All Was Not Calm: The Pain of the Present

This Christmas will feel different than others.

We will celebrate during the darkness of a pandemic, often at a distance from those we love. It may feel even more painful because of the “warm and fuzzy” feelings we have toward Christmas, an idyllic view of a perfect day of light and inspiration, like the lyrics of “Silent Night.”

But that’s not what the first Christmas was like.

The real Christmas story tells us that it was not a silent night and all was not calm. Jesus was born into a dark, noisy world, a world ruled by dictators, with fear of disease, and increasing hatred for those perceived as different in any way.

When the Christmas story speaks of light shining into the darkness, we now know what that darkness feels like. The first Christmas was just like this one. The world into which Jesus was born was just like ours. So, in 2020, the real Christmas story means more now than ever.

This Advent, join us for “All Was Not Calm.”

2020 Clarity: Your Purpose and Loved Ones

2020 has probably helped you to see some things more clearly.

Maybe you have a new perspective on the brevity of life, your loved ones, your priorities, the value of essential workers, the importance of medical science, the way you spend your time, the political views of your friends and family, perhaps even America itself.

During 2020 Clarity, we will explore some things that 2020 has helped us to see more clearly.

Schedule

Nov. 8 America
Nov. 15 Christianity, with Special Guest Frank Schaeffer
Nov. 22 Family and Friends and Your Career (online and outdoor service)

Explore how 2020 has helped you to see life with 2020 Clarity.

Music credit: Stellardrone, “Eternity”

2020 Clarity: Special Guest Frank Schaeffer

2020 has probably helped you to see some things more clearly.

Maybe you have a new perspective on the brevity of life, your loved ones, your priorities, the value of essential workers, the importance of medical science, the way you spend your time, the political views of your friends and family, perhaps even America itself.

During 2020 Clarity, we will explore some things that 2020 has helped us to see more clearly.

Schedule

Nov. 8 America
Nov. 15 Christianity, with Special Guest Frank Schaeffer
Nov. 22 Family and Friends and Your Career (online and outdoor service)

Explore how 2020 has helped you to see life with 2020 Clarity.

Music credit: Stellardrone, “Eternity”

2020 Clarity: America

2020 has probably helped you to see some things more clearly.

Maybe you have a new perspective on the brevity of life, your loved ones, your priorities, the value of essential workers, the importance of medical science, the way you spend your time, the political views of your friends and family, perhaps even America itself.

During 2020 Clarity, we will explore some things that 2020 has helped us to see more clearly.

Schedule

Nov. 8 America
Nov. 15 Christianity, with Special Guest Frank Schaeffer
Nov. 22 Family and Friends and Your Career (online and outdoor service)

Explore how 2020 has helped you to see life with 2020 Clarity.

Music credit: Stellardrone, “Eternity”

Unafraid: Fear for the Direction of Our Country

We are living in a time of great fear.

You’d be hard-pressed to overstate the extent to which fear, anxiety, and worry permeate our lives today. Fear wreaks havoc on our relationships and communities. It leads us into making bad decisions. It holds us back from the very pursuits that promise fulfillment and joy.

Unafraid is a five-week sermon series and all-church study based on Adam Hamilton’s book of the same title, Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times.

During Unafraid, we will discover how we can develop sustaining spiritual practices and embrace Jesus’s recurring counsel: “Do not be afraid.”

For anyone struggling with fear or wondering how families and communities can thrive in troubled times, Unafraid offers an informed and inspiring message full of practical solutions.

Unafraid: Fear of Failure

We are living in a time of great fear.

You’d be hard-pressed to overstate the extent to which fear, anxiety, and worry permeate our lives today. Fear wreaks havoc on our relationships and communities. It leads us into making bad decisions. It holds us back from the very pursuits that promise fulfillment and joy.

Unafraid is a five-week sermon series and all-church study based on Adam Hamilton’s book of the same title, Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times.

During Unafraid, we will discover how we can develop sustaining spiritual practices and embrace Jesus’s recurring counsel: “Do not be afraid.”

For anyone struggling with fear or wondering how families and communities can thrive in troubled times, Unafraid offers an informed and inspiring message full of practical solutions.

Unafraid: Fear of Being Alone

We are living in a time of great fear.

You’d be hard-pressed to overstate the extent to which fear, anxiety, and worry permeate our lives today. Fear wreaks havoc on our relationships and communities. It leads us into making bad decisions. It holds us back from the very pursuits that promise fulfillment and joy.

Unafraid is a five-week sermon series and all-church study based on Adam Hamilton’s book of the same title, Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times.

During Unafraid, we will discover how we can develop sustaining spiritual practices and embrace Jesus’s recurring counsel: “Do not be afraid.”

For anyone struggling with fear or wondering how families and communities can thrive in troubled times, Unafraid offers an informed and inspiring message full of practical solutions.

Unafraid: Fear of The Other

We are living in a time of great fear.

You’d be hard-pressed to overstate the extent to which fear, anxiety, and worry permeate our lives today. Fear wreaks havoc on our relationships and communities. It leads us into making bad decisions. It holds us back from the very pursuits that promise fulfillment and joy.

Unafraid is a five-week sermon series and all-church study based on Adam Hamilton’s book of the same title, Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times.

During Unafraid, we will discover how we can develop sustaining spiritual practices and embrace Jesus’s recurring counsel: “Do not be afraid.”

For anyone struggling with fear or wondering how families and communities can thrive in troubled times, Unafraid offers an informed and inspiring message full of practical solutions.

Unafraid: An Age of High Anxiety

We are living in a time of great fear.

You’d be hard-pressed to overstate the extent to which fear, anxiety, and worry permeate our lives today. Fear wreaks havoc on our relationships and communities. It leads us into making bad decisions. It holds us back from the very pursuits that promise fulfillment and joy.

Unafraid is a five-week sermon series and all-church study based on Adam Hamilton’s book of the same title, Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times.

During Unafraid, we will discover how we can develop sustaining spiritual practices and embrace Jesus’s recurring counsel: “Do not be afraid.”

For anyone struggling with fear or wondering how families and communities can thrive in troubled times, Unafraid offers an informed and inspiring message full of practical solutions.

Leadership: Leading Your Country

You are a leader, even if you don’t think you are.

Leadership is influence, and every one of us influences somebody, whether it’s friends, family, coworkers, direct reports, your children, or even yourself. And let’s be honest, the most difficult person you have to lead is yourself.

The new series, Leadership, is designed to help you become a better leader, no matter who you lead. And perhaps nothing is a more valuable use of your time than becoming a better leader, because…

Everything rises and falls on leadership.

SERMON SCHEDULE

September 6- Leading at Work
September 13- Leading at Home
September 20- Leading Yourself
September 27- Leading Your Country

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