This Sunday we come to a famous passage: the Vine & the branches. As is often the case with familiar imagery, at some point we stop hearing the idea and only hear the reference. But Jesus intended this image to hit with fresh force - both as an encouragement and a warning. And if you've ever visited a vineyard in Napa, especially when they are pruning, there is something intentionally graphic here. He means to grab our attention. But Jesus never resorts to clickbait. His agenda is our full joy in him. What has so threatened our joy that Jesus sounds almost like a modern streetcorner preacher? And how can the violence of a knife produce fruit? Let's talk about the severe mercy of the vinedresser's knife: "Cut Off"

John 15:1-8

What does it mean to be spiritual? Many in our society say, “I’m spiritual, but not religious.” There’s a hint of humility in acknowledging that existence cannot merely be a random collocation of atoms that emerged from nothingness. And yet ‘spiritual, but not religious’ seems a way to avoid feeling constrained by someone else’s definition of spiritual. But it invites the question: how does God define it? Far from being an abstract notion or adaptable commodity, the Bible gives a quite pointed statement of what spirituality is, especially in the Holy Spirit. So what – or better yet, Who – is he? And how does biblical spirituality help me in my daily life? Let’s talk about “the Advocate” (John 14:16-26).

This past week many family and friends gathered to cheer for their graduates, shouting out their name, squeezing air horns, and snapping pictures to help capture moments of celebration, relief, and joy. The graduates were smiling from ear to ear, with a great sense of accomplishment, as their loved ones doted upon them. The Good News reminds us that we have a God who rejoices over us like that -- but not due to anything we have done or accomplished, yet simply because of His eternal love. This Sunday we turn to Zephaniah and see the God who was with the people of Judah, despite their sins, and who silenced sin and disorder with His love and faithfulness. This is our "God with us" who rejoices over us (Zeph.3:14-20). Let us come and rejoice, for our great God is with us!

A.W. Tozer famously said, "What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." And yet most Christians don't know what to think about the Trinity. How do we wrap our minds around such lofty ideas? It feels too big or abstract. It seems impractical. So why talk about it? Because the night before Jesus died, when he wanted to give the disciples the most essential things that would carry them through very hard days ahead... guess what he talked about? Yes, the Trinity. Why? How would it help the disciples then, and how can it help us now? Let's talk about the joy of who God is and how he is sharing his inner life with us: "3-in-1" (John 14:15-21)

Occasionally Jesus says things so enormous that we tend to read right past them. This week we come to just such an occasion in our Upper Room series. Jesus offers what sounds like a genie-in-a-lamp granting wishes: "Ask anything you want, in my name, and I will do it." Can we take this seriously? Skeptics point out that this is demonstrably false. Charlatans tell you to send money and your prayers will come true. As a result, many Christians downplay (or outright ignore) an incredible gift from Jesus: prayer. We find it impractical or treat it as a last resort. So what are we missing? If it's so impractical, why would the fishermen and tax collectors ask Jesus to teach them to pray? Let's talk about one of the greatest promises Jesus ever gave: "Whatever You Ask"

John 14:12-14

Virtually everyone loves how welcoming and caring Jesus is. He welcomes sick and outcast and hurting and overlooked. And yet, from time to time, he makes these incredibly exclusive statements that can seem offputting or even harsh. Many in our society take deep offense when these kinds of phrases are invoked - almost as a hammer - to crush or quiet others. It feels to them so much unlike the Jesus who is so welcoming. So how do these things fits together? How can Jesus be so inclusive and so exclusive at the same time? And why is that 'Good' News? Let's talk about how the Gospel is personal, exclusive and inclusive all at the same time: "If You Had Known Me"

John 14:5-11

Home sweet home. Home is where the heart is. There's no place like home. Make yourself at home. You can't go home again. As Maya Angelou said, "The ache for home lives in all of us." This week we continue our series on the Upper Room. Having washed their feet, Jesus now begins to actively comfort his disciples. Why? Because he knows he dies tomorrow. And there's only one reason they've left everything to follow him: he is their home. They are about to become homeless. No job, no riches, no romance can fill that void. Do you know that feeling? It's a pain of loss that cannot be avoided. So what comfort and hope does Jesus give them? Let's talk about how Jesus speaks to "Troubled Hearts" (John 14:1-6).

This Sunday we start a new series on the Upper Room. It was the last night before Jesus' death. He knew it was coming. So what would he talk to them about? Only the most important things; things he wanted etched in their minds; very practical things like... the Trinity? prayer? and footwashing? Yes. This summer we are diving into the beauty of what Jesus was gifting his followers that night and why it is meant to be incredibly practical. So let's kick it off this Mother's Day with footwashing: "Getting the Royal Treatment"

John 13:1-17,34-35

How much longer can we endure? Whether it’s waiting in line at the DMV, trying to calm a crying toddler in the backseat of our car, seeing how long we can run before we take a breather, or waiting patiently for the prayer to end as the food on the table is calling our name, we all have different situations where we are called to endure. But what kind of endurance is needed when we are struggling spiritually or in a season of discouragement? This Sunday, we will find ourselves in Hebrews 12:1-3 where the writer is encouraging his readers to “Run with Endurance” in this journey of faith. Let us come together and fix our eyes on Him, the Champion of our faith, who endured on our behalf, so that we could run this race with endurance.

Hebrews 12:1-3

This weekend our Global Outreach team welcomes Stephen Jones, one of our ministry partners from London. He is a pastor and counselor, serving West London as a window to the world. In particular, their counseling services open doors to communities that might not otherwise consider the Gospel. On Sunday morning he will present more details about how he and his wife are caring for their community. As many know, counseling is about walking with people through the wilderness of their lives. And often that is precisely how God sends us in his love. Join us as we hear how "God Soothes Us and Sends Us to the Wilderness" (Mark 1:9-13).