WEEKLY WORSHIP

​​​"​We Are the Church Together" is a reminder that the church is not just a building or a Sunday morning ritual, but a living community of people joined by faith and love. It speaks to the truth that God never designed the Christian journey to be a solo walk. Instead, we are called to be part of one body, each member playing a vital role, each gift and voice adding to the whole. In times when the world feels divided or overwhelming, the church becomes a sanctuary of belonging, a place where burdens are shared, joys are celebrated, and hope is renewed through collective strength. At its heart, the message calls believers to embrace the truth that unity is not about uniformity, but about walking side by side in Christ’s love. Every hand extended in kindness, every prayer lifted, every act of service, and every shared moment of worship strengthens the bond that holds the body of Christ together. The sermon invites us to see that when we gather, whether in song, scripture, or service, we embody the living presence of Christ in the world. It is not “I am the church” or “you are the church,” but we are the church together; a community where God’s love comes alive through the unity and witness of His people. Watch it here.​

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“The Gift, and the Weight, of Freedom” was born out of the heartbreaking events in Minneapolis. During a Catholic school Mass marking the beginning of the school year, a gunman opened fire through the church windows. Two children were killed, and many others were injured: most of them also children. What should have been a sacred moment of joy and worship became a scene of terror and grief. Our hearts ache for the families, the school, the church, and the community that now carries the weight of this devastating loss. ​In moments like this, the question inevitably rises: “How could God let this happen?” It is a question as old as faith itself, raw and honest, echoing in the hearts of all who grieve. ​Together, we reflected on the profound truth that God has given humanity the gift of freedom. It is a beautiful gift, granting us the ability to choose love, kindness, compassion, and service. Yet with this gift comes a sobering reality: that same freedom can be misused in ways that bring pain, suffering, and unimaginable loss. ​And so, we wrestled with the tension between gift and weight, between light and shadow. But even in the face of tragedy, we clung to hope, the unshakable hope that God is still with us, still calling us, still guiding us. Our freedom, when rooted in Christ, becomes an instrument of healing, peace, and reconciliation. As a community, we are reminded that our calling is not only to ask the hard questions but also to live the faithful answers. By choosing daily to walk in love, to extend grace, and to shine light, we participate in God’s redemptive work in a world that longs for healing. ​May this message inspire us to use our freedom well; to be agents of peace, bearers of light, and witnesses of hope in the midst of sorrow. Watch it here.

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"I Love You, Come Home” is a sermon that captures the heartbeat of God’s message to humanity. Throughout the pages of Scripture, from the story of the prodigal son to the promises of Jesus, we see a God who is not distant or cold, but a loving Father who longs for His children to return to Him. Too often we try to run our own way, chase after empty promises, or carry the weight of guilt and shame. Pastor Jerry shows us that God’s voice continues to call, gentle but firm: ‘I love you, come home.’ This is not just an invitation, but a promise that home is a place of forgiveness, healing, and restoration. It is where we are reminded of our true identity as beloved children of God. No matter how far we have wandered, the door is always open, the light is always on, and God is waiting with arms outstretched. To hear and respond to that call is to step into the fullness of grace, mercy, and joy that only He can provide. Watch it here.

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In “God Is Not a Vending Machine”, Pastor Jerry challenges us to rethink how  we approach our relationship with the Lord. Too often, we fall into the trap of thinking that if we put in a certain prayer, a tithe, or a good deed, God should immediately return a blessing, just like a vending machine dispensing a snack. But God’s ways are not transactional; His love and His grace cannot be bought or bargained for. Instead, faith is about trust, surrender, and walking in obedience even when the outcome is not what we expect. God knows what we need far better than we do, and He often uses delays, trials, and unexpected answers to shape our hearts and strengthen our character. True faith learns to lean on God not for quick fixes, but for daily guidance, deeper transformation, and the abundant life that only He can provide. Watch it here.​​​​

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​"Remember Patty" is a sermon built around two simple but powerful truths: first, there are always people who are carrying heavier burdens than our own, and second, God calls us to help whenever and however we can. Through the story of Patty, Pastor Jerry reminds us that perspective matters. Gratitude grows when we recognize the struggles others face, and compassion deepens when we respond with love. This message challenges us to stop comparing, start caring, and look for everyday opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ. Practical, heartfelt, and rooted in the call to serve, “Remember Patty” invites us to live with open eyes and open hearts, never missing the chance to extend God’s grace to someone in need.  Watch it here.

