Living In The Presence Of God

For Lætáre Sunday, Rev. Riggs approaches the traditional text of the Feeding of the 5,000 (Mark 6:30-44). Signs of abundant life and renewal are all around us, but too often we are blind to them because of negativity,

“Love your neighbor” should be such a simple concept to get, but often it isn't. Drawing from the great story of Jesus telling a lawyer a parable about a "Good Samaritan" (Luke 10:25-37), Rev. Riggs reminds us of the

For the Second Sunday in Lent, Rev. Riggs takes us on a spiritual journey to Caesarea Philippi, the site of Peter's famous "Confession at Philippi" (Mark 8:27-38). All too often the Church tries to tell Jesus what his jo

For the first Sunday in Lent, Rev. Riggs begins a new sermon series "Find Your Way Back" with the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), a story that isn't what it appears on the surface. Lest our own wi

For the final sermon in this series, Rev. Riggs explores the gnostic heresies prompting Second Peter (2 Pet. 1:19-21) as well as the story of Jesus's Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-10). Our news should be good news of renewed

Sometimes we have to challenge “the rules” and make sure the horse is before the cart, so to speak. Jesus challenged the notion that one can't glean on the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28). The daughters of Zelophehad challeng

The second of a four-part sermon series entitled "Having Something to Say: the Public Voice of the Church," Rev. Riggs looks at the question posed by Jeremiah to the people of Judah, "Is There No Balm in Gilead?"(Jer. 8:

Beginning a new four-part sermon series entitled "Having Something to Say: the Public Voice of the Church." Rev. Riggs helps us dive deep into one of the oracles of Third Isaiah (Isa. 65:1-9) and the story of the exorcis

For MLK Sunday, the Rev. Ayanna Johnson Watkins brings a message to the combined congregations of Pilgrim Congregational UCC, Westminster Presbyterian PCUSA, and Union Avenue Christian Church (Disciples) about our herita

For the weekend of the Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord, Rev. Riggs explores the "dark side of Christmas" in the story of the Slaughter of the Innocents (Matthew 2:16-18) and how Jesus's ministry was a response to the gr

For the final Sunday of Advent, Rev. Riggs invites us to explore the story of the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) as a call story just like the prophets of old, evidenced in Mary's response of praise (Luke 1:46-55). How can

For Gaudéte Sunday (third in Advent), Rev. Michael Riggs shares a message about transformative joy based upon Isaiah 35:1-10. Rather than experience a state of happiness, the act of rejoicing is a choice to exult in the

For the second Sunday of Advent, Rev. Michael Riggs explores the ancient meaning of "Bethlehem" as "City of Bread." Drawing from the Books of Ruth and Micah, he asks how systems of impoverishment and xenophobia have caus

In this inaugural podcast for Union Avenue, Rev. Michael Riggs brings a word from Isaiah 43:14-21 about how signs of hope and renewal are everywhere if we look at things from a fresh perspective. Speaking directly to the