Colonial Church in Prairie Village
Colonial Church in Prairie Village
Colonial Church in Prairie Village, a member of the United Church of Christ, is located in Prairie Village, KS. It is an Open and Affirming congregation. https://www.colonialucc.org/
Episodes
October 4, 2026 Liberation and Freedom
October 4, 2026 Liberation and Freedom by Colonial Church in Prairie Village
September 27, 2026 Origin Stories
September 27, 2026 Origin Stories by Colonial Church in Prairie Village
September 20, 2026 Called to Bless the World
This week, God sends Abram out with a promise: “I will bless you…and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” Cool. There's just one problem: God does not provide much of a plan. There is no map, no timeline, and no explanation of how any of this will happen. I am conflicted about mysteries. Part of me appreciates the unfolding story, but another part wants to peek at the ending so I know everything will be okay. Perhaps you can relate. Our congregation has been moving through a season of change, and the world around us often feels uncertain. We do not yet know exactly where everything is leading. Abram’s story reminds us that we do not need all the answers before taking the next faithful step. After worship, we will do just that by writing letters to our legislators on behalf of Bread for the World, urging them to support policies that address hunger. Even amid uncertainty, God calls us to become a blessing.
September 13, 2026 Gathering Sunday
September 13, 2026 Gathering Sunday by Colonial Church in Prairie Village
September 6, 2026 Tell the Story Again
When I began serving as your senior minister a year ago, I introduced a new way of encountering scripture together each Sunday. If you can remember all the way back to September 7, 2025, Rev. Caela Simmons Wood preached from the book of Genesis, beginning a journey that carried us through the Hebrew Bible during the fall. In the spring, we turned to the Gospel of John. Over the course of the year, we’ve had the opportunity to spend sustained time with these stories, following the broad sweep of scripture rather than encountering each Sunday’s reading in isolation. And now we’re about to begin again. This Sunday marks our final week in this year’s Narrative Lectionary cycle, and on September 13, Gathering Sunday, Rev. Heather will bring us back to Genesis once more. There’s something meaningful about coming full circle. We return to familiar stories, but we don’t return to them as exactly the same people. We’ve lived another year. Our community has changed. The world has changed. We have changed. And so the scriptures have a way of speaking differently, too. Each time we return to these ancient stories, we have another opportunity to discover something about God, ourselves, and what faithful living might look like in the world we inhabit today. This Sunday, we’ll explore what it might mean to be a "formed" Christian, someone willing to engage their faith thoughtfully, ask difficult questions, and recognize when theology is being used to cause harm. We’ll talk about the importance of challenging ideas such as American exceptionalism and nationalism when they become intertwined with Christianity, and we’ll consider our responsibility to cultivate a faith that can withstand serious questions while offering something life-giving to future generations.
August 30 Turn Toward Our Neighbor
This week's worship theme is “Turned Toward Our Neighbor,” grounded in Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:34–40: love God with all that you are, and love your neighbor as yourself. This week, we said goodbye to several luminaries who showed us how to care for one another, especially Tim Curry and the incomparable Dolly Parton. These celebrities, along with so many others, show us that loving our neighbors begins with paying attention. It means listening to voices beyond our own, remaining curious about the world around us, and allowing what we hear to shape how we live. We have recently been blessed by wonderful voices helping us do exactly that. Last Sunday, Rabbi Moti Rieber shared with us about the important work of Kansas Interfaith Action and what it means for people of faith to show up together for the common good. This Sunday, we’ll welcome Dr. Greg Hunt, Kansas Coordinator for Bread for the World, who will help us think about hunger, advocacy, and what loving our neighbors can look like right here in Kansas.
August 23 Advocates for God's Realm
Dr. King said the greatest challenges facing our nation were the “terrible triplets” of racism, poverty, and violence. These, along with climate disruption, form the basis of the mission of Kansas Interfaith Action, a statewide, faith-based advocacy organization. Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director of KIFA, will join us this Sunday during worship to share the vision of Kansas Interfaith Action and how we can join together with thousands of people of faith and conscience throughout Kansas to “put faith into action” in support of moral public policy in Kansas.
August 16, 2026 A People for the World
It’s school time again. That time of year when children are excited about new beginnings and parents are breathing a sigh of relief! This weekend, our children will bring their backpacks to church to be blessed. We will pray that they have a year filled with learning and growth. Of friendship and laughter. That they feel a sense of belonging in their schools, their communities, and the world around them. We pray this prayer for our children, but really, we wish this same prayer for everyone, don’t we? Learning and growth. Friendship and laughter. A sense of belonging. This Sunday we’ll read from Exodus, the story of the Israelites’ journey from slavery toward freedom. At Mount Sinai, before they receive the Ten Commandments, God reminds them of something fundamental: they belong to God. God has brought them out of slavery, carried them through the wilderness, and now invites them into a new way of living together. God wants them to know that they are not alone. They belong to God, and they belong to one another. Sounds nice, right? God’s hopes sound a bit like our hopes, don’t they? Is this relationship with God still available to us today? I believe it is.
August 9, 2026 What Shapes Us?
I'm shocked to admit it, but summer is already beginning to give way to autumn, although I imagine we have plenty of hot weather ahead of us. As usual, and especially during this election season, we find ourselves surrounded by voices competing for our attention. Social media, endless notifications, and the demands of everyday life all shape us in ways we may not even realize. This Sunday, we'll reflect on Paul's words in 2 Timothy 4:1–8 and consider a simple but important question: What is shaping your soul? Together, we'll consider how we can intentionally cultivate our inner lives so that we are formed not by fear, division, or outrage, but by the love, grace, and peace of God.
