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Pastor Ashley reflects on the theme of preparations during Advent, linking our Christmas preparations with Zechariah’s sacred duty in the temple. Chosen by lot to offer prayers for Israel’s redemption, Zechariah also brings his long-held personal prayer for a child. When the angel Gabriel appears and announces that both prayers will be answered through the birth of John, Zechariah struggles to believe. His imposed silence becomes both consequence and gift, creating space for hope to take root. The sermon invites us to consider how God prepares us, how we wait with “just enough” faith, and how hope transforms us.

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Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

office@warrentonumc.org

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Lori Bakewell shares her personal journey of losing and rediscovering joy after a season of profound loss, family responsibilities, and emotional exhaustion. Though she continued “showing up” in life, she realized she had mistaken being “happy enough” for true joy. A difficult Christmas Eve became a turning point, leading her to seek God’s answer and reflect on joy as something deeper and foundational. Lori learned that joy requires intention—recognizing the difference between happiness and joy, practicing gratitude in small everyday moments, and sharing joy with others. Rediscovering joy transformed her life and strengthened her faith through future hardships.

http://www.warrentonumc.org

Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

office@warrentonumc.org

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Pastor Ashley teaches that God is always speaking, just as God spoke to Samuel throughout his life. Samuel’s story shows the power of listening—not just hearing—with attention, obedience, and trust. Though Samuel never saw the fulfillment of God’s long-term plan, his faithfulness helped set the stage for Jesus’ arrival. Waiting becomes meaningful when we listen, obey, and stay faithful in the in-between. Pastor Ashley encourages us to keep going when God feels silent, focus on blessing others, and practice obedience even when the path is unclear. When we listen with purpose, waiting becomes partnership with God, shaping us and future generations.

http://www.warrentonumc.org

Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

office@warrentonumc.org

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Pastor Ashley teaches that “trusting in the waiting” is essential to spiritual growth. In a world used to instant answers and constant updates, waiting feels uncomfortable, even anxiety-inducing—but God uses waiting to shape our character, deepen our dependence, and align us with divine timing. Drawing from Romans 8 and the image of an apple tree that stores energy after a harsh frost, she explains that seasons that seem dormant are actually preparing us for abundance. Scripture shows God’s promises unfolding slowly across generations. Likewise, in our own waiting—painful or uncertain—God is already at work beneath the surface, preparing a harvest of hope.

http://www.warrentonumc.org

Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

office@warrentonumc.org

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Pastor Ashley’s sermon reflected on Elijah’s story as a reminder of the power and purpose of pausing. She began by noting the simple wisdom of rest—sometimes all we need is “a nap and a snack.” Through Elijah’s exhaustion and despair, God met him not with judgment but with care, providing food, rest, and renewal before speaking in a gentle whisper. Pastor Ashley reminded us that God often works most deeply when we stop striving—when we rest, listen, and allow space for His presence. Pauses, whether chosen or forced, can be sacred interruptions where God restores, redirects, and renews our strength and purpose.

http://www.warrrentonumc.org

Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

office@warrentonumc.org

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Pastor Ashley’s sermon reflected on Jesus raising Lazarus and the deep lessons it offers about grief, faith, and hope. She reminded us that even Jesus experienced profound sorrow, showing the depth of His love and His reliance on prayer. Through His example, we learn to grieve honestly, pray expectantly, and trust that God is always working for redemption. Pastor Ashley emphasized that “Sozo Jesus” — the rescuer, healer, and restorer — continues God’s redemptive work in our lives. Though pain may not fully end, it softens as we cling to faith and community, trusting that God will redeem and restore all things.

http://www.warrentonumc.org

Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

office@warrentonumc.org

Send us a text

Pastor Ashley’s sermon, “Wounded Healer,” reminds us that while pain and grief are unavoidable parts of life, God’s faithfulness sustains us through them. Using examples from scripture and personal stories, she emphasizes that God comforts us not just to ease our pain, but to equip us to comfort others. True healing comes through partnership—with God and with one another—as we journey through life’s deserts together. Like Jesus, who wept with Mary and Martha, we are called to sit with others in their grief, offering presence, compassion, and faith that healing and hope still lie ahead. We are comforted to be comforters.

http://www.warrentonumc.org

Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

office@warrentonumc.org

Send us a text

This sermon opens a new series, “A Time to Heal,” focusing on grief as both a personal and communal experience. Pastor Ashley invites prayer that God be glorified through reflection and healing. Grief, they note, takes many forms—loss of loved ones, relationships, dreams, or stability—and affects everyone. Drawing from the story of Jesus weeping for Lazarus, the message shows that grief is not weakness but a shared human and divine experience. Jesus’ deep emotion reveals that outrage and compassion coexist in faithful mourning. Pastor Ashley urges embracing grief together, allowing it to connect us, heal us, and lead to new life in Christ.

http://www.warrentonumc.org

Warrenton United Methodist Church
341 Church St.
Warrenton VA 20186

office@warrentonumc.org