Sermons by Randy

Scripture gives us a few "snapshots" of Daniel’s life. We learn, that as a young man, Daniel was taken prisoner by the Babylonian army when Jerusalem was captured. He remained faithful to God even when it meant risking his life. We discover that already in the first snapshot we have of Daniel: “But Daniel made … Read more

“You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge one yourself.” (James A. Froude) Joseph was passionate about life.We encounter Joseph as a young, somewhat cocky, 17 year-old kid who has great dreams. And he loves to tell others about his dreams. He’s passionate about life. But that passion gets Joseph in … Read more

We begin a new series today called "The Character Tour," which focuses on character in the lives of a few biblical characters. Next week we’ll take a look at Joseph and then Daniel. Today, we’re going to talk about Samson. Character “Charisma without character leads to catastrophe.” (Peter Kuzmic) “The price of greatness is responsibility.” … Read more

Mark 1.29-39 Today is a day of new beginnings for all of us. It’s my first Sunday at the 12th Street UMC in Huntingdon, PA.  And it’s also the first Sunday for the newly merged Hope UMC (formerly Alexandria and Barree UMCs). This is also the beginning of a new charge – the Huntingdon 12th … Read more

I’m thinking a lot about transition these days. Today is my last Sunday at Petersburg, and it’s also the last Sunday for Alexandria and Barree as seaprate congregations. Next week, these two congregations will become one new church, "Hope UMC." There’s a lot of transition in the Scriptures, too. Today, we’re going to look at … Read more

[Note: Joleen and I traded places today. Joleen preached at Petersburg and Alexandria/Barree and I preached at Wesley Chapel, Ennisville, and Faith. We each repeated our sermons from Pentecost Sunday two weeks ago to give our churches another perspective on the importance of Pentecost. You can read Joleen’s Pentecost Sunday sermon here: Can We Talk? … Read more

[Note: Instead of a typical "sermon," today we took time to reflect on and discuss Annual Conference.] "Our Communities: Right Here! Right Now!" That was the theme of Annual Conference (Central PA Conference of the United Methodist Church) which took place during the last few days at Messiah College (Grantham, PA). It’s part of the … Read more

Today is Pentecost Sunday. Just before Jesus returned to heaven, he instructed his disciples, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised. Remember, I have told you about this before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1.4-5). I … Read more

Genesis 32.22-32 Jacob prepares for confrontation But during the night Jacob got up and sent his two wives, two concubines, and eleven sons across the Jabbok River. After they were on the other side, he sent over all his possessions. This left Jacob all alone in the camp … (Gen 32.22-24a) Jacob wrestles God … … Read more

Today, we’re going to talk about one more discipleship essential: surrender. Jesus said, "If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross each day and follow me. If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your … Read more