August 2, 2026 The Wisdom of Wonder
After a refreshing vacation and a meaningful experience in Germany, I’m grateful to be back and looking forward to seeing everyone this Sunday! This week we’ll conclude our journey through the letters to Timothy. Do you ever feel like we spend so much time trying to make perfect sense of God, that we forget to simply be present? During my vacation, watching the sun, the surf, and the rhythm of the waves reminded me that God’s presence is often found not in having all the answers, but in paying attention to the beauty and wonder already around us. We’re going to explore these ideas in depth this week. After worship, please stay for the final of our three congregational conversations about the possibility of changing Colonial Church’s name. Even if you haven’t attended the previous conversations, you’re invited to join us as we continue this important discernment together.
July 26, 2026 Rekindle the Gift of God
The second letter addressed to Timothy begins with a personal message to “rekindle the gift of God that is within you.” It is a reality that ministry (and many professions described as caring or care giving) are tough; and just trying to follow Jesus in our daily life can be a challenge as well. We face difficult situations, both personal and within our world context, that might lead to discouragement or even mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. Sometimes it can feel like our faith is fading away. It might be that Timothy has expressed this sense in previous communication with the author of the letter, which is attributed to Paul, but is entirely possible that it has a different origin. The letter offers a strong reassurance to Timothy to remind him how loved and appreciated he is, including the reminder of his faith having been nurtured by his grandmother and mother. How important are our family and friends who invite us into faith and participate in our ongoing spiritual journey! Timothy is encouraged to remain strong in his faith in the midst of any struggles he may be facing. He is encouraged to rekindle the gifts from God which are named as a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. What does it look like to be reminded of our faith and be encouraged? How can we in turn, encourage someone else in their journey and be part of the process of nurturing someone’s faith? What part does suffering play in all of this? I invite you to come reflect with me this Sunday, on who we remember with gratitude from our own story of faith, and how can we rekindle our flames of faith within when we face challenges?
July 12, 2026 Take Heart
But that’s the way we’ve always done it! How many of you have heard someone say something like this? Or maybe you’ve even said it yourself? I have heard variations of this said in churches many, many times. But is it true? Has there only been one way to be a Christian? This Sunday at Colonial, we are starting a new epistle, the Letter to Timothy. In it we find a young church struggling with what it means to be Christian, with how they should be a church. The next generation of leaders is rising up, asking themselves how they should live in the world and what they should pass down to the generation that will follow them. What does it mean to be faithful to the teachings of Jesus? While I suspect the answers they arrive at may both interest and perhaps even unsettle us, the questions they ask are good ones. Ones we should ask ourselves still today. What does it mean for us to be Christian? How should we live in this world as followers of Jesus? What do we want to pass down to the next generation of believers? Come this Sunday with your questions. I will bring mine too.
July 5, 2026 "More Than Meets the Eye"
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day weekend and our nation's 250th birthday, I've been reflecting on the signs of hope I've witnessed over the past month. Amid all the noise and division that so often dominate our national headlines, I've also seen us caring for one another, our community choosing compassion over fear, and people courageously extending welcome and kindness. Those moments remind me that another way is possible. I've also seen the way the FIFA World Cup has brought people from across the world closer together right here in Kansas City - that's been not only neat to see, but a breath of fresh air. Viva l'Algérie! This Sunday, we'll explore Paul's invitation to the Colossians, where he counsels them to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." As we celebrate America's anniversary this weekend, we'll consider what it means to follow Jesus in a divided time, and how we might embody the love of Christ in our homes, our community, and our nation.
June 28, 2026 Unbounded Joy Sermon
We welcome Rev. Bethany Meier-Evans as our guest preacher. Her ministry invites people to embrace joy more fully. She is the author of "Queer Joy".
June 21, 2026 "Room for Everyone"
As summer settles in around us, I am grateful for this season's invitation to slow down. The longer days, warm evenings, time in the garden, backyard cookouts, and moments spent with family and friends remind us that life is more than rushing from one obligation to the next. Summer invites us to be present: to savor good food, good company, and the beauty of God's creation. This Sunday's Gospel continues Jesus' theme of tables, meals, and hospitality. Again and again, Jesus reminds us that God's world looks a lot like people gathered around a table, sharing food, stories, laughter, and grace. In our world that often tells us to hurry, Jesus invites us to slow down long enough to notice the abundance already present among us.
June 14, 2026 Love All - No Exceptions
We are in the midst of celebrating Pride Month here at Colonial. Several of you are fresh from local parks and gatherings where Colonial joined neighbors in celebration. I celebrated in a local park as well. As I walked through the celebration, I heard several people greeting one another with, “Happy Pride!” As I heard it said repeatedly, it began to sound like a greeting you might offer on a beloved holiday—a way of wishing joy, celebration, and blessing in a sacred season of the year. This Sunday, when we gather, we will celebrate sacred love. We will hear Jesus invite us to abide in the love of God, and in return, to offer that same love to one another. To love one another as Jesus has loved us. What a beautiful passage to ponder during Pride Month, as we celebrate communities where people seek to live honestly, love deeply, and be known as they truly are.
