Westminster Presbyterian Church, Alexandria VA
572 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsSermons and educational audio from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, VA.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Ordinary People: Lot's Wife
June 10, 2018 15:22 - 21 minutes - 4.89 MBIn traditional preaching and teaching across the centuries, the unnamed wife of Lot serves as an example of how not to be if we seek to be faithful and committed followers of Jesus Christ. But a close reading of this story at least opens the door for a more charitable and humane interpretation of Lot’s wife. Larry Hayward preaches from Genesis 19:12-15, 24-26. Summer Sermon Series: Ordinary People. It is in the loves and hates, the hopes and fears, the strides and stumbles of ordinary peop...
Precious and Precise
June 03, 2018 15:23 - 15 minutes - 3.51 MBThe knowledge of who God is can be unbearable--it is a lot to grasp the divine and the awesomeness of God's attributes. We are invited today to be both challenged and comforted by the wonder of God. Rev. Whitney Fauntleroy preaches on Confirmation Sunday. The Scripture lesson is selections from Psalm 139.
In the Year that King Uzziah Died
May 27, 2018 17:35 - 25 minutes - 5.84 MBA story that has circulated among preachers for years concerns a small, African-American Church in Michigan on that Sunday after the Kennedy assassination, a Sunday in which all across the land people poured out of their homes into houses of worship. In this particular church, the minister stepped to the pulpit, pulled the chain which turned on the light by which he could read, opened his Bible, and read words from Isaiah that open our scripture today: “In the year that King Uzziah died, I sa...
Waiting to Exhale
May 20, 2018 15:32 - 10 minutes - 2.48 MBOn this Pentecost morning, we are reminded in Romans that part of the call in our souls, our bodies, our lives, is to be people who imagine. Rev. Whitney Fauntleroy preaches on Romans 8:22-27.
Ascension?
May 13, 2018 19:15 - 20 minutes - 4.61 MBRev. Dr. Larry Hayward explores the meaning and importance of Ascension, an important part of the life and destiny of Christ, often lost on mainline Protestants like us. The scripture today is Luke 24:44-53
Discerning One's Call (Part 1) (Kathy Harkness) [Faith and Service]
May 06, 2018 18:06 - 1 hour - 13.9 MBAs Christians, we struggle with ways to listen for God’s call and to act where our faith leads us. With this class, Elder Kathy Harkness will consider the challenges of being called and how we can act faithfully and in attentive ways to when, where and how God calls us. (1 of 3)
What We Know
May 06, 2018 15:01 - 20 minutes - 5.04 MBRev Dr. Larry R. Hayward focuses on John 15:15 and makes the claim that we know enough to “bear fruit…that lasts.” The scripture today is John 15:9-17.
Manners & Its Relationship to Morality (Part 2) (Karen Stohr) [Faith and Service]
April 29, 2018 18:09 - 57 minutes - 13.2 MBKaren has done extensive research on contempt & mockery in our political culture, as well as the moral value of having faith in our fellow human beings. Timely topic for a time such as this. She will talk about the boundaries of civility, ways of expressing political disagreements, and how having faith in our fellow human beings just might transform the political discourse. (2 of 2)
The Unpleasant Experience of Being Pruned
April 29, 2018 17:26 - 20 minutes - 4.62 MBRev. Dr. Larry R. Hayward focuses on what it may mean for us to be “pruned” and how that can lead to “bearing more fruit.”The scripture today is John 15:1-8.
