December 17, 2023 | Blue Christmas: A Service of Consolation

The holidays are marked by celebrations, yet they are often stressful or sad for those experiencing grief of any kind, especially the death of loved ones in the last year. Join us on Sunday, December 17, at 4:00 p.m. for Blue Christmas: A Service of Consolation.

Let the music of the Chancel Choir, the comforting words of Scripture and poetry, and words of hope from Pastor Julie bring peace to your tired soul. The service concludes with the lighting of candles in memory of people who have died, and/or in acknowledgment of other kinds of grief we carry. Please consider inviting and accompanying someone you know who needs some comfort and hope this year.

December 17, 2023 | Advent 2: Those Who Dream Sow Joy

This Sunday in worship, we continue the Advent series, Those Who Dream. Pastor Julie will preach the message “Those Who Dream Sow Joy” from Luke 1:46-55 in which Mary’s song of praise calls us to rejoice in the coming birth of the Savior. Lectionary texts are Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.

Ultimately, dreams sow joy, even if that joy doesn’t immediately spring forth. Sowing seeds into the soil always feels risky and feeble—how can something so small become something so beautiful, so big, and so nourishing? Like Mary, we are called to tend and nurture the dreams God has woven into us.

December 10, 2023 | Advent 2: Those Who Dream Prepare the Way

This Sunday in worship, we continue the Advent series, Those Who Dream. Pastor Julie will preach the message “Those Who Dream Prepare the Way” from Mark 1:1-8, in which John the Baptist calls the crowds (including us) to the journey of repentance and transformation. Lectionary texts are Isaiah 40:1-11 and 2 Peter 3::8-15.

Those who dream prepare the way for God’s message of love and liberation to be shouted, heard, and received. Those who dream lay the ground for righteousness and peace to join hands—for faithfulness to spring up from the ground (Ps. 85:10-11).

December 3, 2023 | Advent 1: Those Who Dream Keep Awake

In worship we light the Advent candle of Hope, and Pastor Julie will preach the message “Those Who Dream Keep Awake.” Lectionary texts are Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, and 1 Corinthians 1:3-9. We will also observe communion and collect a benevolence offering.

November 26, 2023 | “Your Lips Say Yes, But …”

This morning in worship, we celebrate the reign of Christ Sunday. Pastor Julie will preach the message “Your Lips Say Yes, But …” from Matthew 21:23-32. Additional lectionary readings are Psalm 100 and Ephesians 1:15-23. The choir will sing the anthems “Christus Paradox” by Fedak and “The Old 100th Psalm Tune” by Vaughan Williams.

November 19, 2023 | Wholly Generous: On Not Playing It Safe

The Wholly Generous sermon series concludes this Sunday with Pastor Julie’s sermon, On Not Playing it Safe, based on Matthew 25:14-30. Other readings are 1 Chronicles 29:10-14 and Ephesians 3:8-9, 14-21.

November 12, 2023 | Wholly Generous: Unclenched

This Sunday in worship, Pastor Julie continues the “Wholly Generous” sermon series with the message, Unclenched, based on Luke's telling of the story of the impoverished widow who gave away all she had to live on (Lk. 20:45-47 – 21:1-6). Other scripture readings are Psalm 90 and 1 John 3:1-3.

November 5, 2023 | Exceeding Expectations for God’s Church | Rev. Dr. Aqueelah Ligonde Preaching

This Sunday in worship, we celebrate All Saints Day and begin a new series: Wholly Generous. One of our consultants from Ministry Architects, Rev. Dr. Aqueelah Ligonde, will be preaching the message, Exceeding Expectations for God’s Church, based on Matthew 23:1-12, Hebrews 12:1-3, and 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.

October 29, 2023 | The God Who Keeps Faith

The sermon series God on the Move concludes today with Pastor Julie preaching the sermon, The God Who Keeps Faith, based on Deuteronomy 34:1-12. Other scripture readings are from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 and Matthew 22:34-40.

October 22, 2023 | The God Who Gives Grace | Pastor Eric Preaching

This Sunday in worship, we continue the sermon series “God on the Move.” Pastor Eric will preach the message “The God Who Gives Grace” from Exodus 33:12-23. Additional scripture readings are 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 and Matthew 22:15-22.

