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Plymouth audio sermons online
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Listed below is an archive of Plymouth sermons and other selected parts of each week's service. These links are to mp3s of each sermon.
To listen to a sermon, simply click on the link of a sermon title below.
To download a sermon, right click on the link and select 'save link target as', and choose where on your computer you want to store the mp3.
You can make a CD of a sermon for your commute or for your friends once you've downloaded the sermon. We recommend using iTunes (an audio program for PC or Mac, available here for free). Once you've installed iTunes, here's how to make a CD:
• Insert a blank CD-R into your disc drive.
• Create a new playlist (select File -> New Playlist)
• Find the sermon you've downloaded on your computer. If you didn't specify where you wanted to save it (such as to your Desktop), it's probably in your My Music folder, or your iTunes folder, or your Recent Downloads folder, etc. Sermons are named after the 6-digit date of the service, such as 060212.mp3 for Feb. 12, 2006.
• Drag and drop the mp3 to the playlist you just created.
• Make (or "burn") your CD! (select File -> Burn Playlist to Disc)
 Once you've got iTunes installed, you can have our sermons delivered to your computer automatically! Just click here to subscribe to our podcast in iTunes. Every week that we post the sermon it will automatically appear in the "Podcasts" list on the left side of your iTunes window. From there you can burn CDs of the sermons, move them to your iPod, or just listen to them on your computer.
For help with any of this, please feel free to email Phil Cauthon at phil@lawrence.com
Note: Please pardon occasional delays in posting podcasts this summer and fall—our podcast producer has been out of town a lot! Thankfully, Sara Wilson has volunteered to help out and missing podcasts will be available very soon...
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"Solemn Mass"
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This special all music service features the Chancel Choir with director Kim Manz and organist Dina Evans performing the "Solemn Mass" by Louis Vierne (1870-1937). The movements are sung in Latin: "Kyrie," "Gloria," "Sanctus," "Benedictus," and "Agnus Dei." (Dir. Kim Manz, 5.4.08)
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Voice to the Wilderness
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On this Earth Sunday, Rev. Josh Longbottom talks about Christianity's role in both the preservation and the destruction of the Earth. For example, the 8th Psalm is often used to justify both of sides of the political debate over the environment: "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him? ...You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet." Rev. Longbottom asserts that we are but stewards of the Earth—not its masters—and to the extent we respect and commune with nature, we may come to know God that much more. (Rev. Josh Longbottom, 4.20.08)
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Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us
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Rev. Peter Luckey discusses the challenge of fostering a pluralistic church family while maintaining focus on the core beliefs that unite the church. He suggests that—while this might be particularly challenging for churches like Plymouth that follow a more liberal ideology—the church needs to keep its covenant as a central guiding principal. Namely "In the love of truth and the spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship of God and the service of all. We seek to know the will of God and to walk in God's ways, made known or to be made known to us." (Rev. Peter Luckey, 4.13.08)
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The Greatest Story
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Between rousing choruses of "Now is Christ Risen" and "Hallelujah," Rev. Luckey asks what story you will stake your life on. If you want to live a life of joy, hope, laughter, and love, he suggests you might choose the Easter story. This is a story that acknowledges our world is filled with violence and grief but it is God's creation still and God loves it enough not to leave it. Hope is on the way and we, the church, are called to be a part of that hope. Rev. Luckey asks the listener to proclaim "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Rev. Peter Luckey, 3.23.08)
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No Matter Who You Are
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"No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey..." So begins the credo of Plymouth Church in downtown Lawrence, Kansas. It's meant not only to invite newcomers to the church, but also to invite differences within the church. As Rev. Josh Longbottom says, we should relish the being able to come together across lines of division—rich, poor, male, female, gay, straight, Republican, Democrat, anarchists, artists, pragmaticians—all under the same roof, all committed to learning to see God in each other. The more we succeed in doing so, the more the lines of division will tumble down, and a new humanity—in recognition of its connectedness—can rise up to replace the divisions, and serve as a guide into the future. As Longbottom says, the community at Plymouth is more about questioning together than insisting on predefined answers. (Rev. Josh Longbottom, 2.24.08)
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If you had one week to live, what would you do?
