Sermons

07
Aug
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Click here for today’s live, recorded service. Click here for the adult worship guide. Click here for the children’s worship pages....
02
Aug
Hagar Among US
Hagar Among Us Genesis 21:8-21 August 2, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click here to join us on YouTube at 10:00 a.m. for live worship from our sanctuary, or to view the recorded service! You will find the adult worship guide here, and the......
26
Jul
Sunday, July 26, 2020: Live Worship on You Tube
Click here for Sunday’s live recording: YouTube channel. Click here for the adult worship guide and here for the children’s guide. As the story of Abraham unfolds in the book of Genesis, we see all sorts of major overlapping themes. One theme that recurs in this morning’s......
19
Jul
Sunday, July 19, 2020: Laughter Really Is the Best Medicine
Laughter Really Is the Best Medicine Genesis 18:1-15 July 19, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Friends, click here for today’s live recorded service from YouTube. You will find today’s children’s pages here and the adult worship guide is here. What makes you laugh? Duh—something funny,......
12
Jul
Promises to Keep: Live Recorded Worship
Promises to Keep Genesis 17:1-8, 15-22 July 12, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Friends, click here for today’s live recorded worship service. Click here for the bulletin and here for the children’s activity pages. Names are a big deal. Parents-to-be can spend months pouring......
05
Jul
July 5, 2020: Live (Recorded Worship Service)
Substitution Genesis 16:1-10 July 5, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Friends, click here for today’s live (and now recorded) worship service. Click here for the adult worship guide and here for the children’s pages. Some people love rollercoasters. I am not one of......
28
Jun
June 28, 2020: Livestreaming Worship
Today we are livestreaming worship directly from the Calvary Sanctuary via Facebook. Click here at 10:00am for live worship! Click here for the adult worship guide, and here for the children’s worship guide. The children’s message was pre-recorded, and parents are encouraged to listen to......
21
Jun
June 21, 2020: Covenant or Contract?
Covenant or Contract? Genesis 15 June 21, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click here for the pre-recorded worship service. Click here for the adult worship guide, and the children’s worship guide is here. This morning we delve into a biblical theme that pervades all......
14
Jun
June 14, 2020: Faith – Hard but Better
Faith: Hard but Better Genesis 12:10-20 June 14, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click here for the adult worship guide, and click here for the children’s activity guide. Click here to access the pre-recorded service. Last week our series in Genesis made a significant......
07
Jun
June 7, 2020: Ultramarathon Faith
Ultramarathon Faith Genesis 12:1-9 and Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-10 June 7, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click here for the pre-recorded worship service for Sunday. Click here for the adult worship guide, and click here for the children’s worship guide. One of the most challenges......
31
May
May 31, 2020: Online Worship Resources for “Down the Up Staircase”
Down the Up Staircase Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-4 May 31, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click here for the Adult Worship Guide:5-31-20 Pentecost Bulletin (1) And click here for the Children’s Worship Guide: Children’s Pentecost Bulletin Click here to access the pre-recorded worship service.......
24
May
Sunday, May 24, 2020: After the Storm
After the Storm Genesis 8:1-4, 20-22, 9:8-17 May 24, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Adult Worship Guide: 05242020AdultWorshipGuide Children’s Worship Guide: 05242020children Click here to access the pre-recorded worship service for today. Last week we looked at the story of the flood through the lens of......
17
May
May 17, 2020 Worship Service: Water, Water Everywhere!
Water, Water Everywhere! Genesis 6:5-8, 11-22 May 17, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Friends, click here for today’s pre-recorded worship service. You will find the worship guides for today’s service linked below: Children’s worship guide: rainbow_promise_bulletin Adult worship guide: 5-17-20 Bulletin The flood. It is one......
10
May
God Won’t Fit in My Box: Cain & Abel
God Won’t Fit in My Box: Cain & Abel Genesis 4:1-16 May 10, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click here to access the online worship service. 5-10-20 Adult Worship Guide May 10, 2020 Children’s Page This morning we arrive at the familiar,......
03
May
Genesis: Up the Wrong Tree
Genesis: Up the Wrong Tree Genesis 3:8-15 May 3, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church 5-3-20 Bulletin Click here for the children’s page for today. This week we are doing things a little differently! We have pre-recorded the worship service in order to combine......
