New Culture Church

On the first Sunday of 2024, Pastor Abbie starts the year off by unpacking what it really means to abide in Christ. Using the metaphor of vines and branches from John 15, she explores how abiding goes far beyond just waiting - it's about staying connected to Jesus through presence and intentional practices. Abbie issues a convicting yet hopeful call to prune the "dead things killing the rest of the life around us" and make space for the Spirit to work. When we surrender control, abiding in Christ produces lasting fruit in our lives and overflows to those around us. If you long for more of Jesus this year, this message is for you.

The Christmas season often brings more chaos than calm. Join Pastor Abbie Sawczak as she explores how to find true peace amidst all the busyness and uncertainty this holiday season. Even when nothing seems peaceful on the outside, Abbie reminds us that the Prince of Peace has come and his presence brings an inner stillness stronger than any storm. Tune in to be encouraged to pause, acknowledge the chaos, center yourself in Christ, and enter into His lasting peace.

In this week's sermon, Pastor Abbie Sawczak invites us to find hope in Jesus amidst the darkness and despair we may be experiencing. Abbie reflects on the story of Joseph and how he chose hope and obedience in confusing, disappointing circumstances. She reminds us that Jesus often doesn’t meet our expectations but offers us what we truly need. This sermon explores putting hope in the reality of who Jesus is rather than who we wish Him to be. Discover how encountering Jesus can ignite hope within when all feels lost.

We all desire to be known and loved. In this sermon, Pastor Abbie invites us into a transformational encounter with Jesus, who desires intimate relationship with each of us. Through exploring Jesus' conversation with Peter in John 21, we're reminded that Jesus meets us in the ordinary moments and spaces of life, extending grace and second chances to walk in a new identity. Though we fail and falter, Jesus keeps changing and transforming us as we commit to following him. The invitation stands open to commune with Jesus and partner with him to demonstrate love and make disciples.

Have you ever felt stuck in the mundane? Like you're just going through the motions without seeing much fruit? In this sermon, Pastor Abbie Sawczak reminds us that God shows up in the everyday. He cares about our work and our community. Through the story of Jesus meeting the disciples while fishing in John 21, we're invited into a renewed imagination for how God wants to work through us right where we are. Get ready to be challenged to keep moving and waiting expectantly for what Jesus will do next.

Do you long to be fully known and fully loved? In this week's sermon, Pastor Abbie Sawczak shares a vulnerable story and dives into John 13 where Jesus washes His disciples' feet. Discover how this intimate act shows the full extent of Jesus' love for us. Listen as Pastor Abbie unpacks how we can open ourselves up to Jesus' cleansing and walk forward on the journey ahead. You'll be reminded that it's through receiving His love and then extending it to others that we can powerfully demonstrate the upside-down kingdom Jesus came to usher in.

Have you ever felt unprepared or unequipped for what God is calling you to? In this week's sermon, Pastor Abbie Sawczak explores how Jesus invited his disciples to participate in his mission, even when they felt unready. Through the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Matthew 14, we're reminded that God can use our humble offerings to do miraculous things. Pastor Abbie encourages us to surrender what little we have - our time, talents, and resources - into God's hands. When we let go and participate in God's work, little becomes much. Listen to be reminded of God's power to multiply our small acts of service and generosity.

In this week's sermon, Pastor Abbie Sawczak reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we have everything we need in Christ. Yet at the same time, there is still more available to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. She encourages us to make space in our lives to receive more of God's presence, sharing stories of how God wants to leave us with His peace, joy, and the gifts of the Spirit. Let's reflect on how we can grow in greater intimacy with Jesus, opening our hearts to all He wants to impart in our lives.

Jesus invited people to the table and then urged them to live consecrated lives. The call to follow Jesus is a call to live a life that is set apart and fully devoted to Him. This means living differently, in a way that makes room for Jesus and makes way for His mission. Consecration is about putting Jesus before ourselves.

The Call of Christ is to live a consecrated life, urging us to live set apart and fully devoted. The sermon encourages consecration over comfort, compromise, and complacency. It calls for consecration for the sake of our city and Christ's mission. Practical ways to set apart and devote oneself include a daily rhythm of Bible study, prayer, and self-examination.

Hey New Culture Church podcast listeners! This week, we've got some insights that might just make you see everyday situations a bit differently. Ever made a cooking mistake that turned out to be a memorable lesson? That's where Pastor Abbie kicks things off with her mac and cheese story.

We often judge things by their appearance, but sometimes, it's the substance that matters. Just like that deceivingly good-looking mac and cheese, life can throw us similar curveballs.

Jumping into Luke chapter 14, we see a familiar scene: Jesus at a gathering, and there's a subtle race to get the best seats. It's a snapshot of how we sometimes seek validation. But Jesus, with his unique perspective, challenges this notion and makes us question: What really defines value?

Another highlight? Jesus healing when it was unconventional. A reminder that sometimes, it's essential to prioritize compassion over tradition.

SO WHAT: The Table Gathers, Unites & Empowers

Thanks for joining us this week. See you next week!