Urban Village Church

4/20/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Who’s Who?: There's More to the Story | Acts 10: 34 - 43 NRSV

This Sunday we shared Peter's declaration with the powerful truth:

• God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.
• Jesus went around doing good and healing those oppressed.
• Though He was put to death on a cross.
• God raised Him on the third day—and He appeared to those chosen as witnesses.

Peter says: We ate with Him. We walked with Him after the resurrection. And now, we’ve been commanded to share this Good News.

#GoodNews #JesusIsLord #Acts10 #HopeForAll #NoPartiality #ForgivenessThroughChrist #GospelTruth

4/13/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | Who’s Who?: Betrayal | Luke 19:29-42

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!

This week, we reflect on Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem—a moment of joy, praise, and deep compassion. In Luke 19:29–42, we see Jesus celebrated as King, yet moved to tears over a city that missed its moment with God. Experience the hope, power, and peace of Holy Week and Palm Sunday.

#PalmSunday #Luke1942 #HolyWeek #JesusIsKing

4/6/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | Who’s Who?: Reasonability | John 12:1-8

Six days before Passover, Mary does something extraordinary—she anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, wiping them with her hair. While some criticize her, Jesus affirms her act of love and devotion.

This moment reminds us to pour out our hearts in worship, holding nothing back. True love for Christ isn’t about cost—it’s about surrender. How can we show extravagant love for Jesus in our daily lives?

Join us as we experience God’s presence together! Whether you’re new or a longtime member, we can’t wait to welcome you with open arms. Let’s gather in faith, lift our voices in worship, and grow together in His Word.

3/30/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who: Lost & Found | Luke 15: 11 - 32 NRSV

The Parable of the Prodigal Son – A Story of Redemption and Welcome!

In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus shares a powerful story of love, grace, and restoration. A son demands his inheritance early, squanders it all in reckless living, and finds himself lost and broken. In desperation, he returns home, expecting rejection—but instead, his father runs to embrace him, celebrating his return with open arms.

This story is a reminder that no matter how far we wander, God’s love is always ready to welcome us home. Whether you are returning, searching, or visiting for the first time—our church is a place of grace, joy, and belonging. You are welcome here!

3/23/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who: Living Up to Our Potential | Luke 13: 6 - 9 NRSV

In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a man who had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. For three years, he came looking for fruit, but found none. Frustrated, he told the gardener to cut it down, questioning why it was taking up space without producing anything. But the gardener responded, asking for one more year. He would tend to the tree by digging around it and adding manure, hoping it would bear fruit. If it did, great; if not, then it could be removed.

This story invites us to reflect on patience and second chances. The gardener’s plea for more time symbolizes God’s patience with us, even when we don’t live up to expectations. It’s a reminder that growth and transformation are processes, and we are given opportunities to change and bear fruit in our lives. It challenges us to consider how we might need nurturing or a fresh start, and to trust that, with care, we can become what we are meant to be.

3/16/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who: Jesus Is Still Crossing Over | John 4: 7 - 30 NRSV

In this passage from John 4:7-30, Jesus has an unexpected conversation with a Samaritan woman at a well. He asks her for a drink, which surprises her, as Jews and Samaritans typically didn’t interact. Jesus responds by offering her "living water," a spiritual gift that leads to eternal life. The woman initially thinks He’s talking about physical water, but Jesus explains that the water He offers will quench a deeper thirst — one for meaning, connection, and spiritual fulfillment.

He then reveals that He knows about her life — that she’s had five husbands and is currently with someone who isn’t her husband. This leads her to recognize that Jesus must be a prophet. She asks Him about the right place to worship, and Jesus tells her that true worship isn't about a specific location but about connecting with God in spirit and truth. He further reveals that He is the Messiah, the one who has come to bring healing and hope to all.

In awe, the woman leaves her water jar behind and goes to tell others in her community about Jesus, asking, “Could this be the Messiah?” Her story draws many others from the town to come and meet Jesus, reminding us that God’s message is for everyone, no matter their background or circumstances.

3/9/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who: | Scripture

Romans emphasizes salvation through faith, not works, and reminds us that believing in Jesus and the resurrection leads to salvation. Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. Join us Sunday as we deep dive into Romans and are reminded of the importance of salvation for us.

3/2/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Who's Who?: Divine Investments | Colossians 3: 1 -3

We are reminded to focus our attention on heavenly things rather than earthly. Join us this week as we share about spiritual life and the future we will share with Christ.

2/23/25 | Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey | The Humanity in Us All: Keep the Peace | John 14:25-30

Jesus comforts and encourages his disciples as he prepares to leave. As he leaves, he promises that the Holy Spirit will help the disciples continue their ministry after his ascension to heaven. In this verse, Jesus teaches the disciples to lead with truth, not emotion. The Holy Spirit helps the disciples understand the Word, grow in serving others, and stop sin. The Word gives disciples peace, comfort, and protection. Finally, Jesus shows us the importance of obedience and faith in the commandments.

2/16/25 | Rev. Dr. Eddie Journey | The Humanity in Us All: First Love | Revelation 2:2-5a

This week we focus on the commands given to the church at Ephesus as they remember and repent, and do the works they did at first. It is important to remember the works we were doing when we first became believers, repent and turn away from where we are now and turn away and bad and return to the work we were doing when we first became believers, and prioritize things of great value, such as loving one another and serving others.