St. Stephen United Methodist Church: Sunday Sermons

St. Stephen United Methodist Church
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A weekly message from the worship staff of St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our vision is to be the hands, feet and heart of Jesus Christ, in our neighborhood, in Charlotte, and in the world.

  1. 2D AGO

    Faded Virtues: Loyalty

    SpotifyApple Podcasts Senior Pastor Ken Curtis kicks off a new worship series on "Faded Virtues" by exploring the decline of loyalty in today's fast-paced, instant-gratification world. Drawing from the story of Peter's denial (Matthew 26:33-35), we're challenged to recognize that "loyalty is proven, not proclaimed." We examine real-life examples like baseball player Pee Wee Reese's act of support for Jackie Robinson. Even when our loyalty fades and we stumble, Jesus' faithfulness remains — like when Jesus forgave Peter's three denials. Together we learn that our failures don't disqualify us, because our story and our chance to prove our loyalty isn't over. Sermon Reflections:In what specific area of your life — friendships, job, or faith — might your loyalty be currently fading without you fully realizing it?How does the example of Peter's denial and subsequent restoration challenge you to move from merely proclaiming your faith or values to actively proving them through concrete actions?Pastor Ken listed several traits of a disloyal friend or church member: gossip, consumerism, a refusal to forgive. Which of these temptations are you most susceptible to and what is one practice you can adopt to counter it?Ittai the Gittite volunteered to join King David in exile and battle, saying, "wherever my lord the king shall be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be." What would a commitment this costly look like in your life today?Jesus forgave Peter three times. How does this act of intentional restoration impact your understanding of God's grace when you feel you have failed him?What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate unfailing loyalty and love to God, a friend, or your community? Watch traditional worship livestream

    26 min

  2. NOV 2

    All Saints Sunday: The Leveling & Jesus' Sermon on the Plain

    SpotifyApple Podcasts In this message for All Saints Sunday, Rev. Bailey Brislin explores Jesus' Sermon on the Plain from Luke 6 to illustrate God's call for solidarity and a leveling out of the social order. Drawing on the metaphor of preparing land for a farm, she challenges us to consider what it means to truly see our neighbors — the poor, the hungry, the weeping. We're reminded that our call to be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus Christ involves comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. We learn how the saints in our lives loved us into being and we can continue their legacy by actively creating a path toward blessing and flourishing for all creation. The guest preacher for this message was Rev. Bailey Brislin, a member at St. Stephen who works as works as Palliative Care Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator at UNC Hospitals. Sermon Reflections:Bailey uses the metaphor of "leveling the land" in farming to describe the social order Jesus calls us toward. What is one specific, un-leveled area (injustice, inequality, or need) in your local community that you are being called to address?Jesus’ message is described as comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. In which of these two groups do you most often find yourself, and what is one concrete way you can respond to Jesus's call from that position?Bailey asks, "What blessing do I have to offer?" What is a unique gift, resource, or piece of knowledge you possess that you can use to "dirty your hands in the work of leveling a path toward blessing and flourishing for all"?Mr. Rogers frequently asked, "Who are the people in your life who loved you into being?" As you remember the saints, what is the most important legacy of love or forgiveness you want to embody and pass on?Reflect on the contrast between the "blessings" and "woes" in the Scripture reading (Luke 6:20-31). What is the main value system Jesus is trying to subvert or establish for his disciples?Bailey suggests that our discipleship journey, like farming, requires "ongoing care and attention." What is one spiritual practice or act of service you can commit to for a sustained period to continue the work of Christ's solidarity?

