Epiclesis

You don't have to fear death. This sermon began a series of looking at the psalm texts in our lectionary readings. Can the psalms comfort and teach and encourage, even about something like death? Join us!

Is your relationship with Jesus a contract or covenant? On this Sunday, we explore how God’s promise to Abraham impacts our lives in three very specific ways. Find out what it means to live in the power of God’s promise.

Do you think most Christians spend much time considering the Trinity? Theologian James B. Torrance (and others) have said that most Christians actually are effectively practicing Unitarians-- that God is a single being-- or some practicing monotheists—that a single God operates in three different ways. Do you agree with Torrance?

Join Pastor Chris on this Trinity Sunday as he looks at least one group of people who seem to be obsessed with the Trinity: Muslims. What can we learn from what they say about those of us who believe in our Triune God?

Join us for an important, but also difficult, conversation with a Canadian pastor who is wrestling firsthand with the political reality of government-assisted death. What are the details of the Canadian MAID program (Medical Assistance in Dying)? What is it like to be present-- what happens-- at one of these deaths? What are the philosophical considerations, and how is a pastor to respond scripturally? Listen in to a 60-minute conversation with Rev. Steve Pearson about his recent experience with this very real, pastoral issue.

One of the Anglican prayers for the Day of Pentecost asks that our almighty and most merciful God grant that by the indwelling of His Holy Spirit we may be continually enlightened and strengthened for His service. How is it that God's Holy Spirit accomplishes those things in us? Join Pastor Chris for an examination of the Gift given to us at Pentecost. Along the way we also looked at the Tower of  Babel, the giving of God's law on the mountain, and some wonderful promises of Jesus.

Pastor Chris concluded his series on how the Holy Land acts as a kind of "fifth gospel" in telling, and showing, God's story. On this Ascension Sunday we looked not only at the ascension of Christ but also many other features and events on the Mount of Olives that add to the ascension's significance.

One of our very own, Aubry Asche (and daughter of Rick and Deanne Asche), is just back from a missions opportunity in Ecuador. Now she's getting ready to head out to Spain with missions organization "One Collective!" for yet another life-changing trip. She will be walking the end of the "Way of St. James," the Camino de Santiago, for twelve days and serving in the Pilgrim House helping travelers process their pilgrimages.

Would you like to learn more? Join us for a great conversation (and be encouraged by a truly remarkable young woman). And think you might like to contribute toward her mission? Click here to make a tax deductible gift through her page at One Collective.

The Bible talks about Baptism saving us. The early church used language like this. What does it mean? Join Pastor Chris for a close look at baptism, first through a Jewish lens, including the community at Qumran, through the New Testament's teaching.

Baptism is a sacramental extension of what happened on the cross. It’s been handed down to us stretching all the way back to our Jewish roots, even before John the Baptist. It’s given to us by Jesus Himself by example. It’s our pattern, it’s the code for daily life in Christ, and it’s our entryway into the household of faith—the Church—and it’s our initiation into the Kingdom of God.

We live in troubling times, much like the disciples did. What promises did Jesus give to his disciples and how do they impact us today? Join us as Pastor Rick explores some of the last words of encouragement from Jesus to his followers.

On this Sunday in Eastertide, one of our members, former pastor Jay Dudley, reflected on something that we do each and every week in worship: Passing the peace. But what does it really mean to "pass the peace"? Looking at John 10:10, Jay gave some helpful scriptural insights, and, as always, did it with his gifted, warm-hearted style and pastoral heart. Join us!