Otterbein United Methodist Church - Lancaster

05/30/2026

This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, and we will gather around Paul’s beautiful blessing in 2 Corinthians 13:13: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” Let's explore the mystery and beauty of the Trinity, shall we?

Join us this Sunday as we worship the Three-in-One and discover what it means to be drawn into the love that moves at the heart of all things

05/23/2026

A special thank-you to the students involved in the Building Trades Program at McCaskey High School. Our building, our church, and our hearts and souls are stronger because of you! Best wishes, and our most enthusiastic prayers, as you begin the next part of your journey.

In this episode, Chris and Jason take a moment to recognize and thank the students, teachers, and community members connected to the Building Trades program. 

05/22/2026

With the birthday of the Church Universal coming up - where will YOU be this Sunday morning? Join us at 9:30 at Otterbein!

We'll join together in celebrating the Holy Spirit's arrival in Acts in style - at Christ's table in holy communion.

05/22/2026

05/16/2026

This is going to be a FULL of joy, gratitude, and holy noise as we celebrate Music Appreciation Sunday, giving thanks for the Chancel Choir and Joyfully Ring Bell Choir on their final Sunday of the season. Under music director Bill Rhoads' leadership they have helped us all lift our prayers, sing praises, and put resurrection joy into the air week after week.

We’ll also recognize six McCaskey Building Trades students whose cooperative education work this past nine months helped care for and improve the building. They are bringing their families too!

Then we’ll turn to Luke 24 for an Ascension-themed message - The Gospel According to Tool Belts - remembering together that Christ reigns in glory and sends us out, blessed and ready to build what comes next.

You'll definitely want to stick around for cake and cookies after worship, followed by tours of the various student projects around the building.

05/16/2026

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2136687/episodes/19187613

In this soundscaped episode, Chris and Jason reflect on their memories of commencement, moments filled with celebration, transition, uncertainty, and possibility.  Through personal recollections and candid yet thoughtful conversation, they ex...

05/09/2026

On Sunday at 9:30 a.m., we’ll gather in the lingering light of Easter to hear one of Jesus’ most tender promises: “I will not leave you orphaned.” From John 14:15-21, Pastor Chris will preach “The Living Story,” a sermon about the spirit keeping Christ’s story alive through us.

It is also Mother’s Day, a celebration that has deep Methodist roots just down the road in Philadelphia? Mother’s Day was shaped by compassion, grief, and public care, including Anna Jarvis' mother’s “Mother’s Day Work Clubs,” which fought diseases that killed young children. Read more in this Philadelphia Inquirer article: https://www.inquirer.com/arts/first-mothers-day-philadelphia-anna-jarvis-20260507.html.