When our hope is dwindling, we can rest in the fact that we belong to God and find comfort in her presence. God draws us to herself because that is who God is and what God does.

Rev. Tim Baer shares stories from the recent youth mission trip to Chicago reminding us that God is at work in each of us. God asks us to be all in, and to join him in that work of making our world a better place. It’s small things given with great love that moves mountains.

On the Feast Day of St. Mary Magdalene, Sarah Smith shares the powerful story of Mary Magdalene, and talks about the importance of women’s voices and presence within the church as equal members of the Body of Christ.

*This sermon was first given and recorded by Sarah Smith on Sunday, July 22 at St. Augustine's in Oklahoma City. Sarah shared the sermon again at Grace Church on Wednesday, July 25. 

There was something so compelling about Jesus that drew people to him. Jesus spoke to people in love, recognizing their true humanity and value. God desires us all to know him and be known by him.

Often systems of power silence victims, as seen in the beheading of John the Baptist for speaking the truth. But, Jesus' life and teaching shows us that all voices are valued and honored. True power lies not in violence or hatred, but in God’s redeeming love.

Jesus talks about how prophets are not always welcomed in their own hometown or family. Often, we let our preconcieved notions and past experinces with others prevent us from seeing how God is at work in their lives making them new. And, likewise, our past doesn't have to hold us back from letting God do a new thing in us. 

God's healing in our lives may not always look like we think it should. But, there is no season in our lives that isn't touched by God's grace. Jesus is always committed to people being whole and thriving.

Jesus calls us out of our lives of comfort to share His love and peace with the oppressed, the refugee, the poor, the stranger. We are called to be beacons of light and joy, so that they may experience God every day.

The parables of the Bible call us to see the world differently. They challenge the status quo, calling us to do and to act and to speak differently than the world.

Samuel's calling reminds us that no matter our age, our background, how capable or incapable, that God knows us and has known us since the beginning. God has given us all passions and talents and abilities to use for his kingdom, and God has called each of us to a ministry of some kind.