{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchurch-of-the-messiah-umc.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Fliving-hope-sunday-april-12-2026-4Bv550IJ","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"\"Living Hope\" Sunday, April 12, 2026","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/41728364-b91f-4b96-b41d-9771e00bd4a0/c756ab18-6716-4246-b362-782996dd8742/messiah-2023-profile3.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"This week, Rev. Pete Elliott preached from 1 Peter 1:3-9 and reminded us that because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been given a living hope. This hope is not shallow optimism or pretending life is easy. It is the deep assurance that Christ is present with us in suffering, questions, uncertainty, and joy. Even when hope feels far away, God continues to meet us where we are and remind us that we belong to one another and to him. \n\nIn this sermon, we are invited to notice the ways living hope becomes visible through the life of the church: feeding the hungry, caring for others, offering encouragement, and witnessing Christ at work in everyday life. Rev. Pete’s invitation for the week is simple and meaningful: pause and notice where Christ is present in your life, your family, your workplace, your community, and the world. Watch, reflect, and be encouraged by this message of resurrection hope for real life."}