Chestnut Hill United Church
@chestnuthillunited.bsky.social
An inclusive, lgbtqi-affirming, antiracist, child-friendly United Methodist and United Church of Christ community in northwest Philadelphia.
Advent does not require us to manufacture hope.
It invites us to bring our emptied hope to Jesus,
to ask the hard questions,
and to listen again for signs of God’s nearness.
And to trust that somewhere, even now,
something new is springing forth.
—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee on Matthew 11:1-11
It invites us to bring our emptied hope to Jesus,
to ask the hard questions,
and to listen again for signs of God’s nearness.
And to trust that somewhere, even now,
something new is springing forth.
—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee on Matthew 11:1-11
December 13, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Advent does not require us to manufacture hope.
It invites us to bring our emptied hope to Jesus,
to ask the hard questions,
and to listen again for signs of God’s nearness.
And to trust that somewhere, even now,
something new is springing forth.
—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee on Matthew 11:1-11
It invites us to bring our emptied hope to Jesus,
to ask the hard questions,
and to listen again for signs of God’s nearness.
And to trust that somewhere, even now,
something new is springing forth.
—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee on Matthew 11:1-11
A sudden onset of water can be terrifying, but in this case water is coming to the rescue. What might be scary right now, but is actually coming to save us? How do the waters help us see God and ourselves?
—artist statement for “Something in the Water” by Rev. T. Denise Anderson (@tdandersonart)
—artist statement for “Something in the Water” by Rev. T. Denise Anderson (@tdandersonart)
December 12, 2025 at 3:04 PM
A sudden onset of water can be terrifying, but in this case water is coming to the rescue. What might be scary right now, but is actually coming to save us? How do the waters help us see God and ourselves?
—artist statement for “Something in the Water” by Rev. T. Denise Anderson (@tdandersonart)
—artist statement for “Something in the Water” by Rev. T. Denise Anderson (@tdandersonart)
I unboxed a package from home—
a dozen blueberry muffins, a love letter with my name on it,
a reminder that I was not alone.
If you’re running out of hope, count to three.
God is in the kitchen. She’s just waiting for yeast to rise.
—from the poem “God in the Kitchen” by Rev. Sarah Speed
a dozen blueberry muffins, a love letter with my name on it,
a reminder that I was not alone.
If you’re running out of hope, count to three.
God is in the kitchen. She’s just waiting for yeast to rise.
—from the poem “God in the Kitchen” by Rev. Sarah Speed
December 11, 2025 at 3:04 PM
I unboxed a package from home—
a dozen blueberry muffins, a love letter with my name on it,
a reminder that I was not alone.
If you’re running out of hope, count to three.
God is in the kitchen. She’s just waiting for yeast to rise.
—from the poem “God in the Kitchen” by Rev. Sarah Speed
a dozen blueberry muffins, a love letter with my name on it,
a reminder that I was not alone.
If you’re running out of hope, count to three.
God is in the kitchen. She’s just waiting for yeast to rise.
—from the poem “God in the Kitchen” by Rev. Sarah Speed
Hope in the gospel is not grounded in outcomes or visible success.
Hope is rooted in perception—
in trusting God is still at work,
even when systems remain unchanged,
even when prophets die behind bars.
—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, from her commentary on Matthew 11:1-11 | @sanctifiedart
Hope is rooted in perception—
in trusting God is still at work,
even when systems remain unchanged,
even when prophets die behind bars.
—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, from her commentary on Matthew 11:1-11 | @sanctifiedart
December 10, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Hope in the gospel is not grounded in outcomes or visible success.
Hope is rooted in perception—
in trusting God is still at work,
even when systems remain unchanged,
even when prophets die behind bars.
—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, from her commentary on Matthew 11:1-11 | @sanctifiedart
Hope is rooted in perception—
in trusting God is still at work,
even when systems remain unchanged,
even when prophets die behind bars.
—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, from her commentary on Matthew 11:1-11 | @sanctifiedart
Looking out a prison window
who can see the flowers bloom?
Hope dissolves like dreams at daybreak
leaving us an empty room
Still beyond what we can see
God is always planting seeds
—from the hymn “Looking Out a Prison Window” by Rev. Anna Strickland | @sanctifiedart
who can see the flowers bloom?
Hope dissolves like dreams at daybreak
leaving us an empty room
Still beyond what we can see
God is always planting seeds
—from the hymn “Looking Out a Prison Window” by Rev. Anna Strickland | @sanctifiedart
December 9, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Looking out a prison window
who can see the flowers bloom?
Hope dissolves like dreams at daybreak
leaving us an empty room
Still beyond what we can see
God is always planting seeds
—from the hymn “Looking Out a Prison Window” by Rev. Anna Strickland | @sanctifiedart
who can see the flowers bloom?
