Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # White Plains United Methodist Church in Cary NC Cary, North Carolina ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://wpumc.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Posts](https://wpumc.com/news-events/posts/) - [Sanctuary Closed for Ceiling Repairs](https://wpumc.com/announcement/sanctuary-closed-for-ceiling-repairs/) - Our White Plains UMC Sanctuary is closed and off-limits while ceiling repairs are underway. For further details, please read this congregational letter from the Trustees and Pastor Kelly Lyn - [Now Hiring: Contemporary Worship Leader](https://wpumc.com/how-to-help/job-openings/now-hiring-contemporary-worship-leader/) - We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Contemporary Worship Leader to guide our congregation in worship and spiritual growth. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of music as a form of worship. This role involves leading musical worship on Sundays and educating and mentoring team members to foster a - [Hurricane Relief](https://wpumc.com/how-to-help/hurricane-relief/) - United in Support: How You Can Help After Hurricane Helene Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Western North Carolina and across the Southeast in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's devastating flooding and severe weather. NC Conference Disaster Ministries has been in touch with the Western NC Conference of The United Methodist Church - [Making an Impact through the Food Pantry Ministry](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/making-an-impact-through-the-food-pantry-ministry/) - The purpose of the White Plains UMC Food Pantry is to share God’s love, without discrimination, in a visible and tangible way. We treat those who come for food as true guests. This ministry exists to serve Cary, NC, and the surrounding community by providing food, and so much more to anyone in need. The Food Pantry - [How can prayer help the ministries of our church?](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/how-can-prayer-help-the-ministries-of-our-church/) - Prayer is the firm foundation for everything we do at White Plains UMC. Prayer is a constant in our everyday lives and is what helps guide our path. There can never be such a thing as too much prayer, which is a good thing because prayer is a way that everyone can participate in the ministry - [What is Lent and How to Honor God this Lenten Season](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/what-is-lent-and-how-to-honor-god-this-lenten-season/) - So, what is Lent? By definition, it’s the forty days before Easter, excluding Sundays. Basically, it’s a tithe of the year, if you round up a little bit. A tithe of time--we’re supposed to tithe at least 10% of our money, our food, our resources, our time to God, and it’s supposed to be the - [It's A New Year](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/its-a-new-year/) - It’s a new year. What are you going to do with it? Lots of people, myself included, make resolutions to become a better version of themselves, especially during this season. For example, some people vow to be healthier and join a gym. Memberships are up in January. Attendance drops in March. People make plans to - [The Spiritual Discipline of Holy Play](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/the-spiritual-discipline-of-holy-play/) - When you think of spiritual disciplines what pops into your mind? Tithing? Fasting? Study? Ever think of play being a spiritual discipline? No. Me neither. But according to Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, “Play is the exuberant expression of our being. It is at the heart of our creativity... It helps us live with absurdity, - [Surviving Isolation](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/surviving-isolation/) - In the 4th century, desert mothers and fathers chose to live in isolation, away from the busyness of the world in order to focus on God. They moved into caves in the middle of the desert. Today, people choose to join a cloistered monastery and live a life separated from the busyness of the world. - [Taking the Next Step - Robin on Extravagant Generosity](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/taking-the-next-step-robin-on-extravagant-generosity/) - Recently Robin shared her personal Discipleship journey from duty to generosity. This was part of our Taking the Next Step generosity initiative but it is relevant to our overall vision to be a Disciple-making church on mission for Christ. Take a look! - [That They May Be One (SJ #2)](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/that-they-may-be-one/) - Books that contribute to a fuller understanding of the issues regarding ministry to and with LGBGQ people in the United Methodist Church. - [A response from Pastor Ray to recent news stories about the United Methodist Church](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/pastor-ray-umc-news-response/) - Friends, you may have read or seen recent news reports concerning our denomination. Let me just help clarify what this does and doesn’t mean. First, keep in mind that not all news sources have full knowledge of the details surrounding these events. A great and trustworthy site for further information is umnews.org If you ever - [Poverty: How Little We Know! (SJ #3)](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/poverty-how-little-we-know/) - Poverty, slavery, slavery to poverty — still all too real in the twenty-first century. We are moved to action to the extent that we feel the pain. But we know so little! - [When Trouble Strikes](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/when-trouble-strikes/) - Trouble strikes all of us. Rich, poor, young, old, black, brown, white, gay, straight — we all experience trouble at one time or another. Catastrophic trouble hits less often, yet it, too, strikes across all barriers. (Post by Stephanie Downey, guest reviewer) - [Racism, Immigration, and Social Justice (SJ #1)](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/social-justice/) - Having read several social justice books in rapid succession this spring, I am reminded that even Jesus’s simple command to love one another often leaves us to ponder what the loving course of action really is in a given situation. How do compassion and justice relate? How do they play out when Christians disagree? - [15 Ways to Pray for Our Pastors](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/15-ways-to-pray-for-our-pastors/) - Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month? One way that we can show our appreciation for our pastors is by praying for them. Everyone benefits from prayer! - [Are you paying attention?](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/are-you-paying-attention/) - This past Sunday I participated in worship in a completely different way and from a different point of view than I ever have before. Our faithful servant John, who runs the visuals on the screens at the 8:30am Traditions service, was away on vacation and I offered to run the slides for him. I often - [Drawing Closer to God](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/drawing-closer-to-god/) - Our patron Pat Kay checked out 52 books from our library in the past 15 months. Wow! I couldn't resist asking what kept her coming back. Her response: “My relationship with Christ, to draw near to him.” Pat was my inspiration for this post. - [Full Circle at the Drive-In](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/full-circle-at-the-drive-in/) - This year was the 25th anniversary of the Oldies Drive-in. It's a fairly simple idea that takes well over 100 volunteers to pull off. We turn the parking lot of the church into a 50s style drive-in restaurant. Youth dressed in 50s attire take orders from folks in their cars and bring out hamburgers, hot - [Author Spotlight: Rachel Held Evans](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/rachel-held-evans/) - A voice that spoke of hope and redemption for all people, especially the hurting, the marginalized, the questioners, went silent this week with the passing of beloved Christian author Rachel Held Evans at the age of 37. - [Author Spotlight: Karen Kingsbury](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/kingsbury/) - “All her books center on various life events, challenges, and joys, and how by faith, connecting with God through prayer, we can get through them and find joy and God's purpose for us.” — Suzy Drake, White Plains Library patron and Kingsbury fan. - [Toward Genuine Living](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/toward-genuine-living/) - Ponder life's big questions along with these authors and find new insight for genuine living — whether it's about finding your true calling, fostering true intimacy in a relationship, or finding what truly matters in face of your own mortality. - [Fiction Feast](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/fiction-feast/) - Selection of Christian and historical fiction added to our collection since January 2018. - [Loving God = Loving Each Other](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/loving-god-loving-each-other/) - As part of our Heart & Home Journey campaign, the prayer team published a 21-day prayer guide with devotionals authored by members of our congregation. Our youth ministry co-president Shelby Hinshaw wrote the following devotional for this guide. May you be blessed by her thoughts today and moved to action and prayer. LOVING GOD = - [A special message about General Conference 2019](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/a-special-message-about-general-conference-2019/) - “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 Recently the world-wide United Methodist Church held a General Conference specifically to deal with questions around human sexuality. We recognize that treating people of - [Cooking Matters](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/cooking-matters/) - There are so many wonderful missions going on at White Plains that sometimes things go under the radar. Recently we received this testimony from Betty Highfill who has been the primary supporter of the Cooking Matters ministry in partnership with the YMCA. Betty is looking to step down from this post and hoping someone else - [A Christmas Coincidence?](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/a-christmas-coincidence/) - What kind of God? What kind of God do you really believe in? A master architect who set the world into motion but has very little concern for what happens day to day? Or do you believe in a God that not only cares about the intimate details of our lives but is actively involved - [Joy!](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/joy/) - JOY On Sunday mornings when I stand with the congregation of WPUMC and sing the beautiful old hymns accompanied by our amazing organ played by our gifted organist, Mac; I feel like my heart will burst with joy. I am so blessed by God. Sometimes it is hard to remember that in 2017 things were - [A Thanksgiving Prayer](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/a-thanksgiving-prayer/) - This past Sunday our Minister of Congregational Care, Dr. Lee Heathcoat, offered the following prayer. It is a powerful litany of what can happen in a single week when the Body of Christ is united in loving God and loving others. May we continue to live into our call to be a Disciple-making church on - [When words fail](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/when-words-fail/) - This past weekend I wrestled and argued with God about what to do with the sermon. I had prepared what seemed like a good message based on the Apostle Paul's use of an ancient Christian hymn in his letter to the church at Phillipi. But somehow in the wake of the tragic, racially motivated - [A Connected Church](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/a-connected-church/) - Over the years I've had friends who work at or attend non-denominational churches bemoan the fact that I serve at a United Methodist Church. "You guys have to send a bunch of your money to the central church, and you don't even get to pick your pastors - and what if you don't agree with - [Three steps on the water with Jesus](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/three-steps-on-the-water-with-jesus/) - Jesus said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. - Matthew 14:29 The late great youthworker, Mike Yacconelli shared an interesting twist on the story of Jesus walking on the water and calling Peter to get out of the boat. Most of us, when we - [Outward and Visible Signs](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/outward-and-visible-signs/) - Updated video as of July 2018. "And so it begins..."; that was one suggestion I received for captioning the pictures of the beginning of our parking expansion project. Another person suggested "At long last..." Some are sad to see these old trees go, others excited by the vision of the end product. Whatever your feelings - [My Day in the Company of Angels](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/my-day-in-the-company-of-angels/) - The following was submitted by Anne Lloyd. If you have a story about what God is doing through White Plains UMC we'd love to hear it! Would you know it if an angel walked into the room? How would they be dressed? What language would they speak? What would they be doing? Throughout history, angels - [A Fist Bump from Jesus!](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/a-fist-bump-from-jesus/) - "How much would you pay for a fist bump from Jesus? How about $10?" So begins the opening pitch from Friends Class leader Paul Boudreau for his Church on the Street project. Through his efforts we estimate that over two hundred little cards like the one you see below have been handed out with no - [Hidden Worldviews](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/hidden-worldviews/) - Christianity has been tainted by other worldviews that have slid almost unnoticed into our lives. - [Getting comfortable in your own skin](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/getting-comfortable-in-your-own-skin/) - Recently the church staff was fortunate to spend three days together in Orlando at the RightNow Media conference. During this trip I was reminded of how important it is to know who and whose you are. You've heard that phrase before - I've said it every time I turned a crowd of teenagers on a - [Are you getting lost in the translation?](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/are-you-getting-lost-in-the-translation/) - So what do you like? NIV? NRSV? NKJV? CEV? The Message? The Voice? A lot of you reading this will recognize instantly that I'm talking about translations and paraphrases of scripture. But the majority of our culture if they were ever to even see this post, would have no idea what we're talking about or - [How Teaching Transforms a Life](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/how-teaching-transforms-a-life/) - Anyone who has ever taught a class knows that you learn more about the subject by preparing to teach it than you do by just participating in the class. This is why most of the best ongoing Sunday school classes and small groups rotate teachers so that more voices can be heard and more people - [Christian Pop Culture and More](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/christian-pop-culture/) - The Jewish journalist Daniel Radosh takes a surprisingly tolerant, serious, and (mostly) respectful look at the inner workings of a subculture within Christianity that many mainline Christians are barely aware of. Also see a list of other recent acquisitions. - [Reclaiming Hope](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/reclaiming-hope/) - By coincidence or divine providence, a remarkable number of our latest books to be cataloged relate in some way to hope, a fitting subject for Advent. - [A Multi-Generational and Multi-Cultural Church?](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/a-multi-generational-and-multi-cultural-church/) - For many years White Plains UMC has desired to reflect the diversity of our community. So much so that around twenty years ago we started a Spanish speaking service with no one who even spoke Spanish! But soon God sent Pastor Edith to us and Luz del Pueblo was born. For many years the main - [What happened to the "Refuge" service?](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/what-happened-to-the-refuge-service/) - Barely a week can go by without someone asking me that question. Sometimes it's from someone who attended one of our Sunday night services in the last year and sometimes from someone who just heard about them. Refuge was a service built around music, prayer, and communion, but it was often described as a "safe" - [Three Books I Found Hard to Lay Down](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/three-books-i-found-hard-to-lay-down/) - These gems from our memoir and biography collection are about ordinary people who find themselves in extenuating circumstances and accomplish or experience extraordinary outcomes. Aside from the obvious suspense element of the first two books and to a lesser extent the third, it was the strong human appeal in all three that held my interest; - [When Change Is Hard](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/when-change-is-hard/) - Who of us has not seen or experienced a change that was hard? Or a need for change that has not yet happened because it is hard? - [Discipleship Defined](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/discipleship-defined/) - "Discipleship is becoming more and more centered on loving God and loving others." - Rev. Jim Harnish The Disciple's Path "Discipleship isn't a list of things you do - it's a way of life." - Cindy Pike, Minister of Discipleship, WPUMC The coffee was strong and so was our conversation. The couple I was meeting - [Certainty and the Skeptical Believer](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/certainty-and-the-skeptical-believer/) - Certainty isn't necessarily a good thing, nor is it a prerequisite to faith, according to two Christian authors who have written books on the subject. At best, it would seem that certainty is overrated. - [How a backpack can change a life...](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/how-a-backpack-can-change-a-life/) - Every week I hear stories of how lives are being changed in our church, our community and our world by the actions of faithful disciples here at White Plains UMC. Here is a report from Pam Willard who heads up our back to school backpack/school supply ministry. This year the congregation's response was overwhelming with - [Dunia's Story](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/dunias-story/) - Have you ever seen a situation that was so tragic and just didn't make sense that you felt compelled to help even though you didn't know what to do? Recently several of our Sunday school classes have become aware of Dunia and her family's situation and have organized opportunities for her to share her story - [Sunday Morning Hugs](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/sunday-morning-hugs/) - Who doesn’t love a hug from a child? The kind of hug where there are no reservations, just a genuine arm-flinging, squish-holding embrace that lasts long enough to squeeze so tight that they lift their feet off the ground and almost knock you over. Young children have so much joy in their hearts when they - [Trust me...](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/trust-me/) - This past Sunday Pastor Ray preached on "Trust." Trust is just one of five characteristics that we've named as essentials on our "Walk of Life" as we attempt to live as Christ-followers. You can hear the messages in this series on our Sermons page: www.wpumc.com/sermons Trust is a hard thing because so often when we - [The Word for the People](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/word-of-god-for-people/) - When I was a child learning "memory verses" in Sunday school, there was no question of which version to memorize. Everyone I knew used the King James (KJV), though we never called it that. It was just the Bible, or the Holy Bible (a term my friend insisted didn’t apply to my pocket New Testament - [How did you get here?](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/how-did-you-get-here/) - If you've looked around at Church lately you may have noticed a lot of new faces. You're not imagining it, since January we have had well over 100 new first time visitors and about a third of those have become repeat visitors. As I meet and talk with these folks one of the things I - [Road Trip - May 21, 28, and June 4](https://wpumc.com/parents/road-trip-june-4-11-18/) - WE'RE TEACHING THIS Road trips are awesome. Whether you’re heading to the mountains with your family or driving to the beach with your friends, the idea of packing up, grabbing your favorite snacks, planning the perfect playlist, and hitting the road just sounds like an adventure. And it is! Maybe that’s because new places are - [Fake Friends](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/fake-friends/) - "Hey Rob, What are you up to over there?" read the message on my phone. It was from one of our congregation members that I know pretty well but the wording was a little strange. Also it was 10:30pm and a little late to begin such a casual conversation. This was through the Facebook Messenger - [Let’s Go See!](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/lets-go-see/) - In her memoir, Zora Neale Hurston describes a professor and mentor in her life who instilled a wonder and curiosity in his students, as if to say “There is something wonderful to behold just ahead. Let’s go see what it is.” ... - [All Access - April 30, May 14, 21](https://wpumc.com/parents/all-access-april-30-may-14-21/) - We're Teaching This Have you ever been to a concert? Maybe you had tickets for great seats. Maybe you were in the nosebleeds. Either way, you probably noticed that everyone had the same goal in mind, to get as close as possible. There’s just something about being near the band or near the artist that - [Your God Is Too Safe](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/god-too-safe/) - Many of us are stuck in a “safe” place where we can practice our faith without risk, but also without passion or power. Author Mark Buchanan invites us to enter “the holy wild,” the exhilarating environment we encounter when we go all-in and discover a God who is not safe but ... - [Giving back...](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/giving-back/) - Jesus looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of - [Life's Too Short to Pretend](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/lifes-too-short-to-pretend/) - There’s so much good to be done, beauty to enjoy, love to give and receive, stuff to learn; so many wrongs to right, holes to fill, songs to sing, challenges to meet, reasons to give thanks. Life’s too short to pretend we don’t see or don’t care, or that there will ever be a better time to begin. God has given us this time. - [Deal With It - April 2 and 9](https://wpumc.com/uncategorized/deal-with-it-april-2-and-9/) - WE’RE TEACHING THIS So what’s trending on Netflix this week? Maybe TV isn’t your thing, but I’ll bet you’ve got a time vortex. Maybe yours is a gaming system. You log on for just a few minutes and then, somehow it’s midnight. Maybe you throw on headphones and just space out listening to Spotify, or - [Shameless - February 12, 19, 26](https://wpumc.com/parents/shameless-february-12-19-26/) - We're Teaching This Have you ever seen one of those really crazy celebrity headlines or photos on social media and thought, How embarrassing?! Maybe you’ve thought, I would never do that! Or, I’d never say that. Or, I’d never wear that in public. But the truth is, we’ve all done things that we wish we - [Learning to Walk](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/learning-to-walk/) - Every day on a disciple’s path is a new opportunity. Several of our recent library acquisitions, both fiction and nonfiction, relate to walking paths and the far-reaching effects the choice of path can have. - [I'm In - January 8, 15, 22, 29](https://wpumc.com/parents/all-in-january-8-15-22-29/) - WE'RE TEACHING THIS “Are you in?” It’s a question we all answer over and over again. When there’s a party, when our coach says it’s time for tryouts, when we’re offered a summer job, when our friends go to the movies, or when someone invites us to church, we all have the chance to decide - [Resolve to Read More in 2017](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/read-more-in-2017/) - If your New Year's resolution includes broadening your reading list, why not ramp up the fun with our Book Bingo challenge? View post to learn more and see a slew of new books in our collection to get you started. - [Another Christmas Story - Dec. 11 and 18](https://wpumc.com/parents/another-christmas-story-dec-11-and-18/) - We're Teaching This It’s Christmas. Nativity scenes are everywhere. You know, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, and the drummer boy (who wasn’t actually there). Maybe you grew up seeing these scenes and wondered what they were all about. Or maybe you’ve heard the story a million times. Either way, there’s another story we bet you haven’t - [May All God's Children Flourish](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/may-it-flourish/) - God wants his children to flourish. This assumption underlies the Judeo-Christian worldview, and much ink has been expended on how humans can and should work with God to further the endeavor. But sometimes, even when we're sure we're on the right track, we may be working to cross-purposes. - [Viral - Nov. 20, 27, Dec. 4](https://wpumc.com/parents/viral-nov-20-27-dec-4/) - WE’RE TEACHING THIS Have you ever seen something go viral? Maybe you saw one of those videos from a singing competition show where a candidate everyone expected to be terrible ended up being amazing. Or maybe you saw a meme with the president or the pope or Kermit the frog that was totally hilarious and - [Parent Link, October 23, 30, Nov. 6 - If You Only Knew](https://wpumc.com/parents/parent-link-october-23-30-nov-6-if-you-only-knew/) - We're Teaching This: Have you ever felt a little crazy? Maybe you cheer for a sports team that no one else likes. Maybe you’re the only person who doesn’t love the new band everyone else is talking about. Maybe it seems like everyone understands what’s going on in Spanish class expect you. When you’re in - [No Filter](https://wpumc.com/parents/no-filter/) - October 2, 9, 15 at Sunday School and UMYF We're Teaching This: Social Media is awesome. It’s brought us some of the best inventions in modern times. Like the selfie, or even better, the selfie stick. Maybe you’re a fan of the hashtag or the GIF or weekly holidays like Throwback Thursday. All of those - [Making a Difference](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/difference/) - I love the idea that churches should be about making a difference more than about filling pews. Two recent additions to our library relate to this idea. - [Author Spotlight: Philip Yancey](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/author-spotlight-philip-yancey/) - Philip Yancey has long been on my short list of favorite authors. I guess it’s because he gives voice to my own doubts, questions, and musings and addresses them as a humble, compassionate friend with astonishingly good sense. It’s easy to imagine him listening and sharing thoughts with you from his heart across the table - [Fresh and Topical Books by Popular Authors](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/fresh-and-topical-books-by-popular-authors/) - As if you didn't know, our library is a treasure trove of relevant books that someone at White Plains liked so much that he/she wanted to make them available to more people. Seriously, some of us buy books with the full intention of donating them once we finish. Sharing a good book is one of - [Science and Faith as Dance Partners](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/science-and-faith-as-dance-partners/) - In What We Talk About When We Talk About God, Rob Bell likens science and faith to dance partners, “each guiding and informing the other, bringing much-needed information and insight to their respective levels of hierarchy. To see them at odds with each other is to confuse the levels of hierarchy, resulting in all sorts - [Author Spotlight: C. S. Lewis](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/author-spotlight-c-s-lewis/) - C. S. (Clive Staples aka “Jack”) Lewis has long been one of my favorite authors, though I have read only a handful of his works. So when I learned of an acclaimed new Lewis biography by Alister McGrath, an author I had come to respect (from videos on faith and science shown at our church), - [More Summer Fiction](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/more-summer-fiction/) - If last month's features were too intense for relaxing on the beach, here are a few more suggestions for your summer enjoyment (which is not to say that you won't find intensity here as well — especially in Sue Monk Kidd's latest best-seller). Be sure to click on the titles for more extensive descriptions and - [Exploring the Christian Faith](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/exploring-the-christian-faith/) - Among the many books recently added to our collection, the following may be of interest to new believers and anyone who wishes to explore the Christian faith: Mere Christianity, by C. S. Lewis Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense, by N. T. Wright Lewis’s book, which grew out of a series of BBC radio broadcasts - [Parent Link for September - Your Move](https://wpumc.com/parents/parent-link-for-september-your-move/) - "Your Move" is the theme for Sunday School and UMYF for September 11, 18, and 25 We're Teaching This: Nothing can bring out the crazy in you quite like family. Am I right? Deep down you know they probably aren’t plotting to make your life difficult, but some days it feels like that is exactly what they’re doing. - [Parent Link August 31, 2016](https://wpumc.com/parents/parent-link-august-31-2016/) - Over Time was the theme of our Kickoff Retreat at Camp Agape on August 19-21. Check out how you can plug into some of the practical teaching that was shared there. We're Teaching This: Fast. It’s how our culture likes to do things. Because we lead such busy lives, we have become masters at finding the quickest - [Becoming Who You Are](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/becoming-who-you-are/) - Sometimes it’s a life-changing moment, more often a process, but we are all shaped by where we have been, what we have seen and done, and with whom. Thanks to gifted writers, we can also be shaped by the trans-formative experiences of others — and be entertained as well. Here are some of my favorite - [Fear of the Other](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/no-fear-in-love/) - A young driver is pulled over by police, he knows not why. His palms are sweaty, and he knows he must keep both hands visible and not make a sudden move as two officers approach his car with guns drawn. What’s wrong with this picture? - [Parent Link for Early August 2016](https://wpumc.com/parents/parent-link-for-early-august-2016/) - On July 31 and August 7 we're taking a look at Paul's letters to Timothy and teaching the youth that what they think and do matters. That they are not just the church of tomorrow but the church of today! Click below to read the Parent Link for We Are Young ParentCue_WeAreYoung_XP3HS - [Late Summer Potpourri](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/late-summer-potpourri/) - Anyone besides me hooked on a fiction series? When I recently checked my Goodreads most-read-author stats, I was shocked to see that I had clocked up an astounding 24 books by Alexander McCall Smith. But they're not in our library, and I'm here to promote what is — including some intriguing new titles. - [Truth and Laughter: Insights from Jen Hatmaker](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/truth-and-laughter-insights-from-jen-hatmaker/) - Funny and engaging, Jen gets to the truth of our need to be out there with the lost and the broken in ways that we Christians need to hear and recognize as the Jesus way. - [Parent Link for July 2016 - Stepping Up!](https://wpumc.com/parents/parent-link-for-july-2016-stepping-up/) - WE’RE TEACHING THIS Have you ever had a moment where you knew you needed to step up? Maybe you always sat on the bench during the basketball game, and your coach finally called you in to play. Or maybe you got selected to take a really advanced course in school. Or took a really important - [Christianity Passes All Tests](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/christianity-passes-all-tests/) - Today there is no denying that pluralism has arrived at our doorstep. Awareness of other worldviews allows us to have more meaningful conversations with people in our ever widening circle, and it can help us define and articulate our own faith. - [The Jesus They Knew](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/the-jesus-they-knew/) - Whenever we get to know someone, we bring our own personality and perspectives into the relationship. So it was with those who knew the historical Jesus, and we are the richer for it. Jesus didn’t leave us an autobiography; instead we have the unique perspectives of four inspired writers who either knew him personally or had access to folks who did. - [Parent Link for Early April 2016 - Now What?](https://wpumc.com/parents/parent-link-for-april-2016-now-what/) - In April we've got a two week series April 3 and 10 called - "Now What?" We’re Teaching This: There are some moments in life that leave us all thinking, “Now what?”