29
Apr
Genesis: Free to Fall
Genesis: Free to Fall Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17, 3:1-7 April 26, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click here to view the video from today’s sermon. In classical mythology, the Fates are three goddesses who determine world events by spinning supernatural threads that determine our individual......
21
Apr
Genesis: Cosmic Elation
Genesis: Cosmic Elation Genesis 1 – 2:4a April 19, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click HERE to view the video of this service. This morning we are beginning a new sermon series on the book of Genesis. There are a number of reasons to......
12
Apr
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Good News Anyone? Mark 16:1-8 April 12, 2020, Easter SundayMichelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Easter Sunday Adult Worship Guide Click here to watch the Easter service from this morning and click here for music to accompany your worship. News update…Headlines….533,000 cases; 20,580 deaths In our......
05
Apr
Kings, Colts, Crowds, Cloaks and Kenosis
Kings, Colts, Crowds, Cloaks and Kenosis Mark 11:1-11 and Philippians 2:5-11 April 5, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click here for the video of today’s sermon. After what is without question the most unusual Lent I’ve ever experienced—and I suspect, the same is true......
30
Mar
The Way of Brokenness
The Way of Brokenness 2 Samuel 15:1-12 March 29, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click here for the online worship guide, and click here for the video version of the sermon. This morning we conclude our series on exile by looking at the story......
22
Mar
How to Return from Exile
How to Return from Exile Lamentations 1:1-7 March 22, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click HERE to view the videotape of today’s online worship service. Click HERE for the worship guide and HERE for the worship guide for children Text: Lamentations 1:1-7 1How lonely......
14
Mar
Called to Exile
Called to Exile Matthew 26:36-46 March 15, 202 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click here for the bulletin: Mar_15_20Bulletin Scripture for Today: Matthew 26:36-46 36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over......
10
Mar
Return from Exile: Laid Bare
Return from Exile: Laid Bare Ezekiel 12:1-7 and Luke 4:1-13 March 8, 2020 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church For centuries the church has used the 40 days leading up to Easter as a time to commemorate the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert......
02
Mar
A Fresh Grasp of the Gospel
A Fresh Grasp of the Gospel 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 March 1, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Over the past two months we have been exploring what it might mean for us to have a fresh start to 2020. Not a “turn over a......
25
Feb
Fresh Church
Fresh Church Acts 2:42-47 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 February 23, 2020 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church If you have children or grandchildren of a certain age, especially if they are boys, I likely don’t have to explain to you the fascination children have with......
19
Feb
A Fresh Perspective
A Fresh Perspective Isaiah 55:6-9 and 2 Kings 6:8-23 February 16, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church From Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation for February 10, 2020: “The vast majority of people throughout history have been poor, disabled, or oppressed in some way (i.e., “on the bottom”) and would have read......
12
Feb
A Fresh Mission
A Fresh Mission Matthew 20:18-20 and 1 John 3:11, 16-18 February 9, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church How many of you are old enough—and you’re willing to admit—that you remember a heavy metal band from New Jersey called Twisted Sister? For the record, I......
04
Feb
Fresh Courage
Fresh Courage Joshua 1:1-9 February 2, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Fresh courage. That is our topic this morning, a timely topic, I would suggest since I wonder if anyone would dispute that in our lives, in the church and in our world, we......
30
Jan
A Fresh Word
A Fresh Word 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 and Hebrews 4:12-13 January 26, 2020 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Over the past three weeks, our Fresh sermon series has led us to consider a fresh start, fresh worship, and last week, thanks to Sheila Arnold’s storytelling,......
22
Jan
Fresh Peace
Sheila Arnold, Inspirational Speaking and Storytelling Calvary Presbyterian Church Sun., Jan. 19, 2020 “Fresh Peace” “I Have a Dream” read by Gabriel Applause and what do those words make you think** Newspaper headlines the day after “I have a dream” WP: 200,000 Jam Mall in......
13
Jan
Fresh Worship
Fresh Worship John 4:21-24 and Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 January 12, 2020 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Last week we started a new sermon series called Fresh by focusing on how following Jesus offers us a fresh start. Without Jesus, we’re left with only our......
08
Jan
A Fresh Start
A Fresh Start Mark 1:16-20 and 10:17-22 January 5, 2020 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church This morning we begin a new sermon series entitled Fresh which seems a particularly apt series to begin at the start of a new year. The end of the year......
09
Dec
Mary’s Magnificat
December 8, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Lullabies are a time-honored tradition when it comes to soothing fussy babies. There is something about a parent’s voice that can bring a sense of peace—or “lull,” as the word suggests—to help a little one drift......
