On Sunday we looked at Philippians 2:1-4 and the subject of abortion. We talked through being able to listen to others despite our disagreements and that perhaps a better path forward would be to push for a world in which all stages of life can thrive.
I mentioned the 1972 Church of the Brethren Paper and 1984 Paper on these topics and would strongly recommend you reading them (as well as all the other statementswe've put out).

-Sermon from 10/13/2024

On Sunday we looked at Acts 15:1-11 and the subject of human sexuality. We explored the debate happening in the church world today, focused around the circles of hospitality and holiness. We also explored the ideas of churches welcoming people but also wanting them.
I did share a bit about the 1983 Brethren paper on human sexuality, which you can access right here. There are dozens of other statements you can read from past Conferences as well - I would highly encourage you to check them out if you never have.

-Sermon from 10/06/2024

On Sunday we looked at Revelation 21:1-8 and talked about the idea of "end". Our hope is not found so-much in the idea of going to heaven when we die, but about living out heaven here (and the idea that heaven will eventually one day merge with earth.)

-Sermon from 09/22/2024

On Sunday we looked at Genesis 1:1 and talked about the idea of "beginning". Our main focus was on how Genesis was written for Israel and thus our modern questions often aren't being addressed by the text.
I referenced "The Lost World of Genesis One" by John Walton, which I have found to be incredibly helpful in thinking through this theme.

-Sermon from 09/15/2024

On Sunday we dove into the balance of understanding how a good and just God allows for violence and suffering in the world. When we often want to cling to the "why" of suffering, a better focus is on "how we will respond" and "what we will do".

We used Romans 12:9-21 from The First Nations Version as our translation for the morning.

-Sermon from 09/08/2024

On Sunday we continued to explore themes around money, vision and community by examining Acts 2:14-21 together.

-Sermon from 09/01/2024

On Sunday our District Executive Russ Matteson spoke on the importance of the priesthood of all believers and our special set-apart called out ministry as well!

-Sermon from 08/25/2024

On Sunday looked at Matthew 19:21as we wrestled together with how to think about money and giving to the local church. While we outlined various reasons people don't like to talk about this, we also spent time exploring the "why" people give as well. Simply put, we support causes we believe in. We'll continue to explore this topic together on September 1st!

-Sermon from 08/18/2024

On Sunday looked at John 2:13-17 and the idea of keeping our physical grounds, as well as our community safe from harm. 
In my message, I mentioned a helpful resource I often look to, called The Roys Report. Their annual conference will actually be inPhoenix in February 2025.

-Sermon from 08/11/2024

On Sunday looked at Mark 14:3-9 as we examined our attitudes towards the poor. 

-Sermon from 08/04/2024