Why do we get so consumed by the success of others? Why does injustice bother us so deeply? And how do we learn to let go of control in a world that feels unpredictable?In this sermon, we take a deep psychological dive into Psalm 37, exploring how this ancient text speaks directly to our modern struggles with envy, control, waiting, and surrender. Through the lens of Jungian psychology, we uncover how projection, ego-striving, and impatience keep us trapped—and how trusting in God’s deeper process leads to real peace.🔹 Topics Covered: • The illusion of comparison—how envy and resentment reveal our own unintegrated desires. • Trust vs. control—why our ego fights reality and how surrendering leads to true security. • Waiting on God—why transformation takes time and how to navigate the “in-between” seasons of life. • The meek shall inherit the land—what true strength looks like in a world obsessed with dominance.If you’ve ever felt restless, impatient, or stuck in comparison, this sermon will help you step into trust, realign with your deeper Self, and find peace beyond striving.📖 Scripture: Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 (NRSV)🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this message! Let’s reflect together in the comments—what stood out to you the most?#Psalm37 #TrustGod #JungianPsychology #Surrender #InnerTransformation #ChristianityAndPsychology #SpiritualGrowth

📖 “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NRSV)What if love isn’t just something we do—but something we become?In this sermon, we explore 1 Corinthians 13 through a soul-centered lens, looking beyond the usual wedding passage interpretation to uncover Paul’s radical call to transformation. Love, as Paul describes it, is not just a feeling or an action—it’s a way of being, a way of seeing, a way of living.Join us as we ask:💡 Are we living from love, or from fear?💡 Are we shaping our lives around true spiritual growth, or around ego-driven performance?💡 What does it mean to step into a life led by the Soul, rather than by external expectations?This message is the first step in a year-long journey of reading scripture through a psychological and spiritual lens, uncovering how God is calling each of us to individuate, transform, and live in divine love.📌 Want to go deeper?Before you watch, take time to reflect on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 and ask yourself: Where do I see love at work in my life? Where do I still struggle to embody it?🙏 If this message resonates with you, be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more content that explores faith, psychology, and the journey to wholeness.📍 Join us in person or online at United Church of Christ Southbury!#SoulLedLife #BecomingLove #SpiritualTransformation #1Corinthians13 #UCCSouthbury #ChristianSpirituality #FaithAndPsychology

Join us for a powerful start to the new year as we explore what it truly means to live a blessed life. In this service, we reflect on Ephesians 1:3-14, where the Apostle Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are chosen, redeemed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Through inspiring worship, heartfelt prayer, and a meaningful message, we’ll discover how God’s blessings shape our identity and guide us into His purposes.Whether you’re seeking a fresh perspective, spiritual renewal, or encouragement for the year ahead, this service will remind you of God’s unfailing love and grace. Come and experience the joy of being part of God’s family as we worship together.Highlights: • Call to Worship: Celebrating God’s blessings • Unison Confession: Starting the year with grace and renewal • Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14 (NRSV) • Sermon: Living the Blessed Life: Chosen, Redeemed, and Sealed in Christ • Assurance of Pardon: Rejoicing in God’s forgiveness and graceLet’s step into this new year with hope, faith, and the assurance of God’s blessings. Subscribe for more inspiring messages and worship experiences.🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected!#BlessedLife #NewYearWorship #Ephesians1 #ChristianCommunity #WorshipTogether #FaithJourney

In today’s service, we explore John 2:1-11, the story of the wedding at Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. More than just a celebration-saving act, this story is rich with symbolic meaning, offering profound insights into transformation, divine timing, and the abundance of God’s grace.Through a unique lens—what we call the psychological hermeneutic—we’ll dive deep into how Scripture speaks to our souls, bypassing the ego and leading us into deeper truths. Where in your life do you feel like the “wine has run out,” and how might God be inviting you to trust in His power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary?🌟 Today’s Highlights: • Reflections on John 2:1-11 and its deeper meaning. • A moment to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his call to faith and action. • Warm welcome to all, including those considering joining our church family.💡 Announcements: • Our New Members Class meets today from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the parlor. • Stay tuned for more groups like our Soul Boom book study, and note that our after-church book group will resume in February!Join us as we reflect on how God’s grace works in our lives and invites us into a life of abundance, joy, and trust.📖 Scripture Passage: John 2:1-11🙏 Theme: From Empty Jars to Overflowing JoyDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspirational content from UCC Southbury! Let us know in the comments how today’s message resonates with you.🌐 Connect With Us:Website: uccsouthbury.org