Hope dissolves like dreams at daybreak
leaving us an empty room
Still beyond what we can see
God is always planting seeds
—from the hymn “Looking Out a Prison Window” by Rev. Anna Strickland | @sanctifiedart
I decided to image this good news through the dancing light of a lantern in John’s prison cell. I chose dancing figures because dancing feels like a primal response to the radical healing taking place outside the prison walls.
—artist statement by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman | @sanctifiedart
—artist statement by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman | @sanctifiedart
December 8, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I decided to image this good news through the dancing light of a lantern in John’s prison cell. I chose dancing figures because dancing feels like a primal response to the radical healing taking place outside the prison walls.
—artist statement by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman | @sanctifiedart
—artist statement by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman | @sanctifiedart
I believe that a God, born into empire
Carries the message that hope is enough
A little brave candle against growing shadows
Fearful or not, we show up
—from the song “Show Up” by Britt Kusserow (@brittkusserow) | @sanctifiedart
Carries the message that hope is enough
A little brave candle against growing shadows
Fearful or not, we show up
—from the song “Show Up” by Britt Kusserow (@brittkusserow) | @sanctifiedart
December 7, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I believe that a God, born into empire
Carries the message that hope is enough
A little brave candle against growing shadows
Fearful or not, we show up
—from the song “Show Up” by Britt Kusserow (@brittkusserow) | @sanctifiedart
Carries the message that hope is enough
A little brave candle against growing shadows
Fearful or not, we show up
—from the song “Show Up” by Britt Kusserow (@brittkusserow) | @sanctifiedart
In her commentary for the First Sunday of Advent, Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee asks:
What are we afraid to hope for?
What have we stopped praying for?
Where has fear caused us to shrink back?
How would you answer these questions?
@sanctifiedart
What are we afraid to hope for?
What have we stopped praying for?
Where has fear caused us to shrink back?
How would you answer these questions?
@sanctifiedart
December 6, 2025 at 3:02 PM
In her commentary for the First Sunday of Advent, Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee asks:
What are we afraid to hope for?
What have we stopped praying for?
Where has fear caused us to shrink back?
How would you answer these questions?
@sanctifiedart
What are we afraid to hope for?
What have we stopped praying for?
Where has fear caused us to shrink back?
How would you answer these questions?
@sanctifiedart
For the full sermon please got to chestnuthillunited.org/sermons/anot...
December 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM
For the full sermon please got to chestnuthillunited.org/sermons/anot...
For the full sermon please go to chestnuthillunited.org/sermons/buil...
December 5, 2025 at 4:30 PM
For the full sermon please go to chestnuthillunited.org/sermons/buil...
For the Full Sermon, please go to chestnuthillunited.org/sermons/lega...
December 5, 2025 at 4:00 PM
For the Full Sermon, please go to chestnuthillunited.org/sermons/lega...
God, break through the yelling and the fear. Break through the violence and the oppression.
Get past the Herods of this world, and come be here.
Like every bleeding heart before, we pray for a miracle.
—from the poem “In the Time of Herod” by Rev. Sarah Speed | @sanctifiedart
Get past the Herods of this world, and come be here.
Like every bleeding heart before, we pray for a miracle.
—from the poem “In the Time of Herod” by Rev. Sarah Speed | @sanctifiedart
December 5, 2025 at 3:04 PM
God, break through the yelling and the fear. Break through the violence and the oppression.
Get past the Herods of this world, and come be here.
Like every bleeding heart before, we pray for a miracle.
—from the poem “In the Time of Herod” by Rev. Sarah Speed | @sanctifiedart
Get past the Herods of this world, and come be here.
Like every bleeding heart before, we pray for a miracle.
—from the poem “In the Time of Herod” by Rev. Sarah Speed | @sanctifiedart
When the fall ends, when the deepest depths have been reached, who hears us when we call? As we echo prayers from the depths of each of our lives, we can rest in the assurance that we are heard by a God who meets us at rock bottom.
—from the artist statement for “Depths” by Carmelle Beaugelin
—from the artist statement for “Depths” by Carmelle Beaugelin
December 4, 2025 at 3:04 PM
When the fall ends, when the deepest depths have been reached, who hears us when we call? As we echo prayers from the depths of each of our lives, we can rest in the assurance that we are heard by a God who meets us at rock bottom.
—from the artist statement for “Depths” by Carmelle Beaugelin
—from the artist statement for “Depths” by Carmelle Beaugelin
The angel’s message is represented by the doves and the stars. Her message flows into his space with the same power that invoked his fear. IImagine Zechariah let his guard down then, and listened to her in shock. Imagine he takes in her words, meets her gaze, and holds onto joy, despite his fear.
December 3, 2025 at 3:03 PM
The angel’s message is represented by the doves and the stars. Her message flows into his space with the same power that invoked his fear. IImagine Zechariah let his guard down then, and listened to her in shock. Imagine he takes in her words, meets her gaze, and holds onto joy, despite his fear.
