Mars Hill

To kick off Advent [after a snow-day Sunday the previous week], Troy invites us into the season by concentrating on the hopefulness of the prophet's vision. 

Isaiah 2:1-5

Questions to consider—

Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?

Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?

Matthew 21:1-5 / 2 Peter 1:5-9

The 'fruits of the Spirit,' goodness and faithfulness work together over time! God creates what is good, that which reflects God's character - faithfulness puts that on display over the long haul.

Mark 10: 17-18, Lamentations 3: 22-23

 Questions to consider—

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?

Many people, like Meredith, have a complicated relationship with happy and joy. She invites us to consider the Source of all joy and how essential a component joy is to being a follower of Jesus and image bearer of God. 

John 2:1-5

Questions to consider—

Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

The fruit of the Spirit, Kindness, is tender and strong. A call to selflessly love while also being loved by God and allowing the profound kindness of the Lord to lead us into life.

 Micah 6:8

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Mike and Brian brought us into our second week of the series, concentrating on joy and peace. Mike invited us to consider the ways that disappointment hinders our encounter and experience of joy. Brian issued a prophetic call to be people of peace, just as Jesus is our peace.

Isaiah 35:1-2 and Ephesians 2:14

Questions to consider—

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?

These two Teachings kicked off our new series called "By the Spirit." Troy began describing the goal and format of the series, along with offering a few words about the Holy Spirit. Delwin walked through a narrative that highlights love in the life of Jesus, encouraging all to be a loving presence in the world. 

John 21:17

Questions to consider—

Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?

Proverbs 19:16

Simplicity is a "hidden" posture throughout Proverbs. There is a consistent call to "declutter" life so that one can pursue wise living and the well-orderedness of creation and relationships. 

Proverbs 30:7-9

Questions to consider—

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

 Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Discipline is not a favorite word for many people. Proverbs has a lot to say about it, encouraging an intentionally structured life and for the corrective voice of those who care for us not to be ignored. 

Proverbs 3:21-26

Questions to consider—

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

 Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?