Baptism is more than a moment. It is a calling.
Pastor Craig explore's the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River and what it reveals about our own identity and mission. Drawing on biblical imagery, modern scenes from the Jordan, and the realities of our world today, we discover that baptism is both a gift of grace and a dangerous commitment.
Jesus does not come out of the water and head for comfort. He walks straight into hunger, temptation, injustice, and need. And when we are baptized, we are marked the same way—not just as beloved, but as sent.
You are invited to follow Jesus out of the water and into the world, where faith becomes courage, love becomes action, and grace takes on flesh.
On Epiphany Sunday, we hear the familiar story of the magi—and the often-overlooked shadow of Herod. Christ is born, yet the world still feels unchanged. Fear still looms. Violence still threatens hope.
And yet, the magi refuse to let fear stop them. They follow the light, honor Christ, and return home by another way. As this series comes to a close and a new year begins, we proclaim that our journey continues—and fear will not have the final word.
The Christmas story doesn’t end in calm—it moves into danger. In Matthew 2:13–15, the Holy Family flees to Egypt, becoming refugees in order to protect their child.
In Pastor Craig's message, we explore how fear can either destroy or protect—and how, when grounded in love, fear can become fuel for justice. What does it mean to follow Emmanuel, God with us, in a world where fear and injustice still remain?
On Christmas Eve, we gather in a world where fear often feels overwhelming—and dare to proclaim a deeper truth: good news is louder than fear.Drawing from Luke 2:1–20, Pastor Craig's message explores a Christmas story that is anything but silent. Angels interrupt the night with proclamation. Shepherds tremble and then run to share what they’ve seen. God’s good news doesn’t erase fear—it enters it, takes flesh, and refuses to be quiet. You are invited to consider how hope shows up not after fear is gone, but right in the middle of it—and how the church is called to carry that good news into a fearful world with courage, humility, and light. Whether Christmas feels joyful, heavy, or somewhere in between, we hope this message offers space to breathe, reflect, and receive the promise that God is with us.
Fear often teaches us to pull back, to stay quiet, and to face things alone. But what if fear doesn’t have to lead to isolation?
In this final week of Advent, Pastor Craig reflect's on Joseph’s story and the courageous love that moved him to stand in solidarity with Mary. Through Scripture, theology, and sacred art, we explore how faith does not eliminate fear—but allows us to move forward anyway, hand in hand with God and with one another. The message invites us to consider how fear can become a catalyst for connection, how love reshapes our response to uncertainty, and how God meets us not after fear has passed, but right in the middle of it.
Pastor Craig's message for the Third Sunday of Advent explores how Mary and Jeremiah stepped into God’s calling even while feeling afraid and inadequate. Their stories remind us that courage/faith isn’t the absence of fear — it’s trusting God’s presence in the midst of it. Join us as we reflect on the small, quiet acts of faith that move us forward, one trembling yes at a time.
When We’re Running Out of Hope, God Is at Work: In this week’s Advent message, we meet John the Baptist at one of the most vulnerable moments of his life. From a prison cell, weary and discouraged, he sends Jesus a question that echoes through every age: “Are You the One… or should we look for another?”
Jesus responds not with rebuke, but with reassurance. This is a message for anyone feeling tired, discouraged, or unsure — a reminder that God is at work even when we cannot yet perceive it.
Advent 1: In a world that still feels like “the time of Herod,” we begin our Advent series entitled: "What do you fear?" This week, Pastor Craig looks at Zechariah’s encounter with the angel and the promise that even in our deepest worries, God hears our prayers and breaks into our fear with hope.
This week Pastor Craig looks at one of the most surprising passages in the Gospels: Jesus reigning from a cross. As Elvis, Martin Luther King Jr., JFK, Buddy Holly, and Abraham Lincoln shaped the world and left it too soon, we ask a deeper question—What does it mean that Christ alone is the King who never falls? Drawing from Luke 23:33–43, we explore the criminal’s simple prayer, “Jesus, remember me,” and the promise that followed: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
In this message, we discover how Christ stands when every other king—and every one of us—falls. And how His grace meets us right where we are.
Discover the hope of prevenient grace—God’s love that moves ahead of us, preparing the way before we even call. Through Isaiah 65 and Psalm 98, we explore how God is already renewing creation and inviting us into new beginnings. This episode includes two practical faith challenges to help you join God’s grace in the real world.
In this week’s message, Pastor Craig explores the prophet Haggai’s call to courage — and how God’s Spirit empowers us to rebuild what seems broken. Through stories of Frederick Douglass’s bold step toward freedom and the faithful persistence of those who rebuilt the temple, we learn that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the confidence that God is with us.
Discover how God’s presence still builds the house — in our hearts, our homes, and our church community.
🎧 Recorded live at Christ United Methodist Church, Mountain Top, PA — “Friends. Purpose. Life.”
When life feels uncertain and prayers seem unanswered, how do we keep faith alive? This All Saints Sunday, Pastor Craig explores the prophet Habakkuk’s honest cry — “How long, O Lord?” — and God’s invitation to live by faith even when the finish line isn’t visible.
Through stories of perseverance and the witness of the saints, we discover that faith under pressure isn’t fragile — it’s forged. This episode invites you to climb the watchtower, write the vision, wait for God’s timing, reject pride, and keep walking by faith.
n the final week of our Called to More series, we explore Jesus’ promise of abundant life from John 10:10. This message weaves together scripture, real-life stories, and a call to live joyfully and purposefully—today and for eternity. Discover how faith in Christ leads to a life that overflows with meaning, mission, and everlasting hope.
In Week 2 of our Called to More series, we explore what it means to be sent to serve. Through the Great Commission and words from Jeremiah and 1 Peter, we’re reminded that God has a purpose for each of us—and our gifts were never meant to sit on the shelf. Discover how to live with purpose, serve with joy, and follow Jesus into a life that makes a difference.
In Week 1 of our Called to More series, we begin where all mission begins—with friendship. Jesus calls us not servants, but friends. Through John 15, Ecclesiastes 4, and Psalm 133, we explore how community is more than support—it’s sacred. Discover how friendship is a holy calling, and how God uses real relationships to build the Beloved Community.
In this week’s message from our Living the Call series, we reflect on what it means to lead with courage in a world that longs for justice. Drawing from Joshua 1:9, Psalm 27, and Ephesians 6:10–13, we explore the step of faith it takes to lead, the strength it takes to stand firm, and the courage it takes to resist evil and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.
In this week’s message from our Living the Call series, we explore what it means to serve with joy and humility, following the example of Jesus who knelt to wash His disciples’ feet. How do we bring glad hearts and willing hands into a world in need? Join us as we reflect on John 13:14–15, Psalm 100, and the call to serve not out of duty, but from a deep place of joy.
What does it look like to love like Jesus? Not just politely, not just occasionally—but boldly. In this episode from the second sermon in our series Living the Call: Love Boldly, we explore how Jesus' radical call to love one another changes everything. This isn’t a love that plays it safe—it’s a love that moves, serves, forgives, and includes. Come rediscover the power of love that doesn’t stop at the surface.
What is the Church really here for? In this episode, we launch our new series Living the Call by exploring Jesus' Great Commission and how making disciples isn’t just part of what we do — it’s why we do everything. Discover how you’re being sent and shaped to change the world.
In a world that often rewards arrogance and self-promotion, Jesus turns our expectations upside down with a call to humility and radical hospitality. Drawing connections from the NFL’s “Hall of Fame” to what might be called a “Humility Hall of Fame,” this message challenges us to rethink honor, status, and what it means to truly welcome others — especially those who cannot repay us.