Dec 3: Keep Awake

But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. Mark 13:32–33

We begin our Advent journey this Sunday, marking the four weeks leading up to celebrating the birth of our Savior. Advent is a time of anticipation and promise and the in-breaking of God’s presence in our world. We remember the events that surrounded Jesus’ birth, while also holding fast to the promise of his triumphant return. Christ will come again and reign over all the world, with justice, mercy, and love. In the season of waiting—because we never know when—we are to keep awake and stay alert. Join us Sunday as we consider spiritual alertness.

Dec 10: Prepare the Way

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” Mark 1:1–3

The season of Advent marks the beginning of the church year. It is fitting then to have our gospel feature the opening verses of Mark, which begins with a prophesy from Isaiah. These words of promise foretell the ministry of John the Baptist who prepared the hearts and minds of the people for Jesus. John baptized and proclaimed a message of repentance and forgiveness. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus once again, it is appropriate for us to repent, seek forgiveness and recommit ourselves to our relationship with God. Join us Sunday as we continue our Advent journey.

Dec 17: Wait in Faith

Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” Luke 1:18

Last week we heard the story of John the Baptist and his role in preparing the people to receive Jesus. This Sunday we go back in time to the story of John’s birth. Like Jesus, John’s birth story was miraculous. His older parents had not been able to have children and when visited by the angel they were told they would soon have a very important son to be named John. When Zechariah heard the news he responded in disbelief, perhaps worn down from many years of unrealized hope. Join us Sunday as we consider the power and gift of faith in challenging times.

Dec 24: Mary's Song

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:26–28

Sunday will be a day full of worship. Join us Sunday morning at 8:45am for the 4^th Sunday of Advent, featuring the story of Mary and her powerful faith. Then at 5pm and 9pm we will celebrate the birth of Jesus with all the familiar Christmas songs, stories, and good cheer! In Jesus, we see God’s love most clearly bring Joy to the World!

Dec 31: Child of God

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Luke 2:25–26

When Jesus was eight days old, his parents brought him to the Temple for a blessing, per Jewish custom. While there, they meet two remarkable people: Simeon and Anna, both of whom knew the truth about Jesus. By the power of the Spirit, they speak a prophetic word to Mary and Joseph about the life journey their newborn child will have. What an amazing moment and time the birth of Jesus must have been. It was a time of God signs and wonders at every turn. Join us Sunday as we explore this story and how God continues to work wonders in our lives today.

Jan 14: Come and See

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:45–46

Philip had just met Jesus and began following him as a disciple. This life changing experience led him to invite his friend Nathanael to do the same. He shares his excitement about Jesus being the fulfillment of God’s promises but is met with skepticism from his friend. Sharing our faith is hard because we put ourselves in a position of vulnerability. Philip models for us an invitational response, “come and see.” Will we follow Philip’s example and reach beyond ourselves and our own discomfort?

Jan 21: Follow Me

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:16–18

One of the most commonly used words in the Gospel of Mark is “immediately.” The repeated use of this word captures the urgency and power of the moment, and in the above situation, the visceral connection Jesus had with his disciples. Andrew and Simon do not require a recruitment speech or even a plan, being invited by Jesus to follow was enough for them to change their whole lives. The words of the story cannot capture the power of this moment. Join us Sunday as we consider the challenge of following Jesus.

Jan 28: Healing Power

Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” Mark 1:23–25

The ministry of Jesus was filled with all different kinds of encounters. In Mark chapter 1, Jesus is in the local synagogue teaching about the kingdom of God, when a man with an unclean spirit (demon) cries out to him. The man with the spirit knows Jesus’ name, his power over evil, and his true identity. This tells us a lot about Jesus and the forces he faced. Join us Sunday as we consider the healing power of Jesus.

Feb 4: Proclaiming Power

Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. Mark 1:30–31

In the midst of the disciples’ call stories, it is important to remember they all had previous lives. Here, the gospel tells the story of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law being seriously ill. Jesus heals her and then she began to serve or “minister” to them. This amazing little story points us to the power of Jesus’ healing that not only makes people well, but empowers them to serve. Jesus’ powerful proclamation and healing power truly transforms lives. Join us Sunday as we dig deeper.

Feb 11: Shine Bright

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. Mark 9:2–3

The Transfiguration of Jesus takes place at the midpoint of the gospel of Mark. The supernatural transformation of Jesus’ appearance helps further empower and equip the disciples to follow Jesus. This story is part of a recurring biblical theme of revelatory moments on mountaintops. It seems that high places become the meeting point between heaven and earth, when people become most aware of the Divine. Join us Sunday as we consider the power of God’s revelations for our life.