In this first message in the series on women and Jesus, Ms. Mary discusses what the gospel says and doesn't say - about this familiar passage and how her story is both a comfort and a commission for each of us.

Camille & Esther Ntoto, leaders of our ministry partners Africa New Day, bring the message this morning. Camille notes that God has called each one of us specifically to fulfill a particular calling. Everyone is able to respond “I am the ONE” (God’s chosen one).

At the heart of Jesus’ ministry is caring for the poor. This care is especially prominent in the Gospel of Luke as the author cites it as Jesus’ mission. Jesus through various parables and judgments against religious leaders reiterates why this is at the heart of what it means to be followers of Jesus. To be good stewards, Jesus teaches, that we must be mindful of those in need as we wait for Christ’s return.

In the Good Samaritan parable, Jesus once again points his questioners to the need for grace and to the need for us to create neighbors by being neighbor to each other.

This Sunday we make space to encounter the Spirit through prayer, reflection, and communion. In a Lectio Divina format, we read some passages from Ephesians and reflect on the two questions: "what do you hear God saying to you in these texts?" and "What do you imagine God saying to our community in these texts?"

Both of these short parables tell us something about the character and attributes of God. First of all, he looks for things that are lost...he searches for us...as a shepherd. He is faithful and merciful to his sheep! In ancient Israel, shepherds, considered "unclean," were never clean enough to worship with God's people in God's presence, they were outsiders. And then there is the woman, also a second-class citizen, and also representing God and his character! And notice how they celebrated! What is it that you have lost?

This parable is about the widow and the judge or rather outcast + widow +identity + perseverance = faith

As Christ followers, we are commissioned to serve GOD and love each other. Through the parable of the wicked farmers, we ask ourselves three pivotal questions which help guide us as we seek to expand His Kingdom in the areas we live, work and play.

A teaching on the Parable of the Shrewd Manager and a reminder of the freedom we have in Jesus to give our full selves to enjoying, sharing, and partaking in the good news.

In today's message, we will see how God's kept promise of His Spirit to His people enables the Church to do His work. In Pentecost, we see together a wide diversity with Jesus Christ as the goal, at the center.