A message from the series “God is Not….” What do you think when you hear the word ‘reparations’? A political movement? A threat to the status quo? As God outlines in the book of Numbers, reparations are an integral part of the process of forgiveness and reconciliation. What do reparations look like in our individual lives? And how can we be a voice for just reparations in our culture?
Continue readingMessage: “God is Not a Capitalist” from Tim Basselin
A message from the series “God is Not….” US economics is based on principles of making profit and supply and demand. But does the invisible hand that guides the market belong to God? Elijah’s encounter with a widow illustrates that God does not live in a world of scarcity. So as God’s people, we can reject any system that insists on my success over your failure.
Continue readingMessage: “God is Not You” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “God is Not….” There are few things we value more than our individualism. But the early church identified pride as the root sin. Why is individualism so dangerous? And how can we resist the temptation to set ourselves up as gods?
Continue readingMessage: “Back to Reality” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “Deep Breath.” Who ever wants to come back from vacation? Or go to the office on Monday? Or leave any of those places where we feel free to be most fully ourselves? Jesus shows us that God invites us into these spaces not to hide, but to receive strength and courage to take Jesus’ love to the world.
Continue readingMessage: “Truth and Reconciliation” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “Deep Breath.” Over the last several years, we’ve all experienced strained and broken relationships. What is the faith-filled path forward in these relationships? How do we create space for forgiveness and reconciliation? Joseph’s reunion with his brothers illustrates how we can seek real healing.
Continue readingMessage: “Spiritual Practices” from Tim Basselin
A message from the series “Deep Breath.” How do we prepare for the work God calls us to? Spiritual practices create space for the Holy Spirit to work in us. They are not self-care, but joining with God for healing and restoration!
Continue readingMessage: “A Political Church” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “Deep Breath.” One of the biggest complaints about churches today is that we’re too political. What we mean though, is that churches are too partisan. Because God calls us to love our neighbors the same way we love ourselves and our families – and that’s a political act. So how can we be political without becoming partisan? Isaiah’s vision of God’s throne room is good news for anyone who’s sick and tired of politics as usual.
Continue readingMessage: “What is My Calling?” from Sonya Brown
A message from the series “Deep Breath.” Most of us struggle to hear God’s call. Isn’t that something reserved for preachers and prophets? But God calls each of us. And God calls ALL of us. Our calling is something for good – not just our own good, but the good of our community, and of the world around us. So what is God’s call for us?
Continue readingMessage: “Presents!” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “O Christmas Tree.” Aren’t presents the best part of Christmas? There’s something powerful about these tangible expressions of our love for each other. That points us to the power Christmas: Jesus’ incarnation. God became human, gave us the gift of his physical presence among us. But don’t take our word for it. Let’s hear from a woman named Hannah, who understood the revolutionary power of gifts more than 3,000 years ago!
Continue readingMessage: “Tiny Christmas” from JR. Forasteros
A message from the series “O Christmas Tree.” We might be forgiven for thinking Christmas is all about the big, elaborate celebrations. But the prophet Micha reminds us that Christmas affirms God is at work in the small, overlooked and out of the way. How can we find God with us this tiny Christmas?
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