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​"God Is Still Cooking on Me" is a sermon that uses the imagery of the kitchen to describe God’s ongoing work in our lives. Just as a master chef knows when a dish needs more time, more seasoning, or more care, Pastor Jerry reminds us that God is not finished with us yet. Life’s challenges, struggles, and even setbacks are part of the process God uses to shape us into something beautiful and whole. Drawing from Jeremiah 29:11, which promises God’s plans for our future, and 2 Corinthians 3:18, which speaks of being transformed into Christ’s likeness, this message encourages us to see ourselves as works in progress. We may feel incomplete, but God is still stirring, refining, and preparing us with grace. With humor, honesty, and encouragement, Pastor Jerry assures us that the “recipe” of our lives is in the hands of the best Chef of all. And when God is finished, the result will be more wonderful than we can imagine. Watch it here.

 

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"GODISNOWHERE" challenges us to consider how perspective shapes our faith. At first glance, the phrase can read “God is nowhere”—a cry of doubt, loneliness, or despair. But with a shift of vision, the same letters become “God is now here” which is a declaration of hope, presence, and trust. In this sermon, Pastor Jerry explores how life’s circumstances often make it hard to see God at work. Drawing on scripture and real-life experience, he reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is closer than we realize. With honesty and encouragement, this message invites us to look again, shift our perspective, and recognize God’s nearness in every situation. Whether you feel abandoned or assured, “GODISNOWHERE” is a reminder that God’s presence is not defined by our perception but by His promise: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Watch it here.

 

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"It’s Only A Test" is a sermon that reframes the way we think about life’s trials. So often, challenges feel like punishments or obstacles meant to hold us back. But Pastor Jerry reminds us through scripture that these moments are not meant to break us, they are opportunities to build our faith, deepen our trust, and shape us into who God is calling us to be. Drawing from passages like James 1:2–4, which calls us to “consider it pure joy when we face trials,” and 1 Peter 1:6–7, which speaks of faith refined by fire, Pastor Jerry shows how God can use every struggle as a classroom for growth. Just as a test in school measures our readiness to move forward, the “tests” of life reveal our reliance on God and prepare us for what’s next. This message offers hope, encouragement, and a gentle reminder: God has not abandoned us in our struggles. Instead, He is walking with us, strengthening us, and assuring us that every test is an opportunity to experience His grace in new ways. Watch it here.

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"My Spiritual Journey" was Pastor Jerry’s second sermon at Arlington Street United Methodist Church. In this deeply personal message, he opens his heart about his lifelong struggle of reconciling faith and sexuality as a gay Christian. With honesty, vulnerability, and hope, Pastor Jerry reflects on the challenges, questions, and moments of grace that have shaped his walk with God. This sermon is more than a personal testimony. It is an invitation for the church to embrace authenticity, practice radical love, and recognize that God’s call is for all people. Through his story, Pastor Jerry reminds us that following Christ is not about perfection, but about courageously walking in truth, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient and God’s love is unconditional. Watch it here. 

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"Following God’s Lead – Wherever, Whenever" was Pastor Jerry’s very first sermon at Arlington Street United Methodist Church. In this message, he introduces himself to the congregation and shares from the heart about the current state of ASUMC and its strengths, challenges, and hopes for the future. With warmth and honesty, Pastor Jerry invites the church to look forward with faith, reminding us that God calls His people to follow wherever He leads, in His timing and in His way. This sermon is both a personal introduction and a vision-setting moment, laying the foundation for a season of growth, renewal, and trust in God’s direction. It’s a call to step forward together, confident that God is not finished with us yet.

​Watch it here.