Plastic Donuts

About 10 years ago Jane and I went to Maui. On the third day she got very sick. I rushed her to the hospital where they told us that she had an infection that, unless they could identify the microbe in time, would certainly take her life. It was literally a race to save her life. I got out of the expensive, resort hotel room and found a “dive” near the hospital so I could walk back and forth every day. It was touch and go for about 7 days. On day two I went into a mall that I was walking by and bought her an expensive necklace. It was something I wanted to do. It had great meaning for me. About a year later, Jane told me how much the gift meant to her in that it said to her, “we’re going to beat this thing and get on with our lives. I mean, why would I be buying her an expensive necklace if I thought she was going to die?”

Giving good gifts. It is so powerful, a source of great satisfaction and joy, both for the one giving it and the one receiving it. How have you experienced this in your life? In the next few weeks this will be our focus as we live our lives in relationship with Jesus, in the blessing and lifestyle of “giving good gifts.”

In connection with our focus, we would like to give every family what we think is a very good gift; the book “Plastic Donuts.” The writer looks at this question of “Giving Good Gifts” from a unique perspective that I know has already been a blessing in my life and I am sure will be a blessing in your life as well as he looks at the power of gifts, the way we give, and to whom we give. Because finally, “Giving Good Gifts” is a wonderful, life-giving and life-enriching gift in our lives!

Sunday, March 1st                    The Heart of the Matter

Plastic Donuts? What’s that all about? It’s what we talk about today. It’s the heart of everything. It’s about our relationship with God. This honestly is from a perspective you perhaps have never thought of before. It’s worth taking a look.

Sunday, March 8th                   Does The Gift Matter?

People like to say, “it’s the heart that counts” when it comes to gift giving. But is this true? Doesn’t the gift reveal the heart? It’s what we talk about today.

               Rule #1: There Are No Rules

Ok. What are the rules? Have you noticed that whenever we make relationships about rules we lose something? When it comes to Giving Good Gifts, there honestly are no rules. But where does that leave us? It’s what we talk about today.

               Because You Can

So, if there are no rules, why do we give?...And are there any insights to help us? This is our focus today.

               The Heart Matters

Bottom line. The opposite Bookend of week one. The heart is what matters. It’s about relationship. Why? Because that is what life is about!

Good Friday Connections

“Good Friday Connections”

Sometimes it is good to slow down and think about things. For over a millenia Christians have set aside the 40 days before Easter (not counting the Sundays) to do just this; to examine and reflect on their own lives as well as on the cross of Jesus and what this means for them.

Part of this is experienced in special worship. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a worship time of reflection both on who we are and how the cross of Jesus intersects with our great need. (Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust, Victory in the Cross!). This is then followed by Wednesday worship on each of the following Wednesdays leading up to Palm Sunday. Again, the focus is on our unique human condition and how the cross of Jesus meets us there with the overwhelming love of God.  Finally, on the Thursday and Friday before Easter there is special worship as we turn our hearts and minds to the last two days of Jesus life and His last words spoken from the cross.

Our theme for our Lenten Wednesday worship beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 26th is “Good Friday Connections.” Good Friday is the day on which Jesus died. And our connections to this horrible, yet wonderful day is with the people who were there. John and Peter and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and more. Each evening we will examine the great needs of our human condition through the eyes and experiences of those who were there – as well as what it means to be under the reality of the cross of Jesus.

Sometimes it is good to slow down and think about things, especially the things that matter and how Jesus is there. These Wednesdays are just such an opportunity.

Ash Wednesday, February 26th               John: Not Meant To Be Alone (Imposition of Ashes/Holy Communion)

Do you remember the line from the song? “Number one is the loneliest number…” It’s true. We were not made to do life alone. Yet, at times, we feel so alone. It’s why Jesus came with the message of the cross.

Wednesday, March 4th                Peter: A Difficult Forgiveness

I knew a man – a very good man – who had served in the Army in a war and could not forgive himself for what he had to do as a soldier. No matter what I said over a number of years, his self-condemnation was so great that I don’t think he could even hear my voice. Can you relate? If so, there is one voice that is strong enough for all of us to hear. It comes from the cross.

Wednesday, March 18th            The Centurion: What Now?

Have you ever been in that place in your life where you are asking this question? (What now?) The cross of Jesus is like a line of demarcation in our lives. It changes everything. And it also brings an answer to our “What now?”

Wednesday, March 25th              Mother of Criminal: Believe!

I think “faith” gets a bad rap. Everyone thinks it is so weak. But really, it is the strongest thing in our existence. Think about it. Would you get married if you didn’t believe the promise of your spouse to “love and to cherish you for a lifetime?” Would you go to work if you didn’t believe you were going to get paid? Would you pay to put gas in your car if you weren’t sure it was gas? Everything we do is based on faith. The message of the cross today to you?...Believe!

Wednesday, April 1            Mary: It’s Not Over

Do you know the Yogi Bear-ism? “It’s not over ‘til it’s over.” What he was saying is that in any athletic contest one should never relax and think they have it won because well… “it’s not over ‘til it’s over.” What does this have to do with the cross and our lives? It’s what we look at tonight.

Thursday, April 9th 7pm                       The Last Days: A Living Example (Maundy Thursday)

As my father got older, he would often say to us, his children, “Now I want you guys to love each other – and your mother – when I’m gone.” His words, spoken more and more often, were strong, but the most powerful thing he did was to live his life loving us and our mother. Tonight, we focus on the living example of Jesus for us in His last days. It too is powerful!

Friday, April 10th, 7pm  The Last Word: It is Finished (Good Friday)

“Scoreboard!” It is what is said when there is a strong disagreement over who the better team is after they have played a game. Who won? “Scoreboard!” That settles it! It’s the “last word!” Tonight we look at the “last word” of Jesus for us.  “Scoreboard!”

Living Your Best Life

“Living Your Best Life”

I know a young married couple who lived in the beautiful city of Seattle, with both of them having very good jobs. But they gave it up. He quit his job with no other prospects, she took hers with her – though she still has to commute to Seattle once a week – and they moved to the middle of Idaho. Why? They were looking to “Live Their Best Life.” He had really gotten into baking bread and they loved the small town life. So, he bakes bread and sells it on Saturdays at a kind of “Farmer’s Market,” and they live a much slower paced life which they love. But, to be honest, they don’t know how long they’ll stay there or how long he’ll bake bread as they continue to search for and live their best life.

How about you? Are you looking to live your best life?  If so, how’s it working out for you? There’s so many questions, isn’t there? What is “my best life?” What does it look like? How do you measure it? How do you know when you’re there? How can you find it? What does it mean? Yet, we all seem to know that there is a reality of “living our best life,” a reality that would fill us up and make us whole and complete. Finally, it is what we are all looking for….have you found it yet?

In this message series, we will explore “Living Your Best Life.” It’s what Jesus talks about right at the beginning of his longest recorded message, oftentimes referred to as “The Sermon on the Mount.” Over and over again he says, “blessed are they who…” What does this word “blessed” mean? Some like to say it means happy or full of joy but at it’s core the meaning is this; “A fortunate state of life.” Jesus came so that we could live our best life. This will be our focus in the next few weeks. Whether you are a Jesus follower or not – or perhaps just trying to figure it all out – this series is for you. Wouldn’t it be nice to live your best life?....and know it?

Sunday, January 5th            A New Way (This One Is Different; This One You Can Trust)

Two things here. 1.They say it is insanity to keep doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. 2. Have you ever noticed how one just gives up after disappointment upon disappointment upon disappointment? Jesus came so we could “Live our best life.” He brings a new way. It is different from all the ways that have failed us. It is the one we can trust.

Sunday, January 12th                No Dead Ends

Do you ever feel like you hit a “dead end” in your life? Or perhaps you see it in the lives of those around you?...or even beyond as you see the hurt and hopelessness in our world? It’s not true. Living your best life is knowing this and living in it.

Sunday, January 19th              Having It All 

I took my daughter to school on the first day of her freshman year in High School. She was so excited as she shared with me everything she wanted to do and be involved in that year. Being concerned that she was setting herself up for disappointment, I gently suggested she would perhaps have to make some choices because it would be hard to do everything she wanted to do. I will never forget her answer. With great joy she said, “Daddy, I want to do it all!” Living your best life is doing – and having – it all. But what does this mean and what does it look like? This is our focus today.

Sunday, January 26th                 Being Filled Up

The truth of the analogy here is striking. Like a car when the gas gauge is on the beg “E,” when one is on empty they won’t get far. Where are you on empty? Living your best life can only happen when you are “filled up.” It’s what we talk about today.

Sunday, February 2nd               Eyes That See 

 What is that saying, “Perception is in the eye of the beholder?” So, if you want to perceive clearly, you first have to see clearly. Today we focus on how we see ourselves and others. It is a key to living our best life. The insight is given to us by Jesus.

Sunday, February 9th             Focus

Multi-tasking. Did you know it’s a myth? Studies have now shown conclusively that a person can only do one thing at a time. And when we try to do more, these same studies show that our performance actually suffers and we do nothing well. So, what does this mean with respect to living our best life? It’s what we look at today. 

Sunday, February 16th             Making A Difference

It’s called the “search for significance.” Simply put, we all want to make a difference. Knowing that we are is really a key to “living our best life.” This is the focus of Jesus today. It may not be what you think.

Sunday, February 23rd             Worth the Cost

Have you ever heard of a “mid-life crises?” What happens is that a person makes all kinds of (sometimes) crazy changes in their life because they are hit with their own mortality, that the time of their death is perhaps now closer than the years they have already lived. They are hit with the truth that everyday spent is one they will never get back….and they begin to wonder if what they are living for is worth the cost of each day given up to it… What does this mean for us as we look to “live our best life?” It’s our focus today. The gift of knowing that there is a life to be lived that is our best life and is worth the cost.

Christmas!... Underneath the Wrappings…

Christmas!...Underneath the Wrappings…

I love Christmas. I love the excitement and the good cheer and the hopefulness and the joy and yes, even the love that seems to surface like at no other time in the year. I love to give gifts that surprise and bring joy to people, especially those who are closest to me. I have great memories of mounds of wrapping paper lying in our living room right after the kids unceremoniously and excitedly ripped the paper and bows right off the gifts. But then there is that moment of “let down,” when the only thing to do next is to clean up the ripped apart and useless wrapping paper. Do you know what I mean?

