Here for Good: Podcast of Valencia United Methodist Church

This is the second Sunday of our Advent series, The Heart of Christmas, and we are exploring how we can know and experience God’s presence in and among us in this season. This week Rev. Nicole brings a message based in Isaiah 35:1-10 about God’s generosity to each of us and how we can respond with gratitude. We are called to be generous with all that God has given to us so that others might know the love and hope that God gave the world through Jesus.

Today we begin a new series, The Heart of Christmas. What is the "Heart" of Christmas? In other words, what is the center, the life, the core? Join us as we celebrate extended advent over the next 6 weeks, exploring Jesus' birth and why he is the heart of Christmas.

Today we begin with HOPE. And who doesn't need more hope in their lives?

This weekend’s message is about grace – the unearned love and forgiveness that God offers to each of us. This can be hard to understand because we know the mistakes we’ve made and the messes we’ve created. In spite of all of that, there is a promise that God loves us – just as we are! This weekend, Rev. Nicole will share a message about grace through the story of the Prodigal Son.

This week Rev. Nicole will bring a message about harvest, reminding us that God provides all that we need every day. The Scripture is Deuteronomy 16:13-15, the story of a special festival when people gathered to celebrate the harvest, remembering that God was the source of all they had.

This week's Tasting Grace message will be about Biblical hospitality. This isn’t striving for a beautifully decorated home or a perfectly executed meal. Biblical hospitality happens when we serve others out of the love that God has given us.

What brings you delight? God has given us so many good things - but too often we see them as mundane. What would it look like for you to intentionally find more delight each day? This week, Rev. Nicole will offer some practical ways to increase your delight in what has given to us.

Rev. Nicole’s message is an important one about where we find our true worth and identity. Each of us was created by God. We are uniquely and wonderfully made – just as we are.

.Above all the world needs love. As Christians, it is our role to be people of love – sharing kindness, patience, forgiveness, gentleness, and humility with each other. How we treat each other makes a difference and it matters a great deal.

Today, Rev. Nicole will teach from Colossians 3:14-16, which reminds us that as the church we are united with Christ in the call and work of loving others.

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The purpose of the church is love, shown in five ways.