Unfortunately, this week's sermon was not recorded. However, listen in as Pastor James gives some words of introduction to the new series as well as some words of appreciation for all the faithful podcast listeners! Here is a link for the video referenced: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwtcwQwgdsA

Selected ProverbsIn this talk about learning to honor God with our finances we listen to Pastor James share with the kids about the importance of showing our gratitude to God, we hear from a panel of folks who are learning what stewardship is all about, and we are reminded that our giving to the Kingdom is about way more than a tax deduction.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20We continue in our series on spiritual fitness, asking today about the relationship between our physical condition and our spiritual health. The Bible makes it clear that our bodies matter to God. If this is so, then they ought to also matter to us. In this sermon we discuss some ways we can train our bodies to be our allies, and not our enemies, in moving toward spiritual maturity.

1 Peter 4:7-11We continue our series on "Cross-Training" by thinking about exercises that can help us to share God's grace by serving others.

Deuteronomy 10: 17-19What will it mean for us to not simply "try harder" to make our families pleasing to God, but to actually "train smarter"? In this message we look at three biblical practices that can help families to create a culture of spiritual health and fitness.

2 Peter 1:3-11As many people return to the gyms and excercise routines at the beginning of this new year, we want to consider what it will look like, and what it will take, to become spiritually fit in a variety of aspects of life. Instead of trying harder, what will it mean to train smarter so that we might grow in our life with God?

Our adaptation of the Wesley Covenant Service invites us, as a body of believers, to pledge ourselves to God and to each other at the beginning of this New Year. It is our hope that we would each be reminded of our responsibility to affirm a personal covenant with God and to have a renewed realization of His promises and presence.You are invited to participate with us as different voices from our church lead the service. As a part of this service we also get to hear a report from our teens returning from a snow trip to Big Bear and our Team World Vision preparing to run the LA 13.1 and working to raise funds for clean water in Africa.

Hebrews 10:5-10We finish our Advent series by being reminded of the big picture of Advent and Christmas - Jesus was born to die for the sin of the world. He is not only the precious baby born in a manger, has become the hope of our salvation. We remember his obedience and consider our response to Him.

Philippians 4: 4-7This week we cling to the Advent promise found in this passage - "The Lord is near." It is because of the nearness of Jesus that we can be people of joy, gentleness and peace, even in a world that is filled with violence, bitterness and anxiety. May we each allow Christ to come close to us in new ways this Advent season.

Philippians 1:3-11During Advent we remember that our lives are lived out in the "time between the times", or the "meantime" between Christ's first and second comings. In this passage, we are reminded that this is the time when God is faithfully accomplishing his purposes in our lives. Our task is to open our hearts to him and allow him to do his work.