Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.

And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.

Matthew 17:1–2

There are many stories in the gospels that demonstrate the humanity of Jesus, the story of the Transfiguration, not so much.

Mountaintops are often the spaces where people encounter the divine in scripture, so this story has all the elements of a “God moment” for the disciples.

Peter, James, and John were able to witness Jesus’ transfiguration in order to bolster their faith and empower their witness once they came down from the mountain.

Join us Sunday as we consider the mountaintop moments that change our lives.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’;

and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’

But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment;

and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council;

and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.”

Matthew 5:21–22

This Sunday we complete our sermon series “Called to Be” with another look at the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus offers a strict interpretation of the commandments which requires more than refraining from a negative action,

but rather active steps that demonstrate love of neighbor.

The above passage is simply the first of several teachings which gets to the nature of human conflict

and offers a moral vision for what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Join us Sunday as we consider what this means for us.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

In the same way, let your light shine before others,

so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

Last week we heard, in the Sermon on the Mount, who Jesus called blessed: the poor, the meek, the peacemakers.

This week, Jesus offers a mission statement for the church: let your light shine!

In a dark world we have the ability to bring light and love and in so doing, we point others to the glory of God.

What an awesome invitation and responsibility!

Join us Sunday as we consider some concrete ways to let our light shine.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.

Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:1–3

The Beatitudes of Jesus reveal what the kingdom of God will be like.

Those who are poor, mourning, and reviled will be blessed or happy.

Those who work for peace, strive for faith, and show mercy will be blessed.

To a large extent this is a reversal of the world we live in.

Too often those in poverty are ignored.

Those who show mercy are considered weak and peacemaking seems an impossible task.

Jesus declares the most vulnerable, hurting, and hated blessed.

This is God’s good news for the world.

Join us Sunday as we consider the implications of God’s kingdom reality for our lives.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen.

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.”

Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Matthew 4:18–20

It always amazes me how the disciples immediately left their lives to follow Jesus.

They left their jobs, their communities, their families, and any sense of control of their lives.

They placed their complete trust in Jesus and committed their lives to following him.

What would it take for us to completely trust Jesus and follow?

How would our lives be different if we simply trusted a bit more?

Join us Sunday as we consider our call to follow Jesus.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:9

This Sunday we will begin a 5-week sermon series entitled “Called by God.”

Each week we will explore a different aspect through the appointed readings of the lectionary.

Our first week focuses being called to faith.

We might think of faith as something we do, but we can also think of faith as something God does within us through the Holy Spirit.

On my own, I may struggle with my faith but since God is at work in my life my faith grows.

See you Sunday!

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water,

suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:16–17

Sunday’s gospel text depicts the baptism of Jesus by John.

Jesus’ baptism becomes the springboard for his public ministry after which he will call disciples, heal people, teach, and reveal God’s glory.

Jesus’ baptism provides a model of faith for us.

In baptism, we too are called children of God.

In baptism, we too are called to live out our faith.

In baptism, we too are given new life.

Join us Sunday as we consider the power of baptism!

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Message delivered by Chris Christensen.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.

What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people…

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1–4,14

On Sunday we will hear John’s version of the Christmas story.

Rather than angels, shepherds, and a new born, John’s gospel features the Word made flesh.

Jesus was God incarnate, present before time began and an integral part of the creation story.

Join us Sunday as we consider what the eternal Word means for us today.

We will also sing some well known Christmas songs we did not sing on Christmas Eve.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.