First United Methodist Church of Whittier

06/08/2026

When Jesus told the Pharisees that "I desire compassion, not a sacrifice," what he was really saying was, "I desire compassion, not religion." Our religious practice is meant to inspire greater compassion. Check out this week's edition of Monday Morning Quarterback.

When Jesus told the Pharisees that "I desire compassion, not a sacr...

06/08/2026

Here is your weekly prayer guide. The theme this week is how God desires compassion, not religion. Enjoy!

06/06/2026

“Sinners and Tax Collectors”

Matthew 9:9-13

This Sunday we are continuing our sermon series “The Rebel Jesus.” Last week we learned that Jesus was born a rebel. But Jesus was not only born a rebel, he lived and died a rebel, as well. Jesus was a rebel whose cause was to bring people to an awareness of the power of God’s love and grace in their lives. Jesus sought to transform the world one sinner at a time. He ministered to people who were willing to acknowledge their need for God. Join us this Sunday as we learn why Jesus spent so much of his time with “Sinners and Tax Collectors”

06/03/2026

06/01/2026

Yesterday, we talked about how Jesus was born a rebel. But he also lived as one, and died as one too. Jesus was a rebel through and through. Check out this week's edition of Monday Morning Quarterback.

Yesterday, we talked about how Jesus was born a rebel. But he also lived as one, and died as one too. Jesus was a rebel through and through. Check out this w...

06/01/2026

Here is your weekly prayer guide. The theme this week is how Jesus came to change the world. Enjoy!

05/31/2026

Sunday, May 31, 2026 @ 10am
Born a Rebel
Luke 1:39-55 NRSV
Rev. Jon Wesley Waterson

Dictionary.com defines a rebel as “a person who resists any authority, control, or tradition.” In fact, most dictionaries define rebel as someone who is against something. Jesus redefines what it means to be a rebel. Jesus was a “rebel with a cause,” and that cause was the advancement of God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.” Standing up for God’s kingdom meant that people in power experienced him as a rebel. But Jesus’ whole life and ministry was defined by the things that he stood for, not what he was against. This week, we begin a new sermon series “The Rebel Jesus.” During this series we will be exploring the aspect of Jesus’ life that the church seems to have lost sight of – Jesus as a rebel (a rebel for God). This week, we will discover how Jesus was destined for this role from the very moment of his conception. Join us this Sunday as learn about how Jesus was “Born a Rebel.”

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05/29/2026

Dictionary.com defines a rebel as “a person who resists any authority, control, or tradition.” In fact, most dictionaries define rebel as someone who is against something. Jesus redefines what it means to be a rebel. Jesus was a “rebel with a cause,” and that cause was the advancement of God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.” Standing up for God’s kingdom meant that people in power experienced him as a rebel. But Jesus’ whole life and ministry was defined by the things that he stood for, not what he was against. This week, we begin a new sermon series “The Rebel Jesus.” During this series we will be exploring the aspect of Jesus’ life that the church seems to have lost sight of – Jesus as a rebel (a rebel for God). This week, we will discover how Jesus was destined for this role from the very moment of his conception. Join us this Sunday as learn about how Jesus was “Born a Rebel.”

05/25/2026

While the Holy Spirit provides us with comfort, guidance, and strength, it is also God's agent of change. We must not resist the change the Holy Spirit inspires. We must learn to embrace it. Check out this week's edition of Monday Morning Quarterback.

While the Holy Spirit provides us with comfort, guidance, and strength, it is also God's agent of change. We must not resist the change the Holy Spirit inspi...