Life Giving – March 1, 2015

“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…

Connected in the Wilderness – February 22, 2015

“Connected in the Wilderness” Text: Mark 1:9-15 As we enter the season of Lent, we consider what it means to follow in the footsteps of Christ and to know Christ personally. As we follow Christ, we will necessarily spend time in the wilderness. Our connection to God and to the people of God is what allows…

Get Outta Town! – February 8, 2015

“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: The Great Equalizer – February 1, 2015

“Stewardship: The Great Equalizer” Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 & Romans 12:1 As we conclude our stewardship series, we consider our priorities – especially as they relate to our decisions about time. While we may each have a variety of demands placed on our lives, we all have the same number of minutes, hours, and days in…

Stewardship: Gifted to Serve – January 25, 2015

“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: Whose Cattle? – January 18, 2015

“Stewardship: Whose Cattle?” Text: I Chronicles 29:6-18 & Psalm 50 If we are going to say that God comes first in our lives, then God must also come first in our finances. Why do we give? How much should we give? Where should we give? As we explore giving, we are reminded that we don’t…

Stewardship: Who’s in Charge Here, Anyway? – January 11, 2015

“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,…

Recognizing the Light – January 4, 2015

“Recognizing the Light” Text: John 1:1-18 As we celebrate the Light of the World that comes into the darkness, we are reminded that the world does not recognize the Light. We must not only practice recognizing God’s presence and God’s mission, but we are reminded that we are the light of the world today, and…

An Eternal Home – December 21, 2014

“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…

Rebuild. Restore. Renew. – December 14, 2014

“Rebuild. Restore. Renew.” Luke 4:16-30 & Isaiah 61:1-4 When Jesus preached this familiar text from Isaiah, he angered the crowds enough so that they tried to push him off a cliff. What did Jesus say that was so upsetting? What would Jesus say to us if he were in our midst today? When we look…