Walnut United Methodist Church

On this second Sunday of Easter, we focused on the gospel passage where Jesus appears to his disciples after his crucifixion. They are terrified and feel betrayed. In their turmoil, Jesus meets them and offers them peace and empowerment. Where in our lives are we terrified and need peace and empowerment? Tune into the service to reflect and receive Jesus’ enlivening breath of life.

The choir performed “Open Our Eyes, Lord,” a sung Amen, and “Love Is Our Theme.”

Many thanks to Michael Peeler who was our liturgist, Andreya Custodio who recorded the service, and Grace Amador who was the pianist.

CCLI Copyright and Streaming License: 20197516 & 20197509

To tithe to our congregation to support and strengthen our ministries: https://rb.gy/p4trbx

Christ is Risen! Hallelujah! Tears welled up as we remembered that it had been three years since we last celebrated Easter in-person as a congregation. As such, this service felt especially celebratory. Pastor Lydia preached on the gospel passage that describes women finding an empty tomb (Luke 24:1-12). The reactions of Jesus’ followers run the gamut in this passage, from unbelief to instant belief to instant curiosity, which is to be expected. Yet, God invites us through this passage to start seeing not only with our minds and eyes, but to start seeing with the eyes of our hearts. When we do this, we will truly know and understand what it means to be a people of resurrection.

The choir performed “Open Our Eyes, Lord,” a sung Amen, and “Then Came the Morning.”

Many thanks to Don Driftmier who was our liturgist, Andreya Custodio who recorded the service, and Grace Amador who was the pianist.

CCLI Copyright and Streaming License: 20197516 & 20197509

To tithe to our congregation to support and strengthen our ministries: https://rb.gy/p4trbx

On Palm Sunday, we waved palms and prepared our hearts for Holy Week. Pastor Lydia preached on the gospel passage where Jesus processes into Jerusalem on a donkey and the crowds spontaneously create a royal procession for him. Have there been spontaneous events in your life that seemed divinely orchestrated? Tune in to reflect…

The choir performed “Open Our Eyes, Lord,” a sung Amen, and “Festival of Palms.”

Many thanks to Louisa Amezcua who was our liturgist, Andreya Custodio who recorded the service, and Grace Amador who was the pianist.

CCLI Copyright and Streaming License: 20197516 & 20197509

To tithe to our congregation to support and strengthen our ministries: https://rb.gy/p4trbx

On this fifth Sunday of Lent, Pastor Lydia delved into the passage of John 12:1-8, where Jesus dines with his closest friends and at that gathering, Mary spends her most expensive perfume washing Jesus’ feet. Judas admonishes her wasteful action but Jesus has something else to say…

The choir performed “Open Our Eyes, Lord,” a sung Amen, and “Come to the Table.” It was also a Communion Sunday, where the congregation participated in a beautiful sung communion liturgy.

Many thanks to Pam Zwingman who was our liturgist, Michaela Hill who recorded the service, and Grace Amador who was the pianist.

CCLI Copyright and Streaming License: 20197516 & 20197509

To tithe to our congregation to support and strengthen our ministries: https://rb.gy/p4trbx

On this fourth Sunday of Lent, Pastor Lydia preached on the famous gospel lectionary passage of the prodigal son (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32). Though many of us have heard this story many times, the Walnut Bible study group, in studying the passage this past week, heard a unique message from the holy spirit, which Pastor Lydia conveyed. Tune in to listen in.

The choir performed “Majesty, Worship His Majesty” as the introit and a sung Amen.

Many thanks to Jeff Chamlee who was our liturgist, Michaela Hill who recorded the service, and Grace Amador who was the pianist.

CCLI Copyright and Streaming License: 20197516 & 20197509

To tithe to our congregation to support and strengthen our ministries: https://rb.gy/p4trbx

On this Sunday, Pastor Lydia preached on the gospel lectionary passage where Jesus shares that repentance is important for everyone, no matter how holy or unholy we think we are (Luke 13:1-9). But won’t worry, this is a comforting message rather than an intimidating one. Watch the service to see why.

The choir performed “Majesty, Worship His Majesty” as the introit and a sung Amen.

Many thanks to Jay Swartz who was our liturgist, Michaela Hill who recorded the service, and Grace Amador who was the pianist.

CCLI Copyright and Streaming License: 20197516 & 20197509

To tithe to our congregation to support and strengthen our ministries: https://rb.gy/p4trbxhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUlC7BJ4Ow0&t=2138s

On this second Sunday of Lent, Pastor Lydia preached on the gospel lectionary passage for that day, Luke 13:31-35. Comparing people to foxes, hens, and chicks, Jesus had a powerful message to convey to his listeners and of course, to us.

The choir performed “Majesty, Worship His Majesty” as the introit and a sung Amen.

Many thanks to Jackie Navarro who was our liturgist, Michaela Hill who recorded the service, and Grace Amador who was the pianist.

CCLI Copyright and Streaming License: 20197516 & 20197509

To tithe to our congregation to support and strengthen our ministries: https://rb.gy/p4trbx

On this first Sunday of Lent, the gospel passage from the lectionary was Luke 4:1-13, where Jesus goes into the wilderness for 40 days and there, encounters tests and tribulations. Pastor Lydia shared how tests and temptations are not only inevitable, they are important parts of our own growth processes. Therefore, the invitation is not to resist them, but to welcome those tests and temptations and pass them in order to elevate to a higher level of being. It was also a Communion Sunday.

How lovely it was to have the choir back live this morning, who performed “Majesty, Worship His Majesty” as the introit and “The Communion Song.”

Many thanks to Manny Don who was our liturgist, Michaela Hill who recorded the service, and Grace Amador who was the pianist.

CCLI Copyright and Streaming License: 20197516 & 20197509

To tithe to our congregation to support and strengthen our ministries: https://rb.gy/p4trbx

Oh yikes, what a Transfiguration Sunday it was! Pastor Lydia’s computer transfigured into darkness and shut down. But, we still moved forward and the spirit faithfully met us in worship. Pastor Lydia preached about how the disciples (and we) tend to lean out or distract ourselves during moments of deep connection and how to prepare ourselves to truly show up the next time around. Don Driftmier was our liturgist. Thanks to Linda Wilford and Michaela Hill for recording the service.

CCLI Copyright and Streaming License: 20197516 & 20197509

To tithe to our congregation to support and strengthen our ministries: https://rb.gy/p4trbx

On this Sunday, Pastor Lydia delved into the passage where Jesus urges us to “turn the other cheek.” What does this mean exactly? Is he promoting passivity or being taken advantage of? Or is there a totally different way of moving through the world that comes from a place of power, which isn’t lorded over others? Tune in and reflect on these questions together. It was a special Sunday as it was the choir’s first Sunday back with us with Grace Amador as our pianist. Jeff Chamlee was our liturgist. Thanks to Linda Wilford for recording the service.

CCLI Copyright and Streaming License: 20197516 & 20197509

To tithe to our congregation to support and strengthen our ministries: https://rb.gy/p4trbx