Pastor Brian's Blog

“Grace Abounds” Series Summary (February 2025) In a world that focuses on greed, anxiety, and hostility, our faith invites us to a different way of living that is rooted in the abundance of God’s grace.   John Wesley described grace as an unconditional gift that is “free for all and free in all.”   Walter Brueggemann recommends five practices to help us experience God’s grace and foster grace-full relationships.   By keeping Sabbath, practicing praise, bestowing blessings, extending forgiveness, and risking reconciliation, we can learn to trust in God's sufficiency and live as signs of hope.   Join us in February as we explore practices that help us become a community that reflects God’s abundant grace in the world. Feb 2. | Third Sunday after Epiphany KEEPING SABBATH: In the hustle of busy lives, we often think of Sabbath as an imposition on our personal freedoms.   In the Bible, the Sabbath is not a random restriction but a sign of freedom and replenishment...

  “Fresh Start” Series Summary (January 2025) Who doesn’t want a fresh start, a clean slate?   That is exactly what Jesus offers.   He gives us the chance to begin anew every single day.   With God, it is not just a new beginning.   When we say yes to God, we are saying yes to an adventure that requires courage, perseverance, and boldness.   We are saying yes to having our world turned upside down and inside out.   We are saying yes to stirring things up and to being stirred up.   One thing is for sure.   This fresh start is worth it.   Join us in January and make the year new. Jan. 5 | Epiphany SALVATION IN THE HOUSE: It hurts to be left out, whether it’s because of who we are or what we have done.   A fresh start means being open to Jesus’ invitation to those who are not valued.   In Luke 19:1-10 , Jesus changes one man and his community by visiting a reviled tax collector.    How many lives can be transformed if we...