Blessed. It seems to be the new catchword. You see it and hear it all the time. And while Scripture does tell us that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father, I wonder if somehow we've misunderstood what it means to be 'blessed.' Over the next four weeks, we're going to unpack what it means to live a life that God ble…

Being thirsty is a signal; it's your body's way of telling your brain that you need water. Water is essential for over a dozen major bodily functions - essential processes that keep your body breathing, moving, and functioning properly. Your body is designed to require water. Over the past couple of months, we've been looking at a different - and e…

"Back in the old days..." These days, I'm becoming one of those who grew up in the old days! In the 'old days' we rode around town in the bed of grandpa's truck, rode our bikes, scooters, and skateboards with no helmets, elbow or knee pads; we drank right out of the garden hose, and went on family road trips without even thinking about wearing a se…

According to dictionary.com, the definition of 'significance' is the quality of being worthy of attention. Every person is imbued with a God-given thirst for significance. We long to know that not only are we worthy of attention, but that we have purpose, we make a difference, that we matter. Our culture tells us that popularity and influence are t…

"I can't get no satisfaction. Gonna try and I try and I try..." Those lyrics were written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards back in 1965. And from what little I know about their lives, I'm not sure they ever found it. There is a hunger in the soul of every person that demands to be satisfied. And there are a myriad of options that humanity has used…

I love a good jigsaw puzzle. It's a different kind of challenge for my brain -- which I find both fun and relaxing. But have you ever heard of a Shmuzzle? It's a jigsaw puzzle of a whole 'nother kind. It's one of those puzzles where every piece is the same basic shape. So there are endless ways the pieces can fit together, but just because you can …

We're in the middle of a sermon series we've titled, Identity Crisis: Becoming Who We Are, Together In Christ. We're exploring the God-given longings we all experience and how those longings can truly be satisfied -- in intimate relationship with Jesus, and within the context of healthy community. We've already talked about the longing for attentio…

This is week two of our new sermon series, Identity Crisis: Becoming Who We Are, Together In Christ. We're exploring the God-given longings we all experience and how, in intimate relationship with Jesus, and in the context of healthy community, those longings can be most deeply and fully met. This week we'll look at the longing for affection. We of…

There are longings deep within every soul. They have been placed there intentionally; designed by our Creator for our flourishing. Each longing is intended to be fulfilled in our relationship with God. But something has gone awry. For each holy longing, the enemy of our souls has crafted a cultural counterfeit, a lie that warps our longings and dri…

The first time I ever received an Amber Alert on my cellphone, I was just about to see a play at the Keller Auditorium in Portland. It took me a minute to figure out what it was, and then a few more to turn it off! Amber Alerts are still used across the United States and internationally. As of December 2024, the system has helped aid in the success…

In the Old Testament, a watchman's job was to stand guard in a tower or on a city wall to detect any impending threat, like an approaching army or storm, and then alert the city inhabitants to take shelter or prepare to defend their city. The Old Testament prophets served as spiritual watchmen, warning people of sin and calling them to repentance. …

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." - United States Declaration of Independence It sounds so simple, so good, doesn't it? I mean, this is it... the foundational idea behind t…

Did you ever succumb to the late-night spiels of infomercial pitchmen like Billy Mays? Billy was the enthusiastic promoter of products like Oxi-Clean, Orange Glo, and Kaboom, among others. Or maybe you gave in to the Ginsu knife, Snuggie or Shamwow sales pitch. But wait… there’s MORE! Or maybe, there’s not. Sometimes things do deliver and you get e…

I've always been a planner. I like routines and knowing what to expect. My dad however, liked to change things up. I remember as a kid, driving home after being in town. From my perspective, there was a 'right' way to get home. But dad took a different route. "Where are we going?" I asked. "Home" he replied. "But this isn't the way home, " I said. …

"The math ain't mathin'." It's the trendy way to say that things aren't making sense... they're not adding up - kind of like the way 'new math' makes no sense to those of us with old brains. In Isaiah 55:8 we read, "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." It's understandabl…

Have you ever experienced déjà vu? The French phrase, meaning "already seen" is described as a phenomenon of feeling like one has lived through the present situation in the past... like you've been here before... except you haven't. That's kinda the sense we get as we come to Mark chapter 8 in our series Upside Down Kingdom: The Gospel According to…

We are about mid-way through summer and also at the halfway point in our summer sermon series, Upside Down Kingdom: The Gospel According to Mark. This week we're in Mark chapter 7, where we find Jesus going head-to-head with the Pharisees. And once again, they are more than a bit peeved at Jesus and His disciples. Apparently, Jesus & company are ex…