What if this year could be different? What if instead of chasing external achievements, you focused on aligning your life with God’s grace and purpose? In this sermon, Rev. Shawn introduces the concept of the soul-led life—a way of living where we nourish our souls, embrace grace, and allow Scripture to transform us from the inside out.Through a fresh approach to Scripture using a psychological hermeneutic, this sermon explores how the Bible isn’t just an ancient text but a living guide to help us navigate the challenges of modern life. Drawing from Ephesians 3:1–12, we’ll uncover how Christ’s grace reconciles the divided parts of ourselves and leads us toward wholeness.If you’re ready to embark on a journey of transformation this year, this message is for you. Let’s make this the year we live a soul-led life, grounded in God’s Word and guided by His love.📖 Key Topics: • The soul-led life: What it is and how to live it • Feeding your soul vs. feeding your ego • A new way to read the Bible for transformation • The grace of Christ as the great unifier✨ Connect With Us:New to our community? Join one of our new members’ classes this Sunday or next Sunday to learn more. During the annual meeting, we’ll officially install and celebrate our new members.🙏 Let’s Walk This Journey Together:Subscribe for more sermons, reflections, and practical teachings to help you align your life with God’s grace and purpose.#SoulLedLife #LivingFaithfully #GraceAndWholeness #PsychologicalHermeneutic #Ephesians3 #BibleForTransformation

The Journey of Trust: Walking Forward in Faith

Life has a way of throwing curveballs—unexpected challenges that test our patience, plans, and peace. But what if those disruptions weren’t just obstacles? What if they were invitations to trust and grow?

In this episode, we reflect on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, not as a romanticized nativity scene, but as a profound story of faith, perseverance, and transformation. With insights from Scripture, Carl Jung, and everyday life, we’ll explore how moments of discomfort and chaos often lead us to discover a deeper trust in God’s plan.

Join us as we uncover the universal patterns of growth hidden in the Christmas story and discover how to embrace our own journey of trust this Advent season. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration, hope, and a fresh perspective on navigating life’s unexpected turns. 🎄✨

Spotify Description:

Advent 1: The Call of the Self – Hope in the Annunciation

In this first message of our Advent series, we explore the story of the Annunciation—not just as a historic event, but as an archetypal call that resonates in our own lives. Inspired by Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel, Carl Jung’s insights on the Self, and Ed Edinger’s wisdom on transformation, we’ll uncover how these patterns guide us toward growth and wholeness.

What does it mean to answer the call of the divine within? How do moments of discomfort and uncertainty nudge us toward our true purpose? Join us as we reflect on Mary’s faith and courage, and discover how her story serves as a model for hope, trust, and transformation in our own spiritual journeys.

Perfect for anyone seeking a deeper, more personal connection to the Advent story this season. 🎄✨

Join me for a message from Norman Vincent Peale's book the Power of Positive Thinking.

Join us as we continue through our series on Norman Vincent Peale's classic, the Power of Positive Thinking. This week we cover, "How to Be Well Liked."

A message from our series on the Power of Positive Thinking

A message from our series on the Power of Positive Thinking.

A message from our Positive of Positive Thinking Series.

A message from 8/18 from our series on the Power of Positive Thinking.

A message give at our church on 8/4 from the series, The Power of Positive Thinking.

A message from our series in the Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale.

In this message we look at chapter 4 of Norman Vincent Peale's book: The Power of Positive Thinking.

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shawngaran.com

Part 3 in our series on Norman Vincent Peale's book Power of Positive Thinking.

Part 2 in our series on Norman Vincent Peale's book the Power of Positive Thinking.

In this series we are looking at Norman Vincent Peale's book the Power of Positive Thinking. This message covers chapter one.

A Sunday Message applying some psychoanalytic concepts of God in the Biblical narrative.

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