04
Dec
Songs of the Season: Zechariah’s Benedictus
Songs of the Season: Zechariah’s Benedictus Luke 1:68-79 December 1, 2019 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church “All of humanity’s problems stem from [their] inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” That is a quote from the famous mathematician and theologian Blaise Pascal in the......
20
Nov
Stewardship Sunday
Sunday, November 17, 2019: Stewardship Sunday...
15
Nov
Advent 2019
Advent at Calvary Presbyterian Church December 1: Zechariah’s Song: The Benedictus December 8: Mary’s Song: The Magnificat (Advent Wreath-Making Event & Hanging of the Greens Following Worship) December 15: Lessons & Carols December 22: The Angels’ Song: Gloria Christmas Eve: Candle Lighting Service with Communion,......
10
Nov
Walking Wet: Hope in the River of Life
Walking Wet: Hope in the River of Life Revelation 21-22 November 10, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church During this series we have moved from the chaotic waters of creation to the waters of baptism, from times of thirst and drought to times of......
06
Nov
Walking Wet: The Hospitality of Living Water
Walking Wet: The Hospitality of Living Water John 4:5-30, 39-42, Acts 2:44-47 November 3, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church This morning we pick up our sermon series on water by revisiting the very familiar story of the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan......
22
Oct
Walking Wet: Dangerous Waters & God’s Deliverance
Walking Wet: Dangerous Waters & God’s Deliverance Joshua 3:7-17 and Psalm 69:1-3, 13-18 October 20, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church This morning we return to our Walking Wet series. We started this series by looking at the story of creation when the chaotic......
09
Oct
World Communion Sunday
Sunday, October 6, 2019 World Communion Sunday...
09
Oct
The Rich Man & Lazarus
Calvary Presbyterian Church, Alexandria, VA Luke 16:19-31 September 29, 2019 Once upon a time there was a rich man – the most powerful man in the world, some said –who lived in a fine white mansion with manicured lawns. Kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers regularly......
22
Sep
Walking Wet: Thirst & Longing When Water is Absent
Walking Wet: Thirst & Longing When Water is Absent Exodus 17:1-7 and Psalm 42:1-2 September 22, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church In the first two weeks of our Walking Wet series, we have looked at the watery chaos from which creation was birthed......
18
Sep
Walking Wet: The Life-Giving Waters of Baptism
Walking Wet: The Life-Giving Waters of Baptism Matthew 3:1-6, 13-17 September 15, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church What comes to mind when I say the word “baptism”? Baptism is practiced by all Christian churches, but we practice it in such different ways and......
09
Sep
Walking Wet: The Birthing Waters of Creation
Walking Wet: The Birthing Waters of Creation Genesis 1:1-2:3 September 8, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click below to hear Sunday’s Sermon! This morning we embark on a new sermon series called, Walking Wet. As you can probably guess, these sermons are all......
03
Sep
Malachi: Because of God’s Love
Majoring on the Minors Malachi: Because of God’s Love Malachi 3:1-4 and 4:1-6 September 1, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Eleven weeks ago, we started our summertime journey through the Minor Prophets, and today, we arrive at the twelfth and final one, the......
28
Aug
Zechariah: A Purpose-Driven Life
Majoring on the Minors Zechariah: A Purpose-Driven Life Zechariah 14:1-9 August 25, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click below to hear the sermon. Leo Tolstoy is regarded as one of the great novelists in world literature. He wrote many books of lasting significance,......
21
Aug
Haggai Is for Hope
Majoring on the Minors Haggai Is for Hope Haggai 1:7-11 and 2:1-9 August 18, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church With the conclusion of the prophet Zephaniah, who we read last week, the Minor Prophets take a sharp turn. Up to this point the......
13
Aug
Zephaniah: The Day of the Lord
Zephaniah: The Day of the Lord Zephaniah 3:14-20 August 11, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church One of the challenges of preaching a sermon series on the Minor Prophets is that prophets have always had a tough job. God doesn’t call prophets to action......
06
Aug
Habakkuk: How Long, O Lord, How Long?
Majoring on the Minors Habakkuk: How Long, O Lord, How Long? Habakkuk 1:1-4 and 3:17-19 August 4, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church How long, O Lord, how long? How long will cancer ravage the bodies of people we love? How long will this......
