God’s gifts are given to serve the common good, to build up the community. The policies we make, the organizations we create, the money we spend, are all opportunities for us to build God’s kingdom and recognize we are one part in the whole.

How special are homemade gifts?? How much do we enjoy making and receiving them? They are so special because they are so personal. The gifts we have been given from God are just as personal, each one to be received like a home made gift. We are God’s homemade gifts.

(Deuteronomy 10:12-22; Romans 13:8-10; John 15:1-15)

Because we are formed in love we are called to a life of love. A life of love is lived in relationship like a vine and it's branches. Our connection to God is reflected in our connection to people who are and who are not like us. In what way are we learning to love God? In what ways are we learning to love other people?

Practice: How often do you connect to the Sacred? With who can you talk about God and spirituality? Who is your small group?

Our spiritual path begins by recognizing that we created in God’s image, beloved by God. We are made of love. How do you experience this fundamental truth in your life?

For the video Pastor Lara referenced, go to: https://youtu.be/Q_0AWu1pZoM

Practice: Identify your primary spiritual practice- what do you do that connects you with the Sacred in your life.

This Sunday marks 15 years since the terrorist attack on the United States. For fifteen years, our country has been at war in Afghanistan, Iraq, and now with ISIS. Our worship this day focuses on healing and peace for our nation and world.

Job 38:25-27; 41:1-8; 42:1-6

Job 31:35-37; 38:1-11

We begin a new book and a new adventure. Job is considered a righteous man, but what happens when everything is taken from him? What happens when everything we thought we knew about God begins to change? What wisdom can be found in allowing ourselves to question who God is?