Richland Center Free Methodist Church

Free Indeed

In John 8, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' True freedom is found not in the absence of chains, but in the presence of truth. Join us as we explore the depths of Jesus' promise and discover what it means to be Free Indeed.
Recorded June 30th, 2024Message by Pastor Tim WardScripture: John 8:31-36

Tabernacle Giving

Exodus 35:4-21 teaches us about the importance of heartfelt and voluntary giving. The Israelites' willingness to offer their resources and skills for the construction of the Tabernacle reflects true generosity, motivated by devotion to God. This lesson reminds us that giving should stem from gratitude, using our unique talents and contributions to strengthen our faith and community.Recorded June 23, 2024Message by Pastor Tim WardScripture: Exodus 35:4-21

A Portrait of Fatherhood

Paul identifies courage, integrity, gentleness, hard work, and leading by example as essential qualities in his ministry. Through embodying these traits, fathers can profoundly influence and nurture their children, fostering their growth in faith, character, and resilience, ultimately creating a lasting impact rooted in love and righteousness. Join us this Sunday to explore these principles and be inspired to embrace the true essence of fatherhood.Recorded June 16th, 2024Message by Pastor Tim WardScripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

God, Show Me Your Glory

Moses, burdened with the responsibility of leading the Israelites, pleads for reassurance from God. He yearns for God's presence, knowing that without it, their journey would be in vain. Moses understands that it is God's favor and guidance that sets His people apart. God's response is both comforting and awe-inspiring. He promises His presence and rest, affirming His knowledge and favor towards Moses.
Yet, Moses desires more; he seeks to witness God's glory—His radiant essence, His unparalleled goodness, His mercy, His power.
Join us as we seek to understand and experience the glory of God in our lives. Let us, like Moses, boldly ask, "God, show me Your glory."
Message by Pastor Tim WardRecorded June 9th, 2024Scripture: Exodus 33: 12-23

Ready-Mix Gods

Many people today seek instant gratification in spirituality by turning to self-proclaimed gurus and trendy, off-the-shelf, pick-and-choose beliefs, preferring the ease of ready-made answers over the challenge of deep, genuine faith. This modern "Ready-Mix Gods" phenomenon reflects our culture's short-sightedness and desire for immediate satisfaction, often at the expense of true spiritual growth and understanding. 
A quick glance at history shows how ineffective and disastrous this can be. The Israelites, who in their impatience demanded a golden calf when Moses took too long on Mount Sinai, nearly brought about their own destruction with their actions. Let us learn from the past and commit to seeking authentic, enduring spirituality that fosters real growth and deeper understanding.
Recorded July 2, 2024Scripture: Exodus 32: 1-10Message by Pastor Tim Ward

When God Seems Silent

In today's fast-paced world, impatience often leads us to seek quick fixes and instant gratification. Much like the Israelites in Exodus 32, who created a golden calf while waiting for Moses, we turn to materialism and superficial successes for immediate satisfaction. These modern idols promise quick relief but bring deeper unrest.
Moses' fury upon seeing the idolatry and his breaking of the tablets symbolize the moment of reckoning we face when our illusions shatter. This highlights the importance of patience and steadfastness. In times of uncertainty, staying true to our faith and meditating on God's word can help us navigate through the silence with trust and integrity.
Recorded May 26th, 2024Scripture: Exodus 32: 1-7, Exodus 32: 19-29Message by Pastor Tim Ward

When Moses Prayed, God Listened

In the scriptures, Moses' powerful intercession before God illustrates the profound impact of sincere prayer. Despite the Israelites' rebellion and worship of the golden calf, Moses' heartfelt pleas moved God to show mercy and refrain from destroying His people. This account reminds us that prayer is a powerful tool; when we earnestly seek God's intervention, He listens. Just as Moses' prayers altered the course of history, our prayers can bring about divine grace and change, demonstrating that God's compassion and patience are always within reach through earnest supplication.

The Value of a Woman

Exploring women's evolving roles in society and church leadership, we celebrate their diverse contributions and impact on families and communities.
Every morning, as the world wakes, I remember my mother standing by the window, coffee in hand, watching the early hustle with an unspoken love for the new day. She always started before everyone else, her energy the spark that ignited our mornings. As I've grown and moved away, those quiet moments resonate more deeply.
Her dedication wasn't confined to our home; it extended into her career and community. She was an adept professional, balancing demanding roles with the finesse that others admired. At work, her colleagues revered her for her sharp insight and unwavering ethic, often leading projects that would benefit not just the company but the community it served.
At home, she was our chief problem solver and peacemaker. Her strategies for managing our household were crafted with a precision that seemed almost effortless. Despite her busy schedule, she always found time to ensure we were cared for, often putting our needs ahead of her own without a second thought.
Her influence reached beyond our immediate family. She was a mentor in neighborhood networks, organizing events that brought people together, fostering a sense of community and support. Her ability to connect with people, to offer advice, and to listen—truly listen—made her a cornerstone in the lives of many.
Now, as I navigate my own challenges and triumphs, I find myself echoing her teachings and her methods. Her strength and grace have become a guiding force, a measure of the kind of person I aspire to be. As Mother's Day nears, I am filled with gratitude for all the visible victories and silent sacrifices that shaped such an incredible legacy. My mother, with all her quiet dignity and fierce resolve, has given me more than just a model of virtues to aspire to—she has given me a foundation of love and respect that defines every part of my life.
Recorded May 12th, 2024Message by Pastor Tim WardScripture Reading: Proverbs 31:10-31, Romans 16:1-16

Free Methodist World Missions - Africa

This week, we’re excited to host the Lorenz family and hear their mission update.Recorded: May 5th, 2024Message by Rev. Glenn Lorenz & Wendy Lorenz

Responding Positively When Trouble Arises

The story of Chicken Little highlights the importance of our responses in tough times. Her panicked reaction to an acorn sparks fear and misinformation among her friends, leading to vulnerability to Foxy Loxy's deception. 
This tale teaches us to avoid impulsive decisions and emotional reactions during crises, instead urging us to trust in the Lord's guidance. Drawing wisdom from Psalms 37 and James 1, we learn to face challenges with faith and patience, finding solace in God's promises.
As we reflect on this lesson, we are encouraged to approach challenges with joy and perseverance, seeking divine wisdom with unwavering faith. Let's remember to reject fear-driven responses, embrace unwavering faith, and rely on God's steady provision through life's storms.
Recorded April 28th, 2024Message by Jo Ann KrulatzScripture Reading: Psalm 37:1-11, James 1:2-8