How do you “wrap” your celebration of Christmas? Parties?..at work and at home and at school? Writing Christmas cards and making sure THE LETTER is creative  and fun and informative and…perfect?  Christmas decorations? The perfect tree? Family get-togethers?  (And making sure the house is perfectly clean?) Cookies? Pies? Special dinners? Gifts for all – including the mail carrier?... And, of course, making sure you have the PERFECT gifts for your children?...or someone else? (I think we all have stories of what crazy things we did to get that “perfect” gift for one of our children!) All these things and more – right? And they all seem to make our lives go faster and faster and faster! So, how’s it all working for you?... Especially when the wrappings are just lying there after it’s all done? Does it leave you a bit worn out and empty?  Do you sometimes want to scream and just say, “forget it!”??

In these four Sundays leading up to the day of Christmas, our goal is to dig down deep underneath all the wrappings to the heart of Christmas. It’s still there. It is a gift. It is for each of us.

We all know we need it. It is why even as a society we come back to Christmas again and again. Deep inside (seemingly as something that is as part of the human condition as breathing!)  we all long for the heart of Christmas buried underneath all the wrappings: Peace and hope and love and joy. 

As we dig down deep underneath the pile of the wrappings, I can promise you this. This heart of Christmas will never disappoint or leave us empty. For it is, finally, what we all search for and long for…and what Christmas is meant to give us.

Sunday, Dec. 1st            “Peace: Having It All Together”

I never seem to have it all together. As most of you know, I do have a hair or two out of place…in more ways than one. And when you add all the extra things of Christmas to it, I REALLY have a few hairs out of place. How about you? Today we look at how we can “have it all together.” It is called Christmas peace. It is at the heart of Christmas and it is a gift to each of us. For finally, none of us has every hair in place!

Sunday, Dec. 8th “Hope: Just Known’ It’s All Gonna’ Be OK!”

I once had a young mother come and see me who had inoperable cancer who had been given 6 weeks to live. She forcefully told me that she was sure she was going to be ok because her positive attitude would cure her. She died in 6 weeks. There are many times and situations in our lives when, no matter what, it seems that it will never get better and the struggle will never go away. I think in some way each of us experiences this – right? THIS is where Christmas hope enters the picture! It is at the heart of Christmas and it is a gift to each of us. For finally, each of us have those things that will seemingly never be “ok!”

Sunday, Dec.15th     “Joy: It’s Not Just, ‘Have a Happy”

A friend of mine in college was in a play entitled, “Whatever Happened on the Way to the Forum.” In this play is the phrase, “Have a happy!” Do you ever feel – especially during this time of the year – that people just want you to “have a happy” and put on a smiling face? And if so, how is that working for you? (It sure doesn’t work for me!) Christmas joy is about a “happy” that touches us down in the very essence of our being, as far as you can get from “putting on a smiling face.” It is at the heart of Christmas and it is a gift to each of us. For finally, “have a happy” leaves us all empty!

Sunday, Dec.22nd            “Love: You Really Do Matter To God”

I never thought it was so special and maybe it’s not: When my children were in high school (and anytime, really) the commitment I made to them was that if they were in a situation they didn’t like and they called me, I would come and get them, no questions asked. Recently, one of my (now grown) children has become friends with a Christian Counselor. He shared with me how his friend told him that many, many children do not live with this comfort that anyone cares enough -loves them enough - to come after them, no matter what.  Did you know that God cares about you enough to do exactly this? It is what Christmas love is all about. It is at the very heart of Christmas and it is a gift to you! For finally, every single one of us needs someone who will come after us, no matter what!

Christmas Eve Worship             The Light Still Shines

Permanence. It seems that at most it is simply an illusion. But tonight is different. Tonight, we remember the ONE who NEVER changes, the ONE who is a LIGHT that no darkness can overcome. What darkness do you carry? His Light is greater!

And HE is FOR you!...And HE NEVER changes!

Christmas Day Worship                   Celebrate! All Has Changed!!

I had to laugh at myself over the flood of memories I had in my head when I wrote the above theme and then thought about how a baby changes everything. As Jane and I experienced and used to laugh about, life is just different in the “AK” (after kids) – right? Now put that thought on steroids and you begin to understand the birth of Jesus. It changes everything! And it is for you!

Sunday, December 29                   The Sign of the Star

The Prodigal….GOD

Prodigal – adjective

1.    Recklessly extravagant

2. having spent everything

I remember a story – don’t know if it was a movie or a book – about a Woodsman who lived with his two year old son and a big German Shepherd in a cabin in the wilderness. One evening the Woodsman had to unexpectedly go out, but he felt safe leaving his small, sleeping, son with his loyal German Shepherd. However, as he was returning, he heard a horrible commotion and bursting through the door saw his son with blood all over him and his dog’s teeth and nose covered in it. Without hesitation, he kills the dog. But looking around, he sees that his son is safe and a huge wolf that had somehow got into the cabin lay dead after what must have been a heroic fight put up by his loyal – yet now dead – dog. Sometimes it is good to stop and see things more clearly. It can change everything! 

In the next few weeks, we are going to take a closer look at a very familiar story that Jesus told. Most title it, “The Prodigal Son” and define “prodigal” as “wayward” or “rebellious” or “lost.” But really, it is a story about two lost sons where, to be honest, each of us can find ourselves…..and the prodigal (recklessly extravagant) love of the Father – of our Father God – for all. Like a beautifully cut diamond, we will look with new eyes at a number of facets of this story that Jesus told. It will challenge us, no matter who we are, to see ourselves with new, fresh, eyes, as well our prodigal God. Finally, it will give us a new, fresh, and powerful understanding of Jesus, our elder brother.

As the foundation and springboard for our focus, we will use a wonderful book entitled, “The Prodigal God” which will be given away to all. In the introduction, the author writes, “I believe that if the teaching of Jesus is likened to a lake, this famous Parable of the Prodigal Son would be one of the clearest spots where we can see all the way to the bottom.” This book – and this story told by Jesus – is meant for you whether you are a longtime follower of Jesus or just curious to know “what it’s all about” or anywhere in between.  For finally, we are all trying to find our way back to God. Whoever you are, this short series is for YOU!

Sat./Sun. October 5th/6th         “Setting the Scene For Everything”

Many have compared this story Jesus told to a Two Act play. So today, we are setting the scene, giving the context, describing the audience, revealing the characters, and in all this finding where we fit in the action. If it’s true that this story is a microcosm of the whole Bible, this is all kind of important, don’t you think?...especially where we fit into it all?

Sat./Sun. October 12th/13th          The Two Lost Sons

Have you ever heard the phrase, “the rest of the story?” Many years ago there was an announcer on the radio – his name was Paul Harvey – who made this phrase famous.  After doing the regular Newscast, he did a bit he called “the rest of the story” in which he would take one of the stories in the news and elaborate on it, giving the listener a much more in depth – and amusing – angle on it. It made him famous. Today, we take a closer look at the two sons in our story. They were both lost….and so are we.

Sat.Sun. October 19th/20th             Two Ways To Find Happiness

Everyone is looking to be happy. How is that working out for you? And could it be that the very ways we look to be happy is at the root of our problem?.... always looking but never finding?  Today we look at the two ways all of humankind tend to try to find happiness….And just maybe a third way will be revealed to us that will finally give us what we seek.

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Sat.Sun. October 26th/27th                   What’s a Lutheran? Stand-alone Reformation Celebration

When we lived in Indiana, the natives there called themselves “Hoosiers.” But did you know that no one knows what a “Hoosier” is?

When my son James and His wife Kayla, began their work as campus missionaries on the Chico State campus for CRU (Campus Crusade for Chirst), no one on their team at Chico State had ever heard of a “Lutheran” and, in fact, were kind of fearful at first that they were part of a Christian cult. Today, we remember and rejoice in who we are in Christ as Christians who share this tribe, “Lutheran.” So, you got questions? Trust me, it’s not like “Hoosier.” James really had an answer – and a Christian witness – that put the whole team at ease and created Christian friendship.  Oh, and if your question is more along the lines of “What’s a reformation?”, no problem, it’s not like “Hoosier” either.  

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  Sat.Sun. November 2nd/3rd                  Taking Lostness To Heart 

My brother and I were once caught in a blizzard (that had not been forecast) on a backpacking trip. We soon got out the maps and

determined the quickest and safest way out. Maybe thirty minutes down the trail we met a couple who refused to come out with us even though we showed them on the map that what they were planning was not wise. But they refused to listen. They refused to admit they were lost, going the wrong way, even when shown on the map. When we got back home, we saw in the Newspaper that they had died. Today, we will view “lostness” from a different perspective as it is redefined in the story for each of us, no matter who we are.  It will challenge each of us. We can take it to heart and see another way…or not.  

Sat.Sun. November 9th/10th    Wait! Something’s Missing In The Story!

I love this insight into the story. It is awesome! It brings everything together! We’re going to talk about it this weekend. I can’t wait!

Sat.Sun. November 16th/17th           Home  

In the last movie in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, Elrond, an elf, smells the sea breeze and says, “the sea is calling us home.” Where – or what – is home for you? Does the sea breeze call you to the ocean? Do the Mountain winds beckon? Or perhaps another place tied to sights, scenes, smells, and places of your life? But when we go to these places, are they the answer? Are we truly home? Or does the emptiness and longing still remain?...a soft, still voice saying, there has to be another place for me to be happy and whole and complete…for me to be home. Today, we talk about why we have these longings and about being home at last.

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Sat.Sun. November 23rd/24th         Thanksgiving Celebration!    Stand Alone Thanksgiving Celebration!

Thanksgiving is a National Holiday. Funny, that everyone seems to know that we should really be thankful to SOMEONE for everything we are and have! What a gift if one knows who that SOMEONE is! I pray this is true for you and even more so after the last few weeks! In the book of James it says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” Today we together celebrate this God and give thanks for every gift, even as we look to be renewed in reflecting the generosity of our God in our lives. For after all, we have been created- and in Jesus recreated – in His image! “O give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever!”

Hook, Line and Sinker

“Disciples That Make Disciples That Make Disciples”

The above idiom is a fishing term (but you probably knew that!). What it refers to is when a hungry, aggressive fish swallows all three; the hook, line, and sinker – Bam! The fish is “all in” – completely and totally, without hesitation or reservation. Bam!

Is there anything we can be “all in” on without hesitation or reservation, “hook, line and sinker?” It seems to me we all long for just such a thing that both defines us and directs our actions….something that is bigger than ourselves and gives us the purpose we were created to live in. I am amazed that even those who think there is no God and no meaning to anything still search to find something that will define them and give their actions a meaning beyond themselves, something to live for, so to speak. What about you?

