“Focus on Faithfulness”

In our first full series of the new year, we have been prayerful about how God is leading us to focus on the things that matter most, particularly the vision of healing and restoration that God has for the world and for our neighbors. Throughout this series, we’ll be exploring the story of Peter and Cornelius from the Book of the Acts. Their story is an amazing instance of God’s unfolding healing and restoration that brings two unlikely people together to experience something new. In that story, we can learn more about God’s vision, how we might wrestle with that vision, and what we do about it. 

This week, Pastor Tyler asks this question for our reflection:

1. How do we see the work of God in other people bringing us together?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Acts 10:24-29, 34-35, and 44-48 (NIV)
THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA: Focusing on God’s vision brings us together and creates something new.

“What Gets in the Way of Following God?” – Part 3

In our first full series of the new year, we have been prayerful about how God is leading us to focus on the things that matter most, particularly the vision of healing and restoration that God has for the world and for our neighbors. Throughout this series, we’ll be exploring the story of Peter and Cornelius from the Book of the Acts. Their story is an amazing instance of God’s unfolding healing and restoration that brings two unlikely people together to experience something new. In that story, we can learn more about God’s vision, how we might wrestle with that vision, and what we do about it. 

This week, Pastor Ellynda asks these questions for our reflection:

1. How do I spend my time?

2. Is God waiting on me to take the next faithful step?

3. Is God asking me to be patient?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Acts 10:9-23 (NIV)
THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA: God’s vision for the world often disrupts our personal timeline.

“What Gets in the Way of Following God?” – Part 2

In our first full series of the new year, we have been prayerful about how God is leading us to focus on the things that matter most, particularly the vision of healing and restoration that God has for the world and for our neighbors. Throughout this series, we’ll be exploring the story of Peter and Cornelius from the Book of the Acts. Their story is an amazing instance of God’s unfolding healing and restoration that brings two unlikely people together to experience something new. In that story, we can learn more about God’s vision, how we might wrestle with that vision, and what we do about it. 

This week, Pastor Tyler asks these questions for our reflection:

1. What will it cost us to follow God?

2. What might it require us to change or give up?

3. What prejudice do we disguise/justify as righteousness?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Acts 10:9-23 (NIV)
THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA: God’s vision for the world informs how we treat others.

“What Gets in the Way of Following God” – Part 1

In our first full series of the new year, we have been prayerful about how God is leading us to focus on the things that matter most, particularly the vision of healing and restoration that God has for the world and for our neighbors. Throughout this series, we’ll be exploring the story of Peter and Cornelius from the Book of the Acts. Their story is an amazing instance of God’s unfolding healing and restoration that brings two unlikely people together to experience something new. In that story, we can learn more about God’s vision, how we might wrestle with that vision, and what we do about it. 

This week, Pastor Ellynda asks these questions for our reflection:

1. What traditions do we love that get in the way of following God?

2. What opportunities might God reveal when we open ourselves to God’s Kingdom vision?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Acts 10:9-23 (NIV)
THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA: God’s vision for the world often disrupts our personal world.

"Focus on the Big Picture"

In our first full series of the new year, we have been prayerful about how God is leading us to focus on the things that matter most, particularly the vision of healing and restoration that God has for the world and for our neighbors. Throughout this series, we’ll be exploring the story of Peter and Cornelius from the Book of the Acts. Their story is an amazing instance of God’s unfolding healing and restoration that brings two unlikely people together to experience something new. In that story, we can learn more about God’s vision, how we might wrestle with that vision, and what we do about it. 

This week, Pastor Tyler asks these questions for our reflection:

1. What new relationships is God calling you to form?

2. How can those relationships bear God’s image of love?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Acts 10:1-8 (NIV)
THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA: God wants us to focus on how God’s love restores and extends our relationships with others.

"Visions Becoming Reality"

In our first full series of the new year, we have been prayerful about how God is leading us to focus on the things that matter most, particularly the vision of healing and restoration that God has for the world and for our neighbors. Throughout this series, we’ll be exploring the story of Peter and Cornelius from the Book of the Acts. Their story is an amazing instance of God’s unfolding healing and restoration that brings two unlikely people together to experience something new. In that story, we can learn more about God’s vision, how we might wrestle with that vision, and what we do about it. 

This week, Rev. Ellynda asks these questions for our reflection:

1. What are the things that matter most?

2. What is God calling you to pay attention to?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Acts 10 (NIV)
THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA: God reveals a unique way for us to participate in the unfolding ministry of spreading the Gospel.

Baptism of the Lord Sunday 2022

Following the Christmas season of celebrating Jesus’ birth, we observe the Gospel events that reveal the truth and manifestation of Jesus’ identity as King, Savior, and Messiah. This revelation begins to deepen within Jesus’ own parents and widen to include others outside of Jesus’ family, even fast forwarding to when Jesus as an adult beginning his ministry.

