You are a beloved child of God. At the moment of your birth, at your baptism and again and again, God looks at you and says "You are my beloved child, marked and chosen. I love you and I am wicked proud of you." As we go about our days, our weeks and our year ahead, whether we meet all of our resolutions or not, this remains true. Let your identity be defined by your relationship to God.

When the things of this world seem dark and discouraging...In the words of Valerie Kaur, "What if this is the darkness of the womb, and not the darkness of the tomb."

God's Love, Light and guidance is always with us. Breathe and push...breathe and push. A Light shines in the darkness and the darkness shall not overcome it.

God, who was One and yet not alone made humanity to be one and yet not alone. So it has been since the beginning, that we have not been alone. It is in not being alone that we find some of our greatest Joy and in not being alone, that the unbearable becomes bearable. Communing, worshipping, rejoicing and telling, together, is how we survive. Because Emmanuel has come to be with us. We are not alone. Listen to this powerful message of God with us, and strength found in community.

Luke 1:26-56

The angel Gabriel, visits Mary. Then we hear Mary's song: the Magnificat: Mary's political manifesto.

During this year’s Advent worship series, Lean In Toward the Light, we reflect on several Biblical stories of hope and anticipation — stories that invite us to lean in toward the light — to claim the hope and joy of this season.

Advent is a four-week season of anticipation and preparation leading to Christmas. During this year’s Advent worship series, Lean In Toward the Light, we’ll reflect on several Biblical stories of hope and anticipation — stories that invite us to lean in toward the light — to claim the hope and joy of this season. Make a commitment to be here (or listen!) every Sunday in Advent, as a way of staying focused and grounded — expectant! — so that the joy of Christ’s birth will truly come alive.

We're beyond grateful for Sara and Courtney's leadership with Family Promise. And we're beyond grateful for the many, many Hope Gate Way volunteers who offer their time, talents and gifts to welcome our Family Promise guests during their time with us. This Sunday, we honor everyone involved, for their part in connecting our community into a more cohesive whole and offering hope...to all of us. Listen to their stories...

The final sermon in our Gratitude series,

we give thanks for God's faithfulness.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you."

Isaiah 43.

When you think all is lost...God can act at what feels like the last moment.

'Don't panic. I'm right here with you.'

There is hope.

We give thanks.

Hope.Gate.Way members share their stories of what a practice of giving as gratitude means to them.

During this series, we're exploring the transformative power of giving thanks, including the blessings that come with a life defined by generosity. This week, we're exploring how to continue a practice of gratitude even when things feel pretty messed up. Gratitude keeps us grounded, centered and focused on what is essential.