Pastor Brian's Blog

  “The Lord’s Prayer” Series Summary Christians of nearly every stripe know some version of the prayer Jesus taught, but it may be so familiar we overlook its hopeful notes and revolutionary tone.   John Dominic Crossan calls it “a prayer from the heart of Judaism on the lips of Christianity for the conscience of the world” ( The Greatest Prayer , 2).   Join us in Lent for a fresh look at the Lord’s Prayer and what it means for us today. Feb. 14 | Ash Wednesday TEACH US TO PRAY : We want a deeper connection with God.   In Luke 11:1-4 , the disciples ask Jesus to help them pray.   When has the Lord’s Prayer helped you? Feb. 18 | Lent 1 OUR FATHER: There are many ways to address God.   Jesus offers the image of a loving parent as a unifying name for God.   In Acts 17:22-29 , Paul's suggests that God is not unknown but intimately known to us.   When did you memorize the Lord’s Prayer? Feb. 25 | Lent 2 HALLOWED: Our names identify who we are. The p...

“Anything But Ordinary” Series Summary Do you believe in miracles?   Some of us feel the miraculous simply in waking up each morning, and some of us search for concrete answers to explain the unexplainable.   Surely, Jesus’ closest followers felt the same way since his ministry was anything but ordinary.   Join us in January as we explore the miracles of Jesus and what they mean for us today. January 7 | Epiphany MIRACLE WITH US : The incarnation of Christ is itself miraculous.   In Matthew 2:1-12 , the Magi bring gifts to the baby Jesus.   Where do you see Christ embodied today? January 14 | Baptism of the Lord STILLING THE STORM: The storms of life come in the form of sickness, loneliness, pain, and rejection.   These are fearsome forces.   In Mark 4:35-41 , Jesus is calm because he is stronger than the storm.   When have you been afraid? January 21 | Second Sunday after Epiphany THE BENT-OVER WOMAN: Sometimes, we feel overpowered by our circ...

  “Wonder” Series Overview Christmas is a season full of wonder.   It speaks of bright stars, humble beginnings, strange prophesies, guests bearing gifts, and the promise of God drawing near to us.   These signs and wonders invite us to pause and reflect on God’s gift of love.   Amid this busy season, join us in claiming time and space to be still so the birth of Christ can open our hearts anew with wonder. December 3 | Advent 1 WONDROUS HOPE: It is easy to become cynical in a divided and distracted world.   When we look in the mirror, things are not much better.   Jesus invites us to set disappointments aside and instead live in hope.   In Mark 13:24-37 , Jesus promises to come amid the chaos and redeem everything that is wrong with creation.   What change do you hope for? December 10 | Advent 2 WONDROUS PEACE: Have you ever felt nervous or uneasy before meeting someone?   How would you feel standing face-to-face with God?   In Mark 1:1...

  “Releasing God’s Blessings” Series We often think of blessings as things we receive.   By grace, God freely gives us all we have, but we are not just passive recipients of God’s blessings.   Even as God blesses us through people in our lives, God also promises to bless others through us. When we live from a place of gratitude for God’s gifts and trust in God’s provision, we can be agents of God’s blessing in our world.   Join us this fall and release God’s blessings. November 5 A LEGACY OF BLESSINGS: Through Jesus’ gift of salvation, we are called to live into our legacy of giving generously of the grace we have received.   In 2 Corinthians 9:1-5 , Paul encourages the church’s generous support of those in need.   What inspires you to support a cause? November 12 BLESSED PEOPLE BLESS OTHERS : All that we are and all that we have come from God. We are stewards through whom God is blessing the world. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 , Paul reminds us that God p...

“Intervals of Faith” Series Summary Everything has a season, says the sage.   We experience the tug and pull of times for birth and death, for planting and harvesting, for laughing and crying, for loving and loathing, for war and peace.   Musical intervals can express the mood of these various seasons.   For example, a Major third has a bright tone that speaks of beauty.   A minor third suggests reflection.   Our faith encompasses every mood.   Whereas Psalm 22’s lament is like a minor third, Psalm 150 explodes with praise and joy as a Major third.   Jesus promises to be with us always, through the good times and the bad.   Join us this fall and explore the intervals of faith.   October 1 NECESSARY DISSONANCE (Minor 2nd): We all experience conflict from time to time, and dissonance is the sound of struggle.   In Genesis 25:19-26 , rival twins Jacob and Esau push against each other in the womb.   When have you faced intense conflic...