From dreams to destiny, the story of Joseph in the Old Testament is full of twists, turns, unpredictable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes. Throughout this summer message series, “Determined Dreamer,” we’ll be exploring Joseph the dreamer’s life journey. Throughout his life, Joseph faced sibling rivalry, greed, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, neglect, alienation from home, and even success itself. Despite these many challenges, Joseph’s determination to remain faithful and obedient to the LORD turned a series of unfortunate events into greatness and redemption.

From pit to palace, bottom to top, and reaching a pivotal moment with his brothers, Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers. After twenty years and having been painfully wronged by them, he offers reconciliation and forgiveness. As followers of Christ, we are called to practice forgiveness towards those who trespass against us, as Jesus forgives us our trespasses. Who is God asking you to forgive?

From dreams to destiny, the story of Joseph in the Old Testament is full of twists, turns, unpredictable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes. Throughout this summer message series, “Determined Dreamer,” we’ll be exploring Joseph the dreamer’s life journey. Throughout his life, Joseph faced sibling rivalry, greed, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, neglect, alienation from home, and even success itself. Despite these many challenges, Joseph’s determination to remain faithful and obedient to the LORD turned a series of unfortunate events into greatness and redemption.

After facing several moments of tragedy, Joseph is now leading Egypt through a harsh famine for Pharaoh. Things are going well until unexpected visitors arrive seeking to buy some food. This week we come to a pivotal moment of potential restoration between Joseph and his family, but in his wisdom decides to conduct a series of tests before revealing himself to his ten older brothers. Likewise, we must test the truth to figure out what God’s will is—to know what is good, pleasing, and mature as followers of Jesus.

From dreams to destiny, the story of Joseph in the Old Testament is full of twists, turns, unpredictable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes. Throughout this summer message series, “Determined Dreamer,” we’ll be exploring Joseph the dreamer’s life journey. Throughout his life, Joseph faced sibling rivalry, greed, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, neglect, alienation from home, and even success itself. Despite these many challenges, Joseph’s determination to remain faithful and obedient to the LORD turned a series of unfortunate events into greatness and redemption.

This week we find Joseph interpreting dreams while imprisoned. As he interprets dreams for two prisoners, Joseph has a spark of hope that he’ll be released from prison after one speaks in favor of him to Pharaoh. That spark was extinguished after being forgotten and left in the dungeon. How much disappointment can one man take? How often are you faced with disappointment and tragedy in life? Someone needs to hear this: don’t let go and keep holding on!

Prayer of Presence

Loving God,

Who understands before I form my prayers,

Who hears when I call and translates my humble words

into beautiful hymns of gratitude and praise

And responds to my uncertain cry for help

with assurance, peace, and palpable presence,

Here I am as fully in your presence

as I am able to be,

Offering my fears, my needs, my hopes

my love, and my life,

For I am yours and belong to no other. Amen.

(Rueben P. Job)

From dreams to destiny, the story of Joseph in the Old Testament is full of twists, turns, unpredictable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes. Throughout this summer message series, “Determined Dreamer,” we’ll be exploring Joseph the dreamer’s life journey. Throughout his life, Joseph faced sibling rivalry, greed, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, neglect, alienation from home, and even success itself. Despite these many challenges, Joseph’s determination to remain faithful and obedient to the LORD turned a series of unfortunate events into greatness and redemption.

In the next part of Joseph’s story, we discuss his rise and fall and see that in the face of temptation to sin, Joseph remains faithful and dependent on God. We were made to depend on God, but when we sin, it declares independence Sin is the separation of us from God. How are you trying to live independently from God? How are you trying to fill the natural void with wordy or inappropriate things? Acknowledge, offer it to God in prayer, and be freed by the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. #DeterminedDreamer #Dependency #Sin #Temptation

From dreams to destiny, the story of Joseph in the Old Testament is full of twists, turns, unpredictable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes. Throughout this summer message series, "Determined Dreamer," we'll be exploring Joseph the dreamer's life journey. Throughout his life, Joseph faced sibling rivalry, greed, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, neglect, alienation from home, and even success itself. Despite these many challenges, Joseph's determination to remain faithful and obedient to the LORD turned a series of unfortunate events into greatness and redemption.

This week we begin our journey at the beginning of Joseph's story by quickly realizing that he had a target on his back from the start. Between being the youngest and odd-child of eleven brothers, the favored child in the family, and sharing his dramatic dreams, Josep's story quickly turns unexpected as his brothers turn against him and sell him as a slave. From the start of Joseph's rough road to glory, we learn the importance of always expecting the unexpected. Do this and be determined to remain faithful and courageous, no matter what the future holds.

Prayer: "Lord, increase my faith, wisdom, and courage to see and rejoice in your promises for my future.”

“Screens: The Gospel, Distraction Free” is a series that explores how biblical teachings can guide our media interaction. Screens are a part of daily life and have become increasingly vital than ever before these past several months. Screens influence how we see the world—both positively and negatively. The Biblical precepts that teach us about community loving our neighbor, obedience, and communicating the Gospel help us allow our faith to intersect with our technology use.

While screens can have a negative impact on our lives, they can also help us to advance the mission of Jesus Christ. This week we discuss the importance of engaging with culture, entertainment, art, and technology to stay connected with the world and unchurched. Culture can also help us to experience God and to grow as Christ-followers. How can you engage with culture and the world? How can the church become less isolated? How can we make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?

“Screens: The Gospel, Distraction Free” is a series that explores how biblical teachings can guide our media interaction. Screens are a part of daily life and have become increasingly vital than ever before these past several months. Screens influence how we see the world—both positively and negatively. The Biblical precepts that teach us about community, loving our neighbor, obedience, and communicating the Gospel help us allow our faith to intersect with our technology use.

This week we explore the importance of walking in light and love. Sometimes to walk in the light and love of Jesus we may need to give things up that distract us from God and people. This is especially true in a growing digital era, where screens prevent us from fully investing in our relationships with each other and God. What changes do you need to make to better balance your life and screen usage?

“Screens: The Gospel, Distraction Free” is a series that explores how biblical teachings can guide our media interaction. Screens are a part of daily life and have become increasingly vital than ever before these past several months. Screens influence how we see the world—both positively and negatively. The Biblical precepts that teach us about community, loving our neighbor, obedience, and communicating the Gospel help us allow our faith to intersect with our technology use.

This week Pastor Brett reminds us that how we treat others online reveals our heart toward God and neighbor. Our highest calling is to love God and love others well. How we love our neighbors shows our love for God. When considering whether to post, comment, text, or share information ask the questions below. #Screens #Technology #LoveYourNeighbor

Bonus tip: When in doubt, don't post or send it!

Our new message series, “Screens: The Gospel, Distraction Free” explores how biblical teachings can guide our media interaction. Screens are a part of daily life and have become increasingly vital than ever before these past several months. Screens influence how we see the world—both positively and negatively. The Biblical precepts that teach us about community, loving our neighbor, obedience, and communicating the Gospel help us allow our faith to intersect with our technology use.

This week Pastor Brett shares about the importance of face-to-face community and how technology can never substitute our relationships with others and Jesus. Being actively involved with the Church is important in the life of a disciple of Jesus. How can you become more actively involved and committed with the community and faith?

Listen to Sundays Sermon given by Lay Representative Kate Dougherty.