Sermons
Children in Palms
Sermon Text Matthew 21:1-11 Preached April 13, 2014 in Ankeny UCC What changes in the crowds between Sunday and Friday? When are we part of the anonymous acclimation, and when are we like Jesus's disciples who quietly procure the donkey and colt he needs? Where will we be when the work must be done?
The Pain of Resurrection
Preached in Ankeny UCC by Rev. Nathan Willard Sermon Text: John 11:1-45 Mary and Martha both suffer in their disappointment at Jesus's failure to save their brother. We don't hear Lazarus's reaction to his resurrection, but we spend a long time with his sisters' responses to his death. What do their reactions bring out in […]
Reflections from the Snow
Preached on February 9, 2014 Sermon Text Matthew 5:13-20 Our faith calls us to ask big questions, not to fear them. As we embrace all the wonder and curiosity that science encourages, we must also make sure that it does not become an idol. With all changes in life, we must be aware of the […]
What Kind Love
Preached February 2, 2014 by Rev. Nathan Willard Sermon Text Micah 6:1-8 We are always blind to our own privilege, to the evils we have done in order to improve our own status. Micah warns us that placing blame on God for the just criticism we encounter is foolish. The story does not begin with […]
Fishing in the Fields
Preached January 26, 2014 in Ankeny UCC by Nathan Willard Sermon Text Matthew 4:12-23 In his call to his first disciples, Jesus goes to where they are, and offers them the opportunity to continuing to work as they had been, only more so. Not only fishermen, they would be fishers of people, able to use […]