Pastor Brian's Blog

  “The Third Day” Series Summary (Lent 2025) After Jesus’ crucifixion, the first disciples were disoriented and unable to move forward on their own.   What happened on the third day changed everything.   Their experience of the resurrection put them back on course.   When those closest to Jesus encountered the risen Lord, it reshaped their identity, renewed their hope, and reframed how they saw the world.   Join us this Lent as we discover how the third day can also bring renewal, hope, and transformation to our lives.   Mar. 5 | Ash Wednesday HOPE FROM ASHES : Ashes typically symbolize the end of everything.   But for Christians, they are also a reminder of resurrection.   In Revelation 21:1-7 , the prophet has a vision of undying hope and new life.   When has hope risen from ashes? Mar. 9 | Lent 1 MARY MAGDALENE: When we experience loss, our grief can feel overwhelming.   In John 20:11-18 , Mary mourns for Jesus and mistakes him ...

“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...

  “Gift Exchange” Series Summary We sometimes face situations that can weigh us down and prompt feelings of despair, anxiety, regret, darkness, and meaninglessness.   Amid everything, God offers us life-giving gifts of hope, peace, joy, love, light, and purpose.   In this season of exchanging gifts with friends and family, reflect on the gifts we receive from the greatest Giver of all.   Join us in Advent as we exchange our emptiness with the fullness of God’s gifts.   Dec. 1 | Advent 1 HOPE FOR DESPAIR: In life, we go through dark valleys that can lead us into despair. In such times, God gives the gift of hope in God’s love and protection.   In Psalm 121:1-8 , the poet assures us that God watches over us and guides us throughout our lives.   What do you hope for? Dec. 8 | Advent 2 Saint-Säens Christmas Oratorio PEACE FOR ANXIETY: In the midst of troubling times, Jesus holds out the gift of peace. The peace Jesus gives is one that we cannot find...