Sermons

September 13, 2026

“The Call of God, the Cries of the World” – Rev. Chuck Rush

Moses hears God’s voice in a burning bush: “I have heard the cries of my people.” God’s call often reaches us the same way, through the suffering of the world around us. Some people answer as Isaiah did: “Here I am, send me.” Most of us respond more like Jeremiah: “Who am I? Surely someone else could do this better.”

On September 11, a woman on her way to work took an infant from an overwhelmed teacher and carried the child to safety, a choice that also saved her own life. Meaning comes not from asking what will make us happy but from asking what life, or God, requires of us now. Moments that call for courage are rarely clear while we are in them, including moments when the rule of law is under strain. We can discern our response together, prayerfully and humbly.

Find the full sermon here. Scripture: Exodus 3:1-12; Jeremiah 1:4-10.

March 22, 2026

“Moral Cowardice” – Rev. Chuck Rush

On the night Jesus is arrested, Peter is asked three times whether he knows him, and three times he denies it. Then the rooster crows, and Peter realizes what he has done. The story of Holy Week is not only about one betrayer; all the disciples sleep, flee, and look after themselves. Fear is powerful, and when we feel threatened, our first instinct is to protect ourselves: to stay silent, to tell ourselves it is not our place, to go along with the crowd. But conscience does not let us divide ourselves so easily, and moments of moral failure can haunt us for years.

Peter’s story is also one of redemption. His failure became the turning point that made him the rock others could build on. We do not have to be perfect; we often grow strongest at the broken places.

Find the full sermon here. Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7; Luke 22:54-60.

February 8, 2026

“Developing Integrity” – Rev. Chuck Rush

Jesus calls his followers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. At a time when integrity seems in short supply among public leaders, what does it take to keep our saltiness? Conscience is not optional equipment; it is part of who we are, and it grows more important as we mature. Being able to live with ourselves becomes a measure of a good life. The Bible itself was shaped by people recovering from war and devastation who asked how to live with purpose after loss. Two answers emerge: cultivating inner peace, and redeeming what was lost by turning destruction into something meaningful. Jesus shows what integrity looks like: compassion in a cruel society, kindness amid violence, faithfulness in every season. Living with integrity lets our light shine for everyone around us.

Find the full sermon here. Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-9; Matthew 5:13-16.