Pastor Brian's Blog

  “Breath of God” Series Summary The beginning of a new year can be a time for spiritual renewal.   The Bible speaks of God’s Spirit coming to us in ordinary ways, such as breath, wind, and vibration.   Theologian Grace Ji-Sun Kim suggests that the dynamic presence of God animates creation, empowers justice, and moves through every relationship.   Join us in January and awaken to the renewing work of the Spirit in us all. January 4 | Epiphany Sunday BREATH OF BEGINNINGS: As we start a new year, we return to the very beginning.   In Genesis 1:1–5 , the Spirit of God hovers over the waters.   This same Spirit-breath still moves through all creation and animates every living being.   What would you like to start this year? January 11 | Baptism of the Lord SPIRIT THAT CONNECTS : These days, many people feel isolated.   In Ezekiel 37:1-14 , the Spirit gives life to dry bones.   The same breath that raised Israel’s dry bones to life connects us to...

“His Name Shall Be Called” Series Summary (Advent-Christmas 2025) What's in a name?   This Advent, we will explore how Jesus lives up to the prophetic names he is called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).   Each name reveals the heart of the Savior who was born in Bethlehem yet still shines in our darkness and confusion.   Join us this Christmas to encounter Jesus, because whatever name you use, together we meet the One who is Emmanuel, God with us.   Nov. 30 | First Week of Advent WONDERFUL : In the darkest places of our lives, God shines an extraordinary light.   In Isaiah 9:2–7 , the prophet proclaims the child who will establish God’s kingdom of righteousness and justice.   God’s works far beyond human imagination, and Christ’s incarnation is pure wonder.   Where do you need Christ’s light?   Dec. 7 | Second Week of Advent – Pinkham's Christmas Cantata COUNSELOR : We do not expect great th...

  “Transforming Generosity” Series Summary (November 9-23, 2025) Generosity has the power to reshape us, like soft clay in a potter’s hands.   When we see giving as an investment in God's kingdom rather than merely meeting budgets, we become vessels shaped by divine love.   In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to prioritize the righteousness of God’s kingdom and trust God to provide for our needs as we commit ourselves to the Master Potter's loving work.   Too often, we settle for surviving and let our hearts harden like clay left out in the sun.   Join us this fall as we place ourselves in God's hands and discover the transformative power of generosity.    November 9 | Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time FROM SCARCITY TO ABUNDANCE : Imagine if your “not enough” could become “more than enough” in God’s hands?   Instead of clinging to a fear of scarcity, we can trust in God’s abundance.   In John 6:1-14 , Jesus takes a boy’s small...

  “Fabric of Faith” Series Summary From torn robes to radiant white garments, the narratives in Scripture about dire human need are threaded with God’s faithful help.   Through biblical narrative stories involving fabric, we will see how God’s presence is woven into our experiences of grief, injustice, compassion, and service.   Join us this fall as we view garments that are torn, worn, gifted, and glorified and discover how God meets us where we are and fashions new life for us. October 5 | World Communion Sunday COVERED IN SHAME : When we make a mistake, we often try to hide it from others.   In Genesis 3:1-13, 21 , Adam and Eve awkwardly attempt to cover themselves, but God clothes them with mercy.   When have you felt exposed?   October 12 | Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time HEM OF HOPE : Sometimes, desperate people do desperate things.   In Mark 5:25-34 , a hemorrhaging woman grabs the hem of Jesus’ tunic, and she experiences healing.   W...

  “Flourishing” Series Summary (September 2025) The psalmist proclaims that the Earth belongs to God, yet our neglect of this sacred gift has led to ecological crises.   Robin Wall Kimmerer depicts the serviceberry as a metaphor for the flourishing of creation that deserves our respect.   Drawing on Scripture, Indigenous wisdom, and Kimmerer’s insights in The Serviceberry , we will examine how gratitude, reciprocity, and justice prompt us to care for creation.   Join us in September as we cultivate a right relationship with the Earth that leads to the flourishing of life. Sept. 7 | First Week of Creation GIFT ECONOMY: Most of us learned to say thank you after receiving a gift, but often we take the gifts of God’s creation for granted.   Robin Wall Kimmerer describes the serviceberry as part of a gift economy, where creation flourishes through generosity rather than hoarding.   In Genesis 2:4-8, 15-17, 19 , God assigns humankind the role of caring for the...