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On this cold and snowy Sunday morning, Rev. Peter Luckey speaks of repentance and honesty. The act of repentance and confession is a good thing. It is a chance to mediate on those habits that block us from a life in God. If we recognize our flaws and limitations, we become open to God's ability to change us and heal our flaws with his grace. We are called as individuals, as a community, and as a nation to repent, to return to a life of compassion, nonviolence, and love. When we repent as individuals, we can raise our voice in our community and nation and speak to the power of Jesus' message of life, of hope, and of grace. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 2.17.08)
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We are all broken pots
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In 2nd Corinthians, Paul said "Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, do not lose heart." Rev. Peter Luckey says we are all flawed, imperfect vessels for the mission God has for us. We are liked clay pots that been cracked and damaged, limited in our own abilities to carry. However, we are called to be the vessels of God's grace and good news and the world aches for that redemptive message. God has called us and will give us the strength, will we listen and respond? (Rev. Peter Luckey, 2.10.08)
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Just as he came up from the water
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When Jesus was baptized, the skies opened and God said "this is my son,... in whom I am well pleased". There can be mystical moments in our lives when we also feel this pleasure of God in us. However, there are more times when it seems everything has gone wrong and God is far away. In this sermon Rev. Longbottom reminds us that God loves us all, no matter how we have failed or fallen short, just as he loved Jesus, and that this love of God for us should be our model for how we treat with the world. (Rev. Josh Longbottom, 1.13.08)
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Christmas 2008
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Christmas Eve at Plymouth Congregational Church, Lawrence, Kansas. (12.24.07, Rev. Peter Luckey)
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From Busy-ness to Hope
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On this, the first Sunday of Advent, Rev. Peter Luckey reminds us that Advent offers hope of a world that could be, as in Isaiah 2: “He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore. The Day of the LORD O house of Jacob, come and let us walk In the light of the LORD." (Rev. Peter Luckey, 12.02.07)
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Seeing With New Eyes
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In part 10 of the 10-part series of sermons devoted to "Biblical lessons you outta know before sharing your faith," Rev. Peter Luckey talks about perhaps the most practical story in the New Testament: the conversion of Saul. Before he was Paul, Saul was a highly educated, intelligent, and motivated Pharisee—a scholar of scripture and, especially in Saul's case, active persecuter of "The Way," the new fangled religion centered around Jesus, who was teaching Jews things like loving thy neighbor being more important that keeping Sabbath, etc. etc. Acts 9:1-19 tells the story of Saul's conversion and Rev. Luckey adds his insight, followed by Chuck Marsh's testimony. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 11.18.07)
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A Tug on the Rug
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It doesn't get any more fundamental than Micah 6:8—"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Rev. Josh Longbottom, 11.04.07)
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What does being a disciple involve?
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The next in Rev. Luckey’s series of the ten essential biblical stories you need to know is the story of the fishers of men. These men were just fishermen, mending their nets when Jesus asked them to “come follow me, I will make you fish for people”. He made no demands, exerted no coercion, but immediately they followed. Following such a calling can be a radical step and not one that is easy to take. But it is exactly this trust of the call and willingness to say “yes” that will shape your life for the better.[Right-click + download 'save link as' to listen to just the music from this service.] (Rev. Peter Luckey, 10.28.07)
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Ever had a bone to pick with God?
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Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is there injustice? The story of Job speaks to our collective challenge to God. Like us, Job challenges God to answer for misery in the world and in our lives. From this challenge comes an uncanny response, demolishing orthodoxy and convention and encouraging a new relationship based on trust and love. From the 42nd Chapter of Job “I had heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees thee...and I repent in dust and ashes." (Rev. Peter Luckey, 10.21.07)
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A Radical Concept: Commitment (with Judith Galas)
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The story of Ruth and Naomi is a story of the depth of commitment and steadfast love one person can have for another. This commitment can be shown in many types of relationships and gives us a glimpse of God's love and commitment to us. As Judith Galas describes her own commitment and love for her partner, Cindy, and her partner's commitment and love for her, we catch a glimpse at what Rev. Luckey is describing, a love that can overcome all trials and nurture all those in its presence. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 10.14.07)
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Being in Exile
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"How could we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" says the Psalm. In this sermon, Rev. Peter Luckey explores the homelessness of the exodus and the message of that story for those who find themselves homeless or stranded in body or in soul. God is with us, wherever we are in life's journey. The grace of God creates a home inside of us whenever we are in exile. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 10.07.07)
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Do we live for or against the promise?
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As travelers, are we tourists or pilgrims? Tourists visit, collecting experiences. Pilgrims are on a journey to the new and unknown, and are transformed by the journey. Pilgrims are on a quest to grow, to connect, and to become a blessing to others. Pilgrims are like Abraham and Sarah, trusting in God as they head towards God’s promise. As we journey through life, we should not just be sightseers looking for new experiences but rather be pilgrims carrying God’s promise and being transformed. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 9.16.07)
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Do you know your limits?
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In part 1 of a 10-sermon series, Rev. Peter Luckey explores the story of the Garden of Eden—its truth, not in a literal sense, but in the sense that it reveals humans' true nature through time. While life may offer freedom, limits are at the core of choice, of free will. Like the story in Genesis (2:18-3:13) teaches, it is human nature to attempt to transcend our own limits. But as William Sloane Coffin said, "Just as a stream has no chance of going deep until it finds its banks, so we—until we discover our limits—have not a prayer of becoming profound." When one discovers their own limits, so they discover who they are. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 9.9.07)
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Weird Waters
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Rev. Josh Longbottom discusses some of that "crazy" talk Jesus was laying down for those who were listening to pick up. Like his teaching to Nicodemus in John 3:1-15, when Jesus says "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." (Rev. Josh Longbottom, 9.2.07)
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Do You Believe in a God of Liberation?
