What if people found out what we’ve done? What if they found out what happened in our past? What if they found out who we are and what we really think and feel? In our desire to be loved and accepted, many of us spend our whole life holding onto secrets no one else knows. What do we do, when we fear being known?

The most repeated command in the Bible is, “Do not be afraid.” Does that mean we should never be afraid? If your world is crashing around you, is it wrong to be afraid? Are there legitimate reasons to have fear? In this message, we’ll explore a theology of fear. What does the Bible teach us about fear? And how do we overcome our fear when we are overwhelmed by it?

Join us as we look back and celebrate what God has done in Rochester in 2025 while we also prepare our hearts and mind to see what God will do in 2026!

Belief doesn’t always fade because we stop wanting hope — it fades because life disappoints us. In this Christmas at the Movies message based on The Christmas Chronicles and Luke 2, we explore how God meets us in ordinary moments, rekindles fragile faith, and brings real joy through Jesus. Whether your faith feels strong, fragile, or uncertain, Christmas invites you to take a step toward the God who came near.

Author Charles Dickens was searching for a story to revive his career, pay off his debts, and bring hope to others. In 1843 he wrote the Christmas classic, “A Christmas Carol.” In part 2 of our “Christmas at the Movies” series, we’ll take a look at Dicken’s story in the movie, “The Man Who Invented Christmas.” Dicken’s story is one of hope, but there is a truer story that brings real hope to us in the darkness. That’s what we’ll explore in this message.

While some people love the Christmas season, the traditions, and the parties, others just want it to be over. To be honest, it makes us a bit cranky. We’d rather skip the parties and all of the extra events and distractions. In week 1 of our series, Christmas at the Movies, we’ll be watching clips of “Christmas with the Kranks”, and consider Jesus teaching from the Gospel of Mark, to reframe our perspective this Christmas season.

Humans are natural meaning-makers, always trying to make sense of the world around us. In this sermon, we’ll look at God’s purpose in creating humanity and the beautiful, fulfilling work He invites us into.

From Genesis to the life of Jesus, we’ll uncover what our true purpose is and consider how each of us can uniquely live that out as we grow and mature in Christ.

Why is it that two people can face the same hardships in life but respond so differently? One person exhibits peace and confidence in God while the other is full of worry, anxiety and anger. What makes the difference between the two? In week 3 of our sermon series “In the Making” we’ll dive into one of the clearest markers of spiritual maturity, unshakable faith. How do we become men and women whose faith is not rattled when life shakes us?

Everyone wants to grow up, but not everyone wants to live like a grown up. We want the benefits of a life well lived, but we are not all willing to live life well. We admire men and women who are wise and mature. We admire those who live and look like Jesus. But how do we become like them? How do we grow up spiritually? That’s what we’ll explore in week 2 of our series, “In the Making.”

Have you ever found yourself searching for more in your faith? Maybe you have decided to become a Christian, but your faith is a bit dull and you don’t feel like you are growing. Maybe you feel like your church is just designed for new Christians, but it is not helping you develop your own faith. In week 1 of our series, In the Making, we want to address those concerns. What does it mean to be fully mature as a Christian? And how do you know if you are growing?