Pastor Brian's Blog

“Becoming One” Series Summary (Spring 2025) Martin Luther King once called Sunday morning worship the most segregated hour in America.   In many ways, it still is.   Yet, Jesus prayed for unity among his followers (John 17:21).   Amid deep divisions in the church and society, Christ calls us to share in his ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).   Our faith and insights from social psychologist Christena Cleveland can help us understand the roots of division and how we can relate to those different from us.   Join us this spring as we explore the gospel of becoming one in Christ in a fractured world.   Apr. 20 | Easter Sunday HOPE FOR THE FUTURE : The risen Christ transforms the disunity of our world by restoring relationships.   In Colossians 2:6-9, 12; 3:1-4, 8-11 , Paul reminds us that if we are raised to new life with Christ, we are called to put away division and embrace a new humanity where Christ is all and in all.   The mutual ...

  “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...