Manners & Its Relationship to Morality (Part 1) (Karen Stohr) [Faith and Service]
April 22, 2018 18:00 - 52 minutes - 12.1 MBKaren has done extensive research on contempt & mockery in our political culture, as well as the moral value of having faith in our fellow human beings. Timely topic for a time such as this. She will talk about the boundaries of civility, ways of expressing political disagreements, and how having faith in our fellow human beings just might transform the political discourse. (1 of 2)
Youth Sunday
April 22, 2018 15:34 - 11 minutes - 2.95 MBThe Westminster Youth speak on the "Good Shepard." The scripture today is John 10:11-19
Talking to Children of Color (Part 2) (Julie Wadler) [Faith and Service]
April 15, 2018 18:00 - 22 minutes - 5.27 MBJulie has a reputation for building dynamic partnerships. But her experience raising children of color in our society gives her a unique perspective on how to start a dialogue about race in this country. Julie adopted two daughters from Ethiopia. How do we raise more socially & faith conscious children? Expand your mindset to understand how bias informs your decisions. Gain insight on how to start the much-needed conversation about race with your children and yourself. (2 of 2)
Disbelieving for Joy
April 15, 2018 16:15 - 24 minutes - 5.84 MBRev. Dr. Larry R. Hayward covers several elements in this story: unrecognized presence, “disbelieving for joy,” scripture, the charge to be witnesses. What does it mean to hear and assert news so terrific we “disbelieve for joy”? The scripture today is Psalm 41.
The Nuts & Bolts of a Healthy Diet( Sally Fallon) [Faith and Service]
April 15, 2018 13:53 - 1 hour - 16.8 MBThe author of the best-selling “Nourishing Traditions” brings expertise to young mothers and children on the vital factors of one’s diet. Sally has helped change the national conversation about what constitutes a healthy diet. Learn about the dangers of certain foods, as well as what are the nutrient-dense foods. How does your diet effect your growth and the function of your brain?
Talking to Children of Color (Part 1) (Julie Wadler) [Faith and Service]
April 08, 2018 18:01 - 50 minutes - 11.6 MBJulie has a reputation for building dynamic partnerships. But her experience raising children of color in our society gives her a unique perspective on how to start a dialogue about race in this country. Julie adopted two daughters from Ethiopia. How do we raise more socially & faith conscious children? Expand your mindset to understand how bias informs your decisions. Gain insight on how to start the much-needed conversation about race with your children and yourself. (1 of 2)
The First to Announce
April 01, 2018 19:31 - 20 minutes - 4.62 MBRev. Dr. Larry Hayward focuses on seeking to relate “the young man at the tomb” to the “young man who fled.” It raises the question, “how do we write ourselves into the Easter story?” The scripture today is Mark 16:1-8.
The Last One to Flee
March 25, 2018 14:58 - 20 minutes - 4.63 MBRev. Dr. Larry Hayward speaks about "The Last One to Flee". The scripture is Mark 14:52.
Pretext (Rabbi Jack Moline & Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward) [Faith and Service]
March 18, 2018 19:38 - 1 hour - 14.7 MBRabbi Jack Moline & Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward present “Pretext”. Rev. Hayward & Rabbi Moline will use various Biblical texts to draw lessons for us. Once again, as only “Larry & Jack” can, they’ll share their biblical and theological wisdom from years of study, pastoring and leading congregations. Be ready for humor, wit, and engagement as we examine together the texts, the pretexts, and the contexts of the Bible. (Part 3 of 3)
Calm
March 18, 2018 13:35 - 17 minutes - 4.02 MBRev. Dr. Larry Hayward will focus on calm, particularly how that, in Alter’s words, may lie “outside cultic or public function.” The scripture today is Psalm 131.
Alliance and Defiance
March 11, 2018 20:40 - 13 minutes - 3.08 MBRev. Whitney K. Fauntleroy speaks about "Alliance and Defiance." The scripture today is Psalm 2:1-4
Context (Rabbi Jack Moline & Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward) [Faith and Service]
March 11, 2018 19:51 - 47 minutes - 10.9 MBRabbi Jack Moline & Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward present “Context”. Rev. Hayward & Rabbi Moline will use various Biblical texts to draw lessons for us. Once again, as only “Larry & Jack” can, they’ll share their biblical and theological wisdom from years of study, pastoring and leading congregations. Be ready for humor, wit, and engagement as we examine together the texts, the pretexts, and the contexts of the Bible. (Part 2 of 3)
Text (Rabbi Jack Moline & Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward) [Faith and Service]
March 04, 2018 20:37 - 1 hour - 14.8 MBRabbi Jack Moline & Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward present “Text”. Rev. Hayward & Rabbi Moline will use various Biblical texts to draw lessons for us. Once again, as only “Larry & Jack” can, they’ll share their biblical and theological wisdom from years of study, pastoring and leading congregations. Be ready for humor, wit, and engagement as we examine together the texts, the pretexts, and the contexts of the Bible. (Part 1 of 3)
Psalm 23
February 25, 2018 19:49 - 19 minutes - 4.53 MBRev. Dr. Larry R. Hayward continues the Lenten sermon series in conjunction with Leonard Bernstein's "Chichester Psalms". The Scripture today is Psalm 23.
