A message from the series “Christmas at the Crossroads.” None of us can wait for 2020 to be over – but secretly we all know that nothing *magical* happens at midnight on January 1. Fortunately, our assurance for the future comes not from a calendar, but from the Christmas story: God is with us!
Continue readingMessage: “A Plan B Christmas” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “Christmas at the Crossroads.” It’s a bit of an understatement to say that this Christmas isn’t what any of us planned. But disruption is part of the first Christmas. Mary shows us – unlike her ancestor David – what faithfulness in the midst of disruption looks like as we prepare to welcome Jesus this Christmas.
Continue readingMessage: “Singing Loud for All to Hear” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “Christmas at the Crossroads.” As we decorate our homes and shop for gifts, it’s easy to forget that Christmas is about peace on Earth and goodwill for everyone. The work of justice can be hard – and believe it or not, sometimes the bravest thing we can do is celebrate loud and proud. Because we know how the story ends!
Continue readingMessage: “Persistent Hope” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “Christmas at the Crossroads.” Too many Christians today wonder what the point of caring for the world is if we all go to Heaven after we die. But at the heart of the Advent message is an insistence that Jesus’ coming is good news for the whole world. What does that look like? And how is the fact that we’re waiting for Jesus to return good news?
Continue readingMessage: “Present to Advent” from Ashley Bekkerus
A message from the series “Christmas at the Crossroads.” 2020 has been a rough year – rough enough that many of us are rushing to celebrate Christmas as soon as possible. But the Scriptures caution us not to rush past our pain. What healing is available to us when we choose to wait with God’s people on Christmas?
Continue readingMessage: “Pilgrims in COVID” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “Catalyst in the Time of COVID.” It’s hard to be a pilgrim when you can’t go anywhere. But being a pilgrim is more than just a desire to travel. It’s a commitment to seek God in the unexpected. And we’ve had plenty of unexpected this year. So how can we seek God in the disruptions of 2020?
Continue readingMessage: “Discipleship in COVID” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “Catalyst in the Time of COVID.” One of the ongoing realities of the COVID pandemic is how thoroughly our routines have been upended. God created us to be creatures of rhythm, so how can we recover some routine as we live out this extended ‘in-between’ time?
Continue readingMessage: “Diversity During COVID” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “Catalyst in the Time of COVID.” Real diversity is tough. Sticking to people who are just like us is easy. Tokenism is pretty easy. But authentic diversity that values and respects everyone takes a lot of work. What does true diversity look like in the Church? And why is it essential for the people of God?
Continue readingMessage: “Friendship in COVID” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “Catalyst in the Time of COVID.” Relationships in COVID have taken a big hit – no surprise since we’ve had to cut down our social interactions. But it’s left many of us feeling unmoored, struggling to feel connected. What does a church that’s serious about relationships do in that space? We find our guide in the God who is intentional about making space to be with us.
Continue readingMessage: “How to Be Angry” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “How to Survive the Election.” This close to the election, there’s a lot of anger. Like… a LOT. What does it mean for a people of faith to be angry? How do we know if our anger is righteous or not? And what are we supposed to do with it?
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