“There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home.” Dorothy Gale That classic line from the movie, The Wizard of Oz, has become iconic - representing the familiarity and comfort of home. As Dorothy wakes up in her own bed at the end of the movie, still murmuring those words, it reinforces the meaning of coming back…

“Expect the unexpected.” You've heard that said before, haven't you? And yet, we all seem to carry around a boatload of expectations... Expectations that people and things will do and go the way we expect them to do and go! And when they don't? Well, it can create a lot of chaos. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. As we come to our study in th…

Whispers are subtle, gentle, subdued. But they can also be powerful... if you lean in and really listen! As we come to our study in the gospel of Mark this week, we find Jesus interacting with His followers in a new way - a quiet, gentle and unexpected way. A way that was designed to make you lean in and pay attention. But not everyone was ready or…

The Chosen has become an international sensation. It's available in more than 50 different languages, in countries all around the world. And whether you know what it's about or not, doesn't the title alone pique your interest? I mean, don't we all want to be chosen? Humans are wired for belonging. We're designed for community. We all want to be des…

Do you remember life before cell phones? Or email or the internet? Did you ever use traveler's checks or money orders? How about cameras? Kodak Brownie? Instamatic? Polaroid? 35mm? Change is inevitable. And often, it's beneficial! Yet many, if not most of us resist change, even when what's new is better than the old. Change is uncomfortable. In fac…

Everyone knows... Humpty Dumpty had a problem. He was broken beyond repair. Scrambled beyond saving. Not even the most capable of men could put the pieces back together and restore him to wholeness. As we come to our study in Mark's gospel this week, we find Jesus engaging with the broken in His world. And the good news for them, and for us, is tha…

Summertime is made for adventure. And adventure comes in a myriad of flavors. Perhaps you like your adventures Disney-flavored. Or maybe you prefer outdoorsy adventures... camping, water skiing, or hiking in the mountains. Perhaps beach vibes are more your style. The feel of sand between your toes, playing tag with the ocean, and the salty breeze o…

We are wrapping up our series "Don't Call Me a Christian - When the Label Doesn't Match the Life" this Sunday. Over the past month, we've been looking deeply at the differences between cultural Christianity and being a committed Christ-follower. Along the way, we've considered the implications that believing in Jesus has for our lives. Because beli…

"What's on your list today?" Anybody remember that ad slogan from years ago? Do you hear the implication in the question? You have a list - of one kind or another. Perhaps it is a grocery list. Or maybe it's a bucket list, a wish list, a to-do list or a honey-do list. Kids make their Christmas lists, hoping they'll be in the 'Nice' column on Santa'…

According to the internet, a "comfort zone" is a place - physical or psychological - where a person feels safe, known, in control, with minimal stress or anxiety. We all have those places and a lot of us do all we can to make sure we don't have to go out of them! In our culture, being comfortable is synonymous with life, liberty and the pursuit of …

This Sunday we are in week 2 of our new series we've titled, "Don't Call Me a Christian: When the Label Doesn't Match the Life." For the next few weeks, we are searching God's Word to understand the differences between cultural Christianity and what it means to be a committed Christ-follower. Like the sentence in the childhood game of 'Telephone,' …

"Inconceivable!" "You keep using that word; I do not think it means what you think it means." In the classic movie, "The Princess Bride," the character Vizzini uses the word "inconceivable" multiple times. He says it when his plans go awry or something unexpected happens. He says it to express frustration or disbelief when things don't turn out the…

This Easter, we’re not just retelling a familiar story—we’re pausing at the moment everything seemed lost… and witnessing what happened next. Because something happened. Something that changed history, rewrote the future, and offers hope today. Join us as we celebrate the resurrection of A King Like No Other —a Savior who didn’t just teach truth, b…

Join us this Good Friday for a powerful, immersive experience as we reflect on the final hours of Jesus’ life. Through dramatic monologues, music, and Scripture, we will journey alongside those who knew Him best—friends, family, and followers—each grappling with the weight of loss, confusion, and love. Come prepared to pause, to feel, and to rememb…

We are coming to the end of our series, Hope for Today // Faith for Tomorrow this Sunday. As Paul wraps up his second letter to the young Thessalonian church, he fills chapter 3 to the brim with practical instruction on how to apply all that he's been teaching to their ordinary, everyday lives. Because, if the theology he's worked diligently to ens…

"The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" -Chicken Little I'm sure she was a very sweet hen. If you're familiar with the original story of Chicken Little (rather than the Disney movie version), you might remember that her real name was Henny Penny. I'd guess she was sincere, cared about her neighbors, took initiative, and was well-respected. But sh…

"Keep on keeping on. I believe in you." Words are powerful. And a word of encouragement when life is hard can be the difference between someone giving up or pressing on, between quitting or persevering. We've all been there... This is week 7 of our series Hope for Today // Faith for Tomorrow. This week, we're diving into the first chapter of 2 Thes…

