St. Stephen United Methodist Church: Sunday Sermons

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What’s the difference between happiness and joy? In this message, we explore John 15:9-11, where Jesus talks about joy the night before his crucifixion. Happiness is based on what happens — it’s circumstantial and fades when life gets hard. But joy is different. Joy is a Spirit-produced assurance that even while life gets difficult, God is still good. Many of us are running on 2% spirituality because we’re chasing happiness through circumstances instead of choosing joy in connection with Christ. The message encourages us to stop trying to self-produce joy and instead draw right from the source.
Sermon Reflections:
What's one thing that used to make you happy but has lost its appeal over time? What does that reveal about the nature of happiness?
What's the difference between happiness and joy? Can you think of a time when you experienced joy even though your circumstances were not happy?
What drains your spiritual battery? What recharges it?
Why do you think obedience (keeping God's commands) is connected to joy? How do God's commands protect rather than limit our joy?
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas sang in prison. What was the source of their joy in suffering? How can we cultivate that same perspective?
What's one circumstance in your life right now where you need to choose joy rather than wait for happiness? What would that look like this week?

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In this weekly message, Pastor Ken guides us as we celebrate Pentecost — the birthday of the church — and Aldersgate Day, when John Wesley's heart was "strangely warmed" 288 years ago. Both moments remind us that God is in the business of lighting fires in human hearts. In this message, we explore how faith, like a campfire, needs tending. The Bible shows us that God's presence is often revealed through fire: the burning bush, the pillar of fire, Mount Sinai, and the tongues of fire at Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit came upon uprdinarx people in that upper room, God empowered them to do extraordinary things. The same Spirit is available to us today, but we must tend the flame through prayer, worship, scripture, and community. No one drifts into a vibrant faith. As Paul told Timothy, we must fan into flame the gift of God within us. Join us as we discover how to keep our spiritual fire burning brightly.
Sermon Reflections:
When has your faith felt like it was burning brightly, and when has it felt like fading embers?
At Pentecost, God chose ordinary people with real failures and doubts to birth God's church. Why do you think God works through ordinary people rather than spiritual heroes? How does this encourage you?
Throughout scripture, fire represents God's presence: the burning bush, the pillar of fire, Mount Sinai, and Pentecost. What does fire symbolize about God's character and how God works in our lives?
John Wesley wrote: "I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out." What's the difference between having a form of religion and having spiritual fire? How can we avoid going through the motions?

No one drifts into a vibrant faith — a flame must be fanned. What spiritual practices help you tend the fire in your own heart? Which practices have you been neglecting?

The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Which of these four practices is strongest in your life? Which needs more attention?

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In this powerful message for Confirmation Sunday (view the entire traditional livestream, including the presentation of confirmands), Pastor Ken Curtis delivers a moving sermon entitled, "Remember Who You Are." 
We live in a noisy world that constantly bombards us with false metrics of worth—telling us our value is entirely defined by our physical appearance, our career performance, or what other people think of us. But God's voice speaks louder than culture, declaring: "You are my beloved." 
Drawing from Matthew 3:13-17, Pastor Ken looks at the baptism of Jesus to reveal how our spiritual identity must always precede our activity. This sermon challenges us to stop letting our past or our performance define us. Instead, we are called to reclaim our true identity as children of the one true King.  
Sermon Reflections:

Pastor Ken tells the story of an adopted man who discovered his birth father was a Nigerian king and a homeless man who wept upon hearing his true name spoken. How do these powerful moments illustrate the spiritual awakening that happens when a person realizes they are a child of God?
A multi-billion dollar beauty industry and a performance-driven culture teach us to find our worth in physical appearance or professional metrics. In what areas of your daily life do you find yourself most tempted to chase these counterfeit sources of validation?
Before Jesus performed any miracles or preached to the crowds, God spoke over Him: "This is my son the beloved with whom I am well pleased." How does the truth that "identity comes before activity" challenge the way you view your personal productivity, work, and value?
Martin Luther used to counter spiritual anxiety by boldly stating "I am baptized" rather than "I was baptized." What is a daily reminder or spiritual practice you can implement to silence internal voices of shame, guilt, and failure?
Pastor Ken emphasizes that faith was never meant to be lived alone and that we need a church community of "truth-tellers" to remind us of who we are when we forget. Who are the truth-tellers in your life, and how can you better cultivate a community that keeps you grounded in God's truth?

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Welcome to the conclusion of our series, "Three Words We Long to Hear." This week, Pastor Ken Curtis explores the profound impact of the word "Thanks." Drawing from Psalm 56, we look at the life of David—not when we was celebrating a victory, but when he was a prisoner in enemy territory. We're introduced to a type of thanksgiving that isn't just a polite response to a good outcome, but a bold declaration of God's goodness before the rescue even happens.
Whether you're waiting for an answer, facing a difficult diagnosis, or simply navigating the "ordinary" frustrations of daily life, discover how giving thanks in the midst of the "not yet" can shift your perspective and loosen the grip of fear.
Sermon Reflections:

Pastor Ken describes a type of thanksgiving where praise is offered before an outcome is decided. How does this change your understanding of what it means to be thankful?
David gave thanks while still in prison. What is a "not yet" situation in your life right now where you are waiting for an answer or a resolution?
Pastor Ken notes that David’s gratitude was grounded in trust, not outcomes. Is your current gratitude dependent on things "going well," or is it rooted in the character of God?
How might your day change if you started it by giving thanks for the grace and strength you will need, rather than just listing requests to God?
Pastor Ken says "the word we long to hear is often the word someone else is waiting on from us." Who in your life needs to hear a specific "thank you" from you today?
Pastor Ken suggests attaching thanks to ordinary (or even frustrating) things, like laundry. What is one "ordinary" thing you can choose to be thankful for today?

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In a world filled with pride and defensiveness, "sorry" often feels like the hardest word to utter. In this second part of our series, "Three Words We Long to Hear," Pastor Ken Curtis dives into the complex power of apology. Using the dramatic story of David and King Saul from 1 Samuel 26, we explore why a true apology requires absolute ownership—without the "ifs" or "buts" that we so often use to protect our egos. Is your apology a fleeting moment or a movement toward change? Join us as we reflect on the journey of repentance, the gradual process of sanctification, and the grace found at the communion table for those of us who are still "turning" toward the light.
Sermon Reflections:

Pastor Ken notes that "sorry" is hard because it’s attached to pride. In what areas of your life does pride most often prevent you from admitting you’re wrong?
We often say, "I'm sorry, but..." How does adding a justification or excuse change the impact of an apology?
Looking at Saul’s confession in 1 Samuel 26, he admits he was a "fool." What does it look like to take full ownership of a mistake today?
Saul said the right words but didn't change his behavior. Why are words alone insufficient for restoration?
Repentance is described as turning a large ship—it takes time. Where in your life are you currently in the "gradual process" of changing direction?
Who has God placed on your heart this week that needs to hear a sincere, unconditional "I'm sorry" from you?

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