As we walk through the book of Esther, we are focusing on broad themes revealed in this story. Today’s focus is on the “back story” behind the immediate events, not only of this story, but of any story – including yours.

This message focuses on the dramatic change depicted in the book of Esther, and encourages us to consider how we can deal with the rapid changes we see in culture, as well as change in our personal lives.

We begin digging into our “For Such a Time as Now” theme with a study of the book of Esther. Today, Pastor Keith simply tells the story – a story of courage, devotion and redemption.

Our teaching theme for 2015 is rooted in a call to have a sense of urgency, be attentive and be obedient. Here Pastor Keith introduces the theme and shares some steps we can take to be God’s people “for such a time as now.”

God has built rhythms into the very fabric of creation – day and night, monthly cycles, seasons, years. These give us natural opportunities to reflect, evaluate, re-focus and envision and this message encourages us to take time for these meaningful considerations.

Christmas has come and gone, but the story is not over. As John wrote, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14), and today Jesus, the Word, is still with us.

CCC missionaries Keri and Britton Robbins shared the miraculous story of their infant son, Phinehas, a fitting lead-in to Pastor Derrick’s encouraging message on the promise of Advent - you WILL have joy!

Advent teaches us about waiting with faith and hope. We do so because the One we wait for is faithful. The joyous truth of Advent transforms our groaning “How long O Lord?” into a hopeful “Come Lord Jesus!”

Pastor Derrick teaches on Isaiah’s prophesy that “a shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit” (Isaiah 11:1) – a prophesy that was fulfilled when Jesus “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

Free Methodist Bishop David Roller eloquently recounts God’s magnificent story, from before His creation of all things to the entrance of His Son into human history.