Richland Center Free Methodist Church

There are moments when people reach the end of their own strength; times when routines continue, but the heart quietly wonders where help will come from. In those situations, even a simple cry for mercy can become the first step toward hope. In this week’s message, Pastor Boris Pena turns our attention to the ten men who cried out to Jesus from a distance. Their story reveals how mercy meets us in our need, how trust often requires us to walk before anything changes, and how gratitude reshapes the heart. As we follow the one man who turned back to give thanks, we’re asked to consider what faithful obedience and returning to Jesus look like in our own lives. Be the one who returns to the Lord with a thankful heart. Recorded November 23rd, 2025 Message by Pastor Boris Pena Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

There are seasons when joy feels distant and peace seems hard to hold. Habakkuk knew that feeling well—facing loss, uncertainty, and grim forecasts for his people. Yet in the middle of that reality, he made a deliberate choice: “yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” His circumstances didn’t improve first; his trust in God did. Paul offers the same kind of steady invitation in his letters. Writing to the Philippians and the Thessalonians, he calls believers to rejoice always, to pray continually, and to bring every concern to God with thanksgiving; not quick fixes or surface-level attitudes, but habits that form a life anchored in God’s presence. Pastor Tim explores how these practices—joy, prayer, and gratitude—shape a heart that is receptive to the peace God promises to those who trust Him. Recorded November 16th, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

When a church cared for Paul in his time of need it was partnership in the gospel. Their giving was an act of worship that reached heaven itself. Behind every gift was a heart moved by gratitude, trust, and obedience. True Christian giving is driven by joy in God’s provision, rather than guilt or pressure. Philippians 4 reminds us that contentment and generosity grow together, revealing a life fully anchored in Christ. Recorded November 9th, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20

When life unravels, even the smallest things can feel impossible. The news weighs heavy, relationships strain, and our plans fall through, leaving us searching for something steady to hold on to. From a prison cell, Paul wrote about joy and peace as daily realities, finding contentment in every situation when everything else is falling apart. This same peace is still available today to those who place their confidence in Christ rather than in the shifting conditions of life. Come discover the kind of peace that doesn’t depend on what’s happening around you, but on Who is with you through it all. Recorded November 2nd, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Philippians 4:4-13

A gold medal represents the highest achievement — the reward for discipline, perseverance, and commitment to a goal. Yet for the believer, the true prize isn’t made of metal but of faith that endures and a life shaped by Christ. In Philippians 3:10—4:1, Paul points us toward that eternal reward — knowing Christ fully and living faithfully in His calling. Knowing Christ deeply, letting go of the past, and pressing on toward God’s calling are the building blocks of a faith that endures. Just like an athlete trains for the finish line, we are called to run with purpose and stay faithful to the goal set before us. Join us as we discover how to live a life worthy of the prize! Recorded October 26th, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Philippians 3:10-4:1

A dark tunnel, a stolen kiss, and a stinging slap—one quick moment, two bold moves, and a grinning soldier who “seized the day.” It’s a funny story, but it hits close to home: life moves fast, and opportunities can pass in a blink. Between bills, deadlines, and distractions, it’s easy to forget what it means to truly live life to the fullest. In Philippians 3:7–16, the Apostle Paul shares how a full life isn’t about success or possessions—it’s about knowing Christ and becoming more like Him. Pastor Tim unpacks Paul’s call to press forward by showing three keys to a meaningful life: find your purpose (“to know Christ”), forget the past (both our failures and our trophies), and face the present with faith that Jesus is not just the God of the past or the future, but the God who walks with us now. Don’t wait for “someday.” In Christ, today is the day. Press on. Seize the moment. Live life to the fullest. Recorded October 19th, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Philippians 3:7-16

When Paul wrote that nothing could separate us from the love of Christ, his next words were filled with grief for those who had rejected that same love. From celebration to sorrow, his heart broke for the lost — and in that sorrow, he revealed the very heart of Christ. Guest speaker **Pastor Boris Pena**, Youth Leader at the Platteville Free Methodist Church, shares from Romans 9:1–3 about what it means to carry that same burden for those far from God. True compassion isn’t passive; it moves us to pray, to reach out, and to act. Drawing from Paul’s example and Christ’s own pursuit of the lost, Pastor Boris challenges us to rediscover our first love for Jesus, and to let that love ignite a renewed urgency for the Gospel. Pray for one name. Reach out in love. Let your heart beat with the compassion of Christ. Let’s live out the truth of the Gospel and share it with urgency and love. Recorded October 12th, 2025 Message by Pastor Boris Pena Scripture: Romans 9:1-3