31
Jul
Nahum Who?
Majoring on the Minors Nahum Who? Nahum 1:1-15 July 28, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church This morning we come to the seventh of the twelve Minor Prophets we are studying this summer, and if you’ve been waiting for a guy who seems full......
23
Jul
Micah: From Great to Good
Majoring on the Minors Micah: From Great to Good Micah 6:1-8 July 21, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church In 2001, business and leadership writer Jim Collins wrote a bestselling book titled Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t. ......
17
Jul
The Jonah Soundtrack
Majoring on the Minors The Jonah Soundtrack Jonah 3:10-4:11 July 14, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church As we continue our summer sermon series on the Minor Prophets, we come this morning to the one prophet out of the twelve that we’ve likely all......
11
Jul
Majoring on the Minors
Majoring on the Minors Obadiah: Family Feud Romans 12:1-5 and Obadiah 11-15 July 7, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church One of the great ironies of human love and relationships is that we experience the greatest hurt from those who are closest to us. ......
02
Jul
Amos: Resisting Social Injustice & Religious Complacency
Majoring on the Minors Amos: Resisting Social Injustice & Religious Complacency Amos 2:4-8 and 5:21-24 June 30, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Click below to listen to the sermon! Today is our third Sunday in this summer’s Minor Prophet series, and one of......
26
Jun
Joel: Overcoming Spiritual Dryness
Majoring on the Minors Joel: Overcoming Spiritual Dryness Joel 2:23-32 June 23, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Did you know that grasshoppers possess five eyes, six legs, and two antennae? They eat their body weight in vegetation every day. Their hind legs function......
20
Jun
Majoring on the Minors: Hosea
Majoring on the Minors: Hosea Hosea 2:16-20 and 11:1-9 June 16, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church This morning we begin a sermon series on the Minor Prophets. Let me ask, who recalls ever hearing a sermon preached from the book of Nahum? What......
12
Jun
Has the Church Lost Its Voice?
Has the Church Lost Its Voice Acts 2:1-21 and Romans 8:14-17 June 9, 2019: Pentecost Sunday M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church This morning we’re going to talk about talking about God. But talking about God can be difficult to get right, even among clergy.......
08
Jun
Minding the Gap – Unity
Minding the Gap – Unity John 17:20-26 Calvary Presbyterian Church Gene Kendall, Jr. Do you ever get so tired of hearing a phrase, repeated so often, that it’s not only annoying but if you hear it one more time, you think your head might......
04
Jun
Does G.O.D. Deliver?
Does G.O.D. Deliver? Psalm 91 May 26, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church So, where does God live? Would you believe me if I said, “Kearney, New Jersey?” That’s the impression people might have gotten as they drove by a certain trucking terminal in......
28
May
May 18, 2019
Click below for the Sermon from 5-18-2019...
28
May
Breakfast On the Beach
Breakfast on the Beach John 21:1-19 A Sermon by Rev. Gene Kendall, Jr. Calvary Presbyterian Church May 5, 2019 I want to do a quick check on how observant you as a congregation are. So, by a quick show of hands, how many of you......
11
May
Easter Sunday April 21, 2019
Click below for the Sermon from Easter Sunday...
15
Apr
Peter: I Will Not Deny You
Peter: “I Will Not Deny You” Matthew 26:17-25, 31-35 Palm Sunday: April 14, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Welcome back to our final Sunday of our Lenten sermon series on the Apostle Peter. If you recall, when we left Peter last week, he......
09
Apr
Peter: Four Steps Down the Mountain
Peter: Four Steps Down the Mountain 2 Peter 1:16-19 and Matthew 17:1-9 April 7, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church What is the most afraid you have ever been? Some people can point to a specific time or place or event that caused genuine......
02
Apr
Peter: Bedrock or Stumbling Block?
Peter: Bedrock or Stumbling Block? 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 and Matthew 16:21-28 March 31, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Welcome to the fourth Sunday of our Lenten series looking at the life of Simon Peter. If you’ll recall, when we left Jesus and the......
25
Mar
Peter Series: Keeper of the Keys
Peter Series: Keeper of the Keys Romans 12:1-8 and Matthew 16:13-20 March 24, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church For the past two weeks we have encountered Simon Peter and Jesus at a body of water, first as Jesus requisitioned Peter’s boat for his......
