The Gospel of Luke introduces us to John the Baptist as a key player in Jesus’ ministry. He is not the Messiah, and yet he paves the way for the One who is coming.
Hope is vulnerable and can feel like a tremendous risk, especially if you’ve experienced loss or trauma. This week we’ll hear the stories of both Mary and Joseph and how they both make risky choices to keep hope alive.
This week is the beginning of Advent. We associate Advent with Christmas and waiting for the birth of Jesus. It also marks the beginning of a new year in the Christian church. This week is the beginning of Advent. We associate Advent with Christmas and waiting for the birth of Jesus. It also marks the beginning of a new year in the Christian church. As one year ends and another begins, our worship series will focus on the words we need to hear as we venture forward.
There is so much that can worry us—we worry about our kids, we worry about our jobs, we worry about finances, we worry about health. In scripture, we hear Jesus’ words to his disciples, “do not worry.” So much easier said than done!
Our anti-racism team has sponsored a guest preacher to be with us. We are grateful to have Rev. Dawn Houser (biidaaban – Anishinaabe name meaning “to have a future vison”) preaching with us. Rev. Houser is the lead pastor at Aitkin United Methodist Church and a Native American Ministries Church Planter.
This week we focus on anger management as we hear the story of when Jesus got angry in the temple.
We remember by name those who died in the past year and light candles for those we have lost throughout our lifetimes. Death and grief are not subjects easy to talk about, and yet they impact every single one of us. Together as a nurturing community, we will share our grief and hear the promises God offers us amid our tears.
We hear Paul’s words in Galatians reminding the early Christians to bear the burdens of others and to give generously to their faith community. We are asking each of you to do the same—to embrace an attitude of generosity in as many places and ways as possible, including your annual giving to the church.
The gospel stories that feature kids as main characters often highlight the truth and hope of Jesus' message. This week we will hear a story of a student who shares their lunch with Jesus and suddenly everyone is feasting!
There is a treasured story in scripture where children are being children around Jesus. Some adults see it as distracting, disrespectful, and bothersome around someone so holy as Jesus. Except Jesus doesn’t reprimand the children, he reprimands the adults!