    21 min

  3. OCT 26

    Unburdened: Tomorrow Matters

    Spotify In this fourth and final installment of our annual stewardship series, Unburdened, we explore what it means to shift our focus from instant gratification to eternal impact. Are we living for today, or planning for tomorrow? Drawing from passages in Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, and Matthew, we discover why where we put our treasure, there, too, our heart will be also.  Sermon Reflections:We know that we live in an age of instant gratification. In what areas of your life —outside of your finances — do you notice an urge for immediate results or gratification, and how might this be distracting you from the principle that tomorrow matters?The passage in Proverbs refers to the slugard who spends whatever they get. How does the concept of "less is more" apply to your current lifestyle, and what is one tangible item or subscription you could "let go" of to unburden yourself?What is a small "seed" of generosity or time you can plant this week, believing God will use it to make a long-term difference?The Greek proverb states that society grows great when old folks plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in. What is the "tree" you are planting right now — a habit, a lesson, a cause — that you hope a future generation will benefit from?Gail Noble was remembered for her "aggressive kindness," not her brilliant career. In your daily interactions, are you more focused on achieving professional success or on planting seeds of kindness, love, and patience in the lives of those around you?We are reminded that God has blessed us so that we might be a blessing to others. What is one burden or worry you can intentionally release this week to create a free hand to serve, care for, and help others?

    25 min

  4. OCT 12

    Unburdened: Stress is Bad

    SpotifyApple Podcasts In this second installment of our annual stewardship series, Unburdened, we explore the topic of financial stress. Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed out by the constant pressure of modern life, especially when it comes to money? We explore the various financial burdens that keep us from experiencing true tranquility and spiritual freedom, embracing the concept "Less is More."  We also discover three essential prayers that will help us recenter our lives and move toward being financially and spiritually unburdened: God, Give Me Self Control — Learning to say no now so you can say yes later.God, Give Me Understanding — Gaining the knowledge to see how interest and compound growth truly work, both for and against you.God, Give Me a Plan — Recognizing that you can wander into debt, but you must plan your way out of it, inviting God into that process. Sermon ReflectionsWhat is one thing you're currently holding onto that is causing you more toil and stress than peace?We all have that two-year-old kid inside of us who screams, "I want it now!" What is one small thing you can say no to this week?What is one financial concept you lack knowledge about, and what step can you take to gain that knowledge this week?Church member Chris shared his journey with financial stress, highlighting the need for a plan. In what areas of your life do you tend to wander, and how can you inteiontally create a place to Move Forward?How doe financial planning and self-control connect your faith journey and ability to honor God?

    26 min

  5. OCT 5

    Unburdened: Less is More

    SpotifyApple Podcasts We kick off a new worship series, Unburdened, as we begin this year's stewardship campaign. In this first sermon, Pastor Ken guides us through what it means to embrace "Less is More." We explore the Parable of the Rich Fool and the wisdom found in Ecclesiastes and together discover how redefining our priorities leads to genuine commitment and why our lives should be spent pursuing what matters, not what's on our credit card statement. Sermon ReflectionsWhat we often insist matters most (our family, our faith) is often not reflected in how we spend our time. What is one way your time allocation needs to be adjusted this week to align with your truest priorities?Ecclesiastes tells it is better to have "one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind." In what area of your life (your career, possessions, commitments) are you currently grasping at "two handfuls with toil" or "chasing after the wind"?Pastor Ken teaches us that when we embrace "less is more", we get a "free hand" to help others. What specific opportunity for service or connection are you currently missing because your "hands are full"?This sermon challenges us to cut back or give away things we don't use. What is one material possession or commitment you can "unburden" yourself of this week to create more freedom?The communion table is described as a "less is more" moment because through a little bit, God gives us everything. How does your spiritual life reflect the principle of "less is more" (e.g., focusing on quality over quantity in prayer or service)?

    22 min

  6. AUG 31

    Big Questions Kids Ask: How Can I Hear God's Voice?

