THE CHURCH IS MEANT FOR MORE

In years past, the Church was the center not only of spiritual life, but of community life, too. Everyone who was anyone belonged to a local congregation.

But it is not that way now. Researchers tell us that the Church in America is in decline; it's a trend that has accelerated since the pandemic.

But when we read the Bible, we realize it doesn't have to be that way. People everywhere are searching for help, strength, hope and life. . . and the Church is to be God's instrument for them to find it.

The Church is meant to reach outward; the Church is meant to grow!

Join us for worship this Sunday for part 2 of the sermon series: MORE!

9 AM, In-Person or Online.

MORE

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get focused on the negative -- challenges, problems, fears, difficulties -- in our relationships, families, work, church and life? When we do, we lose hope, a sense of purpose, joyful living.

But God says: "I have more for you than you have ever imagined or asked. . . I have a greater purpose than you have ever considered. If you will be open to what I offer, it will change your life."

Join us this Sunday as we begin a new series of sermons from the book of Isaiah entitled simply: "MORE."

Find out the secret of all God has planned for you,

your church and your life.

9AM, In-Person or Online

HUMILITY AND GRACE

“Somehow, we think we can only fully enjoy our being loved by God if others are loved less than we are.” - Henri Nouwen

It's easy to be resentful of others' good fortune, isn't it, especially if we think they don't deserve it. "They haven't worked hard like we have; they haven't done what is right; they haven't come to church. Why should they receive that good gift? Why should they be loved?

These are honest and fair questions. This Sunday, we will explore one of Jesus' stories, Matthew 20.1-16, which helps us consider this.

Join us at 9AM, In-Person or Online.

FORGIVENESS

Most Needed, Most Difficult

"We cannot have friends without forgiveness, we cannot have family without forgiveness, we cannot have lasting marriages without forgiveness. But it is very, very difficult [to do]. -- Christian Author, Fred Craddock

When we have been hurt. . .

Why is it so hard to turn loose of the pain. . .

Why is it so difficult to forgive one another?

Join us for worship this Sunday as we study Jesus' teachings about forgiveness. 9 am, In-person or Online

with special guest Rev. Gary Kelly

with special guest, Dr. Michael Bradley

JESUS, YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!

When Jesus called his disciples he called them to build a new community - the gathering we call CHURCH. But sometimes we wonder why. The church has caused so much hurt, so much heartache. How could anything good ever come from it?

Yet, Jesus insists that the church is both his idea and his gift to us. And "the gates of Hades will never overcome it." ( Matthew 16.13-20)

Join us for worship this Sunday as we consider the gift of the CHURCH. 9 AM, In-Person or Online

Lessons on Faith

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11.1

In Matthew's Gospel, there are five stories in which Jesus commends persons for their "great faith," holding them up as models for living. Surprisingly, none of the five are stories about faithful disciples of Jesus. They are all desperate outsiders.

What is Jesus telling us about faith? Where are you feeling desperate in your circumstances? How do we trust God in our day-to-day lives?

Join us this Sunday as we explore the story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28.

9 AM, In-person or Online

Stewardship - the Dirty Word

When most of us think of the word “Stewardship," we think it's a fancy word for asking people to give money. Our fears go up and we want nothing to do with it.

But when the Bible talks about stewardship it means an attitude toward all of life. God alone is the creator. We are stewards and servants invited to manage, care for and use wisely all that God has put into our hands. It's a blessing and privilege which each person is given.

How can we become stewards of all of life?

Join us for worship this Sunday. 9AM, In Person or Online

ALL THINGS NEW

It's one thing to be a follower of Jesus at home or with your family; it's another to be a follower in the push and pull of daily living. Yet, God is concerned not just about people spiritually, but about every area of daily life: money, school, sexuality, business -- even politics. When Jesus says he is making all things new he means ALL THINGS, every aspect of life.

What does this mean for us as Jesus' followers?

How can we follow Jesus in making things new?

Join us this Sunday for worship @ 9 AM

In-Person or Online