Reachway Church

We look at the account of the first time the disciples of Jesus are called ‘Christians,’ and consider the implications of the reality that not-yet Christians were the first ones to assign that title (not the disciples!). Our driving passage is Acts 11:19-30.

Let us consider the story of Peter meeting Cornelius. In doing so, we realize that acts of favoritism are not Godly and have no place in God’s Kingdom and in the lives of those who follow Christ. Our driving text is Acts 10:1 - 11:18

Among several themes, the second half of Acts chapter nine provides an account of the power of relationships, friendships, and mutuality. Through the example of the biblical character Tabitha, and remembering God’s ancient call, we consider our call to being a friend to others.

We look to the story of the conversion of Saul to consider God’s restorative activity in the world, which for humanity, is our salvation. If God can reach Saul, God can reach you!

The story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts chapter 8) opens up our imaginations on who God is calling to God’s- self, and the unimaginable and uncontrollable movement of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures show us clearly through this story that God profoundly sees and deeply cares about every single human being.

In Reachway's Summer journey through the book of Acts, the life of Stephen is considered, as accounted for in Acts chapters 6 & 7. What can be learned from this story of someone who goes from 'food pantry director,' to wrongfully murdered? Let's explore that together.

The Seventh Word - Luke 23:44-46 - It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Speaker - Jonathan Thomas

The Rev. Jonathan Thomas serves as Co-Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Peoria. He received his M.Div. degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, where he first met his wife, Jenny. After getting married they looked for a church they could serve together as priests and found the wonderful congregation of St. Paul's to be the sort of place willing to try something new. He previously served on the staff in churches in Virginia, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

The Sixth Word - John 19:30

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Speaker - Heather Robertson

Pastor Heather Robertson is delighted to co-pastor St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin. New to this faith community, while coming home to Pekin, she marvels at the experience of this current journey. Saying yes to God even when it seems impossible has been a theme for a while now. Currently completing her seminary education at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, while being mom to three amazing kids with an unbelievable partner, life is certainly full. Only the movement of the Spirit could make it possible. May we all see with new eyes (from a distance) and hear with new ears the story of resurrection waiting to shock and awe us yet again.

The Fifth Word - John 19:28

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.

Speaker - Rob Collins

Rob Collins is the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Peoria. He comes from the great state of Texas and holds degrees from Mercer University (GA) and Gardner-Webb University (NC).

The Fourth Word - Mark 15:33-34At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

Speaker - Mary Beenken

Reverend Mary Beenken is new to the Peoria area, where she has recently begun her first call as pastor of Grace and Peace Lutheran Church. She is married to Reverend Nathan Johnson, who serves St. John's Lutheran Church in Toluca, Illinois. Prior to beginning their ministry here, Mary and Nathan attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and went on to complete a post-graduate fellowship, travelling the globe to learn from the religious experiences of people who have experienced persecution. Their travels took them to Turkey, Rwanda, Germany, Guatemala, and India, before returning them home to the United States, where their ministry includes advocating for justice and building relationships rooted in compassion and peace. God has sent them across the world, but they have been blessed to settle here in Peoria where they live with their two dogs, Obie and Nergal.