Sermons & Worship (Page 2)

Ode to Thomas

By Reverend Dr. Ken Williams. Since 1977 Rev. Williams has served in both pastoral ministry and as an American Baptist Churches, USA denominational executive. Scripture: John 20:24-31

Pouring Oil on Troubled Waters

By Larry Casey, a UUC member who preaches from time to time. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3; Ephesians 4:1-6 When I first learned back in May that I was scheduled to preach in September, I knew I wanted to talk about the divisiveness that characterizes not only our political discourse, but our society, our country. We find it sometimes in our own attitudes, our words, our tendency to dismiss the opinions of those on the “other” side. We too often hear about…

God’s Children and Love

By Dr. Jayne Swanson Jayne was a member of UUC in the 1990s and was its licensed lay pastor the year before she moved to Belfast, NY. She is currently a member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church. She has a PhD in sociology, spent most of her career as a professor at Houghton University, and the last seven years of her career as an administrator at Alfred State. Now in retirement she teaches Social Theory at Alfred University among other…

Order and Hospitality in the Midst of Exile

By Dr. Alex Wright Alex Wright is an Assistant Professor of Management, Hoselton Chair of Business Ethics, and MBA Program Director at Houghton University. He previously served in a variety of pastoral ministry roles in mainline, evangelical, and non-denominational churches. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University. Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 13:1-3

Parable of the Lost Dogs

By Rev. Wendy DeMott Fambro Rev. Fambro is an ordained American Baptist minister who retired 2 years ago after serving a variety of churches and campus ministries. She now works full-time teaching tai chi and wellness classes to older adults in the Finger Lakes region. Scripture: Acts 14:21-27; John 13:31-35

Gentleness in an Age of Rage

By Dr. Jonathan Case Dr. Case is Professor of Theology at Houghton University. Previously he served as Lecturer in Theological Studies at Kingsley College, Melbourne (Australia) and as a pastor in western Oklahoma. Scripture: Philippians 4:1-7

Groaning with Purpose

By Dr. Marc Smithers Marc Smithers lives in Belfast with his wife, Ailie, their two kids, and their border collie, Fly. He attends the Sojourner’s Mennonite Fellowship in Belfast, NY and serves on its leadership team. He holds a master’s in higher education and a doctorate in organizational leadership. He currently works as a grants researcher after serving fourteen years in student affairs. Scripture: Romans 8:12-25

On the Resurrection of the Body and Knowing in Full

By Sarah Jacoby Murphy Sarah earned a B.A. from Houghton University and M.Div from Duke Divinity School. She has spent most of her career working in the nonprofit sector and has a particular interest in the areas of immigration and the environment. Scripture: I Corinthians 13:8-13; John 20:1-2, 11-18 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts be pleasing to you, O God. For you are our Rock and our Redeemer, the one who…

On Knowing in Part and the Things that Remain

By Sarah Jacoby Murphy Sarah earned a B.A. from Houghton University and M.Div from Duke Divinity School. She has spent most of her career working in the nonprofit sector and has a particular interest in the areas of immigration and the environment. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13; Matthew 25:31-40 It is good to be back with all of you! This is my third time preaching here, and each time I visit I am struck by the warmth and hospitality of your…