—the unique roles and responsibilities entrusted to us. Refreshing our yes often requires saying no, not as rejection but as a necessary protection for what is most important. By paying attention to where we are and who we’re called to love and serve, we can refresh our direction and take steps toward a life centered in God’s love, justice, and peace. This sacred refreshment of our yes calls for clarity, courage, and faith as we journey through challenges toward the green pastures and still waters God promises. Together, may we refresh our steps and find peace in letting our yes be our best yes.

  5. JAN 19

    Refresh Our Vision

    As we seek to "Refresh Our Vision," we are called as a community to renew our focus on the sacred work of justice, love, and unity inspired by leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We acknowledge the struggles of our time, marked by fear, division, and oppression, but lift up God's higher vision of a beloved community rooted in dignity, equality, and love for all people. Refreshing this vision requires courage, compassion, and creativity to resist hate and work toward justice. We are called to align our efforts with the ethic of love and the transformative power of faith. Practical steps, such as engaging in anti-racism work and choosing love in the face of hate, give us ways to embody this vision in daily life. The beginning of the year opportunity to remember our baptism  invites us to renewed commitment to the sacred struggle, reminding us that God’s grace sustains and empowers the work of creating a more just and loving world as we “accept the freedom and power God gives us to resist evil injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.

  6. JAN 12

    Refresh Yourself

    Jesus invites us to embrace refreshment—a renewal of our souls as we step into the new year. We reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, the strength we’ve discovered, and the hope that sustains us, choosing to celebrate this moment with tenacious joy and gratitude. Jesus’ invitation: “come to me, all you who are weary” reminds us to seek rest and restoration not as a luxury but as a sacred necessity, reconnecting with the divine rhythm of life. Refreshment begins with simple practices: rest that honors our body and soul and actions that fit who we authentically are. We are called to slow down, to savor life rather than rush through it, trusting that God’s way is not a burden but a gentle, well-fitting invitation tailored to our unique selves. By finding one practice—a prayer, a song, or an act of kindness—that refreshes us, we align with the divine love that sustains and empowers us. Together, with refreshed souls, we can love and serve in ways that refresh the world, carrying forward the light of grace, connection, and hope into all we do.

  7. JAN 5

    Refresh Our Journey

    The story of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12) invites us to refresh our calling by embarking on a journey that challenges our assumptions, transforms our lives, and calls us to resist the paths of empire. Epiphany reminds us that God's revelation in Jesus is for all people, drawing us to follow the light of love, peace, and justice. The Magi’s willingness to leave their comfort zones inspires us to seek God in unexpected places with courage and curiosity. Their defiance of Herod by “going back by a different way” shows the power of encountering Christ to shift our allegiance from systems of oppression to the way of peace. After encountering God's love in Jesus, we too are called to take a new path, living with compassion and standing up for what is right. May we follow the Magi’s example, refreshing our calling to be bearers of God’s love and justice in our world.

  8. 12/29/2024

    It is Well With My Soul

    Arapaho UMC

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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Progressive theology and engaging Sermons & podcasts from an inclusive church in Richardson, Texas. We are intentional about our faith development: we ask questions, develop deep and lasting friendships, and work together to make a positive difference in our community. Nobody is perfect here, but being a part of this place brings out the best of us.

Information

  • Creator
    Arapaho UMC
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2017 Arapaho United Methodist Church
  • Show Website
    Arapaho UMC

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