Urban Village Church

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.

2/9/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | The Humanity in Us All: Do Something Different | Genesis 22:1-19

God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham obeys God and God intervenes to stop the sacrifice.

2/2/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | The Humanity in Us All: Do Something Different | Proverbs 25: 7b - 28

This week we speak of self-control and the Fruits of the Spirit.

1/26/25 | Rev. Pamela Lightsey | Abundance and Scarcity: God's Got It | Philippians 4:19

God will meet all your needs to the riches of glory in Christ. We declare provision from God.