Jr.'s Sermons

What does it mean to be a Black Sheep church? How can we be faithful in a culture that doesn't fit? We review our time with Jeremiah, and hear one last promise. The call is overwhelming, so it's a good thing the God who calls us is even bigger!

How do we NOT feel overwhelmed when facing the evils of the world? No wonder we have a tendency to silence or ignore those suffering - especially when we're powerless to help. Jeremiah teaches us that in times of great crisis maybe what we need to do is be silent and learn to lament. Because lamenting teaches us how to hear the voices of the crushed and marginalized. Lamentation is our pathway back to the people God created us and calls us to be!

Sabbath is one of those old-fashioned ideas we don't pay attention to much these days. After all, who can really afford to take a whole day off from life? In Jeremiah's day, the people's failure to keep Sabbath was the signal fire that they were faithless. Why is Sabbath so important? And what does it look like to keep Sabbath in our (way too) busy world? How is Sabbath an act of revolution?

You know that "This is Fine" Dog? It's a pretty good representation of God's people in Jeremiah's day - and maybe in ours too. That's why God told Jeremiah not to attend funerals or weddings. God refused to go along with business as usual in the face of the people's unfaithfulness. What does 'no fast, no feast' look like for God's faithful people today?

Everyone knows that God loves us. So... why is it so hard to receive that love? What is the path to freedom from the guilt, shame and fear that keep us trapped in idolatrous ways of life?

No one worries about idols anymore. Which is weird because the prophets warned about them all the time. Why should we still heed their warnings today? What, exactly, IS an idol? And what does any of this have to do with raincatchers that leak?

What is a prophet? Contrary to popular imagination, prophets in the Bible weren't fortune tellers. God called prophets to tell the truth about God's people, to hold up a mirror to the people. What does that look like today?

Throughout the summer, we’ve see how differently we all experience the world, and how different our paths to healing can be. Such a variety can be overwhelming – sort of like Mirabel’s big opening number. As we bring this series to a close, let’s remember a core, simple truth: no matter who we are, we belong. We’re all part of the family God has created here at Catalyst!

Did we save the best for last? Maybe so... Enneagram 7s are the life of every party. Sevens love life and want to live it to the fullest - just like Camilo in Encanto. But life isn't all fun and games - so what does it take for Sevens to slow down and be present to the hard parts of life, too?

Do you have a friend who worries constantly? Who's aware of every possible danger - most you'd never considered? You might know an Enneagram 6. While they sometimes sound like Chicken Little, 6s are called Loyalists because they're the most steady, reliable people you've ever met. What's the path to health for these 6s? How do the rest of us make space for them to flourish? Brace yourself... for answers, we're going to have to talk about Bruno!

Do you know someone who's got a sharp eye for details? Someone who tends to fade into the background, but doesn't miss anything? Someone who has only so much energy for social interactions? They might be an Enneagram Five. These Investigators are a model of curiosity and intelligence. How can they learn to operate not out of scarcity and fear, but abundance and faith? And how do the rest of us help them flourish?

You know those creative types? The suffering artist, that person who seems to have this deep well of emotions the rest of us only dabble in? You know an Enneagram 4, and like Encanto's Tia Pepa, they can be both nourishing and overwhelming. How do we keep from getting blown away by these Romantics' wild emotions? And what's their path to flourishing?

Do you know a person who seems to have an extra four hours in their day? That go-to person to get anything - and everything! - done? That magnetic personality who puts the Oh! in Overachieving - they're an Enneagram 3. And just like Encanto's Luisa, there's a lot going on under the surface that we don't see. So how can we help these workaholics find flourishing?

Who doesn't love a helping hand? A thoughtful present at just the right time? But nothing can turn those gifts sour faster than finding out they come with strings attached. If you've been on the receiving end of an underhanded offering, then you might know an Enneagram 2. But if you know a healthy 2 - like Encanto's Mama Julieta, then you know the balm of healing and harbor they provide. So how can we identify the Twos in our midst? What is their path to wholeness? And how do the rest of us help them flourish?

Do you know that person whose standards are higher than anyone else you know? They have a drive to excel that the rest of us find intimidating. And yeah... they can be a little judgy. What we don't realize is that these Perfectionists reserve their harshest judgments for... themselves. So what's the path to flourishing for an Enneagram 1? And how can the rest of us love them well?

Do you know someone who feels like a warm plate of chocolate chip cookies? Maybe you know someone who's gentle, kind and filled with care for everyone around them. They're probably an Enneagram 9 - the Peacemaker. What makes 9s special? What is their path to flourishing? And how can the rest of us learn from them and support them?

Do you know someone who is a little prickly, who has a tough exterior and a strong sense of justice? A person who stands up for the little guy, but also has a tendency to steamroll people? Then you might know an Eight. Abuela, the matriarch of la familia Madrigal, illustrates how Eights can be a potent force for good when they're healthy, but cause a lot of damage when they get off track. So how can Eights be open to the Spirit? And how do the rest of us love the Eights in our lives well?

ENCANTO is one of the most popular movies in recent memories. It's packed with spiritual truth - and each character offers us a picture of the possibility of transformation. This summer, we're diving into Encanto using the Enneagram - an ancient guide to spiritual growth - to help us look more like Jesus and love more like him too!

There’s a popular notion that all religions are different paths to the same destination. But when we explore different faith systems, we find each understands the nature of god(s) and reality very differently. Christians believe God is Trinity – a paradox that points to a deep truth at the heart of reality: God is love, and love is the most essential, powerful force in the universe!

When it comes to people who aren't Christians, the Church doesn't have a great track record. Far too often we imagine we're taking Jesus to people who don't know him. But Paul's encounter with the Athenians illustrates a powerful truth: God is already present among all the peoples of the world. Because God loves the whole world. How can we join God where the Holy Spirit is already at work?