Helotes Hills United Methodist Church

This week, Pastor Will reflects on Matthew 5:1–12 and Jesus’ words from the mountaintop. In the Beatitudes, Jesus turns our assumptions about blessing upside down, revealing that God’s favor rests in places we’re not used to looking.Scripture references: Psalm 15, Micah 6:1-8, and Matthew 5:1-12“MIGHTY TO SAVE” – CCLI Song # 4591782  |   Ben Fielding | Reuben Morgan  |  © 2006 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com   |  CCLI License # 2544867"GO NOW IN PEACE" –  Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

This week, Pastor Will reflects on Matthew 4:12–22 and Jesus’ invitation, “Follow me.” This sermon explores how that call is not just for pastors, but for all of us, and asks what we might need to leave behind in order to follow faithfully in our everyday lives.

This week, Pastor Will reflects on John 1:29 and John the Baptist’s words, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” In this Epiphany sermon, we explore what that image meant to those who first heard it and what it reveals about who Jesus is for the world today. It’s a reminder that Christ’s saving work is bigger than any one of us and speaks to a world in need of healing.Scripture References: Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, and John 1: 29-42“CRY OF MY HEART” -- CCLI Song # 844980  |  Terry Butler  |  © 1991 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867"GO NOW IN PEACE" –  Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

This week, Pastor Will reflects on Matthew 3:13–17 and the baptism of Jesus. As Jesus steps into the water, we glimpse a moment where heaven and earth draw close and God’s voice speaks belovedness. This sermon invites us to remember our baptism, to trust God’s faithfulness even when we wander, and to listen again for the promise that still claims us.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Isaiah 42:1-9, Isaiah 42:1-9, and Matthew 3:13-17“DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE” -- CCLI Song # 7211349  |  Stacey V. Gibbs  |  © 2016 Gentry Publications  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  CCLI License # 2544867   ----  CCLI Song # 3529267  |  Peter D. Smith  |  © Stainer & Bell Ltd  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867“LEFT IT IN THE RIVER” -- CCLI Song # 7242565  |  ColbyWedgeworth | Jamie MacDonald | Jonathan Conrad Gamble  |  ©2025 Capitol CMG Genesis; Capitol CMG Paragon; Jamie Mac Publishing; Jonathan Conrad Gamble Publishing; Wedgeworth Publishing  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867"GO NOW IN PEACE" –  Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

This week, Pastor Will reflects on Matthew 2:1–12 and the meaning of Epiphany. As the Christmas season comes to a close, we follow the light of a star and the journey of the Magi—outsiders who noticed something God was doing and chose to follow it. This sermon explores what it means to keep watching for God’s light in a world that still knows darkness, and how we are invited not just to see that light, but to follow it and share it.Scripture references: Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, and Matthew 2:1-12“GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN” – CCLI Song # 6008077 |  Public Domain |  Arrangement: 2009 All Essential Music  |   Formerly Music  |  Mt. Roskill Music  |  Prepare For The Zombie Apocalypse  |  So Essential Tunes  |  Spirit Nashville Three  |  CCLILicense # 2544867

This week, Pastor Will reflects on Matthew 2:13–23 and the part of the Christmas story we often skip. While we’re still singing carols, Matthew shows us a world that is anything but calm and bright — and invites us to consider what it means that God chose to enter this kind of world.“JOY TO THE WORLD / OUR GOD SAVES --     CCLI Song # 7101432  |  © 2017 Thankyou Music Ltd | Integrity Worship Music | Integrity's Hosanna! Music | Leadworship Songs | Michael Rossback Music  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867 

The third Sunday of Advent opens in a prison, with John the Baptist asking a question many of us still ask: Are you really the one, or should we wait for another?This sermon sits in the space between promise and fulfillment, where Advent reminds us that faith isn’t pretending everything is fine, but trusting that God has already entered what is broken.Scripture references: Isaiah 35:1-10; James 5:7-10; and Matthew 11:2-11 “GOOD CHRISTIAN MEN REJOICE” – Public Domain, but arrangement by Smalltown Poets (used with permission!)"GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN" - Public Domain

