The Kingdom of the Mustard Seed, June 17 Worship

Jesus teaches us that the mustard seed "is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade" (Mark 4:31-32). That sounds more like a biology lesson than spiritual instruction. What is Jesus trying to say? It might be  that Jesus was trying to spark the imagination of His listeners. Maybe the message of this parable is that God is infinite and creative. Maybe the point is that God loves to see life thrive and grow. It could be that Jesus is saying that God’s Kingdom is a place where small things can become significant. The easy answer is that Jesus’ story is about all this and more. We are always challenged to keep growing in our vision of what God can do and how we can be blessed in His care.

Growing in God's Gracious Care, June 10th Worship

God does not give up on any part of His creation, and he especially will never give up on us. The seeds He has planted will bear fruit according to His promise. There will be a happy ending! In this season of growing things, we renew our hope in the Lord, who is our health and salvation.  We are in a season of hope—a season when seeds are planted and creation is being renewed. Even in times when we are challenged, we can take to heart that we are being renewed day by day. As we live in God’s grace, the Holy Spirit works in us and through us.

God Creates a Sacred Day, June 3rd Worship

What do you prioritize? What do you arrange your schedule around? God asked His people to arrange their lives around a sacred day called the Sabbath. God wanted the Sabbath to be a source of refreshment and of joy. It is meant to be a time of rest and reflection. When we set a day to remember the gracious acts of God, we will live the rest of our days with grateful hearts .The Sabbath Day is the culmination of the week and gives meaning to all of the other days. With joy we gather for worship on the Lord’s Day. He is here! We have much to celebrate!

Trinity Sunday, May 27th

As we join together in worship on this day, we do so with God's people throughout the world.  The festival of the Holy Trinity has been celebrated for centuries, in recognition that God has revealed Himself to us as one God in three Persons.  We rejoice in this mystery of God and in all the blessings that He provides to us as His people.  We gather to be strengthened in the sacred name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Day of Pentecost, May 20th Worship

             In the Creed we confess the Holy Spirit as "the Lord and giver of life," and on Pentecost, after Jesus' resurrection, the Spirit was both given to the apostles and, through them by Baptism, to 3,000 people. Today we remember that day and thank God for the gift of the Spirit, who brings the life giving eternal things of God into our lives.

Ascension Day, May 13 Worship

As we go through life we hope for a few little triumphs.  So it was for Jesus’ disciples just before Christ was about to ascend to heaven.  "Lord," they said, "will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"  But God had a greater blessing in mind.  Christ's ascension means His triumph is over all humankind, all nations, kingdoms, and powers.  He who was crucified, died, and risen, now takes His victory with Him to sit at God's right hand in power and majesty. He is triumphant over all things forever.  

The Love of God Overcomes the World, May 6th Worship

Today we celebrate the gift of God’s love. He cares about each one of us in ways we can never fully understand. As unlikely as it may seem at times, God wants to be a part of our lives. Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead reminds us that God’s love is a powerful thing. God’s Word says “nothing is impossible for God.” (Luke 1:37) Our hope in God is anchored on His love. His love can be a real part of our lives now and forever.

Growing in Resurrection Light, April 29 Worship

This time of year you can almost stand and watch things grow. All around us the earth is sprouting new life. Plants, seeds, or bulbs that have been resting in the ground now are coming to life. This can serve as a reminder to us of what we celebrate in Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead. After He rested in the tomb He came back to life. Often times in our lives we go through the same cycles that we see played out in nature. We go through times like winter when everything is frozen in place. During those times we may wish and pray for a kind of spring when life can begin again. Jesus’ Resurrection clearly shows us that God can bring us back to life from even the most dormant winter blues or the biggest challenges we face. Staying connected to Him will always bring us back to life. Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The Lord is My Shepherd, April 22 Worship

One of the most comforting truths of God's Word is that our God knows us like a shepherd knows the sheep of his flock. Today we hear Jesus identify Himself as the Good Shepherd.  He pledges His abundant care to you. This changes everything! Back from the dead alive, Jesus can shepherd us in amazing and eternal ways. 

Living in the Light of Jesus' Resurrection, April 15 Worship

Some things take a little getting used to. A new pair of shoes might need a break in period. Big events in our lives happen and then we have to get used to the new place where we landed. Jesus’ Resurrection is the greatest event in all of history. It took some getting used to for His first disciples. They had to ask questions and begin to think in new ways about the world and their own lives. Still today we are always trying to catch up to what God is doing. Jesus is alive! We have the privilege of exploring the eternity of what it means to be living in the light of Jesus’ Resurrection.