20
Mar
Peter series: Walking with Jesus in the Storm
Peter series: Walking with Jesus in the Storm Psalm 85:8-13 and Matthew 14:22-36 March 17, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Imagine, if you will, a particularly long, exhausting, day. Work has been demanding and stressful. Perhaps you’ve struggled with a chronic health issue......
14
Mar
Peter Series: Call of a Fisherman
Peter Series: Call of a Fisherman John 1:35-42 and Luke 5:1-11 March 10, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Imagine, if you can, that hundreds of years, even a millennium or two from now people are talking about you. They have a record of......
04
Mar
From Gluttony to Grace
Seven Deadly Sins/Seven Lively Virtues Gluttony/Grace: From Gluttony to Grace Proverbs 23:1-9, 20-35 March 3, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church For the past several weeks we have been delving into a study of the Seven Deadly Sins and their corresponding Lively Virtues. We......
28
Feb
Greed/Charity: Gleaning Generosity
Seven Deadly Sins/Seven Lively Virtues Greed/Charity: Gleaning Generosity Ruth 2:1-13 and Colossians 3:12-17 February 24, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church There is a highly contagious, potentially lethal epidemic sweeping our land. Perhaps you’ve heard of it. It’s called affluenza. Affluenza has been......
19
Feb
Anger/Patience: What Lies Beneath
Seven Deadly Sins/Seven Lively Virtues Anger/Patience: What Lies Beneath Genesis 4:1-8 and Ephesians 4:25-5:2 February 17, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church In my office is a book I read about a decade ago called Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley......
18
Feb
Sloth/Diligence: Just Do It
Seven Deadly Sins/Seven Lively Virtues Sloth/Diligence: Just Do It 1 Samuel 2:12-17 and Philippians 3:7-16 February 10, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church The sloth is the world’s slowest mammal. Inhabiting the rain forests of Central and South America, the sharp claws of the......
06
Feb
Envy/Contentment: Green with Envy
Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues Envy/Contentment: Green with Envy 1 Samuel 18:1-9 and Philippians 4:10-13 February 3, 2019 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church “Green with envy.” It’s a familiar phrase, but do you know where it comes from? It actually dates back to the......
01
Feb
Lust/Self-Control: Bridled Passion
Seven Deadly Sins/Seven Lively Virtues Lust/Self-Control: Bridled Passion 1 Kings 11:1-5 and Ephesians 4:17-24 January 27, 2019 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Last week we began our sermon series on the Seven Deadly Sins and Seven Lively Virtues by looking at pride and humility. This......
01
Feb
Pride/Humility: Everybody Acts Medium
Seven Deadly Sins/Seven Lively Virtues Pride/Humility: Everybody Acts Medium Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-5 and Philippians 2:3-8 January 20, 2019] Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church This morning we begin a new sermon series on the Seven Deadly Sins and the seven corresponding Lively Virtues. It was Pope......
08
Jan
A Camel on the Roof
A Camel on the Roof Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12 January 6, 2019 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church We begin this morning with a story from the lives of the saints—the saints of Islam, that is. This story concerns a king of Balkh which......
03
Jan
A Time to Love
Matthew 1:18-25 and Matthew 5:38-48 December 30, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Thirty years ago, a film was released based on the Charles Dickens novel Little Dorrit. It is a six-hour epic in two parts. The two parts don’t follow in sequence, telling......
12
Dec
Advent: A Time to Repent
Advent: A Time to Repent Isaiah 40:1-11 and Matthew 3:1-10 December 9, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church The road, the water, the fire and the axe: four powerful symbols set the scene for where the story of Jesus really starts. Think for a......
05
Dec
A Time to Watch
A Time to Watch Matthew 13:24-35 and 24:36-44 December 2, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church ‘Tis the season! Exactly which season depends on who you ask. For some people, the season of love and joy, peace and hope has begun. This is “the most......
27
Nov
The Questions Jesus Doesn’t Answer
The Question Jesus Doesn’t Answer Christ the King Sunday Revelation 1:4-8 and John 18:33-37 November 25, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Have you ever considered how many questions we live with that are impossible to answer? When does it stop being partly cloudy and......
21
Nov
Exuberant Praise
Exuberant Praise Psalm 111 November 18, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church On Thursday people all across the country will gather around dining tables that will be laden with turkey and dressing, gravy and cranberry sauce, green beans and corn pudding and bofrots, pumpkin and......
14
Nov
Why Do We Exist?