"Be sure to wear a jacket!" "Don't forget your homework!" "Make good choices!" "Be kind!" "Have a good day!" "I'm praying for you!" "I love you more!" You've most likely heard these phrases... maybe even said them. They're the little bits of encouragement or reminders we share as we say goodbye to someone we care about - whether just for the day, o…

Hide and Seek... we've all played it - whether as kids or with kids - it's a perennial favorite. As "It" begins the countdown with eyes squeezed shut, kids scatter to find the perfect hiding spot. Excitement builds as the call rings out... "Ready or not, here I come!" Anticipation builds as the 'hiders' wait... will you be found? This is week 5 of …

We've had almost a full week of sunshine and I LOVE IT! The days are warmer, the sky is bluer, and the daffodils are blooming. Everywhere I look, there are signs of new growth. Spring is springing! Which reminds me... the clock 'springs forward' this Saturday as Daylight Saving Time begins. We would hate to miss worshipping with you... so adjust yo…

I love to travel! I enjoy seeing new places, meeting new people, and riding new rollercoasters. I don't know if the Apostle Paul necessarily enjoyed traveling - it was definitely a more arduous endeavor then than it is for us today. But I'm sure he knew a thing or two about what it takes to prepare for a long journey and the importance of planning …

Talk to any school teacher and they will confirm that the final stretch of the school year, between Spring Break and the early part of June is HARD! Add in bright sunshine and warm temperatures, and the chance of getting students to focus on learning is zero to none. The goal is in sight, the school year is almost over, but the distractions are ove…

To put down roots means to settle in, to become fixed or established, to reside or dwell deeply, to create a sense of 'home'. There are tremendous benefits to deep roots. Plants that are deeply rooted have better access to water, oxygen and nutrition; they contribute more to the health of the environment around them, they endure drought or stress b…

Do you have siblings? I'm the oldest of four. And like most brothers and sisters, we had our share of squabbles. But at the end of the day, no matter what - and there was plenty of 'what' to get annoyed or frustrated about - we were family. And family sticks together. As we grew up, we all took different paths. We had different interests, skills, d…

I assume you woke up this morning. That wherever you are, the sun came up again. That there is air in your lungs. And that you can see to read these words. Do any of these things surprise you at all? Probably not. They happen without any effort on your part. The very fact that they are predictable and ordinary has stripped away the wonder we should…

It's one of the least likely places in the world for Christianity to flourish. Talking openly about Jesus there can cost you your freedom, perhaps even your life... Ghazal, an Iranian convert to Christianity shared her story with an online Christian magazine. She wrote, "I am speaking on behalf of millions of Iranians who live in the Islamic Republ…

Imagine with me for a minute… it’s the 9th inning of a do-or-die Major League Baseball playoff game. You’re warming up in the on-deck circle; stretching, jumping around to get the blood flowing, and swinging a bat for all it’s worth. You are hyped and ready to go. There are already runners at first and second, when the batter just ahead of you smac…

We’ve come to the end of another year. Is it just me, or are our trips around the sun getting faster? Before we get swallowed up in the pace of a new season, I think it would be helpful to hit the ‘pause’ button, just for a moment. The Bible tells us more than 200 times to remember… most often referring to remembering God and His work on our behalf…

Join us this Christmas Eve for a Night of Wonder, where we’ll journey together through the story of Jesus' birth, exploring the mystery and beauty of the Bethlehem star. This special evening combines tradition and inspiration, featuring scripture readings, reflections on the miraculous signs surrounding Jesus’ arrival, and time to pause and celebra…

Have you ever been part of starting something new? Like a new business venture or launching a non-profit organization; maybe starting a new program within your company, or taking a risk and opening your home to host a Bible study for your neighbors. With every new venture there are tasks that need to be done, to-do lists that need to be conquered, …

While the Greek word “ekklesia” is mistranslated as “church” in many Bibles, the word actually means “group” or “gathering.” Christianity has always been a movement; local groups of people who are committed to becoming like Jesus, learning to live daily life with the posture of Jesus; a little more today than yesterday, a little more tomorrow than …

God’s grace to us is an invitation to be amazing. It’s our chance to extend to others what God has freely extended to us. But while most of us are full of something . . . it’s usually not grace. So what are you full of? And what would it take for you to give someone what they don’t expect? Or deserve? ----------------------------------- TAKE YOUR N…

The kingdom of God is characterized by unsettling generosity—the kind of generosity that gives the undeserving what they don’t deserve and, regardless of how unright we’ve been, makes us right with God. So what do we do when we’re faced with this “math” that doesn’t add up? And how do we respond to this unfair, unsettling system that Jesus came to …