This week, Pastor Will reflects on Matthew 3:1–12 and John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way during Advent. In a season that urges us to rush toward Christmas, John’s voice from the wilderness invites us to slow down, make space, and re-orient our lives toward the God who is already near. Advent, he reminds us, isn’t about nostalgia or rushing to celebration, but about repentance, readiness, and making room for God to move.Scripture references: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; and Matthew 3:1-12.“PREPARE YE THE WAY” -- CCLI Song # 5286041  |  Michael W. Smith  |  © 2008 Smittyfly Music (Admin. by Capitol CMGPublishing)  |  Curb Word Music (Admin. by WC Music Corp.)  | For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867

This week, Pastor Will reflects on Matthew 24:36–44 and the real meaning of Advent. Instead of rushing into Christmas, we’re invited to slow down, stay awake, and pay attention to the ways God still breaks into our world. Advent isn’t just waiting for December 25—it’s learning to live ready for whatever God might reveal next.

This week, Pastor Will reflects on Philippians 4:6–7 and Paul’s bold command: “Do not worry about anything.” From late-night anxieties to everyday pressures, worry pulls us apart — but Paul offers another way. Through prayer, honest requests, and a posture of thanksgiving, we discover the peace of God that gathers us back together. As we enter Thanksgiving week, this message invites us to name our worries, remember our blessings, and find the peace that surpasses understanding.Scripture references: Psalm 100; Deuteronomy 26:1-11; and Philippians 4:6-7“SING WHEREVER I GO” --  CCLI Song #7138601  |  Andrew Bergthold | Ed Cash | Franni Cash | Kyle Briskin | Martin Cash | Scott Cash  |  © 2019 Andrew Bergthold Designee (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)  |  Angie Feel Good Songs (Admin.by Capitol CMG Publishing)  |  Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)  |  Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)  |  Neon District Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)  |  We The Kingdom Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867“I SPEAK JESUS” -- CCLI Song # 7136201  |  Abby Benton | Carlene Prince | Dustin Smith | Jesse Reeves | Kristen Dutton | Raina Pratt  |  © 2019 For Me and My House Songs; Integrity's Praise! Music; BEC Worship; Raina Pratt publishing designee; Worship Coalition Songs; WriterWrong Music  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867"GO NOW IN PEACE" –  Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

This week, Pastor Will turns to Deuteronomy 30:11–20 and invites us on a kind of “time travel” through Scripture—standing with Moses on the edge of the Promised Land, with the exiles in Babylon, and right here in our own mid-November moment. In a world of endless daily decisions and modern idols, we hear God’s simple, challenging call to us as a community: choose life, together, and build a future of hope.Scripture references: Psalm 1:1-3; John 15:1-11; and Deuteronomy 30:11-20“WE CHOOSE PRAISE”  -- CCLI Song # 7238059  |  Dameon Aranda | David Wellman | Dustin Smith | Stephen Cole  |  © Acorns To Oaks Publishing; Bell Music Publishing; Life.Church Publishing Group; Remaining portion is unaffiliated  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com"GO NOW IN PEACE" – Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved 

This week, Pastor Will shares from Jeremiah 29:1–14, reminding us that even in seasons that feel like exile, God is still at work. Like the exiles in Babylon, we’re called to build, plant, and live faithfully where we are—trusting that God’s plans for us are good and full of hope.Scripture references: Psalm 37:1-7, Matthew 6:25-34, and Matthew 6:25-34.“MY HOPE IS YOU” -- CCLI Song # 2373672  |  Brad Avery | David Carr | Mac Powell | Mark D. Lee | Tai Anderson  |  © 1997Gray Dot Inc. (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)  |  New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)  | Kobalt Music Copyrights SARL (Admin. byKobalt Music Publishing America, Inc.)  |  For use solely with theSongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867“LORD CAN YOU SEE” -- Words and music by Chuck Barbour  |  All Rights Reserved  | Copyright CBarbour-music PAu2-948-969"GO NOW IN PEACE" –  Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

This week, Pastor Will led our annual All Saints Sunday service, sharing from Hebrews 12:1–2. He reflected on the “great cloud of witnesses” — the saints of Scripture and our own church’s history — who cheer us on as we run the race God has set before us.Scripture references: Psalm 24; Isaiah 25:6-9; and Hebrews 12:1–2“I WILL RUN” -- CCLI Song # 4797586  |  Misty Edwards  |  © 2005 Forerunner Worship | For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com"GO NOW IN PEACE" –  Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

