2022 Vision Sunday
Each year we take a Sunday in January to remind ourselves of who we are as a local church, and consider where we are going. We call it Vision Sunday. As we review our identity and look to the future we will do so through the lens of the greatness of our God and His gospel. In light of this, may we never just settle for ‘doing church’ with a sort of cruise control mentality. You see, the glory and gospel of Christ demand honest evaluation and ambitious effort!
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Eph. 3:20–21)
The King and His Show
As we gather for Christmas Eve to reflect on our Savior’s birth, we’ve planned and prepared a program that seeks to highlight the supremacy of God as displayed in Messiah’s arrival. Though Satan has from the beginning tried to foil the redemptive plan of God, he has failed. One such story is found in the book of Esther. In this unique narrative leading to our Savior’s birth, God’s name isn’t even mentioned. In some ways, He appears to be absent, but He isn’t. The unseen King was there and He was aware and there in the Shadows, HE REIGNED. He still Reigns, my friends and this is glorious news!
“Come and see what God has done…For unto us a child is born…behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world…He shall reign forevermore…so let us Crown Him with MANY Crowns”
Narrative story performed by: Andy Gorman and Catherine Rogers
Script author: Pastor Dustin Rogers
Advent Series – Hope
“They shall his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)” – Mt. 1:23
The reality of Christ’s coming to this earth to be with His people – to be with us – is cause for great rejoicing and reflection. Thus, it is such a good rhythm for us to pause each December to celebrate Christmas. So far in our corporate gatherings, we’ve taken intentional time to consider the joy and comfort His advent should bring. Tomorrow, we consider the theme of Hope. As we do, we will seek to consider the coming of the Messiah through Jewish eyes…as family history. And this is appropriate as the tale of redemption is our story. Indeed, it is our family history! So, I want to encourage you to prepare your hearts and minds to see the fuller picture tomorrow as we continue to dwell upon the meaning of Christmas. It is a picture that will undoubtedly fill us with HOPE!
Advent Series: Comfort & Joy
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” I was singing along with Michael Buble to this classic today as I thought about the many things that are so great about this time of year. I love the parties, cookies, decorations, gift-giving, family time, and music, etc. But, most of all, I love the rhythm of remembrance regarding the coming of Christ. Indeed, Jesus is the reason for the season.
Last week Matt helped us to think about the many reasons we have for genuine Joy as we consider the coming of Christ. Tomorrow we will consider the theme of Comfort. While it may not seem to possess an immediate connection to joy, I think that the path to the kind of joy that transcends circumstances must first pass through the comfort of God. As we consider this Christmas theme tomorrow, I hope that you will be reminded of the tremendous comfort that is available to you in Christ. Moreover, I hope that you will be motivated to spread it to those around you. The best present you give this year might be a hug…along with a heartfelt expression of love.
Advent Series: Good News & Great Joy
Pastor Matt kicks off our Advent Series this morning as it relates to JOY.
Carried to the Table
Pastor Matt McGrew reminds us of why we should always be thankful because of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Living Thaksgiving pt.2
Thanksgiving week is upon us! I love Thanksgiving for many reasons. Though a friend of mine recently told me that Thanksgiving is “just a good meal on the way to Christmas”, I remain undeterred in my love for this holiday =) The food, family, football, and spirit of gratitude make it a favorite for me. But really, Thanksgiving should be much more than a holiday…it should be a lifestyle.
As we engage the book of Philippians again tomorrow, I trust that we will be both challenged and encouraged by Paul’s instructions toward “Living Thanksgiving”. Tomorrow we will see that when we surrender our lives to God’s Word and Will, we will experience internal joy and make eternal impact.
*As we enter this holiday season, let’s be mindful of the many in our midst who grieve recent loss. May our hugs, cards, words, and prayers communicate the care and support of our gracious God.
Living Thanksgiving
I hope that you’ve been able to enjoy the beauty of fall in these past couple of weeks. Trees turning fiery red or bright yellow is spectacular to see and another beautiful reminder of the goodness of our great God. Fittingly, these sights are also a reminder that Thanksgiving is upon us. But, I hope that Thanksgiving is more than a holiday for you. I truly hope that it is more than an event where we might be forced to come up with a few things we’re thankful for. I hope that Thanksgiving is a lifestyle.
I think that the book of Philippians could be subtitled something like “Thanksgiving Living”. So much of what Paul shares with the church at Philippi in this letter is aimed at a lifestyle of joy and thanksgiving. We’re going to consider this over the next two Sundays as we dive into Philippians 2:14-18. I look forward to studying this with you!
*As we enter this holiday season, let’s be mindful of the many in our midst who grieve recent loss. May our hugs, cards, words, and prayers communicate the care and support of our gracious God.