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Rev. Peter Luckey discusses an example from the Bible illustrating that it is not rigid adherence to rules that leads one to the freedom God intends for his people. The sabbath, for example, was meant for liberation—one day of the week that we are free from the oppression of our daily toil. In Luke 13:10-17, Jesus shows that, what was intended for liberation had become another means for controlling others—the very thing the commandment intends had been squelched by slavish devotion to it. Many situations in life are similar. As Rev. Luckey points out, we often prefer the chains we know than the freedom we don't know. But discerning the difference between slavish devotion to rules and, instead, devotion to God's teaching is straight forward—it is only by the power of love that we are set free. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 8.26.07)
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Wise in the Way of the Lord
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The scriptures ask us to put our faith first argues Rev. Josh Longbottom. Faith can inspire and give you a vision of God's work in the world. Faith can enrich your life, strengthening romantic love, relationships with your children, and your career. Faith puts everything in its proper place. Putting faith first means continuing to progress, growing, learning and seeking God. Find you worth in being a child of God, attending first to your spirtual journey, and build your life from there. (Rev. Josh Longbottom, 7.22.07)
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The Good News with a Side of Mustard
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Rev. Josh Longbottom reminds listeners of the challenge at the heart of Jesus' ministry—to think first about your neighbors, whether they're dirty neighbors or clean, drunk or straightedge, boring or party animals, gay or straight, American or across the ocean making your affordable clothes. While humans prefer the comfort of systemization and predictability, Rev. Longbottom says the kingdom of God violates human laws of order and codes of purity, and that those seeking justice will find it outside of the proverbial box. Ref: Jeremiah 18:1-4, Luke 13:18-19. (Rev. Josh Longbottom, 7.15.07)
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Independence Day
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Amidst the spectacular sounds of trumpet fanfares, spirited Star Spangled Banner piano medleys, and choral anthems celebrating a nation of promise, Rev. Peter Luckey encourages everyone present to be a light to this nation and the world. Like the first members of Plymouth church, who faced the violence of Quantrill’s raiders to stand for the rights of the enslaved, and the pilgrims in Plymouth, Ma, who came to the wilderness to show what a faithful people could become, we are encouraged to be a beacon of freedom, justice and equality for all. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 7.1.07)
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Word
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As Rev. Josh Longbottom points out, it is often said that one can find anything you want to find in the Bible—whatever point you're trying to prove, you might well be able to do so with a verse that seems to validate what you already believe. Longbottom suggests—go ahead, affirm yourself while reading the Bible. Initially anyway. Then find yourself in those same verses. Then deconstruct yourself. Before you settle on a systematic interpretation of the Bible, find what is appalling to you in the Bible, and also what are the timeless words of truth. Hunt through and discern the truth "for in those intimate moments when you begin discovering your story in scripture, God is knitting your soul back together while busying your mind with a vision for the future."
"It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" from Matthew 4:1-11. (Rev. Longbottom, 6.24.07)
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Our Daily Bread: The Farm Crisis
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As the US Farm Bill is being discussed in the halls of government, Rev. Nancy Thellman describes how the needs of both the small farmers and the poor and hungry both in Kansas and around the world can be either hurt or helped by our country’s choices in Farm Bill reform. Christians are called upon to speak out for compassionate government and to advocate for the poor and hungry, the small farmer in Kansas and rural people around the world. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 6.17.07)
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Daring Compassion
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As the congregation prepares to wish the new seminary graduates success in their careers, Rev. Luckey reflects on a life of ministry. He states than ministers, both those in the profession of ministry and all Christians, are the vessels of God’s power of passion, compassion, and love. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 6.10.07)
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Who are we? Divinity or depravity?
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As it says in Psalms 8:4, "What is man that Thou art mindful of him?" The answer follows: "For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor." Rev. Peter Luckey suggests that God gives us opportunities to express this higher nature...everyday choices we have to be more divine than depraved. These opportunities are how God's mindfulness manifests itself in our lives. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 6.3.07)
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Watch your (body) language
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A message for recent graduates from visiting (and former assistant) pastor Rev. Lew Hinshaw—namely: how we treat our fellow travelers is more important than making it to the top. (Rev. Lew Hinshaw, 5.27.07)
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Unexpected Ministry
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Paul and Silas were not even planning to be in Macedonia. When a vision led them there, they met Lydia and experienced unexpected ministry. In a world where destruction, despair and death are all around, unexpected ministry, says Peter Luckey, is “the power of God that works through us” to overcome evil by good. Unexpected minisitry is “those little acts of hope and moral courage in our lives.” (Rev. Peter Luckey, 5.20.07)
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Keeping it simple
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The conversion of Lydia suggests three important lessons, says Rev. Peter Luckey. One, that the message of good news is always specific—it is directed to a particular person in a particular situation. Two, it is given and received by invitation only—the hearer's heart must be ready to receive the message. Three, the message is inseparable from the messenger—that is, we are called not just to tell the good news, but to be the very news we tell. In other words, there is no one-size, cookie-cutter formula that fits all. As St. Francis said "Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words." (Rev. Peter Luckey, 5.13.07)
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Building the Neighborhood
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Rev. Josh Longbottom explores the ten commandments as a force of liberation for the Jewish people in Egypt and a force of self-liberation. (Rev. Josh Longbottom, 5.06.07)
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Basis of Our Church Community
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Rev. Josh Longbottom explores the foundation of the church community—belief in God, a God with influence. He states that faith is developed from "careful examination, relentless searching and introspection." (Rev. Josh Longbottom, 4.29.07)
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When in doubt, go fishing
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When the disciples didn’t know what to do, they went fishing. There they met a risen Christ and he asked “do you love me?”. When Peter answered yes, Jesus instructed him to “feed my sheep”. Rev. Peter Luckey argues that for the flocks scattered by violence at Virginia Tech, at Columbine, in Iraq, and throughout the world, we are called to act, to do what we can to reach out to our brothers and sisters and to pull each other to safety. Wherever acts of humanity occur, wherever we pull one another to safety, wherever we realize our shared humanity, we proclaim Christ is risen and live the Easter message. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 4.22.07)
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For the beauty of the Earth
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As the evidence of imminent, dramatic climate change becomes more and more clear, and as humans' role in precipitating it becomes undeniable, Rev. Peter Luckey asserts that there is a moral obligation to take responsibility for the environment. This is particularly so, he says, when one considers that our prosperous country is most responsible for the changing climate and yet those who will be most adversely affected by it are the Earth's poorest communities. The hour is late and the challenge is great—humans must wake up and begin to proactively heal the environment by changing our collective and individual habits that are destroying the Earth. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 4.15.07)
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Easter
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The complete Easter Sunday service. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 4.8.07)
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Will the real Judas please stand up?
