Woodland Christian Church
Sermons and more from Woodland Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a progressive, open and affirming congregation in Lexington, Kentucky.
Episodes
144 episodes
Woodland Memory 24: 1956 - What's in a name?
What's in a name? At Woodland, quite a bit of history. Discover how three words and a pair of parentheses connected Woodland to its Stone-Campbell roots, clarified its identity as a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and still left the ...
Traveling Music | David Shirey 9.27.26
In this sermon David Shirey explores the frequent themes of music and compassion in the bible through Colossians 3:12-17.This sermon was preached on September 27th, 2026.Woodland Christian Church’s Face...
International Day of Peace | Dave Carr
In today's sermon, guest pastor, Rev. Dave Carr shares a message from Isaiah that corresponds with the International Day of Peace, which is recognized on September 21st. This sermon was preached on September 20th, 2026.
Woodland Memory 23: 1956 - Farish Farewell
After thirty-five years, Hayes Farish said farewell to Woodland. A new Studebaker, a portable typewriter, and a high-fidelity phonograph marked the occasion—but his real legacy was the congregation he helped shape through decades of educatio...
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant | David Shirey
In this sermon based on one of Jesus’ parables in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35), David Shirey explores a “Come to Jesus” meeting between a king and a servant with a billion dollar debt. A billion dollars! Welcome to the world of holy h...
Woodland Memory 22: 1951 – Gambling, Basketball, and “Who’s to Blame?”
Politics, money, and Kentucky basketball—Hayes Farish wasn't afraid to take on any of them. When a national gambling scandal reached the University of Kentucky, Woodland's longtime pastor asked a larger question: “Who's to Blame?” Discover h...
Luke 18: 18:30 | Dave Carr 9.6.2026
In this sermon Rev. Dave Carr shares the message of Luke 18: 18-30.This sermon was preached on September 6th, 2026.Woodland Christian Church’s Facebook page:
Woodland Memory 21: 1949 – The Prewitt Circle
For decades, the Prewitt Circle showed how faith becomes service. Its members studied together, supported missions, helped families at home and abroad, and quietly turned fellowship into action. Discover how one small group helped establish ...
Following Our Songlines | Vicki Ray
In this week’s message, Rev. Vicki Ray shares some thoughts from Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy 3:14–4:5, in which he holds three things to be true that guide not only the church, but also believers in Christ Jesus on life’s journey: ...
Woodland Memory 20: 1946 – A Spirit of Service
The mortgage was gone. The mission remained. Join us as Woodland celebrates a hard-won milestone, honors Pastor Hayes Farish, and rededicates itself to building not just a church—but a community.
Living the Questions | Christy Jo Harber
In this week’s sermon, Rev. Christy Jo shares a message from Matthew 16:13-19. In this sermon we explore what it means to move beyond answers we have inherited and encounter Jesus through our own lived experience. Together, we are invited to...
Woodland Memory 19: 1941–1945 – Woodland Goes to War
Tom Brokaw called them "The Greatest Generation." At Woodland, they were simply neighbors doing what needed to be done. This Woodland Memory honors the soldiers, volunteers, families, and faithful servants whose quiet courage shaped the chur...
Woodland Memory 18: 1991 - The Woodland Arts Fair
For decades, August brought artists, neighbors, and volunteers together at Woodland. What began with a few crafts on an empty church lot grew into an arts fair with as many as eighty-five artists—and raised nearly a quarter-million dollars f...
Dove Power | David Shirey
In celebration of baptism, David Shirey takes a close look at Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism found in Matthew 3:13-17. Pastor David explores how the gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism empowers us to live lives marked by righteousness an...
Woodland Memory 17: 1940 – Open Doors
By 1940, Woodland had earned a reputation for opening doors. Discover how Pastor Hayes Farish's welcoming spirit, thoughtful leadership, and willingness to embrace new ideas helped shape a congregation known for hospitality, cooperation, and...
One Faith, Split | David Shirey 8.2.2026
In this week's sermon, Rev. David Shirey explores the idea of one lord, one faith, and one baptism as found in Ephesians 4:1-6 and how it relates to the faith being split among many denominations, as well as the concept of worshipping a loving ...
Woodland Memory 16: 1935 – Vacation Church School
As the Great Depression began to ease, Woodland looked to the future. Discover how Vacation Church School, Joyland outings, and a renewed commitment to stewardship reflected a congregation investing in its children—and in generations yet to ...
Rev. Terri Hord Owens
Today, Woodland had the pleasure of welcoming general minister and president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, Rev. Terri Hord Owens. She shares a message with us from I Corinthians 1:25-31 and Ephes...
Still Growing | Christy Jo Harber
In this week’s sermon, Rev. Christy Jo shares a message from Matthew 13:31-32. Through the image of a tiny seed, we’re reminded that God transforms ordinary lives and communities into places of hope. As we reflect on our own story of growth,...
Woodland Memory 15: 1926 - Scouts at Woodland
For more than fifty years, Woodland was home to generations of Scouts learning far more than knots and campcraft. Discover how Troop 6 helped shape character, citizenship, and leadership—and why its legacy still lives on in the lives of thos...
The Extravagant Sower | Christy Jo Harber 7.12.26
In this week’s sermon, Rev. Christy Jo shares a message from Matthew 13:1-9. What if God isn’t a careful gardener, but an extravagant sower? This morning we move past the familiar self-examination of “which soil am I?” to ask: what if the Ch...
Woodland Memory 14: 1920s - The Women of Woodland
Religion historian Ward Russell wrote that it is impossible to tell Woodland's story without its women. This Memory explores the remarkable contributions of the Ladies' Aid, the Women's Christian Missionary Society, and the Daughters of Wood...
The Word at the Heart of the Holiday | David Shirey 7.5.26
In this week’s sermon, Rev. David Shirey shares a message from Galatiants 5:1, 13-14. Rev. David Shirey looks at the word that is at the heart of the holiday weekend. The word is freedom. Liberty. He explores the proper and improper uses of ...