St. Stephen United Methodist Church: Sunday Sermons

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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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Join us for the first message in our new series, "Three Words We Long to Hear," as Pastor Ken Curtis dives into the "magic word" we often take for granted: Please. In this sermon, we look at the story of Abigail, a woman whose humble request saved her entire household from disaster. Discover how shifting from demands to invitations can lower the "temperature" in your home, workplace, and heart. Are your words pushing people away, or pulling them closer? Learn how to practice the life-changing power of a sincere "please" this week.
Sermon Reflections:

Pastor Ken mentions that our words have the power to "form worlds." In what areas of your life have your words recently been more sharp or demanding than creative and life-giving?
Abigail approached an angry, armed David with a humble "please" instead of a defensive demand. Think of a current "volatile situation" in your life. How might a change in posture change the outcome?
Pastor Ken describes "please" as an invitation rather than a command. Why is an invitation more effective at making people "lean in and listen" than a direct order? 
How does the act of saying "please" represent a shift from trying to control a situation to trusting the other person (and God)?
This week, where can you intentionally practice using "please" not just as a habit of politeness, but as a sincere expression of humility?

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Pastor Ken leads us in exploring our sacred calling to be stewards of the earth. Drawing from Genesis, he helps us clarify what it means to have "dominion" over creation—shifting our perspective from ownership to accountability. Whether it's through the "Overview Effect" experienced by astronauts or the simple of act of planting a tomato seed, learn how we can rediscover the wonder of God's world and commit to practical habits that protect it for future generations.
Sermon Reflections:

Pastor Ken mentions that "dominion" is often misinterpreted as a right to do whatever we want. How does viewing yourself as a "steward" rather than an "owner" change your daily interaction with nature?
How can we cultivate the "Overview Effect" in our own lives without traveling to space? What local "miracles" in creation have you overlooked lately?
Pastor Ken notes that we treat gifts from loved ones with more care than items we buy for ourselves. How would your habits change if you viewed every natural resource as a personal gift from God?
Ellie Cypert perspective on climate change and the desire for a "regenerative and thriving" future. How can older generations better support the environmental concerns of younger generations?
What is one "unintentional" habit in your household (like throwing recyclables in the trash) that you can consciously change this week?
Genesis 1 states that God saw everything God made and called it "very good." What are some specific ways we can "bear God’s image" by reflecting God's care for the environment?

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St. Stephen Minister of Music Dr. John Blizzard offers a moving exploration of what it truly means to live with courage. Drawing from the profound words of John 15:9-17, this sermon challenges us to see courage not just as an act of bravery, but as an extension of the sacrificial love Jesus calls us to share with one another. John weaves together biblical teaching, historical reflections, and personal stories to illustrate how love provides the strength to face our greatest fears. Discover how "abiding in love" transforms our perspective and empowers us to stand firm in our faith. 
Sermon Reflections:

Jesus commands us to love one another as he has loved us. How does this Jesus' definition of love require more courage than our standard definition of love?
John discusses the concept of "abiding." What does it look like practically to "abide in love" when you are currently facing a situation that makes you feel afraid?
The scripture mentions that the greatest love is to lay down one's life for friends. In what small, daily ways can we "lay down our lives" for others to show Christ-like courage?
John references Profiles in Courage. Who is a historical or contemporary figure that you believe embodies the type of courage described in this sermon, and why?
Looking at the personal stories shared in the sermon, how does the legacy of those who came before us give us the courage to face our own modern-day challenges?
Is courage something we must generate from within ourselves, or is it a gift we receive through our relationship with God?

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In this Easter Sunday message, Pastor Ken brings to a close our Lenten worship and study series, "A Place at the Table." Together, we explore the unexpected reality of the first Resurrection morning. We look on at the women at the tomb and the disciples on the road to Emmaus who were met not with immediate victory, but with confusion and emptiness. We learn why an empty place is not evidence of God's absence, but the first sign of something new. The empty tomb gives us a new meting to our seasons of loss, helping us understand how God works not just through addition, but by removing what doesn't give life to make room for the miraculous power of Resurrection.
Sermon Reflections:

Pastor Ken suggests that an "empty place" is often the first sign of a new work from God. How does this perspective change how you view a current "empty" or difficult season in your life?
We often tell the Easter story from the ending (victory), but the first Easter felt like confusion. How can you find hope when you are still in the "middle" of a confusing situation?
Why do you think it is sometimes necessary for God to "prune" or remove things from our lives that do not give us life, rather than just adding more to them?
The disciples on the road to Emmaus were walking away from Jerusalem — away from the site of the miracle. Are there areas where you are walking away from hope because of unmet expectations?
Jesus walked with the disciples even when they were in a "fog" and couldn't recognize him. Where might Christ be present in your life right now, even if he feels hidden?
If the Resurrection means everyone is welcome at the table, how can you practice radical inclusion and grace in your community this week?

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