This week's sermon explored Matthew 16:13-20, where Jesus asks his disciples the life-changing question, "Who do you say that I am?" and Peter responds with his powerful declaration, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Pastor Mike reminded us that following Jesus begins with recognizing him not merely as a wise teacher or prophet, but as our King who deserves our wholehearted allegiance—and that God's grace both brings us to this faith and empowers us to live it out. As we reflect on this passage, we're invited to consider whether our daily lives truly align with what we say we believe about Jesus, and to remember that Christ is building his church and graciously invites each of us to participate in that eternal work.

Pastor Matt explored Matthew 15:21-28, where a Canaanite woman persistently approaches Jesus to beg for healing for her demon-oppressed daughter, facing silence, dismissal, and apparent rejection before Jesus praises her "great faith" and grants her request. The sermon reminded us that we all come to Jesus like this woman—with nothing to offer and no claim to make—and that this empty-handed posture is exactly what positions us to receive His mercy. The congregation was encouraged to keep praying even in the silence, to show grace to those who are "a lot" when we're tired, and to intercede faithfully for others who need healing or don't yet know Jesus.

This week Pastor Mike walked us through Matthew 14:22–33, where Jesus sends His disciples into a boat, only for them to find themselves struggling against wind and waves in the middle of the night—and then Jesus comes to them, walking on water. The central message is one of deep comfort: even when life feels dark and we're making no progress, Jesus meets us right where we are, calling us to fix our eyes on Him, take heart, and not be afraid. Whether you're stuck in a season of hardship or stepping out in faith feels terrifying, the invitation is the same—cry out to Jesus, trust His commands, and remember that He is Lord over every storm.

Pastor Mike's sermon explored the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand from Matthew 14, the only miracle besides the resurrection that appears in all four Gospels. Pastor Mike highlighted how Jesus, though grieving the death of John the Baptist and seeking solitude, responded with compassion when crowds interrupted him—and how he took the disciples' small offering of five loaves and two fish to do something miraculous. The encouragement for us is to come to Jesus with open hands, especially when we're tired or overwhelmed, offering whatever we have and trusting that he can do more with our little than we could ever imagine.

Reverend Mary Hayes concluded a three-part series on the parables of the Kingdom of Heaven from Matthew 13, exploring five short parables including the mustard seed, the leaven, the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price, and the net. Her central message was that God delights in using small, seemingly insignificant lives and communities to accomplish great things, and that giving everything to follow Jesus is not a burden but a joyful investment that always proves worth it. She encouraged us to trust that God is working through our ordinary efforts in ways we may not yet see, and to open our hearts to the surprising people God is drawing into His kingdom alongside us.

In this week's sermon from Matthew 13, Pastor Mike explored the parable of the weeds, where Jesus teaches that good and evil grow side by side in our world and that God will handle the final judgment in His own perfect timing. The central message reminds us that while the enemy is real and actively at work, we can trust God's timeline and bring our questions, doubts, and struggles directly to Jesus, who welcomes us with open arms. As we go about our week, we're invited to examine our lives in light of eternity—paying attention to what's growing in our hearts, turning away from sin, and trusting that Christ's love and grace are available to each of us, no matter where we are on our spiritual journey. In this week's sermon from Matthew 13, Pastor Mike explored the parable of the weeds, where Jesus teaches that good and evil grow side by side in our world and that God will handle the final judgment in His own perfect timing. The central message reminds us that while the enemy is real and actively at work, we can trust God's timeline and bring our questions, doubts, and struggles directly to Jesus, who welcomes us with open arms. As we go about our week, we're invited to examine our lives in light of eternity—paying attention to what's growing in our hearts, turning away from sin, and trusting that Christ's love and grace are available to each of us, no matter where we are on our spiritual journey.

This Sunday, Pastor Mike explored Jesus' Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13, reminding us that the way we listen to God's Word shapes the kind of spiritual fruit we bear. The central message was beautifully simple: good soil is a heart that truly hears the Word and puts it all together—not just checking a box, but letting Scripture reorganize our lives and deepen our roots. The invitation for all of us is to create space to really listen to God—put away distractions, open our Bibles, ask follow-up questions, and trust that He is speaking and at work in us.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus offers His beautiful invitation: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Pastor Matt's sermon reminded us that true soul-rest isn't found through our own efforts or achievements, but by approaching Jesus with childlike humility and recognizing that He alone is the way to the Father. Just as a young ox learns by walking alongside an experienced one, we are invited to take up Jesus' yoke—not to carry our burdens alone, but to walk beside our gentle and lowly Savior who shares the load and teaches us along the way.

This Sunday's sermon explored Matthew 10:34-42, where Jesus prepares his disciples for the real costs of following him—including strained relationships, sacrifice, and even laying down one's life. Pastor Mike reminded us that while saying yes to Jesus requires counting the cost, the life of faith isn't only about grand gestures; it's also built through small, everyday acts of grace like offering a cup of cold water, writing a note, or simply being present with others. The invitation for all of us is to live with open hands, freely giving and receiving, trusting that whatever we surrender to God, he promises to restore and multiply in ways beyond what we can imagine.

This week's sermon explored Matthew 10, where Jesus honestly prepares His disciples for the challenges of following Him—from persecution to being called before authorities—while also commanding them three times to "fear not." Pastor Mary reminded us that we can live without fear because Jesus Himself sends us, promises His Spirit will speak through us, and values us more than we can imagine. As we face our own challenging situations at work, home, or in our neighborhoods, we're invited to trust that we're on Jesus' team, He has our backs, and the victory celebration at the end will be greater than anything we can imagine.