Crocodiles, rivers and seas, fire and murder. Unlike last week's sermon where God is nowhere mentioned, seen, or heard, God seems to be ALL OVER this story!

Oh, great. Esther. Again. We have heard this story...here we go...

"...for such a time as this..."

We know. We've heard it. #sotrue

Talk about a SPOILER ALERT; we know how this ends.  

But, do we know how it begins?

This Ash Wednesday, some folks had the opportunity to come on campus and have a one-on-one time with the pastors and thoughtfully reflect on what the next 40 day journey to the cross means to them. We will walk through a variation of this as a church on Sunday. Come with an open heart to experience what God might have for all of us.

Matthew’s Gospel reports that Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). The writer of Hebrews wants his listeners (and us) to understand that the Jesus Way does "exactly what it says on the box.” Life in these times rarely provides opportunities for rest, and we all feel the consequences of that reality. Sadly, our modern church life often seems to compound this situation with all of our hectic activities! What does it mean to rest right here, right now and what does it mean for us now that God has promised a fuller rest to come.

Message from Melody Anderson on February 12, 2023

Every human heart experiences a restlessness and a deep longing for a place called home. This week in our journey through Hebrews we are going to explore, “The House That God Built,” and seek to ensure and maintain our part of this great household of faith.

In 1995 American singer Joan Osborne released her hit song entitled, “One of Us.” 

If God had a name what would it be?

And would you call it to his face?

And would you call it to his face

If you were faced with Him in all His glory

What would you ask if you had just one question?

If God had a face what would it look like?

And would you want to see

If seeing meant that you would have to believe

In things like heaven and in Jesus and the Saints

And all the prophets?

What if God was one of us?

Just a slob like one of us

Just a stranger on the bus

Tryin' to make his way home?

This week the writer of Hebrews invites us to explore that very question. What might it mean that Jesus was, is and ever shall be, “One of Us.”

Hebrews 2:5-9

Last week we considered the expansiveness and sufficient nature of all that Jesus was, is and always shall be and what that means for our human condition. How might we respond? This week we are invited to consider that question. Come and listen to the Word with active minds and hungry hearts and encounter the fullness of Jesus in this community.

Happy New Year! We are so excited to begin our time in the New Testament book of Hebrews. A neglected section of the Bible, because at first glance it may seem difficult to understand. One commentator in reply to the questions “...by whom, to whom, when, where, why,” honestly concludes, “...don’t know, don’t know, don’t know, don’t know, don’t know.” The lack of specificity about this writing does however open the door to our ability to find application for right here, and right now, now especially since one thing we do know is that those to whom Hebrews was written were struggling in their walk with Jesus, and tempted towards apathy or even walking away amidst the trials of life and questions of faith. Come and hear the word of God by which we may turn our eyes once again towards Jesus, and be challenged, comforted, strengthened and transformed.