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Luke 22:14-23, 47-53
Judas: what is the real story? Lately, we have been made aware of something call the gospel of Judas. These non-canonical scriptures present a picture of Judas, not as the betrayer but as one of Jesus’ closest friends. This Passion Sunday, the sermon will focus on all the different stories about Judas. Who was he really? (Rev. Peter Luckey, 4.1.07)
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“Where are you being transformed?” (To be posted soon)
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John 12:1-8 The story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet is a story of Mary’s devotion, emptying herself before and for Christ. What are some of the ways we ourselves are being transformed? How in a world of acquisition, of buying, getting, acquiring, can emptying ourselves be a form of transformation. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 3.25.07)
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“Does the Older brother have a blind spot?”
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Perhaps the most human of all characters in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) is the older brother—everyone can identify with his sense of injustice. But, as Rev. Peter Luckey suggests, if the father's love for one is not a negation of his love for another, why can't the older brother simply trust the love of the father? Is it possible to see others no longer from a human point of view? (Rev. Peter Luckey, 3.18.07)
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"Community"
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Covenant Days, part 4: That which is revered and cherished needs from time to time to be rescued from over-familiarity. To that end, community members offer brief addresses on the Plymouth Covenant in the context of their lives over the course of four weeks' services. The speakers for part four are Kelly Morgan, Marcia Powers, and John Conard, Jr. (3.11.07)
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"To work and pray for the progress of Knowledge"
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Covenant Days, part 3: That which is revered and cherished needs from time to time to be rescued from over-familiarity. To that end, community members offer brief addresses on the Plymouth Covenant in the context of their lives over the course of four weeks' services. The speakers for part three are John Lungstrum, John Burch and Katherine Claflin. (3.04.07)
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"In the service of all"
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Covenant Days, part 2: That which is revered and cherished needs from time to time to be rescued from over-familiarity. To that end, community members offer brief addresses on the Plymouth Covenant in the context of their lives over the course of four weeks' services. The speakers for part two are Spencer Lott, Jean Grant and Chuck Marsh. (2.25.07)
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"We unite for the worship of God"
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Covenant Days, part 1: That which is revered and cherished needs from time to time to be rescued from over-familiarity. To that end, community members offer brief addresses on the Plymouth Covenant in the context of their lives over the course of four weeks' services. The speakers for part one are Folabo Ajayi, David Bergeron and Steve Bradt. (2.18.07)
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What is the theology behind the covenant?
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Following three sermons on Islam, Rev. Peter Luckey breaks down the Christian theology behind the covenant that is the common bond among Plymouth Church. That is, "In the love of truth and the spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship of God and the service of all. We seek to know the will of God and to walk in God's ways, made known or to be made known to us; to love one another; to proclaim the gospel to all the world; to work and pray for the progress of knowledge, the promotion of justice, the reign of peace, and the realization of our shared humanity. And with look with faith for the triumph of righteousness and the gift of life eternal." (Rev. Peter Luckey, 2.11.07)
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Understanding Islam, part 3
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In Rev. Peter Luckey's last of three sermons on understanding Islam, he talks about divisions within Islam—particularly the Sunnis, Shiites and Sufis. He continues his message that it's not Islam that's behind terrorism—it's fear. Fear of the 'other.' Leaders feed off that fear to manipulate people whether Muslims, Christians, or otherwise. Rev. Luckey asserts that the more people attempt to understand the 'other,' the less fear will have a foothold in people's lives. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 2.4.07)
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Understanding Islam, part 2
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In Rev. Peter Luckey's second of three sermons on understanding Islam, he talks about what progressive people within both faiths have in common. He says it's not Islam that's behind terrorism—it's fear. Fear of the 'other.' Leaders feed off that fear to manipulate people whether Muslims, Christians, or otherwise. Rev. Luckey asserts that the more people attempt to understand the 'other,' the less fear will have a foothold in people's lives. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 1.28.07)
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Understanding Islam, part 1
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In Rev. Peter Luckey's first of three sermons on understanding Islam, he talks about the Five Pillars of Islam by way of increasing understanding of Muslims. He says it's not Islam that's behind terrorism—it's fear. Fear of the 'other.' Leaders feed off that fear to manipulate people whether Muslims, Christians, or otherwise. Rev. Luckey asserts that the more people attempt to understand the 'other,' the less fear will have a foothold in people's lives. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 1.21.07)
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Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.
