Pastor Efraín Sermons, www.yuma1st.org
579 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★ - 3 ratingsHonest, down-to-earth messages that help us find meaning for our daily lives!
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Episodes
Your Love is My Song
September 05, 2023 19:00 - 3 minutes - 2.07 MBSpecial music by the chancel choir for September 3, 2023.
Guess Who?
August 28, 2023 17:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBEver notice those clickbait headlines about guessing people's ages by soliciting the answers to just a few questions? Jesus and the disciples play a little game of "Guess Who?" in this week's text from Matthew. What do a few details tell us about Jesus' identity as Messiah?
From the Heart
August 21, 2023 22:00 - 21 minutes - 12.7 MBWhile many choose to focus on legalism, Jesus invites us to focus on relationships. As we strive to nurture healthy relationships, however, we must begin with introspection. Are our hearts prepared to engage others in love and grace?
Encouragement of Faith
August 21, 2023 22:00 - 3 minutes - 2.14 MBSpecial music for August 20, 2023 by the chancel choir.
Prayers of the People for August 20, 2023
August 21, 2023 22:00 - 1 minute - 1.12 MBPrayers of the People for August 20, 2023 by Allison Essinger.
Do not be afraid
August 14, 2023 19:00 - 27 minutes - 15.7 MBIn tempestuous times, God challenges us to be courageous, which is not easy. Yet, when we doubt, Jesus reaches out to help us. Can we keep moving forward in times of adversity? Can we hear his voice in the midst of the storm?
Prayers of the People for August 13, 2023
August 14, 2023 19:00 - 1 minute - 982 KBPrayers of the People for August 13, 2023 by Taylor Coz.
Footsteps
August 14, 2023 19:00 - 2 minutes - 1.84 MBSpecial music by the chancel choir for August 13, 2023.
Bread of the World
August 08, 2023 01:00 - 3 minutes - 1.75 MBSpecial music by the chancel choir for August 6, 2023.
Prayers of the People for August 6, 2023
August 08, 2023 01:00 - 3 minutes - 2.21 MBPrayers of the People for August 6, 2023 by Brandon Coz.
Lord
August 08, 2023 01:00 - 16 minutes - 9.27 MBWhat do we mean when we say that Jesus is Lord? The term is often associated with status and power. However, can the concept be defined in sacramental terms?
God Believes in Us
July 31, 2023 19:00 - 24 minutes - 12.3 MBFor many people, the idea of unconditional love does not make sense. In our modern lives, we we have become too used to transactions, investments, and a quid pro quo mentality. The idea that God's love is freely given to all people has become a radical one. Can we embrace God's love in our lives and affirm it in other people?
Prayers of the People for July 30, 2023
July 31, 2023 19:00 - 1 minute - 704 KBPrayers of the People for July 30, 2023, by Dave Cridland.
Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God
July 24, 2023 17:00 - 4 minutes - 2.68 MBSpecial music by the chancel choir for July 23, 2023.
Prayers of the People July 23, 2023
July 24, 2023 17:00 - 4 minutes - 2.16 MBPrayers of the People for July 23, 2023 by Avery West.
Opening Our Eyes to God’s Presence
July 24, 2023 17:00 - 23 minutes - 12.2 MBThere are times in our lives when we get distracted and cannot see God’s presence. Yet, God is always there for us. If we pay attention, we can see God acting in us and through us, even during life’s most difficult moments.
Seeds
July 17, 2023 06:00 - 26 minutes - 14.3 MBGod constantly speaks to us through His word. Sometimes, however, we get distracted. Different things are constantly requesting our attention and we may miss out on the things God has in store for us. For this reason, it is important for us to be receptive to God's message. Let us keep our minds and hearts open for the word of the Kingdom.
How Great Thou Art/Majesty
July 17, 2023 06:00 - 4 minutes - 3.09 MBSpecial music by the chancel choir for July 16, 2023.
Prayers of the People for July 16, 2023
July 17, 2023 06:00 - 4 minutes - 2.31 MBPrayers of the People for July 16, 2023 by John Dumermuth.
Prayers of the People for July 9, 2023
July 10, 2023 18:00 - 2 minutes - 1.73 MBPrayers of the People for July 9, 2023 by Debbie Pallack.
Ever Faithful, Ever Sure
July 10, 2023 18:00 - 3 minutes - 2.26 MBSpecial music by the chancel choir for July 10, 2023.
Rest For Your Soul
July 10, 2023 18:00 - 21 minutes - 12.3 MBWhile modern society expects us to do more and produce more, Jesus invites us to trust in him and rest.
A Festive Call to Freedom
July 03, 2023 18:00 - 2 minutes - 1.6 MBSpecial music for July 2, 2023 by the chancel choir.
What it is About
July 03, 2023 18:00 - 24 minutes - 13.4 MBThat's right, Pastor Efraín's first day in the pulpit with us will be THIS SUNDAY, July 2! Please be sure to join us for worship at 10:00 am and help our new pastor, wife Michelle, and daughter Michaela feel back at home in Yuma and especially at First United Methodist Church!
Prayers of the People for July 2, 2023
July 03, 2023 18:00 - 2 minutes - 1.29 MBPrayers of the People for July 2, 2023 by Katie Fuchs.
Hope in the Midst of Parting
June 26, 2023 20:00 - 19 minutes - 11.5 MBAs we prepare for our new pastor as of July 1, we have been talking a lot in worship about partings, moving on, grateful farewells, and new beginnings. However, what about those circumstances when we must separate or move on against our will; when saying "goodbye" is not our choice? This week we look at the story of Hagar, servant of Abraham and Sarah, and her son Ishmael. It was not Hagar's idea to leave Abraham's home; the scripture indicates Sarah insisted upon it. We read that Abrah...
