What is the significance of the baptism of Jesus? This crucial question is often ignored, but it has important implications for every sinner. Join Fr. Ben Williams on this first Sunday of Epiphany as we wrestle with the implications of Christ’s baptism and how this helps us reimagine evangelism today.

Have you ever made a recommendation to someone who just didn’t get it? It seems that all the passion in the world doesn’t help others to see what we see. Just like our impassioned recommendations, we can let the responses of others keep us from shining our light in the darkness. As we kick off our Epiphany series on this special feast day, Fr. Ben Williams encourages us to remember that like the wise men from the east, God is already drawing those who are far off to His light through His church.

Have you ever been found somewhere you didn’t belong? Where do you belong? This week’s gospel passage is about the 12-year-old Jesus who stayed behind in Jerusalem after his parents mistakenly left him. When they finally found them, he was exactly where he belonged. Join Fr. Ben Williams this week as we consider the implications of living in God’s presence.

What does the incarnation of Christ have to do with shame? Whether we admit to the depths of our own shame or barely notice it, we all have it. Shame is one of the results of the fall. The story of redemption, however, offers a reversal of those results and the good news is that Christ’s incarnation is the means of that reversal. On this first Sunday of Christmastide, Fr. Ben Williams encourages us that, rather than living in shame, we can be clothed in Christ.

How many times have you heard the Christmas story? The story of Christ’s incarnation can become so familiar to us that we lose the impact of just how scandalous it must have been. This week, we wrap up our Advent series on Awaiting the Light with Mr. Brian Denker, who leads us in imagining this old story anew. Join us as we consider the scandal of the incarnation.

Do you struggle with doubt? Has your faith fluctuated over the course of your discipleship? You are not alone. When John the Baptist was in prison, he feared that he had been wrong about Jesus. But Jesus’ response was surprising. Join us this week as our guest preacher, Dr. Gary Osborne encourages us to take comfort that doubt is a normal part of following Jesus.

What is peace and how do we know it when we see it? It can be discouraging to look for the peace of Christ when it seems all we see is violence, evil, and unrighteousness. This week, we light the peace candle and contemplate the promise of peace on earth, goodwill toward men. Guest preacher, Mr. Josh Krebs, expounds on the readings for the second Sunday in Advent. He reminds us that the bells of Christmas are a declaration of peace, a pronouncement that the table of the Lord is now open.

What is Christian hope? Is it simply wishful thinking or is it something more? This week, as we begin our Advent season together, we hear from our own Matt Wright, who reminds us of our ultimate hope in Jesus Christ. This hope is not only fulfilled in Jesus’ first Advent, but has been prophesied in his second Advent as well. The hope that is in us changes the way we live our lives and love our neighbors. Join us as we hear this Advent message, Something to Hope For.

What is power? Where does it come from and what is our relationship with it? This Sunday marks the final Sunday in the church year and we call it Christ the King Sunday. Join us this week as we remember that above all earthly powers, especially the power of death, our Lord Jesus Christ is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Where do you look for stability? Where do your foundations lie? This week’s gospel passage contrasts the stability of the earthly Temple in Jerusalem with the stability of eternal life promised in Jesus. We will interpret the instability of our lives here and now through a particular lens. The question is whether we will see instability through the lens of fear or through the lens of faith.