. Maybe it was when your teacher handed you a huge assignment and you didn’t even know how to start. Maybe it was staring - [Parent Link - Late April 2016 - Judgement Call](https://wpumc.com/parents/parent-link-late-april-2016-judgement-call/) - JUDGMENT CALL -UMYF April 17 and 24 We’re Teaching This: When was the last time you had to make a tough call? Was it when deciding what to eat for lunch? To drink Coke or Pepsi? Go to the gym or skip it? The truth is, we make judgment calls all day long, from what we watch - [The Patient Way of Jesus](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/patient-way-of-jesus/) - To what are we called — fast food? fast lane? fast church? Jesus seldom seemed in a hurry. He paused to minister wherever he was. He also had a patient way of teaching, through storytelling. - [Faith Journeys](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/faith-journeys/) - All of us, if we pause to think about it, can point to people who helped us grow in faith or correct our course, some perhaps only through the printed page. In her memoir Girl Meets God, Lauren Winner mentions Jan Karon’s Mitford novels — heartwarming stories about a clergy couple and their parishioners in - [Parent Link for March 2016 - Shadowland](https://wpumc.com/parents/parent-link-for-march-2016-shadowland/) - In March we're doing a three week series at UMYF called "Shadowland" - it's serious stuff and we hope you'll continue the conversations at home! We’re Teaching This: Have you ever turned on the news only to wish you hadn’t? Or answered a phone call only to wish you could un-hear the news on the other - [February Parent Link - Datable](https://wpumc.com/parents/february-parent-link-datable/) - For the last two Sundays in February we're doing a quick two part series on Dating and Relationships called "Datable" We're Teaching This: Do you want to be dateable? Of course you do! All of us want to know that we are desirable to some other person. That there is another person out there somewhere - [Go and Make Disciples](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/go-and-make-disciples/) - Our congregation is currently on a “Spiritual Strategic Journey,” in which it has discerned God's call to be “a disciple-making church with a missional emphasis.” Against this backdrop, I would like to call your attention to a few books in our library that speak to our future story as disciple-makers. - [Parent Link - Catching Fire - January UMYF Series](https://wpumc.com/parents/parent-link-catching-fire-january-umyf-series/) - Here is our theme at UMYF for January and how you might be able to work with it at home - We’re Teaching This: When you were a little kid, did you ever try to light something on fire using a magnifying glass? Did you love sitting around a campfire? Or dream about the day - [Faith and Culture](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/faith-and-culture/) - Initially I had no unifying theme for my selection of books to launch the new year. By a slight stretch of the imagination, the following might be said to be about beginnings — one ancient, others at least potentially new. For any book that stimulates thought has the potential to inspire a new beginning. But on further reflection, I see that all fall squarely under the umbrella of "Faith and Culture" — a topic we cannot afford to disregard. - [Christmas - Behind the Scenes - Parent Cue](https://wpumc.com/parents/christmas-behind-the-scenes-parent-cue/) - Our UMYF Programs for December are based on the theme "Christmas... behind the scenes" We’re Teaching this. We’ve all seen the nativity with perfectly positioned characters, well-behaved animals, and a holy glow surrounding it all. We see everyone in the scene as if they are one big happy family celebrating the first, and probably the - [The One Who Sustains Us](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/one-who-sustains-us/) - It is through the Holy Spirit that God is present in the here and now and dwells within the hearts of the faithful. God's Spirit "will sustain us until we are home,” in the words of Robert Benson. - [The One Who Came Among Us](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/one-who-came-among-us/) - He showed us the heart of God because he was God. - [Parent Cue for November - Game On!](https://wpumc.com/parents/parent-cue-for-november-game-on/) - For the month of November we're focusing on a theme of "Game On!" 1. We’re Teaching This In any kind of competition or event, the winning is almost always connected to the amount of preparation. The practice and the skill building may not seem necessary in the moment, but when it’s Game On, those skills are what - [What is Orange?](https://wpumc.com/parents/what-is-orange/) - If you're reading any of our Youth Ministry communication this year you've seen references to "Orange" so What Is Orange? It's a Strategy - Orange means combining two influences in a youth's development - the church and the home. It means making sure that we are working together and not against each other. That parents - [Parent Cue for October 18 - What Went Before...](https://wpumc.com/parents/2528/) - What Went Before - Parent Notes This Sunday, October 18 we are delivering Unselfish Beggar Bags to over 500 homes around the church asking our neighbors to fill them with food and clothing that we will collect and sort next Sunday, October 25 from 3-5PM before the Fall Festival. The Unselfish Beggars is a mission - [The Fount of Every Blessing](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/the-fount-of-every-blessing/) - How to characterize the first person of the Trinity? As we sang the Doxology Sunday it came to me: “Praise God, the source of all our gifts.” Quelle, the German word for “source,” also means “wellspring.” The fount of every blessing, including life itself! In this month’s featured books, the authors share deeply personal perspectives on God, the source of all gifts, the fount of every blessing. We are invited to explore and ponder with them. - [The Wesleyan Tradition Then and Now](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/wesleyan-tradition2/) - While today Christians at the liberal and conservative extremes are not above exchanging condescending barbs via the relative anonymity of Internet, in Wesley’s day sincere, well-meaning doctrinal statements expressed orally or in print could trigger anything from face-to-face verbal lashings to rioting in the streets. But despite heated controversy at a turbulent point in history, the movement that Wesley launched survived and prospered by the grace of God. - [Wesleyan Wisdom in the 21st Century](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/wesleyan-tradition-today/) - “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness,” wrote John Wesley almost 300 years ago. Faith cannot not be just a private matter. We have the church because God wanted us to make disciples in community. The United Methodist Church is and always will be a work in - [UMYF Parent Notes for October 4](https://wpumc.com/parents/umyf-parent-notes-for-october-4/) - WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT: Here is an overview of what we’re talking about at UMYF on October 4th. The Program is "What Happens Here..." Listed below the summary is a “parent cue” to help you dialog with your child about the session. The question is intended not just to be asked by you, but to be responded - [Parent Cue - Fall Retreats and UMYF on Sept. 27 and Oct. 11](https://wpumc.com/parents/parent-cue-fall-retreats-and-umyf-on-sept-27-and-oct-11/) - The Theme for both Fall Retreats and for the corresponding Sunday night UMYF programs on Sept. 27 and Oct. 11 is "Alter Ego" We’re Teaching This: Everyone loves a superhero. Superman. Spiderman. Iron man. They swoop in and fight the bad guys, save the day, and somehow make their spandex suit look cool all at the - [Parent Cue - September 2015](https://wpumc.com/parents/parent-cue-september-2015/) - Youth Ministry - we are using a new resource this year called "Orange" - Orange is what you get when you combine the influence of Church (yellow) and Home (red). Each month we'll let you know what we're teaching at UMYF (Sunday night youth group) and give you some ideas you can follow up with - [The Earth Is the Lord's](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/the-earth-is-the-lords/) - As the bounty of summer appears in our gardens and at farmer’s markets, what better time to celebrate the goodness of the earth and to ponder its future and the awesome responsibility that God has placed in our hands? - [Calls to Action and Reflection](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/calls-to-action-and-reflection/) - An urgent call to action, a call to pause amid our action and reflect, and one man's reflection on the tremendous responsibility of his calling. - [Science and Faith: Pathways to God](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/science-and-faith-pathways-to-god/) - "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the - [Holding What Gives You Life](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/holding-what-gives-you-life/) - "During the bombing raids of World War II, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and good care. But many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find - [Perspectives on Power](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/perspectives-on-power/) - When making New Year's resolutions, why not challenge yourself to read at least one book from your church library this year? The following recent additions to our collection, both newly published this past year, offer two radically different perspectives on power in the hands of humanity. Power is a gift from God with potential for - [Author Spotlight: C.S. Lewis, continued](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/author-spotlight-c-s-lewis-continued/) - My last post featured Alister McGrath’s new C. S. Lewis biography, as well as the first two Lewis books I had read. My third, Till We Have Faces, is not in our library, so I’ll continue with the next one that is: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a stand-alone fantasy as well as - [Three Awesome Memoirs](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/three-awesome-memoirs/) - “The sharing of a book is a statement — a message of affection that is also an act of self-revelation. Join my club, it says. Come and sit beside me.” With these words, beloved author Alexander McCall Smith has put his finger on why I write this page. I love the idea of having book - [Historical Fiction: World War II / Holocaust](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/historical-fiction-world-war-ii-holocaust/) - Summer vacation means more time to read, and our fiction shelves continue to be the most popular, where Christian romances and historical novels predominate. But this month we are featuring three recent acquisitions that do not fall within the genre of Christian fiction. (In the newsletter, I promised you four books, but since three are - [Grief and Healing](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/grief-and-healing/) - “Loss is painful beyond words. No one can anticipate the emotional and spiritual agony a major loss brings,” writes Bob Deits in Life after Loss. And when that happens, there is “no response more normal and appropriate than grief.” This month we call your attention to books in our collection that offer help to people - [The Great Outdoors](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/the-great-outdoors/) - Two of our newest additions to the library, while not Christian literature per se, have much to say about the stewardship of our planet and the flora and fauna entrusted to our care. Always keeping an eye out for good read-aloud books — which my husband and I have been enjoying together for several years - [Author Spotlight: Adam Hamilton](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/author-spotlight-adam-hamilton/) - Adam Hamilton is one of the most lucid contemporary Christian authors I have encountered in the United Methodist tradition. He tackles the great religious controversies of our time with an honest, rational, and personal approach. He writes in part from his experience as founder and senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection - [An Altar in the World](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/an-altar-in-the-world/) - Looking to counterbalance your daily dose of depressing news and media commentary? This month two guest reviewers join me bringing to your attention some highly relevant uplifting books in our library about living in today's world. Our heading is borrowed from Barbara Brown Taylor, whose book inspired the topic of this post. Thanks to Carol - [Making Room for God](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/making-room-for-god/) - Many new books about Advent and Christmas have joined our collection in the past year and remind us afresh of our need to make room for God in our holiday preparations. Through fictional characters and events, personal anecdotes and reflections, and practical how-to’s, the authors invite us to look upward, even as we look back - [Hidden Persuaders](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/hidden-persuaders/) - Some of you may remember a book by Vance Packard that appeared in 1957, called The Hidden Persuaders. The title refers to advertisers and others who were using psychology in ways we were unaware of to make us want what they were pushing. A key study cited in the book gathered much public attention only - [Special Needs and the Body of Christ](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/special-needs-and-the-body-of-christ/) - Our congregation has long had a heart for children and adults with special needs, evident in our support for the White Plains Children’s Center and in our ongoing efforts to include all such persons in the life of our church family. But this aspect of Christian ministry was not specifically addressed in our library holdings - [Our Children: Tomorrow's World](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/our-children-tomorrows-world/) - "Growing in faith is not a contest or part of a daily to-do list," writes Peter Enns. "It is a journey that all Christians are on. Your children have the privilege of beginning that journey under your care and love. Yes, that is a serious responsibility for parents (hence, the anxiety involved). But it is - [Our Cup Overflows](https://wpumc.com/suggested-reading/our-cup-overflows/) - We have added so many good books to our library recently that I will never have time to review them all. So, departing from our usual format, I offer a larger sampling, but with only a brief comments. Many of these books I have read and can confidently recommend; others are on my "to-read" list or ## Pages - [](https://wpumc.com/) - Seeking to be a Christ-Centered, Kingdom Building community of faith. Reaching out with love and compassion to those within and beyond our congregation. - [Book Clubs at White Plains](https://wpumc.com/book-clubs/) - Light of Day Book Club The Light of Day Book Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 4:30 pm in the CLC library, excluding December. Members take turns choosing the monthly book selection and facilitating the meeting for that month. Our book choices cover a wide variety of genres – - [Weekly eBlasts](https://wpumc.com/resources/weekly-eblasts/) - Click the link below to view our most recent weekly eBlast: WPUMC eBlast - September 9, 2026 Previous Week's eBlast - September 2, 2026 Want to receive the eBlast right to your email inbox each week? Sign up below! - [Semillas de Amor Tutoría](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/semillas-de-amor-y-cosecha-de-amor-tutoria/) - Semillas de Amor es una programa de White Plains UMC que emparejan a tutores 1: 1 con estudiantes en los grados de Kindergarten a Secundaria. No se necesita experiencia en tutoría. ¿Qué hacemos? Primero, ayudamos al estudiante con su tarea. En segundo lugar, dedicamos tiempo a leer libros con el estudiante, lo que ayuda a - [Seeds of Love Tutoring](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/seeds-of-love-tutoring/) - Seeds of Love (Semillas de Amor) tutoring programs pairs tutors 1:1 with students in grades Kindergarten through High School. No tutoring experience is needed. What do we do? First, we help the student with their homework. Second, we spend time reading books with the student, which helps build their reading comprehension skills. In Seeds of - [Worship Services & Times](https://wpumc.com/worship/worship-services-times/) - Worship In English CLC @ 9:00 am | Sanctuary @ 11:00 am Our 9:00 am CLC worship service is our contemporary service with music led by Kenyann Stanford. Our 11:00 am Sanctuary worship service is a combination of traditional and contemporary. This service is led by our pastoral team and features a mix of praise and worship - [Visitor's Info](https://wpumc.com/about-us/visitors-info/) - We understand that coming to a new place can be intimidating. Please know that everyone is welcome here. No matter what brings you to our campus or to our website, we pray that you will connect in new and deeper ways to what God is doing in and through the people of White Plains UMC, a - [Food Pantry Ministry](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/serving-our-community/food-pantry-support/) - The White Plains UMC Food Pantry exists to serve Cary, NC, and the surrounding community by providing food to anyone in need. Our purpose is to share God’s love, without discrimination, in a visible and tangible way. We treat those who come for food as true guests. The Food Pantry Ministry hosts monthly distributions from 10:00 - [Small Groups and Fellowship Opportunities](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/small-groups-and-fellowship-opportunities/) - We have many ways to connect and serve at White Plains UMC. If you're interested in one of the opportunities below, reach out to the contact person as listed or email the Pastor of Invitation and Engagement at Rob@wpumc.com with general questions. There are so many opportunities to connect in fellowship at White Plains. Click - [Committees and Meeting Minutes](https://wpumc.com/resources/committees/) - We recognize that good stewardship and transparency are important to effective ministry and to be a disciple-making church on mission for Christ. All reports, minutes, and agendas for committee meetings are available below. In order to protect our church members' privacy, these reports are password-protected. To obtain the password, please ask a member of the - [Vacation Bible School (VBS)](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/vbs/) - Making Jesus Real to Children Vacation Bible School is one of the highlights of the White Plains Children's Ministry program. VBS presents an opportunity to share Jesus not only with the children of White Plains but with those in our community as well as one of our church's largest outreach ministries. Each summer, VBS creates memories that - [Church History](https://wpumc.com/about-us/church-history/) - White Plains United Methodist Church History In June 1961, the North Carolina Conference sent Rev. Johnnie M. Lewis, a new graduate of Duke Divinity School, to Cary to organize a new congregation. Six weeks later, on August 13, the Rev. Lewis assembled his flock in the auditorium of Cary High School for the first worship - [Submit an Announcement or Event for Publicity](https://wpumc.com/resources/submit-an-event/) - Please use the form below to submit your events or announcements for communication and publicity. Submissions will be edited and incorporated as space and time allow. Please follow up with Laura Denny, our Communications Coordinator, with any specific needs that go beyond this form. Receipt of submitted items will be acknowledged. If unforeseen circumstances prevent - [Church on the Street](https://wpumc.com/news-events/church-on-the-street/) - This Year's Church on the Street: COTS - Church on the Street schedule for May 2026 - Once again we will spend the month of May focussing on impacting our congregation, our community, and our world with the light and love of Jesus Christ. Order your Church on the Street T-shirts and wear them out anytime - [Debt Retirement Initiative](https://wpumc.com/debt-retirement-initiative/) - White Plains United Methodist Church Debt Retirement Initiative February 23, 2026 The CLC Mortgage has been paid in full ($355,018). The current balance of the CLC construction loan is $1,201,711. May 1, 2025 The time has come for us to turn our attention to retiring the remaining debt for our Christian Life Center. WPUMC - [Unbound - Longing for Wholeness Lent 2026](https://wpumc.com/unbound-longing-for-wholeness-lent-2026/) - Each week during Lent, we will feature a Practice from Contemplative Practices for Lent by Rev. Susan Engholm, part of Unbound Longing for Wholeness. Introduction Contemplative prayer is an ancient and simple discipline. At its heart, it is an opportunity to slow down, to create space, and to notice the presence of God. When we - [Facility Requests](https://wpumc.com/resources/signups-and-online-forms/facility-requests/) - Remember to submit your reservation form at least one week before the date needed. Recurring reservations may only be completed for a maximum of one-year duration. Ensure all fields in the form are accurately filled out before submission. In case your requested resource is unavailable, we will contact you via email to address any concerns. A - [Missions Overview](https://wpumc.com/missions-overview/) - White Plains is known as a church with a heart for missions. Outreach ministries are the means through which White Plains lives out its vision to be the eyes and ears, heart and hands, word and witness of Christ’s love in the world for the glory of God. Funding for outreach ministries comes primarily from designated gifts and - [Advent and Christmas](https://wpumc.com/advent-and-christmas/) - Celebrate Advent and Christmas with White Plains United Methodist Church Christmas Eve, December 24th Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20 4:00 pm Family Friendly Service in the CLC Family Friendly Service in the CLC – The 4:00 pm service is held in our Christian Life Center hall. The music is led by our contemporary worship band - [Church Staff](https://wpumc.com/about-us/church-staff/) - Come meet the staff of White Plains UMC! Click on the photo of each staff member to learn more about how they serve WPUMC and a bit about them personally as well. - [Town Halls](https://wpumc.com/resources/committees/wpumc-town-halls/) - Starting in 2017 we began having regular Town Hall meetings to keep the congregation informed of the business side of the church. We recognize that good stewardship and transparency are important to effective ministry and to be a disciple-making church on mission for Christ. All recordings and materials from these meetings will be archived HERE. - [Welcoming Wellness Initiative](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/serving-our-community/welcoming-wellness-initiative/) - Welcoming Wellness Initiative for Caregivers To caregivers of loved ones with mental health issues, we see you and hear you. It can be so difficult to watch your loved one suffer, and as a caregiver, there can be so many questions. We have launched Welcoming Wellness to build community, encourage conversation, and share helpful information - [Church Calendar](https://wpumc.com/news-events/church-calendar/) - Most reservations have a 30 minute-1 hour set up time on either side of the time shown for the event. - [Job Opportunities](https://wpumc.com/about-us/church-staff/jobs/) - Join Our Ministry Team! Hispanic Worship Leader The Hispanic Worship Leader will oversee and lead the worship ministry for the White Plains UMC en Español (Familia), with a primary focus on music during Sunday morning services. The role involves developing a vibrant, self-sustaining worship team, fostering spiritual growth through worship, and collaborating closely with the Latinx - [The Wesley Challenge](https://wpumc.com/ministry/adults/adult-education-curriculum/studies/the-wesley-challenge/) - This fall we will have a six week Discipleship Focus using the historic 21 questions that John Wesley asked his Methodist Small groups to consider. We will tackle 4 questions a week. There are several ways you can participate: Sign up to order your book and let us know how you’ll be participating - wpumc.com/register - [ACS Church Life App](https://wpumc.com/resources/church-management-software-acs-login/) - "ACS" and the "Church Life App" both refer to our church database and ways for our members and friends to get to know each other, donate securely, view the church calendar, and register for events. Your e-mail address must be registered with the Church to create an account. If you have any trouble using this - [Haiti](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/international-work-teams/haiti/) - White Plains UMC has been supporting the Mountains of Hope for Haiti (MHH) Program since 2017. Mountains of Hope is an International Methodist support program for Haiti, focusing much of its efforts on the village of Furcy. The Mountains of Hope for Haiti Program is multi-faceted, providing support for the people of Furcy with funds - [Classes and Studies](https://wpumc.com/ministry/adults/adult-education-curriculum/studies/) - Every believer is on a lifelong journey of spiritual growth. Because we believe that we never stop developing our discipleship, White Plains offers an ever-growing variety of small group encounters for adults. You may sign up for a study: (1) online at wpumc.com/register or (2) send an email to Rob Phillips. You do not have - [Sunday School Classes](https://wpumc.com/ministry/adults/sunday-schools-and-small-groups/) - Adult Sunday School Classes Need to know where to go on Sunday Mornings? Check out this map of the CLC Downstairs for Sunday School Classes. Looking for something different? Take a look at these additional small groups and fellowship opportunities. We have great classes and groups for Children and Youth! ADVENT CLASS Couples and - [Children](https://wpumc.com/ministry/children/) - White Plains UMC Children's Ministry Equipping families to grow together on their journey to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. Children at White Plains UMC are highly valued members of our congregation, engaging with us in worship, Bible study, and family events. We seek to offer our children a loving environment that teaches the Word of - [UMM Fellowship Breakfast Sign Up](https://wpumc.com/umm-fellowship-breakfast/) - OUR MISSION: TO BECOME DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST! The UMM sponsors a Fellowship Breakfast once a month. These breakfasts are open to the community and is not just for men. Occasionally we will sponsor an outing instead of a breakfast meeting. Everyone is invited to join us for fellowship and food! We typically meet from - [White Plains en Español](https://wpumc.com/ministerio-hispano/) - Y les dijo: Id por todo el mundo y predicad el evangelio a toda criatura. El que creyere y fuere bautizado, será salvo... - Marcos 16:15 MISIÓN Hacer discípulos de Cristo para la transformación del mundo. VISIÓN Ser una comunidad de fe donde respetando nuestras diferencias, somos uno en Cristo para ser los ojos y - [Impact Global Health Alliance](https://wpumc.com/impact-global-health-alliance/) - From the Desk of Andrew Herrera, MPH, MBA Executive Director, Impact Global Health Alliance (Since 2013) What if we stopped chasing funding cycles and instead built something unstoppable? That's the question we asked ourselves in 2015. And because we acted, the shutdown of USAID doesn't derail our mission - it fuels our determination. Ten years - [Online Worship](https://wpumc.com/worship/online-worship/) - Worship with us Online! Worship In English Sanctuary In-Person Livestream @ 11 am Our English-speaking worship is a combination of traditional and contemporary worship fused together into a beautiful celebration of worship with a bit of something for everyone. This service features a mix of praise and worship music from the band and traditional - [Contact Us](https://wpumc.com/about-us/contact-us/) - We can't wait to hear from you! Feel free to send us a message below, call us, or stop by to see us! Office Hours Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Worship Services & Times on Sundays (Click here to learn more) Worship in English In-Person in the Sanctuary at 11:00 am. Worship - [Committees and Meeting Minutes Archive](https://wpumc.com/resources/committees-and-meeting-minutes-archive/) - Archived Reports, Minutes, and Agendas for Committee Meetings are available below. However, they are password protected for church member's privacy. To obtain the password, please ask a member of the Church Council, the staff, or call the church office at (919) 467-9394 and they will happily provide the password. Church Council Minutes 2023 December 17, - [White Christmas](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/white-christmas/) - The White Christmas program gives support to families in need at Christmas, providing primarily food and gifts. This program helps from 10 to 20 families each year with three bags of groceries and a gift certificate for a protein of choice. Groups and individuals within the church sponsor one of these Cary families by providing - [With-God Life](https://wpumc.com/worship/with-god-life/) - Are you ready to dive deeper into the Bible as a whole community of faith? We are working our way through a new sermon/worship series called the With-God Life, which will be an overview of biblical history from Genesis-Revelation through the lens of spiritual formation. The purpose of the With-God Life series and approaching the whole story - [Giving](https://wpumc.com/resources/online-giving/) - Thank you for considering a gift to White Plains UMC! All gifts are used to do God's work and make a difference in the world. See how we at White Plains UMC are supporting our community through gifts and service. Online - Text - Check - Phone Online Give a one-time offering via the website via - [ONE Wake Opportunities](https://wpumc.com/resources/one-wake-opportunities/) - ONE Wake is a non-partisan, multi-ethnic, multi-issue group of religious congregations, associations, and other non-profits in the Wake County area with aggregate membership totaling in excess of 50,000 households. White Plains joined ONE Wake to be a part of a larger network of 45 other member institutions in Wake County including churches, faith groups, and non-profit - [Heart & Home Journey](https://wpumc.com/about-us/vision-mission/heart-and-home-journey/) - Join us on the Heart & Home journey! It is a journey of the heart because it is more about our hearts than our finances. It is a journey of the home because we are dreaming of the impact the elimination of debt and upgrading of facilities could make in our call to make God's - [Scouting](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/scouting/) - The United Methodist Church mainly through the United Methodist Men organization has long been an advocate and sponsor of scouting. The motivation for this involvement is summed up in the following quote from the UMM Foundation website. "The mission of the church is to reach out to those within the community, receive them as they - [Sermons](https://wpumc.com/worship/sermons-and-bulletins/) - The sermons are listed in chronological order. Click any of the Series, Books, Speakers, or Months entries above to filter the sermons displayed. - [Welcoming Wellness](https://wpumc.com/welcoming-wellness/) - Welcoming Wellness is a mental health initiative of White Plains UMC, and all donations are tax-deductible. 100% of donations made through the specified option are used for the Welcoming Wellness Initiative. Learn more at welcomingwellnessnc.org - [Easter Sunday](https://wpumc.com/easter/) - We invite you to join us for Holy Week at White Plains United Methodist! Palm Sunday on March 24th | Domingo de Ramos 24 de marzo 7:00 am | Online Worship in English 11:00 am | In-Person Worship in English & Spanish 7:00 am | Servicio de Adoración en Inglés en Línea 11:00 am - [Stephen Ministry](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/serving-our-community/stephen-ministry/) - What is Stephen Ministry? Are you overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain? Have you experienced loss? Are you struggling to keep a positive outlook after a Pandemic year? Are you wrestling with your faith? Did you know that people in the very first church struggled with life issues too? And that the "preachers" alone could not handle - [Youth Ministry](https://wpumc.com/ministry/youth/) - White Plains UMC Youth Ministry We are hands and feet - drawing together in fellowship and growing in a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as expressed through worship, service, study, prayer, and outreach. WPUMC Youth Ministry serves students in grades 6-12. For Children grades K-5 we invite you to check out our Children's Ministry. Our youth ministry - [About Our Campus](https://wpumc.com/about-us/about-our-campus/) - Our Campus Our campus is our physical presence in the world but our spiritual presence reaches far beyond these grounds. Our main building houses our Sanctuary, Christian Life Center, a Chapel, classrooms, and offices. We have a beautiful Memorial Garden on the east side of our sanctuary. Our Children's Center, in our main building, creates a stimulating and nurturing - [Sign Up For Our Email Lists](https://wpumc.com/resources/signups-and-online-forms/sign-up-for-our-e-mail-lists/) - [Despensa de Alimentos](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/despensa-de-alimentos/) - La despensa de alimentos de White Plains UMC existe para servir a Cary, NC y sus alrededores, proporcionando alimentos a cualquier persona que lo necesite. Nuestro propósito es compartir el amor de Dios, sin discriminación, de manera visible y tangible. Tratamos a los que vienen a recibir las despensas de comida como verdaderos huéspedes. - [All are welcome!](https://wpumc.com/lighthouse/) - White Plains UMC is a Lighthouse Congregation of the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, in partnership with the United Methodist Collective and the Office of New Faith Communities. We are so pleased to announce that the Church Council (the governing body of White Plains UMC) voted unanimously on January 28, 2023, to - [Walk to Emmaus](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/walk-to-emmaus/) - The Walk to Emmaus is a three-day spiritual experience with a mission to renew Christian disciples and strengthen local churches. During this long weekend you will enjoy singing, learning, laughing, worshiping, reflecting, praying, and participating in small groups, feeling God’s love and grace in so many ways. White Plains United Methodist Church has a large - [KAIROS](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/kairos/) - The KAIROS prison ministry at White Plains focuses on Central Prison here in Raleigh. Two times a year, Christian services are conducted over a weekend to reach out to inmates at this local facility. For more information see the KAIROS website, or contact Derryl Walden at (919)467-5933 or Paul Lewis at (919)395-5501. WPUMC Support for - [HELP (Hands Engaged in Local Projects)](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/help-hands-engaged-in-local-projects/) - HELP (Hands Engaged in Local Projects) is a home repair ministry of the WPUMC Outreach committee. The ministry team works on projects for members of our congregation, for members of our community, and on our church campus. Thus far projects have included wheelchair ramps, building and repairing decks, replacing siding, and installing exterior doors. HELP project - [Family Promise](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/family-promise/) - Limited Campus Opening Due To Renovations: While our campus undergoes renovations we will not be hosting Family Promise families on our campus. Instead, we will be helping with volunteering, groceries, and meals at other locations. Want to get involved? Email the WPUMC Family Promise team at familypromise@wpumc.com. This page tells about the Family Promise mission and how - [Sisters in Support](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/serving-our-community/sisters-in-support/) - Limited Campus Opening Due To Renovations - While our campus undergoes renovations during the 2023 year Small Groups are opting to either meet virtually via Zoom or in person off-campus. Sisters in Support is currently not meeting. Be sure to check back throughout the year for updates or contact Dr. Lee Heathcoat directly. Sisters in Support is - [Family Promise at WPUMC](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/serving-our-community/family-promise-at-wpumc/) - Limited Campus Opening Due To Renovations: While our campus undergoes renovations we will not be hosting Family Promise families on our campus. Instead, we will be helping with volunteering, groceries, and meals at other locations. Want to get involved? Email the WPUMC Family Promise team at . This page gives information on the Family Promise mission at White - [Nursery Care](https://wpumc.com/ministry/children/nurserycare/) - White Plains aims to serve families with children of all ages by offering childcare in an inviting environment with loving, trained adults. We offer a safe place for young children to begin their journey in faith through Bible stories, music, and play. Our team is trained in CPR and Safe Sanctuaries Procedures. Each of our Team - [Ministerio de Niños y Niñas](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/ministerio-de-ninos-y-ninas/) - White Plains UMC Ministerio de Niños y Niñas Equipar a las familias para que crezcan juntas en su viaje para conocer, amar y servir a Jesucristo. Los niños y las niñas de White Plains UMC son miembros muy valiosos de nuestra congregación, que participan con nosotros en la adoración, el estudio de la Biblia y - [Las Distribuciones del Ministerio Mamá-Bebe](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/las-distribuciones-del-ministerio-mama-bebe/) - El Ministerio Mamá-Bebé tendrá distribuciones mensuales de pañales y toallitas húmedas desde las 10:00 am hasta que se agoten los suministros incluso si llueve. El Ministerio de Alimentos también participará en las distribuciones con cajas de alimentos de “The Produce Box” (La Caja de Vegetales) para todos los participantes para más información en Español envíanos - [Ministerio de Adultos](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/ministerio-de-adultos/) - Cada creyente está en una jornada de crecimiento espiritual de por vida. Porque creemos que nunca dejamos de desarrollar nuestro discipulado, White Plains ofrece una variedad cada vez mayor de grupos pequeños de compañerismo para adultos. Clases de escuela dominical para adultos White Plains ofrece clases de escuela dominical para adultos de cualquier edad, sin - [Escuela Dominical](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/escuela-dominical/) - Escuela dominical para adultos “LUZ DEL PUEBLO” Es una clase en español para hombres y mujeres de todas las edades. Muchos de los cuales están criando niños. Estudios como “Discípulo, Haciendo Discípulos a través del Estudio de la Biblia” y “Quienes Somos el Pueblo Metodista” entre otras lecciones que siguen los tiempos litúrgicos del año. - [Gifts-Based Service Profile](https://wpumc.com/resources/signups-and-online-forms/disciples-path-gifts-based-service-profile/) - Would you like to know more about your spiritual gifts and find a place to serve in the church? Please fill out the form below so that we can be in contact with you to make sure you have the opportunity to serve in areas that you are gifted and called for. If you haven't already - [State Fair Booth](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/fair-booth/) - Cary Methodist Fair Booth will cease operation as of Oct. '22 The Cary Methodist Fair Booth has been operating at the NC State Fair for over 100 years. During this time we have built an excellent reputation for being the only full-service restaurant at the fair and for outstanding ham biscuits. Our churches have been blessed to provide - [Contáctenos](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/contactenos/) - ¡Estamos ansiosos por recibir noticias tuyas! ¡No dude en enviarnos un mensaje a continuación, llámenos o visítenos! Horas de Oficina Lunes - Jueves 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Horarios