The world is currently in a heightened state of anxiety. Most often the response to anxiety is control. When we attempt to control situations or other people we only increase anxiety. The only person we can control (on a good day) is ourselves. This Sunday, Pastor Sarah will be talking to us about the triumphant nature of trust. Choosing to trust is the antidote to fearful anxiety and the path to peaceful living.

Derek Turner - Alignment - The New Sabbath Rules by River Church Charlotte

God went all out for us by becoming human. Through Jesus, Love Himself aligned with us in solidarity forever. But Jesus does not expect us to “pay him back” for bringing us into freedom. He’s not interested in sacrifices and offerings. He wants us to live in His Goodness and His only requirement is summed up in the three movements of his Kingdom: Doing justice, loving mercy, and walking in humility. This Sunday we explore the three things God wants from us that will make earth a lot more heavenly.

Two questions of humanity: What is good and what does the Lord require?

The world says we have to hustle. We have to run to keep up with the pace of others. It’s been called the “rat race” for good reason. But Jesus never intended for us to frantically chase the next piece of cheese. That’s no life for children of God! How do we rest in a world that says success only comes by working longer, trying harder, and hustling more is the only path to success? Jesus invites us to rest. He models the way of trusting over trying and teaches us to learn the unforced rhythms of Grace. When we align with Jesus we’ll learn to live freely and lightly. This Sunday, Pastor Sarah gives us a better formula for living well: Rest > Striving.

Ever been on a winning sports team? Or part of a business that exceeded sales expectations because everyone came together? I know you’ve experienced the listening pleasure of your favorite band hitting every note and lyric in harmonious sync. It feels almost magical when every person is contributing. Working together toward a common goal can be both rewarding and frustrating. But one thing is sure… Everyone must be in alignment with the mission to achieve success. Jesus left his disciples with such a mission. “Go into all the world and make disciples,” he said. But many in the church have interpreted Jesus’ commission to “making converts” and have become more concerned with getting people saved than loving people well. It’s time to get back in alignment with what being a disciple really means. The word “apprentice” is my go to word for explaining what we are empowered to do in becoming more like Jesus and bringing Heaven to Earth. This Sunday, I hope to shift our understanding of what it means to be and make disciples that align with the command to love.

Ever had a wobbly cart at the grocery store? How about a car where you have to constantly correct the steering wheel just to keep it straight? Or worse, when you tweak your back and pain shoots down your leg forcing a limp. When something is out of alignment you can feel it! John’s third letter to a friend is one of the smallest in the New Testament but it is a treasure trove of insight as to how we can realign our lives and relationships. This Sunday, Pastor Derek does a deep dive into the small changes that make a big difference.

Right after the famous chapter on love, the Apostle Paul wrote these words, “Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:1‬ ‭NLT. The word “prophecy” can conjure up images of fortune tellers with crystal balls. Or perhaps be associated with future predictions from the likes of Nostradamus. But as followers of Jesus, we have access to hear God’s heart on behalf of others and relay Heavenly messages to them. It connects people to God’s heart for their very precious lives here on earth. Prophecy connects a suffering world to the fact that there is a better day to be had and helps us love others through divine revelation. This Sunday, Pastor Derek explores this gift that Paul says we should intentionally desire so we can love others well.

Jesus is what God has to say about himself. As we get to know who Jesus is, we develop a relationship with God. Being close to God means communicating with Him. What does that look like? How can we be confident that we know how to hear His voice? Join us this Sunday as Pastor Sarah shares ways that we can grow in our relationship with God and our ability to hear His voice with clarity.

How often have you asked the question, “Is that you, God?” Knowing his voice shouldn’t be hard, right? We often have difficulty in discerning that thought in our head or that impression in our gut when we need to know what to do. Knowing God's character is vital to knowing His voice. He will always lead us in the way of Love because that’s who He is! This Sunday we are tuning in to some of the ways God speaks. I believe that confusion will be replaced with clarity as you lean in and listen to the One that loves you the most.

Embrace the process of becoming who you are by leaning into the gift of understanding.