    SpotifyApple Podcasts This Sunday, we continue our back-to-school worship series, Big Questions Kids Ask by tackling one of the most common questions from kids: "Will my dog go to Heaven?" This question opens up a much deeper exploration of what Heaven is really like, moving us beyond Hollywood's typical depiction of clouds and harps. In this sermon, Pastor Ken helps us dive deeper into what Scripture really reveals about our eternal home, drawing on passages from Genesis, Isaiah, John and Revelation. We discuss Parade lost and restored and Jesus's "many dwelling places." We also learn just what it means to "store up treasures in heaven," revealing how our priorities and investments in this life should be shaped by our understanding of God's eternal kingdom. Sermon Reflections: How does viewing heaven as "Paradise restored" rather than an entirely foreign place change your understanding of what eternal life might be like Biblical descriptions of heaven use metaphors because heaven is "indescribable." What aspects of your current life give you glimpses of what heavenly wholeness might feel like? How might believing that "there's something for us to do" in heaven (rather than just resting on clouds) affect your approach to work and purpose in this life? What does it mean to you personally to "store up treasures in heaven"? What would change in your daily priorities if you took this instruction more seriously? How can a healthy focus on heaven motivate greater engagement with current social issues? Whether or not pets are in heaven, what does this question reveal about what we most value about relationships, love, and the things that bring us joy? View Sunday's traditional livestream here.

    22 min

  7. AUG 24

    Big Questions Kids Ask: Will My Dog Go To Heaven?

    SpotifyApple Podcasts This Sunday, we continue our back-to-school worship series, Big Questions Kids Ask by tackling one of the most common questions from kids: "Will my dog go to Heaven?" This question opens up a much deeper exploration of what Heaven is really like, moving us beyond Hollywood's typical depiction of clouds and harps. In this sermon, Pastor Ken helps us dive deeper into what Scripture really reveals about our eternal home, drawing on passages from Genesis, Isaiah, John and Revelation. We discuss Parade lost and restored and Jesus's "many dwelling places." We also learn just what it means to "store up treasures in heaven," revealing how our priorities and investments in this life should be shaped by our understanding of God's eternal kingdom. Sermon Reflections: How does viewing heaven as "Paradise restored" rather than an entirely foreign place change your understanding of what eternal life might be like Biblical descriptions of heaven use metaphors because heaven is "indescribable." What aspects of your current life give you glimpses of what heavenly wholeness might feel like? How might believing that "there's something for us to do" in heaven (rather than just resting on clouds) affect your approach to work and purpose in this life? What does it mean to you personally to "store up treasures in heaven"? What would change in your daily priorities if you took this instruction more seriously? How can a healthy focus on heaven motivate greater engagement with current social issues? Whether or not pets are in heaven, what does this question reveal about what we most value about relationships, love, and the things that bring us joy? View Sunday's traditional livestream here.

    25 min

  8. AUG 17

    Big Questions Kids Ask: Gray Areas - Why Does the Bible Contradict Itself?

    SpotifyApple Podcasts This Sunday, we continue our back-to-school worship series, Big Questions Kids Ask! Have you ever wondered why the Bible sometimes says "don't do this" in one place, but then says "it's okay" in another? We received this thoughtful question from one of our very own kids here at St. Stephen. Life is full of "gray areas" and seeming conundrums and contradictions, but we can learn to handle them with wisdom, love, and grace. Together, we explore the difference between essential beliefs and matters of personal conviction and why Paul said "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." Sermon Reflections: What are some "gray areas" in your own faith journey where you've had to distinguish between personal conviction and essential Christian doctrine? Paul says "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." Can you think of a time when your knowledge or the desire to be "right" got in the way of showing love to someone who disagreed with you? Have you ever had to give up something that was permissible for you personally in order to avoid being a "stumbling block" to someone else's faith? How did that feel? Using the Apostles' Creed as a guide, what do you consider to be the "essentials" of Christian faith that require unity versus the "non-essentials" that allow for liberty? Think about a fellow Christian with whom you significantly disagree on a non-essential issue. How can you better show them love and respect while maintaining your own convictions? What are some contemporary issues in the church (technology use, worship styles, social issues) where you see Christians struggling to navigate gray areas? How might Paul's teaching apply? View Sunday's traditional livestream here.

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A weekly message from the worship staff of St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our vision is to be the hands, feet and heart of Jesus Christ, in our neighborhood, in Charlotte, and in the world.

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