with special guest, Rev. Sara C. Hill

THEY LONGED TO BE TOGETHER

Have you ever seen two people in love? More than anything else, they want to spend time together.

Have you ever seen a group of Christians filled with excitement and hope? More than anything else, they want to be together.

This Sunday, we will consider how the earliest followers of Jesus spent time together daily. Why did they do that? What difference did it make?

What might happen if we longed to spend more time together in a common life?

Explore these questions this Sunday in worship.

Join us @ 9 AM, In-person or Online!

Easter Sunday Service with Pastor Tom Bagley

Palm-Passion Sunday

COME TO THE FEAST

During Lent, we have studied the stories Jesus told in Luke 15, looking especially at the story of THE PRODIGAL SON.

In the story, the younger brother who has wasted his inheritance, sees his mistakes and longs to return home again. In a powerful, touching scene, the lost son is welcomed home by the Father. A lavish feast is provided for him.

But what did it cost to welcome that son home? What did it cost to throw this lavish feast?

And what does it cost God, when like the wayward son (or the self-righteous elder son) we are brought home to the feast?

That's the focus for this Sunday in worship.

Join us @ 9AM, In-person or Online

This Sunday we welcome guest pastor Dr. Michael Bradley!

NOT THE FOLLOWERS WE EXPECT

As a child my sister, who always made friends, invited a boy in her second grade class to church with us. Now this little boy was from a poor family living in a dirty, drafty old house, and when he and his two siblings climbed in the car, they were excited, of course, but not wearing the cleanest clothes nor smelling the best.

They loved the children's program and sat quietly in church. But after their visit some complained about their smell and appearance. The children continued to attend for a while, but soon got the message.

It breaks my heart, because the people of my church were kind and loving, but when Jesus went against the norm - reaching out through the love of a child - some of these good people struggled to understand and accept.

Sometimes we struggle, too.

Jesus operates differently than we do. He came to welcome and to love people - all kinds of people - and we are called to love them, too.

Join us for worship this Sunday as we see how Jesus welcomed even “tax-collectors and sinners."

9 AM, In Person or Online

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

Life is difficult. It really is. Just when you think you've figured it out, that you've got the tiger by the tail, then events tackle you, taking you to the ground.

This was true, even for Jesus. No sooner had he had been baptised, blessed and loved by God's Spirit, than that same Spirit chased him out into the wilderness where Jesus struggled with hardship and temptation.

Why? Why would God do that? And why does God allow us (or even chase us, as the Bible says) into trials and challenges?

This Sunday, we are looking at the story of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark 1.9-15. Join us as we discover what this puzzle is all about.

9 AM, In-Person or Online

WHAT GOD WANTS TO GIVE

What do you long for in 2024?

Health? Abundant finances? A better job? A better relationship? Stress-free living?

When I am honest with myself, I often long for things which could be described as my own self-centered plans: to have health to do what I want; to have money so I can have freedom; to have work that always makes me happy; to have zero problems so that I escape stress.

And sometimes I pray, asking God for just these very things.

But are these selfish plans really what we need? Is it possible that when we pray, that God desires to give us something else?

Join us this Sunday as we begin a sermon series about the life of Jesus. Find out who Jesus is, why he came to be with us, and what God most wants to give you through him.

9 AM, In-Person or Online

New Year’s Eve Worship Service with special guest Dr. Michael Bradley

THE REAL JOY OF CHRISTMAS

The other night there was a Christmas movie in which jolly carolers were belting out Christmas cheer while just to the side there were homeless people begging for food and shelter. The disparity between those two scenes revealed very different pictures of our world, and I wanted to protest that the movie maker had dared to put the two together.

Sometimes we celebrate Christmas as if it is all joy, hope and good will, and we ignore the troubles, injustice, and personal sadness many experience at this time of year.

But the Bible always holds both images together. The Bible is brutally honest about the suffering and pain in our world and also about God coming near to help, save, heal and repair. God sees at us in our sickness, sin and suffering and does not walk away, but chooses to be with us - even in the darkest circumstances.

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the real JOY of Christmas!

9 AM, In-Person or Online