June 7, 2026 Dignity Restored
What does it mean to truly belong? Throughout June, we'll explore stories that challenge exclusion and invite us into God's expansive vision of community. Together, we'll reflect on how Jesus welcomed, marginalized, healed, and called people forward. We will consider what those stories teach us about creating a church where all people can experience God's love and grace. This Sunday, we'll begin with the story of a woman who had been bent over for eighteen years until Jesus saw her and restored her dignity. Along the way, we'll consider how many people, including LGBTQIA+ Christians and others who have experienced exclusion, have held onto their faith despite being wounded by the church, and what it means to hear Jesus' words of belonging today. Join us as we explore what it means to create a community rooted in welcome, compassion, and love. And, please share our Pride Month events with your friends!
May 31 The People God Calls Blessed
We have just completed a year of readings in the lectionary, beginning in September with the gospel of John and continuing this spring with Paul’s letters and the book of Acts. We now move into summer and an upcoming series on inclusion and belonging beginning June 7. This Sunday, we’ll explore the Beatitudes from the opening of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. These familiar words, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” “Blessed are the merciful,” “Blessed are those who mourn,” are far more than gentle sayings or inspiring poetry. Jesus speaks these words to ordinary people living in anxious and uncertain times, offering a vision of a different kind of life and community shaped by compassion, mercy, humility, and peace. I’m writing this while sitting beside a lake in Minnesota, listening to blackbirds, doves, and kingbirds calling out across the water. These past few days have offered a much-needed sense of quiet and rest, and it has reminded me how deeply many of us long for peace in a world that often feels filled with noise, stress, and tension. Perhaps that longing is part of what Jesus was speaking to all along. I hope you’ll join us Sunday as we reflect together on these ancient words and what they might still teach us about the way of peace, compassion, and community today.
May 24, 2026 "Pentecost - Rejoice!"
This Sunday is Pentecost, the “birthday” of the church, so don’t forget to wear red as we celebrate the Spirit moving among us in joy, courage, and hope! I have to tell you, I’m feeling especially energized lately. Maybe it’s the sunshine and warmer weather, but this time of year always seems to wake something up in me. I feel that same kind of energy stirring around Colonial Church right now too. There is so much good happening here, and so much to look forward to together. I’m deeply grateful to be part of this community in this season. Matt, Karma (our dog!), and I are heading to Minnesota this Memorial Day to spend a couple of days with my family, including my sister and her five kids. I absolutely love being an uncle. But I could definitely use a little of that “speaking in various tongues” gift from Acts just to keep up with all the conversations happening at once. I’m looking forward to worshiping together this Sunday as we celebrate the Spirit that continues to move through the church, and through all of us.
Sunday, May 17, 2026 Living in Hope - The Christ Hymn
One activity I miss from my younger years is letter writing. I lived overseas before the times of the internet (so many, many years ago) and loved to sit down and write to my friends and family, and loved it even more, when I received a letter in return. Of course, with some of my correspondents, my letters were more newsy, less introspective. Some were more intimate, expressing my deepest thoughts and hopes. This Sunday at Colonial, we continue with our reading of the Letter from Paul to the Philippians. A letter he wrote from prison to one of his most beloved communities. This is not a newsy letter, but a letter where he shared his affection for this young church community and his deep hope for their shared life, a life rooted in the mind, actions and love of Christ. It’s a life that doesn’t call for ease (he is writing from prison!), but one that looks to something much deeper and sustaining. When we come together this Sunday, let us read this letter as if it was written to us, a beloved community in Prairie Village! And let us see if we can tap into this deep and sustaining message of living in community, walking together in the footsteps of Jesus.
May 10, 2026 Living in Hope. Working Together
What’s in a name? I was eleven when my sister was born. In the months leading up to her birth, I discovered that my parents had chosen to name her “Hannah.” I was appalled. Did they not know the teasing that was about to ensue? Hannah… BANANA?! I was convinced this was a bad move. My parents, on the other hand, knew something else about the name. One meaning of the name is “Grace,” while another means “[she] who God highly favors.” I suppose I couldn’t argue with that. This week, after much thought and care, our church council shared its recommendation of a new name for our community. For some, this is exciting; for others, it doesn’t sit so easily. We have an opportunity now to listen to one another as we consider a potential name change. Like naming a child, we pour our dreams, hopes, and worries into the decision. We don’t have all the answers, but we trust that God is with us along the way. Over the years, my sister has lived into her name. She has a caring heart, which she uses to love her children, my nieces and nephews, all five of them! And of course, I love it, too. Throughout this process, we've been reminded that a name isn’t everything. What matters most is who we are, the love we share, and how we show up for one another. But sometimes, a name can help tell that story. It can point us toward who we are and who we’re becoming. Names grow into us, and we grow into them. Perhaps the question before us isn’t simply, What should we call ourselves? but Who are we becoming, and what name might help us live more fully into that calling? Like hearing my sister called “Hannah” for the first time, we may not fully understand the name at first. But with time, care, and grace, we may just grow into it… together.
