Showing the journey of Jesus from being a baby in the manger to being recognized as the Messiah. The biblical account from Luke chapter two, where Jesus was presented at the temple when he was about six weeks old. Simeon and Anna recognized and proclaimed Jesus as the chosen one. The transformative power of encountering Jesus in unexpected ways encourages us to seek Jesus in our lives. Jesus' Kingdom is counter-cultural, full of forgiveness and love.

https://horizons.church/events/his-name-is-jesus/

We delve into a biblical story about 12-year-old Jesus being left behind in Jerusalem by his parents. The passage from Luke chapter two is read, detailing how Jesus was found in the temple, engaging with teachers. This rare glimpse into Jesus's childhood emphasizes the first recorded words of Jesus, indicating a sense of purpose about being in His Father's house.

Then, explore Jesus's various roles, focusing on Him being a teacher. Comparisons are drawn between Jesus and teachers in other religions, highlighting the universal recognition of Jesus as a wise teacher. A story about a rich young ruler seeking guidance from Jesus is discussed to illustrate how Jesus tailors teachings to individual needs. The importance of learning from Jesus, especially through reading the Bible.

https://horizons.church/events/his-name-is-jesus/

In this heartfelt Christmas Eve message, Pastor Mandy Berkus extends a warm welcome, emphasizing the significance of worship and the impactful contributions of staff and volunteers in shaping the next generation. Through a poignant parable by Soren Kirkegaard, she beautifully illustrates the essence of incarnation, portraying Jesus as the compassionate prince who relinquishes his royal status to be with humanity. Connecting the narrative to the Gospel of John, Pastor Mandy explores the profound symbolism of "logos," framing Jesus as the universal light and life. The reading of the Christmas story further reinforces the message of Jesus as the bringer of peace, love, and joy. Acknowledging the darkness in the world, the pastor encourages unwavering hope and refuses to relinquish the belief in peace on Earth, even in challenging times. The message concludes with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the gift of Jesus and a desire for continued understanding and transformation through the timeless Christmas story.

Pastor Mandy Barkhaus explores the cultural and personal challenges we face in seeking assistance, drawing insights from scripture, societal trends, and even a popular Netflix series. Join the journey of embracing vulnerability, building communities, and experiencing the transformative power of love in this thought-provoking sermon.

https://horizons.church/events/the-helping-paradox/

Derek explores the complexities of generosity, examining motives and the impact of actions. The central question is whether the joy of Jesus's arrival still resonates today and whether Christianity brings more harm or good. The message encourages self-reflection and challenges the audience to embody selfless, others-focused love in their actions, inspired by the teachings of Jesus.