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. 6H AGO

    Service

    In a world driven by fear, self-preservation, and grasping for power, the Jesus of Palm Sunday invites us into a radically different rhythm: the way of the servant. Through a story in Mark 10, we see the disciples wrestling with fear and ambition, seeking their own greatness. But Jesus redefines greatness—not in what we accumulate or achieve, but in what we give and how we serve. True servanthood isn’t about occasional acts of kindness; it’s a way of life rooted in love, humility, and openness to others. This kind of service goes beyond niceness—it’s sacrificial, justice-seeking, and life-giving, reflecting the boundless love of God. It’s a countercultural way of living that challenges the structures of power and privilege around us, freeing us to live for something greater than ourselves. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put it, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” When we choose to serve, we embody God’s love and become part of God’s transforming work in the world. A life connected to this rhythm is not just good enough—it’s great, full of purpose, joy, and reconciliation. This is the way of love, the way of life Jesus calls us to follow.

  2. APR 6

    Worship

    The rhythm of worship invites us into a transformative encounter with awe—the experience of being in the presence of something vast, transcendent, and beyond ourselves. Drawing from stories like a veteran finding healing in nature and Psalm 95’s call to "worship and bow down," we learn that awe restores perspective, connects us to creation, and reminds us of our sacred place within God’s grandeur. Worship isn’t about feeling small but recognizing we are part of something incomprehensibly big and meaningful. The Psalms guide us to respond reflexively to awe, offering humility and gratitude as we engage with God’s glory in creation, art, community, and even our own lives. Whether gazing at stars, walking among trees, or encountering love in each other, worship invites us to pause, say thanks, and glimpse the divine in all things. As Mary Oliver and the psalmist remind us, we are crowned with glory and called to live with light, reflecting God’s presence wherever we go. Worship, then, becomes not just a practice but a rhythm that renews us and reveals God’s love—here, everywhere, and in each other.

  3. MAR 23

    Prayer

    Prayer is more than speaking to God—it is coming home to a place where we are seen, known, and loved. In this message, we explore how prayer connects us with the source of life, inviting us into deep communion with the Divine. Jesus’ teachings on prayer encourage us to approach it with intentionality, authenticity, and trust, reminding us that God is not impressed by lengthy words but moved by the openness of our hearts. Prayer isn’t about perfect technique; it’s a learning process, a rhythm we grow into, where our deepest desires and hopes can be expressed—even without words. In this space, we discover a God who sees us in secret, knows us completely, and loves us unconditionally. As we lean into this love, prayer transforms us, reshaping our lives in alignment with God’s vision for justice, mercy, and love. This rhythm of prayer invites us to be intentional, to be seen, to be known, and ultimately, to be changed. Through prayer, we come home to the heart of God, finding peace and purpose in the transformative embrace of divine love.

  4. MAR 16

    Rhythms | Study

    Our internal monologue can sometimes be a one-sided conversation. Not to mention distractions that can leave us disconnected from deeper voices—especially God’s. The spiritual practice of study — listening for God through Scripture and other sources of wisdom — invites us into a two-way conversation, revealing God’s love, wisdom, and guidance. Alongside Scripture, God also speaks through creation, science, relationships, and even unexpected moments, inviting us to see truth and beauty everywhere. We acknowledge the challenges of studying Scripture—misuse, confusion, and harm caused by misinterpretation—but emphasize that God’s voice always leads to love, as revealed in Jesus. Using tools like the Wesleyan Quadrilateral (Scripture, Tradition, Reason, Experience), we approach these sources thoughtfully, testing what we hear through the lens of Christ’s message. Finally, we explore Lectio Divina, a practice of prayerfully reading Scripture, alongside the discipline of open-hearted curiosity in all learning. By engaging with wisdom in all the ways we find it, we cultivate a rhythm of listening to God’s voice, transforming our minds and equipping us to live with deeper purpose, compassion, and grace.

  5. MAR 9

    Meditation

    The rhythm of modern life often feels relentless, sweeping us along without intention. Yet, beneath the surface, there’s a deeper rhythm—a sacred whisper inviting us to live mindfully, abundantly, and connected to God’s love and grace. Lent offers us a season to pause, reflect, and embrace this deeper rhythm through ancient spiritual practices like meditation. Rooted in Scripture and the life of Jesus, meditation invites us to quiet the noise, listen for God’s voice, and live in response. Whether meditating on Scripture, contemplating creation, or practicing re-collection, these rhythms are tools for centering ourselves in God’s love, enabling us to live more deeply and purposefully. It’s not about doing more but aligning with the life-giving rhythm that helps us flourish. This Lent, may we hear the deep calling to deep and respond with open hearts and lives.

  6. MAR 2

    Gratitude & Healing

    In the story of the ten lepers, only one returned to give thanks, and Jesus told him, “Your faith has made you well.” This reminds us that gratitude is more than a response to blessing; it is a path to deeper healing and restoration. Gratitude shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance, opening our hearts to God’s blessings and calling us to live joyfully and generously. Generosity is the natural outflow of a grateful heart. When we give—our time, resources, and presence—we join in God’s work of restoration, bringing healing and hope to others. Together, as a church, we reflect God’s abundant love by creating spaces where the broken are restored and the lonely find belonging. The one who returned to say thank you experienced more than physical healing; he was restored to his community and his purpose. In the same way, when we embrace gratitude and generosity, we step into God’s abundant life—not just for ourselves, but for the sake of the world. Through gratitude, we are healed. Through generosity, we become healers.

  7. FEB 23

    Multiplication — Feeding of 5000

    Through the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, we are reminded that God’s work often happens through human hands—through us. When Jesus tells the disciples, “You give them something to eat,” he challenges us to move from a perspective of scarcity to one of abundance. Gratitude teaches us to see what we have as enough, and generosity turns enough into a feast that nourishes far beyond what we can imagine. This story shows us that even our smallest offerings, like loaves and fishes, can be multiplied into abundance when joined with God’s love. By offering what we have—our gifts, time, and resources—we partner with God in creating the beloved community marked by love, justice, and flourishing for all. As a church, our collective generosity transforms our gratitude into action, allowing us to serve, care, and build projects that change lives. Together, our open hands and open hearts let God’s multiplying power work through us, transforming scarcity into abundance and abundance into a feast.

  8. FEB 16

    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.

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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
      95
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2017 Arapaho United Methodist Church
    • Show Website
      Arapaho UMC

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