We are created for connection and we suffer without it. Wanting to belong is part of human nature, but belonging comes with a challenge. That hurdle is accepting those who are different from us. To belong you only need a hunger for Christ . This week Pastor Mia shows us why belonging means valuing community and fellowship over preference.

Saint Paul was skilled at the spiritual discipline of detachment. He let go of his attachment to things, his position, as a Pharisee, and his knowledge of the law. By letting go, Paul was free to fully focus on Jesus. The result was immense joy, the grit to be extraordinary, and the courage to be first in the worst of circumstances. Be like Paul!

Courage comes in many forms. It is not success or winning, but risk taking for the greater good. This week Pastor Mia examines the real courage demonstrated for us through the vulnerability of Jesus. See how vulnerability fits into your spiritual journey and why church is the place where you can grow the courage to be vulnerable.

With God's way, there is enough of what we want for EVERYONE. King Herod of Judea, however, lived with a scarcity mindset. After learning about the birth of Jesus, he panicked. Herod believed the arrival of a new king meant less power for him and ultimately families throughout Bethleham endured great loss.

Centuries later, the opposition continues and many of us live with self-inflicted suffering instead of the joy and contentment that comes from obedience to God.

This week, Pastor Mia examines the story of Joseph, an example of love made possible (Matthew 1:18–25).

When Jospeh learned his fiancee Mary was pregnant, he decided to seek a divorce. And then an angel delivered this message: God chose you to be the earthly father who will raise and nuture Jesus, the son of God.

Upon hearing this life-changing news, Joseph made a decision and took action—he would love Mary and he would love Jesus. Love seemed impossible, and then, with God, love was possible for Joseph!!

Our dealings with God follow an old and repeating pattern that ends with us feeling abandoned and God saving us. But it turns out that God never did abandon us. On this 3rd Sunday of Advent, Pastor Mia takes us on a journey with God that ends in overwhelming happiness and joy.

With God, things that seem impossible are possible, including hope. The prophet Isaiah had extraordinary hope in a ruler who would descend from King David. Under this upcoming regin, there would be a new way of living that would be fair, just, and uplifting. This week, Pastor Mia tells us Isaiah's hope wasn't cheerful optimism. Instead it was the perseverance to stay engaged and trust in God. Ultimately, Isaiah knew something about God that made hope possible.

Welcome to Advent!! During these 4 weeks we wait & prepare for Christmas. We celebrate that Jesus possible what before seemed impossible — even peace!

With the coming of Thanksgiving, we are reminding that God provides. We are so valuable to God that God cares for us, in earthy ways and in heavenly ways. The way we give to others comes out of deep gratitude to God for all blessings & gifts God has given us. And sometimes God winks at us.

In Mark Chapter 5, Jesus encounters two vastly different believers. One is Jarius, a well-known synagogue leader, and the other is a destitute woman. Despite their circumstances, both Jarius and the woman believed Jesus was capable of healing and they each asked for help. The woman touched Jesus's robe, and when she did, the hemorrhaging she experienced for years stopped. Jarius, the rich ruler, fell to his knees and begged Jesus to cure his dying daughter. When Jesus commanded the girl to get up, she did. Both examples of healing, Pastor Mia explains, show how Jesus revealed a new social order that liberates lowly outcasts and snatches nobility from death.