Repentance, the changing of our hearts and lives, can be painful sometimes. John the Baptist describes it like a fire. Maybe the fire can be cleansing, though, and through it God moves us to new life.  

Rev. Chelsea Benham preaching on Luke 3:7-18 on December 12, 2021.  

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John the Baptist was a nobody guy living in a nowhere place, the wilderness. Yet the Word of God came to him there in the wilderness, not to the powerful people who ruled at that time. God often works through unexpected people in unexpected places. Maybe even through us? 

 Rev. Chelsea Benham preaching on Luke 3:1-6 on December 5, 2021. 

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After almost two years of living in the midst of a pandemic, it can be hard to continue to see signs of God's presence with us. We are all tired. But God promises that there are signs of hope around us, and we will see them. Maybe it's all about perspective...  

Rev. Chelsea Benham preaching on Luke 21:25-36  on November 28, 2021.  

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God calls us to share hope, and this is both a blessing and a challenge. Where is God sending us? What does God want us to do when we go?

In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus sends the disciples out and gives them instructions to follow in the steps of his ministry. We can do the same, when we look to each other.  

Rev. Chelsea Benham preaching on Matthew 10:1-14  on November 21, 2021.  

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If God has filled our future with hope, is there any chance of us actually getting there?  

If only God would give us a one-way ticket to that bright and glorious future, or at least a trustworthy compass.   

Perhaps, though, we have already been given a trustworthy compass.  Paul writes to the church at Philippi with a blueprint almost for a hopeful life.    

Rev. Chelsea Benham preaching on Philippians 2:1-13  on November 14, 2021.  

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In the midst of disruption, we remember we stand with God’s strength and nourishment, and that we are part of a big BIG story filled with hope. We stand with the witness of the saints. How shall we live when things in life aren't going the way we want them to?  

Rev. Chelsea Benham preaching on Jeremiah 29:1-14  on November 7, 2021.  

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Hospitality is about keeping our hearts and minds open. And this allows us to see more of God. Who do we pass by or judge who is showing us the truth?  

Rev. Chelsea Benham preaching on Luke 7:36-50 on October 31, 2021.  

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Is everyone with a gift for hospitality a talkative extrovert who loves talking to strangers? Not at all! There are so many ways to welcome others. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke's gospel shows us there are different ways to serve, but what really matters is the heart we have for serving and welcoming.  

Rev. Chelsea Benham preaching on Luke 10:38-42 on October 24, 2021.  

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Where can we find Jesus? How do we welcome Jesus? Jesus tells us exactly how to do it: welcome and care for the least of these. Then we see there are opportunities to see Jesus everywhere.   

Rev. Chelsea Benham preaching on Matthew 25:31-46 on October 17, 2021. 

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We can only offer hospitality to other because God has first welcomed us. True or false? God welcomes us in creation in Genesis 1, and that changes everything.   Rev. Chelsea Benham preaching on Genesis 1:1-2:4a on October 10, 2021. 

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