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On the eve of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Rev. Josh Longbottom honors Dr. King's life by setting the record straight regarding his mission. Ethologist Richard Dawkins recently said that the greatness of Dr. King was immaterial to his religious upbringing. Rev. Longbottom asserts that the opposite was true—that before he was a revolutionary leader, a charismatic speaker, an agent of social change, Dr. King was a pastor. His mission was based on three principles that were rooted in his spirituality: (1) the universe is on the side of justice, (2) nonviolent direct action improves the moral character of your enemy, (3) you should trust God's call, even if it calls for your life. (Rev. Josh Longbottom, 1.14.07)
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Imperfect yet beloved
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"What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?" —Psalm 8. On this Epiphany Sunday, Rev. Peter Luckey attempts to shed light on this ever-present question. He says people are not the possessions of their parents, or their job, their credit card company, their country, or the world. As Luckey says, people belong to God, and that belonging confers identity: people are the eyes and ears and arms of God. Like the Magi, the mission of God’s people is to reveal Jesus to others. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 1.7.07)
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"Ceremony of Carols"
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"Ceremony of Carols" by Benjamin Britten (1913-1976). Performed by the Plymouth Chapel Choir, with soloists Heather Roberson and Rebecca Mann, and harpist Erin Woods. The texts are based on old English carols and poems dating mostly from the 15th and 16th centuries. They involve various aspects of Christmas and are sung in Middle English.
Procession
Wolcum Yole!
There Is No Rose
That Yonge Child
Balulalow
As Dew in Aprille
This Little Babe
Interlude
Spring Carol
Deo Gracias
Recession
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"The God Delusion?"
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The new book by ethologist Richard Dawkins, "The God Delusion," states its goal at the outset: that religious readers be converted to atheism. Dawkins asks readers to imagine a world with no religion, while juxtaposing imagery of the World Trade Center as a symbol of the effect religion has on the world. Rev. Peter Luckey encourages listeners to read the book and to think critically about Dawkins' writing. He suggests that the book's premise is an unfair one—essentially comparing the worst of religion with the best of science, without recognizing the good religion has done (Martin Luther King, Jr. or Mother Theresa, for example) nor the evil perpetrated by science (eugenics or weapons of mass destruction, for example). Rev. Luckey suggests there is no need to choose between science and religion—for science and religion have the same goal of seeking truth, only by different means. Science seeks truth by asking 'What' and 'How,' while religion asks 'Why.' Ultimately, the truth answering the 'Why' is only revealed within the context of human experience, through intersections between joy and suffering, hope and tragedy, community and solitude. As Paul said "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Rev. Peter Luckey, Dec. 3, 2006)
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Jesus as an example
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Rev. Josh Longbottom explores the notion of "Jesus as an example" of how to live and encourages listeners to move beyond thinking of Jesus' life as an abstract lesson. Longbottom suggests that "this praying thing puts you in contact with a living God, not just a book. It puts you in contact with a spirit, and not just a story—it becomes part of the process of making decisions. Jesus is more than an example, more than a teaching—Jesus is here, now." He challenges listeners to see a part of Jesus in everyone, so that "the wars will stop, and the poor will be fed, and so that we can stop being narcissistic and competitive." (Rev. Josh Longbottom, Nov. 26, 2006)
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Caring for the poor
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Rev. Peter Luckey implores listeners to not lose focus in this chaotic world, to not be distracted by society, to not lose sight of the fundamental reason for life—to love one another. Those who do not consciously look after their brothers and sisters in need sacrifice their moral authority. As Matthew 25:31-40 reads, in the face of the poor is the face of God: "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me." (Rev. Peter Luckey, Nov. 12, 2006)
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Who needs grace?
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Rev. Josh Longbottom's second sermon out of seminary is a strong call to action. As he says, grace is easy. It's letting it slide, looking at someone or at yourself with your heart and loving them or yourself despite the flaws. A gracious person is one who makes you better for knowing them. Grace is how God looks at us. But as valuable and essential as grace is, our society does not value it much, at least as much as, say, ambition. Rev. Longbottom suggests taking life a step further by valuing grace as much as any other quality in life, by making life a house of grace. He says the transformation will be evident as those in need surrounding you will outnumber the saints—and as he says, it will get messy, messy like the kingdom of God, a lot like the Jesus movement that we should model our lives after. (Rev. Josh Longbottom, Nov. 5, 2006)
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The mystery at the heart of friendship
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A true friend is a rare gift of life, and it's a bond that requires mutual effort — afterall, to have a friend is to be a friend. Rev. Peter Luckey discusses how we might shape our lives according to what Jesus said moments before leaving his friends, the disciples, at the Last Supper: "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:12-13). (Rev. Peter Luckey, Oct. 15, 2006)
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Is loneliness inevitable in our lives?
