Become More

UMC of Johnstown
  • 4.5 (8)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Daily

Thoughtful faith for a complex world. Join UMC of Johnstown, CO for Become More, a podcast dedicated to practical discipleship and Wesleyan reflection. In a world that often feels divided, we seek common ground through thoughtful sermons and daily meditations that prepare us to serve our community. Listen in as we explore how to live, love, and "become more" like Christ every day.

  1. 16h ago

    Passing the Living Legacy - June 17, 2026

    The mandate in Psalm 78 is clear: "teach them to their children." This isn't just about handing down doctrines or rituals, but about transmitting a living faith, vibrant with personal experience and communal wisdom. The sermon spoke of "passing the baton" – an act that requires looking back to see where we've come from, and forward to where we're going. What legacy are you nurturing and preparing to share? This includes not only the wonders God has done, but also the struggles you've faced, the questions you've wrestled with, and the grace that has carried you through. By being open about our authentic journeys, we equip the next generation with resilience, showing them that faith is not a pristine, untouchable artifact, but a dynamic, lived experience. May we empower them to set their hope in God, not by avoiding the complexities, but by navigating them together.

    1 min

  2. 1d ago

    The Tapestry of Our Past - June 16, 2026

    Psalm 78 urges us to "not hide" the stories of God's deeds from our children, and the sermon expanded this to include the full spectrum of our history—the glorious and the grievous. Our faith tradition, like any human endeavor, is a complex tapestry woven with threads of both light and shadow. Acknowledging the difficult, even painful, parts of our shared past is not an act of disloyalty, but one of profound integrity and love for truth. To truly understand where we come from, we must look back honestly, recognizing the ways our faith community has both uplifted and, at times, caused harm. This brave retrospection allows us to learn, to grow, and to prevent repeating past mistakes. It prepares us to build a more just and compassionate future, honoring all parts of our heritage by committing to the ongoing work of justice and repair. Let us approach our history with humility and hope, drawing wisdom from every thread.

    1 min

  3. 2d ago

    Embracing Sacred Inquiry - June 15, 2026

    Oh, my people, incline your ears to my teaching." This ancient call invites us not merely to listen, but to engage deeply with the wisdom that surrounds us and the faith that grounds us. Sometimes, true engagement begins with a question, a struggle, or even a doubt. The sermon reminded us that sometimes the "dark sayings" of old are riddles, not easily solved truths, but invitations to wrestle. Consider your own journey. Have there been moments of questioning your faith, or grappling with challenging aspects of history or theology? These periods of sacred inquiry are not signs of weakness, but opportunities for profound growth. Like a seed pushing through soil, a questioning spirit can break open new ground, allowing faith to take deeper root and flourish in richer, more authentic ways. Embrace the questions today, trusting that God meets you in your honest seeking. May your doubts become stepping stones to a more resilient and personal understanding of divine love.

    1 min

  4. 3d ago

    Passing the Baton - June 14, 2026

    This sermon explores the challenging but essential task of reconciling faith with difficult historical truths. Drawing on personal experiences and Psalm 78, the speaker confronts the painful legacy of the Methodist Church's involvement in the Sand Creek Massacre. She encourages both individuals and the church community to openly acknowledge past struggles and embrace a questioning spirit, arguing that true faith development and a hopeful future depend on learning from our "dark sayings" rather than hiding them.

