The Idlewild podcast is a ministry of Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis, TN. Every podcast includes a weekly sermon that explores scripture and provokes reflection about the mystery of God and what it means to model our lives on the life of Jesus Christ.
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This morning, we will continue our series, I Pledge Allegiance, with a sermon entitled My Fellow Citizens. Through Galatians 3:23–29, Paul will remind us that our deepest identity is found in Christ rather than in the categories that so often divide us. Together, we will consider what it means to be faithful citizens of the kingdom of God while also living responsibly as citizens of the United…
This morning, we will continue our sermon series I Pledge Allegiance by turning toward the honesty, courage, and hope required to help our nation live more fully into its highest promises. Through the prophet Amos, we will hear God’s warning that worship and public virtue ring hollow when they are separated from justice. Sermon on Amos 5:18-24, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on August…
This morning, we will inaugurate a new sermon series entitled I Pledge Allegiance. In a time when faith and national identity are often blurred, this four-week study will help us wrestle with what it means to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Sermon on Philippians 2:5–11, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on August 2nd, 2026.
This morning, we conclude our summer sermon series, Tell Me a Story, by exploring the familiar story of Jonah. The Reverend Amy Howe will lead us as we look beyond the dramatic three days spent in the belly of a big fish and see how the story shows us Jonah's hesitation to preach repentance to a people he abhorred and God's determination to heal, not just the Israelites, but all God's people.…
This morning, we continue our summer sermon series, Tell Me a Story, and we turn to the book of Daniel. Our focus scripture is Daniel 6:6-28, marking a pivotal halfway point in the story. Sermon on Daniel 6:6-28, delivered by the Reverend Mary Newberg Gale on July 19th, 2026.
This morning, we continue our summer sermon series, Tell Me a Story, by turning to the story of Esther. Our scripture will be Esther 4:1–3 and 10–17, the turning point in the story when Esther must decide whether to risk her own safety for the sake of her people. Sermon on Esther 4:1-3, 10-17, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on July 12th, 2026.
This morning, we will continue our Tell Me a Story series with two of the most well-known characters in all of Scripture: David and Goliath. Many of us learned this story as children as a tale of courage, faith, and the underdog who defeats the giant, and it is certainly that. However, David’s story also asks us to look more closely at the nature of power. It reveals how the vulnerable can…
As we continue our summer sermon series, Tell Me A Story, this week we turn to the book of Ruth. It is here that we encounter a foundational story of devotion, community, and steadfast love. Ruth's 'outsider' status and her loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi define the narrative and guide us to wrestle with God's boundary-breaking love in our own lives. Sermon on Ruth 1:1-19, delivered by the…
This morning, our summer sermon series, Tell Me a Story, continues as we revisit one of the most familiar figures in all of scripture: Moses. Long before he led God's people out of Egypt, Moses was a fugitive tending sheep in the wilderness when he encountered God in a burning bush. Our Theologian in Residence, Rev. Dr. Stephen Haynes will explore this pivotal moment and the surprising ways God…
As we continue our summer sermon series, Tell Me a Story, we turn our attention to the story of Joseph. Spanning nearly half of the book of Genesis, Joseph's story is a sprawling narrative full of twists and turns, betrayals and surprises. Sermon on Genesis 45:1-15, delivered by the Reverend Mary Newberg Gale on June 14th, 2026.
This morning, we begin a new summer sermon series, Tell Me a Story, revisiting some of the biblical characters we first met as children and discovering what their stories still have to teach us today. We begin with Noah, not the nursery version with smiling animals and rainbows, but a story about a world gone wrong, a God whose heart can break, and a grace that refuses to let creation go. Sermon…
On Trinity Sunday, we celebrate the mystery and beauty of God revealed in relationship - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - distinct yet one, bound together in perfect love. In 1 Corinthians 12:4–12, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the church, too, is made up of many gifts, many callings, and many people, all joined together as one body in Christ. As we ordain and install new elders and deacons, we…
This morning, as we gather to celebrate Pentecost, we remember the moment that everything changed for the disciples. In fear and uncertainty, they had gathered together waiting on God’s promise. The Holy Spirit then moved among them, filling them with courage and a calling. Sermon on Acts 2:1-21, delivered by the Reverend Mary Newberg Gale on May 24th, 2026.
