Pastor Megan and Pastor Kevin discuss Romans 12:9-18. No one verse in this passage should stand alone (even though that’s what often happens here). It’s a full picture of faithful Christian life. Let this passage sum up our learning over the summer and move us into what it means. What will this look like for Easter? How will we truly change our behaviors so everyone can know God’s love in Jesus through our words and actions? How will a new building be a fresh start for our hospitality, welcome, and care for others?

Pastor Megan and Pastor Erik discuss 1 Peter 4:8-11. We won’t always get it right. We’re going to mess up (sin). But when we act authentically in love, we get it wrong for the right reasons. When we value hospitality, we value dynamic learning and interaction with others. We grow and adapt because we hear from people what they really need and how they can truly be welcomed. If our habits or expectations actively hurt others, it is we who change – not they

Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin dive into 1 Corinthians, exploring what faith truly looks like.
They reflect on how the Apostle Paul and Apostle Peter, help guide our understanding of living out faith in real life. The conversation touches on the deep questions the early Christian community had, many of which are still relevant today: How do we welcome strangers? How is God working through us? It’s a reminder to us that faith isn’t just belief, it’s action. God is using you, shaping your life, and working through you each and every day.

Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin dive into 1 Corinthians, exploring what faith truly looks like.
They reflect on how the Apostle Paul and Apostle Peter, help guide our understanding of living out faith in real life. The conversation touches on the deep questions the early Christian community had, many of which are still relevant today: How do we welcome strangers? How is God working through us? It’s a reminder to us that faith isn’t just belief, it’s action. God is using you, shaping your life, and working through you each and every day.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin discuss Acts 9:36-42. This is a rare opportunity to talk about the ministry of a named woman in the New Testament. Tabitha’s ministry is charity – especially towards widows, those who were continually ignored and marginalized in that society. It’s not her prestige that gets her noticed, but her love towards others. Our hospitality towards others is for all people – not just those who are convenient, who gain us a good reputation, or who can repay us somehow.

Our denomination met to elect new leadership this past week, so we remember that we are called to pray for those who lead - and encouraged to be leaders ourselves, by God’s grace. Thank you for joining in this time of prayer and reflection. (August 4)

Thank you for joining together in this weekly time for reflection and encouragement. This week, may you not only take time for your own faith but to reach out and encourage and thank another in Christ’s name. (July 28)

Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin discuss Luke 14:7-14. This is a parable that Jesus tells. It’s hard to ignore something that Jesus gives us directly – we’re called to “carry on the work of Jesus Christ”! How literally might we take this parable? What seats can we give up for the sake of others? We don’t do these things so others will notice us (although Jesus indicates we will get our reward). We do these things because Jesus invites us into humble obedience and love for others.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin discuss Isaiah 58:2-9a. God points out a great hypocrisy: we might act like we are obedient and put on a show of faithfulness but our daily actions show a lack of devotion to God. This is a text of judgement and hard to hear. It is a reminder that there is always growth, always more work to be done, always a need to be corrected and try again. We don’t welcome others because it makes us look good. We do it because this is what God calls us to do.

Being in community means also being together through grief and loss. We welcome you to this time to be in mourning or hold space for those who are. Thank you for being together in prayer. (July 21)