October 15, 2023 | The God Who Relents

This Sunday in worship, we continue the sermon series God on the Move, journeying with the Israelites from slavery to freedom. Pastor Julie will preach the sermon The God Who Relents, based on Exodus 32:1-14. Accompanying scripture readings are Matthew 22:1-14 and Philippians 4:1-9.

October 8, 2023 | The God Who Commands

Today in worship, we continue to gather around the book of Exodus. Pastor Julie will preach the sermon The God Who Commands, which centers on the story of God giving Moses the Ten Commandments, in Exodus 20:1-4, 7-10a, 12-20. Accompanying scripture readings are Philippians 3:4b-14 and Matthew 21:33-46.

October 1, 2023 | The God Who Provides | World Communion Sunday

Pastor Julie continues preaching from the sermon series, “God on the Move” with a sermon based on Exodus 17:1-7 entitled, The God Who Provides. Additional lectionary readings are Philippians 2:1-13 and Matthew 21:23-32.

In conjunction with other Christian communions and believers worldwide, we celebrate World Communion Sunday to recognize our unity in Christ.

September 24, 2023 | God on the Move: The God Who Feeds

Today in worship, Pastor Julie preaches the message, The God Who Feeds, based on Exodus 16:2-15, a story of grumbling and grace, as God feeds the wandering, complaining Israelites with enough food for their daily need. Additional Lectionary texts are Philippians 1:21-30 and Matthew 20:1-16.

September 17, 2023 | God on the Move: The God Who Rescues

This Sunday in worship, Pastor Julie preaches the message, The God Who Rescues, based on the story of Moses and the Israelites crossing the Sea in Exodus 14:19-31. Additional Lectionary texts are Romans 14:1-12 and Exodus 14:19-31.

September 10, 2023 | God on the Move

Today in worship, Pastor Julie preaches the message, God on the Move, based on the story of the Passover in Exodus 12:1-14. Additional Lectionary texts are Romans 13:8-14 and Matthew 18:15-20.

This week is the second week in a 9-week series of messages from Exodus, titled God on the Move. The book of Exodus paints on a wide canvas the story of a liberating God who leads a rebellious people on a risky journey filled with failures, fresh chances, and unfailing love.

September 3, 2023 | The God Who Sends | Pastor Eric

This Sunday in worship, Pastor Eric preaches the message, The God Who Sends, based on the story of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-15. Additional Lectionary texts are Psalm 105:1-6 and Matthew 16:21-28.

This week begins a 9-week series of messages from Exodus, titled God on the Move. The book of Exodus paints on a wide canvas the story of a liberating God who leads a rebellious people on a risky journey filled with failures, fresh chances, and unfailing love.

As the Chancel Choir concludes their summer break, tenor Kevin Pinckney provides musical leadership in worship.

August 27, 2023 | "Please Show Your Work"

This Sunday in worship, Pastor Julie preaches the message “Please Show Your Work," based on Matthew 16:30-20, when Jesus asks Peter: “Who do you say I am?” Peter’s continued dialogue with Jesus is seen by many as the foundation for the church. Additional Lectionary texts are Psalm 124 and Romans 12:1-8.

This week, as the Chancel Choir continues their summer break, tenor Aurelio Dominguez will provide musical leadership in worship.

August 13, 2023 | Teaching Jesus

This Sunday in worship, Pastor Julie preaches the message “Teaching Jesus” from Matthew 15:21-28. In this story, Jesus encounters the Canaanite woman who opens up a new dimension in Jesus. This story invites us to consider how the call of Christ to us means pushing old boundaries, embracing outsiders, and opening ourselves to the “other.” Additional lectionary texts are Psalm 133 and Romans 11:1-2a, 29-36.

The Chancel Choircontinue their summer break, and we welcome Antony Zwerdling, baritone as our cantor and soloist.

August 13, 2023 | Take Heart. God is Present. Don’t Be Afraid

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Jesus Calms the Storm ©Laura James, 1996 Used with permission

This week in worship, Pastor Julie preaches the message “Take Heart. God is Present. Don’t Be Afraid," based on Matthew 14:22-33, when Jesus meets Peter on the stormy sea. This Gospel story invites us to experience the Christ who loves us no matter what, who holds our lives, and will not let go. Accompanying scripture passages are Psalm 105:1-6 and Romans 10:5-15.

Our Chancel Choir continues their summer break through September 3. In their absence, soprano Kelly Curtin will serve as cantor and will sing The Lord is My Shepherd by Antonín Dvořák and Alleluia by W. A. Mozart.