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There is a difference between being alone and lonely. One can be completely alone, miles from the nearest other, and still not be lonely. Or one can be among a crowd of thousands and be utterly lonely. As Rev. Peter Luckey points out, it is not realistic to expect another to cure our times of loneliness — because when that person inevitably fails to do so, it only breeds resentment and further pain. Instead it is helpful to see times of loneliness as a gift and be grateful, for those times can teach us love for others our deepen our connection with God. (Rev. Peter Luckey, Oct. 08, 2006)
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What we do when we're in church
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Rev. Josh Longbottom's first sermon at Plymouth straight out of seminary was a call to action rooted in the church's covenant "In the love of truth..." and the gospel's message in Luke 9:1-6. As Longbottom said: "We are a place of extravagant welcome. No matter who you are or where you are in the journey of life, you are accepted as a fellow sojourner on the way and not asked to submit to a credo. We are big-tent Christians, which means we do not just tolerate or even just enjoy, we depend upon the differences we have in this community. That is how we've become a home for those who can't find a home anywhere else. That is how this sanctuary has become a sanctuary...
"Because I know the members of this church put their lives on the line to help African Americans escape the evils of slavery. I was told that I was brought here not to coddle your current faith, but to spend my time trying to figure out how to plot a path to justice that is as radical as your abolitionist groups. That, to me, sounds like the kingdom of God. It is the lure of the kingdom of God that brings me not just to church but to this church. (We) come here to practice the kingdom of God."
The disciples were sent out to proclaim the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is a role reversal — the last shall be first, the mourners will be comforted, the meek will be heard without raising their voices, the poor will be honored and not chastised — the kingdom of God is synonymous with justice. A church earnestly seeking that kingdom offers a taste of God's justice. (Rev. Josh Longbottom, Oct. 1, 2006)
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Money: Time to Get Real
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Rev. Peter Luckey discusses the fruits of tithing in light of Mark 8:31-35, including "When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, 'Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it'." (Rev. Peter Luckey, 9.24.06)
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"A finger pointing to the moon"
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The Christian Church today is divided over the question of how to read the Bible. Many read the Bible as infallible — the word of God that is without error — and so believe in a literal interpretation of scripture. Rev. Peter Luckey suggests that a better perspective is that offered by biblical scholar Marcus Ford: we ought to read the Bible as a finger pointing to the moon — the moon is God, the great mystery, and the Bible points to it. Too often people get caught up in looking at the finger and arguing over the finger itself and what it points to is forgotten. As Jesus teaches in Mark 7:14-15: "'Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man'." (Rev. Peter Luckey, Sept. 10, 2006)
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Fear not
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Fear is part of the human condition. It is part of life — particularly amid world events and a media culture that seem to constantly remind us of all the reasons we have to be afraid. Novelist William Faulkner said "It is the basis of all things to be afraid." And though there is often truth in that, the Bible teaches in Matthew 6:25-33: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Rev. Peter Luckey, Aug. 27, 2006)
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The gift of ministry
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Rev. Peter Luckey welcomes Josh Longbottom to Lawrence — in his first week as associate pastor of Plymouth Church — with this meditation on the gift of ministry. Ministry is a joyful gift and it is a gift to be shared by everyone — we all have the power to be mediators of God's grace through the Holy Spirit. And ministry can be a hard gift, but it is not dependent on human strength but on God, as reads 2 Corinthians 4: "Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. ...For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (Rev. Peter Luckey, 8.20.06)
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"How wide and long and high and deep..."
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Rev. Greg Hurd offers this meditation on power — the power made perfect in weakness through Christ versus the world's exercising of power to make others weak — based on Paul's letter from prison (Ephesians 3:14-21) "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Rev. Greg Hurd, 7.30.06)
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Compassion
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Compassion comes in the quietest kindnesses, small acts of love, when someone recognizes the plight of another and attends to their needs (Mark 6:30-34, 53-56). Jesus was not annoyed by the crowd's never-ending needs and seemingly constant intrusions on his 'personal space,' rather he was moved by compassion, as a shepherd who has encountered a lost flock — he does not ignore them, put them off, or do anything short of herd them to safety attending to their needs. The shepherd knows his sheep and their needs (23rd Psalm). The shepherd's compassion need not take the form of grand deeds — but rather, like in the parable of Jesus' feeding of the multitudes with five loaves and two fish, small amounts of faithful generosity can be transformed into life-changing miracles. And ultimately, these acts of compassion transform the shepherd, too — as Frederick Buechner wrote, there can be no peace and joy for me until, finally, there is peace is joy for you, too. (Rev. Greg Hurd, 7.23.06)
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God's garden
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Rev. Nancy Thellman offers these thoughts on our struggle to live and grow in this life's soil, which is sometimes more like a desert of shifting sands in want of a deep watering from fellow gardeners. As Jesus said, "let anyone who is thirsty come to me. And let the one who believes in me, drink." This sermon is based on Jeremiah 17:5-8, "...Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD ...But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree transplanted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" and 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, "...Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building." (Rev. Nancy Thellman, 7.16.06)
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"...Made perfect in weakness"
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Rev. Nancy Thellman meditates on God's power in the context of his people's hectic, stressful lives. As Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (Rev. Nancy Thellman, 7.9.06)
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"A new birth of freedom"
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 As our nation prepares to celebrate its 230th birthday, the Plymouth congregation remembers the the words of Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg, 143-years-old now. Rev. Peter Luckey suggests that these words are as relevant today as ever: "...The great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Today, as throughout our short history, the idea of our nation — that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness — is being tested. As Lincoln said, devotion to this nation and its ideals — patriotism — is our unfinished work, our great task. War and all manner of violence, immigration and persistent prejudice, widening inequities between rich and poor, religious-based strife... all of these issues confront us, the dominant nation in the world.