Here at St. Matthew we talk about being disciples (followers of Jesus) who make disciples who make disciples. Why? This is what we were created to be “all in” on, hook, line, and sinker. It is a gift of God in Jesus.

Jesus begins His ministry by bursting on the scene and saying, “Come, follow me.” In a sense He is fishing for you and for me. What is His bait? Having – and doing - life with Him! It is the only place where we are complete and whole. It is who we were meant to be. It is our lost identity. A follower of Jesus…a disciple. And what is our purpose?  What is the “doing” that can finally make a difference and give meaning beyond ourselves? At the end of His ministry, following His resurrection, Jesus gives us this gift as well: “As you are going, (that is, as parents, spouses, friends, and in your neighborhoods, wherever you live your life) make disciples…. that is, make and grow followers of Jesus.”

Ok. How do we do that? What does it look like? What are the variables involved?  In the next few weeks, we will explore these questions… what it looks like and how we can take steps to grow in being followers of Jesus who in turn make followers of Jesus. For you see, it is always about following Jesus. It is always about teaching another to follow Him as well.

Where does it begin? In the closest of our relationships – with our children and with our spouse (our FAMILIES!) – but it then continues to our brothers and sisters in Christ and beyond, wherever we live our lives, filling every nook and cranny of our lives!  We are called to be “Disciples -followers of Jesus – who Make Disciples who Make Disciples.”  In this is both our identity and purpose. This is where we can be whole and complete! May we swallow it “hook, line, and sinker” – and grow in living in it! This is our focus in the next few weeks. May God bless us and grow us!

Sat./Sun. August 10th, 11th.        Jesus (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

The very first creed of the very first followers of Jesus was this; “JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.” It was and is foundational! To follow Jesus is to receive Him as your Lord in every nook and cranny of your life. Where do you struggle with this? This is an important question, because if we are going to be about making disciples, about being used by God to grow others in following Jesus and growing in the fullness of life that He gives us, it is from us that they will learn -from our modeling - what it means to receive and live in Jesus Christ as Lord, beginning with our own families and our own children!

Sat./Sun. August 17th, 18th           Intentionality  (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

I remember watching a World Series a number of years ago where a Yankee baserunner intentionally got in the way of a relay throw, much to the chagrin of the fans of the other team. Intentional. On purpose. Actions with a particular result in mind. The Yankee baserunner knew what he was trying to accomplish, and it directed his actions. So too with Jesus. He lived His life intentionally, certainly in going the way of the cross for us that we might be His, but also intentionally coming alongside others, investing Himself in them that they might grow as His followers.  And He would teach us to do the same.

Sat./Sun. August 24th, 25th         Relationship (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

One out of two people in our society have no one to talk to. This is what sin does. It isolates us…both from God and from others. Adam ran away from God and “threw his wife under the bus”- “this woman that you gave me!” He was absolutely alone! To be a disciple is to live in relationship with Jesus. To live as a “disciple who makes disciples” one must forsake the notion that my life with God is just “Jesus and me” and embrace living in relationship with others. For this-relationship – is what we were created for! “With God, nothing is impossible!”

Sat./Sun. Aug.31st, Sept.1st.        Teaching (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

In Matthew 28, Jesus gives His people their “marching orders.” He says, “Go and make disciples of all nations…..teaching them to OBEY everything I have commanded you.” When I got my California Teaching Credential, I remember we learned about various levels of learning. The lowest level was rote memorization with the highest level being the student internalizing it, making it part of who they were. Jesus said, “blessed are those who hear my words AND PUTS THEM INTO PRACTICE.” This is a lifelong learning endeavor both for ourselves and for those who we are discipling and those who they in turn will disciple. Certainly, we are called to “know about” the things of God, but true teaching (and blessing!) comes as we grow and teach others how to put them into practice!

Sat./Sun. September 7th, 8th          Modeling  (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

Every teacher will tell you; one of the most effective ways to learn and to grow – to put knowledge into action – is to have a peer model “what it looks like.” This is especially true with any kind of “movement” as any coach will tell you. To see what it looks like is powerful and helps us to learn to do it! Today, we focus how Jesus models for us what it looks like to make disciples so we can do the same.

Sat./Sun. Sept. 14th, 15th      Exercising/Practicing Our Faith   (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

When I was in college, I did a paper on this new kind of knee surgery called Arthroscopic Surgery. It was so new that I had to use the research library in the hospital where my mom worked as a nurse. Of course, the advancement in caring for injured knees was amazing but one thing that came up again and again in the research papers was the absolute correlation between success and how many times the surgeon had done the procedure. You can be told how to swim, you can watch someone else swimming, you can write about swimming and even talk about swimming, but the only way to learn how to swim and to get better at it is to do it – and then to practice! So it is with being – and making – disciples! Today, we explore what this means!

Sat./Sun. September 21st, 22nd      Accountability   (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

To hold one accountable means that something matters. To want to be held accountable means that I agree that it matters. To walk with Jesus matters. To disciple others to walk with Jesus matters. I am convinced that one of the greatest ways we show love to each other is to, in love, hold one another accountable.  Just ask any parent!  Oh, and by the way, it is what Jesus does for us – and what He would have us do for one another!

Sat./Sun. September 28th,29th        Reproduction   (Elements of Disciple Being And Making)

Following Jesus is never just about “Jesus and me.” It is always looking beyond “me “to the other that I can bless as I grow him/her as a disciple of Jesus. It is living in the heart of God who “loved the WORLD so much that He sent Jesus.” Disciple being and making is the way Jesus chose to bring His life to the whole world. We are always both following Jesus in relationship and connecting with others in relationship to grow them in following Jesus…who in turn are connecting with others in relationship to grow them in Jesus. This is the way of exponential reproduction so that in every nook and cranny of the world people might follow Jesus in the way of life. This is the mind of God, the paradigm of the kingdom and Jesus would have us in awe joyfully embrace it and live in it!

Got Milk

Do you remember the commercial? The telltale “milk mustache” on the lips of whoever they pictured as evidence that they indeed “got milk?” And through that contented looking milk mustache to just maybe make you start craving a drink of it? After all, “milk does a body good” – right?

“Grace, mercy and peace be to you from God, our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” These words, or something close to them, are used again and again throughout the New Testament. Grace. Mercy. Peace…And I might add JOY… and HOPE as well. These are like the “milk mustache” of the commercial. Do you have them in your life? Got grace?... Got mercy?.. Got peace?... Got joy?... Got hope?...

Or, perhaps a better question is, “Where do you especially need them right now in your life?” And does it make you “thirsty” to think about it?

These are the things that God would give to you in Jesus as a free gift; To receive and to live in and to give away. This is our focus in the next few weeks.  So, take a deep breath and slowly let it out…and come rest  - and grow – in these things. And if you know someone else that could use these things in their life, bring them along with you – there’s always enough for one more! For these are the gifts of Jesus offered to all!

Sat/Sun. June 22nd/23rd           Grace To You

Grace. The word means undeserved love. Love that is not earned. Love that is given. Love that you can rest in because it does not depend on you and what you do but rather the heart of another. Where have you received grace in your life? Where do you need to receive it in your life right now? And where do you have the opportunity to give it to another? For this is a gift from God to you in Jesus and a gift you can give away! So, bring a friend and come take a long rest in the grace of Jesus!

Sat./Sun. June 29th/30th         Mercy To You

Are you old enough to remember Mr. T? Do you remember the line he made famous?....”Pity the poor fool!” To be merciful is to be full of pity towards another. To give mercy is to act from this heart of pity (sympathetic sorrow and compassion) for another. God looks at you – and each of us in our brokenness and struggles and failures and weakness – with a heart full of mercy, a heart full of pity, a heart full of sympathetic sorrow and compassion. This is what we focus on today. Where do you need this in your life? Where is there another to whom you could show mercy? Bring them along so you both might experience the mercy of God today!

Sat./Sun. July 6th/7th           Peace To You

Amid the cacophony  - the noise – of life, where do you go to find a little peace? …and how’s that working for you? And how do you try to help another who is also looking for peace? And how’s that working? Peace is another gift that Jesus gives. Where do you need a little peace in your life? And where is there another who desperately needs someone like you to bring a little peace? Bring them with you today so you both might rest in the peace that Jesus brings!

Sat./Sun. July 13th/14th       Joy To You

Joy is more than, “Have a happy!” It goes beneath the surface to the soul, the essence of who one is. It is a transcendent happiness of the soul….which oozes into everything we are and do.. It also is a gift from Jesus to receive and to give away. Where is there a shadow over your soul? …an emptiness that cannot be filled? This day is for you…and for that other one who you bring as well.

Sat./Sun. July 20th/21st        Hope To You

Have you ever heard the phrase, “something got lost in the translation?” I feel that way when we talk about the Hope that comes from Jesus as a gift. We tend to think of hope almost as a “wish”- “I hope that happens.” Biblical hope is absolute CERTAINTY! Where are you living with great doubts and uncertainty? And how’s that working for you? And where is there another in your life that is also experiencing great uncertainty – and how’s it working for them? This day is for you…and for that one who you bring!

More...Explained

More….Explored….

After one of the first Super Bowls that Tom Brady won, feeling the “is this all there is?”  downside after reaching the pinnacle of his dreams, he talked about the “let down” he felt in the midst of his victory. 

No matter what, somehow, we know there is “more.” Do you feel it? Do you sense the emptiness?....the longing for something….more? Just a few days ago, we heard God’s gentle, overpowering Easter witness that there is something more. And through the Easter reality God offers it to us as a gift!

But what can this mean for us in our lives right now? Jesus said he came that “we might have life and have it to the full!” The entire ministry of Jesus we see Him bringing this “fullness” to those around Him. But what does this mean for us right now?  Certainly, this means that He would somehow fill our longing that there is something more, doesn’t it? In the next few weeks, this is what we are going to explore. Using one Easter appearance of Jesus after another, we will explore living in the “More” given in the Jesus of Easter. There is more and Jesus wants you to experience it!

Sat./Sun. April 27th/28th               More: You Matter…No Matter What!  (The Value of One)

One. It can have many meanings. One penny….kind of worthless. One day…nice but it’s only one, not worth much. One meal….one of many, no great meaning. One Mona Lisa….priceless, a unique treasure. Tell me, how do you view yourself?...what kind of “one?” And more importantly, how do you think God views you?...And what difference does it make? It’s what we look at today in Jesus!

