Sermon Themes
Inspiring sermon themes focus on faith, grace, hope, love, forgiveness, service, and spiritual growth.
Sermon Series
Scripture and Sermon Themes – April 5 – May 31, 2026
Sermon Series:
Stories That Matter This sermon series invites us to journey through the season of Easter by exploring the stories of people who encountered the risen Christ. Each week highlights a moment of doubt, surprise, recognition, calling, or unity—showing how resurrection becomes real in ordinary lives. Together, these narratives reveal how Jesus equips his followers to live with hope, purpose, and resurrection-shaped courage.
Easter Sunday
April 5, 2026:
Named and Claimed - John 20:1-18
In the early morning darkness, Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb carrying grief. She doesn’t recognize the risen Jesus until he speaks her name. In that moment, everything shifts—sorrow to joy, confusion to clarity, despair to hope. Easter begins not with certainty, but with a God who knows us personally and calls us into new life. We are named. We are claimed. We are sent. What might Jesus be naming in you today that calls you toward new life?
April 12, 2026:
Unless I See –
John 20:19-31
On the evening of Easter Day, the risen Jesus appears to His fearful disciples behind locked doors, offering them peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. When Thomas hears the news, he refuses to believe. A week later, Jesus returns and meets Thomas with compassion, inviting him to see and believe. Where in your life are you longing for Jesus to meet you—honestly, personally, and without pretense?
April 19, 2026:
Astounded Us –
Luke 24:13-35
A man laid at the gate to the Pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him laying there, He asked him if he wanted to be made well. This is a powerful moment when he needed to claim that he wanted to be healed knowing that he would be changed. This passage is about letting go of what keeps us stuck and to realize the hardest part of healing is wanting it and claiming it. This is about transformation.
April 26, 2026:
Knowing that Voice –
John 10:1-10
Jesus describes Himself as the true shepherd whose voice brings clarity, safety, and life. In a world full of competing voices—fear, comparison, pressure, distraction—Jesus offers a voice that calls us by name and leads us toward abundance. As the gate, He becomes the opening to freedom, rest, and nourishment. This story reminds us that the voices we follow shape the lives we live, and Christ’s voice always leads toward life. Which voice in your life sounds most like Jesus—and which voices have been pulling you away from the life He offers?
May 3, 2026:
You Know the Way –
John 14:1-14
​In a moment filled with fear and uncertainty, Jesus reassures His disciples that they are not lost. He promises a place of belonging, a future held in love, and a way forward rooted not in directions but in relationship. When Thomas and Philip voice their confusion, Jesus responds with presence: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” This is a story of comfort, clarity, and the God who meets us in our questions. Where do you need to trust that knowing Jesus is enough for the next step ahead?
May 10, 2026:
The Story Abides –
John 14:15-21
On the night before His death, Jesus promises His friends that they will never be left alone. The Holy Spirit—the Advocate—will come alongside them, dwell within them, and keep them rooted in love. Even when the world feels uncertain or God feels distant, this abiding presence holds us steady. Because Christ lives, we live in that same enduring love. Where do you most need to remember that God has not left you alone?
May 17, 2026: Youth/Graduation Sunday: Running the Race – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 4:7-8
As we celebrate our Graduates for Running their race in school to the finish line we can see similarities between our race we run in our faith journey and our race we run to finish school.
May 24, 2026: Getting Through the Valley and Fire – Psalm 23: Jon Simpson preaching
In life we go through fires and face valleys. God promises to be there for us as we go through our fires and valleys. Today we are going to take a look at why we need to remain faithful to God in the midst of our struggles. We will also look at how Jesus has faced the ultimate fire and valley for us.
May 31, 2026: Go, Get Going – But Never Alone – Psalm 8; Matthew 28:16-20
In Matthew 28:16–20, the risen Jesus meets His disciples on a mountain where worship and doubt stand side by side. Instead of waiting for perfect faith, Jesus entrusts them with a mission—inviting them into the life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Great Commission is not a task we carry alone but a promise that God’s presence goes with us as we teach, bless, and embody Christ’s love in the world. Where is Jesus inviting you to step forward—even if you don’t feel fully ready?
June 7, 2026:
Sermon Title: The Power of the Word – Rev. Lisa Flory preaching
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Hebrews 4:12-13
God's Word is powerful and authoritative for daily living. Do you see the power of the Word of God in your life and in your ministry? Take heart in the hope that we have, knowing that it is God who equips and God who brings forth the fruit of our labors.