Paul had everything—status, education, influence—but he came to see it all as loss compared to knowing Christ. His deepest desire wasn’t comfort or achievement, but a relationship so real that even suffering became a means of sharing in Christ’s life. In Philippians 3:7–14, Paul describes a faith that presses forward—forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what is ahead. Pastor Tim unpacks what it means to truly know Christ: not just to know about Him, but to walk with Him in power, purpose, and perseverance. Recorded October 5th, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Philippians 3:7-14

When faced with opposition, how do we respond—with fear or with faith? In this message, Thomas Ramundo shares the story of a young college freshman who dared to stand for prayer against ridicule—and witnessed a miracle that silenced unbelief. Drawing from **Acts 4** and the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10, Pastor Ramundo reminds us that the same Holy Spirit who filled Peter and John with boldness still empowers believers today. Discover the “biblical boldness builders” that transform ordinary Christians into bold witnesses—those who pray with confidence, live with cheerful courage, and trust God to work wonders. Step forward in faith. Pray boldly. Live courageously. Be a bold believer. Recorded September 28th, 2025 Message by Thomas Ramundo

When people ask, “Do you care?”, they are looking for actions that prove love is real. In a world full of self-interest and distraction, genuine care can be hard to find. In Philippians 2:19–30, Paul lifts up Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples of what it looks like to truly care for others. They were men whose lives reflected Christ’s selfless love—concerned not with their own well-being, but with the needs of the church and the mission of the Gospel. What does it mean to care in ways that mirror Christ’s heart? Join us as we explore what real, Christ-centered care looks like, and how your love, your time, and your service can be an answer to the question, “Do you care?” Recorded September 21st, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Philippians 2:19-30

Life often feels overwhelming when we think about changing the world. How could one person ever make a real difference? Yet God’s plan has always been to work through individuals—ordinary people who allow Him to shape their hearts and guide their steps. In Philippians 2:12–16, Paul reminds believers to “work out” their salvation, not by their own strength, but with God working within them. God transforms lives one heart at a time, and your faithful obedience can ripple outward to affect families, communities, and beyond. Join us and be reminded: one changed heart can light the way for many others. Come ready to be encouraged and challenged—your heart may be the next one God wants to use! Recorded September 14th, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Philippians 2:12-16

In Philippians 2:5–11, Paul reminds us that Jesus, though fully God, humbled Himself as a servant, even to death on a cross. Because of this, God has exalted Him and given Him the name above every name. This week, Pastor Tim Ward shares how the name of Jesus is saving, precious, comforting, conquering, and exalted. From stories of transformed lives to the hope we hold in sorrow and death, we are called to honor the name of Jesus and follow His example of humility and obedience. Join us as we lift high the name that is above every name—Jesus Christ our Lord. Recorded September 7th, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

On this Labor Day weekend, our community gathered under the tent at Krouskop Park for the annual Community Worship Service. Churches from across Richland County came together in unity to lift up the name of Jesus in worship, prayer, and fellowship. This year’s guest speaker was Dave Gerry, a longtime Madison-area businessman, founder of The Princeton Club, and co-founder of SaltCo. While his career has seen great success, Dave shared not about building earthly kingdoms but about living with God at the center of every pursuit. Drawing from his own experiences, he encouraged us to put Christ first in our lives, to trust Him even when the path seems uncertain, and to believe that God is preparing to bless our community when His people walk together in unity. Dave’s heartfelt message wove together personal stories of faith in the marketplace, testimonies of answered prayer, and a powerful call for believers to “step over the line” and boldly live out their faith beyond the walls of the church. His challenge was clear: when we put God first, He directs our steps and multiplies our efforts in ways only He can. May this message encourage you to trust God more deeply, value the unity of His people, and live with the confidence that He desires to work in and through you for His glory. Recorded August 31st, 2025 Message by Dave Gerry

When music, lights, and activity fade away, what’s left at the center of worship? For the church in Philippi, Paul pointed them to the example of Christ Himself — humility, obedience, and self-giving love. Worship is not measured by performance or atmosphere but by a heart aligned with Jesus. This Sunday, Pastor Tim will remind us that true worship flows from surrender — laying aside pride, lifting up Christ, and uniting as one body in His name. Come ready to listen, reflect, and respond. Let this be the day we return to the heart of worship — because it’s all about Him. Recorded Sunday, August 24th, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11 Special music: “The Heart of Worship” by Matt Redman, performed by Liz Niemeyer. © 1999 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Used with permission. CCLI Streaming License #CSPL059304.