Sat./Sun. May 4th/5th                    More: You Matter…No Matter What!   (The Apple of God’s Eye)

When one of my sons was young – I honestly can’t remember which one – I caught him red handed doing what he knew he should not be doing….And he looked so cute with those guilty eyes I couldn’t help but laugh out loud and love him even more. Oh, we talked about it….it was the right thing to do, but from the place of love, because it’s all I had at that moment. Can you relate? Tell me, do you think God loves you any less? It’s what we’re talking about today in Jesus!

Sat./Sun. May 11th/12th                         More: You Belong     (Do You See It?)

I had a great friend in High School and College. His name was Jim. I named one of my sons after him. I remember dropping by his house once to drop something off and they had just sat down to dinner.  I tried to make a quick exit (feeling like I didn’t belong), but his dad saw me, immediately welcomed me warmly, pulled up another chair to the dinner table, and before I could open my mouth had a plate of food in front of me. What do you think he was trying to say?...Maybe “you belong?”...”you’re part of the family?” It’s what we’re talking about today in Jesus!

Sat./Sun. May 18th/19th                        More: You Belong   (Let’s Eat!)

In the last few weeks, we have had various couples show the Executive Pastor – Discipleship candidates around the area and just connect with them. In one case, a couple with young children took them to the “every Sunday dinner” that they have as a family at the Grandparent’s home. When I met with the pastor and his family the next morning, they shared with me how meaningful it was. Tell me, why do you think this was so? It’s what we’re talking about today in Jesus!

Sat./Sun. May 25th/26th                More: Made To Make A Difference    (Sent!)

Purpose. Meaning. Mission. Reason for being. We are continually looking for these things in our lives, are we not? But how is this search working for you? Today is about these things given as a gift to us in Jesus!

Sat./Sun. June 1st/2nd                     More: Made To Make A Difference (Ascension Celebration)  (Commissioned!)

When my children were still fairly young I read a book entitled, “The Blessing.” What it talked about is that the greatest thing a father can give his children – and this is doubly so for his sons – is the message that they “have what it takes” for life. It changed the way I parented. Before this is was about me “doing” - being the best I could be - as a Christian father. After this, it was about what my children did and making sure they had the message that they had what it took to “do it.” This is what today is about for each of us in

Sat./Sun. June 8th/9th                                And ONE MORE!....(Pentecost Celebration)               (Empowered….Not Alone Ever!)

“Even youths grow tired and weary.” Is. 40:31 When is the last time you “ran out of steam” physically or emotionally or spiritually? And when have you felt alone in your powerlessness? The Easter reality is that we are never alone; And His power always goes with us! This is what today is about for each of us in Jesus!

Sat./Sun. June 15th/16th                        This is Our God! Trinity Sunday    (Celebrate, Celebrate, Dance to the Music!)

From Europe to China to South America to Rocklin, CA, Christians around the world are celebrating this Sunday as “Trinity Sunday” as they have for over a thousand years! Today we remember and celebrate who God is, who we are as His people, and the joy of what this means in our lives. Celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music!

Intersect

(The Cross In The Midst of Our Human Condition)

Have you ever been in a place where you desperately wanted to “be there” for someone in exactly the way they needed for you to be there for them? Do you remember the frustration as you tried to figure out  and understand what this meant? Ie. HOW – in what way – you could “be there” in just the right way? Maybe a husband or a wife?...Or a child or a parent?...Or a friend?...Or someone else you were trying to help?

And on the other hand, have you ever desperately wanted someone to be there in “just the right way” for you?...Do you perhaps remember how frustrating it was even reaching out to someone and trying to explain what you needed, but no one seemed to “get it?”

Our focus in the next few weeks is how God is there for us in our human condition in every situation in exactly the way we need Him to be, always tied to the cross of Jesus; And how in Jesus we can be there in every situation in just the right way for another.

This is for all for us, for we all share our human condition. This is for all of us, for we all share the same Jesus.

Sat./Sun. March 9th/10th        Intersect   (Getting the “Lay of the Land”)

Have you ever seen the musical, “The Music Man?” The opening scene is a bunch of con-artists (“flim-flam men”) on a train talking about the next town they want to fleece. They are all excited at the prospect, but one guy keeps standing up and yelling a word of caution: “But you’ve got to know the territory!” Have you ever had someone say to you, “You just don’t get it” when you were trying to understand and be there for them? Have you ever said it to another?  Today we look at the territory – the lay of the land when it comes to the human condition and the cross of Jesus. God gets it! Today, He would make sure we do.

Sat./Sun. March 16th/17th     Intersect    (In the Face of Guilt, The Cross)

Ok. Have you ever carried the burden of guilt?...a foul up you can’t make right? You can’t make excuses/justify yourself – it was wrong and there is no good excuse!  You can’t make up for it – it is too late for that and anything you could do or any “payment” you might make would fall short! You did wrong. The only way out is to be forgiven…to get out from underneath the burden of a debt you can’t pay!...So, did someone give you that forgiveness? How did it feel? What did it mean for you? In our guilt, the cross intersects, bringing the peace of God and a new beginning… for you…and for the one you can “be there for.”  Interested?

Sat./Sun. March 23rd/24th      Intersect   (In the Face of Shame, The Cross)

It has been said that to live in guilt means to admit, “I have done wrong,”….but to live in shame is to say, “I am wrong.” Where is this you? Where do you know someone in this place in your life? And how does the cross of Jesus intersect into this human condition?...for you…and for the one you can “be there for.” Interested?

Sat./Sun. March 30th/31st    Intersect      (In The Face of Fear, The Cross)

Where do you live afraid?...especially of those things “beyond your control?” How do you try to cope? Does it work for you? Many times we just stuff things until we have to face them – as many do, I believe, with death. We live our lives in fear trying to cope in ways that, finally, cannot possibly give us victory over what we fear. Our fears dictate our lives!...and no, it doesn’t work very well. Can you relate? Do you know others who can? It is the cross of Jesus that intersects with this human condition, giving victory!...for you…and for the one you can “be there for.” Interested?

Sat./Sun. April 7th/8th      Intersect   (Synthesis: Guilt/Shame/Fear, Innocence/Honor/Power)

Have you ever dissected a heart or a cow’s eye or a frog in a Biology class? While you learn a lot, you also fail to see what it looks like/how it works when it is alive, interfacing with all the “moving parts!” (Just google a film of a working heart to see my point!) Today, we synthesize everything we have focused on in the past month. In “the alive,” “pumping heart,” living out of our human condition in guilt, shame, and fear, we see the intersection of the cross that brings real time innocence, honor, and power….for you… and for the one you can “be there for.” Interested?

Last Words of Christ

“Context.” It’s important if one is going to really understand what is being said. Have you ever heard someone say, “You took my words out of context!” Or, “I was only joking.” Or, “well you don’t understand what happened before that!” Or…well, you get the point.

This year our Lenten Wednesday Worship will focus on the Last Words of Jesus spoken from the cross, especially looking to understand them in the context of the relationships of those who heard them and walked with Jesus. Why? Because the context is important! And with Jesus the context is always relationship, a relationship that, finally, Jesus in His love would offer, give, and grow in you. During this time of Lent we will look at the Last Words of Christ in the context of Jesus speaking them into the flesh and blood reality of your life in the relationship He offers to you through the cross.

For a millennia or more, Christians have used this time of Lent – the 40 days before Easter not counting the Sundays – as a penitential time; a time of recognizing and turning away from our sin to the cross as we prepare to be renewed in living in the Easter reality. What better way to do this than to focus on our Savior’s Words spoken from the cross into our lives?

Our Lenten Journey begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6th and will include the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion. There will be TWO opportunities for worship – at 1pm and at 7pm, which follows a Soup Supper beginning at 6pm. For the remaining Wednesdays in Lent there will only be the 7pm worship following the Soup Supper. (Please call the church office if you would like someone from the St. Matthew family to pick you up for worship on these Wednesdays!) Beginning with Ash Wednesday, each worship will be enriched through the reading of the account of the suffering of our Lord according to the four Gospels as well as a Dramatic Reading designed to touch our hearts. May this time be a blessing to you as we travel it together!

Ash Wednesday, March 6th      The First Word From the Cross Relationship Context: The Paralytic) (Imposition of Ashes/Holy Communion)

Have you ever fouled up – I mean really fouled up – and all that you could do was ask for forgiveness? Was it given?...And if so, what difference did it make?...On this Ash Wednesday, we focus on the first Word from the cross spoken into our human context. We should not be surprised that it is a word of forgiveness. For finally, it makes all the difference.

Wednesday, March 13th          The Second Word From The Cross Relationship Context: The Rich Young Ruler)

We like to make sure the cake is “cut right down the middle” so we get what we deserve, what’s rightfully ours. It absolutely has to be “fair.”

But have you ever noticed that in the closest of relationships it just doesn’t work (at least very well) this way?...like, say..in a marriage? The kingdom of God is not fair. All one has to do is to look at the cross to see it. And thank God it’s not. This is what we look at tonight.

Wednesday, March 20th        The Third Word From The Cross     (Relationship Context: John The Beloved)

This last Summer I was trying to find someone to help my sister in Southern California with a kitchen remodel. In desperation I contacted a dear friend of mine….whom I hadn’t talked to in probably 30 years. But even after 30 years or more I trusted him without question and yes, he was there for me. Do you have some relationships like that? Jesus did. And I think He still does…maybe even with you.

Wednesday, March 27th      The Fourth Word From The Cross       (Relationship Context: Martha)

Do you ever ask “why?”….especially when stuff happens that you just don’t understand? One of my sons went through a great disappointment in his life because of an injury he suffered. He asked me, “Dad, if God didn’t want me to have this ability, why did He give it to me in the first place and then just take it away? I told him I didn’t know….all I knew was that God loved him and we could trust him.  Have you ever had a relationship like that with someone? It’s what Jesus wants to have with you!

Wednesday, April 3rd        The Fifth Word From The Cross      (Relationship Context: Matthew)

Have you ever been “blown away” by how much someone is “for” you? When I was in college, I drove an old VW Bug. When the transmission went out, it took the guy 5 tries to fix it. You know who I called all five times to tow me even though he worked 6 ten-hour days? My dad. And he was always there. And he was always nothing but supportive and even full of joy that he could help me. Even as a college kid, I was blown away…. Still am. Have you had a relationship like that with someone in your life? Jesus wants you to know He is that someone for you!

