Our story as human beings begins with God creating us in the images of God, yet we can get caught up in our view of ourselves rather than God’s view of each of us as beloved. We need to reclaim that what happened “in the beginning,” paying special attention God’s work as Creator. In the […]
Today’s worship service began with “God of the New.” Brad Hilleary and Carole Koch presented the message, which was based on Isaiah 43: 16-21. After telling a bit about themselves, they gave a brief history of both Lake Harbor and Lakeside United Methodist Churches, and went on to explain how it is possible for […]
“Freedom in Christ” is not a license to do what we want when we want, but rather offers a responsibility to love and serve God and others. That freedom shows itself in real ways – by the fruit we bear in our daily lives. The fruit of the Spirit is not a list of characteristics […]
Paul’s setter to the Galatians is clear that our salvation begins with Jesus Christ – not with anything we do or rules we follow. In a church where there are people of different backgrounds (in Galatia, it was Jews and Gentiles), Paul’s goal is to show them that they are defined not by their ancestry, […]
We are bound together by the faith in Jesus Christ that we share. We are family defined by our love for and loyalty to the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We receive peace and hope, which changes, inspires, and encourages us to be faithful. What are the essentials of faith? How do we […]
Jesus calls the Holy Spirit an “advocate” who helps us to understand the truth and brings peace to our hearts. The Spirit’s presence isn’t just personal for each of us; it’s the power we tap into as a community of faith seeking to change the world. How do we trust in the Spirit’s presence and […]
Jesus prays that unity among believers will reach others with his love. Unity is essential if we want to fulfill our mission to make disciples for the transformation of the world, but it starts with the recognition of the love shared between God the Father and Jesus the Son. How do our nurturing human relationships […]
Lake Harbor’s children led today’s service. It was based on Mark 10: 13-16 and the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). We were blessed to have children’s author, Glenys Nellist, as our special guest. To learn more about the service, visit her blog at http://www.glenysnellist.com/.
Telling stories is an important way to activate our brains and to unleash creativity. The disciples had a story to tell when Jesus came to them and proclaimed peace. They thought he was a ghost, but he was alive. Jesus’ presence with us can be startling at first, and the peace he offers can be […]
The experience of Cleopas and his friend is amazing! Their hearts are burdened with the news of Jesus’ death. Then they experience their hearts “strangely warmed” as they talk about Jesus with a stranger they meet. Then they share a meal with this stranger and recognize Jesus. After that, their hearts are bursting to share […]