This morning, we will wrap up our Eastertide sermon series, Resurrected Life, by reflecting on what it means to be sent into the world as witnesses to the risen Christ. Our scripture will come from Acts 1:6–14, where the disciples stand between Christ’s ascension and the coming of the Spirit, learning to trust what God will do next. Sermon on Acts 1:6-14, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers…
This morning, we continue in the joy of Eastertide and in our sermon series Resurrected Life, exploring what it means to live as people shaped by the presence of the risen Jesus. Our scripture lesson comes from the Gospel of Matthew 28:16–20, where the disciples encounter Christ on the mountain and are sent out into the world with a calling that is both challenging and full of promise. In this…
This morning, we will continue in the joy of Eastertide and in our sermon series Resurrected Life, where we are exploring what it means to live each day shaped by the presence and power of the risen Jesus. Our worship will center on John 21:1–14 as the disciples encounter the risen Christ beside the sea and are invited to cast their nets once more; trusting his guidance into deeper waters. In this…
This morning, as we celebrate the second Sunday of Easter, our youth will take on the full work of worship; offering prayers, leading liturgy, reading scripture, and proclaiming the Word. Grounded in the Gospel of John, several of our graduating seniors will share sermons reflecting on what it means to hear and follow Christ's voice in a noisy world. Sermon on John 10:1-6 and John 21:15-19,…
This morning, we continue in the joy of Eastertide with the second week of our sermon series, Resurrected Life. In our scripture lesson, John 20:24-29, we meet Thomas the Apostle, who longs to see and touch Christ’s wounds before he can believe. In this powerful encounter, Jesus does not reject Thomas’s doubt, but meets him in it, offering peace and inviting him closer through his scars. Together,…
This morning, as we gather to worship, we'll kick off an Eastertide sermon series entitled Resurrected Life. Over the next six weeks, we'll focus on the teachings and encounters of Christ after the resurrection, reflecting on how hope, courage, forgiveness, and purpose take root in the lives of those who follow Christ. Sermon on John 20:19-23, delivered by the Reverend Mary Newberg Gale on April…
This Easter morning, we gather for the day at the heart of our faith, when we proclaim that Christ is risen and death no longer has the final word. In John 20:1–18, we encounter Mary Magdalene, who comes to the tomb in grief and leaves with a message of hope: “I have seen the Lord.” It is a story that reminds us that resurrection is not only something we believe, but something we are called to…
This morning as we gather for Palm Sunday we will conclude our Lenten series, Marks of a Disciple, by reflecting on the mark of compassion through Paul’s words in Philippians. As the crowds welcome Jesus with shouts of praise, we are reminded that following him leads us beyond words into lives shaped by generous, shared love. Paul gives thanks for a community that cared for him in his need,…
This morning we will continue our Lenten series, Marks of a Disciple, by reflecting on the mark of peace through Paul’s words in Philippians 4:4–9. Writing from a place of uncertainty, Paul speaks of a peace that is not dependent on circumstances, but rooted in trust in God’s nearness and care. In a season that invites us to examine what weighs on our hearts, this passage gently calls us to…
This morning we continue our Lenten series, Marks of a Disciple, by reflecting on the mark of perseverance through Paul’s words in Philippians 3:4b–14. In his epistle, Paul describes the life of faith as a journey in which we let go of what lies behind and press on toward the life God promises in Christ. Rather than relying on his own accomplishments, Paul places his hope entirely in the grace of…
This morning, we will continue our Lenten series, Marks of a Disciple, by reflecting on the mark of humility through Paul’s words in Philippians 2:1–13. In this remarkable passage, Paul invites the church to have “the same mind that was in Christ Jesus,” pointing to Christ’s willingness to empty himself and take the form of a servant. In a world that often prizes status and self-assertion, the…
This morning, as we mark the First Sunday in Lent, we are beginning a sermon series entitled Marks of A Disciple. This series asks a simple but searching question: what does a faithful disciple of Jesus look like in the world? Over the next six Sundays, we'll explore the qualities that shape a life formed by Christ—boldness, gratitude, humility, perseverance, peace, and compassion. As we journey…