Wednesday, April 10th        The Sixth Word From the Cross       (Relationship Context: The Adulteress)

One day after school in my freshman year of High School I went to get my books in my locker and was cornered/surrounded by a mob (racial discord). In that moment just before being pounded – or worse – a guy who looked just like the guys in the mob broke into the hallway and said it wasn’t right to gang up on me. He rescued me. I never saw him before or after, but I still remember and yes, it changed me. Jesus is the one who stands up to the mob for you. And yes, it can change you.

Maundy Thursday, April 17th                        “The Gift”            

(7pm) Holy Communion and Stripping of the Altar

Tonight, on the night on which Jesus was betrayed and His final suffering began, on the night before we will remember His brutal death on the cross, Jesus ushers in a new era, a new reality, for us. Why? Because we are family. And we are never apart.

Good Friday, April 18th              The Seventh Word From The Cross          (Relationship Context: The Donkey)

Estes Park was our favorite place in the Colorado Mountains. We first time we went there the kids were really young, we stayed in a hotel, and I remember having the kids jump into my arms while I was in the deep end of the pool. I still remember how each one was a little hesitant that first time – and then they were good! Have you ever had to trust someone like that? How did it work out? Did you know you can always trust Jesus and His Words? Just jump. He’s got you!

Making Everything New! (Knowing Jesus Better)

Christmas is all about Immanuel – God with us! It’s all about God wanting us to know this in a profound way as He brings the birth of Jesus before our eyes. Every human being longs to know that they are not alone, especially in the brokenness – the knowing - that things are not right in our world and in our lives. Our longings bubble up at Christmas and God brings us face to face with a brother who is Immanuel – God with us! As a friend of mine once said, “no one can ever say that God is not there; that He doesn’t care; that He hasn’t done anything; for the Child is born – and that changes everything! It makes everything new!”

In the next few weeks, we focus on the gift that this is meant to be in your lives. We focus on this baby that would turn our world upside down and make everything new! We focus on knowing Jesus better!...And living in His gifts in our lives!

Have you ever noticed how quick all the Christmas decorations come down? It’s as if everyone is trying to “get back to normal” at warp speed! It’s as if the brokenness of our existence is so familiar that we are all frightened to actually embrace a different way…even the way of hope, joy, peace, and love, the very things we deep-down long for. But the whole reality of Christmas is that God has something better for us than the “normal.” He has Jesus. Immanuel. God with us. And He is meant to “make everything new!” This then is our focus; “Making Everything New – Knowing Jesus Better!” What might this mean for your life? 

Weekend of Dec.29th/30th        New Beginnings

“God’s mercies are brand new every morning.” Lam.3

“Behold, I am making everything new!” (words from Jesus in Rev.7)

Where do you need a new beginning in your life? God wants you to know Jesus better. He wants you to know Him as the One who brings and gives new beginnings! What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Jan.5th/6th          New Heart

How do you see yourself before the face of God? And how does this color how you see others? Today, God would rock our world with a picture of how God sees us…and others. God wants you to know Jesus better. He wants you to have a new heart. What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Jan.12th/13th         New Connections (1)

The first day of High School Summer football practice I didn’t know hardly anyone because I went to a different grade school. But a couple of guys I did know quickly introduced me to everyone and all of a sudden I was part of the family. Has this ever happened to you with a friend and their family group? To know Jesus better is to understand what new connections He would bring into our lives; to understand life in a whole new sense of family. What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Jan.19th/20th          New Connections (2)

When I got my first real job (in a grocery store) the people I worked with became almost a second family. And when I met Jane and got married her family became my family – and vice versa. To know Jesus better is to understand what new connections He would bring into our lives; to understand life in a whole new sense of family. What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Jan.26th/27th         New Growth (1)

Lee Genter. He was a good friend of mine in the seminary with whom I would have long talks about theology. Looking back (and don’t ever tell him – I don’t want him to get a “big head!”) God worked through that relationship and those conversations to grow me as a person and pastor. But that’s the way it works – right? You could state the above exponentially with my wife…or my children (don’t tell them!), my parents, and many others throughout my life. How about you? Today we see what Jesus has to say about this as we look to know Him better; as He shows us how He works the gift of new growth into our lives! What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Feb.2nd/3rd            New Growth (2)

Who do you call if you have a plumbing problem? Or your car won’t work? Or you have a financial decision to make? Most of us look for an authority we can trust – right? And when we find them we go back again and again – right? How about you? Today we see and know better the authority of Jesus. What might this mean in your life as He works the gift of new growth?

Weekend of Feb.9th/10th                 New Paradigm (1)

Sorry. I use this word “paradigm too much. But I couldn’t help it.  A paradigm is a way of looking at life. Jesus would give us the gift of a foundational, startling new beginning in how we see ourselves in the life we live. He said it best, “when you lose your life, you find it.” Today, as we come to know Jesus better, He would work this new beginning in each of us. What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Feb.16th/17th         New Paradigm (2)

A paradigm is a way of looking at life.  A new paradigm is a way of seeing things differently. Today, Jesus would give us a shocking new way to see reality…and where we fit into it as one who follows Him. Today, we come to know Jesus - and the lens through which He sees life – better. What might this mean for you?

Weekend of Feb.23rd/24th          New Awe     

What causes you to pause in awe? Is it a sunset in the Sierras or over the ocean? Is it the power of a storm or the crash of a 20 foot wave as it hits the shore? Is it an athletic feat or a musical performance? Is it the mystery of life or even our existence? Today God would reveal just a bit the glory and power of Jesus face to face! He wants us to know Him better so that we can live brand knew in the awe of this Savior who has come for us! What might this mean for you?

Who Is This Jesus who Comes at Christmas?

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him.” Matthew 3:16

Matthew 1, Mark 1, Luke 3, and John 1; Each Gospel has at it’s very beginning the account of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist with the Holy Spirit of God being poured over Him “without measure” – that is, “without limit” - as it says in John 3. This must be pretty important!

But what is God trying to teach us about this Jesus who was born in Bethlehem but whose ministry begins with His Baptism as He is anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure as recorded in all four Gospels? What are we supposed to know from this? How is this supposed to touch our hearts and strengthen our faith relationship with Jesus? And how is this meant to guide us as the people on whom God’s Spirit has been poured, in the lives we live with Jesus, this one who was born on Christmas for us? This is our focus in our Wednesday Advent worship as we learn anew and remember who this Jesus is as the ANNOINTED ONE (the MESSIAH!) of God and what it means for us. May God’s Spirit be poured over us in our worship, study, and lives!

Wednesday, Dec. 5th     Jesus, Our Prophet (He Proclaims the Message. He is the Message.)

Did you know that in the Old Testament, often when God chose, called, and appointed a Prophet, He was anointed with oil to signify that the Holy Spirit would empower him to carry out his calling in the power of God, the Holy Spirit? Jesus is our Great Prophet. The Spirit was poured out on him without measure! But what does this mean for us? And what does it mean that the Spirit has now been poured out on all of God’s people? What is it God wants us to know, to joyfully receive, and to live in?

Wednesday, Dec.12th      Jesus, Our Priest (He Makes the Sacrifice. He Is the Sacrifice.)

Did you know that in the Old Testament often when God chose, called, and appointed a High Priest, he was anointed with oil to signify that the Holy Spirit would empower him to carry out his calling in the power of God, the Holy Spirit? Jesus is our Great High Priest! The Spirit was poured out on him without measure! But what does this mean for us? And what does it mean that the Spirit of God has been poured out on every Christian and each of us is declared and called to be a priest of God?  What is it God wants us to know, to joyfully receive, and to live in?

Wednesday, Dec.19th      Jesus, Our King (He is the King of all!...He Rules for Us!)

Did you know that in the Old Testament often when God chose, called, and appointed a King, he was anointed with oil to signify that the Holy Spirit would empower him to carry out his calling in the power of God, the Holy Spirit? Jesus is our Great King! The Spirit of God was poured out on him without measure! But what does this mean for us? And what does it mean that the Spirit of God has been poured out on every Christian and we are called a KINGDOM…who will REIGN on the earth? What is it God wants us to know, to joyfully receive, and to live in?

Christmas Stories

Have you ever seen one of those Christmas Hallmark movies? My mom loved those things! And to be honest, Jane and I used to curl up together and watch one of them every so often as well. Have you ever seen one? Every one of them is set during the time of the Christmas Holidays – as it is pictured in these movies, a kind of a “magic time,” a time when heaven and earth is moved so that love and romance can happen!

Each movie is a story about someone who has been touched by disappointment or tragedy in their lives but are having to face it alone (indeed, oftentimes the tragedy is being alone when they do not want to be alone!) – without that someone special who loves them - and who they love - and who will do life with them. The story is always about how that “special someone” comes into their life, and how, in the very special season of Christmas through situations and story lines that are at times almost magical, befitting the season, they are connected, fall in love, and by the end of the movie will live happily ever after! These movies are love stories - stories of love and joy and peace and hope – in the midst of a magical season where seemingly it can all happen! And we get to watch!

Tell me, why do you think we do – watch, that is? It seems to me it is because we all long for these kinds of stories in our lives and our world; stories of hope and love and peace and joy.  And during this time of Christmas we dare to hope it is possible, even if it is in a kind of “fairy-tale like” movie.

As we approach Christmas this year, we want to share some Christmas Stories with you, stories of hope and love and peace and joy, the kind of stories we all long after. But the most wonderful thing is that these stories are not Hallmark Movies. They are real. And they not only bring to you – your story - what we all long after, but they will also help you to bring these same things – hope and joy and peace and love into this real world…into the stories of those who are close to you as well as those who are farther away.

Merry Christmas!

Weekend of Dec. 1st/2nd    Stories of Hope That Won’t Let You Down (Merry Christmas!)

I remember one Christmas when I was hoping I would get my first bike….and I got it!...I remember another Christmas when I was hoping for a certain toy but all I got was clothes – hope dashed! How about you? Today we focus on stories of Christmas hope – a hope that will never let you down!

Weekend of Dec. 8th/9th     Stories of Love Shining Brightly (Merry Christmas!)

What do you remember the most about Christmas? Is it what you did or what you got or what you ate?...or who you were with?...Family, friends….people. People who loved you and showed you that love; and people for whom you did the same! Today we focus on stories of love shining bright for us at Christmas….and how our Christmas love can shine brightly on others.

Weekend of Dec. 15th/16th              Stories of Peace That will Last(Merry Christmas!)

This is an interesting time of year. We talk about it being “the holidays” – literally a time to slow down and “take a holiday” but we tend to fill our lives with more and more, with everything going faster and faster until finally we feel like we are missing whatever it is this season is all about!  Into the midst of the storm, God comes with His Christmas Peace…to receive and relax in….and to share.

