The Ancient Words series is all about digging into these ancient words and wisdom from God so that we can hear His voice in our lives today, and the word "Yada" is particularly powerful in that regard. More than just information about something, Yada refers to the experiential, interactive engagement where we truly know the other. Nowhere is this seen better than in the way that we make covenants...

Ancient Words is a favorite series around here, and Gene kicks it off this Sunday with a look at "Shalom". Many know that this word is translated as "peace", but it's about much more than the absence of conflict and even about more than a sense of personal wholeness. In action, it contains all this as well as a core motivation: to be those that impart peace into the world. Gene outlines several practical ways to be this kind of a person and to participate in Shalom.

We conclude this series with a special Sunday looking back on the past year of our Common Good initiative. We also take some time to close out the series looking at the idea of a throne. Thrones symbolize authority, control, and power across cultures and the authority sitting on the throne exerts a powerful influence in our lives. For some thrones are an archaic symbol while others seek to put themselves on the "throne of their life". However, it's only when we put God on the throne and when we sit in the place of the servant that we experience the passion, purpose, and direction that we crave so deeply in our hearts.

This series is all about how we look to God as both our Father and our King, and one of the ways this appears vividly is in the parable of the Master and the Day-workers. It's an insightful look into the economy of the Kingdom of God. As Aaron explores the parable, he looks at how this King and His economy is characterized as being personal, compassionate, faithful, and generous.

This series has been looking at how God is both our Father and our King, but every king has a kingdom and every kingdom has a way in which it works. Brian explores the unique way the Jesus sets up His kingdom and, specifically, why this kingdom leads us to real joy and how it is found in unexpected places.

In this sermon, Rabbi Gene continues our journey through the book of Matthew as we find Jesus in the wilderness facing a very difficult time. This is good news for us, though, because in this episode we not only see how faithful Jesus is, but we also see an invitation to grace!

Brian takes a look at another chapter in Matthew starring a very important person who came to be known at John the Baptist. Yet, as Brian shows, we all share a similar calling to John: to go into the world in such a way that we help to "shorten the distance" between God and those who still don't know His love for them.

In this New Years Eve message Gene takes the opportunity to share about all of the times that the Bible talks about new things. As it turns out, God is quite a fan of new things and changes that bring life and joy and purpose into the world. As Gene continues he shares about how this newness is available to us all the time, every day, but on a day called New Years Eve, it makes sense to stop, reflect, and intentionally engage in this newness.

Aaron continues our series on the book of Matthew by looking at the character of two kings: Jesus and Herod. An historical look at the reign of Herod shows a man that was constantly trying to prove himself and protect his power. Jesus, on the other hand, shows a king who knows who He is, who He belongs to, and what He is to be about. A powerful message that causes us to look at ourselves and ask what kind of "king" we tend to be.

The new series we're starting just in time for advent is a journey through the book of Matthew. As we look at this book we'll be looking at the ways that God shows up as both our Father who affirms His children as well as a King that leads His kingdom.

What better place to start than by looking at the family Jesus was born into. As Brian shows in this message, both Mary and Joseph have a lot to teach us about what godly masculinity and femininity look like and how we respond to God's work in our life.