Islam and Protestantism (Part 3) [Faith and Service]
February 25, 2018 14:19 - 59 minutes - 13.8 MBWith Dr. Matthew Taylor from the Reformed Institute. As Turkish armies almost sacked Vienna in the 16th century, Martin Luther helped publish the Qur’an in Latin—how did the possibility of being conquered by a different religion shape Reformer’s minds? (Part 3 of 3)
Not We Ourselves
February 18, 2018 21:12 - 22 minutes - 5.04 MBRev. Dr. Larry R. Hayward continues the Lenten series "The Chichester Psalms". The Scripture is Psalm 100:3-5. Today he preaches "Not We Ourselves".
Islam and Protestantism (Part 2) [Faith and Service]
February 18, 2018 14:19 - 1 hour - 14.9 MBWith Dr. Matthew Taylor from the Reformed Institute. As Turkish armies almost sacked Vienna in the 16th century, Martin Luther helped publish the Qur’an in Latin—how did the possibility of being conquered by a different religion shape Reformer’s minds? (Part 2 of 3)
The Mantle
February 11, 2018 16:40 - 20 minutes - 4.76 MBOver the centuries, we humans have experienced the decidedly mixed character of the world as we know it. In response, we began to yearn, to hope, to pray for, to believe in, something more. Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward preaches on 2 Kings 2:1-4.
Islam and Protestantism (Part 1) [Faith and Service]
February 11, 2018 14:20 - 49 minutes - 11.2 MBWith Dr. Matthew Taylor from the Reformed Institute. As Turkish armies almost sacked Vienna in the 16th century, Martin Luther helped publish the Qur’an in Latin—how did the possibility of being conquered by a different religion shape Reformer’s minds? (Part 1 of 3)
When the Fever Left
February 04, 2018 14:25 - 5 seconds - 19.7 KB*Due to technical difficulties, this sermon was not recorded. Download the PDF to read it!* Whenever we hear a Biblical story about healing, we likely react in one of several ways: Our eyes may immediately be drawn to our own experience; we may think of people who have experienced some kind of healing; we may wonder about – and even be angry over – those near to use who have not been healed. When I chose to preach on this passage today, what attracted me was one simple sentence at the outs...
What Do Our Laws Say? (Elder Law) [Faith and Service]
January 28, 2018 16:14 - 57 minutes - 13.2 MBAt WPC for the first time, Betsey will share her wisdom and extensive understanding of “elder law.” The maze of navigating legal, financial and practical questions for every decade can be overwhelming. This dynamic, interactive workshop (Q&A) is designed for all adults and for those with aging parents and allows plenty of opportunity for questions!
The Seasons of a Congregation
January 28, 2018 16:05 - 20 minutes - 4.7 MBWhile changes in any congregation are necessary, inevitable, and best greeted with welcome, because a significant part the church’s role is to serve as sanctuary from the pressures of society, an island of stability in a sea of change, changes in the church can be particularly challenging for those of us for whom our church home – Westminster – is dear as refuge and relief. Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward preaches today. The Scripture lesson is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
The Book of Romans (Part 3) [Faith and Service]
January 21, 2018 15:30 - 55 minutes - 12.8 MBWith WPC Elder David Roden. Explore why Paul’s letter to the Romans became the key motivation for the reformation. Why do some modern theologians believe the reformers misread Paul? What did Paul say and what was Paul doing in this important letter? Discover how you might interpret Romans differently. Part 3 of 3. (Due to technical difficulties, Part 2 was not recorded).