de los Servicios de Adoración Dominicales (haga clic aquí para obtener más información) Servicio en Inglés Servicio en el Santuario a las 11:00 am. El servicio en - [Ministerio de Jóvenes](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/ministerio-de-jovenes/) - Ministerio Juvenil de White Plains UMC Somos manos y pies, uniéndonos en compañerismo y creciendo en una relación más cercana con Jesucristo como se expresa a través de la adoración, el servicio, el estudio, la oración y el alcance. El Ministerio Juvenil de WPUMC sirve a estudiantes en los grados 6-12. Para los grados de - [Soy Nuevo](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/soy-nuevo/) - Soy Nuevo en White Plains UMC en Español Entendemos que venir a un lugar nuevo puede resultar intimidante. Tenga la seguridad de que todos son bienvenidos aquí. No importa lo que lo traiga a nuestro edificio o a nuestro sitio web, oramos para que se conecte de maneras nuevas y más profundas a lo que - [Memorial Garden](https://wpumc.com/about-us/memorial-garden/) - Today, many people are searching for an alternative to ground burial that offers beauty and simplicity. Cremation with memorialization is one alternative. We believe that inurnment on church grounds is a statement of our faith in the resurrection, the life everlasting, and the church triumphant. A memorial garden was built in 2008 as a sacred - [What is your favorite hymn or worship song?](https://wpumc.com/song/) - This summer Rev. Kelly Lyn Logue will be preaching a series based on the music that inspires us and connects us to God. We'd love to hear from you about what hymn or worship song especially touches your heart. Let us know below the title and share a few words as to why this song - [Altar Flower Calendar](https://wpumc.com/resources/signups-and-online-forms/altar-flower-calendar/) - Donating flowers for the altar is a simple way to honor a loved one, glorify God, and to beautify the altar. Sign up here to provide flowers for the Sanctuary altar. - [Get Involved](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/) - This is the Get Involved page. - [Quiénes Somos](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/quienes-somos/) - NUESTRA MISION Hacer discípulos de Cristo para la transformación del mundo. NUESTRA VISION Ser una comunidad de fe donde respetando nuestras diferencias, somos uno en Cristo para ser los ojos y oídos, corazón y manos, palabra y testigo del amor de Cristo en el mundo para la gloria de Dios. WHITE PLAINS EN - [Join WPUMC](https://wpumc.com/about-us/visitors-info/join-wpumc/) - Membership in White Plains UMC represents a commitment to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and also to support this local congregation with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. If you would like to know more about this process and what it might mean for you, please fill in the form below. - [Worship Attendance](https://wpumc.com/worship/worship-attendance/) - [White Plains Children’s Center](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/serving-our-community/white-plains-childrens-center/) - White Plains Children’s Center was founded in 1982 as part of the outreach ministry of White Plains United Methodist Church, Cary, NC. The founders recognized a need in the Cary community for quality childcare, particularly a need for care for children with special needs. White Plains Children's Center is an inclusive developmental day center. The - [Serving Our Community](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/serving-our-community/) - White Plains United Methodist Church is a Disciple-Making Church on Mission for Christ. What that means for our community is that we are here to meet your needs in any way we possibly can. We do not try to be all things to all people, but we will do our best to connect you to other - [Ministerio de Alabanza](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/ministerio-de-alabanza/) - White Plains UMC tiene muchas oportunidades para ti en la música. Ofrecemos música coral e instrumental, música de adoración tradicional y contemporánea y muchas otras actividades durante todo el año para todas las edades. Esperamos que encuentre algo que le interese y se convierta en parte del ministerio de música, así como en un miembro - [Our Discipleship Map](https://wpumc.com/about-us/our-discipleship-map/) - What does it take to be a disciple? Here's some resources for you... The Introduction to the Discipleship Map (tri-fold) The Discipleship Self-Assessment The Discipleship Details (specific ideas) En Español: Discipleship self-assessment Español Introduction to the Discipleship Map - Español - [Ofrenda](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/ofrenda/) - ¡Gracias por considerar una ofrenda para White Plains UMC! Todos los dones se utilizan para hacer la obra de Dios y marcar una diferencia en el mundo. Vea cómo en White Plains estamos apoyando a nuestra comunidad a través de sus ofrendas, diezmos y servicio. En Línea - Texto - Cheque- Teléfono En Línea Ofrezca una oferta a través del - [Music Ministries](https://wpumc.com/ministry/music-ministries/) - White Plains UMC has many opportunities for you in music. We offer choral and instrumental music, traditional and contemporary worship music, and many other activities throughout the year for all ages. We hope you will find something you are interested in and become part of the music ministry as well as a member of the - [Safe Sanctuaries](https://wpumc.com/resources/church-policies/safe-sanctuaries/) - White Plains UMC is a "Safe Sanctuaries" Church committed to best practices to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults. All paid staff and volunteers in our ministries are screened and trained on how to create atmospheres where all of God's children can be safe and welcome. For questions related to Safe Sanctuaries please read our - [SSJ - Future Story of Ministry](https://wpumc.com/about-us/vision-mission/ssj/) - Since 2015 we have been wrestling with this question: What will characterize our congregation in the year 2026 if we -- with faithfulness, effectiveness, and innovation -- live into the call of God upon us? Now we have our answer: We are called to be a disciple-making church on mission for Christ! Read the Future Story - [Gifts of Stock](https://wpumc.com/resources/gifts-of-stock/) - Donations of stocks may be processed through the United Methodist Foundation, at no cost to the church, using the following procedure: Go to umfnc.org/stock-gifts/ Complete and submit the “memorandum of intention” on that page, noting to which funds you wish to contribute. An automatic email will be sent to you with the account number and - [Endowment Fund](https://wpumc.com/resources/wpumc-endowment-fund/) - The Endowment Program was established in 2002 to provide members and friends opportunities to make permanent, charitable gifts to WPUMC. Such gifts become perpetual sources of financial support and living memorials because they conserve principal, with the congregation making use only of the investment income they produce. The Program is intended to provide funding for - [Signups and Online Forms](https://wpumc.com/resources/signups-and-online-forms/) - The following are links to online forms which may be used to register or submit information for White Plains UMC events or information. Details of the events are not provided here but may be found elsewhere on our website. Just click on the name to open the form and fill in the required information. If - [Prayer Requests](https://wpumc.com/resources/signups-and-online-forms/prayer-requests/) - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Prayer is a gift from a loving God. We pray to God through the Holy Spirit to thank God for our joys and blessings, to seek His forgiveness and sustaining love, - [Church Policies](https://wpumc.com/resources/church-policies/) - Communications Manual Church Building Use Policy Memorial Garden Policies and Procedures Safe Sanctuaries Nursery and Childcare Policies Vehicle Policy Driver Approval Policy Wedding Policies - [What We Value](https://wpumc.com/about-us/what-we-value/) - White Plains United Methodist Church seeks to be a Christ-Centered, Kingdom Building community of faith. We are committed to living out these kingdom values as evidence of God's presence in us: TRANSFORMING GRACE - discovering, accepting, and celebrating the good news of God's love revealed in Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. "Jesus gave - [UMM (United Methodist Men)](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/umm/) - The Purpose of UMM is stated as ...a creative, supportive fellowship of men who seek to know Jesus Christ, to grow spiritually, and to seek daily his will.In the process, we want to become "Servant Leaders" for Him in our daily walk. ALL adult male members of the United Methodist Church are UMM members. No - [Open Hearts : An Inclusive Ministry](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/openhearts/) - Open Hearts: An Inclusive Ministry of White Plains United Methodist Church With open hearts, open minds and open doors, we welcome you! With you, we celebrate with love and thanksgiving the diversity of all the beloved children of God. We recognize that diversity is one of God’s greatest gifts to humankind, enabling us to continually - [Peru](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/international-work-teams/peru/) - We hope to visit Perú again in the near future! Our last mission trip to Perú was in August 2019 with a team consisting of members and non-members from WPUMC. As usual, we took materials for VBS sessions and goody bags of treats for the children. Our team members were housed in private homes, and fed - [International Work Teams](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/international-work-teams/) - At White Plains UMC our mission is to be disciples of Jesus Christ who make disciples. Looking, listening, and responding to the lost and hurting in our community. This not only is a need here in our local community but also worldwide. Learn more about how we make God's love across the globe and our work in - [Appalachia Service Project](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/appalachia-service-project/) - The Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is a home repair/home building ministry serving the Appalachia regions of North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. ASP responds to the housing needs of economically disadvantaged people in Appalachia using a Christian perspective. The ministry was started in 1969 by Methodist pastor Tex Evans with a handful of - [Familia](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/familia/) - Description of Familia Worship Service - [Organ History](https://wpumc.com/about-us/church-history/organ-history/) - History of Sanctuary Organs at White Plains United Methodist Church Excellence in music has been an important part of the worship experience at White Plains United Methodist Church since its inception. Of course, the limitations of a young congregation were quite evident in the early days after the church was chartered in 1961. The first - [Staff Parish Relations Committee](https://wpumc.com/resources/committees/sprc/) - Who is SPRC and what is their job? The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), is a diverse, 13-member, laity group who are called to serve as the personnel committee for the church. SPRC is responsible for making sure our church is adequately and appropriately staffed according to our call to be a disciple-making church on - [Adult Education Curriculum](https://wpumc.com/ministry/adults/adult-education-curriculum/) - Attention, Sunday School Teachers and Group Leaders We are excited to introduce a new system that gives you convenient access to all the church’s group study resources. All of the studies (over 150!) we currently own are now housed in the church library, which is always open, and this collection will continue to grow. Look - [Adults](https://wpumc.com/ministry/adults/) - White Plains UMC Adult Ministry Every believer is on a lifelong journey of spiritual growth. Because we believe that we never stop developing our discipleship, White Plains offers an ever-growing variety of small group encounters for adults. Adult Sunday School Classes White Plains offers adult Sunday School classes for everyone no matter where you are - [Upcoming Events](https://wpumc.com/news-events/upcoming-events/) - Check out our full Church Calendar or our latest weekly eBlast for more events - [Parking](https://wpumc.com/about-us/about-our-campus/parking/) - Please take note of the special signage that is installed in our parking lots. Visitor parking spaces are located in the first of the two middle sections of the main lot for better visibility when entering from Maynard Rd. In addition to the permanent Handicap signs, Handicapped "During Service Times" signs are located in the second of the two - [Communion](https://wpumc.com/worship/communion/) - We typically celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion monthly on the first Sunday of the month during Sunday Morning Worship and at other special times throughout the year. Sometimes Communion is offered at retreats, small group gatherings, weddings, and other services. The table of Holy Communion is Christ’s table, not the table of The United Methodist - [Baptisms](https://wpumc.com/worship/baptisms/) - We are happy to do baptisms at one of our Sunday services. To schedule a baptism contact us using the form below. What does The United Methodist Church believe about baptism? Baptism is one of the two sacraments recognized by The United Methodist Church (the other being Communion). In a sacrament, God uses common elements — - [Weddings](https://wpumc.com/worship/weddings/) - Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding! Thank you for thinking of White Plains as part of your plans. Your wedding is the Christian celebration of your love and commitment to each other and to God. At White Plains, we want to minister to you, through your wedding service. This sacred ceremony, in which you - [Eventos Especiales](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/eventos-especiales/) - Bodas ¡Felicitaciones por su compromiso y su próxima boda! Gracias por pensar en White Plains como parte de sus planes. Su boda es la celebración cristiana de su amor y compromiso mutuos y con Dios. En White Plains, queremos ministrarle a través de su Servicio de Bodas. Esta ceremonia sagrada, en la que se hace - [What We Believe](https://wpumc.com/about-us/what-we-believe/) - White Plains United Methodist Church is a Disciple-Making Church on Mission for God We believe in One God, eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the source of all life, creator of heaven and earth, giver of grace upon grace. We believe in One true and living Father, God Almighty, holy and forgiving, - [Who We Are](https://wpumc.com/about-us/vision-mission/) - Who we are... White Plains United Methodist Church is a Disciple-making Church on Mission for Christ Our Vision... To be the Eyes and Ears, Heart and Hands, Word and Witness of Christ’s Love in the World for the Glory of God. Our Mission... To be disciples of Jesus Christ who make disciples Looking, listening, and - [Funerals](https://wpumc.com/worship/funerals/) - A worship service following the death of a loved one does at least two things: it enables us to face the reality of our mortality and comforts us in the celebration of another reality -- life after death in God. As one of our creeds declares: “In life, in death, in life beyond death, we - [En Espanol](https://wpumc.com/enespanol/) - [A Disciple's Heart](https://wpumc.com/additional-resources/disciples-heart-signups/) - Last year over 400 of our congregation participated in the "Disciple's Path" study. This year we are excited to be embarking on a six-week study and sermon series that will guide us further individually and collectively in our journey to become better followers of Jesus in a disciple-making church on mission for Christ - the "Disciple's - [Prayer Shawl Ministry](https://wpumc.com/get-involved/prayer-shawl-ministry/) - Prayer Shawl Ministry If you would like to serve by creating prayer shawls, blankets, and/or prayer cloths for those with a need to feel the comfort of our Lord, consider joining the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Requirements include the ability to knit, crochet, or use an embroidery machine, or the desire to learn, and a heart - [Social Media](https://wpumc.com/additional-resources/social-media/) - [Taking the Next Step](https://wpumc.com/additional-resources/nextstep/) - Why take the Next Step? It is God's intention that we grow more generous and take bigger steps in our giving as we become more aware of how richly God has blessed us in Christ. Taking the Next Step GOAL : Stewardship is not our way of raising a budget. It is God's way of raising disciples. Discover the joy of - [313 Prayer Text](https://wpumc.com/additional-resources/313text/) - The Heart & Home Journey prayer team is sending a daily thought and a reminder to pray at 3:13 pm every day. Sign up now! Text @4dgbkh to the number 81010 Email 4dgbkh@mail.remind.com Visit www.remind.com/join use code 4dgbkh - [Additional Resources](https://wpumc.com/additional-resources/) - [Ministry](https://wpumc.com/ministry/) - Here are all our ministries to get involved with - [Events](https://wpumc.com/news-events/) - [Amplify Streaming Media](https://wpumc.com/ministry/adults/adult-education-curriculum/amplify/) - We're excited to share that our church now has access to an extensive, new streaming service called Amplify! It’s like the "Netflix of Video Bible Studies" and has a HUGE library of faith-based videos that you can access whenever and wherever you want—on your phone, iPad, computer, or at home on your TV. You will - [Town Halls Archive](https://wpumc.com/resources/committees/wpumc-town-halls/town-halls-archive/) - Archived Town Hall meetings from previous years can be found below. For the most up to date resources visit the Town Hall main page. 2019 August 2019 - Parking Lot Update - The lot is nearing completion with a few corrective updates required. Read all of the details here. January 20, 2019 - Our District - [Children's Ministry Calendar](https://wpumc.com/ministry/children/calendar-and-events/) - Did you know that you can keep this calendar on your phone? Visit the Google or Apple App Store and search for ACS Church Life then log in with your ACS password that you use to register for Church events. Need help with your ACS password? Look Here - [SSJ Archived Documents](https://wpumc.com/about-us/vision-mission/ssj/ssj-archived-documents/) - The Spiritual Strategic Journey is a process that White Plains United Methodist Church began in the Spring of 2015. We began work with George Bullard of the Columbia Partnership to help us discern how we can better live into God's call onto our church. Our goal as we work with The Columbia Partnership is - [Care Team](https://wpumc.com/serve/care-team/) - Do you remember how you felt when you first visited White Plains? Do you enjoy having someone smile and welcome you when you arrive at church? Have you ever had trouble connecting with a small group or ministry at church? Do you remember when White Plains assigned fellowship friends to new members? Have you ever wondered if anyone - [Page Not Found](https://wpumc.com/page-not-found/) - Sorry, the page you requested was not found on the site. Please try the search box on the right to locate what you are looking for. Thank you. - [Future Story Presentation](https://wpumc.com/about-us/vision-mission/ssj/future-story-presentation/) - November's Spiritual Strategic Journey (SSJ) Future Scenario presentation was a day we had been building towards for some time – we had 3 potential scenarios of the future of White Plains in 2026 – Community of Believers, A Missional Church, and a Disciple-Making Church. Those 3 scenarios could have been ANYTHING – one of them - [40 Days of Prayer](https://wpumc.com/about-us/vision-mission/ssj/40-days-of-prayer/) - Join Us for 40 Days of Prayer Over the next few weeks, we have the opportunity to watch and wait upon the Lord to do more than we can ask or imagine. The people of Israel prayed for hundreds of years for the Messiah to come, yet they never dreamed nor imagined that He would - [Three Scenarios](https://wpumc.com/about-us/vision-mission/ssj/three-scenarios/) - The following is an ARCHIVE document about our three scenarios that were presented on November 22, 2015 View videos of the presentations here: A Community of Believers YouTube A Missional Church YouTube A Disciple-Making Church YouTube View the Written Documents here: SSJ - Community of Believers SSJ - Disciple Making Church SSJ - Discipleship Graphic - [SSJ Teams](https://wpumc.com/about-us/vision-mission/ssj/ssj-teams/) - Proposed Three Scenario Teams for Imagining the Year 2026 at White Plains United Methodist Church A Community of Believers A Missional Church A Disciplemaking Church WPUMC is being called to be a community of believers with deep-caring, intergenerational relationships – a place that invites others into our community and makes room for them while continuing - [Online Resources](https://wpumc.com/resources/online-resources/) - United Methodist Links United Methodist Church's Home Page North Carolina Conference The Raleigh District Western North Carolina United Methodist Conference North Carolina Conference United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries United Methodist Foundation United Methodist Home for Children United Methodist Retirement Homes General Commission on United Methodist Men Louisburg College Methodist College North Carolina Wesleyan College - [Worship](https://wpumc.com/worship/) - Worship! - [About Us](https://wpumc.com/about-us/) - [Resources](https://wpumc.com/resources/) - Resources for members and guests - [Serve](https://wpumc.com/serve/) - Serve ## Sermons - [Great is Thy Faithfulness](https://wpumc.com/sermons/great-is-thy-faithfulness/) - Sunday, June 18. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, June 18th, we continue in our series “This is My Song, Too” as we consider some of our favorite hymns and songs of faith as a congregation. There’s no tragic or dramatic story behind the hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness. It’s just the fruit of a faithful man with a simple faith in a faithful God. Join us in worship online or in person to learn more! Lamentations 3:22-24 James 1:17-18 - [Because He Lives](https://wpumc.com/sermons/because-he-lives/) - Sunday, June 4. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday we begin a new Sermon series based on the favorite hymns and worship songs of our congregation - This is My Song, Too! You may remember we featured some of your favorites last Summer and that series was so popular we are dhoing several more of your selections. We begin with "Because He Lives", Jesus is the foundation for all that we are as believers and as a church. It is because of Jesus that we face today and tomorrow without fear. Come join us in person or online as we lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving to God. John 14:18-21 - [Heart of Worship](https://wpumc.com/sermons/heart-of-worship/) - Sunday, June 11. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, June 11, we focus on another one of our favorite worship songs as a congregation: "Heart of Worship", written by Matt Redman in 1998. Every now and then, we need a basic reminder of why and how we worship God and this song reminds us that worship isn't about us, it's about God. Our worship is always a response to God’s initiative and grace. And as Christians, we understand that in worship we are responding to what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. Whether we are singing songs of praise, offering prayers, giving of our tithes and gifts, hearing the Word proclaimed, or coming to the Lord’s table we do so as a grateful response to God’s all-embracing love and grace. 1 Chronicles 16:23-36 Luke 4:5-8 - [Judgement of the Nations](https://wpumc.com/sermons/judgement-of-the-nations/) - Sunday, September 13 Traditional worship service. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" by looking at the parable of "Judgement of the Nations". Join us in person or online this Sunday for worship! Matthew 25:31-46 - [The Rich Fool](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-rich-fool/) - Sunday, September 6 Traditional worship service. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" by looking at the parable of "The Rich Fool". Join us in person or online this Sunday for worship! Luke 12:13-21 - [Talents](https://wpumc.com/sermons/talents/) - Sunday, August 30 Traditional worship service. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" by looking at the parable of "Talents". Join us in person or online this Sunday for worship! Matthew 25:14-30 - [The Ten Virgins](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-ten-virgins/) - Sunday, August 23 Traditional worship service. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" by looking at the parable of "The Ten Virgins". Join us in person or online this Sunday for worship! Matthew 25:1-13 - [The Rich Man and Lazarus](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-rich-man-and-lazarus/) - Sunday, August 16 Traditional worship service. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" by looking at the parable of "The Rich Man and Lazarus". Join us in person or online this Sunday for worship! Psalm 133 Luke 16:19-31 - [The Widow and the Judge](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-widow-and-the-judge/) - Sunday, August 9 Traditional worship service. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" by looking at the parable of "The Widow and the Judge". Join us in person or online this Sunday for worship! Psalm 124 Luke 18:1-8 - [Laborers in the Vineyard](https://wpumc.com/sermons/laborers-in-the-vineyard/) - Sunday, August 2 Traditional worship service. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" by looking at the parable of "Laborers in the Vineyard". Join us in person or online this Sunday for worship! Matthew 20:1-16 - [Paul in Athens](https://wpumc.com/sermons/paul-in-athens/) - Sunday, July 26 Traditional worship service. We will return to the Sanctuary for worship at 11 am! David Williams will share the message this week on, "Paul in Athens." We look forward to seeing you Sunday at 9 or 11 am. Psalm 105:1-11 Acts 17:16-32 - [The Wedding Feast](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-wedding-feast/) - Sunday, July 19 Traditions worship service in the CLC. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" by looking at the parable of "The Wedding Feast." Join us in person or online this Sunday for worship! As a reminder, our 11 AM English speaking service will be in the Christian Life Center for the next several weeks while ceiling repairs are underway in our sanctuary. Psalm 139:1-12 Luke 14:16-24 - [The Mustard Seed](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-mustard-seed/) - Sunday, July 12 Traditions worship service in the CLC. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" by looking at the parable of "The Mustard Seed." Join us in person or online this Sunday for worship! As a reminder, our 11 AM English speaking service will be in the Christian Life Center for the next several weeks while ceiling repairs are underway in our sanctuary. Matthew 13:31-32 Mark 4:30-32 Luke 13:18-19 - [The Pearl of Great Price](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-pearl-of-great-price/) - Sunday, July 5 Traditions worship service in the CLC. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" by looking at the parable of "The Pearl of Great Price." Join us in person or online this Sunday for worship! As a reminder, our 11 AM English speaking service will be in the Christian Life Center for the next several weeks while ceiling repairs are underway in our sanctuary. Matthew 13:45-46 - [The Kingdom of Heaven is like Yeast](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-like-yeast/) - Sunday, June 28 Traditions worship service in the CLC. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" by looking at the parable of "The Kingdom of Heaven is like Yeast." Join us in person or online this Sunday for worship! As a reminder, our 11 AM English speaking service will be in the Christian Life Center for the next several weeks while ceiling repairs are underway in our sanctuary. Matthew 13:33 - [The Sower](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-sower/) - Sunday, June 21 Traditions worship service in the CLC. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" by looking at the parable of "The Sower." Join us in person or online this Sunday for worship! As a reminder, our 11 AM English speaking service will be in the Christian Life Center for the next several weeks while ceiling repairs are underway in our sanctuary. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 - [The Good Samaritan](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-good-samaritan/) - Sunday, June 14 Traditions worship service in the CLC. This Sunday we continue our Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" as we take a look at the parable of "The Good Samaritan." As a reminder, our 11 AM English speaking service will be in the Christian Life Center for the next several weeks while ceiling repairs are underway in our sanctuary. Luke 10:25-37 - [Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lost-sheep-lost-coin-lost-son/) - Sunday, June 7 Traditions worship service in the CLC. This Sunday we start our new Summer Sermon Series, "Short Stories by Jesus" with "Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son." As a reminder, our 11 AM English speaking service will be in the Christian Life Center for the next several weeks while ceiling repairs are underway in our sanctuary. Luke 15:4-7, 8-10, 11-32 - [The Great Commission](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-great-commission/) - Church on the Street Sunday, May 31 Traditions worship service. Join us for Church on the Street Sunday! Pastor Rob will share a message on Matthew 28, the Great Commission, where Jesus commands us to go out into the world and make disciples. Matthew 28:16-20 - [I Wish Everyone Would Prophesy](https://wpumc.com/sermons/i-wish-everyone-would-prophesy/) - Pentecost Sunday, May 24 Combined worship service. This Sunday, our three worship services will be combined into one joyful spirit-filled service of worship at 11 AM in the Christian Life Center. Pastor Edith will be preaching and all are invited to join this celebration. In honor of Pentecost everyone is invited to wear red. Acts 2:1-21 Numbers 11:24-30 - [Ascension Sunday - The Good Grief](https://wpumc.com/sermons/ascension-sunday-the-good-grief/) - Sunday, May 17 Traditions worship service. Join us this Sunday as we celebrate Ascension Sunday and also recognize our Graduates. Acts 1:1-11 Luke 24:44-53 - [Sixth Sunday of Easter - Memory](https://wpumc.com/sermons/sixth-sunday-of-easter-memory/) - Sunday, May 10 Traditions worship service. Join us in worship this Sunday for the sixth Sunday of Easter we continue to celebrate with Alleluias! Acts 17:22-31 John 13:15-21, 25-26 - [Fifth Sunday of Easter - Like Living Stones](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fifth-sunday-of-easter-like-living-stones/) - Sunday, May 3 Traditions worship service. Join us in worship this Sunday for the fifth Sunday of Easter we continue to celebrate with Alleluias! This Sunday we celebrate Confirmation Sunday in both the 9am Contemporary and 11am Familia Services, with Pastor Jason Darden preaching. Our 11am Sanctuary Service this week will celebrate Holy Communion with Rev. Schylar Ferguson, Minister in Residence, preaching. 1 Peter 2:2-10 - [Fourth Sunday of Easter - The Good Shepherd](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fourth-sunday-of-easter-the-good-shepherd/) - Sunday, April 26 Traditions worship service. Join us in worship this Sunday for the fourth Sunday of Easter we continue to celebrate with Alleluias! Psalm 23 John 10:1-10 - [Third Sunday of Easter – Slow Burn](https://wpumc.com/sermons/third-sunday-of-easter-slow-burn/) - Sunday, April 19 Traditions worship service. Join us in worship this Sunday for the third Sunday of Easter we continue to celebrate with Alleluias! Acts 1:14, 36-41 Luke 24:13-35 - [Second Sunday of Easter - Hold Fast](https://wpumc.com/sermons/second-sunday-of-easter-hold-fast/) - Sunday, April 12 Traditions worship service. Join us in worship this Sunday for the second Sunday of Easter we continue to celebrate with Alleluias! 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31 - [Unbound: Longing for New Life](https://wpumc.com/sermons/unbound-longing-for-new-life/) - Easter Sunday, April 5 tradition worship service. Join us in worship this Sunday for Easter Sunday as we continue our Unbound series - Longing for New Life. Wonderful music featuring a brass quintet at the 9am and 11am services. You’re invited to bring fresh flowers for our Easter Flower Cross where we take photos on Easter Morning. Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 28:1-10 - [Unbound: Longing for Courage](https://wpumc.com/sermons/unbound-longing-for-courage/) - Palm Sunday, March 29 tradition worship service. Join us in worship this Sunday for Palm Sunday as we continue our Unbound series - Longing for Courage. Holy Week starts as we reflect upon Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In-person English worship service will be held at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary. Familia worship is at 11:00 am in the Chapel. The whole family is invited to this Family Service where we celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Psalm 118:14-29 Matthew 21:1-11 - [Unbound: Longing for Authenticity](https://wpumc.com/sermons/unbound-longing-for-authenticity/) - Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 22 tradition worship service. Join us in worship this Sunday for the fifth Sunday of Lent as we continue our Unbound series - Longing for Authenticity. This Sunday we read the story from the eleventh chapter of John's Gospel about Lazarus. John 11:1-46 - [Unbound: Longing for Community](https://wpumc.com/sermons/unbound-longing-for-community/) - Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 15 tradition worship service. Join us in worship this Sunday for the fourth Sunday of Lent as we continue our Unbound series - Longing for Community. This Sunday we read the story from the ninth chapter of John's Gospel where Jesus heals a man born blind. John 9:1-41 - [Unbound: Longing for Relationship](https://wpumc.com/sermons/unbound-longing-for-relationship/) - Third Sunday in Lent, March 8 tradition worship service. Join us for the third week of our Lenten sermon series, Unbound. This Sunday we will be talking about the Longing for Relationship. John 4:5-42 - [Unbound: Longing for Mystery](https://wpumc.com/sermons/unbound-longing-for-mystery/) - Second Sunday in Lent, March 1 tradition worship service. Join us for the second week of our Lenten sermon series, Unbound. This Sunday we will be talking about the Longing for Mystery. Psalm 121 John 3:1-17 - [Unbound: Longing for Wholeness](https://wpumc.com/sermons/unbound-longing-for-wholeness/) - First Sunday in Lent, February 22 tradition worship service. Join us for the first week of our Lenten sermon series, Unbound. This Sunday we will be talking about the Longing for Wholeness. Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 Matthew 4:1-11 - [Glimpses of Glory](https://wpumc.com/sermons/glimpses-of-glory/) - Transfiguration Sunday, February 15 tradition worship service. This Sunday we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday. Exodus 24:12-18 Matthew 7:1-9 - [Salt of the Earth, Light of the World](https://wpumc.com/sermons/salt-of-the-earth-light-of-the-world/) - Scout Sunday, February 8 tradition worship service. What does it mean for our identity to be Salt? Can we lose our saltiness? We will celebrate Holy Communion and it is Scouting Ministries Sunday. Psalm 112:1-10 Matthew 5:13-16 - [The Beatitudes](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-beatitudes/) - Sunday, February 1 Traditions online worship service. On this 4th Sunday after Epiphany we again have inclement weather conditions. This service was pre-recorded for viewing online starting at 8am Sunday or anytime after. The Contemporary Worship Service Praise Band is featured along with the message on the Beatitudes from Kelly Lyn. Micah 6:1-8 Matthew 5:1-12 - [Stepping Out of Darkness into Light](https://wpumc.com/sermons/stepping-out-of-darkness-into-light/) - Sunday, January 25 Traditions online worship service. Due to inclement weather conditions, the service this Sunday was pre-recorded for viewing online starting at 8am Sunday or anytime after. Isaiah 9:1-5 Matthew 4:12-23 - [Come and See](https://wpumc.com/sermons/come-and-see/) - Sunday, January 18 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, is Laity Sunday at White Plains. Members of our congregation will be leading worship. Susan McCullen will present the message based on John 1:35-51 and John 6:44. "Come and See." Psalms 40:1-11 John 1:29-42, 6:44 - [Baptism of the Lord Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/baptism-of-the-lord-sunday-2/) - Sunday, January 11 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, January 11th, we celebrate Baptism of the Lord Sunday. We will take time to remember who we are as God's people, with a reaffirmation of our baptismal covenant, as we look forward to the work God calls us to. Matthew 3:13-17 Isaiah 42:1-9 - [Epiphany Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/epiphany-sunday-3/) - Sunday, January 4 Traditions worship service. Join us on Sunday, January 4 as we celebrate Epiphany Sunday. The Epiphany (Manifestation) of the Lord is an even more ancient celebration among Christians than Christmas. On this day we celebrate the coming of the three magi who brought gifts to the Christ Child (Matthew 2). Our Hispanic friends observe the day as Dia de Los Reyes (Three Kings Day). It marks the end of the Christmas season. Isaiah 60:1-6 Matthew 2:1-12 - [Lessons and Carols](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lessons-and-carols-3/) - Sunday, December 28 Traditions worship service. Join us for a service of Lessons and Carols. We hope to see you at 9:00 or 11:00 am for worship at White Plains UMC. - [Christmas Eve](https://wpumc.com/sermons/christmas-eve/) - Sunday, December 24 Traditions worship service. 