The primary events observed during epiphany are the wisemen bearing precious gifts to Jesus, Jesus dedication in the temple, Jesus’ baptism, miracles of Jesus, and Jesus’ transfiguration.

This week, we observe Jesus’ baptism and are invited to remember our own as a way of strengthening our connection with God. Rev. Tyler asks this question for our reflection:

1. How does remembering your baptism strengthen your connection to God and calling as a disciple of Jesus?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (NIV)
THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA: Baptism is a sign of God's grace to include us in the family of God as well as the ongoing work that God is doing.

Celebrate the Wonder

Following the Christmas season of celebrating Jesus’ birth, we observe the Gospel events that reveal the truth and manifestation of Jesus’ identity as King, Savior, and Messiah. This revelation begins to deepen within Jesus’ own parents and widen to include others outside of Jesus’ family, even fast forwarding to when Jesus as an adult beginning his ministry.

The primary events observed during epiphany are the wisemen bearing precious gifts to Jesus, Jesus dedication in the temple, Jesus’ baptism, miracles of Jesus, and Jesus’ transfiguration.

This week, Rev. Ellynda asks this question for our reflection:

1. How can you celebrate the wonder of Jesus throughout this new year?

In addition, Rev. Ellynda invites us to choose a word that will be your guiding “star” that will help/inspire/remind you to point others to Christ.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV)

Experience the Wonder

The Advent season is often characterized by longing and waiting, but it is also a season full of wonder. Before the birth of Jesus, the Bible introduces us to characters who are learning how God makes the impossible possible, showing us that we can have joy, hope, wonder, and peace in the longing and waiting. Their stories help us see the fulfillment of God's promises and how that gives us hope in our own lives. Advent is an invitation to renew our sense of the wonder of the impossible and find hope, peace, and joy in the amazing love of God.

This week, Rev. Ellynda asks this question for our reflection:

1. How does the story of Simeon invite us to experience wonder?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Luke 2:21-32 (NIV)

Family Christmas Eve 2021 - Jesus

The Advent season is often characterized by longing and waiting, but it is also a season full of wonder. Before the birth of Jesus, the Bible introduces us to characters who are learning how God makes the impossible possible, showing us that we can have joy, hope, wonder, and peace in the longing and waiting. Their stories help us see the fulfillment of God's promises and how that gives us hope in our own lives. Advent is an invitation to renew our sense of the wonder of the impossible and find hope, peace, and joy in the amazing love of God.

This Christmas Eve, we retell the story of Jesus’ birth in a family friendly way from Luke 2:1-20 (CEB).

Fourth Sunday of Advent 2021 - Love

The Advent season is often characterized by longing and waiting, but it is also a season full of wonder. Before the birth of Jesus, the Bible introduces us to characters who are learning how God makes the impossible possible, showing us that we can have joy, hope, wonder, and peace in the longing and waiting. Their stories help us see the fulfillment of God's promises and how that gives us hope in our own lives. Advent is an invitation to renew our sense of the wonder of the impossible and find hope, peace, and joy in the amazing love of God.

This week, Rev. Tyler asks these questions for our reflection:

1. How does the story of Joseph inspire love in our lives?

2. What does love require us to sacrifice?

3. When have we experienced love that has inspired wonder?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Matthew 1:18-24 (NIV)

Third Sunday of Advent 2021 - Joy

The Advent season is often characterized by longing and waiting, but it is also a season full of wonder. Before the birth of Jesus, the Bible introduces us to characters who are learning how God makes the impossible possible, showing us that we can have joy, hope, wonder, and peace in the longing and waiting. Their stories help us see the fulfillment of God's promises and how that gives us hope in our own lives. Advent is an invitation to renew our sense of the wonder of the impossible and find hope, peace, and joy in the amazing love of God.

This week, Rev. Ellynda asks these questions for our reflection:

1. How does the story of Mary give us joy for our lives?

2. When you believe in God’s work unfolding in your life, what fear blocks the joy that is possible?

3. When you allow the joy of the Lord to be your driving force, what impossible wonders become possible?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)

Second Sunday of Advent 2021 - Peace

The Advent season is often characterized by longing and waiting, but it is also a season full of wonder. Before the birth of Jesus, the Bible introduces us to characters who are learning how God makes the impossible possible, showing us that we can have joy, hope, wonder, and peace in the longing and waiting. Their stories help us see the fulfillment of God's promises and how that gives us hope in our own lives. Advent is an invitation to renew our sense of the wonder of the impossible and find hope, peace, and joy in the amazing love of God.

