“No Empty Words” Text: I John 3:16-24 How do we know that Jesus loves us? He laid down his life for us. Therefore it follows that we demonstrate our love for the world by laying down our lives. Pastor Jon explores the tension of trying to live out these high expectations and holy ideals in…
“Walking in the Light” Text: I John 1:1-2:2 The letter of First John calls us to live lives of integrity, walking in the light, and confessing the moments when we fail to do so. Pastor Jon explores this tension, offering a call to live each moment of each day, walking in the light and proclaiming…
“Not What We Expected” Text: John 12:12-19 Palm Sunday is a forceful reminder that Jesus does not fit into our expectations and preconceived notions. As we attempt to hear this story for the first time, we discover how Jesus did participated in some anticipated activities in order to shatter the expectations that had surrounded his…
“Everyone” Text: John 3:14-21 There are some things that we all have in common! Pastor Jon returns from vacation and shares some thoughts about his travels, and how some things are true no matter where you go and who you meet. A look at John 3:16 reminds us that God loves everyone, and that it…
“Life Giving” Text: Mark 8:27-38 Rev. Cheryl Curlew brings this morning’s message from the Gospel of Mark, with a look at discipleship. In this time of Lent we discuss not only denying ourselves but also how we can give ourselves wholly to the “Things of God” Are we so focused on denial and sacrifice that…
“Get Outta Town!” Text: Mark 1:29-39 Pastor Joe Donahue explores the Good News of the inbreaking power of the Kingdom of God – with power to change lives. When the whole world stands at the doorstep, turn instead to the Father who sustains us in our innermost being.
“Stewardship: Gifted to Serve” Text: Esther 4:1-14 & Ephesians 2:10 God has gifted each of us to serve, to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do. Pastor Jon looks at the story of Esther as a way to help us explore how being obedient and available can put us…
“Stewardship: Who’s in Charge Here, Anyway?” Text: Matthew 25:13-40 & Philippians 2:1-11 Properly understood, “stewardship” means so much more than financial management and generosity. In beginning a new series, Pastor Jon explores what it means to be a steward of all that God has entrusted to us: our bodies, our families, our churches, our ministries,…
“An Eternal Home” Text: 2 Samuel 7:1-16, Luke 1:26-38, & Revelation 21:1-5a, 22-27 Pastor Jon traces the themes of tabernacle/temple as places for God’s presence to dwell. What we learn in Christmas is that God isn’t as interested in a house built by human hands, but in making His abode among His people. As we…
“Publish Glad Tidings” Text: Lamentations 1 and Isaiah 40:1-11 In the second week of Advent, Pastor Jon looks at the ways that Isaiah 40 answers the laments in Lamentations 1. As we enter into the brokenness around us, we represent Jesus who entered into our broken world. We become the ones who publish glad tidings: that…