Recorded on Sunday, 10/26/25 at the 11am service

| Scripture Reading: Luke 12:13-21 |

Jesus tells the Parable of the Rich Fool to challenge our relationship with money and possessions. The rich man hoarded his abundant harvest instead of sharing, planning to relax and enjoy his wealth for years. However, God called him a fool because he died that very night, unable to take anything with him. His mistake was not that he was rich  but rather that he hoarded his wealth instead of being rich toward God. We face the same choice today: serve God or money, but not both. The solution is following God's financial guidance - give first, save second, and live on the rest.

| This is the second sermon in our "Give, Save, Live" sermon series.

Recorded on Sunday, 10/19/25, at the 11am service

| Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:24-34 |

Jesus taught that money is one of the greatest competitors to God in our lives, warning that we cannot serve both God and wealth. Most people fall into two financial traps: the spending ditch driven by unbridled desire, or the hoarding ditch driven by fear and worry. The solution is found in Matthew 6:33 - seeking first God's kingdom and righteousness. When we prioritize giving and trust God's provision, we avoid making money our master and instead use it as a tool for generous living and kingdom purposes.

| This is the first sermon in our "Give, Save, Live" sermon series.

Recorded on Sunday, 10/15/25 at the 11am service

| Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20 |

Paul's metaphor of spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:10-20 provides believers with essential protection for life's spiritual battles. The six pieces include the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet prepared with the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit. Each piece serves a specific purpose in defending against spiritual opposition and helping us stand firm in our faith. Paul emphasizes that our struggle is not against physical enemies but against spiritual forces, making this divine armor crucial for every believer. Prayer serves as the final essential element, reminding us to trust in God's power rather than our own strength.

| This is the 6th and final sermon in our "Connecting through Jesus Christ" sermon series.

Connect & Thrive: Empowering Teens Together is an event series for families of tweens & teens during the 2025-26 school year. |

This event was presented live to an in-person audience on 9/30/25 by Brittany Chenenko, a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) who owns a private practice serving children, adolescents and parents in Brighton, NY.  Find out more about her practice at www.seedtosproutmhc.com. |

This presentation was informed by the book, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, and covered topics including how and why smartphones affect the mental health and brain development of children and adolescents, ways parents and caregivers can help their child develop healthy habits around technology use, and the statewide bell-to-bell cellphone ban in NYS public schools for the 2025-2026 school year.

October 5, 2025 at the 11am Service

|Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:8-20|

In Ephesians 5:8-20, Paul calls us to seek true fullness of life through the Spirit of God, singing and making music, and giving thanks to God every day.  While other things may tempt us, they can’t offer the fullness of joy we find through Christ.  Paul invites us to give thanks to God always, making music in our hearts!|This is the 5th sermon in our "Connecting through Jesus Christ" sermon series.

Recorded on September 28, 2025 at the 11am worship service.

|Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:25-5:2|

In Ephesians, we learn that becoming a new creation in Christ means fundamentally changing how we live. This transformation isn't self-manufactured but a gift from God, symbolized powerfully in baptism. Our new life should be characterized by unity, truth-telling, healthy anger management, honest work, generous giving, and speech that builds others up. Though this transformation isn't easy, we're empowered by the Holy Spirit to grow more like Christ daily as we put off our old selves. Ultimately, we're called to imitate God and walk in love as Christ loved us.This is the 4th sermon in our "Connecting through Jesus Christ" sermon series.

Recorded on September 21, 2025|

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16|

Growing up spiritually means becoming more like Christ throughout our lives. Paul challenges believers in Ephesians 4 to mature in faith rather than remaining spiritual children blown about by every wind of doctrine. True spiritual growth requires proper nourishment through worship, scripture, prayer, community, generosity, and service - not spiritual junk food that merely validates our existing beliefs. Dallas Willard outlines five stages of spiritual growth: confidence in Jesus, desire to be his apprentice, obedience to God, inner transformation, and power to do God's work. This journey of sanctification invites us to assess where we are and take intentional steps toward maturity.

This is the 3rd sermon in our "Connecting through Jesus Christ" sermon series.

Recorded on September 14, 2025 |

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:4-10 |

In a world marked by division, Ephesians 2:4-10 reminds us of our identity and calling in Christ. The historic division between Jews and Gentiles parallels our modern social divides, where we increasingly isolate ourselves in like-minded enclaves. Just as peace in Northern Ireland came through reconciliation work rather than physical walls, Christians today are called to tear down walls of hostility. We must live with humility and gratitude, choose to reach across dividing lines, and discern where to put our energy. By reaching across dividing lines, we can embody Christ's peace and build up the family of faith.

This is the 2nd sermon in our "Connecting through Jesus Christ" sermon series.

Recorded on September 7, 2025|

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:1-14|

Life is better together, as the letter to the Ephesians reminds us; we're not meant to do life alone. Despite our society's technological connectivity, many people feel isolated and lonely, much like the materially wealthy but spiritually struggling ancient city of Ephesus. God consistently reaches out to humans throughout scripture, emphasizing that we are blessed, chosen, and adopted into His family. Christian faith practiced in community allows us to build bridges, learn forgiveness, and serve together. By praying intentionally for others and fully participating in church life, we can strengthen our bonds and experience the joy of unity in Christ.

This is the 1st sermon in our "Connecting through Jesus Christ" sermon series.