January 12— In worship, we will read the Temptation Story in Matthew 4:1-12. Jesus prepared for his ministry in the desert with Satan tempting him. He walked out of the desert stronger and more ready to get to work. Let the adventure begin!
January 19— This week we will read together Jesus’ first miracle in the Gospel of John. As Jesus turned water into wine, he shows us to expect the “Significant and Wonderful.” At the 11am service, we will have a special Children’s Moment thanking our wonderful children’s staff.
January 26— Rev. Rockford Johnson will be preaching for both services. Join us to hear our District Superintendent share the good news!
February 2— In worship, we will hear Jesus’ parables on growth and multiplication from Mark 4. Let’s marvel in light shining in the open or a seed growing into a large plant. That’s what the Kingdom of God is like. Let all who have ears, let them hear!
February 9— Jesus teaches us how to live out our faith. In Matthew 6:1-8 and 16-25, Jesus gets at how hard it is be faithful. We want nothing more, yet can’t seem to get it right! Come this Sunday, and contemplate how to do better.
February 16— We will read the about poor, sick Lazarus and a rich man. It’s in the afterlife that Karma has her way, and there’s a lesson in there for the living. Why would we expect others to help us ifwe never showed any compassion to others? Read Luke 16:19-31 to get ready for worship this week.
February 23— It’s Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday of Epiphany. This is a spectacular Sunday of Jesus glowing of a bright light. Can you see the light? Are you ready to follow Jesus the Christ? Our text is Matthew 16: 13-17, 19.
February 26 Wednesday— Join us for our Ash Wednesday service at 6pm (nursery available). We somberly enter into Lent with a reminder of Jesus’ and our own finitude. “From dust we came, to dust we shall return.”
March 1— Throughout the Season of Lent, we will try to “see life through new eyes, recognizing that experiences of failure, emptiness, and uncertainty are as critical for finding our way through life as they are unavoidable.” We will see how experiences of life through the “dark wood” are actually clues to our “calling” or “life path.” How can the struggles of life be the start of our own spiritual awakening to the fullness of life? Join us this week as we search for the Gifts of the Dark Wood. (Quote is from Eric Elnes’ book called Gifts of the Dark Wood)
March 8— This week in worship, we dare to appreciate the Gifts of Emptiness. We will remember there is freedom in letting go, in simplicity. Jesus says, “Whoever tries to preserve their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life will preserve it.” (Luke 17:33).
March 15— In worship, we will focus on the Gifts of Being Thunderstruck. Are we open enough for God to expand our thinking? We worship a God bigger than our limited perceptions.
March 22— There is a Gift in Getting Lost. This is good news because we all know, life is not lived on a straight path. Are we able to trust God is with us, clearing the path and leading the way? Let’s enter into the unknown, believing God knows just where to go!
March 29— Paul claims us as a “new creation” in Christ, everything old has passed away. The only thing holding us back is ourselves— our self-centeredness, our greed, our lack of focus. This week in worship we are invited to face the temptations that erode our fullness and steal us away.
April 5— Join us for Palm Sunday Worship. As Jesus comes into Jerusalem at the beginning of that fateful week, he is surrounded by those who will live the uncertainty, temptation and emptiness right alongside. We will celebrate the Gifts of the Misfits, finding our own place in the story. “After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee announcing God’s good news, saying, ‘Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!’” – Mark 1: 14-15