We are admired not for our military strength, not for our economic might, but for our ideals: our freedom, our laws, our capacity to be openly self-critical. It is those ideals that form the foundation of this "city upon a hill, a light for all the world to see," as John Winthrop said of the United States of America.
Amid the challenges we face today, Rev. Luckey poses the question: are we still admired for our ideals? If we can no longer admit our mistakes in the world, or if we forget our goal of seeking a more perfect union, how can we be surprised that other nations find us arrogant or resent us? Our challenge is to be mindful of our patriotism, not to be motivated by fear or xenophobia or greed, but to mindful — as Adlai Stevenson implored — of when our humility and steadiness is morphing into arrogance and blindness.
Rev. Luckey suggests that faith can lead the way, though it can cut both ways: faith can promote humility, but it likewise can promote a sense of infallibility. God is not the sanctifier of whatever it is we most fervently desire. After all, as Lincoln observed, each side of the battlefield prays to the same God, but "the Almighty has His own purposes." For what does the Lord require of us but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
This service features a special performance of "Stars and Stripes Forever!" by the Plymouth Bell Choir, which recently performed in Washington D.C. at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. (Rev. Peter Luckey, 7.2.06)
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Trusting in Jesus
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Rev. Greg Hurd explores the significance of Mark 4:35-41 in the daily lives of Christians. As the disciples — who were life-long seamen — feared for their lives amid a storm and turned to Jesus, the faithful may find themselves in crises — even amid circumstances in which they are otherwise comfortable — and it is particularly at those times that one is most aware of the illusion of self-sufficiency. Rev. Hurd suggests that life is best lived always mindful of dependence on Jesus, maintaining a prayerful connection to God in both the valleys and mountaintops of life. (Rev. Greg Hurd, 6.25.06)
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The Mustard Seed
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We experienced some technical difficulties recording this week's service. The service will be posted as soon as possible — please pardon any inconvenience!
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Love bade me welcome
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Rev. Peter Luckey remembers the life of former Plymouth pastor Dale Turner, who died Monday, in light of John 3:1-17 and the 16th century pastor and mystical poet George Herbert. Turner's encouragement to "remember your connections" reflects what Martin Luther called the 'mini gospel' — "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (Rev. Peter Luckey, June 11, 2006)
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What helps the Spirit do Its work?
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On this Pentecost Sunday — in observance of the time following Jesus resurrection when the Holy Spirit came upon the church (Acts 2:1-21) — Rev. Peter Luckey talks about how the Spirit works in the lives of believers. Ultimately it comes down to the question Rev. Luckey poses: What is leading your life? You, or the Holy Spirit? (Rev. Peter Luckey, June 4, 2006)
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Launch out into the deep
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Rev. Greg Hurd talks about Luke 5:1-11, which teaches the importance of accepting Jesus' call to put out into the deep water — despite our past failures — where the blessings of life can overflow when trust is placed in Him. (Rev. Greg Hurd, May 28, 2006)
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Are you ready for graduation?
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Rev. Peter Luckey offers high school and college graduates — and everyone else — a meditation on the meaning of John 15:9-17, particularly verse 15: "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." As we pass through the seasons of our lives, our relationships change, including our relationship with Christ. Faith is a journey, not a destination. What is it each of us are ready to graduate from? Where is Christ leading you? What is the new chapter of your life? Rev. Luckey suggests that the key is to recognize the time, and then to graduate. (Rev. Peter Luckey, May 21, 2006)
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Mother Church
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"Let us look at the Church and its function as St. Paul did — the Bride of Christ, the Mother from whose womb of grace each of us was born to a new life," Mother M. Angelica On this Mother's Day, Rev. Peter Luckey explores John 15:1-8, a parable that explains the relationship between believers and Christ and between the church and Christ — a connection like that between a branch and vine; without the vine, without abiding in Christ, the branch cannot bear fruit. (Rev. Peter Luckey, May 14, 2006)
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What Holds Plymouth Together?
