As we begin our Lenten journey we hear the story of Jesus's journey into the wilderness, where he experienced temptation. Like Jesus, it seems that the second we take a moment to pray or practice spiritual disciplines, the distractions and questions and temptations are soon to follow. But by following Jesus's example, maybe we can start to see temptations as a good thing--a sign that we are being prepared for the truly important work of sharing God's love with our world.

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We continue exploring the meanings of baptism today as we focus on the concept of forgiveness, something that is desperately needed in our world and in our personal lives.

Our worship series "Living our Baptism" continues today, as we explore how we are "Baptized to Live in Love." 

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13, Luke 4

The apostle Paul casts a vision for the body of Christ, one body made of many equal members. And this vision is crucial, because our churches and our world are full of big problems, ones that we'll never be able to address all on our own. But when we remember that we are baptized into one body, we know that God is empowering us to create a world of love, peace, and justice.

In the first of our worship series focused on baptism, we explore the "why" of baptism. Why are we baptized? The apostle Paul and Dr. Martin Luther King come to a similar conclusion...our Christian gifts and calling to ministry are for the common good, creating a Beloved Community where all can prosper and thrive.

Today we celebrate two special holy days, Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord. Join us as we explore how God calls us to a life of ministry through our baptism, following the light of Christ all around us.

A church Sanctuary on Christmas Eve is a good place to be if we're looking for signs of life, symbols of God's hope and love. From a Nativity set to a Christmas tree, we see those signs everywhere as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. But we are also called to be signs of life ourselves, carrying the Good News of Emmanuel, God with us, to a world that is desperately looking for signs of life, hope, justice, and peace.