Sunday, May 3, 2026 Living in Hope - Paul's Sermon at Athens
I love a good statue. Growing up Catholic, I often found myself praying while looking at statues of Mary, Francis of Assisi, and others. We were taught that the Spirit is not in the statue itself, but that offering reverence in this way can help us connect more deeply to the spiritual life. For Protestants like us, there is wisdom in that. Lately, though, I’ve noticed I’ve been caught up in a different kind of reverence, one centered on my phone! Especially at night, I find myself scrolling and scrolling. I become distracted, sometimes overwhelmed, by what I see. It has a way of pulling me away from myself, from others, and from God. Recently, a member of our church gave me a small ankh, an ancient Egyptian symbol of life. This week, I decided to hold it in my hand during prayer, asking God to be near me and to give me new life. It felt like an important prayer, because truthfully, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and uncertain these days. There is so much difficult news in the world, and the constant presence of it on my TV, phone, and computer has, at times, felt like it’s “sucking the life” out of me. I’ve felt drained, and at times unable to care for the things that are most important to me. So I sat quietly, holding the ankh, and began repeating a simple prayer: “Give me more life, my God.” As I prayed, something shifted. I began to feel more grounded and more present. I sensed, in a deeper way, the truth of the words we will hear this Sunday from Acts: “In God we live and move and have our being.” I’m not suddenly free from anxiety or uncertainty. But I do feel more rooted. And that has made a difference. Praying with a simple word or phrase like this is actually a long-standing spiritual practice. Some of our members who participate in Centering Prayer experience this regularly. It’s simple, but powerful. You might consider trying it. The truth is, things are heavy right now. I feel it, and I imagine you do, too. In times like these, finding ways to reconnect with God matters. For some, that might be lighting a candle. For others, gazing at a meaningful object, or spending time in nature. These practices help us connect to what we cannot see but can deeply feel: the ever-present Spirit of God among us. This week, I invite you to reconnect with that Spirit in whatever way you can. With everything happening in our world socially, politically, and environmentally, rooting ourselves in something deeper is not a luxury. It is essential to our spiritual and emotional well-being.
Sunday, April 26, 2026 Good News Spreads - Paul and Silas
This Sunday, I find myself drawn into a powerful and, I admit, unsettling story in Acts: a slave girl exploited for profit. As the story unfolds, we encounter prisoners singing in the dark, earthquakes, door cells opening, and jailers asking big questions about what it all means. As I sit with this text, I can’t help but think about those in our own time who are detained, separated from their families, or living under the shadow of systems that confine and control. The world still knows many kinds of captivity, and I feel that tension as I read this story. At the same time, this story opens a deeper question not only about the prisons around us but also the ones within us. I wonder what holds us captive. Fear, anxiety, numbness, the pressure to perform, or that quiet sense that something isn’t right but we don’t quite know how to name it? And still, in the midst of all this, I hear a simple and surprising word: freedom is not something we achieve, but something God is already bringing to life. Even in the darkest places I trust that the Spirit is still at work, loosening chains, opening doors, and inviting us into a deeper freedom. I hope you’ll join me this Sunday as we listen for God’s liberating movement in our world and in our own lives. I look forward to seeing you.
Sunday, April 19, 2026 The Good News Spreads- Sauls Experience
This Sunday, we’ll explore the powerful story of Saul’s transformation in Acts 9, a moment when everything changes for him: when blindness gives way to sight, and when a life is turned toward grace. I wonder if you've ever had a transformation like that? As we gather, we’ll reflect on the ways God still meets us on the road, inviting us to see differently, love more deeply, and live more faithfully. In recognition of Earth Day, we’ll also weave in a spirit of creation care considering how our eyes might be opened not only to God’s presence in our lives, but to the sacredness of the world around us. Where might God be inviting you to see with new eyes? Join us for worship this Sunday as we listen, reflect, and open ourselves to transformation.
April 12 2026 The Good News Spreads- Thomas
This Sunday when we gather, we will still be celebrating Easter (it was just a week ago!) but our focus will change a bit. This week it will be through the experience of the Apostle Thomas, who is famous for doubting the story of the resurrection. It is not until he sees Jesus with his own eyes and touches his wounds with his own hands, that he believes. Perhaps you can identify with the doubt that Thomas sheds on the celebration. Maybe you too have felt unsure at times about your faith. I wonder if for some of you, Thomas’ doubt is the Easter story you need. For doubt is often a part of our journey of faith. And for many, like Thomas, doubt is the experience we need to be able to find hope in the resurrected Jesus. I invite you to join us this Sunday, whether you are singing Alleluia with gusto, or if somewhere inside of yourself you are feeling some reservations. Or even if you cannot find a way to profess it at all. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome to come and be with us.
April 5, 2026 The Good News Is ... Alive in the World
I’ve noticed a lot of anticipation around Palm Sunday and Easter festivities this year. There’s a kind of hunger for joy, and that makes a lot of sense to me. We are living in a time marked by uncertainty and strain. Even in just these past months, we’ve seen violence, economic anxiety, war, and a lingering sense of unease. In moments like this, it can feel almost disingenuous to speak of joy or goodness, as if we’re ignoring what is real. And yet, this is precisely the heart of the gospel we are called to proclaim: that even in the midst of death, there is resurrection. Even in a season of sorrow, there is still joy. This evening at 7:00 p.m., we will gather for our Good Friday service: a space to sit honestly with the weight and discomfort of the world as it is. We are fortunate to be able to gather with friends from Southminster Presbyterian and Kansas City UCC. And then, on Sunday at 10:15 a.m., we will gather again to celebrate what is also true: that new life is possible, that hope can rise, and that resurrection meets us wherever we are on the journey. I hope you will join us for this sacred movement through Holy Week. It will be a gift to share it with you.
