Pastor Brian's Blog

  “God With Us” Series Overview Being human is hard.   When our hopes and dreams seem out of reach, when we are weighed down by the world’s expectations, when the future is uncertain, when we feel small and unimportant, we can feel at our wit’s end.   But the message of Christmas is that we are not alone in our human struggle.   God is with us.   Jesus was born into a moment when people faced overwhelming fears and worries.   This Christmas, we will enter their stories and be reassured that God is with us. Nov. 27 | Advent 1 THE SKEPTIC : There are moments when our circumstances can feel like a heavy burden with no relief in sight   Our dreams may be deferred.   We may have concerns about job security, financial obligations, or fragile relationships.   In Luke 1:5-16, 23-25, 76-80 , Zechariah learns that his long-anticipated son will be a prophet who will be a source of joy and delight.   Amid the uncertainties of tomorrow, we have t...

  “Now Thank We All Our God” Series Overview “Thank God!”   Do you sense the invisible hand of God at work in your life or the world?   All that we have and are is a trust from God.   Our giving, sharing, praying, and praising can reflect our gratitude for God’s generosity toward us.   In the Book of Common Prayer , one of the prompts before the offering is: “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High” (Psalm 50:14, BCP ).   Our stewardship series will explore this invitation to give back to God with gratitude. Oct. 30 (All Saints) OFFER TO GOD : We all depend on God to provide what we need.   It is not a guilt trip but a reason to celebrate.   In Exodus 23:14-17 , we find instructions for a festival commemorating God delivering the people into freedom.   But the people are not to come to the party empty-handed.   Describe the best party you attended. Nov. 6 A SACRIFICE OF THANKSGIVING : Why does...

    “Who Is Jesus” Series Overview Who is Jesus?   And what does it mean to follow him?   Like the first disciples, we come to know Jesus more deeply as we trust him and follow his example and teaching.   At a pivotal point in his ministry, Jesus asked his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?”   They already left so much behind to join him.   Every day they spent with Jesus, they learned more about him.   In this series about Jesus’ identity and mission, we will explore how Christians have understood Jesus as both human and divine and what his life and teachings can mean for us today. Oct. 2 INCARNATE : Christians look to Jesus to know who God is and who we are.   In him, we see the communion of divinity and humanity.   An ancient hymn to Christ in Colossians 1:15-20 proclaims Jesus as the image of the invisible God, reconciling humanity to God.   By following Jesus, we can become more fully our true selves as persons made in God’...

  “Tending Our Foodprint” Series Overview Most of us eat something every day.   When we eat our “daily bread,” we can acknowledge our dependence on God and our fellow creatures.   In addition to seeing food as God’s provision for us, we also should be mindful of the ecological and cultural conditions that deliver the gifts necessary for our life and health.   Our creation series in September invites us to explore our collective “foodprint” by taking account of the impact our food systems have on animals, people, and the environment.   We will practice thinking of our food beyond its appearance, availability, tastiness, and price and consider the act of eating as an experience of belonging, responsibility, and gratitude. September 4 WATER : Freshwater is essential for our survival.   Agriculture accounts for 70% of annual freshwater usage.   In Deuteronomy 11:10-21 , Moses reminds the people that water is a gift from God that must not be taken for g...