Rowing or Sailing Our Way to the Future?

In ancient times there were two ways to power a boat: rowing or sailing. Rowing involves our effort, our strength and often people literally give out. But sailing is a different thing. There's work, but it's the work of catching the wind, because it is the wind that empowers. When the wind fills the sails, a boat moves almost effortlessly.

Early Christians used the symbol of a boat to represent the Church. Not a rowboat, but a sailboat. The sailboat reminded them that the way to move into the future was to let the wind of God's Spirit fill and guide them. They could try to force their own ideas and plans; they could strain ahead using their own resources. Or, they could let the Holy Spirit blow them forward, depending on God to lead them into an exciting future of love, service and giving.

This Sunday, we'll talk about the changes that are ahead for us as a congregation. Will we attempt to strain our way ahead? Or will we let the Holy Spirit blow us into the future God has planned.

I hope you will join us for

WORSHIP

9 AM, In-Person or Online

with very special guest Dr. Michael Bradley

BEING A CHRISTIAN IS ABOUT MOVEMENT

Did you know that being a Christian is about making the move from a life centered on yourself to a life that is centered on God?

And did you know that it's not a one-time movement or a one-time decision, but a learning that takes place over a lifetime?

Jesus said: “If any want to follow me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me." ( Luke 9.23)

But how do we do it? Or rather, how does God bring about this movement within us?

Join us this Sunday as we continue our sermon series, COME, FOLLOW ME.

Find out God's daily plan for living a new, God-focused life.

Featuring special guest Rev. Gary Kelley

COME, FOLLOW ME: Baptism

Baptism is one of those activities of the Church which most of us assume we understand. It's about repenting of sin. It's believing in Jesus. It's about living a new life.

If that's what we think, we are right - in part. But there is actually so much more...

This Sunday, we continue our sermon series entitled, COME, FOLLOW ME, by looking even deeper into the meaning of baptism.

Join us at 9 am, in-person or online, and discover how baptism can be a powerful strength for your life!

COME, FOLLOW ME

What does it mean to be a Christian? To be one who "follows Jesus?" What does it mean to be a member of the Church?

Is it about coming to worship and hearing about Jesus? Is it about trying to live a good life? To do good things? To be a good person?

In the Gospel writings, Jesus said to the first people who became his disciples, "Come, Follow Me." But what did he mean?

And what does he want us to do today?

Join us this Sunday for the first in a series of sermons, COME, FOLLOW ME.

Find out what Jesus wants for your life.

9 AM, In-Person or Online

This Sunday we welcome our very special guest, Rev. Gary Kelley!

LIVING GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE

In some ways, the story of Samson in the Bible is a mirror for us. Here was a person with so much potential for good, who only lived it at the very end of his life.

We do the same thing, don't we? We waste weeks, months and even years chasing our own selfish dreams and missing out on the great purposes that God has to give.

But Samson did wake up. He did finally live the purpose for which he was created.

What will it take for us to live God's new life, too?

Join us this Sunday for worship as we complete our study of the book of Judges.

9AM, In-Person or Online

SAMSON'S STORY

Everyone knows about Samson in the Bible: Samson with long hair; Samson and Deliliah.

Some parts of Samson's story read like an erotic novel, some of it like a tale of revenge, some of it like a fantasy. But in truth it is a story of encouragement.

If you've ever dealt with disappointments from your own mistakes, or with hardships and troubles of your own poor choices, the story of Samson is for you.

You see, God is also a part of Samson's story - and whatever else we say about it - his story reminds us that God is a part of our story, too.

Join us this Sunday for worship as we study the life of Samson. 9 AM, In-Person or Online

LESSONS FOR LIFE

Sometimes we look at the world through rose-colored glasses, thinking that all is good, joyful, hopeful and light. But the truth is that the world isn't like that. Sure, there are times of goodness, but there are also times of terrible tragedy.

The book of Judges knows all about it. It contains some of the most dark and tragic stories in all the Bible, and the story this week is no exception.

Yet, even in the darkness there are lessons to be learned, there is hope to be claimed, because of the goodness of God through Jesus Christ.

Join us this Sunday as we continue our series,

JUDGES FOR TODAY.

9 AM, In-Person or Online