Pastor Brian's Blog

“From Pain to Possibility” Series Overview Pain presents perplexing questions.   What does pain mean?   How will I survive?   What do I do with it?   The good news is God can help us in our pain.   Lent is a season of spiritual reflection that invites us to tend our longing for healing, restoration, and fulfillment.   Although Lent is traditionally a time to give up something, our series for Lent this year encourages us to give in and make meaning from our woundedness.   Pain is not something that needs a quick fix.   It calls us to acknowledge both our wounds and the wounds of others for the sake of healing and peace. March 2 – Ash Wednesday IN PARCHED PLACES (Isaiah 58:1-12): Each year Christians gather on Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of Lent.   We mark this day by marking ourselves with ashes.   As we do this, we know that we do it in preparation for Easter.   We might ask ourselves why we do it.   Is there somethi...

  “The Art of Faith ” Series Overview Art is for everyone, not just professionals.   Through art, music, literature, and other creative endeavors, we open ourselves to a future of hope and the new life God promises.   We use our imagination with inspiration from God’s Spirit to bring forth something new.   As artist Makoto Fujimura puts it, our creative endeavors invite “the abundance of God’s world into the reality of scarcity all around us” ( Art and Faith , 3).   In our series, we will train as apprentice artists with God the Master Artist to make a world of beauty and mercy in anticipation of God’s new creation.     January 9 – Baptism of the Lord GOD THE ARTIST: God’s artistry comes from love, not necessity.   Creation is a gratuitous act of generosity.   In 1 Corinthians 3:4-9, 16-17 , Paul describes us as God’s co-creators.   Fujimura asks: “What are we making?”   What helps people flourish beyond merely surviving?...

  “The Promise of Christmas” Series Overview We often have high hopes for happy holidays, but all the festivities can feel rather empty without the underlying promise of Christmas.   In December, we will revisit the inspiring message of Jesus, who came to fulfill God’s promise of hope, peace, joy, and love.   Discover how the story of Christ’s birth can make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year. November 28 – Advent 1 WORLD: God’s love for the whole world expands our perspective.   We feel concern and a sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of people beyond our immediate circles.   In 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 , Paul urges the church to help those in need beyond their borders.   Do you have friends in other countries? Dec. 5 – Advent 2 GOD LIFTS THE LOWLY : Sometimes the world seems set against us, but God is for us.   In Luke 1:46-55 , Mary gives thanks for God’s promise to bring justice to unjust world.   What uplifts you this season?...