This morning, we will conclude our sermon series, Who Do You Say I Am?, with a message drawn from Matthew 16:13–20 entitled “The Messiah.” Throughout the season of Epiphany, we have encountered Christ as the Word Made Flesh, the Image of God, Teacher and Healer, Crucified One, and Risen Lord, and now we return to Jesus’ own question to his disciples. Sermon on Matthew 16:13-20, delivered by the…
This morning, we continue our sermon series, Who Do You Say That I Am?, with “Christ the Risen One,” drawn from Luke 24:13-35 - the story of Jesus walking with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. This passage will remind us that Christ often meets us not in dramatic moments, but in ordinary conversations, shared stories, and the breaking of bread. Together, we’ll reflect on how resurrection is…
When we gather, we will continue our sermon series, Who Do You Say That I Am?, with “Christ the Crucified,” as we reflect on Philippians 2:5–11 and the surprising shape of God’s love revealed in Jesus. Our scripture will invite us to consider how Christ’s humility reshapes our understanding of power, love, and faithful living. Sermon on Philippians 2:5-11, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers…
This morning, we continue to answer the question Who Do You Say I Am? with a sermon entitled “Christ the Teacher and Healer." I will preach a special Sermon from the Sofa (a format some of you may remember from a few winters ago), offering God’s Word from the warmth and comfort of home. Even while apart physically, we gather spiritually as we listen for Christ’s authority, compassion, and healing…
This morning, we will continue our sermon series, Who Do You Say That I Am?, a six-week exploration of who Christians confess Jesus the Christ to be—and why that confession still matters for our lives and our world. This week’s sermon, “Christ the Image of God,” draws from Colossians 1:15–20, a soaring passage that invites us to see Jesus as the clearest picture of God’s heart and humanity’s true…
The first installment of our study, entitled Christ the Word Made Flesh, will grow from the Gospel of John. In its opening verses, we will encounter the mystery of the Word who existed from all eternity and yet comes to dwell among us in Christ. We will reflect on the scripture's cosmic and deeply personal dimensions, as it holds together God’s eternal purpose and God’s nearness to human life.…
This morning, as we gather in the New Year, we'll mark the feast of Epiphany and the last of our worship series Insisting on Hope. As we once again share the story of the Magi and the star they followed, we'll reflect on how we live the hope of God in the face of a fearful world. The words of the Gospel of Matthew will lead us to consider what it means to follow the Light of the World. Sermon on…
Sermon delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on December 24, 2025.
This morning, we continue our Advent sermon series, Insisting on Hope, by reflecting on the theme of love as God’s steady presence in times of fear and uncertainty. In Isaiah 41, God speaks words of deep reassurance—“Do not fear, for I am with you”—reminding us that divine love holds us fast even when the world feels unsteady. In Matthew’s telling of Jesus’ birth, we encounter a quiet, courageous…
This morning, we will continue our Advent sermon series, Insisting on Hope, by listening to stories where God’s joy breaks into ordinary lives in unexpected ways. In Jeremiah 1 and Luke 1, we encounter a God who calls before we feel ready and who speaks possibility into moments marked by uncertainty and fear. These scriptures invite us to consider how Advent joy is not shallow happiness, but a…
This morning, we continue our Advent journey by listening to Isaiah’s promise that God is “about to do a new thing,” and to Jesus’ words in Matthew 11 that reveal how God’s renewal springs up in surprising places. Together, these scriptures invite us to consider how peace takes root—not only in grand gestures, but in the quiet, steady work of God that heals, restores, and makes a way where none…
This morning, we enter the holy season of Advent, a time of longing, watching, and preparing for God’s light to break into the world. As we gather, we also begin a new sermon series entitled “Insisting on Hope,” exploring how Christians are called to live faithfully in an age shaped by so much fear. Sermon on Lamentations 3:55-57 and Luke 1:5-13, delivered by the Reverend David J. Powers on…
This morning, we gather at the culmination of the church year as we celebrate Reign of Christ Sunday. As we look back over the movement of our liturgical year, we'll reflect on how we live and move in the world in light of God's promises. The words of the prophet Jeremiah lead us to consider what it means to trust and work toward God's kingdom in all we do. Sermon on Jeremiah 23:1-6, delivered by…