Weekend of Dec. 22nd/23rd*         Stories of Joy …Released!  (Merry Christmas!)

Do you remember the story of Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol?” Once the “spirit of Christmas” touched his heart, he could not contain his joy! He was so filled with joy it had to be released! Today we focus on stories of Christmas joy released…and how it can be released in our lives as well! JOY to the world!

How the Kingdom of God Works

How the Kingdom of God Works…

And Our Place in It…Head, Heart and Hands

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90: 12

God is there….and here. He is close. He is the all in all.  Every human being knows this deep down in our souls. From the most ancient of civilizations to this day, human beings have searched after God, intrinsically knowing that God holds the answer to the knowledge of eternity – which He Himself has placed within our hearts. (Eccl.3:11) We all know that we literally are “here today and gone tomorrow,” yet eternity awaits….and God and His kingdom hold both the key to eternity and the key to living our lives for what counts right now….to living our lives in the fulfillment and joy and purpose for which we were created!

Jesus talked a lot about the kingdom. He centered it in Himself. He said, talking about Himself, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near (literally, right here in front of you!). Repent (literally, change your mind – receive what I bring), and believe the Good News.  He showed by His life what it looked like to live in the kingdom. And He told stories -called parables – about how the kingdom works, inviting us to receive it all and live in it!

In the next few weeks we look at some of these stories that Jesus told about how the kingdom of God works….as He shows us also our place in it, Head, Heart, and Hands…as He shows us what life is meant to be about as people of the Kingdom of God!

“O Lord, teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Weekend of Nov.3rd, 4th                  “Kingdom Paradigm” (Living in the Kingdom Picture)

Early in our marriage I got the impression that Jane was angry over something. I can’t remember the details – as with so many things, they don’t matter and get lost with time. But I do remember that my response was to decide to get angry in return…until Jane took my hands in hers after dinner one night, and looking into my eyes with great concern said, “Brad, what’s wrong? I’m so concerned about you!” I was seeing things through a completely wrong paradigm. Jane wasn’t upset with me at all. And even if she was, I should have seen things through the filter, the paradigm, that she loved me and only wanted the best for me. A paradigm is a way of seeing things –  a filter through which you understand and respond to things. It is essential that we see things through a correct paradigm. Today, Jesus shows us the paradigm through which to see things – and to live – in the Kingdom. Interested?

Weekend of Nov.10th, 11th                “Kingdom Math”  (Living in the Kingdom Equation)

Basic math. Negative numbers. Quadratic equations. Geometry proofs. Trigonometry functions. Calculus…. well, you get the point. There are many types of math and if one is to function in that realm, they must know the equations. God has a math as well – and like many things of God, it is hidden in mystery. For instance, the math for God who dwells in His essence as the Trinity is 1+1+1=1. Today, we look at God’s Kingdom math. It too is a mystery. But if we are going to live in the kingdom, we really need to understand the math! Interested? 

Weekend of Nov.17th, 18th                “Kingdom Vision” (Living with Kingdom Eyes)

They say that Ted Williams (one of baseballs’ all-time great hitters) could actually see the stitching on the baseball as it was coming to home plate traveling at 90 miles per hour! It pays to have good vision!  I remember when I was coaching, another coach walked up to me in the middle of a game and told me to have the running back “cut back” right after he got through the line of scrimmage. I did – and it went for a touchdown. The other coach had “seen something.” But note this, If Ted Williams had never swung the bat his vision would have been wasted and if I had never told the running back to “cut back” the vision of that coach would have been wasted as well. Today, Jesus would give us “Kingdom Vision” in a way that perhaps we have never understood – SEEN before – so that we can LIVE with “Kingdom Eyes.” Interested?

Weekend of Nov.24th, 25th               “Kingdom Urgency” Living in the Kingdom NOW)

My son, Jeff, is an emergency room/trauma nurse. He tells the story of how one shift they brought in the husband of the doctor who was the Chief of Staff. While Jeff immediately recognized the signs of severe sepsis and began to take action, no one else caught it or believed him. In fact, the head nurse was so busy talking with the man’s wife (remember, she was the Chief of Staff of the hospital) trying to “make points” and assuring her they had everything handled, that she told Jeff to “calm down and quit acting like it was so urgent.” But being Jeff – and this being his patient – he refused, living in the urgency that the situation deserved, saving the man’s life. The next day the Chief of Staff pulled him aside privately in her office and thanked him for saving her husband’s life. Today, Jesus would give us “Kingdom Urgency.” He would hold up the situation in which we live our lives and how this by necessity points us to living our lives in the “urgency of the Kingdom” RIGHT NOW. Interested?

The Apostle's Creed

Where are you looking for something you can trust to live by? That’s what this series is about!!!

The Apostle’s Creed. No, it was not written by the Apostles. Rather, it is a short summation of the writings of the Apostles  - the New Testament – as the Holy Spirit gave them the words. It is a summation of who God is, what He did, and what this means for us.

And even though it does not date back to the Apostles, it has been around a long time. It was first used around 325AD in what is today modern France as a Baptism Creed. Why? Because it explained/declared/witnessed to this God in whose Name they were Baptized. It was a confession – a declaration, a witness of the faith.

But it is called a CREED. Think about that a minute. So often we think about a confession or CREED as simply a statement of what one believes. But a CREED is far more than that. It is something one lives by – isn’t it? When one was Baptized into the Name and reality of God, they were also saying, “this is the reality – the Creed – I will live by.” And for close to 1700 years, Christians to this very day have used these words -this CREED - to declare, “This is what I believe and this is the reality under which I will live my life!”

In the next few weeks we will focus on the eternal truths of the New Testament – written down under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by the Apostles – yet summarized in the Apostle’s Creed. We will not look at this CREED simply from the idea of WHAT – what we believe, the content of our faith – though, of course, this will be our beginning place. Rather, we will look at this ancient CREED for what it is – a CREED – something to touch our hearts and move our hands; something to live by!

Where are you looking for something you can trust to live by – Head, Heart, and Hands? That’s what this series is about!

Sat./Sun, Sept. 8th/9th     Origins 1: Who is God?  (Focus on Relationship!)

Origins. Beginnings. “Who God is” is the foundation of all beginnings. To know who God is gives us a window into who we are and really all reality. Everything – including ourselves - begins with God. Everything -including ourselves - comes from God. Where do you long to know, see, and live in the “big picture.” This is our focus today, Head, Heart, and Hands!

Sat./Sun, Sept.15th/16th     Origins 2: The Creator God (Does it make a difference?)

A number of years ago I remember seeing in college a film of Dr. Leakey discovering “Lucy,” who at the time – since discredited - was held up as our “earliest ancestor.”  What I remember the most is the hushed, reverent, awe-filled tones used in the film, almost as if they were in worship, talking about our supposed origin as humans. Why would this be so since every one of these people would espouse a theory that says all of life only got here by chance and man is just another animal? Maybe it is because deep down we all know this isn’t true. Maybe deep down, in a place we can’t get away from, we understand our existence to be the stuff of awe and mystery…and it is! This is our focus today, Head, Heart, and Hands!

Sat./Sun, Sept. 22nd/23rd     Jesus   (Who is he? What did he do?)

There are a number of short films where a “man on the street” approached is used as an interviewer and cameraperson ask people in a low-key way who they think Jesus is….or was. The answers span from “I don’t think he ever existed” to “He was a good man” to “He was a son of God” to “He was a prophet” to “He was THE Son of God.” Today this is our focus; Who he is. What he did. But not just to know in our heads…rather to know in our hearts and to live by. Jesus: Who he is. What he did. Head, Heart, and Hands! 

Sat./Sun, Sept. 29th/30th     Jesus   (What is he doing NOW?)

Now THIS is a GOOD question! Have you ever thought about it? How would you answer it? And what would be your basis for your answer? And can we ever know for sure? Or do we have to “put our brains on the shelf” and just speculate? Today, we focus on knowing for sure what Jesus is doing NOW and what this means for us; Head, Heart, and Hands!

Sat./Sun, Oct.6th/7th      Jesus  (The Rest of the Story!)

Our society – and humankind in general seems fascinated by world doomsday scenarios. Just look at all the movies that have been made with this as the story! It’s as if we know it’s all got to end sometime. But have you noticed that these same movies always seem to have a hope for a tomorrow in them?...even if it’s for a few or on another planet? Why do you think this is so? Today it seems as if we focus on the opposite end of origins. And in a sense, we do as we focus on the other end of the timeline….the end. But maybe in Jesus this end becomes a new beginning. This is our focus today; Head, Heart, and Hands!

Sat./Sun, Oct. 13th/14th     The Spirit  (Who is this guy?)

Have you ever had someone knock on your door whom you did not know? How much do you trust them when you first open the door? How about when you meet someone new in another way? Before we begin to trust someone we need to get to know them – right? Today we focus on “getting to know” the Holy Spirit so we can learn to trust Him more; Head, Heart, and Hands!

Sat./Sun, Oct. 20th/21st     The Spirit (How does it all work?)

I know nothing about how a car engine works….BUT I know enough. I know enough to put gas in it. I know enough to put oil in it. I know enough to take it to the mechanic when the little lights come on. I know enough to turn the ignition key and I know enough to drive it. I can take full advantage of the car even though I honestly do not know how it all works; I just trust it works. So it is with the Holy Spirit. This is our focus today; Head, Heart, and Hands!

Sat./Sun, Oct. 27th, 28th      The Bottom Line: Grace!! (Reformation Day Celebration!!)

If you could take all of the letters in the words of the Apostle’s Creed and put them in a blender, the one word that would come out is GRACE. Five hundred years ago a man -Martin Luther - rediscovered this for it had been largely lost and most lived in a darkened world void of grace.  We – together with all Christians who know this God of grace – joyfully remember and celebrate this gift! Grace; Head, Heart, and Hands!

Life Animated (Revisited!)

He (Jesus) did not say anything to them without using parables. Matthew 13:34)

Can you believe it? August marks the beginning of a new school year!! Back to school we go! What a great time to revisit this fun and exciting special focus! This year we will be using the classic animated children’s films Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. This is going to be a blast! It will be like “going to the movies” but even better! Come and check it out! And bring your friends! It just may make “going back to school” a little easier! Oh, and we just may have an “ah-ha” experience or two as we see how these stories reveal things about ourselves and how our stories intersect with the story of God for us in Jesus! Don’t miss out on this fun adventure!

