This Sunday, we wrap it up with a challenge to grab hold of practices that will take you deeper into the heart and purposes of God. Then, we begin in September with a series called "Longing" that listens in on the heart of God through the OT prophetic books. Can't wait to be with you Sunday ... or whenever your rhythm has you in worship!
Lately, we've been talking about gifts we can give ourselves in a tiring and heavy season. One gift we can give ourselves is the gift of community. Another gift we can give ourselves is the restoration of routine. This Sunday, we're going to talk about the habits we can develop that will create some "overflow" in our live
Let's talk about renewing community relationships and getting a plan of action for spiritual formation. In a race, community and discipleship are the "lead leg" -- the one that puts us into the race. So, let's get ready to run the race together this fall.
Last Sunday, we talked about rebuilding trust, the "power leg" that pushes us out of the starting block. This week, we will talk about PPE (personal prayer engagement!), which gives us focus and direction as we prepare to launch out into the race. We'll cover several creative ways of praying, including intercession, centering prayer, and love-exchange prayers.
The series theme can be summed up in 1 Corinthians 9:24-26, with a special emphasis on v. 26: "I run with purpose in every step." We'll borrow from the starting habits of great runners, and Sunday's message theme will introduce us to the first step: Rebuild trust. Trust is that power leg that pushes the runner out of the blocks. If your trust in God, humanity, or both has waned this year, then let's talk about how that trust can be restored and how a commitment to a trust-rich life can make us more graciously available at the heart level to God and each other. .
Do you remember our One Thing initiative earlier this year? In COVID time, it seems like it was about ten years ago that we were all talking "one thing," though it was only six months ago. In February we explored passages around the "one thing" theme and talked a lot about how to focus energy and faith toward the gifts God has given us. This Sunday, we revisit the most basic of those passages -- David's call in Psalm 27 to be in the presence of the Lord as worshipers. "One Thing I Desire" will remind us of the fundamental importance of intimate connection with God, and will call us to 30 days of prayer beginning August 1. Join us ... and restore your factory setting to what you were made for: to worship and enjoy our glorious God.
Paul tells us in Romans 15 that God is the God of Hope. God is both the source and the object of our hope. Our circumstances will never be the secret to a hope-filled, joy-filled life. This week we will explore the difference between worldly hope and Biblical hope, and we'll learn some simple, practical ways that we can cling to hope in these uncertain times.
Mike Barr is our preacher and grace is our topic. Apostolic grace is an empowerment given to Christ’s church. Paul tells us in Ephesians 3 what apostolic grace is and its purpose for the church. Come join us as we discover why that same grace is just as essential today as it was 2000 years ago.3
When it comes to the character of God, the Bible is clear: God is love, and God is holy. And those two things are not opposites! In fact, they work together. When we know ourselves as both loved and chosen for holiness, we can love, share, serve, and listen to understand. This week we will talk about the truth that God’s love is for us, and that holy love leads to the good life.
In a season filled with fear, change, and even deteriorating trust, what the world needs now more than ever is courage to lean in and love like Jesus loves. This Sunday, we'll look at what the Bible teaches about how to live and love courageously. And we'll find some practical ways together to be a people who love well. See you Sunday.