Sometimes, we need to slow down and remember that God cares about us and for us. Thanks for taking that time today as we join in prayer and reflection. Ep

Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik, and Pastor Kevin discuss Exodus 3: 1-8, 13-15. There is contrast in this story – a God who commands Moses but also concedes to him, a God who appears through a miraculous fire but also shares a holy name. God truly wants to be known – by Moses and by all the Israelites. We cannot always understand it all but God still can be known by us. From this story comes the Exodus and God’s liberation of the enslaved people. There is freedom in God’s name.

As we join in reflection and devotion today, we celebrate all who serve as mentors and teachers in our faith. We rejoice that God calls us to keep learning and growing as an act of care and compassion in our community.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin discuss Genesis 17:1-9. God’s promise is very particular here – through Abraham and Sarah (v 15) there will be a nation with a home in a particular place. God’s promises are general (like Noah) and specific (like Abraham). Eventually, even Abraham’s covenant will bless all people. For now, he is the ancestor of a multitude of nations. God chooses us for particular work but never at the exclusion of others. Even Abraham isn’t exclusive to Christians.

We're excited to kick off a brand-new podcast series hosted by Easter member David Johnson, featuring powerful stories about our partners, Guatemala and Easter’s Outreach. In this first episode, Pastor Kevin joins David, along with special guest Kim Becker, a fellow Easter member!

Thanks for taking time to breathe and reflect on God’s word today. Prayer and listening always return us to each other and God’s will in our lives. While these devotions usually go live at 9 am on Mondays, this week’s devotions were delayed as we dealt with reports of the large-scale text message scam against Easter people. Please stay alert and know that we will never request gift card or debit card information from you over text or email for any reason.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Kevin and Pastor Erik discuss Genesis 9:8-15. While God’s covenants might get more specific as time goes on, this one is broad: God will never again destroy all people and creation like in the flood. The covenant is huge! God makes this promise to all people, all land, all creation. What might it mean that we are all part of this one promise from a God who wants us to flourish, not live in fear of destruction?

We celebrate the goodness of all God has made - and the goodness of being together. Thanks for joining this time of prayer and devotion every week. (September 8)

Pastor Megan, Pastor Kevin and Pastor Erik discuss Genesis 3:1-7, 21-24. Much of our sin comes from ultimately wanting to have power and control on the level of God. Our brokenness comes from our inability to let God be God and live like it’s true. There is less focus on punishment for this reading – more focus on how God actually helps the people after they’ve messed up and wants to protect them in some way.

We gather in prayer and reflection as we listen for God’s call to peace and care, especially in the wake of violence. We continue to hold the community of Annunciation Catholic School and Church close in our prayers as we commit to acting for the good of all people. (September 1)