Westminster Presbyterian Church, Alexandria Va

"Paltiel is probably the most obscure of the eight Biblical characters on whom I am preaching this summer. As I have circulated the titles in this series among staff and members, no one has come up to me and said: 'I’m so glad you are preaching on Paltiel.'" Larry Hayward preaches from 2 Samuel 3:12-16. Summer Sermon Series: Ordinary People. It is in the loves and hates, the hopes and fears, the strides and stumbles of ordinary people that God is both known and active in the world and which is narrated in Scripture. This summer’s series will highlight four men and four women from the Bible and hold them before our eyes that we may observe what they experienced, what moved them, and how God may have been present to them.

In his parables, Jesus takes ordinary things--like lost coins, dinner parties, and misbehaving children--and he uses them in stories to help his listeners perceive their familiar reality in a whole new way. Parables were Christ's way of helping people meet God, and t see their life with God "again, for the first time." Patrick Hunnicutt preaches from Mark 4:26-34.

In traditional preaching and teaching across the centuries, the unnamed wife of Lot serves as an example of how not to be if we seek to be faithful and committed followers of Jesus Christ. But a close reading of this story at least opens the door for a more charitable and humane interpretation of Lot’s wife. Larry Hayward preaches from Genesis 19:12-15, 24-26. Summer Sermon Series: Ordinary People. It is in the loves and hates, the hopes and fears, the strides and stumbles of ordinary people that God is both known and active in the world and which is narrated in Scripture. This summer’s series will highlight four men and four women from the Bible and hold them before our eyes that we may observe what they experienced, what moved them, and how God may have been present to them.

The knowledge of who God is can be unbearable--it is a lot to grasp the divine and the awesomeness of God's attributes. We are invited today to be both challenged and comforted by the wonder of God. Rev. Whitney Fauntleroy preaches on Confirmation Sunday. The Scripture lesson is selections from Psalm 139.

A story that has circulated among preachers for years concerns a small, African-American Church in Michigan on that Sunday after the Kennedy assassination, a Sunday in which all across the land people poured out of their homes into houses of worship. In this particular church, the minister stepped to the pulpit, pulled the chain which turned on the light by which he could read, opened his Bible, and read words from Isaiah that open our scripture today: “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord.” The minister then proceeded to ask his grieving, gathered congregation: In the year that we have lost our King, In the year that we have lost our dashing young president, Can we – can we – can we see the Lord? Larry Hayward preaches on Isaiah 6:1-8.

On this Pentecost morning, we are reminded in Romans that part of the call in our souls, our bodies, our lives, is to be people who imagine. Rev. Whitney Fauntleroy preaches on Romans 8:22-27.

Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward explores the meaning and importance of Ascension, an important part of the life and destiny of Christ, often lost on mainline Protestants like us. The scripture today is Luke 24:44-53

As Christians, we struggle with ways to listen for God’s call and to act where our faith leads us. With this class, Elder Kathy Harkness will consider the challenges of being called and how we can act faithfully and in attentive ways to when, where and how God calls us. (1 of 3)

Rev Dr. Larry R. Hayward focuses on John 15:15 and makes the claim that we know enough to “bear fruit…that lasts.” The scripture today is John 15:9-17.

Karen has done extensive research on contempt & mockery in our political culture, as well as the moral value of having faith in our fellow human beings. Timely topic for a time such as this. She will talk about the boundaries of civility, ways of expressing political disagreements, and how having faith in our fellow human beings just might transform the political discourse. (2 of 2)

Rev. Dr. Larry R. Hayward focuses on what it may mean for us to be “pruned” and how that can lead to “bearing more fruit.”The scripture today is John 15:1-8.

Karen has done extensive research on contempt & mockery in our political culture, as well as the moral value of having faith in our fellow human beings. Timely topic for a time such as this. She will talk about the boundaries of civility, ways of expressing political disagreements, and how having faith in our fellow human beings just might transform the political discourse. (1 of 2)

The Westminster Youth speak on the "Good Shepard." The scripture today is John 10:11-19

Julie has a reputation for building dynamic partnerships. But her experience raising children of color in our society gives her a unique perspective on how to start a dialogue about race in this country. Julie adopted two daughters from Ethiopia. How do we raise more socially & faith conscious children? Expand your mindset to understand how bias informs your decisions. Gain insight on how to start the much-needed conversation about race with your children and yourself. (2 of 2)

Rev. Dr. Larry R. Hayward covers several elements in this story: unrecognized presence, “disbelieving for joy,” scripture, the charge to be witnesses. What does it mean to hear and assert news so terrific we “disbelieve for joy”? The scripture today is Psalm 41.

The author of the best-selling “Nourishing Traditions” brings expertise to young mothers and children on the vital factors of one’s diet. Sally has helped change the national conversation about what constitutes a healthy diet. Learn about the dangers of certain foods, as well as what are the nutrient-dense foods. How does your diet effect your growth and the function of your brain?

Julie has a reputation for building dynamic partnerships. But her experience raising children of color in our society gives her a unique perspective on how to start a dialogue about race in this country. Julie adopted two daughters from Ethiopia. How do we raise more socially & faith conscious children? Expand your mindset to understand how bias informs your decisions. Gain insight on how to start the much-needed conversation about race with your children and yourself. (1 of 2)

Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward focuses on seeking to relate “the young man at the tomb” to the “young man who fled.” It raises the question, “how do we write ourselves into the Easter story?” The scripture today is Mark 16:1-8.

Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward speaks about "The Last One to Flee". The scripture is Mark 14:52.

Rabbi Jack Moline & Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward present “Pretext”. Rev. Hayward & Rabbi Moline will use various Biblical texts to draw lessons for us. Once again, as only “Larry & Jack” can, they’ll share their biblical and theological wisdom from years of study, pastoring and leading congregations. Be ready for humor, wit, and engagement as we examine together the texts, the pretexts, and the contexts of the Bible. (Part 3 of 3)