  5. 3d ago

    Sermon Devotional - June 14, 2026

    ## Embracing Our Whole Story for Future Generations Like many who journey through faith, you might occasionally grapple with challenging historical truths about the church. Consider, for instance, a dark chapter such as the Sand Creek Massacre. In 1864, a prominent Methodist preacher led a brutal attack on Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, resulting in the bloodiest day in Colorado history and one of the darkest for our denomination. How could the same faith that offers such meaning and hope also be intertwined with such profound harm? This isn't a new question. Thousands of years ago, the psalmist wrestled with similar dilemmas, offering Psalm 78 as a parable for future generations. It calls us to "not hide them from their children," referring not only to the glorious deeds of the Lord but also to the "dark sayings from of old" – the riddles and struggles, the misdeeds and failures of our ancestors. The psalm teaches us that we cannot effectively pass the baton of faith to the next generation without acknowledging the full story, both the triumphs and the painful truths. When we face these challenges head-on, when we honestly engage with our past, we create a path for deeper faith and more steadfast hope in God. This intentional work, seen in the church's eventual acknowledgment and repentance regarding Sand Creek, allows us to build a more just and faithful future, ensuring that those who come after us can truly set their hope in God and keep His commandments, learning from our journey. ### Next Step: Reflect on your own journey of faith. What "dark sayings" or difficult histories – personal, communal, or denominational – have you grappled with? How has acknowledging these truths shaped your understanding of God's grace and your commitment to living out your faith? ### The Prayer: Gracious God, grant us the courage to look honestly at our past, to learn from our struggles, and to contend with difficult truths. Help us to share our whole story, both light and shadow, so that future generations may set their hope in You with unwavering faith and build a world that reflects Your boundless love. Amen.

  6. 5d ago

    The Tapestry of Grace - June 12, 2026

    After striving to do no harm and actively doing good, Wesley calls us to 'attend upon the ordinances of God'—which we can understand as cultivating daily connection. We are not meant to walk this path alone, nor can we sustain ourselves by our own strength. Our lives are meant to be interwoven with God's grace, and this requires intentional practices that keep our connection open and vital. Think of those things that truly help you connect with the Divine. Is it the communal worship experience, delving into scripture, sharing in communion, a quiet walk in nature, or focused prayer? God meets us where we are, and there's no single checklist; instead, it's an invitation to find *your* unique ways to deepen this relationship. Today, dedicate time to one such practice. Let it be a deliberate act of seeking God's presence, drawing from the wellspring of strength and peace that is always available. Remember, you are not alone; God is with you, sustaining you through every moment.

    1 min

  7. 6d ago

    Called to Bless - June 11, 2026

    Once we strive to do no harm, we are then invited to actively 'do good.' This second rule from Wesley encourages us to look beyond mere avoidance and embrace the countless opportunities to bless ourselves and others. We are not called to be passive observers of the world, but active participants in God's ongoing work of love and healing. Today, open your eyes and heart to the specific ways you can be an instrument of good. It might be a kind word to a stranger, a helping hand to a friend, or a quiet act of service in your community. Perhaps it's also about doing good for yourself—nurturing your body, mind, or spirit in ways that allow you to be more fully present and generous with others. Remember, you are uniquely gifted to make a positive impact. Don't wait for grand opportunities; let your days be filled with small, intentional acts of goodness that ripple outwards, reflecting God's abundant grace.

    1 min

  8. Jun 10

    A Foundation of Kindness - June 10, 2026

    Before we can actively build, we must first ensure we are not causing damage. John Wesley wisely began his General Rules with the instruction to 'do no harm.' This isn't just about avoiding overt wrongdoing, but also about cultivating an awareness of the subtle ways our actions, words, or even inactions might negatively impact ourselves or others. Take a moment today to reflect on this foundational principle. Where might you be making things worse—perhaps unintentionally—for yourself, your loved ones, or your wider community? This self-examination requires honesty and courage. It might involve letting go of old habits, unhelpful patterns of thought, or critical judgments. By consciously choosing to 'do no harm,' we clear the ground for grace to flourish and for genuine connection to take root. Let your intentions today be rooted in kindness, seeking to minimize hurt and maximize compassion in every interaction.

    1 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Thoughtful faith for a complex world. Join UMC of Johnstown, CO for Become More, a podcast dedicated to practical discipleship and Wesleyan reflection. In a world that often feels divided, we seek common ground through thoughtful sermons and daily meditations that prepare us to serve our community. Listen in as we explore how to live, love, and "become more" like Christ every day.

Information

  • Creator
    UMC of Johnstown
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Become More