NEW SERMON SERIES, “Art and Faith”, starting July 12

“Beauty has no obvious use; nor is there any clear cultural necessity for it.” Sigmund Freud said, “Yet civilization could not do without it.” This five-part sermon series will explore themes of faith as expressed in artistic expression. To enhance each sermon, we invite you to discover (or rediscover) each piece before each service. Click on the links below to read or listen to the poem; view the painting online; listen to or read the lyrics of the song; read the short story; and watch the movie.

Sunday, July 12 | Rev. Ashley Cheung
A poem, “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver

• Listen to the poem read by Mary Oliver
• Read the poem

Sunday, July 19  |  Rev. Dr. Mike Graves
A painting, “Christ on the Sea of Galilee” by Eugène Delacroix.

• View and learn more about the painting on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s website

Sunday, July 26  |  Rev. Carla Aday
A song, “Blackbird” by the Beatles

• Watch and listen to Paul McCartney perform the song
• View the lyrics to the song

Sunday, Aug. 2  |  Rev. Carla Aday
A short story, “A Small Good Thing” by Raymond Carver

• Read the short story

Sunday, Aug. 9  |  Rev. Carla Aday
A movie “Hamnet”

• This movie is currently available to rent or buy digitally on Prime Video
• It is officially scheduled to premiere on Netflix on July 6, 2026
• You can stream it with a subscription on Peacock.