For the Sake of Our Souls, February 28th Worship

Jesus tells us that God values our souls more than anything else in the cosmos. The salvation of our souls was to be the singular focus of Jesus’ mission. This is still as astonishing as the first time Jesus spoke of it. It reorients how we see ourselves and everything else. It changes what we value, and how we cherish everyone around us.

God With Us in the Wilderness, February 21 Worship

The First Sunday in Lent comes to us with stories of temptation and test.  Abraham had been bounced around his whole life and now he had his greatest test. In Abraham’s story we discover how God is present even in the troubles of life and how His good and gracious will carries us through those trials.  Jesus' own temptation shows us that God can battle and defeat foes that we are helpless against. God’s great love and infinite compassion is with us in the wilderness.

The Glorious Mystery Revealed, Transfiguration Worship, February 14

In the glorious transfiguration of Jesus God confirmed the mysteries of our faith. Moses and Elijah appear from the past, linking all of human history. In the voice that came from the bright cloud God the Father was proclaiming that God’s love is central to everything in the whole world. Jesus, transfigured in majestic glory revealed the fullness of heaven that awaits us.

Jesus, Our Healer, February 7th Worship

 The people in Isaiah’s day were wondering about God’s providence and the prophet tells them “those who hope in God will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” When Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law and many others who were suffering from both sickness and demons, He demonstrated that He is the Healing and Renewing One Isaiah had spoken of. Jesus is our hope in every and even infinite ways.

Jesus, The Holy One of God, January 31 Worship

Jesus visited the town of Capernaum. He brought the power and authority of heaven. His voice ultimately rises above all other voices. Our hope is that the triumphant voice of Jesus command this moment. This is our faith in any and all moments of our lives. This is our trust for all of time and eternity. From heaven to earth, our Good and Almighty God speaks with ultimate and final authority.

The Eternal One is With Us, January 24 Worship

Jesus began his ministry by announcing the fullness of time, “the time has come,” Jesus says to the fishermen, Peter, Andrew, James, and John. God invites each of us to follow Him. He promises that He will take the ordinary elements of our lives and make them count in his kingdom in eternal and infinite ways.  

God Speaks His Living Word, January 17 Worship

For so long the world prayed and hoped to hear God’s voice. Jesus is God’s clearest Word to all humanity—the Logos incarnate. Born in the manger of Bethlehem and heading for the cross of Golgotha, His words are full of light and of love. His eternal voice has broken the silence. Here now in the season of Epiphany it is time for us to listen to hear the voice of God’s Living Spirit speaking life and love to us in the name of Jesus—the Logos here with us.

The Guiding Light of God, Epiphany Worship, January 10

Epiphany is when we remember the long journey of the wise man who searched for the new King, sent from heaven. They looked to the night sky and followed the guiding light of the Spirit, until at last they arrived to see Jesus. We are on a kind of journey now. We need the hope and sense of expectation that enabled the wise men to complete their journey of vigilance. Together we celebrate the Light of God guiding us in all His goodness and mercy.  

Second Sunday of Christmas, January 3rd

We are only told about one moment in the childhood life of Jesus. Slipping away from his parents Jesus went into the temple in Jerusalem and shared amazing wisdom and insight with the scholars gathered there. Jesus said he had to be in His Father’s house. In our continued celebration of God’s entrance into our world, we rejoice that He has come with wisdom and grace. We can now sit with Him in the sanctuary and refuge of God’s House, and be blessed by His eternal wisdom.   

First Sunday of Christmas, Our Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation, Dec. 27

After waiting and waiting Simeon and Anna were blessed beyond measure.  There in the great temple their old eyes beheld the salvation of God, the baby Jesus brought right to them. Seeing Jesus inspired in them a roaring outpouring of thanks and praise to God.  One day we will see Jesus face to face, but we are even now in the presence of the sacred mystery: God with us, Emmanuel. God bless you with joy, thanks and peace.