Our lives are made up of stories. Perhaps this is why we are story tellers. Books. Plays. Musicals. Films. Aesop’s Fables. Ancient Greek tragedies. Shakespeare. It seems that humankind has always had a need to tell stories. Stories are meant to explain our existence. They point to a voice within each of us that whispers to us of a “backstory,” a greater story behind our stories which somehow intersects with our individual stories to make sense of our lives.

Through these stories we almost instinctively try to answer “the big questions” that are part of each of us. Stories are a window into our soul. They can touch our hearts or communicate a point to us in a way that mere words cannot hope to do. They can give us that “aha” moment of truth like no other medium. Jesus often told stories, called parables, even coming to the point where He only spoke using these stories. In this way, He intersected God’s story with our stories. 

Embedded in the stories we tell are the longings of our souls…which all, finally, point to the only place these longings can be met; Jesus. On these three Sundays, we will use these three stories in film to examine our human condition, the longing of our souls, our need for a greater story, and how the greater story of God in the Savior meets us squarely in this place of need. Whatever your age, this series will connect with you in your story with the story of Jesus!

Sat./Sund., August 11th/12th                               Beauty and the Beast

Ok. This is a classic! Great characters! Wonderful music! But what does this movie reveal about  ourselves and our stories….and how God’s story connects with our stories? What does this movie say of the ancient questions we are asking that are embedded in the stories we tell over and over again? What are we trying to explain? What are we trying to understand?...and where does God’s story in Jesus connect to it all? Come and see!...and maybe, for the fun of it, before this Sunday gather together your family and/or friends and watch the movie one more time!

Sat./Sun., August 18th/19th                   Cinderella       

Another classic. A tale of evil making another feel worthless and alone. (Can you relate? Have you ever felt this way?) A tale of help given in a hopeless situation. A tale of good triumphing through love! Why do we tell such stories? Why do we call them “classics?” And how does this story fit into our story and how the story of Jesus intersects with ours? Come and see!...and maybe, just for the fun of it, before this Sunday gather your family and/or friends to watch the movie one more time!

Sat./Sun., Sept. 1st/2nd                      Sleeping Beauty

Once again, an absolute classic story! A story of intrigue and rescue! A story of good vs. evil. A story with a villain and with a hero. A story where love triumphs! Why do we tell such stories? And how do these things fit into our story and how the story of Jesus intersects with ours? Come and see! …and maybe, just for the fun of it, before this Sunday gather your family and/or friends to watch the movie one more time!

“Knowing the Heart of God….And Living In It!”

"Knowing the Heart of God... And Living In It!"

Humankind has always sought to know God and to live in Him….because deep down every single human being knows that God is there. How about you?

The Bible says, “God has set eternity in the hearts of humankind; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Eccl.3:11)  But then, we really don’t need the Bible to tell us this, do we? If you were to calculate the number, out of all of the billions of people who have ever lived, who have claimed they believe that there is no god, it would be so small as to be statistically irrelevant! In truth, these people are anomalies in the overwhelming statistical and historical reality of a universal belief of humankind that God is there.

We see this reality reflected in our own time as many thought the decline of Christianity in Europe and the USA would mean the end of religion – that is, an end to a human “spirituality” that sought out a reality beyond space and time that stretched into eternity. But this has not been the case. Both in Europe and especially in the USA we have remained a “spiritual” people seeking some type of “spiritual” truth. Humankind just seems to know deep down in the very essence of who they are that there is an eternal reality; a reality grounded in God.

Yet, throughout human history, we see humankind searching but not finding; longing but not being fulfilled; desiring to know truth but left empty.

The Bible says the truth is not something we need to discover or to achieve or to earn. Rather, the Bible says that the truth has come to us. His Name is Jesus and He is “the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” In Jesus is the heart of God revealed; in Jesus is the answer to what we all seek, the One who can fulfill every longing; the One who is the truth that fills us up.

In the next few weeks, in 4 three-week mini-series, we will look to know and receive the heart of God revealed finally in Jesus; And we will look to be empowered to live in it! For this is what we all seek!

Humankind has always sought to know God and to live in Him….because deep down every single human being knows that God is there. How about you?

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Mini-Series #1…The Inviting God

Have you ever been on the outside looking in?...And then someone invited you in? How did it feel? In this short three week series God would have us know Him as the One who invites us in….This is God’s heart toward us!...And this is how he would empower us to live toward others!

Saturday and Sunday, May 5th/6th  “It’s Personal”

When my oldest son was in the 4th or 5th  grade a number of kids in his class asked him personally if he would play on their little league baseball team. It’s nice to be wanted. Even though it was a longer drive, we let him do it. Did you know you are personally wanted by God?...That He would touch your heart with His heart-feIt invitation? It’s nice to be wanted….And it’s a gift to have such a heart towards all.

Saturday and Sunday, May 12th/13th  “It’s Relevant”                    

“Ontogeny recapitulates philogeny.”  It is something I had to learn in detail in an advanced Biology class in college where, just as we finished the final, we were told that it was no longer thought to be true…Did you ever have to learn something in school that you knew would NEVER be relevant in your life? God’s invitation to you – from His heart to yours – will never be irrelevant. It is a gift to receive and a gift to live in!

Saturday and Sunday, May 19th/20th   “It’s Not Something He Wants Us to Miss!”

Have you ever driven cross country in the Midwest and as you are approaching some restaurant or museum there are huge signs –one after another over a number of miles perhaps even on the sides of huge, old truck trailers – advertising the attraction or eatery? They really don’t want you to miss their invitation! Did you know God, in His great love for you that doesn’t want you to miss the invitation, does very similar things? Did you know that we are called to do the same?

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Mini-Series #2…The Connecting God

Have you ever experienced a time when you weren’t sure you were welcome in a particular situation? Awkward, wasn’t it?  Throughout the Bible God’s heart is revealed as the One who breaks down the barriers so we can see and know His wide open arms of welcome and friendship as well as His heart of hospitality towards us in every situation and every moment. In the next few weeks we explore what this means for us both to receive it and live in it!

Saturday and Sunday, May 26th/27th    Hospitality: You are WELCOME Here!

When I would bring friends home, my dad had a way of making them feel welcome...as if they belonged with us!...and he firmly believed they did! His concern and care for them expressed in genuine hospitality was transparent and real! I remember when my dad died Ernie Perez, a close friend of mine from High School that I had not seen in 20 years came to his funeral…that’s how connected he felt to my dad. The hospitality of God; You are welcome here!...to receive it and to live in!

Saturday and Sunday, June 2nd and 3rd  “I Call you Friend!”               

The first day Jane and I got to the Seminary, I went to the Administration Office, got squared away, and then was immediately asked if I would help move in another student and his family who had just gotten there. So I worked with Lee all afternoon and got him and his family moved in. But the thing I remember about that day? We each offered the other one the hand of friendship in ways too numerous to count. We remain close friends to this day.  Today, we see the heart of God in that He offers us the hand of friendship…and empowers us to do the same.

 Saturday and Sunday, June 9th/10th  “Here for the Duration”

Have you ever sung a version of the song “On Top of Old Smokey?” Most of them talk about someone being all alone on top of a mountain without….something they desperately need. God, in His love, NEVER leaves us “on top of Old Smokey.” He NEVER says, “Your on your own now!” No, in His love He stays connected….and He would empower us to live this same way toward others.

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Mini-Series #3….The Discipling/Apprenticing God

The story goes that when someone asked Michelangelo how he could sculpt such beautiful works out of the stone, he said that he saw the figure in the block of stone and all he did was to bring it out. God sees us as who we are in Christ and what we can become in Him! By His Spirit, in His love, He works to sculpt His work of art in each of us!  We were made for great things!

Saturday and Sunday, June 16th/17th    “Special Made for a Purpose”

Have you ever seen the movie “Chariots of Fire?” It is a movie about the English men’s track and field team at the 1924 Olympics. There is a character in the movie who is a Christian and says, “I was made to run. When I run I feel God’s pleasure.” Do you have that one thing –or perhaps a couple of things – that you know you were just “made to do?” In truth, God has put each of us together special and unique and then has gifted us even beyond this with His Spirit to do special and unique things. What will this mean for you?

Saturday and Sunday, June 23rd/24th   “Doing Life Together”

Have you ever heard the phrase, “learning by osmosis.” Basically what it means is that just as when you throw salt in a glass of water and over a few seconds it spreads through the entire solution, so too when we spend enough time doing life together with someone, they tend to “rub off” on us. So, God wants to do life with us so He can rub off on us…but He also wants us to do life with each other, so that who we are in Christ can rub off on each other as well. Jesus does NOT leave us alone. He comes to do life with us. Such is God’s heart toward us.

Saturday and Sunday, June 30th/July 1st   “On the Job Training”

Have you ever “learned by doing?” It really is the only way to truly learn how to do something. I mean, you can talk about it, diagram it, understand it, see someone else doing it, but until YOU do it, you will not truly learn how to do it and get better at it. (If you have ever been on a football team and remember the first scrimmage of the year you know exactly what I mean!) Jesus taught His disciples through “on the job training.” And He still does. He just uses us to do it. He does NOT leave us alone. He comes to us. Such is God’s heart toward us.

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Mini-Series #4…The Sending God

John 3:16 is the most well-known verse in all the Bible. It says in part, “For God so loved the world that He SENT His Only Begotten Son…” Jesus was sent to us and for us by God the Father! We have a wonderful, loving, sending God! And then Jesus, following the Resurrection, says to His disciples, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you!” This is our focus in the next few weeks!

Saturday and Sunday, July 7th/8th  “A Way of Life”

Not long ago I had a cataract removed from my left eye. It was really quite amazing to go from seeing hardly anything out of that eye at all to 20-20 vision. But the thing that I wasn’t prepared for was how all the colors were so crisp and clean and vivid! It was amazing to see like that again! This kind of transformation gift is what God gives us as people who see themselves as SENT just as Jesus was SENT! As Paul wrote in the book of Philemon, “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith (in word and deed!), so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ!”

Saturday and Sunday, July 14th/15th "Always to Others"

Jesus came for all. We are sent to take Him always to others. We are pleased and privileged to have the recently retired Rev. Ted Hartman with us who has served our district with distinction for many years as the Mission Executive. May God, the Holy Spirit, bless His message and witness to us this morning!

Saturday and Sunday, July 21st/22nd "Our Student Ministry"

On this very special day, our students and Student Ministry will  be featured. These young people are not simply the “church of tomorrow” but the church of TODAY! This will be a lively, joyful, insightful day of celebration!

