In the Gospel today, Jesus tells us that nothing external defiles us, rather what defiles us comes from within our own hearts. Deacon Lisa explores the battle between good and evil that occurs in each of our hearts, and how we can win that battle with God's help.

Lessons:

Song of Solomon 2:8-13

Psalm 45:1-2, 7-10

James 1:17-27

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

We know about personal trainers for physical fitness, but what about for our spiritual life? Fr. Donavan talks about how Rally Day is important not just because it is a fun day in the life of the church, but also as a day to rededicate ourselves to living a spiritual life.

Lessons:

1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11], 22-30, 41-43

Psalm 84

Ephesians 6:10-20

John 6:56-69

Was Jesus the first one to say "You are what you eat"? Deacon Lisa explores how scientific knowledge can lead us to examine the body of Christ on a whole new level.

Lessons:

1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

Psalm 111

Ephesians 5:15-20

John 6:51-58

Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." But what did he mean? Fr. Donavan discusses Jesus as food for our souls and the time when chicken soup may have saved his life.

Readings:

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

Psalm 130

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

John 6:35, 41-51

Mother Lisa tackles the difficult topic of sin and what King David's interaction with Nathan can teach us about repentance.

Lessons:

2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a

Psalm 51:1-13

Ephesians 4:1-16

John 6:24-35

Fr. Donavan Cain digs into the story of King David to show the spiritual hunger the world cannot satisfy.

Lessons:

2 Samuel 11:1-15

Psalm 14

Ephesians 3:14-21

John 6:1-21

Fr. Donavan discusses what Jesus meant when he said to the disciples, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”

Lessons:

2 Samuel 7:1-14a

Psalm 89:20-37

Ephesians 2:11-22

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

The Rev. Lisa Meirow explores the grace in the beheading of John the Baptist