June 14, 2026:
Sermon Title: When the Road Gets Long – Rev. Deanna Geiter preaching
Scripture: Galatians 6:7-10
When the road gets long, faithfulness can become tiring and the harvest can feel hidden. In Galatians 6:7-10, Paul encourages us not to grow weary in doing what is right, trusting that God is at work beneath the surface. This day, we are reminded that seeds of love, service, prayer, and perseverance are never wasted. Rooted in Christ, we keep walking in hope, believing that in God’s time, what is faithfully planted will rise.
June 21, 2026:
Sermon Title: Hymns and Praise Songs in the Midst of Trouble – Jon Simpson preaching
Scripture: Psalm 95:1-2; Psalm 146: 1-2
In life we go through challenging times. God can use anything to help us in our time of need. Today we will take a look at different praise songs and hymns that are able to provide us encouragement in our walk with God.
Sermon Series:
Rooted and Rising:
Rooted in grace. Growing in hope. Rising in love.
In a season when life naturally slows and stretches, Rooted and Rising invites us to pay attention to the spiritual growth happening beneath the surface. We’ll explore how God roots us in grace, nurtures us through seasons of pruning and patience, and helps us rise with courage and love. Each Sunday offers a fresh word of encouragement and a simple, spiritual practice to help us grow in faith, hope, and love. Join us this summer!
June 28, 2026:
Sermon Title: Planted by Water
Scripture: Psalm 1:1-3
A life rooted in God is steady, nourished, and unhurried. Psalm 1 offers a hopeful picture for summer discipleship: growth begins with choosing where—and in whom—we plant our lives. What are you planting in your life right now—and is it nourishing?
July 5, 2026:
Sermon Title: The Seed Still Grows
Scripture: Mark 4:26-29
Jesus reminds us that God’s kingdom grows in hidden places long before we see results. For anyone discouraged by slow progress, this is a word of reassurance: grace is already at work beneath the surface. Where might God be working in your life right now, even though you don’t see the results yet?
July 12, 2026:
Sermon Title: Deep Roots
Scripture: Colossians 2:6-7
Paul calls the church to be rooted and built up in Christ. Deep, steady practices—worship, prayer, Scripture, community—anchor us for real, lasting growth. Summer is a chance to strengthen what holds us. What spiritual disciplines is God inviting you to strengthen this summer?
July 19, 2026:
Sermon Title: Pruned for Life
Scripture: John 15:1-8
Pruning is not punishment—it’s preparation. Jesus shows us a God who lovingly shapes us so we can bear good fruit. Even hard seasons can become places where new life begins. Where might God be gently trimming away so new life can grow?
July 26, 2026:
Sermon Title: Fruit That Lasts
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-25
The fruit of the Spirit gives us a picture of mature Christian life. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are not private virtues—they are gifts that bless families, congregations, and communities. Which fruit of the Spirit do you most long for God to grow in you?
August 2, 2026:
Sermon Title: When Growth Is Slow
Scripture: James 5:7-11
James invites us to the patient hope of farmers waiting for rain. For anyone tired of waiting—for healing, change, reconciliation, or renewal—this is a reminder that slow growth is still real growth. Where are you being called to patient hope, instead of discouragement?
August 9, 2026:
Sermon Title: Strong in the Storm
Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27
Storms don’t determine God’s love for us—they reveal our foundation. Jesus calls us to build our lives on what lasts. Christ is the solid ground that holds steady when everything else shakes. What foundation are you really building your life on right now?
August 16, 2026:
Sermon Title: Room to Grow
Scripture: Luke 13:6-9
The gardener in Jesus’ parable asks for more time, more tending, more grace. God does not give up quickly. This is a story of second chances, patient mercy, and the hopeful work of cultivation. Where do you need to receive God’s grace and allow room for growth?
August 23, 2026:
Sermon Title: Growing Together
Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16
Paul describes a church that grows toward maturity as each person plays their part. We grow best together—sharing gifts, speaking truth in love, and building up the body of Christ. How is God calling you to use your gifts to build up the church?
August 30, 2026:
Sermon Title: New Every Morning
Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-24
Even in grief, the writer of Lamentations dares to hope. God’s mercies meet us again each morning. As summer ends and routines shift, this is a word of steady, renewing faithfulness. What mercy do you need to receive again today?
September 6, 2026:
Sermon Title: Rise and Shine
Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-3
September 6, 2026:
Sermon Title: Rise and Shine
Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-3
“Arise, shine; for your light has come.” After a season of rooting, growing, pruning, and bearing fruit, God sends us into a new season with purpose. The light God grows in us is for the sake of the world. Where is God inviting you to shine light for the sake of others?