Our desire to box people in by gender, race, and other categories can be a block to allowing us to see our full potential and theirs. God’s concern is for a vital relationship with God and a beloved community where social distinctions do not hold us back from using our gifts to the fullest. Our […]
We read Song of Songs (also known as the Song of Solomon) as a poem of two lovers, and it is, but it also reflects how deeply God loves each of us. We opened worship with “Loving Large,” “Love Anthem,” and time to reflect on Song of Songs 8:6-7 in four different translations. To read […]
All of the stats say that the mainline church is declining in the U.S. There are movements to revitalize the church and make it more relevant. Many times this means that the church that we’re used to seems to be fading away. What’s our role as disciples who seek to make disciples? How do we […]
The church is the Body of Christ, and each one of us an important part of the whole. Even when we don’t feel that our part is vital, God is using each of us and our gifts to make a difference for good and to overcome the power of evil in the world. To read […]
Coming in February 2017: “Loving Large” February 2017 is filled with big events: Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Grammy Awards, Oscars, and (this year) Mardi Gras. All of these are moments or days that reflect things or people we love. Click here to see what the Worship Teams came up with and here for some […]
Grief is a common human experience; yet each of us has a unique reaction to it. We may want to skip over it, but it’s impossible to find true healing and meaning without going through grief. Many times we think of prayer as words spoken to God, but prayer can take many forms. Howard’s practice […]
Simeon has waited, hoped, and trusted that God would deliver on God’s promises of a Savior. He greets Jesus – Emmanuel – and knows that “God is with us.” He praises God and claims that God comes in Jesus for all people. How do we find ourselves in a new year – looking back at […]
“Merry Christmas” is our greeting, but Isaiah tells us that “God reigns” is the truth of what happens at Christmas. God reigns, and God chooses to bring salvation – wholeness – to the ends of the earth. It is not just for us or for some, but God wants everyone to know peace, good news, […]
Now there’s nothing wrong with good Christmas songs, but we have to go deeper into what Christmas means. To read Pastor Mary’s message, based on Isaiah 9: 2-7, Psalm 96, and Psalm 98, click here. To watch “A Great Light,” click here.
With the appearance of angels comes amazing glory – a spectacle like we can’t imagine! The experience that the shepherds have, including hearing the angels’ song, causes them to go and see for themselves that there is reason for great joy – for them and for all people. When we see and her “good news,” […]