This morning, our worship we will grow from a beautiful passage in Ephesians, where Paul introduces the image of the body of Christ. We will be reminded that we are indeed one in Christ, called to live with humility, gentleness, and love, and we will remember that God gives each of us gifts—not for ourselves alone, but for building up the whole body until we grow into the full stature of Christ.…
This morning, we will celebrate All Saints' Day, giving thanks for the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and whose faith still shapes our own. The Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:15–23 will remind us that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us today, binding us together as his body and filling all creation with his love. As we remember the saints, we…
This morning, as we celebrate Commitment Sunday, we will conclude our series on generosity, Growing in Gratitude, by turning to 1 Corinthians 4:1–5, where Paul reminds us that we are “stewards of the mysteries of God.” In worship, we will consider how gratitude itself grows within us—nourished by the Spirit—as we learn to faithfully steward not only our financial gifts, but every good gift God has…
This morning, we'll turn to 1 Chronicles 29 as we continue our Sermon Series, Growing in Gratitude. In verses 10-16, we will hear a portion of King David's farewell address to his kingdom, as he reflects on the devotion and the resources necessary to build the Temple. Sermon on 1 Chronicles 29:10-16, delivered by the Reverend The Reverend Mary Newberg Gale on October 19th, 2025.
This morning, we will begin a new three-part sermon series on generosity which will help us explore our annual theme “Growing in Gratitude.” Our worship will be grounded by Lamentations 3:22–26 and Philippians 4:10–13, 19–20, where we will reflect on God’s steadfast love and the contentment that grows from trusting in God’s provision. Sermon on Lamentations 3:22–26 and Philippians 4:10–13, 19–20,…
This morning, we will celebrate World Communion Sunday, a day when Christians around the globe gather at the Lord’s Table. In Luke 24, the disciples’ eyes were opened at Emmaus when Jesus blessed and broke bread with them, turning their despair into joy and their confusion into hope. At the Lord’s Table, we too encounter Christ’s living presence—a presence that binds us together across nations and…
This morning, we will turn to Mark 9 as we reflect on how we understand and practice faith. Together, we'll explore the relationship between faith and uncertainty in a world that demands conviction in all things. Come and join us as we listen for God's Spirit amidst our doubts. Sermon on Mark 9:14-27, delivered by the Reverend The Reverend Mary Newberg Gale on September 28th, 2025.
This morning in worship we will turn to one of my favorite passages of Scripture, Deuteronomy 6:10–14a. Together we’ll discover how we are inheritors of God’s good gifts—both personally and as a community. As we give thanks for the gifts of God passed down through our forebears who shaped the life of faith at Idlewild, we will also pause to remember the countless saints who have poured into each…
This morning, as we begin our season of generosity, our worship will center on the well-known story of the prodigal son from the Gospel of Luke. In telling the parable, Jesus teaches us that faithful generosity springs from relationship -- our relationship with Him, His unending generosity toward us, and the life we share as His body, the Church. We’ll see that God’s generosity is not earned or…
This morning, as we celebrate the official start of the programmatic year with Kickoff Sunday, our worship will be centered on the Book of Acts. In Acts 6, we read about a grievance brought by the Hellenists against the Hebrews in the early church: the Hellenist widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. In response, the Disciples instructed the community to choose seven…
This morning we will continue our exploration of the lectionary as we meet Jesus at Sabbath meal in Luke 14. There, Jesus offers a parable to the guests seeking places of honor and prominence. As we worship we will explore how insecurities often send us following after the limelight rather than Christ, and remember that we are each called a child of God, and that is enough. Sermon on Luke Luke…
This morning, the lectionary lesson will situate us alongside Jesus as he teaches in the synagogue on the sabbath. Seeing a woman crippled by a spirit, Jesus will pause his lesson, call the woman over, and heal her saying, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” While the woman will praise God for her healing, the leader of the synagogue will grow indignant saying, “There are six days on…
