This Sunday, our texts remind us that the way revealed in Jesus will always look like foolishness according to the other narratives in our world. 

Sometimes, we think that life is about the quick-fix. We are instead told that God desires a transformation of our entire being (Micah 6:1-8)!

When we find ourselves looking for a sign of victory or drawn to flashy things, we are pointed instead to the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-31).

In the kingdom of God, everything is different! As Christians, we are called to live into that different way (Matthew 5:1-12).

This Sunday, we discussed a passage which is often misunderstood, but which is central to the mission of the church. In Matthew 4, Jesus calls his disciples. They are compelled to leave their lives as fishermen and follow him as he calls them to be "fishers of men."

Without cultural context, it's easy for us to think that Jesus is telling them to be sneaky and "reel people in;" or, even worse, that people are in some way to be "consumed" or sold for a profit! Unfortunately, many Christians have thought about evangelism like this.

And yet, there is a different way to think about Jesus' words. Join us this Sunday as we learn what it means to be "People-fishers."

This Sunday is the second Sunday in the season of Epiphany, a season where we celebrate the light of Christ which goes into all the world.

Throughout this season, we hear stories about the moments in scripture when Jesus' was revealed in a unique way. This week, Jesus is shown as "The Lamb of God," the one who takes away the sins of the world. 

While the title "Lamb of God," may seem opaque to us, it means that he brings forgiveness and freedom. 

Epiphany is a season of light! This is such a great time to re-orient our lives around the light of Christ. This past Sunday, we heard some dreams and goals for us for the first few months of 2020.

This Sunday, we will reflect on the Baptism of Jesus and how the reality of it changes everything.

We are wrapping up the Christmas season and excited for the dawn of a New Year! 

January 6th marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany. On this day we remember the coming of the magi who visited Jesus when he was a small child. This day also begins the season of Epiphany.

"Epiphany" means "revelation." In this season we recognize that the call goes out to all people. There are no "insiders" or "outsiders" to God's invitation.

This is a time and a season for us to intentionally think about our family, friends, and neighbors who do not know Jesus. Perhaps they have not heard the good news of Jesus, or they have heard it kinda "sideways." In what ways might we share the invitation of Jesus, through our words and our lives?

This Sunday, I am excited to share some dreams that God has placed in my heart for 2020. Our community is such a blessing and it has always been my heart to invite those in Middle Tennessee with no home church to join in. I encourage you to make an effort to be there this Sunday to hear more!

Did you know that Christmas is not over? In the church calendar, Christmas is a season, a 12 day celebration which culminates at Epiphany (January 6th)! (This is the reason for the song "the 12 Days of Christmas.") 

This Sunday, we celebrate Christmastide. Sacrament members Sarah Carpenter and Jessica Rider will be preaching as we bask in the Incarnation.

This Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Advent, this season of anticipating the presence of God, of preparation, and repentance.
On this Sunday, we anticipate the great love of God expressed in his giving His Son.

God's rescue operation in Christ is an act of his free grace. God endeavors to save humanity, not because of what we have accomplished, but because He loves us.

One of the names for Jesus is “Emmanuel,” which means "God with us." Our God is not one who lives far away and decides to dip his toe in the waters of humanity from time to time. He is always active. He is always with us. Matthew wants us to know this in his telling of the story. He begins his gospel with this story of “God with us” (Matt. 1). He ends his gospel saying that he will be “with” his people to the very end of the age (28:20).

Are you feeling lost this week? Know that our God is close. He embraces you right where you are.

We are living into the season of Advent, a time of anticipating Christ's arrival in our midst.

One of my favorite preachers, Fleming Rutlege, says "Advent begins in the dark." In this season, we recognizes the places in our lives and in the world that are in need of God's light. So, Advent is actually about preparation for judgement! This is so counter-cultural in a world where this season insists on glitz and merriment.

Don't get me wrong I'm all about merriment, but in Advent the Church has chosen to stop and say...Before we can celebrate, we anticipate.

Our gospel text this Sunday gives us this picture rather starkly. John the Baptist, wearing camel's hair and wild honey, calls out for people to repent. And if that isn't enough, he calls the leaders of the day "Brood of Vipers!" How would you like that on your Advent calendar?

The good news of Advent is that God, by his great love, calls us to wake up, to repent, to examine the places in our lives and in our world that are broken, to lay them down and to take up his kingdom.

This Sunday begins the season of Advent, a season of anticipation, of longing.

In Advent we look back, joining with "the hopes and fears of all the years" which were met in the birth of Jesus Christ. This first coming is called the Adventus redemptionis.

In advent we are also reminded of God' s presence with us now. We anticipate what God wants to do in our lives as we live into his presence in Word and sacrament. (Adventus sanctificationis)

And finally, we look forward to the day of Christ's second coming when he will return "in glory to judge the living and the dead" and all will be made right. (Adventus glorificamus).

Guest Speaker: David Walley