Good & Weird & Problematic Song writing may be inspired by God, but it is also a human endeavor. Hymns can be profoundly meaningful, draw us toward God, and become a touchstone of faith. But songs can also sometimes miss the mark, musical tastes can change, and sometimes the author of a song can be problematic. We’ll explore some of…
“The Music of Our Heart (and Mind)” As we continue or series on music and worship, we’ll reflect on why it is that certain songs move us, inspire us, and shape us. Why do we almost universally love some songs and not others? And can we learn to love new songs? And what do we do when we’re asked to…
Songs of Our Faith Music is the heartbeat of worship – it expresses our joy and praise, our fears and our longings. It comforts us and teaches us. And singing binds the community of faith together. During August, we’ll learn and sing together as we explore “Songs of Our Faith.” And of course, these Sundays will feature lots of great…
“Sending Out (and Returning)” Our youth will share stories and reflection on their time serving and learning with the people of the Yakama Reservation, and Pastor Clay will reflect on what it means for us to be sent as emissaries of the Gospel (and to return home). The livestream will be available at 10:00 or any time after on July 27.…
Pay Attention! Immediately following the parable of the Samaritan, we encounter another familiar story – Mary and Martha. Like the Samaritan parable, this brief story is well known and perhaps misunderstood. Why does Jesus say that Mary has made the better choice? What is the choice she makes? And what might it say to us, in our hyper-busy, always-distracted world?…
We Already Know We’ll be hearing from Stephanie Hollingshead, The Father’s Heart Day Center Program Manager, as she shares about the work and vision of The Father’s Heart. And the story of “The Good Samaritan” will frame our reflection on what it means to be a neighbor in Christ-like ways. (And also, have you ever noticed that the phrase “good…
Citizens and Exiles As we conclude our sermon series on Christian Nationalism we ask some important questions: Where do we go from here? How do we stand against the rise of Christian Nationalism? What does it mean to be a citizen of a country but also a citizen of the Kingdom of God? The livestream will be available at 10:00…
“Lizard Brains and Fiery Ends” We might like to think of Christian Nationalism as something that exists “out there,” but in reality we are also ensnared in it sometimes. Both historically and in our church today, Christian Nationalism is a powerful force. Naming it, repenting of it, and keeping our eyes fixed on God’s Kingdom of love are vital ways…
Digging Out Deep Roots Digging Out Deep Roots – Christian Nationalism is not a new phenomenon. Indeed, the powers and principalities of our world have always sought to use the Church to further their own aims, from the Roman Empire to today. To confront and resist Christian Nationalism requires a constant vigilance and persistent work to keep it in check.…
Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain Sermon Series – Resisting Christian Nationalism References to Christian Nationalism have been part of public conversations for a few years now. But what is it? How did it become so prominent in some parts of the Church? And what can we do to resist the harm Christian Nationalism does to the Gospel and to…
Here, There, or Everywhere? Seventh Sunday of Easter The Ascension of Christ might raise a lot of questions of physics, biology, and history. But underneath these intriguing questions is a core truth of our faith – what we once experienced in Jesus of Nazareth is now a universal truth. The wandering Galilean rabbi has now become Lord of all. How…
All Things New: Fifth Sunday of Easter We often think that the goal of our Christian faith is to get ourselves to heaven. Would you be surprised to know that God’s final goal is just the opposite – to bring heaven to earth? The Revelation to John is filled with strange symbols and imagery, but it’s message is clear: God’s…