The Absurdity of Grace
January 21, 2018 14:37 - 13 minutes - 3.16 MBIn a prophetic tale with an overabundance of the absurd, how do we stay focused on the sometimes startling, sometimes challenging, always absurd grace of God? Rev. Whitney Fauntleroy preaches on Jonah 3:1-5, 10.
Getting to Know You
January 14, 2018 15:46 - 20 minutes - 4.66 MB“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael is stuck: stuck in himself, stuck in his own ignorance, stuck in his own constricted view of reality. But when he is told to “come and see,” his willingness to go leads him to Jesus. And Christ’s seeing, and Christ’s knowing, change everything for Nathanael. Rev. Patrick Hunnicutt preaches on John 1:43-51.
The Book of Romans (Part 1) [Faith and Service]
January 07, 2018 15:58 - 50 minutes - 11.5 MBWith WPC Elder David Roden. Explore why Paul’s letter to the Romans became the key motivation for the reformation. Why do some modern theologians believe the reformers misread Paul? What did Paul say and what was Paul doing in this important letter? Discover how you might interpret Romans differently. Part 1 of 3.
Presented in the Temple
January 07, 2018 15:28 - 24 minutes - 5.61 MBWhatever children and youth experience from hearing, seeing, interacting with adults – in the kitchen, in the hallways, at the water fountain, in the classroom, in the sanctuary, in the choir loft – whatever they experience from us shapes their faith, for good or for ill. We are all Simeons and Annas. Rev. Dr. Larry R. Hayward preaches from Luke 2:21-40.
The Beginning of the Good News
December 31, 2017 21:20 - 24 minutes - 5.58 MBMatthew, Luke, and John, each writing thirty to sixty years after the death of Christ, have introduced us to Jesus with words carefully chosen and beautifully written. In contrast, Mark’s words are informative. They are important. But they are not particularly poetic or beautiful. Instead, Mark calls us to get to work, “immediately.” The kingdom of God is near. The business of life is at hand. It is time to repent, turn our attention to the kingdom Christ brings, commit ourselves to it, get...
Christmas Eve Homily 2017
December 24, 2017 20:43 - 15 minutes - 3.64 MBthough the stories that Christian churches across the world recite, sing, and tell this night are about a particular birth of a particular person in the midst of a particular people at a particular time and place in history – namely, Jesus Christ, born as a free, Jewish male, in first century Palestine – the significance of his birth transcends the time and place and gender and race and legal standing and national heritage in which he was born. The peace Christ brings transcends these all.
In and Above the World
December 24, 2017 20:28 - 22 minutes - 5.18 MBOur sermons this Advent are drawn from the opening to each of the four gospels in the New Testament. We heard the beginning of Matthew three weeks ago; the beginning of Luke last Sunday. Today, we focus on the opening of John’s Gospel. Both Matthew and Luke begin their stories of Jesus with his conception and birth, not an illogical place to begin. As we will see next Sunday, Mark begins with Jesus is an adult. By contrast, John takes the origins of Jesus Christ all the way back to and even...
Spiritual Portraits [Towards Fuller Faith and Service]
December 17, 2017 16:47 - 45 minutes - 10.4 MBWith a passion for portraits and faith, artist and elder at Georgetown Presbyterian Cynthia Farrell Johnson talks about the series of portraits she created and why it’s important to her. Her faith formation and her art has continued her journey toward fuller faith and service.
Glory to God
December 17, 2017 16:44 - 23 minutes - 5.3 MBPreaching her last sermon at Westminster, Rev. Casey FitzGerald leaves us with three thoughts: 1) Do not be afraid--fear is the wrong story; 2) Surround yourself with Elizabeths--those who would name for you how God is working in your life. Be Elizabeths--do not withhold your joy in naming the way you see God working in the world; and 3) Learn and tell the stories, that, like Mary, you might recall the promises of God when you and the world need them most! The Scripture lesson is Luke 1:26–56.