Saturday and Sunday, July 28th/29th   “We (Together!) Are The Body of Christ!”

Have you ever heard the phrase, “perception is everything?” What it is saying is that perception is powerful because it frames how one sees things, whether it is how one sees another, or how one sees themselves. What is your perception of the people of God, the church? The Bible depicts us as being SENT together on a mission – to actually join Jesus on His mission! We are an army on the move! And the Bible says the gates of hell (gates here being defensive weapons since we are the ones doing the attacking) shall not prevail against us! This is our focus today!

Saturday and Sunday, August 4th/5th “Experience Is A Great Teacher”

Did you ever teach a young person (maybe your own son or daughter) how to drive a car? You can talk about it and rehearse it and have them watch you, but they really won’t learn until they actually do it. Today we focus on ways that we can intentionally gain experience through doing by going on “short term mission trips.” Why? It is what Jesus did! We can do some great things! And we can grow in our everyday discipleship!

Finding Jesus: Monday through Friday!

(God’s Easter Gift To You!)

Were you ever in a Math class in school where someone said something like, “This is crazy! When will I ever have to use this stuff in my real life? It’s just not relevant!”?

The point of this series is that Jesus is relevant not just on Saturday or Sunday but on Monday through Friday as well! Interested?

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Sat. March 31st and Sun. April 1st  Finding Hope: Monday Through Friday!  Easter Celebration!

Easter will be awesome! Great crowds of God’s people connecting with God and one another in worship…and then over breakfast and conversation as we share our lives. And the worship!...Exciting, joy-filled, worship with great music and song! And the reality of the victory of the Savior… “He is risen! He is risen indeed!”…But this morning, it is on the above theme that we especially focus. Biblical hope is certainty….certainty in what Jesus has done for us.  And don’t miss this; It is a hope – a certainty – that is relevant and is meant to be with us Monday through Friday – not just on Saturday and Sunday! Where do you need this gift of Easter hope in your Monday through Friday life?

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Sat. April 7th and Sun. April 8th     Finding Peace and Purpose: Monday – Friday!

Peace: How are you doing with that?...not just on the weekends but Monday through Friday? And purpose…does the Monday through Friday grind sometimes feel pointless? Today we focus on a peace that is relevant not only on Saturday and Sunday but on Monday through Friday as well. And we focus on a purpose that is not only for the Sunday moment but also transcends the Monday through Friday grind. Where do you need this Easter gift of peace and purpose in your Monday through Friday life?

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Sat. April 14th and Sun. April 15th       Finding A Second Chance: Monday – Friday!

Sometimes we would be shooting hoops in the driveway when my dad got home from work.  I can still remember him saying again and again - wanting to make one shot before he went in the house to see mom -  “one more,” “one more,” “one more,” until he made it.  Where do you need “one more” – a second chance? This is our Easter focus today. And this second chance is not just for Saturday and Sunday; it is to take into your Monday through Friday life as well. Where do you need this Easter gift of a “second chance” in your Monday through Friday life?

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 Sat. April 21st/Sun. April 22 Finding Success and Connectedness: Monday-Friday!

Where are you chasing after success in your Monday through Friday life?....and how’s that working for you? And where, in the struggle to achieve, do you feel disconnected and alone? Today we focus on the success and connectedness that the Resurrected One would give us; not just on Saturday and Sunday but also in our Monday through Friday life. Where do you need this Easter gift in your Monday through Friday life?

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Sat. April 28th and Sun. April 29th    Finding Your Place: Monday through Friday! 

When I was 8 years old my older brother and I walked to the falls at Yosemite National Park from where my family was camped in the meadows. It was a long walk for an 8 year old. (I even remember the grass being over my head in the meadows when we began and the switchback trails looking as wide to me as a highway lane does today.) But I knew my place. I followed my older brother and I was content. He led. I followed. And even though it was a challenge, everything went great. Are you sometimes searching for your place in your Monday through Friday life? Today we focus on the Easter gift of finding your place…And it is not only for Saturday and Sunday but for your Monday through Friday life as well! Where do you need this Easter gift in your Monday through Friday life?

Diamond Vision

Early in my Sophomore year in High School, just before Christmas, I had the opportunity to see “A Christmas Carol” (ie. “Scrooge.”) in a “theatre in the round”

in Hollywood. (I remember I was a Sophomore because a pretty Senior girl who had tickets asked me to go and even drove…but my high hopes were soon dashed….but that is another story!)

The play was wonderful! However, I kept wondering how it was being viewed by the people across from me as well as from the various angles in the audience that circled the performance. I mean, literally, every seat would see the play a little differently….like a many faceted diamond! After the play, we even took some time to circle the stage trying to picture how each angle saw the play!

Jesus –and what He means to us – is like a many faceted diamond. In one sense, He means the same for each of us….but in another, who He is and what He offers to us is different for each one of us depending on what we are going through in our lives. Further, even as we individually live our lives in the constant change of circumstances and struggles, He is there for us every day exactly as we need Him to be, a multi-faceted diamond! Perhaps this is why the Bible has four different books that narrate Jesus life – to begin to show us this many-faceted diamond that IS Jesus! Perhaps this is why, in the first chapter of the book of Romans alone, the word Gospel – Good News – is used seven times concerning Jesus! Jesus is Good News for each of us in every facet of our lives!

In the next few weeks, we will explore Jesus in “Diamond Vision,” looking to understand a little better the many faceted ways that His love would touch our lives and the lives of all in the multifaceted realities of our lives. This is Good News!...to receive and to give away! Where/how do you need a Savior in your life?

Each message will feature a unique video. If you want to share the video on it's own they are available on our videos page.

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Sat.,Sun., February 17th/ 18th     “Falling Plates”

Growing up, our ever day plates were made out of Pyrex – pretty much unbreakable unless you were really trying. But on special days such as Thanksgiving or Christmas or a Birthday, mom would get out “the good plates.” These were different. If you dropped one of these, it would shatter. And on top of this, these plates had been passed down from my mom’s mom to her. They were MUCH MORE valuable than the Pyrex plates. Today, we compare our lives to falling plates – not the Pyrex kind but the Valuable kind – and how Jesus would put us back together. This is Good News!... to receive and to give away!

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Sat./Sun., February 23rd/24th                “Freedom Within”

These are two common words put together in an uncommon way, yet expressing the longing of each of us. Freedom. We usually talk about this in a way that focuses outside of ourselves in the sense of, “being free to do what I want.” Within. What is inside of us. Hidden. Private.  But what if we brought the “within” out into the light? Where/how are you in a prison – enslaved – inside? And what would it mean to be free. Because Jesus brings freedom….inside! This is Good News!... to receive and to give away!

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Sat./Sun., March 3rd/4th   “Paper Hats”

Hats. A cowboy wears one type of hat. A ship’s captain another. And a common sailer another. And a king another! In a sense, the kind of hat we wear determines how we see things…and how we live in our world. How do you see things? What hat are you wearing? And how is that working for you? Did you know that Jesus came to give us a “new hat?”….a new way of seeing things? And did you know that it was meant to change everything?” Where do you need this? This is Good News!...to receive and to give away!

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Sat.,Sun., March 10th/11th    “Flow”

When we were in Denver, a large water pipe ruptured across the street from the church. They had it fixed in a couple of days, strongly telling us that the water was fine. Yet, for days afterward, when we turned on the water, it came out brown and fresh and healthy!...so we can be healthy. Today, we focus on the “water” we drink for our soul. How healthy has it left you? Did you know Jesus is called the “water of life?” Here is refreshing, clean, healthy, water for your soul, whatever your need! This is Good News!...to receive and to give away!

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Sat./Sun., March 17th/18th  “The Search”

On one backpacking trip, my brother and I were hit with an unexpected blizzard. It was so fierce, we got out the maps and walked out a shorter way. When we got home, we found out my parents had called “Search and Rescue” who were getting ready to try to find us. The problem? They would have looked in the wrong area!....Where are you lost in your life? Where do you hope someone is searching for you? Where do you need to be found? There is someone who is searching and who knows right where you are! His Name is Jesus. And He has come, and is coming for you! This is Good News!...to receive and to give away!

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Sat./Sun., March 24th/25th   “Newly Forged”

Do you remember the first “Karate Kid” movie? The patience of a young man, who has come to an old Karate Master to learn Karate, is sorely tried as he is told to do such things as paint a fence and wax old cars. Finally, he loses his trust and with it his patience, calling out the older man….who then shows him that the movements he was doing over and over again in the work was training him in the movements of Karate. In a sense, they were “forging him” to be what he wanted to be. Where, deep down, do you want to be –perhaps even need to be -  “different?”….maybe even not knowing what this means? What would you say if you were told that Jesus, somehow, through every experience and all situations, is working according to His plan to forge you into exactly who you should be as you walk in Him?  This is Good News!...to receive and to give away!

Pray Under The Cross

Lent is a time when we focus on the cross and what this means for us. As we do this, one does not need to look far to find our Savior praying; His wonderful and moving prayer for Himself, His disciples and finally, for “all who would believe in Him through their message” – for us! – spoken on the Thursday night before He died; His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane –“Father, may your will be done!” – and it was as He went the way of the cross; and His prayers on the cross –“Father, forgive them,” “My God, why hast though forsaken me?,” and “Into your hands I commit my spirit.”

But prayer – this communion with God – is not just for Jesus. It is a gift given to each of us through what Jesus did on the cross. In fact, when His disciples, seeing His intimacy with God through prayer, came to Him asking Him to “teach us to pray,” He graciously did so. And He does so for us as well.

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Ash Wednesday – February 14th              Dear Children/Holy Name

We come in repentance confessing our sins. Through the cross of Jesus we are declared to be His own dear children and are renewed in living to Hallow His Name! What does this mean for our prayers? (Note: This worship includes both the imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion.)

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Wednesday, February 21st -Kingdom/Will

The gracious kingdom of God and the gracious will of God is inextricably bound together. What does this mean for us in our prayers?

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Wednesday, February 28th- Bread   

See the depth and brilliance of Jesus as He simply yet powerfully teaches us to pray for “bread.” What does this mean for us in our prayers?

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Wednesday, March 7th - Forgiveness

 Forgiven: the gift of a state of being received and a way of life to live in. What does this mean for our prayers?

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Wednesday, March 14th- Temptation/Evil  

The gift of victory over all our enemies – received and lived in! What does this mean for our prayers?

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Wednesday, March 21st- Kingdom, Power, Glory

The certainty of God’s Kingdom, Power, and glory seen in the cross. What does this mean for our prayers?