
This is the official podcast of Urban Village Church in Chicago.
Episodes

May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
31 min
This week we dive into the story of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, focusing on the disciples' initial disbelief and the powerful encounter with Thomas. We explore faith, doubt, and the nature of Jesus' resurrection, emphasizing the importance of believing in Jesus even when the evidence as circumstantial.
#resurrection #focusonGod #beliefisfaith #believinginJesus #umc

Apr 27, 2025
Apr 27, 2025
35 min
Proverbs 17:22 tells us that a joyful heart brings healing, while a crushed spirit withers us to the core. Join us as we explore how joy can renew our strength and faith. Discover practical ways to let God’s joy be your true medicine! Rev. Pamela Lightsey will end with a thought-provoking theological study afterward.

Apr 20, 2025
Apr 20, 2025
53 min
- 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.

Apr 13, 2025
Apr 13, 2025
39 min

Apr 6, 2025
Apr 6, 2025
37 min

Mar 30, 2025
Mar 30, 2025
45 min
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!

Mar 23, 2025
Mar 23, 2025
31 min
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.

Mar 19, 2025
Mar 19, 2025
43 min
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.

Mar 9, 2025
Mar 9, 2025
42 min
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.

Mar 3, 2025
Mar 3, 2025
27 min
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.
