Palm Sunday 2022

All throughout the season of Lent we have been following Jesus’ ministry, which shows and models for us what God’s love looks like being lived out. All of Jesus’ ministry prepares him for his ultimate sacrifice and expression of God’s love. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the events that lead Jesus to fulfilling God’s promises of redemption and new life. As Jesus enters into the city of Jerusalem during an important religious festival, everyone begins to celebrate God’s work through Jesus by shouting “Hosanna” and waiving palm leaves. This is how this Sunday has earned its name.

This week, we explore these reflection questions:

1. Seeing God at work vs. Hearing God at work?

2. Do we hear from a heart of stubbornness or from a heart of openness?

3. Do we keep quiet or do we speak loudly of God’s work in our lives (so that others can hear it)? 

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Luke 19:28-40 (NIV)

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TRADITONAL WORSHIP LIVE STREAM

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LIVE STREAM

Keep Listening: Persevering in God's Truth

In our last series, we preached and taught on how we need to focus on God’s vision for the world, which actively shapes our church’s mission and ministries. In our Lenten series, we want to spend time discussing the things that distract us – the “noise” – that prevents us from listening to God’s vision and responding. We will be exploring how Jesus was tempted in various ways to distract him from following and fulfilling God’s vision and what we can learn from his experiences. How can we all follow Jesus on this journey of listening throughout this season of Lent? What practices can help us on this journey? We hope you will join us as we seek to listen and respond to all that God is inviting us to do.

This week, we explore these reflection questions:

1. How do we resist temptation when it comes?

2. When we are we vulnerable?

3. How do we acknowledge Satan’s influence without fearing him?

4. How do we persevere in God’s truth? 

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Luke 4:13 (NIV)

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TRADITONAL WORSHIP LIVE STREAM

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LIVE STREAM

Leaving the Lies Behind - Part 3

In our last series, we preached and taught on how we need to focus on God’s vision for the world, which actively shapes our church’s mission and ministries. In our Lenten series, we want to spend time discussing the things that distract us – the “noise” – that prevents us from listening to God’s vision and responding. We will be exploring how Jesus was tempted in various ways to distract him from following and fulfilling God’s vision and what we can learn from his experiences. How can we all follow Jesus on this journey of listening throughout this season of Lent? What practices can help us on this journey? We hope you will join us as we seek to listen and respond to all that God is inviting us to do.

This week, we explore these reflection questions:

1. How is God inviting you to deepen your understanding of Scripture?

2. Where do we place our trust? How does God’s Word help or save?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Luke 4:1-2a, 9-12 (NIV)

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TRADITONAL WORSHIP LIVE STREAM

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LIVE STREAM

Leaving the Lies Behind - Part 2

In our last series, we preached and taught on how we need to focus on God’s vision for the world, which actively shapes our church’s mission and ministries. In our Lenten series, we want to spend time discussing the things that distract us – the “noise” – that prevents us from listening to God’s vision and responding. We will be exploring how Jesus was tempted in various ways to distract him from following and fulfilling God’s vision and what we can learn from his experiences. How can we all follow Jesus on this journey of listening throughout this season of Lent? What practices can help us on this journey? We hope you will join us as we seek to listen and respond to all that God is inviting us to do.

This week, we explore these reflection questions:

1. How are you reliant on God? What parts of your life are disconnected from God?

2. How can you examine the motivations for what you do?

3. What’s your “default setting?”

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Luke 4:1-2a, 5-8 (NIV)

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TRADITONAL WORSHIP LIVE STREAM

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LIVE STREAM

Leaving the Lies Behind - Part 1

In our last series, we preached and taught on how we need to focus on God’s vision for the world, which actively shapes our church’s mission and ministries. In our Lenten series, we want to spend time discussing the things that distract us – the “noise” – that prevents us from listening to God’s vision and responding. We will be exploring how Jesus was tempted in various ways to distract him from following and fulfilling God’s vision and what we can learn from his experiences. How can we all follow Jesus on this journey of listening throughout this season of Lent? What practices can help us on this journey? We hope you will join us as we seek to listen and respond to all that God is inviting us to do.

This week, we explore these reflection questions:

1. What lies do you believe about who you are?

2. What lies do you believe about God?

3. How does God’s truth help you leave these lies behind?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Luke 4:1-4 (NIV)

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TRADITONAL WORSHIP LIVE STREAM

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LIVE STREAM

Listen: Hearing God's Voice through the Noise

In our last series, we preached and taught on how we need to focus on God’s vision for the world, which actively shapes our church’s mission and ministries. In our Lenten series, we want to spend time discussing the things that distract us – the “noise” – that prevents us from listening to God’s vision and responding. We will be exploring how Jesus was tempted in various ways to distract him from following and fulfilling God’s vision and what we can learn from his experiences. How can we all follow Jesus on this journey of listening throughout this season of Lent? What practices can help us on this journey? We hope you will join us as we seek to listen and respond to all that God is inviting us to do.

This week, we explore these reflection questions:

1. What noise plays loudest in your mind/life?

2. What vulnerabilities make you more susceptible to listen to the wrong voice?

3. How can these vulnerabilities be used to tune into God’s voice instead?

4. What aids you to hear God’s voice more clearly?

5. When do you listen to God best?

6. What have you learned in those moments?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Luke 4:1-2 (NIV); Proverbs 2:1-5 (NLT)

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TRADITONAL WORSHIP LIVE STREAM

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LIVE STREAM

Ash Wednesday 2022

In our last series, we preached and taught on how we need to focus on God’s vision for the world, which actively shapes our church’s mission and ministries. In our Lenten series, we want to spend time discussing the things that distract us – the “noise” – that prevents us from listening to God’s vision and responding. We will be exploring how Jesus was tempted in various ways to distract him from following and fulfilling God’s vision and what we can learn from his experiences. How can we all follow Jesus on this journey of listening throughout this season of Lent? What practices can help us on this journey? We hope you will join us as we seek to listen and respond to all that God is inviting us to do.

During this service , Pastor Tyler shares how, because God delights in us, He wants to share abundant life with us as well as do more in and through us. Some questions for your reflection are:

1. What am I striving for that God isn’t asking me to strive for?

2. What is holding me back from receiving what God has for me?

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Psalm 51:1-17 (NIV)
THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA: Because God delights in us, He wants to share abundant life with us as well as do more in and through us.

"Realizing the Vision Together"

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 guides us in prayer as we consider these aspects of our church’s mission and vision:

1. ???

2. ???

3. ???

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Luke 9:28-36 (NIV)

“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)