March 29, 2026 - Palm Sunday
As we enter into the sacred rhythm of Holy Week, we invite you to join us this Sunday for Palm Sunday: a moment of celebration, reflection, and deepening awareness as we journey toward Easter. We are especially honored to welcome our guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Heike Springhart, Bishop of the Protestant Church in Baden, Germany. Her presence among us is a gift, offering a global perspective on faith and a reminder of the wider body of Christ to which we belong. She is joined by her traveling colleagues, the Rev. Drs. Jens Adam and Lisa Wolfe. Palm Sunday holds both joy and tension - the waving branches and the shadow of the cross - and this gathering invites us to enter more fully into that sacred paradox. Together, through worship and community, we will deepen our awareness of this holy season, opening our hearts to the story that leads us toward resurrection hope. We hope you will join us for this meaningful and Spirit-filled morning.
March 22, 2026 The Good News Is: Rooted in Justice & Mercy
This Sunday we sit with a familiar story from the Gospel of John that still has a way of catching us off guard. A crowd gathers, ready to judge, ready to act… and then Jesus bends down, writes in the dust, and says, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” We all carry stones sometimes: quiet judgments, old grievances, the need to be right, the temptation to draw lines between “us” and “them.” And we also know what it feels like to stand exposed, hoping someone will choose mercy. This Sunday, we’ll reflect together on what it means to let go of the stones we carry and what kind of community becomes possible when we do.
March 15, 2026 The Good News Is - Care for the Vulnerable
This Sunday we’ll reflect on a passage from Deuteronomy 24 that calls God’s people to care for widows, orphans, and immigrants... the most vulnerable members of society. It’s a message we hear again and again throughout scripture. Care for those in need. Remember that your neighbor’s wellbeing is bound up with your own. And yet… here we are. Still struggling to live it. If this command has echoed across the centuries, why is it so hard for us to actually follow through? What gets in the way? And what does faithfulness look like when good intentions alone don’t seem to be enough? This Sunday we’ll wrestle honestly with these questions together. We won't find easy answers, but we may discover a hope that our tradition's ancient wisdom might help us imagine a more compassionate way of living in the world. Wherever you find yourself on the journey: hopeful, weary, or somewhere in between, you are welcome here. Join us this Sunday as we explore what the good news might look like when it calls us to care for the vulnerable.
March 8, 2026 - The Good News - Together the Impossible Is Possible
On this third Sunday of Lent, the good news we celebrate is “Together the Impossible is Possible.” When we come together on Sunday we will read Mark’s account of the story you have probably heard before – the feeding of the 5,000. This story speaks to us of miracles. It tells how with just a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish, Jesus fed a crowd. It tells a story about how the people who hungered to hear the good news, were nourished not only spiritually, but also physically. This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. First of all, as a huge fan of a potluck, I see it as Jesus throwing the first church potluck in history! But also, it’s a story of the miracles that can happen when people come together with their hearts focused on the good. It speaks of how we are stronger together. It speaks to us of how the abundance of God is poured out, when we gather. So let us gather this Sunday. Let us hear the story again. And let us wonder and dream about what miraculous, seemingly impossible, things we can do.
February 22, 2026 The Good News Is- So Good, It Catches us by Surprise_
I love a pancake feed. Gathering in a fellowship hall that smells like butter and syrup, laughing with one another, stacking our plates high, and trying my hand at flipping...fun (and precarious!) This Sunday, as we hear the story of Lazarus being called out of the tomb, we’re reminded that the good news is not abstract or sentimental. Like a meal enjoyed with family and friends, it is alive. It brings breath back into places that feel sealed shut. In a world thick with bad news, Jesus cries, “Come out!” and we answer. This Lent, we’ll explore how the good news is truly good: grounding like roots reaching deep into rich soil, and alive like Lazarus stepping into the light. We’ll gather around tables and in worship, around pancakes and prayer, to let these stories take root in us. Join us this Sunday for worship, pancakes, and conversation, and for the kind of hope that refuses to stay buried.
Feb 15 "Invitation to Abundant Life: The Man Born Blind"
This Sunday, we gather with the story of Jesus healing a man born blind, a story that invites us to consider how we see, what keeps us from seeing clearly, and how grace can open our eyes in unexpected ways. We live in a world that is quick to judge and divide, and this text reminds us that God’s work is often revealed through compassion, curiosity, and courage. Join us for worship as we reflect together on what it means to move from blindness to sight, from assumption to understanding, and from isolation to community.
February 8, 2026 “Invitation to Abundant Life_ Healing Stories” Sermon
This Sunday is a week of returning. I am returning to Colonial, excited to be with you again. Looking forward to our time of prayer and reflection. We will return this Sunday to our reading of the Gospel of John. In John’s Gospel, Jesus has been out on the road, teaching and healing. On Sunday, he will return to the city of Cana, the place where, a month ago, we heard the story of him turning water into wine, at the urging of his mother. Now, back in Cana, we will hear of another miracle, the healing of a dying son, at the urging of his grieving father. These miracle stories are stories we return to often in our faith, because they give us hope and inspiration. A wedding is saved! A child is healed! But they are also stories that can be troublesome. These are not the kind of events that happen repeatedly in our own lives. What kind of meaning can they possibly hold for us? When we return to Church this Sunday, let’s let the stories of these miracles be proclaimed! Let’s let them inspire us! But let’s also dig a bit deeper and ask some questions. When we hear the Gospel of John, what might we understand about who Jesus is for us today and what he wants for our life? Can these ancient, sometimes difficult stories, offer us fresh ways of seeing and being in the world? I look forward to our returning together this Sunday, Pastor Heather
February 1, 2026
This Sunday in worship, we turn to the story of Nicodemus coming to Jesus. It’s a conversation shaped by honest questions, a bit of courage, and the longing to begin again. Jesus speaks of being born anew, of Spirit, breath, and of the mysterious movement of God that cannot be controlled or contained. At the heart of this passage is a powerful promise: God’s response to the world is not about condemnation, but about love, and an invitation to step into the light.
