Church News

Introduction Some stories are meant to inspire. Others are meant to disturb. This week’s parable does both—just not in the way we might expect. As we continue our #JesusTrending series, we encounter one of Jesus’ most familiar stories: a son insults his father, burns through his inheritance, and returns home dirty, desperate, and undeserving. But rather than a lecture or a consequence, he gets a party. We often hear this as a heartwarming tale of forgiveness—but for listeners in Jesus’…

Introduction Social media gives us a lot of options when people become too much—unfollowing, unfriending, even blocking. But sometimes, we just need a break, so we hit the Snooze for 30 Days button. It gives people (including us) time to cool down, reflect, or maybe even change. As we continue our #JesusTrending series, we explore a story where a fig tree is about to be cut down. But instead of removing it completely, the gardener asks for more time—one last…

Introduction We continue our #JesusTrending series by looking at influence—who we follow, what shapes our decisions, and how external voices impact our identity. With just a few clicks, we can follow, like, and share voices that shape the way we see ourselves and the world. But how often do we stop to ask: Who am I really following? Social pressure isn’t new. Even in Jesus’ time, people tried to shape his path, urging him to avoid danger or fit into…

Introduction We live in a world where bigger is often considered better. Whether it’s the biggest catch, the grandest adventure, or the most impressive achievement, there’s a constant temptation to make things seem larger than life—even if reality tells a different story. Social media has made this easier than ever, allowing us to present carefully curated versions of ourselves, exaggerating the highlights while downplaying the ordinary. But this isn’t a new struggle. The desire to be seen as more impressive,…

Introduction We have spent the past several weeks exploring what it means to be grounded in faith while stepping forward into God’s future. From recognizing God’s presence in ordinary moments to embracing challenges beyond our comfort zones, this series has invited us to consider what it means to live as a people shaped by grace. Now, as we conclude Foundations & Futures, we come to the story of the Transfiguration—a moment of divine revelation that changes everything. On the mountaintop,…

Introduction Loving our enemies may be one of the most difficult commands Jesus gives. It’s not a suggestion or a nice ideal—it’s a radical way of living that goes against our natural instincts. When someone wrongs us, our first instinct may be revenge, resentment, retribution—to fight back, shut them out, or let bitterness take root. But Jesus calls us to something deeper: a love that breaks cycles of hatred, resists the pull of vengeance, and chooses mercy over malice. This…

Introduction This week, we continue our sermon series, Foundations & Futures, where we explore how God’s presence shapes us now and calls us into the future. So far, we’ve looked at how faith is formed through habits, challenges, and trust. Now, we turn to Jesus’ words in Luke 6, where he describes blessings and woes in ways that challenge conventional thinking. The world often defines success in terms of wealth, comfort, and status, but Jesus offers a different perspective—one that…

Introduction As we continue our Epiphany series on Foundations & Futures, we return to Jesus in the synagogue, picking up right where we left off last week. After reading from Isaiah, Jesus boldly declares that God’s promises are fulfilled—but then takes it a step further. At first, the crowd marvels at his words, but as Jesus expands God’s vision beyond Israel, their excitement turns to outrage. The people of Nazareth, once proud to claim Jesus as one of their own,…

Introduction As we continue our Epiphany series on Foundations & Futures, we focus this week on how Jesus grounded his ministry in “holy habits” like worship and community. When Jesus stood in the synagogue to read from Isaiah, he reminded us that spiritual growth is built through steady rhythms of worship, prayer, and study. This week, we reflect on how these practices not only shape our faith but also empower us to live out God’s mission. Illustration Video Please note:…

Introduction As we look ahead to Sunday’s worship, we consider what it means to step into our identity and purpose. At times, we find ourselves caught between expectations—our own, those of others, or even what we think God expects of us—and affirmations of who we already are and who we are becoming. These tensions are nothing new. Even as we look at the life and ministry of Jesus, we see moments of expectation and affirmation intertwining, setting the stage for…

Introduction As we conclude our Advent series, The Redemption of Scrooge, we celebrate the transformation that comes from accepting Christ’s invitation. The text this week reminds us that life in the Spirit offers freedom from fear and adoption into a new family—a church family that shares in the joy and purpose of following Christ. This week, we witness Ebenezer Scrooge’s exuberance as he wakes up on Christmas morning, overjoyed by the chance to live a new life. His transformation from…