Jesus offers “living water” to those who believe in him. What does this mean? How does Jesus view real spirituality? Listen to Pastor David’s message on John 7:37-39.
Jesus and Power
What do Jesus and Superman have in common? How are they different? How does Jesus’s use of power challenge our normal uses of power in today’s world? Listen to Pastor David’s message on Mark 1:21-28.
Jesus and Time
Jesus shows us how to live with a holy sense of time: fully present in the moment, never rushed, always sensitive to others’ needs. Listen to Pastor David’s sermon on Luke 8:40-56.
Missionaries Bobby and Jenny Mihsill
We had the honor of hosting Bobby and Jenny Mihsill, our Living Link missionaries to Cote d’Ivoire, in worship this week. They preached on Luke 5:1-11 and called us all to join them in following Jesus, who calls us to “fish for people.” Listen to their message here!
Thoughts from the Shalem Conference
Last weekend, I attended a conference in Rockville, Maryland – where it was sunny and hot, nearly 90 degrees! – hosted by the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. As their website says, “Shalem is grounded in Christian contemplative spirituality yet draws on the wisdom of many religious traditions.” I would guess, simply based on observation, that the vast majority of the 150+ attendees to this conference are Christians, but they practice Christianity in a way that is a bit different than how you and I usually practice it.
I attended this conference in order to fulfill a requirement for my current Doctor of Ministry “independent study” course. I designed this course a few months ago, in consultation with my supervising professor, in order to propel me forward into the Professional Project which will be the culmination, the capstone, of my doctoral work. According to the seminary’s instructions, my independent study was to include an “immersion experience” which would connect to this Professional Project and, at the same time, would stretch me in some meaningful, significant ways. Last weekend’s Shalem conference did exactly that. Continue reading
Why Change from Purple to White?
Last year, we introduced a series of banners to decorate our sanctuary with the colors and symbols of the various seasons of the church year. The banners rotate around our sanctuary during the course of the year, with the current season’s banner displayed prominently beside the pulpit. We have green banners to designate “Ordinary Time,” purple banners for Advent and Lent, and red banners for Pentecost and the Lord’s Supper. Starting this Sunday, you might notice that one our banners has changed colors:
The banner representing the current season of Easter, showing a cross on a purple background, now shows a cross on a white background. Why the change? Continue reading
Genuine Faith
Genuine faith is worth more than gold, or at least so scripture says. Why do we have such a hard time letting go of material things? And what is our real inheritance as Christians, anyway? Listen to Pastor David’s sermon on 1 Peter 1:3-9.
Why This All Matters
Jesus is risen from the dead! But…why does this all matter? Pastor David explores one of the big questions of faith in this year’s Easter Sunday sermon.
Waiting for Sunrise
Between Jesus’s death and resurrection, the world waited for sunrise to come. How can we find meaning in the darkness of the night? Listen to Pastor David’s sermon from our Easter sunrise service.
Maundy Thursday Reflection
In his final hours, Jesus was betrayed by one of his closest friends and denied by another. His example of sacrificial love, even to his enemies, stands as an amazing example for us. Listen to Pastor David’s reflection on John 13:18-38.