Recent Messages

What if neighboring is one of the deepest spiritual practices we’ve forgotten? Inspired by the gentle wisdom of Fred Rogers, this outdoor service invites us to imagine the kind of neighborhood God dreams of—one shaped by kindness, presence, and care. Together we’ll reflect on what it means to become good neighbors in a time of isolation, pressure, and change. Together we’ll explore how simple acts of care, curiosity, and hospitality can reshape a community.

What might happen if we trusted that the same Spirit that moved then is moving here—among us—now? At Pentecost, the Spirit fills ordinary people and sends them into the world with boldness and clarity. Pentecost is not just an event but a paradigm. Scholars emphasize that Luke portrays the Spirit as the primary agent of mission—creating a multi-voiced, boundary-crossing community. This moment signals the church’s vocation as a public, Spirit-empowered movement. Barriers fall, languages connect, and a new kind of community is born. This week, we celebrate the Spirit who still in-spires us—breathing life into our shared vision for the sake of our neighbors.

What if waiting isn’t a delay—but the very work God is doing in us? Before the church moves outward, it is called to wait together in prayer and expectation. In a culture that rushes to action, this waiting becomes a formative space—shaping identity, trust, and readiness. Acts begins not with action but with reorientation. As Witherington notes, the disciples’ question about power is redirected toward Spirit-empowered witness, and the gathered community becomes the seedbed of mission. This week, we reflect on how communal discernment prepares us to meet the moment faithfully.

What if God is already at work in our neighborhood—and we’re being invited to notice and join in? Standing in Athens, Paul speaks to a culture filled with spiritual searching. Rather than condemning, he listens, observes, and builds bridges—proclaiming a God who is already near. Scholars have called his speech a model of contextualized proclamation—Paul translates the gospel into the language, symbols, and longings of his audience. It is not compromise, but missionally intelligent engagement that meets people where they are. This week, we explore how we might engage our own neighborhood with curiosity, humility, and hope.

What kind of courage does this moment in time require of us? Stephen’s story reminds us that faithful presence in the world is not always safe or easy and that God is by our side. Even in the face of resistance, Stephen embodies a Spirit-filled courage rooted in grace and forgiveness. What does it mean for us to live as a courageous community and stand up for what we believe in?

Shepherds are mentioned somewhere about 72 times in the Bible – depending on which translation you read. And on the 4th Sunday of Easter the church observes “Sheep Sunday” or “Shepherd Sunday”. The shepherd is a symbol of leadership and in Ezekiel, God is the “True Shepherd”. In John, Jesus is the “Good Shepherd”. In a world of uncertainty, the shepherd created a community for the flock. That community created a sense of belonging and held the flock together.

Over the past several weeks, many of you have gathered in living rooms, around tables, even at playgrounds, to listen and answer the question, “What pressures are you experiencing in this season of your life?” Story by story, a beautiful pattern has begun to emerge—threads of honesty, courage, longing, and faith weaving together in ways we couldn’t have planned. This Heart & Hope Sunday will be a special service where we begin to name and reflect on the common themes that have surfaced through your stories. You’ll hear voices from within our own congregation and get a glimpse of who we are becoming together. Come expectant. Come curious. Come ready to listen, reflect, and be part of something sacred unfolding among us.

This week we’re setting aside the sermon for something a little different—you bring the questions! During this interactive service, the congregation is invited to “Puzzle the Pastors” with your curiosity, your wonderings, and even your toughest questions. Together, we’ll explore faith in a spirit of openness, humility, and a little bit of fun. Ever wondered: Do pets go to heaven? What does the Bible really say about women speaking or leading in the church—and how should we understand those passages today? How should Christians approach other religions or people with different beliefs? Why do different Christian denominations interpret the Bible so differently? Where is the land of Nod? What is the blasphemy of the Spirit? Do we have guardian angels? No question is too simple or too complex—if you’ve thought about it, chances are someone else has too. Come ready to ask, listen, and grow as we journey together in faith.

In the garden, the risen Christ asks Mary a tender question: Who are you looking for? In her grief, she cannot yet recognize resurrection standing before her. On Easter morning, we discover that our seeking does not end at the tomb—God meets us with new life, calling us by name and inviting us to see again.