This was a testimony of God's grace through the discipling relationships in Huston Swift's (one of our Deacons) lives....
Last Sunday, we prayed a corporate prayer of lament. Below is slightly edited transcript of that prayer, as a model for how to lament biblically. ...
A.W. Tozer wrote that “what comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us” (Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy). I am convinced that our affections are driven by our understanding of who God is. That’s so important because we attend to those things that we love… we pay more attention to them than anything else....
Whether merely a kind neighbor or someone from a very distant country that you have never heard of (let alone spell), does not our freedom of religion extend to sharing Christ with the world?...
Here's how we've been praying as a church for the last year or so in our corporate times of prayer......
The providence of God is his purposeful sovereignty by which he will be completely successful in the achievement of his ultimate goal for the universe. (John Piper)...
Well...here we go! Our first gathering in 3 months! We'll be outside, so here's a little look at where we're we'll be seated, and what to look forward to....
We are very encouraged to share the news that churches may soon begin re-gathering for worship in groups of up to 100!...
What songs can Christians sing in troubled times? Here are a few recommendations from members of our music ministry. ...
What are the current guidelines for gathering in homes? What is the church’s plan going forward? Will we be able to meet in small groups or come together in larger groups (outdoors)? How should we handle those who respond to the laws differently within the church?...
It is easy to criticize our government leaders and complain about their decisions. In fact, some of them make it extremely easy for us to do this! However, there is a better way....
Martin Luther practiced civil disobedience by illegally preaching, but saw black plague health restrictions differently...
Praying together from Colossians 1, and for our community and leaders...
God tells us we were created by him to love, serve, and enjoy endless fellowship with him forever. Indeed, the New Testament reveals that it was Jesus himself who created everything (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Therefore, he also owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19). This means that he has authority over our lives and we owe him absolute allegiance, obedience, and wors...
Keep ReadingIn public school in the 90's, I learned to make friends, enjoyed sports, learned how to interact with adults, learned perseverance by walking home from school in the rain and snow, and even a little bit of self-defense from bullies (I was the skinny kid with glasses, soyou know how that goes). It was also in public school that I clearly saw how the world worked; what it ...
Keep ReadingUnthinkable things have taken place the last couple of weeks in Israel - terrorists in the name of Islam and the destruction of Jews (and Americans) have slaughtered hundreds in just a matter of days in Israel, and we await Israel's response which will likely be intense, and bloody, and appropriate as they defend and respond to the attacks. We must pray for peace Israel an...
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How do we share Christ with those who identify as LGBTQ? Well, we know that we must have a firm grasp of what it means as humans to be made in the image of God. Start there (Genesis 1:26-28), and be fully convinced that what God has made is good (start at 38:06 for image of God discussion)! But, we must proclaim God's truthbecause the truth sets us free! And what is God's ...
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A clock tells you what time it is. An alarm clock tells you that it's time todosomething about it! In the same way, the "call to worship" is more than just a reminder that church starts at 10:00 am, or that you need to take a seat;the "call to worship" and the "benediction" serve as biblical and theological bookends to call and remind us of what we are about as believers i...
Keep ReadingMotivation for Sacrificial Ministry The uncreated, eternal, perfect, and holy God is a servant. That's right, Jesus Christ the second person of the Trinity "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Recently I have been reading in the gospel of Mark in the mornings at home, and I've been struck by this verse again. Not ...
Keep Reading Last Sunday, we prayed a corporate prayer of lament. Below is slightly edited transcript of that prayer, as a model for how to lament biblically. ...
Keep ReadingWe are a go for our "2021 Kids Christmas Choir"! See below for Sunday instructions For those who have been rehearsing our "Isaiah 9:6-7" song, kiddoswill line up along the walls of the auditorium just before the service with Tara Wilkendorf (2nd-6th; left side wall facing stage), and Jaime Layton (K-1st; right side wall facing stage). The congregation will sing an o...
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"Back when I was in my prime..." We've all heard it: the former athlete reminiscing about bygone years of glorious competitions and victory. The talk show interview with the 70's rockstar who can't quite hit those notes anymore, but loves to boast of stadiums packed to the last seat. As we age, it's tempting to think that our greatest achievements were "back then" whe...
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