January 18, 2026 “Encountering the Messiah” Sermon
When I was a teenager, I wore one of those “WWJD” - What Would Jesus Do - bracelets on my wrist. It was a reminder to be mindful of how Jesus might respond to whatever circumstances I was facing in my daily life: frustration at school or at home, an argument with a friend or classmate, or a grumpy customer at the sandwich shop where I used to work. In challenging moments, I could stop and ask myself: if Jesus were here… how would he respond? In many ways, we seem to be living through a cultural and societal inflection point. Every day, we are confronted with new moments that challenge not only our collective humanity, but our capacity to heal from the direction in which we are headed. This Sunday, as we hear the story of Jesus cleansing the Temple - overturning tables and confronting systems that had lost their moral center - we will pause to ask together: what would Jesus do if he were in this trying moment with us? Perhaps we will discover not only what we can do for others, but also what we need for ourselves.
January 11, 2026 “Wedding at Cana” Sermon
In these days following Christmas, when all the decorations are put away, when the darkness of winter is slowly fading, but yet, it’s still cold and dark outside. These are the days that I like to sit down with a good, challenging book! Something I can really sink my teeth into, something that makes me think. That’s what we’re doing these days at Colonial - we are cracking open a good, thought-provoking book! Join us this winter as we read through the Gospel of John. It’s a gospel full of miracles and signs that lead us to an understanding of who Jesus is as the Messiah, and the abundance of life that we are being led into as Christians. This week we will read the first sign (there’s seven in John), the story of the Wedding at Cana. A joyful event that almost went very wrong, for a lack of wine! As we read, I hope it will cause us to wonder. What is Jesus telling us through this first sign? What might we understand about who he is and what he wants for our life? What new ways of seeing and being in the world might we be challenged to?
January 4, 2026 “Epiphany” Sermon
After the decorations are packed away, the calendar turns, and winter has settled in, Epiphany arrives. It can be tempting to stay home, especially when it’s cold and the holidays feel just behind us. And yet, Epiphany offers us something deeply meaningful: a moment to pause, reflect, and step into what comes next in our lives. On Epiphany Sunday, we will close our Advent series, “What do you fear?” with a service centered on fearlessly letting go. As the Magi followed the star into unknown territory, they trusted that light would be enough to guide them forward. Epiphany invites us to do the same, to release what no longer serves us and to open ourselves to new possibilities as we move from 2025 into the unfolding promise of 2026. During worship, we will share in the practice of Star Words. This is an ancient-inspired spiritual tradition, rooted in the story of the star that led the Magi to Christ and shaped by more recent Christian contemplative practice. Rather than making resolutions, you are invited to choose a single word, often surprising, sometimes challenging, that becomes a companion for the year ahead. Many people return to their word throughout the year and discover that it continues to unfold meaning in unexpected ways. This Epiphany, I invite you to brave the cold, step out of the post-holiday haze, and join us for a service grounded in hope, courage, and trust. Come help us close one season and open another. Come let go of what you no longer need to car
December 21, 2025 “When You're Afraid, Give Me Your Hand”
Well, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...but not yet! At church this week we're in the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and we continue with our theme, “What do you fear?” by turning to the story of Joseph, the quiet, courageous figure who stepped forward as Jesus’ adopted father. Scripture tells us little about Joseph’s inner life, but we can imagine the fear, uncertainty, and questions he carried. And yet, when the moment came, Joseph chose presence over paralysis and love over fear. His story invites us to reflect on the fears we carry and what it might look like to step forward anyway.
December 14, 2025 “Even in our Fear, We Are Called Forward” Sermon
This week we continue our Advent journey with Mary’s courageous “yes” in Luke 1:26–39, a yes spoken into a world that felt as fragile then as it does now. Mary’s response to God was not naïve or easy; it was an act of deep trust and brave hope. And it invites us to consider our own "yes": the one we’re longing to say, the one that feels costly, and the one that becomes possible only with our community around us. These days are tough, globally, nationally, personally, and yet Advent reminds us that God’s light still seeks to take flesh in ordinary people, just as it did in Mary. Join us as we reflect on how courage grows, how hope takes root, and how we can say yes to God’s unfolding love even when the world feels uncertain. Then, come back at 4:00 p.m. for our Christmas Concert, featuring beautiful seasonal music to nourish your spirit and deepen your sense of wonder in this holy season. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite friends, family, and neighbors to experience the hope and joy of Advent with you.
