MVP Message

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Our series, "Awakened to the Ways of Jesus" continues this week with another challenging text in which Jesus reveals his expectations for all who seek to follow him. Together we will ponder what it means to call Jesus Lord, place him before every other person or priority, and carry the cross—only to discover the life that is really life in return.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor

Scripture: Mark 7:24-37

Our series, "Awakened to the Ways of Jesus" begins this week with one of the more difficult stories in the Gospels and the only one in which someone wins an argument with Jesus.

You are invited to join our community for worship this week as our series begins with Jesus as a "Boundary Breaker."

Preacher: Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor

Scriptures: Exodus 3:1-15 & James 1:17-27

This week we conclude our series on " A Balanced Life," with the final lesson touching on production. As we go into our week, let us focus on being doers of good, and lovers of all. How does our production in the real world reflect the love and care that God expresses for us?

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor

Scriptures: Psalm 84 & Ephesians 6:10-20

The rewards of a balanced life are many—psychological, physical, social, and spiritual. While achieving a life in which peace and wholeness prevail can be a balancing act in and of itself, such a life is possible with discipline and intentionality. Join us as we conclude the summer by examining four practices that all contribute to A Balanced Life.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor

Scriptures: Zechariah 8:1-19 & Ephesians 5:15-20

Our series continues this week with an exploration of the importance of play, something author Diane Ackerman once said is our favorite way of learning. What if play can also become a favorite response to God's presence and faithfulness in our lives? 

Preacher: Lee J. Schriber, Minister of Engagement & Discipleship

Scriptures: 1 Kings 19:4-8, & Psalm 34:1-8

Our series will begin this week with an exploration of the importance of rest, the meaning of sabbath, an angelic encounter, and how we might sustain ourselves for the road ahead through intentional spaces to pause.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

How well do you walk?

Who taught you how to walk?

How do we know we are walking in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called?

Join us this week as our series, "Lessons from the Abbey" concludes with an examination of Ephesians 4 and how we might learn to walk again as we seek to do the work of ministry in every aspect of our lives.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor

Scripture: John 6: 1-21

This week, our sermon focuses on the power of living life in community in such a way that the myth of scarcity is always overcome by abundance. Together we will examine two familiar miracle stories and ponder how Jesus might beckon us to partner with him to ensure such miracles continue to happen in and through us today.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 & John 13:3-5, 12-17

This week our sermon focuses on how God shows up in our work—the work we are paid to do, the ordinary tasks we must do, and the places where we offer our gifts in hopes of making a difference to others.

How might we apply this wisdom to all of our work—tasks big and small, paid and unpaid, seemingly significant and those often deemed insignificant?

Preacher: Rev. Christine Browder

Scriptures: Psalm 24 & Genesis 1:26-2:4a

This week, our sermon focuses on communal practices of environmental stewardship that can make a lasting impact for generations to come. Together we will look at scriptures describing the goodness of creation and ponder how we might embrace creation care as a spiritual practice.