4 pm - Family Friendly Service in the CLC - The 4:00 pm service is held in our Christian Life Center hall. The music is led by our contemporary worship band and singers. The message tells the Christmas story through the eyes of "Clopper" the donkey and is fun for all ages. Many families with younger children choose to attend this service. It ends with the waving of glow sticks. 8 pm - Traditional Candlelight service in the Sanctuary - The 8:00 pm service is in the Sanctuary and ends with the singing of Silent Night and the lighting of candles. The music for this service is led by our Chancel Choir and the message is given by Rev. Kelly Lyn Logue. Communion is offered at both services with gluten-free options available. The 8 pm service will be livestreamed. If you are unable to attend in person, please consider joining via livestream at 8 pm or anytime later. Isaiah 9:2-7 Luke 2:1-20 - [Fourth Sunday of Advent – The Voices of Angels and Prophets](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fourth-sunday-of-advent-the-voices-of-angels-and-prophets/) - Sunday, December 21 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, December 21st, is the fourth Sunday in Advent and we will listen to "The Voices of Angels and Prophets." We continue our Advent Sermon Series, Voices of Advent based on Matthew Skinner’s Book “Voices of Advent: The Bible’s Insights for a Season of Hope”. Isaiah 7:10-16 Matthew 1:18-25 - [Third Sunday of Advent - The Voice of Mary](https://wpumc.com/sermons/third-sunday-of-advent-the-voice-of-mary/) - Sunday, December 14 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, December 14th, is the third Sunday in Advent and we will listen to "The Voice of Mary." We continue our Advent Sermon Series, Voices of Advent based on Matthew Skinner’s Book “Voices of Advent: The Bible’s Insights for a Season of Hope”. Isaiah 35:1-10 Luke 1:46-55 - [Second Sunday of Advent – The Voice of John the Baptist](https://wpumc.com/sermons/second-sunday-of-advent-the-voice-of-john-the-baptist/) - Sunday, December 7 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, December 7th, is the second Sunday in Advent and we will encounter John the Baptist. Join us as we listen for John's voice and hear his message for us today. We continue our Advent Sermon Series, Voices of Advent based on Matthew Skinner’s Book “Voices of Advent: The Bible’s Insights for a Season of Hope”. Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Matthew 3:1-12 - [First Sunday of Advent - The Voice of Jesus](https://wpumc.com/sermons/first-sunday-of-advent-the-voice-of-jesus/) - Sunday, November 30 Traditions worship service. We begin a new church year with the first Sunday of Advent, a season of preparation, expectation and waiting for the celebration of Christmas. We begin our Advent Sermon Series, Voices of Advent based on Matthew Skinner’s Book “Voices of Advent: The Bible’s Insights for a Season of Hope”. Psalm 122 Matthew 24:36-44 - [Where is Our Treasure?](https://wpumc.com/sermons/where-is-our-treasure/) - Sunday, November 16 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, November 16th, Pastor Kelly Lyn will share a message titled "Where is Our Treasure?" as we consider our stewardship and giving for 2026. Psalm 145:8-21 Matthew 6:19-24 - [Healing Service](https://wpumc.com/sermons/healing-service/) - Sunday, November 9 Traditions worship service. We will offer anointing and healing prayers on November 9th at White Plains UMC. Psalm 103 James 5:15-16 Mark 8:22-26 - [All Saints Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/all-saints-sunday-5/) - Sunday, November 2 Traditions worship service. November 2nd is All Saints Sunday at White Plains UMC. Pastor Rob will share a message of hope and encouragement as we share in Holy Communion and remember those who have gone before us. Hebrews 11:1 - 12:1 - [Breathing Room](https://wpumc.com/sermons/breathing-room/) - Sunday, October 26 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, October 26th, Pastor Kelly Lyn will share a message on Psalm 4 and "Breathing Room." Guest musicians, Claire Holley and Jay Kory Johnson will provide special music. 1 Peter 3:8-12 Psalm 4 - [Stephen Ministry Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/stephen-ministry-sunday/) - Sunday, October 19 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, October 19th, we celebrate Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministers walk alongside someone during their time of emotional, physical, or spiritual need, listening to, praying for, and loving that person along the way, providing in-depth one-on-one, confidential care. Galatians 6:2 John 5:1-9 - [The People for whom the World is our Parish](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-for-whom-the-world-is-our-parish/) - Sunday, October 5 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, October 5th, we continue our sermon series, #BeUMC - Committed People of God. In this fourth week of the series, we will be talking about being "The People for whom the World is our Parish." Isaiah 2:1-5 - [Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously](https://wpumc.com/sermons/love-boldly-serve-joyfully-lead-courageously/) - Sunday, October 12 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, October 12th, we continue our sermon series, #BeUMC - Committed People of God. In this fifth week of the series, we will focus on the new vision statement for the United Methodist Church. Matthew 22:37-39 John 13:34-35 Nehemiah 8:10 John 13:14-15 Joshua 1:9 - [The People of God who Attend the Ordinances of God](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-who-attend-the-ordinances-of-god/) - Sunday, September 28 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, September 28th, we continue our sermon series, #BeUMC - Committed People of God. In this third week of the series, we will be talking about being "The People of God who Attend the Ordinances of God." 1 John 4:7-12, 17-19 1 John 5:1-4 - [The People of God who Do Good](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-who-do-good/) - Sunday, September 21 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, September 21st, we continue our sermon series, #BeUMC - Committed People of God. In this second week of the series, we will be talking about being "The People of God who Do Good." Romans 12:9-21 - [The People of God who Do No Harm](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-who-do-no-harm/) - Sunday, September 14 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, September 14th, is Rally Day at White Plains UMC. We start a new sermon series, #BeUMC - Committed People of God. In this first week of the series, we will be talking about being "The People of God who Do No Harm." Proverbs 3:1-2 Proverbs 3:29-30 - [WholeHEARTed Series Wrap Up](https://wpumc.com/sermons/wholehearted-series-wrap-up/) - Sunday, September 7 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, September 7th, we will wrap up our sermon series, wholeHEARTed, inspired by Brené Brown’s bestselling book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. We will take a look back at the values we've cultivated the past 11 weeks and the thoughts and behaviors we need to let go in order to make room. We hope to see you in person or online! Proverbs 3:5-6 Philippians 4:4-9 - [Cultivating Laughter, Song, and Dance](https://wpumc.com/sermons/cultivating-laughter-song-and-dance/) - Sunday, August 31 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we will continue our sermon series, wholeHEARTed, inspired by Brené Brown’s bestselling book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. During this series, we will explore ten guideposts found in scripture for Wholehearted living to help us let go of who we think we are supposed to be and embrace who we already are. This Sunday, we are at Guidepost 10: Cultivating Laughter, Song, and Dance: Letting Go of Being "Cool" and Needing to Always Be in Control. Genesis 21:1-7 Proverbs 17:22 - [Cultivating Meaningful Work](https://wpumc.com/sermons/cultivating-meaningful-work/) - Sunday, August 24 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we will continue our sermon series, wholeHEARTed, inspired by Brené Brown’s bestselling book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. During this series, we will explore ten guideposts found in scripture for Wholehearted living to help us let go of who we think we are supposed to be and embrace who we already are. This Sunday, we are at Guidepost 9: Cultivating Meaningful Work: Letting Go of Self-Doubt and "Supposed to." Galatians 6:1-10 1 Peter 4:7-11 - [Cultivating Calm and Stillness](https://wpumc.com/sermons/cultivating-calm-and-stillness/) - Sunday, August 17 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we will continue our sermon series, wholeHEARTed, inspired by Brené Brown’s bestselling book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. During this series, we will explore ten guideposts found in scripture for Wholehearted living to help us let go of who we think we are supposed to be and embrace who we already are. This Sunday, we are at Guidepost 8: Cultivating Calm and Stillness: Letting Go of Anxiety as a Lifestyle. Psalm 46 Mark 4:35-41 - [Cultivating Play and Rest](https://wpumc.com/sermons/cultivating-play-and-rest/) - Sunday, August 10 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we will continue our sermon series, wholeHEARTed, inspired by Brené Brown’s bestselling book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. During this series, we will explore ten guideposts found in scripture for Wholehearted living to help us let go of who we think we are supposed to be and embrace who we already are. This Sunday, we are at Guidepost 7: Cultivating Play and Rest: Letting Go of Exhaustion as a Status Symbol and Productivity as Self-Worth. Matthew 11:28-30 Matthew 18:1-5 - [Cultivating Creativity and Letting Go of Comparison](https://wpumc.com/sermons/cultivating-creativity-and-letting-go-of-comparison/) - Sunday, August 3 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we will continue our sermon series, wholeHEARTed, inspired by Brené Brown’s bestselling book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. During this series, we will explore ten guideposts found in scripture for Wholehearted living to help us let go of who we think we are supposed to be and embrace who we already are. This Sunday, we are at Guidepost 6: Cultivating Creativity and Letting Go of Comparison Psalm 150 Exodus 35:20-29 - [Cultivating Resilience](https://wpumc.com/sermons/cultivating-resilience/) - Sunday, July 13 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we will continue our sermon series, wholeHEARTed, inspired by Brené Brown’s bestselling book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. During this series, we will explore ten guideposts found in scripture for Wholehearted living to help us let go of who we think we are supposed to be and embrace who we already are. This Sunday, we are at Guidepost 3: Cultivating Resilience: Letting Go of Numbing and Powerlessness. Psalm 46 Romans 12:1-8,11-12 - [Cultivating Gratitude and Joy](https://wpumc.com/sermons/cultivating-gratitude-and-joy/) - Sunday, July 20 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we will continue our sermon series, wholeHEARTed, inspired by Brené Brown’s bestselling book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. During this series, we will explore ten guideposts found in scripture for Wholehearted living to help us let go of who we think we are supposed to be and embrace who we already are. This Sunday, we are at Guidepost 4: Cultivating Gratitude and Joy: Letting Go of Scarcity and Fear of the Dark. Darin Diep, Duke Divinity Intern, brings the message this morning. Psalm 105:1-6 Matthew 6:25-34 - [Cultivating Intuition and Trusting Faith](https://wpumc.com/sermons/cultivating-intuition-and-trusting-faith/) - Sunday, July 27 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we will continue our sermon series, wholeHEARTed, inspired by Brené Brown’s bestselling book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. During this series, we will explore ten guideposts found in scripture for Wholehearted living to help us let go of who we think we are supposed to be and embrace who we already are. This Sunday, we are at Guidepost 5: Cultivating Intuition and Trusting Faith Isaiah 55:1-9 Hebrews 11:1-3 - [Cultivating Authenticity](https://wpumc.com/sermons/cultivating-authenticity/) - Sunday, June 29 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we will continue our sermon series, wholeHEARTed, inspired by Brené Brown’s bestselling book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. During this series, we will explore ten guideposts found in scripture for Wholehearted living to help us let go of who we think we are supposed to be and embrace who we already are. This Sunday, we are at Guidepost 1: Cultivating Authenticity: Letting Go of What Other People Think Psalm 139:1-6,23-24 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Luke 18:9-14 - [Cultivating Self-Compassion](https://wpumc.com/sermons/cultivating-self-compassion/) - Sunday, July 6 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we will continue our sermon series, wholeHEARTed, inspired by Brené Brown’s bestselling book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. During this series, we will explore ten guideposts found in scripture for Wholehearted living to help us let go of who we think we are supposed to be and embrace who we already are. This Sunday, we are at Guidepost 2: Cultivating Self-Compassion: Letting Go of Perfectionism. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 John 8:2-11 - [WholeHEARTed Living](https://wpumc.com/sermons/wholehearted-living/) - Sunday, June 22 Traditions worship service. Come join us this Sunday as we begin a new sermon series, Wholehearted, inspired by Brené Brown’s bestselling book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. Brené Brown is a world renowned writer, speaker and research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She is a Christian and her faith is not only the grounding and organizing principle of her life, you’ll find her books and talks are shaped by her faith in God and as a follower of Jesus. In the coming weeks, we will explore ten guideposts found in scripture for Wholehearted living to help us let go of who we think we are supposed to be and embrace who we already are. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Psalm 119:10-16 Mark 1:10-11 - [Trinity Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/trinity-sunday/) - Sunday, June 15 Traditions worship service. "All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you." - John 16:15 The word "trinity" doesn't appear in the Bible but our faith in the God who is three who is one is at the core of our beliefs. Join us this Sunday on Trinity Sunday as we lift our hearts to God and hear what Jesus had to say about this mysterious union during his last night with his disciples. This Sunday we are back to our regular three services: 9:00 am contemporary in the Christian Life Center, 11:00 Familia en espanol in the Chapel and 11:00 am service in the Sanctuary or online on YouTube or Facebook. See you in Church! Psalm 8 Proverbs 8:1-4,22-31 John 16:12-15 - [Pentecost](https://wpumc.com/sermons/pentecost/) - Sunday, June 8 Traditions worship service. Come join us this Sunday as we worship God and wait for the Holy Spirit to whoosh over ALL our people during our unified Pentecost Worship service. We will join together—English and Spanish speaking worshipers—unified in praise, welcoming those coming forward for baptism and membership, and celebrating our graduating students’ accomplishments. Wear red for our only worship service of the day and come expecting the currents of God’s Holy Spirit to move us to ministry in the world. Acts 2:1-21 - [Seventh Sunday in Easter](https://wpumc.com/sermons/seventh-sunday-in-easter/) - Sunday, June 1 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, June 1st is the 7th Sunday of Easter. We will also celebrate the sacrament of holy communion and the culmination of Church on the Street--so please wear your Church on the Street t-shirts (more are available in the church office!) We'll look together at Jesus' prayer in John 17 at the conclusion of the farewell discourse where Jesus invites us to overhear his prayer that includes even us today! John 17:20-26 - [Sixth Sunday in Easter](https://wpumc.com/sermons/sixth-sunday-in-easter/) - Sunday, May 25 Traditions worship service. In the Gospel of John, as Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure he says, If you love me . . . you will keep my commandments. "Those who love me will keep my word and my Father will love them and we will come to them and make our home with them. (John 14: 23) Jesus even takes it one step further saying, “Whoever does NOT love me does not keep my words. (v. 24) Join us this Sunday, May 25 as we continue learning from Jesus' Farewell Discourse in John 14-17 at 9am or 11am. How is God making a home in you? Psalm 67 John 14:23-29 - [Fifth Sunday in Easter](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fifth-sunday-in-easter/) - Sunday, May 18 Traditions worship service. "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." - John 13:35 Jesus shared this "new commandment" with his closest friends during their last meal together. So what does it mean to love as God loves? If we are to be known as followers of Jesus Christ then we better talk about it. Join us in worship for the 5th Sunday in Easter at 9:00 am for contemporary worship in the CLC or for the Sanctuary service at 11:00 am in person or on live stream. Psalm 148 John 13:31-35 - [Third Sunday in Easter](https://wpumc.com/sermons/third-sunday-in-easter/) - Sunday, May 4 Traditions worship service. This Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of Easter. In addition to sharing in the sacrament of Holy Communion in all each worship service, we'll also consider the Apostle Paul's stewardship message to the Corinthians: "Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have." (2 Corinthians 8:11-12). 2 Corinthians 8:7-12 - [Fourth Sunday in Easter](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fourth-sunday-in-easter/) - Sunday, May 11 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Easter, also known as Shepherd Sunday. Observed each year on the 4th Sunday of Easter, we will read and sing together Psalm 23 and the Gospel passage from John 10 where Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd. Join us this Sunday in person at 9am or 11am (live online worship also available at 11am). Psalm 23 John 10:22-30 - [Second Sunday in Easter](https://wpumc.com/sermons/second-sunday-in-easter/) - Sunday, April 27 Traditions worship service. Again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” - John 20:21 The cross is the inflection point of history. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus defeated evil, darkness, and death for all time. in the words of the great Easter Hymn "Love's redeeming work is done, fought the fight the battle won." And yet we acknowledge that evil, death, and darkness remain powerful realities for many in this world. This is why Jesus appears to his disciples multiple times after his resurrection. This is why he sends us forth in his name - to proclaim the good news. Join us in worship in person or online this Sunday as we proclaim the Easter message - Christ is risen indeed - Alleluia! Psalm 150 John 20:19-33 - [Easter Sunday - Just a Closer Walk with Thee](https://wpumc.com/sermons/easter-sunday-just-a-closer-walk-with-thee/) - Easter Sunday, April 20 Traditions worship service. Walking with Christ is a central metaphor for the spiritual life; there are things that we learn by staying alert and walking with Jesus during Holy Week that we cannot learn in any other way. Some of the harder lessons and mysteries of our faith are lived out right in front of our eyes during these days, and the lessons to be learned are best taught in the intimacy of our relationship with Christ as we walk the path together. Join us as we walk with Jesus through his last supper with the disciples, his arrest and trial, to the cross, and as his body is carried to the tomb, so that we may experience the fullness of joy in Christ's Resurrection on Easter morning. Psalm 118:14-29 Luke 24:1-12 - [The People of God in Eternity - Revelation](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-eternity-revelation/) - Palm Sunday, April 13 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, April 13, 2025 we will celebrate the culmination of our With-God Life Series that we began in September of 2023! During this two-year series, we have surveyed through the whole of scripture from Genesis to Revelation through the lens of Spiritual formation. And throughout we have learned that The Immanuel Principle is the way God has interacted with human life throughout history. Through all the pages of the Bible we find God saying to us, “I am with you” God says, “Will you be with me?” This Sunday as we come to the end of this series with the theme The People of God in Eternity as we consider the book of Revelation, we also celebrate Palm Sunday! We'll have a Palm Procession remembering Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem at all the services and a special video to celebrate our With-God Life series. At our 11am Service this Palm Sunday we will also celebrate our children singing and a special commissioned anthem composed by Pepper Choplin for our choir to sing on the With-God Life. Luke 19:28-40 Revelation 1:4-8; 7:9-17 - [The People of God in Community - The Letters of John and Jude](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-community-the-letters-of-john-and-jude/) - Sunday, April 6 Traditions worship service. William Law, an 18th century Anglican priest wrote: “If we are to be new people in Christ, then we must show our newness to the world. If we are to follow Christ, it must be in the way we spend each day.” As we approach the letters of James and Peter this week, we remember that these writers likely knew each other and even walked together with Jesus! They were both also instrumental in the development of the first Christian community in Jerusalem that began to be organized after the day of Pentecost. 1 John 1:5-9; 3:1-3 1 John 4:7-21 Jude 1:7-21; 24-25 - [The People of God in Community - James, 1 and 2 Peter](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-community-james-1-and-2-peter/) - Sunday, March 30 Traditions worship service. William Law, an 18th century Anglican priest wrote: “If we are to be new people in Christ, then we must show our newness to the world. If we are to follow Christ, it must be in the way we spend each day.” As we approach the letters of James and Peter this week, we remember that these writers likely knew each other and even walked together with Jesus! They were both also instrumental in the development of the first Christian community in Jerusalem that began to be organized after the day of Pentecost. Join us in worship as we consider how to live with integrity as those who seek to follow Jesus at 9am in CLC or 11am in the Sanctuary or online! 1 Peter 1:1, 3-9 James 1:19-27; 2:14-17 James 3:1-6, 9-10 - [The People of God in Community - Romans](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-community-romans/) - Sunday, January 26 Traditions worship service. We re-enter our series on the With-God Life this Sunday as we begin this section on The People of God in Community engaging with the genre of literature in scripture known as Letters. Paul’s Letter to the Romans is a remarkable treatise explaining what we call the GOSPEL--the good news of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This letter has had a wide ranging impact on Christian history, including the Protestant Reformation's doctrine of justification by faith. Its influence upon John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement is also evident throughout his writings, most famously in this journal entry: "In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther's Preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death." (Works, "Journals," May 24, 1738, para. 14) As we approach this letter through the lens of spiritual formation we'll focus on Paul's desire to encourage and guide the community life of early Christians living in the city of Rome. Try reading Romans yourself! And join us for worship this Sunday 9am Contemporary Service in the CLC or 11am in the Sanctuary! Romans 1:1-12 Romans 12 - [The People of God in Community – Philippians](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-community-philippians/) - Sunday, February 23 Traditions worship service. Philippians is one of the letters Paul wrote from prison. It's also his most personal letter because Paul knew these people so well. (You can read about Paul in Philippi in Acts 16.) In response to the Philippians kindness and generosity, Paul writes this letter full of gratefulness thanking God for this community of Jesus followers. We'll find Paul's encouragement for today, too, as he encourages us to imitate the humility of Christ and through the cultivation of joy find resilience in the midst of trouble. It's a short letter, so you are encouraged to read it before you come to worship this Sunday, February 23rd at 9am in the CLC or 11am in the Sanctuary. Philippians 1:1-11; 2:1-5 Philippians 4:2-9 - [The People of God in Community - Colossians](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-community-colossians/) - Sunday, March 2 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we continue our With-God life series on the people of God in community as we focus on Paul's letter to the Colossians. This short epistle is a theological masterwork that proclaims the universality and sovereignty of Jesus Christ. Join us in the Sanctuary at 11am or online as we wrestle with the idea of ultimate truth in a culture of competing ideologies. We hope to see you in worship! Colossians 1:9-23 - [The People of God in Community - Hebrews](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-community-hebrews/) - Sunday, March 23 Traditions worship service. This week in the With-God Life: The People of God in Community we focus on the unique New Testament book Hebrews--which defies all other biblical genres. It's kind of its own thing which is closer to a long sermon than it is a letter. Who it was written to and who it was written by remains a mystery. Still, we will find encouragement and challenge to follow Jesus and remain faithful to Jesus despite whatever hardships we may face. Hebrews 1:1-3; 12:1-2, 12-15; 13:1-8, 15-17 - [The People of God in Community - Timothy and Titus](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-community-timothy-and-titus/) - Sunday, March 16 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, March 16 in our With-God Life Series: The People of God in Community we transition from Paul's letters to specific churches that he had started or had influence over to what are known as the Pastoral Letters--1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. These 3 books in the New Testament were written by Paul to specific individual leaders named Timothy and Titus. They are written from one pastor to another pastor. These letters are important because they help us catch Paul's vision for the nature of the church--how what we believe shapes how we live and behave. 1 Timothy 1:1-2; 2:1-6; 4:11-16 Titus 3:1-9 - [The People of God in Community - Thessalonians](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-community-thessalonians/) - Sunday, March 9 Traditions worship service. We first learn about Paul's ministry in Thessalonica in Acts 17: "After Paul and Silas had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews" (17:1). It's very likely that the first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians is the earliest letter in the New Testament! This means that, for us as readers today, we find in 1 Thessalonians what was first on the mind of Paul and what were the initial issues being confronted by the early Church like: concerns about the timing of the return of Jesus Christ, the ethical behavior of Christians, and what is our task as disciples of Jesus. Join us this Sunday at 11am as we continue to learn from the Apostle Paul. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; 4:13-5:11; 5:12-28 - [The People of God in Community - Ephesians](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-community-ephesians/) - Sunday, February 16 Traditions worship service. This short New Testament Letter to the Ephesians invites us to consider our place as part of a church family--this unlikely group of people the Holy Spirit has brought together to be God's people in this place for this season. How are you working to help our church family tend to our work of making God's love real? We encourage you to be inspired by reading the 6 chapters of Ephesians and join us in worship at 9am in the CLC or 11am in the Sanctuary this Sunday. Ephesians 1:1-2, 15-23 Ephesians 3:14-21; 4:1-6 - [The People of God in Community - Galatians](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-community-galatians/) - Sunday, February 9 Traditions worship service. This Sunday we continue this section of the With-God Life called the People of God in Community. Paul's letter to the church in Galatia is a textbook on Spiritual Formation. If we are living the Gospel rightly as individuals and in community then the Holy Spirit will be working in and through us, shaping and working us into the people we're called to be as followers of Jesus Christ. In this beloved letter, Paul warns us of pitfalls along the path and lists the qualities, the "fruit" that the Spirit will bring forth in our lives. Join us in the Sanctuary service at 11:00am or watch the live stream on Facebook or Youtube. Galatians 3:23-29, 5:13-26 - [The People of God in Community – Corinthians](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-community-corinthians/) - Sunday, February 2 Traditions worship service. We continue in our With-God Life Series this week working through the genre of New Testament literature we call LETTERS. For some background information on Paul’s relationship with the church at Corinth read Acts Chapter 18. Paul lived among the Corinthian followers of Jesus for a year and a half before he moved on to start churches in other cities. But, soon after he moved on, he learned that the Corinthian community was dealing with all kinds of problems and divisions just within the church community, which is why he wrote this letter. Join us this Sunday, Feb. 2 at 11am online or in person as we learn together how to grow our capacity to love like God loves us in Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:1-11 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 - [Laity Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/laity-sunday/) - This Sunday, January 19, we will celebrate the ministry and witness of lay persons in our congregation and everywhere. On Laity Sunday we embrace our shared vocation (lay persons and clergy) to proclaim, grow in, and embody the good news of saving love in Jesus Christ. As we welcome and offer the good news of Jesus to all, we commit to grow in love and respond to a world that needs God’s redeeming grace. Our Lay Leader Susan McCullen and Assistant Lay Leader Kenna Coley will lead us in this special service at 11am in our sanctuary. (Lisa Fox filled in for Kenna who was unable to attend) 1 Corinthians 12:4-31 - [Baptism of the Lord Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/baptism-of-the-lord-sunday/) - Sunday, January 12 Traditions worship service. "Behold, the Lamb of God!" That's how John the Baptist acknowledges Jesus after baptizing him in the Jordan. This Sunday we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, yet another example of God's upside-down kingdom where the divine is baptized by the human. We can identify with John in our unworthiness but we are called to remember who we are in Jesus, that we share in his frailty as well as his victory. Today we reaffirm our pledge to resist evil in all its forms, repent of our sin and live into the service God has called us to. Matthew 3:13-17 John 1:29-34 - [Epiphany Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/epiphany-sunday-2/) - Sunday, January 5 Traditions worship service. This Sunday, we continue our celebration of the Christmas Season as we anticipate Epiphany. The word epiphany comes from the Greek word that means "manifestation" or "to show" or "to reveal." As early as the 4th Century Epiphany has been celebrated as the festival commemorating the visit of the magi to the baby Jesus. (Matthew 2). The magi followed a star and were led by its light. In our own day and time how will we manifest and reveal the love and light of Christ to the world shrouded in darkness? Matthew 2:1-12 - [Lessons and Carols](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lessons-and-carols-2/) - Sunday, December 29 Traditions worship service. Join us this Sunday as we continue to celebrate the season of Christmas by reading the stories and singing the songs of the season. This tradition dates back over 100 years and is a White Plains favorite. - [Fourth Sunday of Advent - Mary and Elizabeth](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fourth-sunday-of-advent-mary-and-elizabeth/) - Sunday, December 22 Traditions worship service. Immediately after Mary's encounter with the Angel Gabriel and the announcement that she will bear a child who will be named Jesus and will be called the son of God, Luke tells us Mary "went with haste" to the Judean hillside to the home of Zachariah and Elizabeth. It was a journey of at least 70 miles, 100 miles when avoiding Samaria. It appears she traveled on foot and alone. Elizabeth greets Mary with blessings of welcome and joy, when other family members would have rejected Mary because of her circumstances. They spend a whole trimester together and we learn much about friendship and hospitality from Elizabeth and Mary. Luke 1:39-45, 46-56 - [Third Sunday of Advent - Gabriel and Mary](https://wpumc.com/sermons/third-sunday-of-advent-gabriel-and-mary/) - Sunday, December 15 Traditions worship service. This week in our With-God Life in Advent we consider the Annunciation text from Luke 1: 26-38. In preparation for Sunday, reflect on this story visually through the work of the Italian Renaissance artist Fra Filippo Lippi from the mid fifteenth century. Fra Lippi was a Carmelite friar who lived a complicated, troubled life but painted devotional subjects with understanding and clarity. The viewer is drawn into the intimate scene by the semicircular structure of the painting. The use of perspective communicates that this is a real event. Visual simplicity is achieved by placing the two kneeling figures opposite one another. On the right Mary is holding a book, symbolizing the Word of God become flesh. Gabriel, easily identified by his golden wings, is holding a lily, a symbol of purity. The diagonal rays of light extend from the dove toward Mary as she listens humbly as Gabriel declares, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Enjoy our worship service on Sunday, December 15th with special musical guest harpist Anita Burroughs Price. There will be an extended Prelude of harp music beginning at 10:50am. Luke 1:26-38 - [Second Sunday of Advent - Elizabeth and Zechariah](https://wpumc.com/sermons/second-sunday-of-advent-elizabeth-and-zechariah/) - Sunday, December 8 Traditions worship service. Of the four Gospels, only Luke begins with the story of the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth—the story of a couple getting on in years, the wife thought to be barren, any hope of having children all but gone. Then comes the incredible promise of a child to be born to them. How would you describe yourself when required to wait? On pins and needles, itching to change your situation? Resigned to what may be a long trial? Impatient? Eager, yet willing to wait? What does your response to waiting reveal about your relationship with God? Luke 1:5-25, 57-80 - [First Sunday of Advent - Joseph](https://wpumc.com/sermons/first-sunday-of-advent-joseph/) - Sunday, December 1 Traditions worship service. We begin the Season of Advent this Sunday, December 1st as we return to our With-God Life Series and focus on the Gospel Narratives surrounding the birth of Jesus. This week we'll revisit the Gospel of Matthew and consider how the ultimate with-God event is announced to Joseph. Throughout scripture we've seen how God had been present with individuals, with a family, with a tribe, then with a people. But, now God announces that God will be with us personally and will experience all of the limitations, vulnerabilities and struggles of human life. How has the reality that God took on human flesh and lived among us changed your life? Matthew 1:18-25 - [Christ the King Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/christ-the-king-sunday-2/) - Youth Sunday, November 24 Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, we will have two in-person worship services: a contemporary service in the CLC from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m., focusing on Thanksgiving with Pastor Kelly Lyn preaching, and a Unified Youth Sunday service in the Sanctuary at 11:00 a.m., focusing on Christ the King Sunday. For the contemporary service, we continue to experiment with times as we look forward to resuming a regular weekly contemporary service at some point in early 2025 so we appreciate your feedback! Youth Sunday will feature music from our children and youth, the presentation of third-grade Bibles, and Reverend Jason Darden preaching. Join us in person for one or both of these special services this Sunday or online. II Samuel 23:1-7 John 18:33-37 - [The People of God on Mission - Acts part 3](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-on-mission-acts-part-3/) - Sunday, November 17 Traditions online worship service. The road goes ever on. This week we conclude this section of the With-God Life journey looking at the People of God on mission. After the historic events of the Jerusalem Council in Acts chapter 15 the rest of Luke's narrative of the early followers of Jesus focuses on Paul's missionary journeys. Armed with the good news that the Kingdom of God is available to all, Paul survives persecution, shipwreck, and even incarceration while never ceasing to proclaim that Jesus is Lord. What can we learn from Paul's perseverance and creativity as we share the same message today? Join us in person or online as we respond to this important story. Acts 17:16-28 - [The People of God on Mission - Acts part 2](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-on-mission-acts-part-2/) - Sunday, November 10 Traditions online worship service. Since the beginning of our With-God Life journey considering scripture through the lens of spiritual formation we have seen how God's aim throughout history has been to create an all-inclusive community of loving persons. As we continue to move through the Acts of the Apostles we'll see how the earliest followers of Jesus worked to make this come to pass. Specifically, the coming together of Jews and Gentiles across cultural and ritual divides almost didn't happen! Right in the center of Luke's history of the early church, Luke writes about the Jerusalem council (chapter 15) where the whole Church gathers to work out a compromise so that the Jewish and Gentile followers of Jesus could be in full communion with one another. Consider reading Acts chapters 9-15 before worshiping with us on November 10th in person or online Acts 15:1-20 - [All Saints Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/all-saints-sunday-4/) - All Saints Sunday, November 3 Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, November 3, we will celebrate All Saints Sunday as we remember specifically those members of our congregation who have died in the last year in addition to remembering all our loved ones who have gone before us. Join us in worship at 11am online or in person. