Sermons at Morehead FCC

In times of contemporary unrest and apocalyptic rhetoric, Pastor Nancy briefly outlines the misguided popular rapture theology in the United States and then moves on to examine the rich context of Paul's letter to the Thessalonian church.

By examining Paul's melding of ideas from Jewish traditions and Roman imperial imagery, the sermon emphasizes a nuanced understanding of the Day of the Lord as a transformative and restorative event, not a destructive one. Pastor Nancy draws connections to the prophetic vision of Amos, highlighting the biblical concept of justice as a restoration of what belongs to the oppressed, contrasting it with retribution-focused understandings of justice.

She encourages listeners to seek hope beneath the metaphors, understanding Paul's vision as a call for the transformation of social and political realities in the present world.

Sermon: Past, Present, and Future Hope

In her sermon for All Saints Sunday, Pastor Nancy invites listeners to reflect on the ordinary saints in their lives, recognizing the legacy and calling to be beloved children of God, part of the communion of saints. The sermon explores the biblical foundation of the term "saint" as used by the Apostle Paul, emphasizing that it refers to anyone striving to live in the way of Christ imperfectly. Pastor Nancy challenges listeners to reflect on their own "saints" who have shaped their faith, both the renowned and the anonymous figures who may never have a designated feast day.

The sermon serves as a reminder that even in a divided world, the church is surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, providing support and encouragement in the journey of faith.

Sermon: On the Streets Where We Live

In this inspiring sermon Pastor Nancy explores the arc of the story of Moses, weaving through Psalm 90, which has long been attributed to Moses, and its poignant reflections on the challenges of human life and the pursuit of wisdom.

Touching on the heartbreaking violence in Israel and Gaza, Pastor Nancy emphasizes the need for love and compassion, echoing Jesus's teaching on the greatest commandments—loving God and loving our neighbors.

The sermon concludes with a call to embody this love in a world marked by division. Drawing on the wisdom of Justin Martyr and the contemporary words of Nicholas Kristof, Pastor Gowler urges listeners to be peacemakers, showing kindness, justice, and love to all. The message resonates as a reminder that, now more than ever, the world needs people known by their love.

Sermon: Where Love Has Always Been Enough

Idols, icons, and allegiances.

Listen as Rev. Nancy places in conversation with one another Jesus's answer to the question, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” with the first verses of Paul's letter to the church in Thessaloniki.

Sermon: Somewhere in Between Together

For our third Sunday in the Season of Creation, we explore the metaphor of wilderness places. In her sermon "Out in the Wild Again" Pastor Nancy does a deep dive into the wanderings of the Hebrew people in the wilderness and how those experiences can help us make sense of where we are today. Using William Bridges' concept of the "neutral zone," we can learn to find these wilderness times as moments for creativity and discovery.

Our guest speaker for Land Sunday in the Season of Creation is Rev. Roy Reynolds. Listen as Rev. Reynolds explores the richness of this region so many of us call home and our collective calling to care for creation.

Each September we celebrate the Season of Creation with congregations around the world. The first Sunday is focused on Forests, and Pastor Nancy introduces the spiritual practice of paying attention in her sermon, "Turning Aside to See."

How does the oppression of a vulnerable minority group begin? As Pastor Nancy walks us through the first chapter of Exodus, the storyteller reveals the common methods of tyrants. Troublingly, we find that not much has changed. First, separate the people from remembering their own history. Second, using the language of us/them, rhetorically attack a marginalized group. Once these two moves have made a demonization of a group possible, then the tyrant moves to overt acts of oppression and violence.

Exodus also provides us with examples of what to do when Empire sows division to keep power: Shiphrah & Puah, Hebrew midwives; the mother and sister of Moses, and the daughter of the king of Egypt.

Listen as Pastor Nancy highlights stories of resistance and allyship, in the women of Exodus 1 and 2.

In the wee hours of the morning the disciples find themselves out in the middle of the sea and a storm whipping up around them. They're terrified to see a ghostly figure approaching them, walking on the water. Listen to Pastor Nancy explore a story of risk, faith, and community during our special Blessing of the Backpack Sunday.

Rev. Leanna Coyle-Carr is our guest minister for Sunday, July 30, 2023. Rev. Coyle-Carr is a native Carolinian who is at home in Morehead with her husband Aaron and daughter, Henlee Caroline. She holds an MDiv. from Wake Forest University School of Divinity and is an ordained Baptist minister. 

"...When Jesus says, 'I am the gate...,' what do you hear? What do you need to hear today?"

Our points of reference influence how we understand the metaphors Jesus uses. What images arise when you hear the word "door" or the word "gate"?

As Jesus carefully orchestrates a countercultural entrance into Jerusalem, we may find ourselves in the midst of the crowds lining the way. Echoes of hosanna, "save us," ring through the centuries. Who cries out "save us" today?

Jesus' path through Holy Week is one of sorrow and betrayal. Which path will we choose--the one promising power or the way of a humble servant?

(TW: In this sermon Pastor Nancy addresses the issues of gun violence and school shootings.)