Sometimes we need to pause for a beat and take a deep breath, so that God can remind us of the deepest truth: God is our refuge and our strength.  Always.  In good times and in bad.  No matter what.  Today's message from Pastor Seann is about just that.

Life has a lot of twists and turns, and this year has really taught us about unexpected events! In this morning's sermon, Pastor Lataya walks us through the great hymn, It Is Well With My Soul, to see what it can teach us about living in an uncertain (sometimes unhappy) world. 

We like to think of ourselves as righteous, self-sufficient, and strong. But that definitely isn't always the truth about us.  In today's sermon, Pastor Seann explores the story of the Prodigal Son alongside the hymn Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy to discover that God doesn't need us to have our act together in order to welcome, love, and restore us. 

"Whoever sings [to God, in worship], prays twice." These words from Augustin of Hippo suggest that when we sing as part of our worship, something extraordinary is happening.  Pastor Seann continues our Praying Twice series with a message about God's help and the reminders that are all around us.

"Whoever sings [to God, in worship], prays twice." These words from Augustine of Hippo suggest that when we sing as part of our worship, something unique is happening.  For the next several weeks, we'll be exploring some great songs of our faith, the scripture truths that they illuminate, and just why singing is so important to the Christian life.  

Our focus hymn this morning is Amazing Grace, written by John Newton in 1799.  Here's the text: 

Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
 

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
 

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
 

The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
 

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease:
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.
 

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
the sun forbear to shine;
but God, who called me here below,
will be forever mine.