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1) Psalm 24 Revelation 21:1-6a - [The People of God on Mission - Acts part 1](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-on-mission-acts-part-1/) - Sunday, October 27 Traditions online worship service. This Sunday we continue our journey on the With-God Life series moving into a new part of the story - the people of God on mission. The Gospel of Luke told the story of the Acts of Jesus and now the same author continues with the Acts of the Apostles. In the first 8 chapters we experience the ascension of Jesus, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the explosive growth of the early church. Luke describes in detail the life of the early believers and their leaders and how they encounter opposition and persecution and eventually are scattered. Join us in worship this Sunday when we have a special contemporary service in the CLC from 9:00am to 9:45am in addition to our usual 11:00am service. We hope to see you there! Acts 1:1-11 Acts 4:32-37 Acts 8:26-40 - [The Gospel of John](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-gospel-of-john/) - Sunday, October 20 Traditions online worship service. Join us this Sunday as we dive into the “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John. These are the moments where Jesus gives us glimpses of who He is—both in ways we can see and understand, and in ways that remain a bit of a mystery. We’ll talk about how Jesus meets our everyday needs while also being something so much more—tangible yet beyond our full understanding. Whether He’s the Bread of Life or the True Vine, there’s so much to discover. Come ready for a thoughtful and meaningful conversation! John 1:1-18 John 6:35 John 8:12 John 10:7 John 10:11 John 11:25-26 John 14:6 John 15:1 - [The Gospel of Luke](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-gospel-of-luke/) - Sunday, October 13 Traditions online worship service. The Gospel of Luke is one of the most brilliant writings in all of the history of Christianity. Luke tells us that he had a chance to stand back from the extraordinary events that had been going on, to talk to the people involved, to read some earlier writings, and to make his own full version so that readers could know the truth about the things to do with Jesus. Luke was an educated and cultured man, the first real historian to write about Jesus. The gospel of Luke places Jesus not only at the heart of the Jewish world of the 1st century, but at the heart of the Roman world into which the story of Jesus exploded with the message of radical inclusion. Luke believed that Jesus is for everyone. So, Luke’s telling of the story of Jesus is for everyone too. Join us this Sunday in worship on October 13 to learn more from Luke! Luke 1:1-4 Luke 15:11-32 Luke 4:40,42-44; 5:15-16; 6:12-13; 22:39-42,45-46 Luke 24:52-53 - [CLC Dedication](https://wpumc.com/sermons/clc-dedication/) - Sunday, October 6 Traditions online worship service. On Sunday, October 6 we will officially dedicate and celebrate the work of the Heart and Home team on the Christian Life Center. We will welcome Reverend Ray Warren and our District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Chris Brady in worship at 11:00 am and finish the service in the upstairs hall of the CLC with communion and a potluck lunch. For this online service we hope you rejoice and give thanks to God for the progress that has been made and the possibilities that this space will bring for our congregation and our community. Philippians 1:3-11, 2:1-11 Exodus 36:1-5 - [Mark's Gospel](https://wpumc.com/sermons/marks-gospel/) - Sunday, September 29 Traditions online worship service. While the gospel of Matthew eased us into the good news of Jesus Christ with a genealogical history lesson, Mark has no time for that. Mark’s narrative of Jesus is characterized by urgency. There is no time to waste on a birth narrative. Within the first fourteen verses, John the Baptist announces Jesus’ coming and baptizes him, and “immediately” Jesus is in the wilderness with the wild beasts. Why is Mark in such a hurry? Consider reading the Gospel of Mark this week and joining us on Sunday, September 29 online or in-person to discover how the coming of Jesus and with him God's reign into the world and into our lives is decisive and dramatic. Mark 1:1-14 Mark 8:22-37 Mark 15:21-24,33-39 Mark 16:1-8 - [The Gospel of Matthew](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-gospel-of-matthew/) - Sunday, September 22 Traditions online worship service. The Gospel of Matthew is probably the most familiar and most read of the 4 gospels narratives in the New Testament. While not the first gospel written, it is the first one we come across in our bibles. It contains many of the texts most familiar to Christians and non-Christians alike: the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, The Great Commission. The writer of the Gospel of Matthew was a Jewish believer who compiled the stories of Jesus known to his community sometime after the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in the year 70 AD, and sometime before 90 AD. Reading the Gospel of Matthew through the lens of spiritual formation, we find a compelling portrait of Jesus as a wise Jewish teacher who reveals what it looks like to live a life of Immanuel—“God with Us” and the fulfillment of all that had come before. Join us in worship this Sunday, September 22 in-person or online! Matthew 1:1-17 Matthew 28:16-20 - [The People of God with Immanuel](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-with-immanuel/) - Sunday, September 15 Traditions online worship service. Matthew 1:23 " . . . and they will name him Immanuel, which means God with Us". As we enter into our study of the New Testament through the lens of spiritual formation in this new section of the With-God Life, we are reminded that the whole point of spiritual formation is for us to become more Christ-like from the inside out. Jesus shows us the way! Join us this Sunday, September 15, Rally Day, for an intro to the New Testament--it's setting of the Roman Empire, the different genres of literature we will encounter, the relationship between disciple and rabbi at the time of Jesus and our continued invitation to the With-God life. Invite someone to come with you to church for a day of worship and fellowship with the Food Truck Rodeo! Matthew 4:18-22 Colossians 3:1-17 - [Grace](https://wpumc.com/sermons/grace/) - Sunday, September 8 Traditions online worship service. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. - Ephesians 2:8. This Sunday, as we prepare to reengage in the With-God Life series, we pause to consider the scandal of God's grace. From creation to salvation and discipleship, the story of scripture and of our own lives is written in the love language of grace. Throughout our history, the people called Methodists have had a particular emphasis and understanding of this grace. What does grace mean to you? How have you experienced God's grace in your life? We hope to see you at church or online this Sunday as we gather to praise God and give thanks for grace. See you in Church! Ephesians 2:1-10 - [Living Water Hymn Sing](https://wpumc.com/sermons/living-water-hymn-sing/) - Sunday, September 1 Traditions online worship service. Join us in worship for a Hymn Sing and Holy Communion on Labor Day weekend. Today's online service features lots of special music and Holy Communion from our recent family retreat. Psalm 150 - [God's Good World](https://wpumc.com/sermons/gods-good-world/) - Sunday, August 25 Traditions online worship service. This Sunday our videographer Rev. Jay Helms steps in front of the camera to reflect on the creation story for the online service. When was your first experience with God's love in creation? Our Bishop, Rev. Connie Shelton will be preaching for us in person today at the 11 am service. Genesis 2:4-17 John 1:1-13 Genesis 1:1-2:4 - [Overview of the With-God Life](https://wpumc.com/sermons/overview-of-the-with-god-life/) - Sunday, August 18 Traditions online worship service. The Bible is a story. It's a collection of books with a vast array of characters and events and individual, family and communal stories within one really big story. A story about human life 'With God'. Human beings are so important to God that God’s divine purposes are worked out through the messiness and sprawl of human history. And given how confusing the bible can be sometimes, apparently it’s more important to God that human beings learn how to be God’s people with freedom than it is to get things done more efficiently. This Sunday, August 18, we'll recap what we've discovered so far in how we humans have responded to God's initiative in relationship with God, with each other and in community. We'll pick up the With-God Life again on Rally Sunday on September 15! Isaiah 43:18-21 - [The People of God in Restoration Part 4](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-restoration-part-4/) - Sunday, August 11 Traditions online worship service. The words of the prophets can seem harsh to our modern ears, especially to a people who were literally rebuilding their lives after exile. But these short prophetic books that close out the Old Testament and the first year of our With-God Life series have much to say about the human condition and our continuing need for God. Join us in worship this Sunday as we listen for the hope and vision of a future where God will be with us in a new way. God makes all things new, including you and me. See you in church! Malachi 4:2 Zechariah 8:9-17 Malachi 3:1-7 - [The People of God in Restoration Part 3](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-restoration-part-3/) - Sunday, August 4 Traditions online worship service. This week we spend time with Esther, who lived in Persia, along with many Jews whose families had been taken captive in Judah a hundred years earlier. While many of the Jewish people returned to their homeland after the Edict of Cyrus, many others remained where they had built a new life, in a foreign land, in what is known as the Diaspora. Esther's story comes from this setting. An orphan, Esther was raised by her cousin Mordecai until she won the favor of the king and became queen (Esther 2:17). Esther's story seems like it's full of chance and coincidence and leaves us asking the question: "Where is God in all of this?" Join us this week as we wrestle with this question together. Esther 4:1-17; 9:20-23 - [The People of God in Restoration Part 2](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-restoration-part-2/) - Sunday, July 28 Traditions online worship service. The story and ministries of Ezra and Nehemiah are intertwined and centered in the return of the exiled Israelites to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. When the people return to their homeland, they find it in ruins and the future of their community and heritage is threatened by enemy attacks from the outside and internal disagreements among the people about who's in and who's out, who should be in charge, to rebuild the temple or not. In order to re-establish their life together, Ezra the priest and scribe and Nehemiah the prophet and governor try to provide a way for the community to connect to their past and find unity and hope for the present. Nehemiah 1:4-11 Ezra 1:1-11 Ezra 3:10-13 - [Joint Service with Temple Beth Or](https://wpumc.com/sermons/joint-service-with-temple-beth-or/) - Sunday, July 21 Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, July 21 as we begin a new section of The With-God Life: The People of God in Restoration, part 1, we will share in worship with the Reform Jewish congregation of Temple Beth Or at 11am in the sanctuary at White Plains UMC. Zemer Lexie Nuell will be with us leading in music and message along with our Grace Notes choir. Then on Friday, July 26th at 7pm we are all invited to join in worship at Temple Beth Or in Raleigh (5315 Creedmoor Rd) again with Pastor Kelly Lyn and Zemer Lexie and our Grace Notes Choir. A reception begins at 6:15pm and all are invited. Please bring your driver's license for security purposes! Psalm 133 Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 - [The People of God in Exile Part 2](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-exile-part-2/) - Sunday, July 14 Traditions online worship service. This week we meet the prophet Daniel who was exiled from his homeland at a young age and was placed in political service to the empires of Babylon and Persia. Perhaps more than any other Old Testament character, Daniel modeled life as a person committed to a life of worshiping God where he was, never wavering in his trust in God, while not succumbing to the pursuits of the world around him. Join us in worship this week as we learn about the spiritually formative practices that kept Daniel grounded in his life With-God. Daniel 1:1-17 - [The People of God in Exile Part 1](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-exile-part-1/) - Sunday, July 7 Traditions online worship service. This week we consider the prophet Ezekiel, whose career began as a priest from Jerusalem who lived through the destruction of the city by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Ezekial and was taken and deported to Babylon with other exiles. In exile, the people wrestled with the theological problem of how to live after their city had fallen and the Temple, which represented the home of the presence of God, had been destroyed. Ezekiel helped the community in exile not give up on their life with God, even as they were tempted to adopt the ways of life of their Babylonian captors. In receiving Ezekiel's message, we discover that there can be a future life with God after the world crashes in calamity and nothing familiar remains. Ezekiel 2:1-3:3, 12-17 Ezekiel 37:1-14 - [The People of God in Rebellion Part 2](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-rebellion-part-2/) - Sunday, June 30 Traditions online worship service. This Sunday we continue the With God Life series looking at the people of God in rebellion and the prophets God calls to mediate God's presence to the people even as they turn away and are disobedient. The words of Hosea, Amos, and Joel are sometimes harsh to our modern ears but if we are honest we are not that different than the people of God were in their time. We too place idols and material concerns on the throne of our hearts. And we blow like scattered tumbleweeds on the winds of culture instead of centering our lives on the love of God and of our neighbors. Today we wrestle with the question of what God will do with us - how will our disobedience be dealt with? The prophets make it clear that beyond the consequences of our rebellion there lies the ultimate purpose of God which is no less than the redemption of humankind and the restoration of that time when God will be fully with the people and we with God. Join us in worship this Sunday in person or online as we give praise and thanks to God for the redeeming grace poured out on us. Hosea 11:1-11 Amos 9:9-15 - [The Prophet's Call to Repentance](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-prophets-call-to-repentance/) - Sunday, June 23 Traditions online worship service. This week in the With-God Life we begin to consider The People of God in Rebellion, part 1. Despite the people's often extreme unfaithfulness, God never passes judgment or takes disciplinary action before warning them about the consequences of their actions. God always sends messengers, emissaries, or prophets to warn the people that their abandonment of the law, their worship of other gods, their neglect of the poor would bring disaster upon their heads. The prophets provide profound models for our spiritual formation because they worked in a context similar to our own. They followed God's voice and provided guidance to God's people at a time when the culture at large did not want to hear their message. We'll look at the call of two of these prophets this week: Isaiah and Jeremiah and the message God gives them. Isaiah 6 Jeremiah 1 - [The Godly Wisdom of Proverbs](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-godly-wisdom-of-proverbs/) - Sunday, June 16 Traditions online worship service. As we consider The People of God in Daily Life, we are guided by the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs/Solomon which are the books of the Bible known as Wisdom Literature. These scriptures focus on the practical choices we make in life and the consequences that flow from these choices. These writings teach us the enormous value of ordinary life and underscore for us that our with-God life develops first and foremost in the middle of everyday tasks and everyday relationships, in our families, in our work, and in our play. Join us this Sunday online or in person! Proverbs 1:1-9, 3:1-35 - [Stepping Out on Your Word](https://wpumc.com/sermons/stepping-out-on-your-word/) - Sunday, June 9 Traditions online worship service. Jeremiah 6:16 "Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." During June and July this summer we return to our With-God Life Series—as we work through an overview of biblical history from Genesis-Revelation through the lens of spiritual formation. This Sunday, June 9th is a refresher, a recap and a reset of sorts as we remember that the characters that walk across the pages of our Bible experienced their life with-God as a journey, both literally and figuratively. Scripture records their lives in constant motion traveling from the Garden of Eden to Canaan to Egypt to the Promised Land to Babylon and back. During their travels God made God’s self known in various ways wherever they were and whatever their social situation. They reacted to God’s initiatives in many ways, sometimes rejoicing, at other times rebelling. Pastor Kelly Lyn will share some of her own experience of the spiritual practice of pilgrimage in her recent travels while encouraging each of us to look at our life as a journey With-God . . . to keep showing up and putting one foot in front of the other as we make our way closer to the heart of God and in community. Psalm 84 Jeremiah 6:16a - [Stepping into the Future with Jesus](https://wpumc.com/sermons/stepping-into-the-future-with-jesus/) - Graduation Sunday, June 2 Traditions online worship service. For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NRSV) Come and see our high school and college graduates share the light of God that shines in their hearts! This Sunday, June 2, we will celebrate our graduates during our in-person and online services. Thank you for not only providing a place of growth and community for our students, but for reminding them that their faith is lived through any academic or professional success they experience. Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 Mark 2:23-3:6 - [You Will Be My Witnesses to the World](https://wpumc.com/sermons/you-will-be-my-witnesses-to-the-world/) - Trinity Sunday, May 26 Traditions online worship service. "You will receive power from the Spirit and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8 These were Jesus' final words to his disciples and they remain our mission today - to be the hands and feet of Jesus - a witness for the light in a world that seems to love the dark. Join us in worship in person or online this Sunday as we celebrate Church on the Street and Trinity Sunday. Isaiah 6:1-8 Acts 1:1-11 - [Light the Fire](https://wpumc.com/sermons/light-the-fire/) - Pentecost Sunday, May 19 Traditions online worship service. Sunday May 19th is Pentecost, a special day of celebration for new beginnings in the life of those gathered to follow Jesus. As we welcome the 2024 Confirmation Class and additional longtime White Plains friends into full membership, let's remember that the same Spirit that filled the disciples with power so long ago desires to fill us today. Acts 2:1-21 - [Welcoming Wellness](https://wpumc.com/sermons/welcoming-wellness/) - Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 12 Traditions online worship service. This Sunday May 12th, we celebrate the 7th Sunday of Easter, Mother's Day and the launch of new Mental Health Ministry Initiative called Welcoming Wellness. One in five people will be impacted by personal experiences of mental health challenges in any given year. Despite this commonality, in the church we have been silent for too long about this kind of suffering. Join us for a hopeful and healing word this Sunday and take this opportunity to shine a light of hope, even saving the life of someone from despair. Psalm 126 - [That My Joy May Be In You](https://wpumc.com/sermons/that-my-joy-may-be-in-you/) - Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 5 Traditions online worship service. “I do not call you servants any longer . . . but I have called you friends.” (John 15:15) What does it mean for us today to be Christ's friends? How does the mutuality of friendship with Jesus show up in our lives? Join us this Sunday, May 5th, as we seek to grow closer in friendship with Jesus and one another. John 15:9-17 - [I am The Vine and You are the Branch](https://wpumc.com/sermons/i-am-the-vine-and-you-are-the-branch/) - Fifth Sunday of Easter, April 28 Traditions online worship service. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5 This Sunday's Gospel text makes it clear that centering our lives in Christ is pretty important. But what does that mean exactly and what does it look like in everyday life? Join us for worship this Sunday in person or online as we dive into this powerful image of Jesus as the true vine, the source of our life. We look forward to seeing you there! John 15:1-8 1 John 4:7-21 - [Christ the Good Shepherd](https://wpumc.com/sermons/christ-the-good-shepherd/) - Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 21 Traditions online worship service. The 4th Sunday of Easter is often observed as "Shepherd Sunday" or "The Good Shepherd Sunday" because the lectionary text each year comes from Jesus teaching in John 10 paired with the 23rd Psalm. As familiar as this image of Jesus as the good shepherd is, it still holds power and possibilities for us today--as we are often like sheep needing a guide as we are divided over many issues and wandering, even becoming adrift in dangerous places of division, anger and exclusion. Join us this Sunday, April 21, as we consider what it means to be part of one fold that belongs to Jesus, the good shepherd, as we love and welcome our neighbors in all their diversity. Psalm 23 John 10:11-18 - [Peace Be With You](https://wpumc.com/sermons/peace-be-with-you/) - Third Sunday of Easter, April 14 Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, April 14, we will celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Easter and take our place among the joyful, disbelieving, and wondering disciples as Jesus asks us: "Have you anything here to eat?" (Luke 24:36b-48). Part of turning our attention to what Jesus' mission means for us today is feeding the hungry person right in front of us. Join us in worship in-person or online! Luke 24:36b-48 - [Encountering the Resurrected Jesus](https://wpumc.com/sermons/encountering-the-resurrected-jesus/) - Second Sunday of Easter, April 7 Traditions online worship service. We continue to celebrate the Great 50 Days of Easter this Sunday, April 7, as we experience the story of Thomas found in John 20:19-31. Jesus keeps showing up, alive, and with a body that holds together the worst that has happened to him and his risen life. So, too, Jesus holds us fast--with all our questions, doubts, alongside our faith and trust. Join us in worship this week online or in person! John 20:19-31 - [Easter Sunday - He Is Risen!](https://wpumc.com/sermons/easter-sunday-he-is-risen/) - Easter Sunday, March 31 Traditions online worship service. This Easter Sunday, just like the first Easter, we show up to the tomb along with Mary and find it empty. It was only when Jesus called her name that she knew her Lord was alive! Like Mary, we find to our surprise that we are not alone. Christ is risen and he's showing up all over the place! Alleluia! 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 John 20:1-18 - [The King Enters Jerusalem](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-king-enters-jerusalem/) - Palm Sunday, March 24 Traditions online worship service. Welcome to Holy Week! Palm Sunday is a high and holy day in the life of the church marking the beginning of Holy Week as we recount the stories surrounding Jesus' final week leading to the events of Good Friday and Easter. This Sunday we will wave our palm branches like the followers of Christ did so long ago as Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem. We would invite you to pay special attention this Sunday to just how Jesus chooses to make that entrance. As we seek to be imitators of Christ we can learn much from the Palm Sunday story. We hope to see you with us as we worship in person this Sunday or online. Philippians 2:5-11 Psalms 118:14-29 Mark 11:1-11 - [The People of God in Prayer & Worship - The Psalms of Ascent](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-prayer-worship-the-psalms-of-ascent/) - Sunday, March 17 Traditions online worship service. Over the centuries, the people of God wrote many songs to God, of which the 150 most enduring are gathered into what we know as the Book of Psalms. This week we will consider the category of psalms called "Songs of Ascents" (Psalm 120-134) that were mostly likely written for use by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the religious festivals like Passover or Pentecost. Join us in worship in-person or online as we consider these expressions of faith in our own journeys. Psalms 121 Psalms 150 - [The People of God in Travail - Part 2 Psalms of Lament](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-travail-part-2-psalms-of-lament/) - Sunday, March 10 Traditions online worship service. Last week we began a new section in our With-God Life Series—The People of God in Travail as we looked at the story of Job. This Sunday, March 10, we continue considering how The People of God in Travail respond in relationship with God through Psalms of Lament. The Book of Psalms is an ancient collection of 150 songs and prayers from the Hebrew people. Of all of the types of psalms in the bible, psalms of lament are by far the most common. There are at least 65 psalms of lament which make up more than 40 percent of the book of psalms. These laments are a type of prayer for help that names pain, grief, sorrow or difficulty of some kind. Join us in worship as we learn from this spiritual practice of lament in the With-God Life. Psalms 10 Psalms 22 - [The People of God in Travail - Part 1 Job](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-travail-part-1-job/) - Sunday, March 3 Traditions online worship service. Why? It has to be one of the oldest cries to God - Why? This week in the With-God Life we look at the story of Job. From the puzzling prologue to the cosmic finale, the book of Job is something entirely different than the narrative we have been reading to this point. Join us in worship this Sunday as we explore how the people of God respond to God from their travail and cry out with them - why? Job 1-42 - [The People of God as a Nation – Part 3 Elijah](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-as-a-nation-part-3-elijah/) - Sunday, February 25 Traditions online worship service. When was the last time you sat in solitude and utter silence? This week in worship we will consider the prophet Elijah who learned from his time in solitude and silence, that God would meet him there, giving him refreshment and guidance for his ministry. (Consider reading 1 Kings 17-19) What things keep you from making solitude a more regular part of your life? 1 Kings 17-19 2 Kings 2 - [The People of God as a Nation - Part 2 David](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-as-a-nation-part-2-david/) - Sunday, February 18 Traditions online worship service. This week we continue our journey on the With-God Life as we come to the story of David contained in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. We hope you will do some reading on your own to review the many stories and relationships that make up the narrative of David, the shepherd boy turned king who was described as a man after God's own heart. Join us in worship in person or online this Sunday as we walk through his story and find it not so different from our own. 1 Samuel 16:1-13 - [The People of God as a Nation - Part 1 Samuel](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-as-a-nation-part-1-samuel/) - Sunday, February 11 Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, February 11, as we continue in The With-God Life series, we begin our study of The People of God as a Nation with the story of Samuel. Prayer stood at the center of Samuel's entire life. Even before he was conceived, his mother, Hannah, dedicated him to God. He spent most of his youth living with Eli in the Temple and there as a boy responded to God's call: "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10). Later in his life, the people ask Samuel to appoint a king to rule over them so they could be like other nations. This represents a seismic change in how the people of God will relate to God, now through their kings instead of with God directly. 1 Samuel 3, 8, 9 - [The People of God in the Promised Land Part 2](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-the-promised-land-part-2/) - Sunday, February 4 Traditions online worship service. Last week we crossed the Jordan River into the promised land with Joshua and the twelve tribes of Israel. As the book of Judges begins, the people of God have another chance to respond to God faithfully and obediently as they are getting settled in the promised land. The question is will they be faithful to their promises to God? We'll also consider the Book of Ruth this week as it is set in the backdrop of the time of Judges to give us a unique picture of what life looked like in the promised land during this period of time. Judges 2:6-19 Ruth 1:1-18 Ruth 1:22-2:24 - [The People of God in the Promised Land Part 1](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-the-promised-land-part-1/) - Sunday, January 28 Traditions online worship service. This week in The With-God Life, we follow the narrative of the people of Israel in the wilderness after Moses has died in the book of Joshua. Joshua is not only the name of this book of the Bible, he's the leader that follows Moses and will lead the people into the promised land. God says, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you, Joshua . . . Be strong and courageous,” (Joshua 1:5-7) Joshua 1:1-9 Joshua 24:1-8,13-15 - [The People of God in Exodus Part 3](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-exodus-part-3/) - Sunday, January 21 Traditions online worship service. We return to our With-God Life Series this Sunday, January 21st picking up with The People of God in Exodus, part 3 (Exodus 20-40). When Exodus Chapter 20 opens, the people of Israel have been liberated from slavery in Egypt and have set out into the wilderness. The people have struggled and questioned whether they should go back to Egypt or keep moving forward and at every turn God has provided just what they needed when they needed it. They’ve encountered thirst and hunger, and God provided water from a rock and bread from heaven. They have been attacked and have been victorious, and they’ve now finally reached Mount Sinai. God makes a covenant with Israel that they will be God’s treasured possession, a priestly kingdom, a holy nation. But, they have to keep their end of the covenant—which includes following a certain code of commandments if they are to remain God’s people. Join us this Sunday, in person or online at youtube.com/wpumc and facebook.com/wpumc, as we re-discover the Ten Commandments and respond to God's continual invitation for us to live in community that is rooted in the right worship of God and in peace with one another. Exodus 20:1-21, 40:1-9, 16, 33-38 - [Come and See - Laity Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/come-and-see-laity-sunday/) - Sunday, January 14. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday is Laity Sunday. Our Lay Leader, Lelia Babson will present the message based on Jesus' invitation found in John 1:35-51 to "Come and See". We're so glad you're worshiping with us today and invite you to connect with us and learn more about becoming a part of this community of faith. John 1:35-51 - [Epiphany Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/epiphany-sunday/) - Sunday, January 7. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday we celebrate Epiphany which means manifestation or showing. Thousands of years ago travelers were led by the light of a star to worship the Christ Child. As we begin a new year together let us be the light that draws others to center their lives around love of God and love of neighbor. Stars aren’t the only things that shine. We invite you to worship with us this Sunday in person or online. Matthew 2:1-12 - [The Story - Lessons and Carols](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-story-lessons-and-carols/) - Sunday, December 31. Traditions online worship service. The Christ Child is born! Join us for worship this Sunday as we read the scriptures surrounding the birth of Jesus and sing familiar carols together. - [Deck the Halls with Love](https://wpumc.com/sermons/deck-the-halls-with-love/) - Sunday, December 24. Traditions online worship service. The classic hymn by Christina Rossetti reminds us that “Love was born at Christmas, star and angels gave the sign.” The world is looking for evidence of God’s love. As followers of Jesus, we work to make God’s love real. We deck the halls of our sanctuary, our homes, our hearts, and lives with Love so that to those love is a stranger, they will find in us kind and generous friends, building each other up. Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 - [Deck the Halls with Joy](https://wpumc.com/sermons/deck-the-halls-with-joy/) - Sunday, December 17. Traditions online worship service. As we have lots of opportunities to gather together this season with songs and sounds of joy, we recognize that Joy does not mean that we pretend that all is well when there are many for whom all is not well. Instead, we claim the deep reservoir from which joy can be drawn and experienced even in darker times. As followers of Jesus, we claim the joy that sustains our life and presence that abides, even in the difficult moments. We deck the halls of our sanctuary, our homes, our hearts, and our lives with Joy so that we may continue to search out and celebrate the joys we find along the way of our journey in life, be they big or small, always to the glory of God. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 - [Deck the Halls with Peace](https://wpumc.com/sermons/deck-the-halls-with-peace/) - Sunday, December 10. Traditions online worship service. As we wait for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, we remember the message of the angels to the shepherds, the good news of Peace on Earth, and Goodwill to all. Our world aches for the arrival of the Prince of Peace. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be peacemakers every day. So, we deck the halls of our sanctuary, our homes, our hearts, and lives with peace—peace for the world in the midst of war and peace between all that separates us from one another. Psalm 85 Isaiah 40:1-11 - [Deck the Halls with Hope](https://wpumc.com/sermons/deck-the-halls-with-hope/) - Sunday, December 3. Traditions online worship service. It seems as though we can't go anywhere without seeing the signs of the Christmas season. But what are the signs of the Advent season? Advent can be an uncomfortable time of waiting and anticipation as the days draw shorter and the light recedes. Whether you embrace or endure the outward decorations of the season, we pray you'll join us as we adorn our hearts with Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. This Sunday, we will read the great prayer of hope from Isaiah 64 and gather together at the Lord's table to receive Holy Communion. We hope you'll join us in person or online to deck the halls of our hearts with hope. Isaiah 64:1-9 - [The People of God in Exodus - Part 2](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-exodus-part-2/) - Sunday, November 26. Traditions online worship service. After Moses' encounter with God in the burning bush and his call to go to Pharaoh, we find in Exodus Chapters 6-16 an action-packed sequence of drama. These 10 chapters cover the back-and-forth conflict with Pharaoh, the plagues, the Passover, the flight of the Israelites to the sea, their rescue and Pharaoh's army's defeat, the Israelites complaining in the wilderness, and God's gracious response. The story of the Exodus is THE central story of the Old Testament. From here on out, God is identified as the "one who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." This story also changes how the Israelites define themselves in their relationship with God as those whom God delivered from slavery in Egypt. Join us in worship this Sunday in person or online as we journey through Exodus! Exodus 6-16 - [God Reveals a Big Dream](https://wpumc.com/sermons/god-reveals-a-big-dream/) - Sunday, November 19. Youth online worship service. It's Youth Sunday! Join us for worship as Emanuel Salazar Flores will proclaim the Gospel and share all the places Jesus showed up during the planning of a brand new NCCUMC youth event. "Don’t remember the prior things; don’t ponder ancient history. Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness." Isaiah 43:18-25 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 - [The People of God in Exodus - Part 1](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-people-of-god-in-exodus-part-1/) - Sunday, November 12. Traditions online worship service. In the second book of the Bible, we find the descendants of Abraham and Sarah in Egypt. At least 300 years have passed since Joseph died. The Israelite people have flourished, but now a new Pharaoh has risen to power who doesn't remember Joseph and his influence. This new Pharaoh is threatened by the Israelite people and puts a plan into place so they wouldn't keep increasing in number and strength. It's into this context that Moses is born. Exodus 1:1-2:10 Exodus 2:23-3:15 - [All Saints Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/all-saints-sunday-3/) - Sunday, November 5. Traditions online worship service. We welcome you to our annual All Saints Service this Sunday. This is a special service of music and remembrance of those who have gone before us. During the service, we will receive Holy Communion and you'll be invited to light a candle and lift up those in your life whose memory holds special meaning for you. You'll want to have bread, juice, and a candle with you at home as you worship. John 1:1-5 1 John 1:5 Revelation 7:15-17 - [The Story of Joseph](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-story-of-joseph/) - As we finish the book of Genesis this week, we turn to the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50.) Joseph was a great-grandson of Abraham and Sarah and one of the 12 sons of Jacob/Israel. He was favored by his father, Jacob, but his other brothers were jealous of him, conspired to kill him, and ended up selling him into slavery. Still, throughout difficult and complicated circumstances, a common thread weaving Joseph's story together is that "The Lord was with Joseph." (39:2). Sometimes it is in the most complex situations that we experience more intimacy with God. As we prepare for worship this week consider: What circumstances hinder your sense that God is with you? What helps you be more aware of and realize God's presence? - [Jacob - The One Who Strives](https://wpumc.com/sermons/jacob-the-one-who-strives/) - Sunday, October 22. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, as we continue on in our reading of the book of Genesis, we recall that Isaac was the long-awaited promised son given to Abraham and Sarah late in life. Last week, we studied the promise God made to Abraham that through his descendants, all the world would be blessed. Isaac and Rebekah's twin sons Esau and Jacob are part of that promise as Abraham’s grandchildren. Join us as we follow these brothers and Jacob in particular as he struggles to discover God's grace and promise and find ourselves in Jacob's story, too! Genesis 25:19-34, 27:41-45, 28:10-22, 32:22-33:4 - [The Journey of Abraham](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-journey-of-abraham/) - Sunday, October 15. Traditions online worship service. This week, our journey through the book of Genesis reaches a key turning point. In the stories of Creation, the Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel and Noah and the flood, God has been relating to humans through individual communion. Now, beginning in Genesis 12 and following, we learn how the people of God become a family through Abram/Abraham and Sarai/Sarah and through their descendants. Join us in person or online as we learn from Abraham's family journey. Genesis 12:1-9 - [Creation](https://wpumc.com/sermons/creation/) - Sunday, September 24. Traditions online worship service. As we consider the With-God life, we begin with the book of beginnings, Genesis. You are encouraged to read Genesis chapters 1-3 this week in preparation for worship. In the beginning, God creates the world and places the first humans into the Garden of Eden to work and care for it. Adam and Eve experience partnership and encounter God face-to-face. Adam and Eve were given the freedom to make their own choices and soon separated themselves from God and must face the consequence of their choices. Genesis 1-3 - [Noah Walked With God](https://wpumc.com/sermons/noah-walked-with-god/) - Sunday, October 8. Traditions online worship service. Scripture tells us that as people began to multiply on the earth, humankind was filled with wickedness (Genesis 6:5). Only Noah was found to be righteous and blameless (6:9) Imagine that you are Noah and God tells you that you and your family will be saved but that you will need to build a ship that will take all your time (120 years!) and it will make you appear delusional to everyone around you. And yet, Noah was obedient, tending to an unthinkable task without objection or doubt because he "walked with God." (6:9) Genesis 6-9 - [The First Children](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-first-children/) - Sunday, October 1. Traditions online worship service. We don't have to go very far into Scripture before we encounter all sorts of troubling passages. The story of Cain and Abel is so familiar to us and so embedded in our culture that we might be missing key questions that help us engage with the story from a perspective of Spiritual formation. The fourth chapter of Genesis contains plenty of truth for us to consider as we gather together in person or online for Holy Communion. Come and find yourself in this challenging but true chapter in the great story of God's love for the world this Sunday. Genesis 4:1-10a - [The Immanuel Principle](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-immanuel-principle/) - Sunday, September 17. Traditions online worship service. The Bible is all about human life "with God." It's about how God has made this "with-God" life possible and will bring it to pass. The name Immanuel in Hebrew means "God is with us" (Isaiah 7:14) and is the name given to our Redeemer Jesus (Matthew 1:22-23). Join us as we begin this journey of the With-God Life together. Ephesians 2:19-22 Revelation 21:3 - [Pass It On](https://wpumc.com/sermons/pass-it-on/) - Sunday, September 10. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, we wrap up our summer series "This is My Song, Too" with the campfire favorite "Pass it On." Composer Kurt Kaiser had an inspiration that a single spark could ignite a fire and his song has become a favorite for all ages. We hope you will join us in person or online as we "shout it from the mountaintop!" The Lord of love is with us - pass it on. Song of Solomon 8:6-7 Matthew 28:16-20 - [Come, Ye Sinners Poor and Needy](https://wpumc.com/sermons/come-ye-sinners-poor-and-needy/) - Sunday, September 3. Traditions online worship service. We are very near the end of our “This is My Song, Too” series. This Sunday, September 3, as we celebrate the sacrament of holy communion, our favorite hymn is “Come, Ye Sinners Poor and Needy”. This Hymn of Invitation comes from the Revivalist tradition and was written by Joseph Hart way back in 1759. Join us, “Jesus ready stands to save you, full of pity, love and power.” Luke 15:1-3,11-32 - [Who do you say I am?](https://wpumc.com/sermons/who-do-you-say-i-am/) - Sunday, August 27h. Traditions online worship service. David Williams will preach the message this Sunday at the 11 am English-speaking service. Many of you support David and his wife Alissa in their work with the students of Oxford University in England. David grew up here at White Plains and is currently pursuing his doctorate in ministry. In addition to preaching in person and online, David and Alissa will be offering a special program and update on their ministry in the Sanctuary during the Sunday school hour beginning at 9:30 am. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Thank you for joining us in worship today. Mark 8:27-9:1 Daniel 7:13-15 - [Jesus Loves Me](https://wpumc.com/sermons/jesus-loves-me/) - Sunday, August 20. Traditions online worship service. We're back to our This is My Song, Too series this Sunday with one of the first songs many of us learned as a child, "Jesus Loves Me." Anna Warner's hymn was first published in a novel written by her sister Susaner, Say and Seal, in 1860. At one point in the story a sick little boy, Johnny Fax, is comforted by his Sunday School teacher, John Linden. He rocks the child in his arms, and when Johnny asks him to sing, he begins a new song, and Anna B. Warner provides the four stanzas of this hymn. Join us this Sunday, August 20 as we sing "Yes, Jesus loves me!" John 15:9-11 Ephesians 3:14-21 - [A Healing Service](https://wpumc.com/sermons/a-healing-service/) - Sunday, August 13. Traditions online worship service. Today at our 11 am English Speaking Service we will worship together with a SERVICE OF HEALING. Like any Sunday morning service, we will pray, sing, read scripture, and experience a sermon teaching. During the healing portion of the service, we usually invite people to come forward to a station to sit or kneel and where someone anoints them with oil and prays with them. Since that is not possible online, we invite you to prepare ahead of time by putting a drop or two of oil on a cotton ball or a tissue for each person—an essential oil or even plain olive oil will do. The cotton ball or tissue can help contain the oil since only a small bit is needed to make a cross on the forehead. Simply touch the cotton ball or tissue to moisten the thumb or index finger and draw the two parts of the cross on the forehead, just above the nose and eyebrows. You can do this for yourself or have someone who is there with you do it, and then you can do it for them. The traditional words are, “I anoint you In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Or you could say: “God enfold you, Christ embrace you, Spirit surround you.” Or simply "peace be with you” Anointing with oil by drawing the sign of the cross is a time-honored way of sealing the intention of the prayer and the pray-er. Thank you for joining with us today in worship. James 5:13-16 - [Standing on the Promises](https://wpumc.com/sermons/standing-on-the-promises/) - Sunday, August 6. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday we continue our summer series on our favorite hymns and songs of faith. R. Kelso Carter was a Methodist minister, an academic professor, a physician, and he also had a military background. In 1886 he composed and published the stirring hymn "Standing on the Promises". As we gather for worship this Sunday may we continue to stand firm in God's living Word. Welcome to worship at White Plains UMC! Ephesians 6:10-17 - [Hymn of Promise](https://wpumc.com/sermons/hymn-of-promise/) - Sunday, July 30. Traditions online worship service. "In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there's a spring that waits to be unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see." -Natalie Sleeth, 1985 Though we often sing the "Hymn of Promise" at funerals and memorial services, it's an appropriate song for any time we are pondering the mysteries of life. Join us this Sunday, July 30th as we consider the teaching and hope found in this beautiful hymn. Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 John 11:17-27,12:24 - [Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee](https://wpumc.com/sermons/joyful-joyful-we-adore-thee/) - Sunday, July 23. Traditions online worship service. Our highlighted hymn this Sunday is "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" one of the best-known hymns in English language. Written by Henry Van Dyke in 1907, this joyful ode is sung to an adaptation of Ludwig van Beethoven's (1770-1827) of the melody from the final movement of his Ninth Symphony. Join us in worship in-person or online as we sing and live into these words: "Mortals join the mighty chorus which the morning stars began, love divine is reigning o'er us, binding all within its span. Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife; joyful music leads us sunward, in the triumph song of life." Psalm 98:1-9 - [This is My Father's World](https://wpumc.com/sermons/this-is-my-fathers-world/) - Sunday, July 16. Traditions online worship service. Our favorite hymn to be highlighted in worship this week is "This is My Father's World" written by Maltbie Babcock in 1901. Referencing multiple psalms and the work of all creation in praising the Creator God, this hymn calls us to "listen" to God's handiwork with auditory images like: "listening ears", "nature sings", "birds their carols raise", "rustling grass". How is God speaking to you this week in the music of creation? Nehemiah 9:6 Psalm 24:1-2 - [Lord I Lift Your Name on High](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lord-i-lift-your-name-on-high/) - Sunday, July 9. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, July 9, we continue in our worship and sermon series, "This is my song, too" based on some of our congregation's favorite hymns and worship songs. We focus on "Lord, I Lift your Name on High" from The Faith We Sing hymnal, written in 1989 by Rick Founds. During the 7 years between 1995-2002, this song remained the number-one song sung in American churches. Join us as we lift God's name together in worship in person or online! Psalm 148:1-14 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - [This Is My Song](https://wpumc.com/sermons/this-is-my-song/) - Sunday, July 2. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday we continue our series on our favorite hymns and songs. Some songs come as a flash of inspiration from a single author while others take shape over a period of years with additions from multiple lyricists and composers. Today's hymn is known by several names but in our Hymnal it is known simply by its first line: "This is my Song." The history of this beautiful prayer of peace is a recipe that blends disparate ingredients into a finished work. Join us in person or online as we offer ourselves and our songs to God. Revelation 22:1-17 - [Bless the Lord O My Soul 10000 Reasons](https://wpumc.com/sermons/bless-the-lord-o-my-soul-10000-reasons/) - Sunday, June 25. Traditions online worship service. What does it look like to ‘bless someone, with all that is within you?’ The Psalmist sings: ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!’ (Psalm 103:1). We'll be exploring this beautiful Psalm this week in worship along with one of our favorite worship songs it inspired, '10,000 Reasons' by Matt Redman. Join us in person or online for worship this Sunday, June 25! Psalm 103:1-18 - [The Body of Christ](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-body-of-christ/) - Pentecost Sunday, May 28. Traditions online worship service. "And all the believers were together in one place..." It's Pentecost Sunday here at White Plains UMC. Join us as we celebrate in combined worship as Una Iglesia - one church. Pastor Edith brings a powerful message today on the gift of the Holy Spirit to the church and we look back at the month of service we call Church on the Street. We're glad you're here with us as we lift our voices in praise together. Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 29:7 Matthew 3:11 John 13:34 - [Are You Ready](https://wpumc.com/sermons/are-you-ready/) - Graduate Sunday, May 21. Traditions online worship service. Today we celebrate our graduating seniors as they get ready to cross the bridge to life after high school. Hear from them and our Pastor of youth ministries Jason Darden on what it means to be ready for the future. 1 Timothy 4:4-16 Acts 1:1-9 - [What the Holy Spirit Looks Like](https://wpumc.com/sermons/what-the-holy-spirit-looks-like/) - Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 14. Traditions online worship service. Have you ever seen the Holy Spirit? The Bible describes the Holy Spirit as a dove, tongues of flame or a fierce wind, breath, or a freely blowing breeze. But, all of these images are just descriptions of the experience of the Holy Spirit. We don’t know what the Spirit looks like. Except...except that in our Gospel lesson this Sunday, May 14th, from John 14: 15-21 we get two helpful clues, that together, offer us a pretty good picture of just what the Holy Spirit looks like. Join us in worship as we follow these clues together! Acts 17:22-28 John 14:15-21 - [Answering the Why with Who](https://wpumc.com/sermons/answering-the-why-with-who/) - Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 7. Traditions online worship service. "Do not let your hearts be troubled," Jesus said (John 14:1). Most often, we hear this gospel lesson for the 5th Sunday of Easter in the context of funerals. This reading (John 14:1-14) takes us back to holy week and that Thursday night, when Jesus washes the disciples' feet, gives them a new commandment to love one another, and shares with them the last supper all before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Of course, the disciples' hearts were troubled! Everything was changing and they were sad and confused and full of questions. Our hearts are troubled, too, with lots of reasons why. Join us in worship this week, Sunday, May 7th as we consider Jesus' response to our troubled hearts. Psalm 31 John 14:1-14 - [The Good Shepherd](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-good-shepherd/) - Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 30. Traditions online worship service. The fourth Sunday in Easter is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday and so we take our text from the 23rd Psalm and the Gospel of John chapter 10, verses 1-10. Join us in person or online as we worship the risen Christ who leads us into abundant life. Psalm 23 John 10:1-10 - [Take a Walk](https://wpumc.com/sermons/take-a-walk/) - Third Sunday of Easter, April 23. Traditions online worship service. We continue our celebration of the Great 50 days of Easter this Sunday, April 23rd as we consider the story of the two disciples walking to the village called Emmaus and their encounter with the risen Jesus. With them, we ask: "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road?" Luke 24:32 Psalm 116 Luke 24:13-35 - [Always Ahead of Us](https://wpumc.com/sermons/always-ahead-of-us/) - Easter Sunday, April 9. Traditions online worship service. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers that I am going into Galilee. They will see me there.” (Matthew 28:10) Join us on this Resurrection of the Lord Sunday as we, like Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, and the disciples experience Jesus going ahead of us. We celebrate today not only Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of abundant and eternal life but also what Jesus wants to do for us right here and now. We have a Savior who is always ahead of us—waiting to meet us wherever we go and in whatever we encounter. Matthew 28:1-10 - [Your Inhale is God's Exhale](https://wpumc.com/sermons/your-inhale-is-gods-exhale/) - Second Sunday of Easter, April 16. Traditions online worship service. On the evening of the first Easter, when Jesus appeared to the disciples who were behind locked doors, the first thing Jesus said to them was "Peace be with you" (John 20:19). Join us this Sunday as we consider the significance of this greeting and what it would mean for us to use our words, our life-breath, to bless others with peace. 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-23 - [Saved From and Saved For](https://wpumc.com/sermons/saved-from-and-saved-for/) - Palm Sunday, April 2. Traditions online worship service. We enter into Holy Week on this Sunday, April 2, waving palm branches and singing "Hosanna" (which means "Save us, Now!") But what are we saved from? And what are we saved for? Join us as we worship today and ask these important questions. Psalm 11:14-29 Matthew 21:1-11 - [The Valley of Bones](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-valley-of-bones/) - Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 26. Traditions online worship service. This 5th Sunday in Lent, we welcome our Capital District Superintendent, The Reverend Chris L. Brady, with us as our preacher. We're glad you're worshiping with us as we hear of new life in the valley of dry bones. Psalm 130:1-8 Ezekiel 37:1-14 - [Coming to Faith](https://wpumc.com/sermons/coming-to-faith/) - Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 19. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, on the 4th Sunday in the Season of Lent, we continue our journey with Jesus through his encounters with individuals in the Gospel of John. This week we consider Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan Woman from John 4. This is the longest conversation Jesus has with anyone in the Gospels! Psalm 23 John 4:1-42 - [From Uncertainty to Curiosity](https://wpumc.com/sermons/from-uncertainty-to-curiosity/) - Second Sunday of Lent, March 5. Traditions online worship service. Join us in worship in person or online this Sunday, March 5, the 2nd Sunday in Lent, as we consider Jesus’ invitation to Nicodemus to move from uncertainty to curiosity so that we may experience more of the fullness of life. John 3:1-17 - [The Light of the World](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-light-of-the-world/) - Third Sunday of Lent, March 12. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, the 3rd Sunday in Lent, we continue walking through the Gospel of John. In chapter 9 we hear the story of Jesus restoring the sight of one born blind. Join us in worship to hear Jesus, the light of the world, say "here's mud in your eye!" John 9:1-41 - [Angels Among Us](https://wpumc.com/sermons/angels-among-us/) - First Sunday of Lent, February 26. Traditions online worship service. This week we begin our journey into the Season of Lent, as we seek to experience the companionship of Jesus with us as we tend to our own 40 days set apart in preparation for the feast of Easter. We follow Jesus in this season on the way toward the cross in order to make ourselves ready for the way of the Lord in the places we are called to be and serve. We read this Sunday, of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness from the gospel of Matthew 4. Throughout scripture, both the wilderness and the number 40 represents a place and time of preparation, a season of waiting for God’s next move, of learning to trust in God’s mercy and presence. For forty days and nights, Jesus remains in the wilderness, getting ready for what comes next. Matthew 4:1-11 Psalm 119:103-105 - [The Clothes Make the Person](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-clothes-make-the-person/) - Sunday, February 19. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday. This is the last Sunday before the Season of Lent begins as we recall Christ's transfiguration on the mountain with Elijah and Moses. Our Duke Divinity School Intern, Jonathan Avendano, will be preaching! Exodus 24:12-18 Mark 9:1-10 Galatians 3:27-28 - [I Fought the Law](https://wpumc.com/sermons/i-fought-the-law/) - Sunday, February 12. Traditions online worship service. Our scripture on this sixth Sunday after Epiphany comes from the Sermon on the Mount. Join us in person or online as we hear these timeless teachings of Jesus and gather at the Lord's table for Holy Communion. This week is also scouting recognition Sunday where we give thanks for the rich history and present impact of the scouting ministry here at White Plains UMC. Matthew 5:21-37 - [Joint Interfaith Service with Temple Beth Or](https://wpumc.com/sermons/joint-interfaith-service-with-temple-beth-or/) - Sunday, February 5. Joint Interfaith Service with Temple Beth Or. Join us today for a special interfaith service led by Pastor Kelly Lyn Logue and Lexie Nuell, who serves at Temple Beth Or as Zemer (song leader) and Director of Music and Community. Our shared scriptures and heritage have much to teach - we pray you will enjoy and share this opportunity. Psalm 133:1 Deuteronomy 6:4-7 Psalm 121:1-8 Exodus 17:8-13 Numbers 6:24-26 - [God's Expectations](https://wpumc.com/sermons/gods-expectations/) - Sunday, January 29. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, we hear the words of the prophet Micah: "He has told you, O Mortal, what is good: and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8. Join us as we worship together online or in person! Micah 6:1-8 - [Being Before Doing](https://wpumc.com/sermons/being-before-doing/) - Sunday, January 22. Traditions online worship service. In the Season After Epiphany our Gospel readings in the lectionary center on stories from the early ministry of Jesus. This Sunday we consider Jesus' ministry in Capernaum, along the Sea of Galilee as he invited two sets of the fishermen brothers, Peter and Andrew, and James and John, the sons of Zebedee, to follow him. Matthew 4:12-23 - [Pride and Humility](https://wpumc.com/sermons/pride-and-humility/) - Sunday, January 15. Traditions online worship service. This week is Laity Sunday! We celebrate the ministry of Christians of all ages in the home, workplace, congregation, community, and world on this Laity Sunday. Our Lay Leader, Cliff Rhodes, will be preaching. Jonah 1:1-17 Galatians 6:1-10 Romans 12:3 - [Identity Crisis](https://wpumc.com/sermons/identity-crisis/) - Sunday, January 8. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, January 8th we celebrate Christ's baptism by John and remember our own baptism as we share in A Congregational Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant. It's especially appropriate at the beginning of a new calendar year to reaffirm our baptismal vows, our commitment to Christ, and to one another. Matthew 3:13-17 Isaiah 42:1-9 - [Face to Face with The Living One](https://wpumc.com/sermons/face-to-face-with-the-living-one/) - Epiphany, New Year's Day, January 1. Traditions online worship service. Welcome to Epiphany Sunday as we continue to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus. On this new year's day, we look at the arrival of wisdom to the manger as we hear the story of the wise men. Then as now, we must yield our earthly wisdom and bow before the unfailing love of the Christ child. Matthew 2:1-2 John 21:25 - [The Light Shines in the Darkness](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-light-shines-in-the-darkness/) - Christmas Day, December 25. Traditions online worship service. Merry Christmas! For unto us a son is born! May God's peace find you well on this Christmas day and may you carry the light of Christ into the new year. John 1:1-14 - [Watchful Living](https://wpumc.com/sermons/watchful-living/) - First Sunday of Advent, November 27. Traditions online worship service. We begin our celebration of the season of Advent this Sunday. The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming" begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is also the beginning of the church year for Christians. Join us as we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ, not only in the humble stable in Bethlehem but also the second coming of Christ as a fulfillment of all that was promised in his first coming. Isaiah 2:1-5 Matthew 24:36-44 - [Do You See What I See](https://wpumc.com/sermons/do-you-see-what-i-see/) - Second Sunday of Advent, December 4. Traditions online worship service. We begin our celebration of the season of Advent this Sunday. The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming" begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is also the beginning of the church year for Christians. Join us as we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ, not only in the humble stable in Bethlehem but also the second coming of Christ as a fulfillment of all that was promised in his first coming. Matthew 3:1-12 Isaiah 11:1-10 - [Faith Requires Improvisation](https://wpumc.com/sermons/faith-requires-improvisation/) - Third Sunday of Advent, December 11. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, the 3rd Sunday of Advent, we sing with Mary "my soul magnifies the Lord." (Luke 1:46b) We shift from a tone of expectation of Christ's coming to one of rejoicing at the arrival of the restoration and salvation that the birth of Jesus brings. Worship with us as we celebrate this good news! Isaiah 35:1-10 Luke 1:39-55 - [Resilient Love](https://wpumc.com/sermons/resilient-love/) - Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18. Traditions online worship service. On this 4th Sunday in Advent, we read from the Gospel of Matthew how an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream explaining that Mary "will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21). This fulfilled what the Lord had promised to the prophet Isaiah: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which means God with us." (25). We look forward to having harpist, Anita Burroughs Price, leading us in worship as we celebrate and claim that God keeps God's promises. Isaiah 7:10-17 Matthew 1:18-25 - [Christ the King Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/christ-the-king-sunday/) - Christ the King Sunday, November 20. Traditions online worship service. It’s Youth Sunday! Cary High Senior and Capital District Youth Council Representative Jared Frias Ponce will share Jesus’s description of his Kingdom in Matthew 25 as he experienced it during an incredible season of service. Ezekiel 34:20-24 Matthew 25:31-46 - [Jesus' Wisdom on Restoring Relationships](https://wpumc.com/sermons/jesus-wisdom-on-restoring-relationships/) - Sunday, November 13. Traditions online worship service. This week in worship we'll be talking about conflict resolution from the perspective of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18:15-20. Jesus gives very clear and precise instructions to follow when there is conflict among his disciples. In fact, he assumes there will be conflict! What makes us faithful in our discipleship is not whether or not we disagree or hurt each other, but how we go about addressing, resolving and restoring relationships. Matthew 18:15-20 Psalm 133:1 - [All Saints Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/all-saints-sunday-2/) - Sunday, November 6. Traditions online worship service. All Saints Sunday is a time when we honor those we lost in the past year. We will also share in a service of Holy Communion. We're so glad you're with us today in worship. Psalm 149:1-9 Ephesians 1:11-23 - [On the Lookout for Beauty](https://wpumc.com/sermons/on-the-lookout-for-beauty/) - Sunday, October 30 "How Beautiful" series. Traditions online worship service. Throughout our series on we've been training ourselves to celebrate what's good in the world. By celebrating what's right and good, we can find the energy to fix what is wrong. "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news." Isaiah 52:7. Join us in worship this week as we are on the lookout for beauty! Isaiah 52:7-10 - [Delighting in Beauty](https://wpumc.com/sermons/delighting-in-beauty/) - Sunday, October 23 "How Beautiful" series. Traditions online worship service. As we let go of the expectations of others we are freed to claim the creativeness in ourselves. The God who made us in all our intricacies invites us to co-create beauty in the world. Join us as we worship in person or online so that we might cultivate our own imaginations to be people who delight in beauty! Psalm 139:13-14 - [Beauty in Wonder and Mystery](https://wpumc.com/sermons/beauty-in-wonder-and-mystery/) - Sunday, October 16 "How Beautiful" series. Traditions online worship service. In the great Charles Wesley hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling we sing our longing to be "lost in wonder, love, and praise". All the art in the world cannot capture beauty in all its fullness. Join us in worship in-person or online as we wonder at the mystery of the unfathomable depths of the goodness of God. (Psalm 135) Psalms 135:1-3,13-21 - [Redefining Beauty](https://wpumc.com/sermons/redefining-beauty/) - Sunday, October 9 "How Beautiful" series. Traditions online worship service. This week we consider how Jesus defines what is beautiful and blessed in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5). Beauty is not just movie stars and sunsets. There's beauty even in our brokenness. Join us as we redefine what beauty means. Matthew 5:1-12 John 4:19-24 - [Awakening to Beauty](https://wpumc.com/sermons/awakening-to-beauty/) - Sunday, October 2 "How Beautiful" series. Traditions online worship service. In worship this Sunday, October 2nd we consider how we are "Awakening to Beauty" as we discover the resilience of creation. We can also experience God's beauty in healing, confession, and forgiveness as the psalmist tells us "God heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds." (Psalm 147) Join us as we put our hope in the unfailing love of God! Psalms 147:1-11 - [Made for Beauty](https://wpumc.com/sermons/made-for-beauty/) - Sunday, September 25 "How Beautiful" series. