Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12Jesus proclaims blessings in “the Beatitudes,” telling of God’s closeness and care for those in the midst of struggle… and and the call to us all to do the same, drawing near to those who yearn for peace, righteousness, and comfort in times of mourning.

The post The Proximity of Blessing appeared first on Foreside Community Church.

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23“What are you prepared to do?” As Jesus takes on a new chapter in his ministry and begins to call disciples to follow in his way, we wonder at the gifts and skills we bring with us into the ministry of the church, and the challenge to use those gifts to “escalate in ... Read more

The post Coming Attractions appeared first on Foreside Community Church.

Scripture: Psalm 40:1-11In a time of deep divisions, the psalms can tempt us into a painful duality of those who we would call friends and enemies. Yet they may also call us into that life giving tension of naming injustice clearly and holding out faith in God’s reconciling and redeeming power.

The post Old Book, New Song appeared first on Foreside Community Church.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12Wise ones come from away seeking a new king. They get lost, because they go looking in a palace and in a capital. When they find a child born among animals, they—and we—are left to ponder, what if nations came to pay homage to a poor child? What if nations sought to live ... Read more

The post An International Incident appeared first on Foreside Community Church.

Lessons and Carols As we tell of the many characters of Christ’s birth stories, we recognize that none of them find God with Us through a path they would expect. As we come to celebrate perfect love come down, we pray to release all our expectations of perfection in our celebrations, in the season, in ... Read more

The post Finding the Way – Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols appeared first on Foreside Community Church.

Scripture: Luke 1:46-55The Church has adapted the story of Mary’s reflection on the coming of her child, Jesus. We say she sang these words. What changes when we sing a story of God’s love? How can the song hold our deepest hopes, even when we cannot?

The post Re-Creating Love appeared first on Foreside Community Church.

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10As our children share Christ’s birth with us in our annual Christmas Pageant, we wonder at what gifts come to us as we turn this holy story over to our youngest members of the church. As they bring creativity, the unexpected, the silly, and wondrous to life with Jesus… how are we changed? ... Read more

The post Re-Creating Joy appeared first on Foreside Community Church.

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10What would our ancestors—and what do we—mean when we say that “a little child shall lead us” into radical visions of peace? It may be that we need to return to curiosity and wonder of that age to find our common good.

The post Re-Creating Peace appeared first on Foreside Community Church.

Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5In a time of wars, and rumors of wars, Isaiah tells of a time when weapons will be remade into tools of life and life giving. If we would seek the same, how do we warm the forge of hope?

The post Re-Creating Hope appeared first on Foreside Community Church.

Scripture: John 6:25-35The 5000 whom Jesus fed are looking for him. They are sure that he has made for them a sign of God’s presence in the abundance of bread… but maybe? Maybe he has made a sign in a community of 5000 in which there is enough for all to be fed. How can ... Read more

The post Believing Bread appeared first on Foreside Community Church.