November 30, 2025 In the Time of Herod We Long for God to Break In
Our theme throughout Advent asks the question, “Whom Do You Fear?” In Lamentations, the writer says: I called on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” (Lamentations 3:55-57, NIV) Our scripture for today’s sermon comes from Luke, Chapter 1, verses 5-13: During the rule of King Herod of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. They were both righteous before God, blameless in their observance of all the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to become pregnant and they both were very old. One day Zechariah was serving as a priest before God because his priestly division was on duty. Following the customs of priestly service, he was chosen by lottery to go into the Lord’s sanctuary and burn incense. All the people who gathered to worship were praying outside during this hour of incense offering. An angel from the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw the angel, he was startled and overcome with fear. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayers have been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to your son and you must name him John.
November 23, 2025 Promises of Hope: Thanksgiving
This Sunday at Colonial Church we gather for a joyful and meaningful morning as we bring our pledge season to a close. Throughout these past weeks, we’ve reflected on how our giving makes meaning, and how each commitment helps shape the vibrant, compassionate community God is calling us to be. We’ll celebrate that spirit of generosity in worship as we offer our pledge cards and give thanks for all the ways this congregation continues to grow in faith and service. After worship, we’ll gather for our annual Thanksgiving feast! It’s a chance to enjoy good food, good company, and the simple joy of being together. In a world where connection can be hard to find, the church is a place where we can show up as we are, find belonging, and share a little hope (and dessert) with each other. We hope you’ll join us this Sunday as we worship, give thanks, and delight in being part of this church family.
November 16, 2025 Promises of Hope -Isaiah
When we hear “For unto us a child is born…” most of us immediately think of Christmas pageants, candlelight services, and holiday music. But these words from Isaiah were first spoken into a world that was far from peaceful. It was a word of hope given to people living through political turmoil, social upheaval, and deep uncertainty. It was not simply a promise about someday, it was a word of courage for their own weary hearts right then. We know something about weary hearts ourselves. Our world, too, trembles with anxiety and division. We, too, long for light to break into the dark places. This Sunday, we will listen to Isaiah’s ancient promise with fresh ears. What does it mean for us that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light?” How does God speak peace in a world on edge? How do we carry hope that is more than wishful thinking? Come join us for worship this week as we explore Isaiah 9 not as a Christmas memory, but as a living word for a world hungry for peace.
November 9, 2025 Promises of Hope-Amos
This weekend we turn to the prophets for inspiration, hearing words from the prophet, Amos. The prophets of the Hebrew Scripture are voices of old that can seemingly come crashing into our modern world. Their words were certainly meant for the people of their time - speaking to them of God, calling them out for their shortcomings, encouraging them to hear God’s desires for their lives. Somehow, these ancient words still speak to us today. From Amos, we will hear a message spoken to the people of his time, people living in the 8th century northern kingdom of Israel. They were spoken to people who lived comfortable lives. People who worshiped maybe because they were supposed to or maybe because they wanted others to see them, but their worship, Amos says, was hollow. Amos asks this question - how can our worship be authentic if it’s not accompanied by works of justice? It’s a question, I believe, we should still ask ourselves today. It’s a question we will ask this Sunday, as we gather to worship.
November 2, 2025 All Saints
As October draws to a close, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of so many things: All Saints Sunday, stewardship season, the coming of Advent, and (somehow already!) the holiday season. But first, let me say it: Happy Halloween! 🎃 This Sunday we’ll gather for All Saints Sunday, a time to remember those who have gone before us and to listen, like the prophet Elijah, for the still, small voice of God that speaks not in noise or fire, but in silence and gentleness. In a world where so much feels uncertain or “wrong,” we come to be reminded that God’s quiet presence still renews and sustains us and that through our community, we can create a refuge of belonging, compassion, and hope for all who need it most. It’s also stewardship season, and we’ll continue to celebrate the many ministries that make Colonial Church so unique. You will receive copies of this year’s narrative budget, a story of how your generosity becomes ministry: transforming lives, building relationships, and sustaining the mission of love we share together. And don’t forget... our Holiday Bazaar is just around the corner on November 8 & 9! As Lisarae Turnbell mentioned this past week, 10% of sales go to support our Outreach Board and the work they do in supporting local and global mission partners. Come find treasures, treats, and the warmth of community as we kick off the festive season together. So come this Sunday to remember, to listen, and to be renewed. Even in the stillness, God is here.
October 26, 2025 Called by God: Solomon
Today’s scripture comes from the book of 1st Kings, and is read in the Common English Bible: When King Hiram of Tyre heard that Solomon had succeeded his father David, he sent envoys, for Hiram had always been a friend to David. Solomon replied, “You know my father could not build a house for the Lord because of war on every side, but now God has given me peace. I will build a house for the name of the Lord, as God promised my father.” Then Solomon gathered Israel’s elders and leaders in Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the covenant from the city of David. The priests and Levites carried the ark, the tent, and the sacred vessels, while Solomon and all Israel offered countless sacrifices. They set the ark in the inner sanctuary beneath the wings of the cherubim. Nothing was in the ark but the tablets of stone placed there by Moses at Horeb. When the priests withdrew, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 1
October 19, 2025 Called by God - David
Today’s scripture comes from 1st Samuel 16:1-13 and is read in the Common English Bible: The Lord said to Samuel, “How long are you going to grieve over Saul? I have rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem because I have found my next king among his sons.” “How can I do that?” Samuel asked. “When Saul hears of it he’ll kill me!” “Take a heifer with you,” the Lord replied, “and say, ‘I have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will make clear to you what you should do. You will anoint for me the person I point out to you.” Samuel did what the Lord instructed. When he came to Bethlehem, the city elders came to meet him. They were shaking with fear. “Do you come in peace?” they asked. “Yes,” Samuel answered. “I’ve come to make a sacrifice to the Lord. Now make yourselves holy, then come with me to the sacrifice.” Samuel made Jesse and his sons holy and invited them to the sacrifice as well. When they arrived, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, That must be the Lord’s anointed right in front. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Have no regard for his appearance or stature, because I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the Lord sees into the heart.” Next Jesse called for Abinadab, who presented himself to Samuel, but he said, “The Lord hasn’t chosen this one either.” So Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “No, the Lord hasn’t chosen this one.” Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord hasn’t picked any of these.” Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Is that all of your boys?” “There is still the youngest one,” Jesse answered, “but he’s out keeping the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel told Jesse, “because we can’t proceed until he gets here.” So Jesse sent and brought him in. He was reddish brown, had beautiful eyes, and was good-looking. The Lord said, “That’s the one. Go anoint him.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him right there in front of his brothers. The Lord’s spirit came over David from that point forward. Then Samuel left and went to Ramah.
