Blue Ocean Church Ann Arbor Sunday Sermons

Have you ever thought of the story of Esther as historical fiction, or, more specifically, as a burlesque comedy? Emily Swan explores this view, based on the teaching of Jewish scholars, in her sermon, “Esther is Burlesque.”

Learn more about Blue Ocean Faith, including service times and locations, at a2blue.org.

We all have experience with bullies—and now we have national leaders using old-fashioned bullying tactics. Jesus resisted bullies and his resistance to Herod is a primer on how to do it. Ken Wilson explores causes and responses to bullying in his message, “How to Handle a Bully: Jesus v. Herod.”

Learn more about Blue Ocean Faith, including service times and locations, at a2blue.org.

Jesus, of all people, was most justified in offering bromides like “everything’s gonna be all right.” But when his friends were in the shock of grief, he mourned right along with them. And then took the steps he could to help them out. Guest speaker (and worship director) Cassie Brabbs delivers today’s message, “Comfort: When Thoughts & Prayers Are Not Enough.”

Guest Speaker Lilianna Angel Reyes, trans Latina woman and Interim Executive Director of Affirmations in Ferndale, shares from her personal journey of transition—including obstacles and support, rejection, acceptance, and hope—in her message, “The Power of Faith and Acceptance in Transition.” Learn more about Blue Ocean Faith, including service times and locations, at a2blue.org.

What is a “spiritual awakening”? Not the flash of light, but the result of real steps taken. Contemplate this, and more, as Ken Wilson brings us the next sermon in our series, “The 12 Steps for Anyone: Helping You is Helping Me (Step 12).” Learn more about Blue Ocean Faith, including service times and locations, at a2blue.org.

What would such a thing feel like, anyway—conscious contact, that is? And what simple things can we do to improve our conscious contact? What do the six steps that mention God tells us about the kind of Power he/she might be? What’s an example of an actual meditation experience? Ken Wilson explores these questions and more in the next installment of our sermon series, “The 12 Steps for Anyone: Improving Conscious Contact (Step 11).” Learn more about Blue Ocean Faith, including service times and locations, at a2blue.org.

In her message, “Tested to Become Diamonds,” guest speaker Rev. Dr. Renee Jackson challenges us to view ourselves as diamonds in the rough, believing that God is refining us through the difficult times. Learn more about Blue Ocean Faith, including service times and locations, at a2blue.org.

The Spirit of Love frees us from fear through every step of the 12 steps—including the time we take to reflect on our interactions with others through the day. Wouldn’t it be great to know someone who did this? Ken Wilson brings us the next sermon in series with, “The 12 Steps for Anyone: Daily Amends (Step 10).” Learn more about Blue Ocean Faith, including service times and locations, at a2blue.org.