Why Do We Exist? John 15:8-17 and Mark 11:12-14 November 11, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Any organization, business or entity worth its salt needs to know why it exists. A hospital exists to provide medical services to people who are sick. Schools exist......
07
Nov
Stone Testaments
Stone Testaments Joshua 3:1-5, 3:14-4:7 November 4, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Have you ever been to a Jewish cemetery and noticed the headstone erected on the grave of a Jewish man or woman? Instead of flowers, you may have seen stones carefully placed......
31
Oct
Marks of a Pilgrim
Marks of a Pilgrim Deuteronomy 26:1-11 October 28, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church When we left the Israelites last week, they had made the fateful and fatal decision to listen to the report of the majority of the spies—ten against two, if you......
25
Oct
Advent Workshop & Hanging of the Greens
Our Second Annual Advent Workshop On Sunday, December 2, 2018 we will host a “Hanging of the Greens and All-Church Advent Workshop” following worship. Join us for this special event as we enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas throughout the building! Stations for......
25
Oct
Upcoming Worship Themes
Worship Themes for November and December November Worship Themes November 4 All Saints Sunday, Sermon: Stone Testaments November 11 Stewardship Sunday, Sermon: Why Do We Exist? November 18 New Members will be received November 25 Christ the King Sunday Advent Sermon Theme: What Time......
25
Oct
Overcoming Giants, Living the Promise
Overcoming Giants, Living the Promise Numbers 13:1-3, 17-33 October 21, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Every once in a while, it is good to take stock of one’s life—to think about where we are, how we got here, where we’ve come from and where......
16
Oct
The Children Show us the Way
Calvary Presbyterian Church, October 7, 2018 Gene Kendall, Jr I remember it like it was yesterday, the visual and emotional memories were burned into my amygdala. On Thanksgiving morning, 43 years ago, with my 4 other siblings home from college for the holiday, my mother......
25
Sep
Lessons from the Vineyard
Lessons from the Vineyard John 15:1-8 September 23, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church When it comes to wine, even most novices know that the French have a long history of vintage winemaking and have provided the names for some of the world’s best-known......
18
Sep
The “S” Factor
The “S” Factor John 14:15-17, 25-27 and 16:4b-15 September 16, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church What is your favorite kind of vacation? For some people who live a long distance from their relatives, vacations are all about going home, seeing loved ones and reconnecting......
05
Sep
Jesus’ Travel Plans
Jesus’ Travel Plans John 14:1-14 September 2, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Travel horror stories. How many of you have experienced a truly awful travel misadventure and lived to tell about it? Flight delays, missed connections, and lost luggage are events that if you......
29
Aug
Tracking the Sheep
Tracking the Sheep John 10:1-18 August 26, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church How many of you love your job, or if you’re retired, you retired from a job you loved? How many of you would say your job is okay, tolerable? How many of......
24
Aug
The Ultimate Soul Food
The Ultimate Soul Food John 6:25-35, 47-51 August 19, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church There is an old Kudzu cartoon that shows a preacher reading the Lord’s Prayer from the pulpit: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come,......
14
Aug
What Are You Hungry For?
What Are You Hungry For? John 6:1-21 August 12, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church It’s a little past 6:00 on a Friday night. It’s been a long week, it’s dinnertime, and nobody feels like cooking. If you’re like me, you might open the......
07
Aug
Jesus’ Big Fat Jewish Wedding
Jesus’ Big Fat Jewish Wedding John 2:1-12 August 5, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Weddings are joyous occasions. Whether large or small, elaborate or simple, weddings are one of life’s great celebrations as two people come together and commit their lives to one......
31
Jul
Do You Want to Be Made Well?
Do You Want to Be Made Well? John 5:1-15 July 29, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Thirty-eight years is a long time to sit on your mat. Every day the same. Waiting. Watching. Hoping. Nothing much changes. Sitting on his mat has become......
25
Jul
How Can These Things Be?
How Can These Things Be? John 3:1-17 July 22, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church What “impossible” things have you done so far this morning? What about this weekend? None? Really? Did you get out of bed and walk pain-free around your house on......
17
Jul
What Are You Looking For?
What Are You Looking For? John 1:35-51 July 15, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church How many of you in the past month used some type of GPS to find your way to a destination? How many of you in the past month got behind......
11
Jul
Words Matter
Words Matter John 1:1-18 July 8, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Did anyone else besides me grow up hearing this taunt on the elementary school play-ground? When you’re 9 or 10......
