A Children's Book, But Not A Fairy Tale

Modern Worship

Patrick Wilson, Lay Speaker

We live in a highly developed world, dominated by the trappings of an advanced society. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by our possessions and our obligations. As we try to please everyone around us, the pressures of the Christmas season can make it even worse. How do we reconnect with the true spirit of Christianity? Our resident lay speaker, Patrick Wilson, will explore that question in this week’s sermon, “Enchanted.”

Traditional, Dr. Kevin Tully, Senior Pastor

In a time of division and uncertainty, the prophet Isaiah delivered a powerful message of hope, reminding us that true salvation doesn’t come from earthly powers but from trusting in God’s promises. As we light the pink candle of Advent, symbolizing joy, we are invited to reflect on where we place our trust and how God’s love calls us home. Come experience the joy of Christmas with us this Sunday!

Modern

John was waiting for this. He was born for this. He was living in the wilderness and making space for God to come to him. That’s what those wilderness times of life do for us. They fill us up and prepare us for our purpose. That’s what the wilderness had done for John. It had readied him and filled him to carry out his purpose. God had come to John the Baptist in the wilderness. 

Today, the word of God comes to us. God is God, so God’s word comes in whatever way God wants it to come. But the question is worth asking, “What are the ways God’s word comes to us?” John was in the wilderness waiting and making time and space for this event to happen, but what about us? When and how has God’s word come to you and me? What are the interior landscapes of our life today? How do these states of being within us relate to ourselves and others? As we consider the valleys, the mountains, and hills, the rooked, smooth, and rough places of life, we view life with the good news John brings from the wilderness, the good news of Jesus Christ.

Traditional, Dr. Kevin Tully, Senior Pastor

The second week of Advent is centered on the theme of peace. This theme is based on Isaiah 9:6, which refers to Jesus as the "Prince of Peace." It is a time to reflect on the peace Jesus brings to the world and the reconciliation he offers between humanity and God. Dr. Tully will preach on Peace this Sunday and how it helps us all.

Traditional

What words would you choose from the Bible that you find interesting?

Wouldn’t it be interesting to have a conversation around a table and ask your friends to list the one or two most important words in their life; the ones that have shaped them, that direct them? I can imagine people saying things like family, or
discipline, or effort, or love, or compassion, or kindness. Those are all good words to live by. This morning, I’d like to invite you to consider a word that I think we all ought to treasure and live by. The word is hope. Come listen to Dr. Tully talk about the word Hope and how it can change all our lives.

Modern

One of the signs of Advent is the Advent calendar. You may have one in your home today, or you may remember having one as a child. As a child, each day of the Advent calendar was a sign that Christmas was getting closer. We relished in the excitement and suspense of counting down the days. That’s what Advent was about back then. At some point in our lives something happened. Somewhere along the way adult life and circumstances got in the way. Real life took control, and Advent hasn’t the same carefree happy time of joy and anticipation it once was. Advent is no longer the season just before Christmas it was merely a countdown to the big, carefree Christmas holiday. Instead, Advent begins to describe the reality of life and the world. Luke’s scripture text takes on a personal meaning for us, and Advent becomes a season of personal change, of letting go and looking toward a future of hope in Christ. Come and hear how Jesus teaches us to interpret the signs in our Advent stories as Pastor Val Stewart preaches “There Will Be Signs” this 1st Sunday of Advent. Luke 21: 25-31