This week, Rev. Tyler Jackson asks these questions for our reflection:

1. How does the story of Elizabeth give us peace for our lives?

2. What redemption are you seeking in your life to bring you peace?

3. What act of obedience is God calling you to bring peace to yourself and others?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Luke 1: 24-25, 57-64 (NIV)

First Sunday of Advent 2021 - Hope

The Advent season is often characterized by longing and waiting, but it is also a season full of wonder. Before the birth of Jesus, the Bible introduces us to characters who are learning how God makes the impossible possible, showing us that we can have joy, hope, wonder, and peace in the longing and waiting. Their stories help us see the fulfillment of God's promises and how that gives us hope in our own lives. Advent is an invitation to renew our sense of the wonder of the impossible and find hope, peace, and joy in the amazing love of God.

This week, Rev. Ellynda Lipsey asks these questions for our reflection:

1. How does the story of Zechariah give us hope for our lives?

2. What work of God (miracles) are you waiting and hoping for in your life?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Luke 1:5-23 (NIV)

Service of Thanksgiving 2021

This Sunday we acknowledge our commitment to serve throughout 2022 with our prayers, presence, financial gifts, service, and witness. We give God thanks for all that God has done, is doing, and will continue to do!

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Colossians 2:6-7

Hope and Healing Service 2021

This Sunday we embrace the healing work of God in and through our worship together speaking and reflecting on various scriptures and topics that range our shared human experience.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGES:

• Ezra 3:3, 6, 10-13 (NIV) | “Grief and Lament as Worship” by Rev. Tyler Jackson

• Psalm 42: 1-6 (CEB); 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (CEB) | “Hope in Times of Frustration, Disappointment, & Anger” by Rev. Ellynda Lipsey

• Psalm 46 (CEB) | “Peace During Suffering” by Grace Whittaker

• Psalm 30 NLT | “Love and Joy in Times of Shame and Sorrow” by Rachel Hockman

Giving Thanks for the Light - All Saints 2021

In our last series we talked about taking the next step of faith to keep pressing toward God so that we will become faithful to God’s greater story of redemption and transformation for the world. Through Jesus, God became a living light of hope, help, and salvation for all people. As followers of Jesus, we want to share the light of Christ that has touched and transformed our own lives in order to support the ongoing ministry of Mountain Park UMC. Together, we offer ourselves in service to Christ to let that living light shine brighter and further than ever before – here and now.

This week, Rev. Ellynda Lipsey shares how the light we experience from God compels us to share the light for all people here and now.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: 1 John 1:5-7 (CEB)

THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA: The light we experience from God compels us to share the light for all people here and now.

Cultivate the Light

In our last series we talked about taking the next step of faith to keep pressing toward God so that we will become faithful to God’s greater story of redemption and transformation for the world. Through Jesus, God became a living light of hope, help, and salvation for all people. As followers of Jesus, we want to share the light of Christ that has touched and transformed our own lives in order to support the ongoing ministry of Mountain Park UMC. Together, we offer ourselves in service to Christ to let that living light shine brighter and further than ever before – here and now.

This week, Rev. Dr. Mike Owenby shares how cultivating our light means consistently being recharged by God’s light in order to continue to shine in the darkness.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 2:9 (CEB); Matthew 5:14-16 (CEB)

THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA: Cultivating our light means consistently being recharged by God’s light in order to continue to shine in the darkness.

Be the Light

In our last series we talked about taking the next step of faith to keep pressing toward God so that we will become faithful to God’s greater story of redemption and transformation for the world. Through Jesus, God became a living light of hope, help, and salvation for all people. As followers of Jesus, we want to share the light of Christ that has touched and transformed our own lives in order to support the ongoing ministry of Mountain Park UMC. Together, we offer ourselves in service to Christ to let that living light shine brighter and further than ever before – here and now.

This week, Ed Birt shares how we can shine brighter and radiate farther when we let our light work together.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Isaiah 58:10 (NLT)

THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA: We can shine brighter and radiate farther when we let our light work together.

People Need the Light - Part 2

In our last series we talked about taking the next step of faith to keep pressing toward God so that we will become faithful to God’s greater story of redemption and transformation for the world. Through Jesus, God became a living light of hope, help, and salvation for all people. As followers of Jesus, we want to share the light of Christ that has touched and transformed our own lives in order to support the ongoing ministry of Mountain Park UMC. Together, we offer ourselves in service to Christ to let that living light shine brighter and further than ever before – here and now.

This week, Pastor Ellynda shares how God wants us to share the Redemptive light with each other to overcome our darkness so we can have light-filled life.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: John 1:1-5 (CEB)

THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA: God wants us to share the Redemptive light with each other to overcome our darkness so we can have light-filled life.