Sermons 2023 – Richfield United Methodist Church

Sermons are collected in chronological order with the most-recent at the top. Long-press or right-click the bulletin cover to view it full size. You are welcome to download/share any bulletin cover, just please don’t alter them or remove the richfieldumc.org branding, thank you. To look up a sermon by title, preacher, scripture, or date, search with “Find in Page” in your mobile browser or use the browser search function from your PC or Mac.
Sermon Archives by Year: 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019

Sermons are listed as follows:
Sermon Title
Worship Series
Preacher
Scripture Text
Date (MM.DD.YEAR)

CALLINGS WORSHIP SERIES 2023-2024

In 2023-2024, Richfield United Methodist Church begins a one-year worship series: CALLINGS. Faith isn’t just an hour a week on Sundays. It’s an everyday way of life. Faith is core to who we are. We are called to live boldly on the journey with the God who has faith in us every step of the way. Wherever life takes us, let us jump in with a commitment to life in faith, justice, and joy.

The CALLINGS worship series is made of 8 miniseries that honor the seasons of the church such as Advent and Lent while exploring several themes in the overture of our lives. The series explores how we as individuals and as the church are capable to grow in love of God and neighbor, reach new people, and heal a broken world. Spiritual practices, events, and media will help bring your weekend worship experience into your weekday living with prayer, journaling, daily devotionals, book studies, and video series to watch at your own pace with Amplify Media.

FAITHFUL WORSHIP SERIES 2022-2023

HALF TRUTHS | January/February 2023

There are simple phrases that sound like they’re in the Bible and capture an element of truth, yet they miss the point. Cliché phrases like “God won’t give you more than you can handle” can end up hurting instead of helping. This series compares common Christian clichés with scriptural wisdom to find God’s truth. Based on the book Half Truths by Rev. Adam Hamilton.

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD | February 2023

We thank God for eternal love for the world in these few weeks between the seasons of Epiphany and Lent. The truth of John 3:16 isn’t just a cliché catchphrase, it’s a reminder that God is for all people. Guest preachers and musicians help us expand our narrow scope of the world to see new experiences for how others experience the holy.

The Gift
For God So Loved the World 1/2
02.12.2023
Romans 8:1-11
John 3:16-17
Rev. Cynthia Williams
District Superintendent

Hearing and Doing
For God So Loved the World 2/2
01.08.2023
James 1:19-27
Rev. Jerad Morey

UNWAVERING LOVE | March/April 2023 (Lent)

We are blessed to be the children of a God of unwavering love. When we love others, God is there. When we mess up, God is there. When we face the odds, God is there. This is a Lenten season deep dive on the passion story of Jesus leading to Easter in a series inspired by Prof. Amy-Jill Levine’s book and video series, Entering the Passion. Go deeper and watch the supplemental video series on Amplify.

Jerusalem: Risking Reputation
Unwavering Love 1/6
02.26.2023
Matthew 21:1-11
Rev. Nate Melcher

The Temple: Risking Righteous Anger
Unwavering Love 2/6
03.05.2023
Mark 11:16-19
Rev. Nate Melcher

Teachings: Risking Challenge
Unwavering Love 3/6
03.12.2023
Matthew 21:23-27,
Matthew 22:15-22,
Matthew 22:34-40
Rev. Nate Melcher

The First Dinner: Risking Rejection
Unwavering Love 4/6
03.19.2023
John 12:1-8
Rev. Hope Hutchison

The Last Supper: Risking the Loss of Friendship
Unwavering Love 5/6
03.26.2023
Luke 22:14-27
Rev. Nate Melcher

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER | April 2023

Gethsemane: Risking Temptation
Unwavering Love 6/6
Palm Sunday
04.02.2023
Mark 14:32-50
Rev. Nate Melcher

So Many Questions!
Easter Sunday
04.09.2023
John 20:1-18
Rev. Nate Melcher

LESS MESS | April/May 2023

Life can get messy. There’s no promise that life won’t have tough times, but God does promise to be with us no matter what. Each one of our experiences, both mistakes and achievements, teach us. God wants us to learn and grow. This series is inspired by the book Restored: Finding Redemption in Our Mess by Bishop Tom Berlin. Go deeper and watch the supplemental video series on Amplify.

