The Undeniable Power of Chicken Poop | Rev. Susan Sparks

What does chicken poop have to do with faith? In this surprising and humorous sermon, Rev. Susan Sparks explores Jesus' Parable of the Sower through an unforgettable lesson from her grandmother's garden. Along the way, she reflects on the ways we harden our hearts, chase quick fixes, allow life's distractions to crowd out what matters most—and how even our failures, regrets, and disappointments can become the very soil where God grows something beautiful. Drawing on Matthew 13, this message reminds us that grace doesn't require perfect lives. Like a garden, our hearts are shaped not only by what we celebrate, but also by what we've struggled through. Sometimes the very things we'd rather throw away become the richest fertilizer for transformation. Scripture: Matthew 13:1–9 Questions for Reflection: • Where has the ground of your heart become hardened? • What distractions or worries are choking out what matters most? • What experiences have you been trying to leave behind that God might be able to transform into something life-giving? • What would it look like to become "good soil" for God's work this week? Welcome to Sunday worship at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, a welcoming and affirming congregation where humor, compassion, and justice share the same pew. Madison Avenue Baptist Church is a diverse community brought together by faith. We are an inclusive and welcoming congregation, reflecting the love of God in the heart of New York City. More at: https://mabcnyc.org Instagram:   / mabcnyc   Facebook:   / mabcnyc   Staff Pastor: Rev. Susan Sparks Pastoral Fellow: Rev. Ashley Bair Minister of Music: Aza Sydykov Sexton: Troy Gordon PR & Communications: Elizabeth Pustinger Operations Director: Jim Clifford Video Livestream Manager: Travis Dover Audio Engineer: Reghu Ragunathan