Central United Methodist Church (Arlington, Virginia) Sermon Podcast

Central United Methodist Church
Central United Methodist Church (Arlington, Virginia) Sermon Podcast

An audio podcast of the weekly message preached at Central United Methodist Church in Arlington, Virginia. You're invited to join us online for worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Visit us on the web at cumcballston.org to learn how to join us for worship via zoom or facebook live. You're invited to join our congregation where we worship God, serve others, and embrace all. 

  1. Praying at the River

    JUN 29

    Praying at the River

    Praying at the River  Scripture: Acts 16:13–15 In this week’s message, Pastor Sarah takes us to the riverside in Acts 16, where Paul meets Lydia—a bold and generous woman whose open heart and courageous faith helped birth the first church in Philippi. Drawing from personal stories of outdoor baptisms and the unexpected grace that flows in those holy moments, we explore how prayer, like music, often happens best in community and in rhythm. As part of our Singing Our Faith series, this sermon reflects on how our faith—like a good bluegrass jam—calls us to play in time, tune our hearts, act with courage, and join in harmony with others. Through the story of Lydia’s baptism and hospitality, we are reminded that our faith is not meant to stay private. It flows outward, impacting our homes, our churches, and our world. Whether you're new to faith or have been on this journey for decades, this message invites you to reflect on your own baptismal calling and what it means to live it out together. There's room for every instrument—and every heart—at the river. 🕊️ Reflection Questions: Scripture says, “...the Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly.” When in your life have you experienced a moment of spiritual openness like Lydia? What helped prepare your heart?Lydia’s response to the gospel was immediate and public when she and her household were baptized. How do you respond when you sense God moving? What helps you say yes quickly and fully?Lydia’s faith affected not only her but her entire household. How does your faith impact the people around you? Support the show

    23 min
  2. Improvising Prayers

    JUN 23

    Improvising Prayers

    Improvising Prayers  Scripture: Romans 8:22–27 Sometimes prayer begins not with words, but with sighs too deep for words. In this week’s message, Pastor Sarah shares a powerful experience of communal prayer in South Korea and reflects on the Spirit’s ability to speak through our groans, our longing, and even our silence. Drawing from Romans 8 and Psalm 40, we explore the deep connection between lament and hope, silence and song, structure and improvisation. Just as jazz invites us to improvise on familiar themes, our prayers—structured or spontaneous—can become living, breathing expressions of faith. Whether whispered in stillness or cried aloud in anguish, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf. Pastor Sarah also introduces a simple four-part prayer model to help us grow a more personal and creative prayer practice: You / Who / Do / Through. For those seeking a starting point or a new rhythm of prayer, this week’s message offers tools, stories, and encouragement. 🕊️ Reflection Questions: Psalm 40 proclaims, “I waited patiently for the Lord…God put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” Are you waiting on God for something in your life? What song might be forming as you wait?Where in your life are you being invited to pray honestly, even if the words don’t come easily?What collect prayer are you inspired to write today?  👉 Visit https://bit.ly/collect-prayer for a “how to” guide. Support the show

    22 min
  3. Let Go: Leaving Behind What We Don’t Need

    MAY 26

    Let Go: Leaving Behind What We Don’t Need

    "Let Go: Leaving Behind What We Don’t Need" Scripture: Exodus 16 On this Memorial Day weekend, we remember not just those we’ve lost, but the quiet grief that comes with change — even good change. In Exodus 16, the Israelites are no longer enslaved, but freedom brings uncertainty. They miss Egypt — not the cruelty, but the comfort and predictability of what they knew. This week’s message explores what it means to let go of what no longer serves us — the habits, assumptions, or comforts that can keep us tethered to the past. God meets the Israelites in their fear and hunger, not with judgment, but with daily provision: manna, quiet and sufficient, like grace itself. What do we still carry from our own “Egypt”? And do we trust God to provide just enough for the journey ahead? Sermon Reflection Questions 1. Butterfly Fact: A chrysalis is a hard exoskeleton that the caterpillar forms when it's time to transform. The chrysalis keeps the caterpillar safe for a time during metamorphosis and is ultimately discarded when the new butterfly is ready to come out. What safe spaces and comfort zones have you outgrown? How does our protective armor sometimes impede growth?  2. What does it look like for you to trust God’s provision one day at a time, especially when you’re in a season of transition or uncertainty? 3. When have you experienced a time of spiritual “wilderness” that turned out to be a season of preparation or transformation? What did you learn about God, and about yourself, while waiting and trusting in that in-between space? Support the show

    29 min

About

An audio podcast of the weekly message preached at Central United Methodist Church in Arlington, Virginia. You're invited to join us online for worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Visit us on the web at cumcballston.org to learn how to join us for worship via zoom or facebook live. You're invited to join our congregation where we worship God, serve others, and embrace all. 

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