Piercing through the stratus comes the angels’ song
“Do not fear!” rings hollow when we’ve feared so long
Still in the recesses of our weary souls
Something is awakened—could it be our hope?
—from the hymn “In the Time of Herod” by Rev. Anna Strickland | @sanctifiedart
“Do not fear!” rings hollow when we’ve feared so long
Still in the recesses of our weary souls
Something is awakened—could it be our hope?
—from the hymn “In the Time of Herod” by Rev. Anna Strickland | @sanctifiedart
December 2, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Piercing through the stratus comes the angels’ song
“Do not fear!” rings hollow when we’ve feared so long
Still in the recesses of our weary souls
Something is awakened—could it be our hope?
—from the hymn “In the Time of Herod” by Rev. Anna Strickland | @sanctifiedart
“Do not fear!” rings hollow when we’ve feared so long
Still in the recesses of our weary souls
Something is awakened—could it be our hope?
—from the hymn “In the Time of Herod” by Rev. Anna Strickland | @sanctifiedart
When the angel says, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard,” it's not a dismissal.
It's a reorientation.
Your fear is real—but it's not the only truth.
God has already been listening.
God enters the silence, the ache, —into the very place where fear has taken root.
It's a reorientation.
Your fear is real—but it's not the only truth.
God has already been listening.
God enters the silence, the ache, —into the very place where fear has taken root.
December 1, 2025 at 3:04 PM
When the angel says, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard,” it's not a dismissal.
It's a reorientation.
Your fear is real—but it's not the only truth.
God has already been listening.
God enters the silence, the ache, —into the very place where fear has taken root.
It's a reorientation.
Your fear is real—but it's not the only truth.
God has already been listening.
God enters the silence, the ache, —into the very place where fear has taken root.
This Advent, perhaps the question is not how we rid ourselves of fear.
Perhaps the deeper invitation is this:
Can we name our fear honestly—
and still believe God is near?
—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, from her commentary on Luke 1:5-13 | @sanctifiedart
Perhaps the deeper invitation is this:
Can we name our fear honestly—
and still believe God is near?
—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, from her commentary on Luke 1:5-13 | @sanctifiedart
November 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM
This Advent, perhaps the question is not how we rid ourselves of fear.
Perhaps the deeper invitation is this:
Can we name our fear honestly—
and still believe God is near?
—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, from her commentary on Luke 1:5-13 | @sanctifiedart
Perhaps the deeper invitation is this:
Can we name our fear honestly—
and still believe God is near?
—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, from her commentary on Luke 1:5-13 | @sanctifiedart
Jesus entered a fearful world. A world not so unlike our own. And yet, throughout the stories of Christ’s birth, we hear the whispers of angels delivering a surprising message: “Do not fear.”
As we journey through this season, may your hope become gritty and resilient.
@sanctifiedart
As we journey through this season, may your hope become gritty and resilient.
@sanctifiedart
November 29, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Jesus entered a fearful world. A world not so unlike our own. And yet, throughout the stories of Christ’s birth, we hear the whispers of angels delivering a surprising message: “Do not fear.”
As we journey through this season, may your hope become gritty and resilient.
@sanctifiedart
As we journey through this season, may your hope become gritty and resilient.
@sanctifiedart
For full sermon please go to chestnuthillunited.org/sermons/gods...
July 23, 2025 at 4:01 PM
For full sermon please go to chestnuthillunited.org/sermons/gods...
For the full sermon, please go to chestnuthillunited.org/sermons/slap...
July 1, 2025 at 4:03 PM
For the full sermon, please go to chestnuthillunited.org/sermons/slap...
For the full sermon please visit chestnuthillunited.org/sermons/the-... #Pentecost
June 9, 2025 at 8:10 PM
For the full sermon please visit chestnuthillunited.org/sermons/the-... #Pentecost
May 20, 2025 at 5:31 PM
I suppose I could blame my weary spirit for the slow speed.
I could blame the grief I’ve shoved into my pockets and
laid around my neck.
I could blame my own hesitation to hope...
But I don’t know that Jesus cares about my speed.
So tell God when you see them—
I am on my way.
— by Rev. Sarah Speed
I could blame the grief I’ve shoved into my pockets and
laid around my neck.
I could blame my own hesitation to hope...
But I don’t know that Jesus cares about my speed.
So tell God when you see them—
I am on my way.
— by Rev. Sarah Speed
April 24, 2025 at 2:04 PM
I suppose I could blame my weary spirit for the slow speed.
I could blame the grief I’ve shoved into my pockets and
laid around my neck.
I could blame my own hesitation to hope...
But I don’t know that Jesus cares about my speed.
So tell God when you see them—
I am on my way.
— by Rev. Sarah Speed
I could blame the grief I’ve shoved into my pockets and
laid around my neck.
I could blame my own hesitation to hope...
But I don’t know that Jesus cares about my speed.
So tell God when you see them—
I am on my way.
— by Rev. Sarah Speed