05
Jul
God and Country
I had a dream this week…it was a dream about you…Calvary church. You were out on the sidewalk along Kings Highway in your blue Be the Kingdom T-shirts. You were holding signs, chanting and walking between cars stopped at the stoplight. There you were, black,......
17
Jun
Church: Standing Firm in God
Church: Standing Firm in God Ephesians 6:10-24 June 17, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Last words: we tend to put a lot of stock in someone’s final words. In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul now takes his leave, says his goodbyes. His tone......
12
Jun
Church: Relationships, Relationships
Church: Relationships, Relationships Ephesians 5:21-6:9 June 10, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Misconceptions about church are legion: church is a place that’s all about rules, especially the “thou shalt nots.” The people in churches are judgmental, hypocritical, fanatical, or uptight. Churches are cold, sterile,......
06
Jun
Church: Keepers of Negative Space
Church: Keepers of Negative Space Ephesians 4:17-5:20 June 3, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church To this point in Paul’s letter, virtually everything has been stated with glowing affirmation. Paul is extravagant in his enthusiasm, unstoppable in his praise. The energy of his verbiage overflows......
30
May
Church: All for One and One for All
Church: All for One and One for All Ephesians 4:1-16 May 27, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church We are at a transition point in Ephesians, moving from an exuberant exploration of who God is and the way God works to a detailed account......
24
May
Church: Grounded in Christ’s Love
Church: Grounded in Christ’s Love Revelation 2:1-5a and Ephesians 3:5-21 May 20, 2018—Pentecost Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Growing up in Christ. That’s what Paul has been encouraging us to do in his letter to the Ephesians. Paul sees spiritual maturity as being integrally related......
17
May
Church:Christ’s Peace in the Broken Wall
Church: Christ’s Peace in the Broken Wall Ephesians 2:11-22 May 13, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church So far in Ephesians, Paul’s message about growing up in Christ breaks in on us in a dazzling exposition of what is going on in this world in......
11
May
What’s So Amazing About Grace?
What’s So Amazing About Grace? Ephesians 2:1-10 May 6, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Imagine that you out tomorrow—perhaps at the grocery store or at work or the gym or picking up your dry cleaning—somewhere you routinely go that requires you to be in......
01
May
Bless God, Bless Others
Bless God, Bless Others Ephesians 1:15-23 April 29, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church What better day could there be to talk about the blessings of God than today when we celebrate the blessing of Sophia being presented her Bible, the Karikari wedding yesterday, Calvary’s......
25
Apr
The Interesting Thing About Religion is God
The Interesting Thing About Religion is God Ephesians 1:3-14 April 22, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church After our initial introduction last week to the book of Ephesians and its focus on helping us grow up as followers of Christ, this morning we dive into......
19
Apr
Saints and Sinners: The Miracle of Church
Saints and Sinners: The Miracle of Church Acts 18:24-19:7 and Ephesians 1:1-2, 4:1-3 April 15, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Wendell Berry, the American novelist, poet and cultural critic has famously observed that, “We think it ordinary to spend twelve or sixteen or twenty......
05
Apr
Easter Sunday: The Exalted Jesus
The Exalted Jesus Mark 16:1-8 and Revelation 5:1-14 April 1, 2018 Easter Sunday Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church “Who do you say that I am?” That is the question Jesus asked his disciples, and it is the question we have been looking to answer......
27
Mar
The Tragic Victim Jesus
The Tragic Victim Jesus John 12:12-19 and John 19:1-7 March 25, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church As we continue our Lenten sermon series, “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?”, this morning we take a sharp departure from the view we saw last......
22
Mar
The Yuppie Jesus
The Yuppie Jesus John 11:32-44 and Romans 8:18-30 March 18, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church This morning we come to our fifth message in the series, “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?” Today we look at a view of Jesus that is......
14
Mar
The Therapist Jesus
“The Therapist Jesus” John 4:4-30 Michelle Fincher March 11, 2018 Calvary Presbyterian Church This morning we return to our Lenten sermon series, “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?” Thus far, we’ve examined different perspectives of Jesus by looking at the Super Human Jesus, the......
09
Mar
The Gentle Jesus
The Gentle Jesus Matthew 11:25-30 and Luke 6:27-30 February 25, 2018 Michelle Fincher (Delivered by Elder John Kerr) Calvary Presbyterian Church Almost 2000 years ago when Jesus was walking this earth, he asked his disciples this important question: “Who do people say that I am?”......
