In this week's message, "Grounded in Creation: Earth," Pastor Kristin Skare explored Jesus' Parable of the Sower through the lens of creation and our connection to the earth. Drawing on Genesis and the experiences of ancient farmers, she reminded us that all soil plays a role in God's ecosystem of grace. The focus of the parable is not on being "good soil," but on the sower who spreads seeds abundantly and without limits. No season of life is wasted in God's hands. From dust we came, to dust we return, and through it all, God declares us very good.

In Acts 10, Peter discovers that God's grace is wider than he imagined. Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Director Shawna Berg explores how the Holy Spirit challenges assumptions, crosses boundaries, and reminds us that no one is beyond God's reach. Sometimes the greatest miracle is not that people change, but that God changes what we believe is possible.

In this week's Heroes & Villains of the Bible message, Pastor Matthew explores Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. From persecutor to apostle, Saul's story reminds us that God's grace can transform anyone and invites us to breathe in hope, courage, and the good news of Jesus.

Pastor Peter explored the role of crowds in the story of Jesus' trial before Pilate, showing how groups of people can be forces for both good and harm. Reflecting on Pilate's failure to stand against the crowd and sharing a personal story about caring for a congregant named Lorraine, he challenged listeners to consider when they have remained silent instead of advocating for others. Ultimately, the message pointed to Jesus' grace, reminding us that faith is not about our failures but about who Christ is helping us become—people of courage, compassion, and advocacy.

Pastor Kristen Skare continues our Heroes & Villains series with a look at "The Tempter." Through Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, we're reminded that the enemy's goal is to make us doubt who we are and whose we are. But in Christ, we have already been named, claimed, and loved by God.

Pastor Peter showed us how Herod’s story revealed the danger of fear and insecurity driving a desperate grip on power. In contrast, he pointed to Jesus’ kingdom as one of compassion, courage, and abundance. Even in the face of darkness, God continued to bring hope and life, reminding us we are not defined by fear. We were invited to name our fears honestly and trust in God’s grace to lead us into a more hopeful way of living.

We gathered for worship on Sunday as we took on another hero (or villain?) of the Bible—the King. We explored the character of one of Israel’s most (in)famous kings—David—a flawed yet faithful leader. Together, we wondered about the pitfalls and potentials of modern leadership in our own world. It was a meaningful experience!

Pastor Kristin highlights Rahab as an unlikely heroine who refuses to accept the labels placed on her and instead claims her God-given worth. Through courage, risk, and faith, Rahab changes the course of history and becomes part of Jesus’ lineage. Her story reminds us that no one is outside God’s story. God works through those pushed to the margins and calls all people into belonging, purpose, and dignity.

Pastor Peter preached in our “Villains and Heroes of the Bible” series this past Sunday, focusing on Pharaoh and how fear can shape our actions. We were reminded that even when fear leads us astray, God’s grace meets us there—bringing freedom, hope, and new life.

Pastor Matthew’s message launches our Villains and Heroes series with the serpent, showing how it twists God’s original gift of abundance into a story of restriction. Just as Adam and Eve fixate on the one forbidden tree, we too can lose sight of all we’ve been given. Through the camp message, we’re reminded that we matter, we belong, and we are deeply cared for by a God who provides generously. So we’re invited to reject the serpent’s lie and live with gratitude for the freedom and love revealed in Jesus.