This Is a Real Mess
Less Mess 1/6
04.16.2023
Luke 18:9-17
Rev. Lauren Rheingans

Who Left This Mess?
Less Mess 2/6
04.23.2023
Luke 7:1-10
Rev. Nate Melcher

Bless This Mess
Less Mess 3/6
04.30.2023
Acts 9:1-20
Rev. Nate Melcher

No Messing Around
Less Mess 4/6
05.07.2023
Colossians 3:1-17
Rev. Nate Melcher

Address This Mess
Less Mess 5/6
05.14.2023
Galatians 5:22b-26
Rev. Nate Melcher

The Message Is a Mess
Less Mess 6/6
05.21.2023
Matthew 22:34-40
Rev. Nate Melcher

HEARTS ON FIRE | Summer Holiday Sundays 2023

Half Truth #1: “Everything happens for a reason.”
Half Truths 1/5
01.08.2023
Genesis 45:1-11,
Genesis 50:20-21
Rev. Nate Melcher

Half Truth #2:
“God helps those who help themselves.”
Half Truths 2/5
01.15.2023
Psalm 13,
Psalm 121
Rev. Nate Melcher

Half Truth #3: “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”
Half Truths 3/5
01.22.2023
1 Corinthians 10:13
Psalm 46:1-2
Rev. Nate Melcher

Half Truth #4: “God said it, I believe it, that settles it.”
Half Truths 4/5
01.29.2023
Deuteronomy 23:12-14
Rev. Nate Melcher

Half Truth #5: “Love the sinner, hate the sin.”
Half Truths 5/5
02.05.2023
Matthew 7:1-5
Rev. Nate Melcher

These sermons are inspired by Acts of the Apostles 2, where we read about the disciples encountering the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. This three-part sermon preached over the summer explores Acts 2 in its entirety.

Worship during the “Hearts on Fire” series are online-only during the holiday weekends of Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

How Is It That We Hear?
Pentecost 1/3
05.28.2023
Acts 2:1-12
Rev. Nate Melcher

What Does This Mean?Pentecost 2/3
07.02.2023
Acts 2:12-21
Rev. Nate Melcher

What Should We Do?Pentecost 3/3
09.03.2023
Acts 2:37-47
Rev. Nate Melcher

SO MANY QUESTIONS | Summer 2023

These sermons are inspired by pairing a scripture reading with a Simon and Garfunkel song and exploring their shared themes.

Worship during the “I AM a Rock” series are outdoors-only at the Richfield Bandshell and Lake Harriet Bandshell and they were not recorded for the archives.

Is religion ending?
So Many Questions 1/9
06.04.2023
Matthew 28:16-20
Rev. Nate Melcher

Will the Bible Ever Change?
So Many Questions 2/9
06.18.2023
John 21:15-25
Rev. Nate Melcher

What makes a Methodist?
So Many Questions 3/9
06.25.2023
Philippians 3:7-14
Rev. Hope Hutchison

What is prayer for?
So Many Questions 4/9
07.16.2023
Psalm 4
Rev. Nate Melcher

How do I put faith into action?
So Many Questions 5/9
07.23.2023
James 2:14-26
Rev. Hope Hutchison

What does the Bible say about heaven?
So Many Questions 6/9
07.30.2023
Matthew 13:24-33, 44-53
Rev. Nate Melcher

What does the Bible say about hell?
So Many Questions 7/9
08.06.2023
Matthew 25:31-46
Rev. Nate Melcher

Why is forgiveness hard?
So Many Questions 8/9
08.20.2023
Matthew 18:15-22
Rev. Nate Melcher

Why are Christians hypocrites?
So Many Questions 9/9
08.27.2023
Matthew 5:1-16
Rev. Nate Melcher

I AM A ROCK: GOD, SIMON, AND GARFUNKEL | Summer Outdoor Bandshell Worship 2023

These sermons are inspired by pairing a scripture reading with a Simon and Garfunkel song and exploring their shared themes.

Worship during the “I AM a Rock” series are outdoors-only at the Richfield Bandshell and Lake Harriet Bandshell and they were not recorded for the archives.

It’s on the Syllabus
I AM a Rock: God, Simon, and Garfunkel 1/3
06.11.2023
Micah 6:6-8
Rev. Nate Melcher
(in-person only,
no archive)

The Roads We Walk
I AM a Rock: God, Simon, and Garfunkel 2/3
07.09.2023
Luke 15:11-32
Rev. Nate Melcher
(in-person only,
no archive)

The Window
I AM a Rock: God, Simon, and Garfunkel 3/3
08.13.2023
Romans 12:1-21
Rev. Nate Melcher
(in-person only,
no archive)

CONFIRMATION 101 | September 2023

Being a United Methodist means putting faith into action. Learn key spiritual practices that help us confirm our faith in God. See how we read scripture through the lenses of reason, tradition, and experience. Consider how three simple rules can build a life of serving God. Discover the value of mustard seed-sized faith. The series concludes with celebrating young people becoming church members on Confirmation Sunday.