24
Feb
Jesus the Social Revolutionary
Jesus the Social Revolutionary Matthew 10:34-49 and Luke 19:1-10 February 18, 2018 Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church This morning we continue our Real Jesus series by looking at Jesus the Social Revolutionary. This view has had and continues to have a profound impact upon the......
11
Feb
Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
1 Corinthians 15:12-19 and Luke 9:18-20 February 11, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Will the real Jesus please stand up? This is the sermon series that will accompany us along our Lenten journey this year. First things first—I know Lent doesn’t start until......
04
Feb
Kingdom Dreaming
Mark 1:16-20, 2:13-17 February 4, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church Over the past month we have looked at a few of the call stories in the Bible. One thing we’ve seen is that God’s call can come in a lot of different ways.......
28
Jan
Beware the “Onlys”
Luke 4:21-30 and Jeremiah 1:4-10 January 28, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church It’s a word I’ve come to treat with caution, if not outright suspicion: the word “only.” It will “only” take 15 minutes. It is “only” 60 calories. This offer will......
21
Jan
Jonah’s Escape Room Strategy
Joel 2:1, 12-14 and Jonah 3:1-5, 10 January 21, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church It’s a scenario straight out of a horror movie. You have been kidnapped and blindfolded. After some jostling and being moved from place to place, you finally rip off......
14
Jan
Wanted: Dreamers for God’s Kingdom
Genesis 37:17b-37 and Revelation 21:1-5 January 14, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church It was one of the biggest speeches of his career, and he knew it. Martin Luther King Jr. was already widely recognized as the spiritual leader of the American civil rights......
08
Jan
Dreams, Epiphany & Call: Hearing God’s Voice
1 Samuel 3:1-9 and Matthew 2:1-12 January 7, 2018 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church How would you describe your dreams? How many have vivid dreams? Do you remember your dreams? Matthew’s second chapter tells of three dreams, and each of them convey divine guidance......

Bethlehem

Kingdom Series

02/10/13- I -The Kingdomof God: What is it? – Rev. Michelle Fincher
02/17/13 – II -Entering the Kingdom of God – Rev. Michelle Fincher
02/24/13 – III -Traits of Kingdom Living: Relationships of Radical Love – Rev. Michelle Fincher
03/03/13 – IV-Traits of Kingdom Living: Speaking Truthfully – Rev. Michelle Fincher
03/10/13 – V -Traits of Kingdom Living: Passing Judgement – Rev. Michelle Fincher
03/17/13 – VI – Traits of Kingdom Living: Practicing Forgiveness -Rev.Michelle Fincher
03/24/13 – Donkey One – Rev. Michelle Fincher – (Powerpoint Video avi)
03/31/13 – The Big Empty – Rev. Michelle Fincher
04/07/13 – Traits of the Kingdom: Servant Leadership – Rev. Michelle Fincher
04/14/13 – Kingdom Farming: Growing Grass or Pulling Weeds? – Rev. Michelle Fincher
04/31/13 – Kingdom eBay: Good Deals and Priceless Values – Rev. Michelle Fincher

Acts of the Holy Spirit Sermon Series:

05/12/13- We’re Waiting for What? -Rev. Michelle Fincher
05/19/13- The Wait is Over Rev. Michelle Fincher
05/26/13- A Simple Message, A Shocking Response – Rev. Michelle Fincher
06/02/13- The Extraordinary Ordinary – Rev. Michelle Fincher
06/09/13- Big Hat, No Cattle – Rev. Michelle Fincher
06/16/13- The Age of Rage Rev. Michelle Fincher
06/23/13 Rev. Michelle Fincher
06/30/13- From Terminator to Transformer -Rev. Michelle Fincher
07/07/13 A Radical Turning Point (Acts 10) – Rev. Michelle Fincher
07/28/13 -The Barnabas Factor: Helping Others Fly (Acts 11 & 15)- Rev. Michelle Fincher
08/04/13- Jailhouse Rock Before Elvis (Acts 16) – Rev. Michelle Fincher
08/11/13-A Tale of Three Cities (Acts 17) – Rev. Michelle Fincher
08/18/13- The Anatomy of a High Impact Life (Acts 20-21)- Rev. Michelle Fincher
08/25/13- Be Careful What You Wish For – Acts 28:11-16, 23-30 – Rev. Michelle Fincher

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