Sally focus is on getting, and she believes that more presents (or money) mean happiness. Where will we find real peace? Mary’s encounter with the angel, her obedience, and her song remind us that God works in ways we don’t expect. God didn’t come to be with us in power, but in powerlessness. When we […]
Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer. Fun for all that children call their favorite time of year. The lyrics from the opening song of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” ring hollow for many of us, but we resonate with Charlie Brown’s honesty. We don’t feel happiness or cheer because of different life circumstances. Jesus knows […]
Snoopy finds happiness through decorating, dining, and dancing, none of which really lead to true joy or contentment, though they can be enjoyable. How do we both enjoy this season and focus on the deeper things that truly feed our spirits and bring joy? Pastor Mary’s message is based on Isaiah 12: 2-6 and Philippians […]
Lucy’s desire for control ( think of her psychiatric help booth!) drives her to tell Charlie Brown to gain control of his life by directing the Christmas play. We want holiday celebrations to go well, but we can get too invested in a “picture perfect” Christmas. True happiness doesn’t come when we control everything, but […]
The true meaning of Christmas can get lost in a mostly self-imposed frenzy of activity and clutter. Like Charlie Brown, we struggle to find meaning in Christmas (or in life)( and often look for it in all the wrong places. For the month of December, we will see what we can learn from Charlie Brown […]
Grieving can lead to deeper despair if we try to deny our feelings, make the journey on our own, or trust that it will “just get better” with time. We can experience true healing and hop in the midst of grief when we turn to God and open ourselves to God’s grace and peace. Worship […]
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It is hard to do so when we are grieving the loss of a loved one, a job, health, or life just hasn’t turned out the way we had hoped. God will […]
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” In times of grief, God in Christ is our most compassionate companion, but that’s difficult to understand if we’re not surrounded by people who demonstrate God’s care to us. We can’t “fix” the problem of grief, even though we want to. Instead, how […]
The worship brainstorming will be held at David and Karen Booth’s house. We will have a prime rib “Christmas” dinner/potluck at 6:00 pm. Bring a Christmassy dish to share. Brainstorming is from 7:00-9:30 pm. RSVP to Karen Booth or church. Please try to read the scripture and message summary for each week and take time […]
As we celebrate the lives of the saints – those who have helped us to know God better – we live in two worlds. We are bound to eternity by love for God and others, especially those who have died and whom we remember, and we’re called to share that love here and now. Pastor […]