Whether we’re new on the journey of faith, whether we’ve taken some detours, or whether we’ve been on a fairly direct path for most of our lives, it’s important to go back to the basics of our faith. The spiritual life is a life of constant learning and growing; we don’t know everything there is […]
Sometimes we’re surprised by what we read in Scripture, especially when it expresses feelings we’d rather deny like jealousy or revenge. How do we navigate the tension of coming to God in honest prayer and allowing God to judge those we consider enemies? Pastor Mary’s message is based on Psalm 137. To read it, click […]
We’ve lost the power of lament in our lives, but the psalms are full of expressions of grief and sorrow – both for individuals and for communities. How can we open our hearts fully to God and offer the deep pain we feel because of our own sin and broken world? Pastor Mary’s message is […]
It’s easy to focus on bringing God a list of needs and wants rather than beginning with intentional praise for God’s faithfulness. How can praise remind of God “from whom all blessings flow” and transform our attitudes and actions? Pastor Mary’s message is based on Psalm 34. To read it, click here.
“Happy” in the psalms carries a much different meaning than we’re used to today. What does it mean to find true happiness in God? Pastor Mary’s message is based on Psalm 1. To read it, click here. “Driving Down the Right Path: Psalm 1 (Kids)” is based on The Message paraphrase. “Psalm 1 – Sacred […]
This summer our high school youth and their adult chaperones traveled to New Berlin, New York for a Reach Mission Trip. Matthew 14: 22-33, (the story of Jesus calling Peter out of the boat, and I Corinthians 12:4-7 (spiritual gifts), and “Walking on Water” guided the week’s devotions. During the service, six of the kids […]
Climate change has become a hot-button issue in recent years, but the call to care about God’s good creation has always been a part of seeking god’s will and way in the world. How do we view ourselves as a part of God’s creation and as caretakers of it? Pastor Mary’s message was based on […]
Worship Planning Retreat Sunset Celebrations Event Center, 3593 East Pontaluna Rd, Fruitport, MI 49415 Friday, September 7 at noon – Saturday, September 8 at 2:00 pm The event is open to anyone from the congregation who is willing to read the background information (below) and commit to actively participate in every aspect of the […]
Sexuality is a good gift of God, and we should claim it as a part of who we are as God’s good creation. Like any other gift of God, we’re called to be faithful stewards of sexuality – honoring God and each other. How do we stand against abuse, exploitation, and commercialization of sexuality in […]
Racism is sin because it separates us from God and each other. It infects our lives and our world – sometimes in ways we don’t even realize or want to admit. Racism is personal, but it’s also structural and systemic. How do we hear God’s call to confess and repent? Pastor Mary’s message was based […]