October 12, 2025 Called by God: Samuel
The sermon is based on the following scripture. It comes from 1 Samuel 3:1-21 and is read in the Common English Bible: Now the boy Samuel was serving the Lord under Eli. The Lord’s word was rare at that time, and visions weren’t widely known. One day Eli, whose eyes had grown so weak he was unable to see, was lying down in his room. God’s lamp hadn’t gone out yet, and Samuel was lying down in the Lord’s temple, where God’s chest was. The Lord called to Samuel. “I’m here,” he said. Samuel hurried to Eli and said, “I’m here. You called me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go lie down.” So he did. Again the Lord called Samuel, so Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “I’m here. You called me?” “I didn’t call, my son,” Eli replied. “Go and lie down.” (Now Samuel didn’t yet know the Lord, and the Lord’s word hadn’t yet been revealed to him.) A third time the Lord called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “I’m here. You called me?” Then Eli realized that it was the Lord who was calling the boy. So Eli said to Samuel, “Go and lie down. If he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down where he’d been. Then the Lord came and stood there, calling just as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel said, “Speak. Your servant is listening.” The Lord said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of all who hear it tingle! On that day, I will bring to pass against Eli everything I said about his household—every last bit of it! I told him that I would punish his family forever because of the wrongdoing he knew about—how his sons were cursing God, but he wouldn’t stop them. Because of that I swore about Eli’s household that his family’s wrongdoing will never be reconciled by sacrifice or by offering.” Samuel lay there until morning, then opened the doors of the Lord’s house. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel, saying: “Samuel, my son!” “I’m here,” Samuel said. “What did he say to you?” Eli asked. “Don’t hide anything from me. May God deal harshly with you and worse still if you hide from me a single word from everything he said to you.” So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. “He is the Lord, ” Eli said. “He will do as he pleases.” So Samuel grew up, and the Lord was with him, not allowing any of his words to fail. All Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was trustworthy as the Lord’s prophet. The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh because the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh through the Lord’s own word.
October 5, 2025 World Communion Sunday
Last week we had the opportunity to hear from Drs. Stacey Algren and Lisa Gilmer about their experiences in Malawi and in climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Their commitment to caring for those most in need is a powerful reminder of the urgency of compassion in a world torn by violence, war, and greed. This Sunday, we encounter another way of being and living as we celebrate World Communion Sunday, joining with billions of Christians around the globe to experience God’s extravagant good news of abundance as we share the bread and the cup. We’ll ask ourselves: What might living in the world be like if everyone had what they needed? We’ll also hear the story of God providing the Israelites with “manna in the desert,” a story of trust, provision, and daily bread that speaks deeply to our own hopes for the communities in which we live. In this week’s Crier we shared a link to the 2026 Interest Survey along with a list of upcoming group activities you may want to join. Please take a few minutes to let us know what sparks your interest. And if the group you’d like to join doesn’t begin right away, don’t worry, we plan to rotate these opportunities throughout the year so that everyone can try something new and find their place of connection.
September 28, 2025 Holy Ground
This Sunday we welcome special guests Drs. Stacey Algren and Lisa Gilmer. They will share stories from their work at Pothawira, Malawi, one of the organizations Colonial supports through our Mission & Outreach ministries, and we'll hear of their climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro, where their experience revealed new challenges and fresh perspectives. At its heart, Pothawira (“Safe Haven”) is about giving women and children in Malawi the chance to thrive, through healthcare, education, and a loving home for orphaned children. As Drs. Algren and Gilmer share their journeys, we’ll be reminded how stepping beyond our routines can open us to new possibilities of hope and transformation, both for ourselves and those most in need.
September 21, 2025 Face to Face
Conflict comes with community - it’s not a matter of if you'll encounter it, but when. Sooner or later, someone will say or do something that frustrates you. The question is: what will you choose in that moment? Viktor Frankl reminds us there’s a space between stimulus and response, and in that space lies our growth and our freedom. We get to decide. And there's a great deal of power in that. This Sunday we’ll hear the wild story of Jacob and Esau, filled with deception, disguises, and a birthright hanging in the balance. Watch how these deeply flawed human beings (and their scheming mother!) push the story forward, and notice how God shows up in the midst of it all. If you’ve ever thought, “there has to be a better way,” we’ll explore faithful practices that help us respond to difficult moments rather than simply react.