This week, Pastor Will shared Ezekiel's vision of the Valley of Dry Bones from Ezekiel 37. In it, we hear a word for today as we await the breath of God to breathe new life into our lives, our church, and our world.Scripture references: Psalm 85; John 20:19–23; and Ezekiel 37:1-14“DAYS OF ELIJAH” -- CCLI Song # 1537904  |  Robin Mark  |  © 1996 Song Solutions Daybreak (Admin. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org)  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867“COME ALIVE” (DRY BONES) -- CCLI Song # 6573588  |  LaurenDaigle | Michael Farren  |  © 2012 CentricSongs; See You At The Pub; Curb Congregation Songs; Remaining portion is unaffiliated  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com"GO NOW IN PEACE" – Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

This week, Pastor Will finished up our summer journey through some of the most challenging passages in Luke's Gospel. In Luke 17:11-19, we hear the story of the healing of ten lepers, and receive a challenge from Jesus that reminds us to make giving thanks to God a central part of our lives.“I THANK GOD” -- CCLI Song # 7169680  |  Aaron Moses | Chuck Butler | Dante Bowe | Enrique Holmes | Jesse Cline | Maryanne J. George  |  © 2021 Bethel Worship Publishing; HeritageWorship Music Publishing; Maverick City Publishing; Aaron Moses Chiriboga Music; Be Essential Songs; Holmeboy Music Group; Jesse Cline Publishing Designee; Jord A Lil Music; MJ George Music  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867"GO NOW IN PEACE" –  Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

This week, Pastor Will looks at Genesis 18:1-8 and Hebrews 13:1-2 and talks about how offering the gift of hospitality can lead to great blessings from God.Note: This week's worship service was held outdoors in our Pumpkin Patch. Due to difficulties in capturing quality audio outdoors, this is a re-recording of the sermon.

This week's passage is from Luke 17:1-10. In the scripture, Jesus challenges us to take on some difficult and uncomfortable work. Fortunately, he also tells us that the faith we need to accomplish these tasks is already within us.Scripture references: Lamentations 1:1-6, Psalm 137, and Luke 17:1-10“CORNERSTONE” – CCLI Song # 6158927  | Edward Mote | Eric Liljero | Jonas Myrin | Reuben Morgan | William Batchelder Bradbury  |  © 2011 Hillsong MP Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)  |  Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)  |  Hillsong Music Publishing UK (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867"GO NOW IN PEACE" –  Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

This week, Pastor Will dives into the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. This passage calls us to question whether or not we see as Jesus would have us see. How do we understand our connection to others? Can we see ourselves as blessed when others around us suffer?“GIVE THANKS” -- CCLI Song # 20285  |  Henry Smith  |  ©1978 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867"GO NOW IN PEACE" –  Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

This week, we hear one of the most challenging parables in Luke's Gospel, The Parable of the Dishonest Manager. Is this story about finances, or something deeper? What has God entrusted us with, and how would we respond if held to account?“PRAISE” -- CCLI Song # 7213077  |  Brandon Lake | Chandler Moore | Chris Brown | Cody Carnes | Pat Barrett | Steven Furtick |  © Brandon Lake Music; For Humans Publishing; Maverick City Publishing; Capitol CMG Genesis; Capitol CMG Paragon; Housefires Sounds; Writer's Roof Publishing; Music by ElevationWorship Publishing | For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com | CCLI License # 2544867"GO NOW IN PEACE" – Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved

This week, Pastor Will shares one of the most well-known parables in Luke's Gospel, the Parable of the Lost Sheep, and reflects on the reckless love of God. How might we emulate this type of love in our lives and in the life of our church?Scripture references: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28; Psalm 14; and Luke 15:1-10“YOUR GRACE IS ENOUGH” -- CCLI Song # 4477026  |  MattMaher  |  © 2003 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)  |  spiritandsong.com  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com  |  CCLI License # 2544867“RECKLESS LOVE” -- CCLI Song # 7089641  |  Caleb Culver | Cory Asbury | Ran Jackson  |  © 2017 Cory Asbury Publishing;Richmond Park Publishing; Watershed Worship Publishing; Bethel Music Publishing  |  For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com"GO NOW IN PEACE" –  Words by Nancy Price and Don Besig -- Music by Don Besig -- Copyright (c) 1988 by Harold Flammer Music, a Division of Shawnee Press, Inc. -- International Copyright Secured   All Rights Reserved