In week 2 of "Redeeming Christmas" Rev. Tom looks at the history and importance of Santa (aka St. Nicholas). The true story of the man Saint Nicholas helps us understand how we can redeem the importance of Santa. This Christmas/Advent season, how can you start to ask "What can I give to others?" more than asking "What am I getting from others?"

Rev. Tom kicks off Grand View's Advent sermon series, "Redeeming Christmas" by giving the background that got us to how we celebrate the holiday today. And, in the midst of all that the world does to celebrate Christmas, how can we as Christians use even secular themes to point us to the birth of Jesus? Some say, "culture takes the Christ out of Christmas" - but, is that true for you? Only you can help keep the reason for the celebrations focused on Jesus.

In week 4 of "Can I Get a Witness," Alec Amosson looks at the phrase - "You'll Never Believe What I've Seen" and how that should be true when we talk about Jesus and the church. Our hope and prayer is that everyone has had an unbelievable experience with God through the church. So, what's the next step? 1) Go out and tell other people about it. 2) Keep following the ways of Jesus so that others that come into the Christian Community can have unbelievable encounters with God too.

Rev. Tom continues Grand View's series "Can I Get a Witness?" by looking at Jesus' call to his people to be salt and light in the world. How does that look in our world today? What influence do you have in the people around you to help point them to Jesus?

Rev. Tom takes time on this communion Sunday to look at our call to not only receive grace and mercy from God - but to also give it. When you are in situations where you feel out of control, confused, frustrated, or worried - are you showing the same kind of love, grace, and forgiveness that God shows you? And, as Grand View and other United Methodist Churches look at their future - how can we have tough conversations with this type of 'map' of how to interact with others?

In week 1 of the new series, "Can I Get a Witness?", Rev. Tom looks at the call for all people to share Jesus in their everyday lives. It may be through words, or it may be through how you chose to live your life - different than those around us. This week take time to look back on those Christian Influences in your life and how they impacted your journey with Jesus - and give thanks for them.

Joshua 1:9 reminds the people in the bible and reminds us today that God promises to be with us, therefore we should be strong and confident. In this week's message about "Damka Matters" past mission trip participants Melissa, Blaine, Joie, and Matt share their stories and encourage you to act! How are you called to either support this ministry, or how are you called by God to be in ministry in your context?

Rev. Tom takes time to revisit and remind the congregation of how God has been at work through Grand View since 2012 with the people of Damka, Nigeria. This partnership is Grand View's best attempt at letting God work through the church as we try to live out the scriptures: "Serve the Least of These," and "Here I Am, Send Me."

As Grand View finishes up reading the Gospel of Mark as part of Grand View Reads, Rev. Tom Shinkle looks at some challenging teaching from Jesus in the end of this book. What does it mean for Jesus' followers to be able to withstand snakes and poison? Rev. Tom look at this call and promise from Jesus as an invitation and reminder that with God, you can handle any of the poison and evil that is found around you in this world.

On this World Communion Sunday 2022, Rev. Tom reminds us of the importance of communion - not just the bread and juice - but what they represent. The main thing for the church is to help people be in connection with God and with God's people. Starting today, may we be reminded that all we do must move people into deeper connection.