We begin this Lent with Jesus in the wilderness, and then travel with him to Jerusalem and beyond.

The gospel of John is our gospel companion for most of this Season of Lent. Here we will encounter Nicodemus and through his conversation with Jesus we, too, are assured of God’s care in the winds of change and new birth. We will sit on the edges with a Samaritan woman as she draws from the well of life-giving waters, see the movement of God in our lives and the world around in the story of one who is born blind, experience the pain of a community in the death of Lazarus, and join the conversation that unbinds and brings forth life.

On Palm/Passion Sunday, we enter Jerusalem on a path paved with cloaks and branches. It is a path that leads to betrayal, abandonment, prayer, violence. The story seems to come to an end in the closing of the tomb. Instead, it is a beginning.

Easter arrives dressed in white and gold and a flurry of Alleluias. Mary is the first to witness the resurrection of Jesus and Thomas follows with his proclamation of faith. Two who travel home believing all has come to an end meet the risen Christ when bread is broken and shared. Narratives from Acts offer a glimpse into the faith and life of the early church, which the authorities could not contain.

The Season of Easter ends with words of farewell and commission. John’s narrative of the Spirit’s promised coming finds abundant fulfillment in Act’s testimony to Pentecost.

The Spirit restores, unites, and empowers the community to witness. Alleluia!

What Does This Mean? Copyright © The Rev. Diane E. L. Wendorf. Used by permission, courtesy of “Seasons of the Spirit.”

Worship Opportunities

Season of Easter

• April 12, Online – Easter Sunday – Alleluias abound on Resurrection Day, when Mary’s proclamation reminds us of the boundary-breaking presence of the living God. (John 20:1-18)
• April 19, Online – Trust and Rejoice – Alleluias from Easter Sunday continue to be raised, as Jesus greets fearful disciples, and we hear Tomas’ proclamation of faith. (John 20:19-31)
• April 26, Online – Breaking Bread – We, with the disciples, encounter the risen Christ as scripture is opened and bread is broken. (Luke 24:13-35)
• May 3, Online – Living in Abundance – Images of shepherding love speak of God’s diverse, abundant provision and guidance. (Acts 2:42-47)
• May 10, Online – Living Stones – The story of deacon Stephen opens the window to the enduring witness of the early church, and we ponder ways we might witness to God – rock, refuge, and redeemer. (Acts 7:55-60)
• May 17, Online – To See Is to Love – We are reminded that the indwelling love of God and the Spirit’s enduring presence is with us; no matter what we are never alone. (John 14:15-21)
• May 24, Online – In It Together – We listen in as Jesus prays for disciples and consider what it means to be a community of such prayer. (John 17:1-11)
• May 31, Online – Spiritual Understanding – On Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the Spirit of God in the diversity and variety of Creation. (Acts 2:1-21)

Life is full of choices. From the moment we wake every morning and thousands of times each day, we constantly make choices that shape and direct our lives.

Some choices are relatively insignificant. “Will I wear my brown sweater or my grey sweater today?” Other choices define our very lives and affect those around us.

Advent marks the beginning of a new year in the church, and Christmas reminds us of new life in Christ. What a great time to contemplate the choices we make as the calendar leads us to a new year.

So as a new year approaches, what will you choose?

Worship Experiences

• Sunday, December 1, 10:15 am – Choose to Wait – Isaiah 2:1-5. In this first week of Advent, we are encouraged to actively wait for God’s reign to come in its fullness.
• Sunday, December 8, 10:15 am – Choose a Better Way – Isaiah 11:1-10. This week’s text challenges both our inner and outer lives and incite us to make life changes to better build up the community and draw closer to God.
• Sunday, December 15, 10:15 am – Choose to be Courageous – Luke 1:47-55. Mary’s song of joy, Isaiah’s words of hope, Jesus’ affirmation of who he is, and James’ words of anticipation encourage us as we take steps for justice and liberation.
• Sunday, December 22, 10:15 am – Choose to Trust – Matthew 1:18-25. This week, we cross the boundary between Advent and Christmas and celebrate Emmanuel – that in Jesus, God’s reign has come among us.
• Tuesday, December 24, 5:00 pm – Choose Love – Luke 2:1-20. We gather to celebrate the birth of Christ and the holy nativity – a new beginning of live for the world… a new beginning wrapped warmly in God’s love.
• Sunday, December 29, 10:15 am – Choose Praise – Psalm 148. After the demands leading up to Christmas day, this week offers an opportunity to join with creation in joyous praise and rest in the amazement that God is with us.
• Sunday, January 5, 10:15 am – Choose Hope – Matthew 2:1-12. At the close of the Christmas season, Epiphany beckons each of us to embrace the hope in the gift of Christ.

Worship Series: December 2 – 23

Advent is a season of waiting, longing, promise, and preparation. This year, Advent begins with words of hope from the prophet Jeremiah to a people who feel helpless. “A righteous branch will spring up!” he proclaims. Advent reminds us that even as we remember all that God has done for us, we still long for a time when the brokenness of our world will be transformed into the fullness of God’s reign.

Join us Sunday mornings at 10:15 for this special season of worship.  Free childcare provided.

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Sprouting Leaves

December 2, 10:15 am

We begin Advent, a season of waiting, longing, promise, and preparation, with Jeremiah’s promise of a “righteous branch,” and with our eyes focused on God’s reign breaking forth in the world. (Jeremiah 33:14-16)

Other readings: Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36

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Sound of a Promise Kept

December 9, 10:15 am

Zechariah’s silence and song draws us into the dramatic moment when this priest, once filled with doubt, comes alive with overflowing praise. (Luke 1:68-79)

Other readings: Malachi 3:1-4; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6

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Collide with a Promise Kept

December 16, 10:15 am

We watch the people scramble to get ready, as John the baptizer preaches repentance, offers practical advice, encouragement to act, and proclaims the promised Messiah is coming. (Luke 3:7-18)

Other readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7

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Welcoming the Goodness of God

 December 23, 10:15 am

As we look toward Christmas, we join with Mary and Elizabeth in welcoming God’s blessings, and we celebrate God’s compassion and mercy in the anticipated gift of a child. (Luke 1:39-55)

Other readings: Micah 5:2-5; Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10

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