Pastor Gary gives us hope by explaining how Elizabeth, Mary and even Micah recognized God’s promises even when it didn’t seem possible. Nothing is impossible with God. Reading: Micah 5:2-5, Luke 1:39-56 . . . as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.Luke 1:45-46 (NRSV)

Pastor Gary reminds us that John the Baptist was a good guide leading others to the main attraction, Jesus. He pointed to Jesus and then got out of the way. Reading: Luke 7-18 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with[e] the Holy Spirit and fire.Luke 3:16 (NRSV)

Pastor Ruth reminds us that we need to clear the barriers for people to see the world changing event of Jesus coming, much like John the Baptizer did. Reading: Luke 3:1-6 The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.Luke 3:4 (NRSV)

Pastor Gary reminds us to lift up our heads and be bright, the gospel will pop up and surprise us if we are not expecting it. Jesus wants us to be expectant and ready. There is hope in that. Reading: Luke 21:25-36 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing […]

Pastor Ruth reminds us that Jesus reigns over his kingdom no matter what Pilate does to him. Reading: John 18:33-37 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” John 18:36 (NRSV)

Pastor Gary helps us to understand what Jesus meant when he told the disciples not to be alarmed when they hear of wars and rumors of wars and other natural disasters, what people have called the end times. Reading: Mark 13:1-8 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in […]

Our guest, Pastor Phil Yokers explains what the widow may have thought as she put her mite into the treasury and gives us inspiration to use our mite for God’s kingdom. Reading: Mark 12:38-44 Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to […]

Pastor Gary reminds us that as Jesus answered the question that one of the scribes asked him in Jerusalem He will also answer our questions. Jesus will be with us at all times, to remind us that we are His. Reading: Mark 12:28-34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.Mark 12:34 (NRSV)

Pastor Gary helps us to understand our legacy as the church. Jesus gave us the example of greatness which he defined as servanthood and we are united in that calling. Reading: Mark 10:35-45 [Jesus said . . . ] whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life […]

Pastor Ruth helps us to understand what Jesus told the Rich Man, that he needed to give away all his possessions and follow him. The disciples wanted to know who could be saved. Reading: Mark 10:17-31 Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”