Living in the Priesthood of All Believers (Part 2) [Towards Fuller Faith and Service]
December 11, 2017 15:27 - 58 minutes - 13.5 MBA longtime and favorite lecturer at Westminster, Dr. Tony Tambasco taught theology at Georgetown University for 35 years, specializing in biblical studies and ethics. December 10: “The Spirit of Advent.” Look at biblical characters related to the Advent liturgical cycle to understand our own Spirit-filled call to mission.
Living in the Priesthood of All Believers (Part 1) [Fuller Faith and Service]
December 03, 2017 21:36 - 1 hour - 14.5 MBA longtime and favorite lecturer at Westminster, Dr. Tony Tambasco taught theology at Georgetown University for 35 years, specializing in biblical studies and ethics. December 3: "Responding in Faith to the Advents of the Lord.” Discuss the past, present, and future comings of Christ and the spiritual life that arises from these. December 10: “The Spirit of Advent.” Look at biblical characters related to the Advent liturgical cycle to understand our own Spirit-filled call to mission.
Advent(ageous)
December 03, 2017 17:58 - 20 minutes - 4.71 MBMatthew: a gospel whose opening words would not necessarily win a prize for catching our attention. But by putting the account of Christ’s birth right after the family tree, Matthew shows us how it is connected to the broad passage of time and humanity that has come before—and how we might see the new life born in our midst. Patrick Hunnicutt begins a series of Advent sermons exploring how the gospels frame our understanding of the coming Christ in their opening pages. Today’s Scripture les...
Above Every Name That Is Named
November 26, 2017 16:25 - 21 minutes - 4.93 MB"I realize that in the past couple of years, in the midst of our national divisiveness, I have been trying to emphasize two things at the heart of the Christian faith: That every human being is created in the image of God and is therefore a child of God, and that the steadfast love of the Lord is given to every human being. But our text for this Reign of Christ Sunday exceeds in emphasis even these two hallmarks of Christian teaching. In emphasizing human unity, today’s text points to somethi...
The Enduring Legacy (Part 4) [Fuller Faith and Service]
November 26, 2017 15:51 - 1 hour - 14.2 MBAs we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Dr. Bruce Douglass, Director, Reformed Institute of Metropolitan Washington and Associate Professor, Georgetown University, returns to look at those 16th Century reformations. What is its enduring legacy? How does it impact us and the world we live in today? Fourth in a four-part series.
The Enduring Legacy (Part 3) [Fuller Faith and Service]
November 19, 2017 15:50 - 1 hour - 14.4 MBAs we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Dr. Bruce Douglass, Director, Reformed Institute of Metropolitan Washington and Associate Professor, Georgetown University, returns to look at those 16th Century reformations. What is its enduring legacy? How does it impact us and the world we live in today? Third in a four-part series.
The Case for Free Trade
November 19, 2017 14:58 - 22 minutes - 5.08 MBIn this sermon, we probe two fundamental questions that appear to be at the center of this imaginatively truth-telling parable: who is God, and how do we live joyfully with this God and with all who share in God's life both now and in the age to come? Patrick Hunnicutt preaches on Matthew 25:14-30.
The Enduring Legacy (Part 2) [Fuller Faith and Service]
November 12, 2017 16:09 - 58 minutes - 13.3 MBAs we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Dr. Bruce Douglass, Director, Reformed Institute of Metropolitan Washington and Associate Professor, Georgetown University, returns to look at those 16th Century reformations. What is its enduring legacy? How does it impact us and the world we live in today? Second in a four-part series.
Reflections on Remembrance Sunday
November 12, 2017 16:02 - 10 minutes - 2.46 MBFollowing a tradition that began in 1982, Westminster remembers those who have given their lives in service to our nation. Several choral anthems, were offered to mark this Remembrance Sunday, with Dr. Larry Hayward offering reflections on each.