Asking for help is not always easy. It’s even more difficult to ask for help in a culture that encourages and promotes self-sufficiency and self-reliance to the highest standard. However, we can’t go through life alone, and it is good to ask for help! Asking for help not only belefits us, but it also strengthens others and puts our trust in God.

Mark 5:21-34

So often we are told to “just move on,” but there is value in lamenting. Lamenting is expressing sorrow, mourning, or regret over something. It might be a loss, brokenness, or death. Our God tells us that it is okay—that it is even good—to lament. Lamenting helps us express the reality we are experiencing and turn our attention to the God who gives us hope, peace, and promise.

Lamentations 3:19-33

We want to avoid pain, but pain is an unavoidable reality in this fallen, broken world. It’s okay to say ouch. God does not delight in our pain, but He promises to be with us and can work for good in it. This hope enables us to bear one another’s burdens as we share our struggles openly and speak truth about them to one another.

John 9:1-12

In our discipleship walk, there are moments of ignition, moments when we see God’s hand launching us. We are moved forward in faith – to grow and serve and love, even as we have been loved. Philippians 1:3-11 starts off with, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you…” On this Sunday when we bid farewell to Pastor Dan Schumm at our Carmel site, these words will be our mutual prayer. We will be reminded that the best way to honor his legacy is by continuing to grow in our discipleship. The flame has been ignited!

Philippians 1:3-11

When the clock starts ticking down, the excitement starts ramping up. The countdown reminds us that there will be a Launch. For the disciple, it is a reminder that the time here on earth is short and we are called to make the most of it, to be engaging in things that are lasting and even eternal.

Luke 19:1-10