Prayers of the People for June 25, 2023
June 26, 2023 20:00 - 2 minutes - 1.47 MBPrayers of the People for June 25, 2023 by Allison Essinger.
Prayers of the People for Sunday, June 18, 2023
June 20, 2023 18:00 - 1 minute - 1.04 MBPrayers of the People for Sunday, June 18, 2023 by John Dumermuth.
Thank God I Do
June 20, 2023 18:00 - 4 minutes - 3.02 MBSpecial music for June 18, 2023 by Sheryl Clifton.
Surprised by God
June 20, 2023 18:00 - 25 minutes - 14.9 MBThe parable Jesus tells in Matthew 25: 31-46 is one of the last things Jesus says to his disciples before his betrayal, arrest and crucifixion. On a first quick reading, one may think - Oh, yes, I remember this one - the sheep and the goats when the Son of Man is on his throne judging the nations. On closer examination, the parable has a lot more to say to us than just to remember to do good things. What is necessary first is that relationship with God the Father and Jesus the Son that so f...
Prayers of the People for June 11, 2023
June 14, 2023 05:00 - 1 minute - 1.09 MBPrayers of the People for June 11, 2023 by Dave Cridland.
A Time for Turning
June 14, 2023 05:00 - 3 minutes - 2.22 MBSpecial music for June 11, 2023 by the chancel choir.
Ministry in Motion
June 14, 2023 05:00 - 14 minutes - 9.05 MBEvery year, the bishop and cabinet in our annual conference consider where each pastor would best fit within all the churches of the conference. Although the long-term needs of the churches and pastors is the primary factor, there is always a possibility that the pastor could move. This system of itinerancy helps strengthen the laity by more widely sharing the gifts and graces of the clergy and ensuring that each community of faith is focused on Christ as the primary influence rather than an...
Prayers of the People for May 28, 2023
May 30, 2023 01:00 - 1 minute - 1.06 MBPrayers of the People for May 28, 2023 by Katie Fuchs.
The Commission
May 30, 2023 01:00 - 3 minutes - 2.12 MBSpecial music for May 28, 2023 by Sheryl Clifton.
Prayers of the People for May 21, 2023
May 22, 2023 19:00 - 2 minutes - 1.32 MBPrayers of the People for May 21, 2023 by Jim Essinger.
Holy Lord
May 22, 2023 19:00 - 2 minutes - 1.55 MBSpecial music for May 21, 2023 by the chancel choir.
Momentum
May 22, 2023 19:00 - 13 minutes - 7.76 MBWhen we find ourselves in new situations, it sometimes takes time to assess what’s happening and decide what to do next. If the change is big, we can almost feel paralyzed. This is understandable for a while, but eventually, we need to accept the new changes and engage in productive and perhaps new ways. This was the case for the disciples who witnessed Jesus’s ascension. They had several encounters with Jesus after his resurrection, but in their final encounter where they saw him ascend t...
Mother God
May 15, 2023 21:00 - 14 minutes - 8.31 MBThis weekend, we will be celebrating Mother’s Day. This is a day set aside to express gratitude to our mothers for all they have done for us and to lift up the attributes of motherhood that are often taken for granted throughout the rest of the year. Although it may be practically impossible to fully live into all the ideals of motherhood, the women who serve in the role of “Mom” clearly deserve recognition for the positive impact they have had on our lives. Even the act of accepting our gra...
Song of Ruth
May 15, 2023 21:00 - 2 minutes - 1.55 MBSpecial music for May 14, 2023 by the chancel choir.
Prayers of the People for May 14, 2023
May 15, 2023 21:00 - 4 minutes - 2.56 MBPrayers of the People for May 14, 2023 by Debbie Pallack.
Transitions
May 08, 2023 18:00 - 12 minutes - 6.77 MBThis is the time of year when many of our friends are in some kind of transition. Some of us are heading north for the summer, some are going on vacations for a while, and some of us are having to relocate. These can be difficult times, but they can be exciting as well. Those who go to a new location have adventures to look forward to, and friends who keep in touch get to be part of those changes and possibly have their own adventures when they visit. In this week’s passage from the Gospel ...
Prayers of the People for May 7, 2023
May 08, 2023 17:00 - 1 minute - 644 KBPrayers of the People for May 7, 2023 by Dave Cridland.
Prayers of the People for April 30, 2023
May 02, 2023 00:00 - 2 minutes - 1.33 MBPrayers of the People for April 30, 2023 by Fred Hancewicz.
Listening for Christ
May 02, 2023 00:00 - 13 minutes - 8.32 MBI think it’s safe to say that knockoffs are never as good as the original. When you get a copy of something, whether it’s clothing or car parts, it usually doesn’t have the same quality, feel or performance as the original. Copies are usually cheaper, but sometimes price is not what’s most important. This week, we will reflect on Jesus’s call to listen for his authentic voice. His voice, the voice of God, offers true wisdom, peace, and understanding, and there is nothing comparable to the W...
Worthy is the Lamb of God
May 02, 2023 00:00 - 3 minutes - 2.08 MBSpecial music for April 30, 2023 by the chancel choir.
Prayers of the People for April 23, 2023
April 24, 2023 17:00 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBPrayers of the People for April 23, 2023 by Susan Gleason.
Hope Born Out of Tragedy
April 24, 2023 17:00 - 11 minutes - 6.8 MBWhen we encounter difficult life situations, it’s natural and necessary to grieve our losses. We need time to process those events that result in changing circumstances or lost relationships. Despite an expectation that everything will be fine in the end, the moment of pain cannot be ignored, and having someone to sit with us and listen can be invaluable. This is the kind of care Jesus offered a pair of disciples who were returning to Emmaus after witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus. They h...