Grace and peace. These two words, often paired together in Paul’s letters, hold deep meaning for how the church is called to live and grow together. In Philippians 1:2-6, Paul reminds the believers that what God begins in them, He is faithful to complete. Grace and peace go hand in hand, just as faith and good works, encouragement and perseverance, prayer and action. When God brings His people together, He weaves their lives into a greater purpose—working all things together for His glory. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Tim shares how the things that belong together in the Christian life also work together to form a living testimony of God’s ongoing work. Recorded Sunday, August 17th, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Philippians 1:2-6

We know God the Father and God the Son—but for many, God the Spirit feels mysterious, even hard to understand. Yet it is through the Holy Spirit that we hear from God, receive His guidance, and experience His power. In Scripture, we see that the Spirit never forces His way in; He comes where He is welcomed. Dave Ewing takes us from the sending of the disciples, to Jesus’ deliverance of the man possessed by Legion in Mark 5, to the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. In each account, the Spirit brings life-changing power—but only to those ready to receive Him. We’ll consider what it means to “host the presence” of God, how rejecting the Spirit grieves Him, and why preparation and obedience are essential if we want to see His work in our lives and community. Come ready to open the door. The Spirit is speaking—will you receive Him? Recorded August 10th, 2025 Message by Dave Ewing Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Something sacred happens at the Lord’s Table—but what exactly? Is it just a symbol, a reminder, a ritual… or is there more going on than meets the eye? In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul passes along what he received directly from the Lord: that communion is more than bread and cup—it’s participation. It’s remembrance, yes, but also proclamation. It’s a moment of self-examination, shared unity, and tangible grace. This week, we’ll reflect on what happens when we gather at the Table, what it means to partake “in a worthy manner,” and how communion shapes our lives both individually and as a church body. Join us as we come to the Table—ready to remember, ready to receive, and ready to respond. Recorded August 3rd, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-28

For some, the word tithe conjures up guilt, confusion, or even skepticism. Maybe it’s been used like a spiritual tax, or perhaps it’s been tangled up with flashy promises of blessing. Somewhere along the way, tithing got a reputation it was never meant to have. In Leviticus 27:30–32, God calls Israel to set apart a tenth as an act of recognition and trust. It’s a reminder that everything belongs to God, and He invites His people to return a portion as holy — set apart to Him. Pastor Tim walks us through what tithing meant for Israel, how it’s been misunderstood today, and how a rightly ordered view of giving reveals where our hearts truly are. “Tithe Gets a Bad Rap”— maybe it’s time we listened to God’s version instead. Recorded July 27th, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Leviticus 27:30-32

When we think about holiness, we often picture something distant—set apart, sacred, almost unreachable. But what if holiness was meant to be practiced in the everyday? What if it looked less like ritual perfection and more like walking faithfully with God, step by step? In Leviticus 26, God outlines the blessings that come from obedience and the consequences of turning away. Yet embedded in this covenant is a relational call: to live with God, to walk in His ways, and to be His people. God is still calling His people to walk with Him. Will we respond with obedience that reflects a life set apart? Join us as we explore practical holiness. Recorded July 20th, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Leviticus 26:1-13, 40-45

What would happen if Jesus came to your house? Would He find evidence of a faithful life, or signs of something growing that shouldn’t be there? In Leviticus 14, God gives Israel instructions on how to deal with mildew found in their homes—guidelines that may seem obscure but carry deeper meaning. Consider what it means to examine our lives and homes through a spiritual lens. Whether it’s mildew on the walls or something unseen in our hearts, God has always been interested in making things clean and whole again. What needs to be cleansed? What needs to be surrendered? Come and consider what true restoration looks like when Jesus is the one doing the inspection. Recorded July 13th, 2025 Message by Pastor Tim Ward Scripture: Leviticus 14:33-53