Three Simple Rules
Confirmation 101 1/3
09.10.2023
1 Cor. 13:1-13
Rev. Nate Melcher

Three Ways of Wonder
Confirmation 101 2/3
09.17.2023
Philippians 4:4-9
Rev. Nate Melcher

One Mustard Seed-Sized Faith
Confirmation 101 3/3
09.24.2023
Matthew 13:31-32
Rev. Nate Melcher

A GREAT WAY | October 2023

We serve a great God! Through the teachings of Jesus, we have a great Way to love God and neighbor as the church. In this financial stewardship-focused series, we’ll explore the great teachings of Jesus, celebrate the church’s accomplishments and look ahead to our 170th anniversary next year. Come and experience milestones together such as the annual fall food drive, Bible Sunday, and honoring our church members ages 90+.

The Great Commission
A Great Way 1 of 5
10.01.2023
Matthew 28:16-20
Rev. Nate Melcher

The Great Commandment
A Great Way 2 of 5
10.08.2023
Luke 10:25-37
Rev. Nate Melcher

The Great Proclamation
A Great Way 3 of 5
10.15.2023
Luke 4:16-21
Rev. Nate Melcher

The Great Requirement
A Great Way 4 of 5
10.22.2023
Micah 6:6-8
Rev. Nate Melcher

The Great Way
A Great Way 5 of 5
10.29.2023
John 14:1-6
Rev. Nate Melcher

LEAP OF FAITH | November 2023

The Old Testament book of Ruth is a beautiful story of courage, friendship, and faithfulness. In a 4-part series that covers all 4 chapters, we will read the inspirational redemption and delightful humor of this uplifting story. Witness the power of “found family.” Rejoice in the welcoming of refugees. And let the friendship of Ruth and Naomi move you to strengthen your own relationships.

Where You Go, I Will Go
Leap of Faith 1/4
11.05.2023
Ruth 1:1-22
Rev. Nate Melcher

The Ways God Sees
Leap of Faith 2/4
11.12.2023
Ruth 2:1-13
Rev. Nate Melcher

Seeing Each Other
Leap of Faith 3/4
11.19.2023
Ruth 3:1-9
Rev. Hope Hutchison

A Hidden Prelude
Leap of Faith 4/4
11.26.2023
Ruth 4:4-9, 13-22
Rev. Nate Melcher

LIGHT OF THE WORLD | Advent 2023

There is something magical about the season of Advent. We search for hope. We yearn for peace. We welcome joy. And we share love. As we count down the days leading to Christmas, we will seek out the presence of Jesus, the light of the world, everywhere we go. Enjoy Advent traditions such as lighting the Advent wreath, the Christmas Pageant, and Lessons and Carols. Christmas Eve worship is at 9:30 am and 4:00 pm.

Christmas Stories
Light of the World 1/3
12.03.2023
Isaiah 43
Gail Johnson

A Special Gift
Light of the World 2/3
12.10.2023
Luke 2
Rev. Hope Hutchison

Advent Around Us
Light of the World 3/3
12.17.2023
Luke 2
Rev. Nate Melcher

Christmas Quiz
Christmas Eve 9:30am
12.24.2023
Luke 2
Rev. Nate Melcher

Christmas Quiz
Christmas Eve 4:00pm
12.24.2023
Luke 2
Rev. Nate Melcher

Experience sermons live on Sundays and by podcast.

Senior Pastor Nate Melcher is known for crafting sermons with humor and depth. His preaching weaves closely to a scripture text and features illustrations that appeal across generations. He combines his M.Div theology degree with his MFA in Creative Writing and BA in Film Studies, as well as his training in improv comedy, to deliver sermons intended to be relatable, meaningful, and actionable.

Pastor Nate preaches thematically-linked worship series at typically 4-7 weeks each (catch up on the latest series with sermon podcasts). In every worship service, the sermon offers a mix of pastoral care in the midst of challenge, prophetic vision for a justice-filled world, and a call to action.