Christmas cards are typically serene, angelic, and magical. Pastor Jody explains that the real story begins with a family being called to another city to pay taxes to a despot, and ends with the family fleeing for their lives.

Christmas is over, and we’re thinking about settling back into our old routines. Pastor Dan suggests that, just as the three wise ones were warned to go home by another way, maybe there are routines we might want to change.

Joseph is an unlikely character, compelled into a drama with a revolutionary baby, shepherds, angels, and outsiders bringing kingly gifts. He was a rule-breaker, protector, dreamer, silent hero, and more. Pastor Jody asks what Joseph’s journey can teach us.

Protestants don’t know quite what to do with the Virgin Mary: worship her? Call upon her in times of need? From the Gospel of Luke, we know that Mary was anything but a weak young woman. Pastor Dan shares inspiration from Mary’s ‘Magnificat’ prayer.

After the Annunciation, Mary began waiting and preparing. Today, during Advent, we are also waiting: for justice to come, for a thriving world, and more. Pastor Jody asks what one does while waiting and preparing.

The November 20, 2025, service was canceled due to inclement weather.

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for what we have. Pastor Dan suggests that we should also give thanks for our losses, deprivations, and setbacks. What might it mean to give thanks for our scars?

Pastor Jody shares recent experiences with three places in Greece – Athens, the monasteries at Meteora, and the fortified town of Monemvasia – where residents are deeply connected to their past.

In Mathew 22, Jesus is asked about heaven. Jim DeVries spent 40 years as a hospital and hospice chaplain. He gives an upbeat message about what we know and ways to make the transition to ‘what’s next’ easier.

Saints are not just people with Vatican-approved miracles. On All Saints Sunday, Linda Knieriemen talks about ‘balcony people,’ the everyday folks who encourage us to be peace-loving, justice-seeking, love-bestowing humans.