In this season of unprecedented uncertainty and tension, we’re reminded that God is near to the brokenhearted. Jesus brings gladness, hope, and comfort that we can be strong and flourish.

In this first message in our annual series around mental health, we look at the relationship between spirituality and self-care: emotionally, mentally and physically.

What’s God like, really? How do we even begin trying to answer this by describing the infinite, the transcendent? And yet, the story of scripture is one in which God delights to make himself known to us. As we conclude this series, we dive in to a dramatic encounter that divulges a clear picture of what God is like, really.

A fundamental human need is to be seen and known. And yet, more often and not, we feel the disconnect of not being fully seen or known. In today’s message, we revisit a famous encounter between God and Abraham in which we are introduced to the “God Who Sees and Provides” for us in ways no-one else can.

What’s in a name? Today when naming a child we consider whether it’s in fashion or perhaps it’s a family name, – but when God reveals His name, He is revealing an important dimension of Himself. Today, we look at the story behind God revealing Himself as El Roi, the Lord Who Sees.

God wants the posture of our hearts to be one of peace. This kind of peace is not just the absence of conflict or hardship in our lives, but more about the presence of something bigger in our lives that leads us to courageous acts of worship, trust and obedience. In this message, we learn these insights and more from Gideon’s encounter with God’s peace in a dark time of his life.

One of the ways to understand our awesome God is to look into the meaning of His names as revealed in Scripture. In this message, we look at God’s encounter with Moses in the burning bush. This was the first time God revealed Himself personally as Jehovah. God not only revealed His name – but His essence as the great I AM – the only eternal, unchanging, self-sufficient God. The faithful God who keeps His promises and who calls us to join His redemptive mission.

The fourth Advent candle is the candle of love. Love can be expressed in different ways – but choosing to be with a person IRL (in real life) is one of the greatest. Jesus, while never ceasing to be God, came to be with us – as expressed in the famous Christmas carol Hark the Herald Angels Sing, “Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.”

Who doesn’t want to be happy or experience joy? We are made for happiness but find happiness rather elusive. Part of the problem is we have different ideas when it comes to happiness and joy. In this third week of Advent, we focus on JOY: it’s true source and how we can cultivate a defiant joy in light of a year like 2020.

The four themes of Advent can be looked at as gifts from God. Who doesn’t need more Hope, Peace Joy and Love – especially at this unique Christmas in the middle of a global pandemic? In this message we explore three dimensions of peace that Jesus, the Prince of Peace brings into our lives.