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, September 25 as we continue in our How Beautiful series, we will talk about how we are each made IN and FOR beauty-- for what is good and true and lovely. When we don't claim our own sacred worth in the eyes of God, we often engage in 'self' or 'other' destroying behaviors that only cause suffering. Join us online or in person we seek to be people of goodness and peace. Psalms 16:7-11 Philippians 4:8-9 - [Gaze Upon the Beauty](https://wpumc.com/sermons/gaze-upon-the-beauty/) - Sunday, September 18 "How Beautiful" series. Traditions online worship service. We begin a new sermon series this Sunday, September 18 titled "How Beautiful". Over the next seven weeks, we will consider with the Psalmists what it means to 'dwell with' and 'gaze upon' the beauty of the Lord. In the midst of so many divisions, divisiveness, and ugliness in our world today, we want to refocus our gaze so that we can cultivate a life of beauty that mirrors the life of God. Join us in person or online for this counter-cultural approach to life in all its fullness. Psalms 27 - [It is Well with My Soul](https://wpumc.com/sermons/it-is-well-with-my-soul/) - Sunday, September 11 "This Is My Song" series. Traditions online worship service. We live in a wonderful world, but the truth is...life in this world is hard. Eventually we—like the writer of Psalm 23—have no choice but to go through the valley of the shadow of death. How do we deal with our greatest fears and losses and still trust in the goodness of life? Join us this Sunday, September 11 as we consider the story of our #1 favorite hymn as a congregation, "It is Well with My Soul" and how we might sing: When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll— whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul. Isaiah 43:1-7 - [The Old Rugged Cross](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-old-rugged-cross/) - Sunday, September 4 "This Is My Song" series. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday we continue our series on our favorite songs of Faith. The Old Rugged Cross was written by a Methodist Minister in 1913 but didn't find its way into our hymnal until the 1960s! It remains one of the most popular hymns in church and in popular culture. Join us in worship as we share in Holy Communion and sing praises to God. 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 Colossians 1:15-20 - [How Great Thou Art](https://wpumc.com/sermons/how-great-thou-art/) - Sunday, August 28 "This Is My Song" series. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday, August 28th we will consider the beloved hymn "How Great Thou Art". This inspiring hymn of praise and adoration reminds us of God's unlimited power and love in creation and God's work in our redemption. Although the original text was written in the 19th century, the version of the hymn we have now only became familiar to congregations since the close of World War II. Join us as we consider the unfathomable greatness and nearness of God as we sing: "Then sings my soul, my savior God to Thee; How great thou art, how great thou art!" Psalms 8:1-9 - [In The Garden](https://wpumc.com/sermons/in-the-garden/) - Sunday, August 14 "This Is My Song" series. Traditions online worship service. We continue in our sermon series on our favorite worship songs this Sunday as we consider the 20th-century hymn: "In the Garden (I come to the Garden Alone)". "In the Garden" was written by C. Austin Miles in 1912 as he envisioned himself walking with the resurrected Jesus just as Mary Magdalene experienced the first Easter. Join us as we are invited to imagine ourselves walking and talking with Jesus one on one. What might Jesus say to you as you walk together? Genesis 2:5-9 Genesis 3:1-8 John 20:11-18 - [Here I Am, Lord](https://wpumc.com/sermons/here-i-am-lord/) - Sunday, August 21 "This Is My Song" series. Traditions online worship service. Our highlighted worship song this Sunday, August 21 is the popular hymn "Here I Am, Lord" written by Daniel Schutte in 1981. Often sung to commission mission teams or at ordination services, "Here I Am, Lord" is certainly a hymn about our calling by God and our response to tend to God's work in the world. It is also a hymn of transformation. God transforms the darkness into light, melts 'hearts of stone' with love and nourishes the 'poor and lame' and invites us to respond to the question "whom shall I send?" by singing: Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart. Isaiah 6:1-8 - [Amazing Grace](https://wpumc.com/sermons/amazing-grace/) - Sunday, August 7 "This Is My Song" series. Traditions online worship service. In today's sermon, we continue our sermon series "This is My Song" by focusing on one of the most recognizable songs throughout the world: "Amazing Grace". It's a song about spiritual conversion, forgiveness, redemption, and the promise of deliverance. Join us as we reflect on the gift of God's grace that is nothing less than amazing! Ephesians 2:4-8 - [Be Thou My Vision](https://wpumc.com/sermons/be-thou-my-vision/) - Sunday, July 31 "This Is My Song" series. Traditions online worship service. Music has the power to connect us to people and places and moments in time that can bring us closer to God. Today we continue our series "This is my Song" as we look at some of the great songs of our faith. Be Thou My Vision is one of the most ancient of those songs. We're so thankful that you're with us in worship today. Jeremiah 9:23-24 - [Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing](https://wpumc.com/sermons/come-thou-fount-of-every-blessing/) - Sunday, July 10 "This Is My Song" series. Traditions online worship service. When we experience seasons of difficulty and wilderness in our spiritual lives, it's often the songs of faith that sustain us and bring us back to the fullness of life. Whether it's a praise chorus or choir anthem, camp song or hymn, you'll find Christians singing. Singing must matter to God because there are more than 500 references to singing in the bible! This Summer Pastor Kelly Lyn will be preaching on some of our favorite songs of faith. This Sunday, we'll focus on her own favorite hymn: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Join us as we make a joyful noise! 1 Samuel 7:3-12 - [Jesus Savior Pilot Me](https://wpumc.com/sermons/jesus-savior-pilot-me/) - Sunday, July 24 "Jesus: Does It Matter?" series. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday we wrap up the Jesus Does it Matter series. We've covered so much about who Jesus was and is. But you can know all about Jesus and not truly know him. It really comes down to relationships and deciding who will pilot your life. Plus we explore the story behind the song Jesus Savior Pilot Me. John 8:28-32 Mark 8:27-29 - [In the Heart of the Storm](https://wpumc.com/sermons/in-the-heart-of-the-storm/) - Sunday, July 17 "Jesus: Does It Matter?" series. Traditions online worship service. As we near the end of the Jesus Does it Matter series we look at how Jesus defied the cultural expectations of his time. He was not the military or political leader that many had hoped for. And yet if you look at the descriptions of the Messiah from Isaiah and other OT texts we see quite a different portrait, one that Jesus fits into very well. Plus we'll hear one of our favorite contemporary songs that echoes these themes. Mark 10:35-45 Isaiah 53:2-10 - [Lead with Peace](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lead-with-peace/) - Sunday, July 3 "Jesus: Does It Matter?" series. Traditions online worship service. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus sends out his followers and instructs them to share peace with every house and to announce that the Kingdom of God has come near. Today we welcome our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Kelly Lyn Logue as she brings peace and the good news of Jesus Christ to this house of worship. Luke 10:1-11 - [Jesus and His Stories](https://wpumc.com/sermons/jesus-and-his-stories/) - Sunday, June 26 "Jesus: Does It Matter?" series. Traditions online worship service. Today we continue our series on Jesus, does it matter? At the same time, we say our farewells and best wishes to Pastor Ray Warren as he moves into the next steps of his journey. Join us today in worship as we examine this Jesus who is with us in all of our days and the stories he tells. Mark 12:1-11 Mark 2:15-22 Matthew 15:22-28 - [The Campaign Starts Here](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-campaign-starts-here/) - Sunday, June 19 "Jesus: Does It Matter?" series. Traditions online worship service. Jesus taught with a purpose. Everything he did needs to be understood through the historical context of his time. But Jesus still lives and acts in our time today. How are we living into the campaign of renewal and redemption that God set into motion so long ago? John 8:12-18 Luke 11:14-20 - [Who is in Charge?](https://wpumc.com/sermons/who-is-in-charge/) - Sunday, June 12 "Jesus: Does It Matter?" series. Traditions online worship service. The Gospels say that Jesus taught with authority - so where did that come from? What would it mean if we lived our lives the way Jesus did with an understanding that God is in charge of our lives and this world? Mark 1:14-28 John 14:6-7 - [50 Days Later](https://wpumc.com/sermons/50-days-later/) - Pentecost Sunday, June 5. Traditions online worship service. Today is Pentecost, a day of celebration for new beginnings in the life of those gathered to follow Jesus. As we welcome our youth into full membership, let's remember that the same Spirit that filled the disciples with power so long ago desires to fill us today. Come Holy Spirit Come! Matthew 26:69-75 Acts 2:1-41 - [The Perfect Storm Part 2](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-perfect-storm-part-2/) - Sunday, May 29 "Jesus: Does It Matter?" series. Traditions online worship service. Living through the middle of a storm can make you feel small and powerless. It was that way in Jesus' time and it's certainly that way for us today. Will we let the one who calms the storms and has the power over life and death breathe into our troubled lives today? Mark 4:35-41 - [The Great Bridge Builder](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-great-bridge-builder/) - Sunday, May 22 "Jesus: Does It Matter?" series. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday is Senior Recognition Sunday! Join us in-person or online as we celebrate our high school and college graduates. How can their journeys inform our own? And what does it mean for those leaving home to know that the God who loves them is there with them every step of the way? As you cross the bridge with our graduates today give thanks for the one who built that bridge for us. Luke 15:11-24 John 14:1-3,27 - [The Perfect Storm](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-perfect-storm/) - Sunday, May 15 "Jesus: Does It Matter?" series. Traditions online worship service. Have you ever been caught in a storm? It can be a scary experience because we may find ourselves out of control and powerless in the face of it. Weather professionals describe a set of conditions for what they call a "perfect" storm - that is what Jesus was a part of 2000 years ago - and it also can happen in our lives today. What can we do to follow God's call, even in the middle of a storm? 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - [God Wins](https://wpumc.com/sermons/god-wins/) - Sunday, May 8 "Jesus: Does It Matter?" series. Traditions online worship service. Have you ever wondered who is in charge? For a follower of Jesus that is God. And since God is in charge, God is going to get what God wants. The only question for us is will we be a help or a hindrance? 1 Samuel 8:6-21 - [Courageous Thomas](https://wpumc.com/sermons/courageous-thomas/) - Sunday, May 1 "Finding Your Bearings" series. Traditions online worship service. Everyone gives "doubting" Thomas a hard time for his lack of faith in the resurrection of Jesus. In fact his name has become a cliché - and yet Jesus gives him the answers he needs and calls him blessed. What can we learn from his story and how can we find our true north when we've lost our way? Jeremiah 17:5-8 John 20:19-29 - [Walking with Jesus](https://wpumc.com/sermons/walking-with-jesus/) - Sunday, April 24 "Finding Your Bearings" series. Traditions online worship service. Two of Jesus' disciples walked with him on the road to Emmaus and didn't recognize him! What can we learn from their story about recognizing Jesus in others? What does this story of the resurrected Christ tell us about ourselves today? Luke 24:13-35 - [Resurrection Day](https://wpumc.com/sermons/resurrection-day/) - Easter Sunday, April 17 "Finding Your Bearings" series. Traditions online worship service. Christ is risen? Christ is risen indeed! Sometimes when we are in darkness it's hard to recognize light when we see it but if we will be patient and look for it - we may find the light in even the darkest of places. Welcome to worship at White Plains on this Easter day of resurrection. John 20:11-18 John 21:1-14 - [Making Peace in Jerusalem](https://wpumc.com/sermons/making-peace-in-jerusalem/) - Palm Sunday, April 10 "Finding Your Bearings" series. Traditions online worship service. As the palms wave and hosannas are sung. Jesus rides humbly into Jerusalem and into our lives. Jesus is making right all that we have made wrong in the world and inviting us to be a part of God's kingdom. It's not a king or a kingdom that we could ever imagine - but one that we desperately need. John 19:29-44 - [A Message on the Mountain](https://wpumc.com/sermons/a-message-on-the-mountain/) - Sunday, April 3 "Finding Your Bearings" series. Traditions online worship service. Digging into the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew's gospel we find Jesus at his best. Transforming and fulfilling the law, never replacing or refuting it. How can we follow the example of Christ to live fully in this moment, loving and seeing others as God sees them? Everyone builds something with their life - will it be a material stronghold? A prison? Or will we join the Christ in building God's kingdom on earth as in heaven? 1 John 4:7-16 Matthew 5:11-16 - [Blessed are You](https://wpumc.com/sermons/blessed-are-you/) - Sunday, March 27 "Finding Your Bearings" series. Traditions online worship service. How would you prepare for the most important meeting of your life? The words of Jesus known as the Beatitudes are quoted widely inside and outside the church, it's arguably the most impactful message ever given. So how did Jesus do it? And how can we ground ourselves in the same disciplines that Christ lived by? Welcome to worship at White Plains church! Matthew 5:43-48 Matthew 5:1-9 - [An Offer of a Lifetime](https://wpumc.com/sermons/an-offer-of-a-lifetime/) - Sunday, March 20 "Finding Your Bearings" series. Traditions online worship service. What if a preacher came home to preach and the congregation tried to kill them? That's exactly what happened to Jesus. Why did Jesus face such opposition from those who knew him best and what can we learn from his response? How would we react if Jesus came amongst us today speaking truth? Guess what - he's here! Luke 4:14-30 Philippians 3:3-9 - [Temptation in the Wilderness](https://wpumc.com/sermons/temptation-in-the-wilderness/) - Sunday, March 13 "Finding Your Bearings" series. Traditions online worship service. After his Baptism in the river Jordan the spirit drove Christ into the wilderness to be tempted and tested. What does it mean for us to be in the wilderness? How can we ground ourselves in wisdom the way Jesus did to answer the competing voices in our time? Let's worship together today in the comforting knowledge that Christ is with us no matter what. Luke 3:21-22 Luke 4:1-13 Romans 8:5-6 - [True North](https://wpumc.com/sermons/true-north/) - Sunday, March 6 "Finding Your Bearings" series. Traditions online worship service. Have you experienced disorientation and confusion over the last two years? Join us in this Lenten series of pivotal moments in the life of Christ and how he found his bearings. Today we wrestle with the question - what is our "true north"? Mark 12:28-34 John 14:6 - [Dr. Grant Wacker on the Influence of Billy Graham](https://wpumc.com/sermons/dr-grant-wacker-on-the-influence-of-billy-graham/) - Sunday, February 13 "Conversations" series. Traditions online worship service. Today we continue our Conversations series with part two of Pastor Ray's interview with church historian and Billy Graham biographer Grant Wacker. When we stand before God, are we judged by our best or worst moments? Or by how we lived our lives in totality, living out the commands to love God and neighbor? Questions to ponder and thoughts to share as we worship together online this week. John 15:16-17 Galatians 5:19-23 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 - [Conversations... with Dr. Grant Wacker](https://wpumc.com/sermons/conversations-with-dr-grant-wacker/) - Sunday, February 6 "Conversations" series. Traditions online worship service. This week in worship we continue our Conversations series as we speak with Dr. Grant Wacker, one of the foremost experts on the history of Christianity in America. As always though, we find these messages to be as much about the heart as the head. John 13:34-35 1 John 4:7-12 - [The Crucible of Crisis](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-crucible-of-crisis/) - Sunday, February 27 "Finding Your Bearings" series. Traditions online worship service. Join us for worship as we begin a new series "Finding Your Bearings." Based on the book by Rev. Jim Harnish we'll spend the season of Lent together looking at pivotal moments in the life of Jesus and how he oriented himself on the things that really mattered to guide him through difficult circumstances. If you've been feeling a little disoriented, you're not alone. Let us worship together and find our way through Christ. Hebrews 12:1-3 John 8:33-36 Romans 5:1-5 - [Creation Creativity and Worship Dr. Balasundaram](https://wpumc.com/sermons/creation-creativity-and-worship-dr-balasundaram/) - Sunday, February 20 "Conversations" series. Traditions online worship service. What does it mean that we are created in the image of God? Join us in our final Conversations message as we speak with Dr. Balasundaram, a very creative Christian, and explore how the spark of the divine in each of us is nurtured in community. Genesis 1:26-31 Ephesians 4:4-7 Colossians 1:17 - [Creed](https://wpumc.com/sermons/creed/) - Sunday, January 30 "Conversations" series. Traditions online worship service. How much time and effort do we put in each week to the foundations of our faith life? Probably not enough if we're honest, especially compared to our other priorities. Join us in worship this week for part two of our conversation with Dr. Brent Strawn. Ephesians 3:16-21 Deuteronomy 6:1-9 - [Conversations... with Dr. Brent Strawn](https://wpumc.com/sermons/conversations-with-dr-brent-strawn/) - Sunday, January 23 "Conversations" series. Traditions online worship service. Have you ever found yourself in a season of disorientation? Duke Divinity School professor Brent Strawn joins us today to assure us that we're not alone if we feel that God is distant in hard times. In fact, the Bible is full of passages that can guide us through those times if we'll only engage. Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Isaiah 64:8 Micah 6:6-8 Hebrews 13:5 - [Ready Ready?](https://wpumc.com/sermons/ready-ready/) - Sunday, January 16 "Conversations" series. Traditions online worship service. This Sunday we continue our series "Conversations". Can you imagine what it would be like to be the one who must enforce an umpire's decision to an angry dad? Or tell a High School Athlete that they are ineligible to play their Senior year? How on earth do we handle accountability with Christian mercy and grace? Our Conversation this Sunday may have some insights. Romans 12:1-2 Ephesians 5:1-2 1 Peter 3:15 - [A Story of Faith](https://wpumc.com/sermons/a-story-of-faith/) - Laity Sunday, January 9 "Conversations" series. Traditions online worship service. We begin our new series "Conversations" with laity Sunday, meaning the message and different parts of our service will be led by voices from our congregation including our Lay Leader Sandy Varner. Ezekiel 36:22-28 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 Acts 20:35 - [A Light in the Heavens](https://wpumc.com/sermons/a-light-in-the-heavens/) - Epiphany Sunday, January 2 "The Lights of Christmas" series. Traditions online worship service. On this Epiphany Sunday, we hear the story of the magi, or were they kings? What star did they follow? And most importantly, how does that light shine into our lives and guide us still today? Matthew 2:1-15 Ephesians 1:15-19 - [Stories and Carols](https://wpumc.com/sermons/stories-and-carols/) - Sunday, December 26 "The Lights of Christmas" series. Annual after-Christmas celebration of carols online worship service. - [Christmas Day - Merry Christmas!](https://wpumc.com/sermons/christmas-day-merry-christmas/) - Christmas Day, December 25 "The Lights of Christmas" series. Traditions online worship service. - [Christmas Eve - The Light of the World](https://wpumc.com/sermons/christmas-eve-the-light-of-the-world/) - Christmas Eve, December 24 "The Lights of Christmas" series. Traditions online worship service. Luke 2:8-20 - [The Light of Love](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-light-of-love/) - Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19 "The Lights of Christmas" series. Traditions online worship service. Luke 2:1-20 - [The Light of Joy](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-light-of-joy/) - Third Sunday of Advent, December 12 "The Lights of Christmas" series. Traditions online worship service. Luke 1:26-56 - [The Light of Hope](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-light-of-hope/) - First Sunday of Advent, November 28 "The Lights of Christmas" series. Traditions online worship service. Romans 5:1-5 Luke 1:5-20 - [The Light of Peace](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-light-of-peace/) - Second Sunday of Advent, December 5 "The Lights of Christmas" series. Traditions online worship service. Romans 5:3-5 Luke 1:57-66, 76-79 Isaiah 9:2-7 - [Stronger and Deeper Faith](https://wpumc.com/sermons/stronger-and-deeper-faith/) - Christ the King Sunday, November 21 "Portraits" series. Traditions online worship service. Acts 16:22-34 John 16:33 Ephesians 2:1-10 - [The Full Tomb](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-full-tomb/) - Sunday, November 14 "Portraits" series. Traditions online worship service. Romans 8:35-39 John 20:1-18 Revelation 1:17-19 - [In The Light - All Saints Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/in-the-light-all-saints-sunday/) - All Saints Sunday, November 7 "Portraits" series. Traditions online worship service. Luke 22:14-23 Hebrews 12:1-3 Matthew 28:18-20 - [Finding God at the Table](https://wpumc.com/sermons/finding-god-at-the-table/) - Sunday, October 31 "Portraits" series. Traditions online worship service. Exodus 12:1-14 Luke 22:7-16 Matthew 18:20 - [Little Dreams... Big God](https://wpumc.com/sermons/little-dreams-big-god/) - Sunday, October 24 "Portraits" series. Traditions online worship service. Ephesians 1:5-18 Mark 11:1-10 - [What the Blind Man Saw](https://wpumc.com/sermons/what-the-blind-man-saw/) - Sunday, October 17 "Portraits" series. Traditions online worship service. Mark 10:17-25, 46-52 - [The Temple or the Mountain?](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-temple-or-the-mountain/) - Sunday, October 10 "Portraits" series. Traditions online worship service. Matthew 6:16-21 John 4:7-18, 28-30 - [A Dip in the Pool](https://wpumc.com/sermons/a-dip-in-the-pool/) - Sunday, October 3 "Portraits" series. Traditions online worship service. Romans 15:1-6 John 5:2-15 - [Nicodemus at Night](https://wpumc.com/sermons/nicodemus-at-night/) - Sunday, September 26 "Portraits" series. Traditions online worship service. Ephesians 2:1-9 John 3:1-8 Colossians 1:26-29 - [The Background Speaks](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-background-speaks/) - Sunday, September 19 "Portraits" series. Traditions online worship service. Luke 2:39-52 Acts 2:41-47 - [The Extraordinary Ordinary Baby](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-extraordinary-ordinary-baby/) - Sunday, September 12 "Portraits" series. Traditions online worship service. John 1:1-5, 9-14 Luke 2:25-38 - [The Hottest Ticket in Town](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-hottest-ticket-in-town/) - Sunday, September 5 "Where are You..." series. Traditions online worship service. Matthew 25:34-40 Matthew 25:1-13 - [The Gardener Who Helped a Fig Tree](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-gardener-who-helped-a-fig-tree/) - Sunday, August 29 "Where are You..." series. Traditions online worship service. Romans 8:35-39 Luke 13:6-9 John 15:5 John 16:33 - [Working for a Kingdom Wage](https://wpumc.com/sermons/working-for-a-kingdom-wage/) - Sunday, August 22 "Where are You..." series. Traditions online worship service. Romans 8:29-32 Matthew 20:1-15 - [An Invitation from the King](https://wpumc.com/sermons/an-invitation-from-the-king/) - Sunday, August 15 "Where are You..." series. Traditions online worship service. 1 John 4:7-10 Matthew 22:1-10 - [A Life Well Lived](https://wpumc.com/sermons/a-life-well-lived/) - Sunday, August 8 "Where are You..." series. Traditions online worship service. John 15:9-13 Luke 18:9-14 Philippians 2:3-4 - [There Were Two Prodigal Sons](https://wpumc.com/sermons/there-were-two-prodigal-sons/) - Sunday, August 1 "Where are You..." series. Traditions online worship service. Luke 15:11-24, 25-32 - [Wheat and Weeds](https://wpumc.com/sermons/wheat-and-weeds/) - Sunday, July 25 "Where are You..." series. Traditions online worship service. Matthew 13:24-30, 34-43 Matthew 15:21-28 - [Jesus Talks About the Soil](https://wpumc.com/sermons/jesus-talks-about-the-soil/) - Sunday, July 18 "Where are You..." series. Traditions online worship service. Genesis 2:5-7 Matthew 13:10-23 - [The Timid Soul Who Gets Tossed Out](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-timid-soul-who-gets-tossed-out/) - Sunday, July 11 "Where are You..." series. Traditions online worship service. Lamentations 3:19-27 Matthew 25:14-30 I Peter 4:1-11 - [There's a Party Going on Right Here](https://wpumc.com/sermons/theres-a-party-going-on-right-here/) - Sunday, July 4 "Where are You..." series. Traditions online worship service. Romans 5:7-8 Luke 15:11-24 - [Where are You - The Parables of Jesus](https://wpumc.com/sermons/where-are-you-the-parables-of-jesus/) - Sunday, June 27 "Where are You..." series. Traditions online worship service. Luke 10:25-37 John 15:9-13 John 13:34-35 Mark 10:42-45 - [How to Live in the Promised Land](https://wpumc.com/sermons/how-to-live-in-the-promised-land/) - Sunday, June 20 "Let Go" series. Traditions online worship service. Exodus 19 Philippians 2:1-11 Joshua 1:1-9 Matthew 22:34-40 Romans 13:8 - [The Future](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-future/) - Sunday, June 13 "Let Go" series. Traditions online worship service. Joshua 24 Isaiah 43:1-3 Philippians 4:11-13 Ephesians 2:10 - [Into a New Reality Crossing the Jordan](https://wpumc.com/sermons/into-a-new-reality-crossing-the-jordan/) - Senior Recognition Sunday, June 6 "Let Go" series. Traditions online worship service. 2 Timothy 1:7-9 Psalms 27:1-5 John 14:1-2,27 - [Giants and Grasshoppers](https://wpumc.com/sermons/giants-and-grasshoppers/) - Memorial Day Sunday, May 30 "Let Go" series. Traditions online worship service. Numbers 13:12-20, 27-28, 30-33 Numbers 14:1-4 - [The Roundabout Way](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-roundabout-way/) - Pentecost Sunday, May 23 "Let Go" series. Traditions online worship service. Acts 2:1-11, 22-28, 36-38 Exodus 13:17-18 - [The Big Leap](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-big-leap/) - Sunday, May 16 "Let Go" series. Traditions online worship service. Exodus 14:10-16, 21-31 - [The First Step](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-first-step/) - Sunday, May 9 "Let Go" series. Traditions online worship service. Exodus 4:18-20, 5:1-2,17-23, 14:10-14 Proverbs 3:5-6 Hebrews 12:1-2 - [Excuses & Objections](https://wpumc.com/sermons/excuses-objections/) - Sunday, May 2 "Let Go" series. Traditions online worship service. John 21:1-11 Exodus 3:7-4:17 - [Thriving Through Change](https://wpumc.com/sermons/thriving-through-change/) - Sunday, April 25 "Let Go" series. Traditions online worship service. Matthew 7:24-29 Exodus 3:1-8 Romans 12:1-2 Philippians 4:11-13 - [The Walk in Review](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-walk-in-review/) - Sunday, April 18 "The Walk" series conclusion. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I John 1:3-4 Psalms 119:105 Mark 10:43-45 I Peter 4:8-11 - [Sharing Jesus](https://wpumc.com/sermons/sharing-jesus/) - Sunday, April 11 "The Walk" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Romans 10:11-17 I John 1:3-4 - [A Message of Life - Easter Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/a-message-of-life-easter-sunday/) - Easter Sunday, April 4 "The Walk" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. John 19:38-42 John 20:1-18 I Corinthians 15:35-41 II Corinthians 1:9-10 - [Extravagant Generosity](https://wpumc.com/sermons/extravagant-generosity/) - Sunday, March 28 "The Walk" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew 6:19-21 Acts 20:35 Matthew 16:25 - [Serve](https://wpumc.com/sermons/serve/) - Sunday, March 21 "The Walk" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I John 3:16-18 Matthew 20:20-28 Ephesians 2:10 - [Paying Attention to God](https://wpumc.com/sermons/paying-attention-to-god/) - Sunday, March 14 "The Walk" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hebrews 12:1-3 Romans 12:1-3 Psalms 119:105-107 John 10:1-10 - [A Living Hallelujah](https://wpumc.com/sermons/a-living-hallelujah/) - Sunday, March 7 "The Walk" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Micah 6:6-8 Matthew 4:18-20 John 6:32-38,47-51 - [Jesus at the Door](https://wpumc.com/sermons/jesus-at-the-door/) - Sunday, February 28 "The Walk" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Colossians 2:11-14 Romans 5:8 - [Tenacity](https://wpumc.com/sermons/tenacity/) - Sunday, February 21 "Which Way, Lord?" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Philippians 4:1,10-13 Hebrews 12:1-3 - [Finding Easter in the Ashes](https://wpumc.com/sermons/finding-easter-in-the-ashes/) - Wednesday, February 17 Ash Wednesday online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Romans 7:15-16, 21-24 Romans 8:1-2 - [Relying On God](https://wpumc.com/sermons/relying-on-god/) - Sunday, February 14 "Which Way, Lord?" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proverbs 3:5-6 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 2 Corinthians 5:7 - [Light in the Darkness of Adversity](https://wpumc.com/sermons/light-in-the-darkness-of-adversity/) - Sunday, January 31 "Which Way, Lord?" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Acts 16:1-8 - [Encountering Detours](https://wpumc.com/sermons/encountering-detours/) - Sunday, February 7 "Which Way, Lord?" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Acts 16:9-15 - [Taking Stock in Life](https://wpumc.com/sermons/taking-stock-in-life/) - Sunday, January 24 "Which Way, Lord?" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Galatians 5:13-15 Acts 9:26-30, 11:19-26 Romans 12:9-20 - [On the Road to Nowhere](https://wpumc.com/sermons/on-the-road-to-nowhere/) - Epiphany Sunday, January 3 “A Journey with the Magi” series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Isaiah 60:1-6 - [Simeon Reveals a Bigger Reality](https://wpumc.com/sermons/simeon-reveals-a-bigger-reality/) - Sunday, January 10 “A Journey with the Magi” series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Philippians 2:1-11 - [A Radical Reorienting of Paul's Life](https://wpumc.com/sermons/a-radical-reorienting-of-pauls-life/) - Sunday, January 17 "Which Way, Lord?" series. Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ephesians 1:3-12 Acts 26:12-18 - [Lessons and Carols](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lessons-and-carols/) - Sunday after Christmas, December 27 online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons and Carols: a service of nine readings and special music. - [Christmas Day at White Plains](https://wpumc.com/sermons/christmas-day-at-white-plains/) - Christmas Day, December 25 online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic - [Christmas Eve at White Plains](https://wpumc.com/sermons/christmas-eve-at-white-plains/) - Christmas Eve, December 24 online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic - [Light of the World](https://wpumc.com/sermons/light-of-the-world/) - Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20 Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic Genesis 1:1-5 Revelation 22:5 John 1:1-5, 10-14 - [Emmanuel God With Us](https://wpumc.com/sermons/emmanuel-god-with-us/) - Third Sunday of Advent, December 13 Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic Isaiah 7:14-16 Matthew 1:20-23 - [The One Who Saves](https://wpumc.com/sermons/the-one-who-saves/) - Second Sunday of Advent, December 6 Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic Matthew 1:18-21 Romans 7:18-25 - [Inspiration in a Cave in Italy](https://wpumc.com/sermons/inspiration-in-a-cave-in-italy/) - First Sunday of Advent, November 29 Traditions online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic Luke 2:26-33 Micah 5:2 Isaiah 9:6-7 John 1:10-14 - [Thanksgiving 2020](https://wpumc.com/sermons/thanksgiving-2020/) - Sunday, November 22 8:30am online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic Philippians 4:4-7 Colossians 2:6-7 - [Fail: The Biggest Failure Ever is a Victory](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fail-the-biggest-failure-ever-is-a-victory/) - Sunday, November 8 8:30am online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic Philippians 3:3-16 - [Fail: No Other gods Before Me](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fail-no-other-gods-before-me/) - Sunday, November 15 8:30am online worship service due to the COVID-19 pandemic Joshua 24:14-15 Luke 18:18-30 Exodus 20:1-6 - [All Saints Sunday](https://wpumc.com/sermons/all-saints-sunday/) - All Saints Sunday, November 1 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation John 5:24 Hebrews 12:1-3 - [Fail: Is Failing Necessary](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fail-is-failing-necessary/) - Sunday, October 25 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Jeremiah 29:8-14 - [Fail: A Tale of Two Coats](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fail-a-tale-of-two-coats/) - Sunday, October 18 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Luke 6:27-31 Mark 8:34-35 - [Fail: Where Do You Put Your Hope?](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fail-where-do-you-put-your-hope/) - Sunday, October 11 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Philippians 4:12-13 Romans 5:3-5 - [Fail: Mining the Pit](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fail-mining-the-pit/) - Sunday, October 4 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 - [Fail: Overcoming Paralyzing Fear after Failure](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fail-overcoming-paralyzing-fear-after-failure/) - Sunday, September 27 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Luke 4:14-30 - [Fail: Moving Past Being Paralyzed by Fear](https://wpumc.com/sermons/fail-moving-past-being-paralyzed-by-fear/) - Sunday, September 20 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Mark 6:1-6 - [Habakkuk: Live By Faith](https://wpumc.com/sermons/habakkuk-live-by-faith/) - Sunday, September 13 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation 2 Corinthians 5:7, Habakkuk 3 - [Habakkuk: Watching and Waiting on God](https://wpumc.com/sermons/habakkuk-watching-and-waiting-on-god/) - Sunday, September 6 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Isaiah 40:28-31, Psalm 33:20-22 - [Habakkuk: A Prophet Asks a Question](https://wpumc.com/sermons/habakkuk-a-prophet-asks-a-question/) - Sunday, August 30 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Habakkuk 1:1-2:2, Psalm 13 - [Come to the Table](https://wpumc.com/sermons/come-to-the-table/) - Communion Sunday, August 23 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation I Corinthians 11:23-26 - [Lenses: Picture This](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lenses-picture-this/) - Sunday, August 16 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Matthew 7:7-12, 24-29 - [Lenses: Pray Fast Love Give](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lenses-pray-fast-love-give/) - Sunday, August 9 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Matthew 5:43-48, 6:1-6, 6:16-18 - [Lenses: How Now Shall We Live](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lenses-how-now-shall-we-live/) - Sunday, August 2 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Matthew 5:33-37 - [Lenses: Jesus and the Law](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lenses-jesus-and-the-law/) - Sunday, July 26 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Matthew 5:17-20 - [Lenses: Blessed to Be a Blessing](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lenses-blessed-to-be-a-blessing/) - Sunday, July 19 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Matthew 5:13-16 - [Lenses: Blessed are You When](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lenses-blessed-are-you-when/) - Sunday, July 12 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Matthew 5:1-12 - [Lenses: Christ's Perspective](https://wpumc.com/sermons/lenses-christs-perspective/) - Sunday, July 5 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Matthew 6:25-34 - [Legacy: Stay in Love With God](https://wpumc.com/sermons/legacy-stay-in-love-with-god/) - Sunday, June 28 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation John 15:9-16 - [Legacy: Doing Good](https://wpumc.com/sermons/legacy-doing-good/) - Sunday, June 21 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Ephesians 2:7-20, Romans 12:9-12 - [Legacy: Do No Harm](https://wpumc.com/sermons/legacy-do-no-harm/) - Sunday, June 14 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Mark 12:28-34 - [Legacy: Transitions](https://wpumc.com/sermons/legacy-transitions/) - Graduate Recognition Sunday, June 7 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Micah 6:8 - [Pentecost: God's Vision for the Church](https://wpumc.com/sermons/pentecost-gods-vision-for-the-church/) - Pentecost Sunday, May 31 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Acts 2:1-6 - [Experiencing Grace?: Stepping Into YES](https://wpumc.com/sermons/experiencing-grace-stepping-into-yes/) - Sunday, May 24 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Romans 5:5-8 - [Experiencing Grace?: Obstacles](https://wpumc.com/sermons/experiencing-grace-obstacles/) - Sunday, May 17 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Romans 8:37-39 - [Experiencing Grace?: Sanctifying Grace](https://wpumc.com/sermons/experiencing-grace-sanctifying-grace/) - Sunday, May 10 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Philippians 1:3-6 - [Receiving The Gift of Grace](https://wpumc.com/sermons/receiving-the-gift-of-grace/) - Sunday, April 19 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Ephesians 1:3-14 - [Experiencing Grace?: Prevenient Grace](https://wpumc.com/sermons/experiencing-grace-prevenient-grace/) - Sunday, April 26 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Ephesians 2:1-11 - [Experiencing Grace?: Justifying Grace](https://wpumc.com/sermons/experiencing-grace-justifying-grace/) - Sunday, May 3 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Romans 8:1-11 - [Easter Sunday - Christ Is Risen Indeed!](https://wpumc.com/sermons/easter-sunday-christ-is-risen-indeed/) - Easter Sunday, April 12 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation John 19:38-42,20:11-16 - [Palm Sunday - From Cheers to the Cross](https://wpumc.com/sermons/palm-sunday-from-cheers-to-the-cross/) - Palm Sunday, April 5 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Matthew 21:1-9 - [Moving Past Fear and Anxiety](https://wpumc.com/sermons/moving-past-fear-and-anxiety/) - Sunday, March 15 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Psalms 139:1-12 View bulletin PDF - [Unfailing Love](https://wpumc.com/sermons/unfailing-love/) - Sunday, March 22 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Psalms 13 - [Jesus Calms the Storms of Life](https://wpumc.com/sermons/jesus-calms-the-storms-of-life/) - Sunday, March 29 8:30am online worship service due to the coronavirus situation Mark 4:35-41 ## Events - [Growing in Faith Together - Women's Brunch](https://wpumc.com/events/growing-in-faith-together-womens-brunch/) - “Growing in Faith Together" Women’s Brunch Saturday, October 24th 10 AM - Noon with guest speaker Jacqui Bohler Bring a friend and a brunch dish to share. Childcare is available if requested by Oct. 18. Register Now! - [Beer and Hymns at Fortnight Brewing Company](https://wpumc.com/events/beer-and-hymns-at-fortnight-brewing-company/) - Just as simple and beautiful as it sounds, we drink great beer (or not--there are plenty of other selections) and we sing great hymns. This month, Pastor Rob, Bert, and friends from White Plains are leading the music! Come out and make a joyful noise! Fortnight Brewing Company 1006 SW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC - [Hispanic Heritage Celebration](https://wpumc.com/events/hispanic-heritage-celebration/) - Celebración de la Herencia Hispana / Hispanic Heritage celebration Organizado por el Comité Hispano Latino de NCCUMC Organized by the NCCUMC Hispanic Latino CommitteeSabado, 3 de Octubre Saturday, October 3 12 pm - 2 pm ¡Acompáñanos a celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana! Te invitamos a disfrutar de una tarde llena de alegría, cultura y comunidad - [Welcoming Wellness - Suicide Risk in Wake County](https://wpumc.com/events/welcoming-wellness-suicide-risk-in-wake-county/) - Suicide Risk in Wake County: Understanding the Crisis & Strengthening Community Response Mary Worthy is presenting on the clinical side of suicide. She will discuss national, state, and county suicide statistics. In addition, she will discuss warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors as well as appropriate responses in a crisis. She will enlighten us - [UMYF and JAM Kickoff](https://wpumc.com/events/umyf-and-jam-kickoff/) - 4:30 Snack Supper in the CLC gym 4:30 Parent Orientation in the CLC lobby 5:00-7:00 United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF youth in grades 6th-12th) Jesus and Me (JAM children in K-5th grade) - [Seeds of Love Tutoring](https://wpumc.com/events/seeds-of-love-tutoring/) - Seeds of Love (Semillas de Amor) tutoring programs pairs tutors 1:1 with students in grades Kindergarten through High School. No tutoring experience is needed. What do we do? First, we help the student with their homework. Second, we spend time reading books with the student, which helps build their reading comprehension skills. In Seeds of Love, depending on - [Women's Breakfast](https://wpumc.com/events/womens-breakfast/) - Join us for the women’s breakfast on the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 am in the WPUMC Chapel. We will have breakfast, a devotional time, and a time to get to know other women of faith. - [First Thursday Lunch Group](https://wpumc.com/events/first-thursday-lunch-group/) - Join us for a time of fellowship Thursday, September 3rd from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm in the CLC Gathering Space. Invite a friend to come with you and bring your own bag lunch and drink. Questions? Email - [Fellowship Breakfast - Fellowship of Christian Athletes](https://wpumc.com/events/fellowship-breakfast/) - The next monthly Fellowship breakfast and program sponsored by the United Methodist Men is Saturday, September 12 at 8:30am in the Chapel beginning with a light breakfast. Don’t forget that this isn’t just an event for men – everyone is invited! The program will be presented by Anthony Alvarez representing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. - [Rally Day](https://wpumc.com/events/rally-day/) - Rally Day is Sunday, September 20, featuring a church-wide lunch and Pops Concert. Join us for a fellowship lunch in the CLC at 12:15pm on Sunday, September 20. The lunch will be wraps and sandwiches from Jason's deli. Please Register for Lunch so we know how much food to order. Immediately after lunch, we will - [Light of Day Book Club](https://wpumc.com/events/light-of-day-book-club/) - Join us on Tuesday, September 15, when we resume our meetings to discuss The Sunflower House, by Adriana Allegri. Learn more about our Book Club. Contact bookclub@wpumc.com to be added to the email list. - [Missions Lunch & Learn - Seeds of Love Tutoring and Soccer Ministry](https://wpumc.com/events/missions-lunch-learn-seeds-of-love-tutoring-and-soccer-ministry/) - Join us for a lunch and learn event with our Seeds of Love tutoring ministry and our Soccer Ministry on Sunday, August 30 at 12:15 PM in the Christian Life Center. Please let us know that you're coming so that we can plan for enough people. The meal will be a fajita bar with a - [Welcoming Wellness NC - How to Conquer Anxiety and Depression](https://wpumc.com/events/welcoming-wellness-nc-how-to-conquer-anxiety-and-depression/) - Speaker: Judy Cairns Anxiety and Depression are major mental health stressors. This presentation addresses these conditions. Judy will discuss the differences and similarities between these conditions, as well as the psychology behind them. Learn how to recognize their arrival and ways to cope with and stop them in their tracks. Find out where to go - [Blood Drive](https://wpumc.com/events/blood-drive/) - Be Part of the Lifesaving Cause Sign up to give blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive at White Plains UMC Friday, July 24th 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Visit our drive page on RedCrossBlood.org to schedule your appointment. You can enter "whiteplains" in the Find a Drive Box and you will be - [Choir Retreat](https://wpumc.com/events/choir-retreat/) - Friday, August 7, 7-9pm and Saturday, August 8, 9am-noon We will meet in the Choir Room Contact Bert Fox for more info & to RSVP so music will be ready for you. - [Bridge Mission Week](https://wpumc.com/events/bridge-mission-week-3/) - Bridge Mission Week is for rising 4th graders through rising 8th graders. Every day we join in local service with local groups like Durham Rescue Mission & With Love From Jesus. We might find ourselves working in the yards of church members! Each afternoon we will have fellowship and fun. The cost for the entire - [Appalachia Service Project](https://wpumc.com/events/appalachia-service-project/) - Appalachia Service Project Registration and Payments Sunday, July 12 - Saturday, July 18 Registration and Payments Attention ASP Team members! We are so looking forward to our trip. Please be sure you have officially registered with ASP. You may have only filled out our church's Google Form to this point. Every Participant must register with - [Vacation Bible School](https://wpumc.com/events/vacation-bible-school/) - Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School Sunday, July 26-Wednesday, July 29 5:30-8:00 pm Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids plunge into a life-long adventure, discovering the nature of God, and exploring what it means to be - [Breakaway](https://wpumc.com/events/breakaway/) - Breakaway 2026 Monday, June 22 -Saturday, June 27, 2026 Breakaway is a week-long conference retreat for junior high and senior high school students This year's theme is “You’ve Got a Friend.” Breakaway cost $400 per person, WPUMC is paying $100 for each student. Make your payment online for the Youth Ministry Breakaway Conference Retreat by June - [Beer & Hymns at Fortnight](https://wpumc.com/events/beer-hymns-at-fortnight/) - Enjoy a great beer (or not--there are plenty of other selections) and sing some great hymns. It's the best part of church in a non-judgmental atmosphere where y'all means ALL! So, Come out and sing with us, and bring a friend or two! The folks from Raleigh Beer & Hymns are reuniting to lead the - [Church Fundraiser for WPUMC in Spanish](https://wpumc.com/events/church-fundraiser-for-wpumc-in-spanish/) - Enjoy 4 delicious tacos for $10 We will have Beef, Chicken, Pork, and Vegetarian Options Tacos will be ready to serve/sell at 10am! Come get yours before you go home! - [Light of Day Book Club](https://wpumc.com/events/light-of-day-book-club-4/) - Tuesday, June 16th at 3 pm Our June selection is Runs in the Family: An Incredible True Story of Football, Fatherhood, and Belonging, by Sarah Spain and Deland McCullough. Football coach Deland McCullough’s world was forever changed when his adoption records were unsealed, revealing a hidden past that would profoundly shape his understanding of himself and - [Missions Lunch & Learn - Rise Against Hunger](https://wpumc.com/events/missions-lunch-learn-rise-against-hunger/) - It's time for another 5th Sunday Mission Emphasis Lunch and Learn! Please RSVP for a Churchwide lunch and learn event highlighting Rise Against Hunger on Sunday, May 31 at 12:15 PM in the Christian Life Center. Please let us know that you're coming so that we can plan for enough seating and food. The meal - [Missions Yard Sale](https://wpumc.com/events/missions-yard-sale-2/) - Friday May 29 Donations drop-off from 9 AM till 8 PM. Volunteers will accept and sort donations. We will NOT accept ADULT size clothes. However, you may take gently used clothing to: Women’s Center of Wake County ( 2200 New Bern Ave. Raleigh 919-829-3711 info@wcwc.org ) Thrift to Gift ( 900 E Chatham, Cary 919-651-0482 ) Dorcas Ministries - - [Take Me Out to the Ball Game - White Plains UMC Night at the Durham Bulls](https://wpumc.com/events/take-me-out-to-the-ball-game-white-plains-umc-night-at-the-durham-bulls/) - Invite your friends and family to White Plains UMC night at the Durham Bulls. We have reserved a party deck for the Bulls home game on Sunday, May 24 at 5:00 pm. Doors open at 4:00 pm and our choir will be singing the National Anthem just before gametime. Your cost of $35 includes your - [Welcoming Wellness - Mental Health and Hospice Care: Improving Quality of Life at End of Life](https://wpumc.com/events/welcoming-wellness-mental-health-and-hospice-care-improving-quality-of-life-at-end-of-life/) - Join us on Sunday, May 31st at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel for Welcoming Wellness's monthly mental health presentation. Mental health plays a vital role in hospice care, as patients and their families navigate complex emotional, psychological, and spiritual challenges at the end of life. This presentation explores common concerns such as anxiety, depression, anticipatory grief, - [Graduate Recognition Sunday](https://wpumc.com/events/graduate-recognition-sunday/) - Please let us know if you (or your graduates) would like for us to acknowledge them, either in person during one of our three worship services, or as part of a video presentation. Please attach two photos: one childhood WPUMC photo, if possible, and one graduate photo in cap and gown. Contact Jason if you have - [Church on the Street](https://wpumc.com/events/church-on-the-street/) - During the Month of May we will again celebrate Church on the Street month. All month long we will be intentional about making God's love real to our community through a variety of activities and events. It can also just be as simple as wearing a White Plains UMC T-shirt or putting a bumper sticker - [The Raleigh Ringers - In Concert](https://wpumc.com/events/the-raleigh-ringers-in-concert/) - Come hear the Raleigh Ringers perform in concert at White Plains UMC. Saturday May 16th at 2:30 pm. This event is made possible by the paGe endowment. - [Food Packing with RISE Against Hunger](https://wpumc.com/events/food-packing-with-rise-against-hunger/) - Join us as we package 10,000 meals to help end world hunger. One of the most powerful ways to make God's love real is to feed the hungry. The event is in the Christian Life Center at White Plains UMC from 10am to Noon on Saturday, May 2. Setup begins at 9am. Please sign up, - [Welcoming Wellness - Living and Thriving in Recovery](https://wpumc.com/events/welcoming-wellness-living-and-thriving-in-recovery/) - Melissa Chacona will share her personal journey of recovery and how the 12-Step program and other recovery tools have facilitated her transformation from active addiction to a fulfilling life as a loving wife, mother, community member, and advocate for addiction recovery. She will discuss the challenges of recovery including the missteps, the struggles with activities - [Easter](https://wpumc.com/events/easter/) - Easter - April 5, 2026 6:45 am | Sunrise Service at Saint Francis UMC Please bring your own lawn chair for this outdoor service. 9:00 am | Contemporary Worship (CLC) 11:00 am | Worship in English (Sanctuary) & Spanish (Chapel) Wonderful music featuring a brass quintet at the 9am and 11am services. You’re invited to bring fresh flowers - [Celebration of the Divine](https://wpumc.com/events/celebration-divine/) - Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6pm in the Sanctuary. An “Interfaith Musical Experience: Uniting Hearts, Souls and Traditions in Harmony”. Participants will come from the Divan Center, Good Shepherd Lutheran, Dr. Abe Cáceres, and Grace Notes from White Plains. We will begin with a time of refreshments and fellowship before heading into sharing of music - [Holy Saturday](https://wpumc.com/events/holy-saturday/) - Holy Saturday Labyrinth Prayer Walk in the Christian Life Center. 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. If you are interested in visiting this holy space with a group please contact Pastor Jason. - [Good Friday](https://wpumc.com/events/good-friday/) - Good Friday - April 3, 2026 7:00 pm | Service of Tenebrae in Sanctuary Come to the Sanctuary at 7:00 pm for a Service of Tenebrae (Darkness). Music provided by the WPUMC Grace Notes Choir - [Palm Sunday - Worship](https://wpumc.com/events/palm-sunday-worship/) - Palm Sunday - March 29, 2026 9:00 am | Contemporary Worship in English (CLC) 11:00 am | Worship in English (Sanctuary) & Spanish (Chapel) Holy Week starts as we reflect upon Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In-person English worship service will be held at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary. Familia worship is at 11:00 am in the - [Holy Thursday](https://wpumc.com/events/holy-thursday/) - Holy Thursday - April 2, 2026 6:00 pm | Familia Dinner & Worship in Spanish 7:00 pm | Worship in English with Holy Communion and Foot Washing A special Familia worship service and Holy Communion will take place at 6:00 pm in the Chapel. We will have Communion and foot washing, we invite you to bring food - [Welcoming Wellness - A Caregiver's Story](https://wpumc.com/events/welcoming-wellness-a-caregivers-story-2/) - Join Welcoming Wellness on Sunday March 22nd at 2:00 in the Chapel for our next presentation: A Caregiver’s Story. Sandra and Dale Mann have nearly 20 years’ experience in leading NAMI family education courses and family support groups. Their work with NAMI is also informed by the experience of advocating for and supporting their younger - [Mortgage Burning](https://wpumc.com/events/mortgage-burning/) - Today we celebrate a defining moment in the life of our congregation: the original mortgage from when the Christian Life Center was built has been paid off! This milestone marks not only the completion of a financial commitment, but a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness and the steadfast generosity of our church family. This moment invites - [Rainforest Falls FunShop Training](https://wpumc.com/events/rainforest-falls-funshop-training/) - This LIVE, hands-on event will help you and your team: Experience Rainforest Falls in action Walk away with practical planning + decorating tips Get volunteer and budgeting shortcuts that save time Connect with other VBS leaders in your area You’ll leave feeling confident, prepared, and excited for VBS week. Register Today! - [Ash Wednesday](https://wpumc.com/events/ash-wednesday-2/) - Lent is a time of self-reflection and a season of preparation, mirroring the forty days of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (which itself mirrored forty-day periods of trial experienced by Noah, Moses, and Elijah). On Ash Wednesday, Christians are invited to enter a period of self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, and self-denial. We are called to use these - [ASP Fundraiser Valentine Dinner](https://wpumc.com/events/asp-fundraiser-valentine-dinner/) - Join us Saturday, February 14 in the WPUMC Christian Life Center and support Appalachia Service Project. Our ASP participants and UMYF will be your hosts. The entrée is spaghetti with a choice of tomato or meat sauce. Entertainment begins at 7:00 pm. Make Your Reservation TODAY! - [Gift Retreat "The Power of a Story"](https://wpumc.com/events/gift-retreat-the-power-of-a-story/) - A women's retreat in the beautiful NC mountains. Registration fee includes two nights lodging in hotel style rooms in Higgins Lodge, meals Friday evening through Sunday breakfast, and all retreat materials. Programming will be facilitated by women from White Plains, with our own Pastor Kelly Lyn leading music and worship. So grab a friend and - [Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper](https://wpumc.com/events/shrove-tuesday-pancake-supper-2/) - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner will be held on Tuesday, February 17 at 6:00pm in the Chapel. This is an event for all ages including families and we will even have pancake races for the kids! Shrove Tuesday is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The word shrove is the past tense - [Experiencing God: A Spiritual Formation Summit](https://wpumc.com/events/experiencing-god-a-spiritual-formation-summit/) - All are invited to attend NCISDF’s Spiritual Formation Summit at White Plains United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 This event will bring together clergy, staff, and laity from all denominations for a day of worship, fellowship, learning through experiential workshops. Participants will experience the Spirit in ways they can bring back to their - [Light of Day Book Club](https://wpumc.com/events/light-of-day-book-club-3/) - Join us on January 20, 2026 as we kickoff a new year of reading while discussing Shannon Reed ‘s book Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries and Just One More Page Before Lights Out. This book will make you laugh out and might even give you some ideas for future reading. Contact bookclub@wpumc.com to be added to the - [Christmas Eve Service - Traditional Candlelight](https://wpumc.com/events/christmas-eve-service-traditional-candlelight/) - Traditional Candlelight service in the Sanctuary - The 8:00 pm service is in the Sanctuary and ends with the singing of Silent Night and the lighting of candles. The music for this service is led by our Chancel Choir and the message is given by Rev. Kelly Lyn Logue. Communion is offered at both - [Christmas Eve - Family Friendly Service](https://wpumc.com/events/christmas-eve-family-friendly-service/) - Family Friendly Service in the CLC - The 4:00 pm service is held in our Christian Life Center hall. The music is led by our contemporary worship band and singers. The message tells the Christmas story through the eyes of "Clopper" the donkey and is fun for all ages. Many families with younger children choose to attend - [Longest Night Service](https://wpumc.com/events/longest-night-service/) - On the Longest Night of the year, on the winter solstice, December 21 at 7pm, we will gather in the sanctuary for a special worship service to offer comfort and hope and space for those who are grieving, struggling or feeling lonely during the holiday season. In the darkest part of the winter, we are ## Locations - [WPUMC](https://wpumc.com/locations/wpumc/) - WPUMC is located at 313 SE Maynard Rd., Cary, NC 27511, which is between Walnut St. and Kildaire Farm Road. We are located near the Cary Towne Center mall & Cary High School and just a few minutes from I-40. ## People - [Michele Pavelich](https://wpumc.com/people/michele-pavelich/) - Michele is responsible for the ministries and programs for children and their families from infants through 5th grade. Michele grew up in upstate New York together with five sisters and brother. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology degree. She joined White Plains as the Coordinator of Children’s Ministries in 2016 and has worked in children’s - [Alex Venners](https://wpumc.com/people/alex-venners/) - The Staff Parish Relations Committee is happy to announce the hiring of Alex Venners as our new Facility Coordinator. Alex brings a wealth of experience to this role. You can contact and welcome Alex aboard by using the email address . Note that while Alex is responsible for the operation and safety of our buildings and grounds, he does not handle bookings or - [Laura Denny](https://wpumc.com/people/laura-denny/) - As Communications Coordinator, Laura spreads the word about White Plains UMC services, programs and events. Creating inviting graphics and promotions, posting to our church social media accounts and keeping the latest details available on our WPUMC website are all priorities. Outside of White Plains UMC, Laura provides marketing solutions for other churches and small businesses - [Diana Burgos](https://wpumc.com/people/diana-buros/) - [Mac Pannill](https://wpumc.com/people/mac-pannill/) - Organist for all church functions including Sunday Morning Traditional Worship services, weddings, funerals, and special worship services. Youth Choir and Chancel Choir Accompanist. - [Nancy Moody](https://wpumc.com/people/nancy-moody/) - The Staff Parish Relations Committee is pleased to announce the hiring of Nancy Moody as our new Guest Services Coordinator. Nancy and her family are long-time members and active leaders in our congregation. Nancy brings a wealth of professional experience to this new role. The Guest Services Coordinator is responsible for scheduling the facility, making - [Kenyann Stanford](https://wpumc.com/people/kenyann-stanford/) - We are pleased to announce the hiring of Kenyann Stanford as our new Contemporary Worship Leader! Kenyann offered the following about her love of music and what is most important in her life: I have been involved in music ministry as long as I can remember. I was four years old when I first sang - [Kelly Cooper](https://wpumc.com/people/kelly-cooper/) - [Rev. Kelly Lyn Logue](https://wpumc.com/people/kelly-lyn-logue/) - As Lead Pastor, Kelly Lyn tends to the work of ordering the life of the church partnering with lay leadership through discernment, casting, and aligning our vision and mission for ministry, worship, service, and providing a healthy and balanced workplace for ministry team members. - [Rev. Rob Phillips](https://wpumc.com/people/rob-phillips/) - Rob is responsible for inward and outward communication at White Plains. He ensures that we have effective greeting and welcoming ministries so that people can find areas to serve in that match their calling and gifts. - [Bert Fox](https://wpumc.com/people/bert-fox/) - Bert directs and oversees music for the Traditional Service and works with the rest of our music and worship team to pursue excellence in all our worship services. - [Rev. Edith Salazar](https://wpumc.com/people/rev-edith-salazar/) - Pastor Edith provides leadership and ministry to our Hispanic speaking congregation and has been a valued member of our team for over eighteen years. - [Jennifer Speaker](https://wpumc.com/people/jennifer-speaker/) - Jennifer is responsible for providing the overall direction to the property, legal, financial, and business affairs of the church. - [Rev. Jason Darden](https://wpumc.com/people/rev-jason-darden/) - Jason is responsible for the Christian formation and discipleship of our Middle and High School age youth. - [Lee Heathcoat](https://wpumc.com/people/lee-heathcoat/) - Lee helps us ensure the success of our Congregational Care Ministry as it reaches out with love and compassion to meet the spiritual and physical needs of those entrusted to us within and beyond our congregation. ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://wpumc.com/category/uncategorized/) - [Suggested Reading](https://wpumc.com/category/suggested-reading/) - [Parent Link](https://wpumc.com/category/parents/) - The Parent Link is where you can find what we’re teaching in our Youth and Children’s Ministries and resources for all stages of parenting. Many of our resources come through our partnership with Orange ministries. Orange is where the influence of the Church and Home connect. Learn more at www.whatisorange.com - [How To Help](https://wpumc.com/category/how-to-help/) - [Job Openings](https://wpumc.com/category/how-to-help/job-openings/) - [Announcement](https://wpumc.com/category/announcement/) ## Tags - [Prayer](https://wpumc.com/tag/prayer/) ## Sermon Books - [Ecclesiastes](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/ecclesiastes/) - [Mark](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/mark/) - [Luke](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/luke/) - [Romans](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/romans/) - [Ephesians](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/ephesians/) - [Acts](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/acts/) - [Psalms](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/psalms/) - [Daniel](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/daniel/) - [Matthew](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/matthew/) - [John](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/john/) - [Proverbs](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/proberbs/) - [II Samuel](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/2samuel/) - [Colossians](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/colossians/) - [I Corinthians](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/1corinthians/) - [Philippians](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/philippians/) - [Revelation](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/revelation/) - [Isaiah](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/isaiah/) - [II Corinthians](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/2corinthians/) - [I Peter](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/i-peter/) - [Nehemiah](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/nehemiah/) - [Galatians](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/galatians/) - [Hebrews](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/hebrews/) - [James](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/james/) - [Exodus](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/exodus/) - [Numbers](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/numbers/) - [Judges](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/judges/) - [I Samuel](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/i-samuel/) - [I Kings](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/i-kings/) - [I John](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/i-john/) - [Genesis](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/genesis/) - [Micah](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/micah/) - [Habakkuk](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/habakkuk/) - [Jeremiah](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/jeremiah/) - [Joshua](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/joshua/) - [I Thessalonians](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/i-thessalonians/) - [Lamentations](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/lamentations/) - [Ezekiel](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/ezekiel/) - [Deuteronomy](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/deuteronomy/) - [Jonah](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/jonah/) - [I Timothy](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/i-timothy/) - [I Chronicles](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/i-chronicles/) - [Song of Solomon](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/song-of-solomon/) - [Ruth](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/ruth/) - [II Kings](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/ii-kings/) - [Job](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/job/) - [Amos](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/amos/) - [Hosea](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/hosea/) - [Ezra](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/ezra/) - [Esther](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/esther/) - [Malachi](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/malachi/) - [Zechariah](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/zechariah/) - [Titus](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/titus/) - [Jude](https://wpumc.com/sermon-book/jude/) ## Sermon Series - [Advent](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/advent/) - [Youth Talks](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/youth-talks/) - [Christmas Classics](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/christmas-classics/) - [Online Worship](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/online-worship/) - [Experiencing Grace?](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/experiencing-grace/) - [Legacy](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/legacy/) - [Lenses](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/lenses/) - [Habakkuk](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/habakkuk/) - [Fail](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/fail/) - [Incarnation](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/incarnation/) - [A Journey with the Magi](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/a-journey-with-the-magi/) - [Which Way Lord?](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/which-way-lord/) - [The Walk](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/the-walk/) - [Let Go](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/let-go/) - [Where are You?](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/where-are-you/) - [Portraits](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/portraits/) - [Lights of Christmas](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/lights-of-christmas/) - [Conversations](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/conversations/) - [Finding Your Bearings](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/finding-your-bearings/) - [Jesus: Does It Matter?](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/jesus-does-it-matter/) - [This Is My Song](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/this-is-my-song/) - [How Beautiful](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/how-beautiful/) - [Lent - In the Footsteps of Jesus](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/lent-in-the-footsteps-of-jesus/) - [Easter](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/easter/) - [With-God Life](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/with-god-life/) - [Wholehearted](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/wholehearted/) - [#BeUMC](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/beumc/) - [Unbound](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/unbound/) - [Short Stories by Jesus](https://wpumc.com/sermon-series/short-stories-by-jesus/) ## Sermon Speakers - [Reverend Ray Warren](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/ray-warren/) - [Reverend Jay Helms](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/jay-helms/) - [Reverend Rob Phillips](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/reverend-rob-phillips/) - [Dr. Lee Heathcoat](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/dr-lee-heathcoat/) - [Reverend Jason Darden](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/reverend-jason-darden/) - [David and Alissa Williams](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/david-and-alissa-williams/) - [Reverend Beth Hood](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/reverend-beth-hood/) - [Round-table](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/round-table/) - [Sandy Varner](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/sandy-varner/) - [Reverend Kelly Lyn Logue](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/reverend-kelly-lyn-logue/) - [Jared Frias Ponce](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/jared-frias-ponce/) - [Cliff Rhodes](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/cliff-rhodes/) - [Lexie Nuell](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/lexie-nuell/) - [Jonathan Avendano](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/jonathan-avendano/) - [Reverend Chris Brady](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/reverend-chris-brady/) - [Reverend Edith Salazar](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/reverend-edith-salazar/) - [Emanuel Salazar Flores](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/emanuel-salazar-flores/) - [Lelia Babson](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/lelia-babson/) - [Susan McCullen](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/susan-mccullen/) - [Darin Diep](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/darin-diep/) - [Reverend Schylar Ferguson](https://wpumc.com/sermon-speaker/reverend-schylar-ferguson/) ## Event Categories - [Youth Ministry Events](https://wpumc.com/event-category/youth/) - Click on the titles below for more details and to register for each event. - [Children's Ministry Events](https://wpumc.com/event-category/children/) - [Church Wide Events](https://wpumc.com/event-category/churchwide/) - [Music Ministry Events](https://wpumc.com/event-category/musicevents/) - [Hispanic Ministries](https://wpumc.com/event-category/hispanic-ministries/) - [Adult Ministry Events](https://wpumc.com/event-category/adult-ministry-events/)