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Rev. Peter Luckey talks about the parable of the good shepherd (John 10:11-18), about how we are all part of God's flock, but also about how each of us are all given the gift of ministry. As Martin Luther referred to as the "priesthood of all believers," all of us are anointed by the Holy Spirit to teach, to preach, to heal, to be mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. (Rev. Peter Luckey, May 7, 2006)
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Easter's Over? Think Again!
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Guest pastor from Manhattan, Kansas, Rev. R. Kent Cormack talks about Easter's significance beyond the national holiday in the everyday lives of Christians. (Rev. R. Kent Cormack, April 30, 2006)
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Testing the Waters
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Rev. Nancy Thellman charges us to speak truth in the face of power, specifically with regard to our country's promise to cut world hunger in half by 2010 — a promise that our leaders have so far failed to live up to as over 6 million people die each year from hunger. The sermon features clips from the late New York priest William Sloane Coffin's "An American Prophet" documentary. (Rev. Nancy Thellman, April 23, 2006)
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Easter in us
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On this Easter Sunday, Rev. Peter Luckey poses the question: Do we realize life as we live it? In any case we are bound to realize "Now you know, that's what it was to be alive, to move around in a cloud of ignorance." These days our faith is tested by our intellect — such as the 'discovered' gospel of Judas, suggesting that he was Jesus' best friend right up to the very end — and our faith is stymied by the world in general. Rev. Luckey discusses the resurrection story of Mark 16,that Easter faith doesn't come with struggle, without contending with fear and doubt. He suggests that the times we are most full of fear are the times Christ is just around the corner..."Fear not, it is I." Death is no threat to our relationship with God. Christ is a living presence through life and after our death. (Rev. Peter Luckey, April 16, 2006)
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Meditation
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Rev. Peter Luckey offers a meditation on the musical offering from Handel's Messiah. As Luckey elaborates, the word 'compassion' comes from two Latin root words meaning "with" and "suffering"; Christ's crucifixion is proof that our God is willing to suffer with us so that out of suffering we might have new life; for Jesus' example shows us that equality with God is not our goal, but rather we should become servants to all. Note: apologies to everyone hoping to hear the Chapel Choir and Bell Choir performances; our microphones are currently not set up to pick up such subtle sounds. We hope to make improvements soon. In the meantime, if you'd like a (not so good) recording of these portions of the service, feel free to email phil@lawrence.com. (Rev. Peter Luckey, April 9, 2006)
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'To Love One Another...'
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In this the third segment of his series on the Plymouth Covenant, Rev. Peter Luckey discusses the meaning of what it is to "love one another." It was in the context of Jesus' last supper that he gave his disciples this commandment — and it is in that context that we might live our lives, as if each moment were our last to do what is right by our brothers and sisters in Christ. (Rev. Peter Luckey, April 2, 2006)
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'To Walk in God's Ways...'
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Rev. Peter Luckey's series on the Plymouth Covenant continues, focusing on "We seek to know the will of God and to walk in God's ways, made known or to be made known to us..." That statement of faith is at once timeless and dynamic, spirit-led and not dogma-driven. It is a call to trust that God will provide, living by the words of Deuteronomy 30:19-20: "I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the Lord, your God, heeding his voice, and holding fast to him." (Rev. Peter Luckey, March 26, 2006)
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'We unite for the worship of God and the service of all...'
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In this, the second of a two-part semon, Rev. Peter Luckey continues to probe the meaning of the church's covenant — particularly the relationship between the two tandem ideals expressed in "we unite for the worship of God and the service of all." Luckey says they are as inseperable as Jesus' call to both gather at his table and go make disciples of all nations. (Rev. Peter Luckey, March 19, 2006)
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In the spirit of Jesus...
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In this the first half of a two-part sermon, Rev. Peter Luckey talks about the significance of the Plymouth Covenant: "In the love of truth and in the spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship of God and the service of all. We seek to know the will of God and to walk in God's ways, made known or to be made known to us; to love one another; to proclaim the Gospel to all the world; to work and pray for the progress of knowledge, the promotion of justice, the reign of peace, and the realization of our shared humanity. And we look with faith for the triumph of righteousness and the gift of life eternal. Amen." (Rev. Peter Luckey, March 5, 2006)
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The Transforming Light of Jesus
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Get behind me Satan! Your mind is not on divine things but on human things. As C.S. Lewis wrote, beauty is not in us, but only flows through us. It is the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have not yet visited. Rev. Greg Hurd talks about becoming God's transforming agents by being filled with Christ's holy presence and becoming living temple's of God. This is Rev. Hurd's first sermon after being ordained last month. (Rev. Greg Hurd, Feb. 26, 2006)
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A Healing Community
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Rev. Peter Luckey talks about the healing potential that people possess in their day-to-day lives, both for others' needs and for the needs of the servant themselves. (Rev. Peter Luckey, Feb. 19, 2006)
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Holy Evolution
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"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." — Einstein. Rev. Peter Luckey explores the historical and spiritual contexts of the current clash between so-called Intelligent Design the theory of evolution. Particular attention is given to the pitfalls of choosing one at the expense of the other and the value of appreciating evolution as a manifestion of God's design. (Rev. Peter Luckey, Feb. 12, 2006)
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