December 22: Life For The World
Luke 1:39-55
Mary’s song, “Magnificat” proclaims God’s justice and mercy for all generations. In storytelling and reflection, Pastor Cyndi connects Mary’s journey to Elizabeth with the songs of Miriam, Hannah, and Isaiah, highlighting Mary’s trust in God’s promises and her role in bringing life to the world. Join us as we consider how Mary’s song invites us to sing boldly and live as bearers of God’s justice, hope, and love.
Luke 1:39-55
Mary’s song, “Magnificat” proclaims God’s justice and mercy for all generations. In storytelling and reflection, Pastor Cyndi connects Mary’s journey to Elizabeth with the songs of Miriam, Hannah, and Isaiah, highlighting Mary’s trust in God’s promises and her role in bringing life to the world. Join us as we consider how Mary’s song invites us to sing boldly and live as bearers of God’s justice, hope, and love.
December 15: Hope For The World
Hope for the World
What does Isaiah’s vision of Jubilee have to do with hopeless places—and maybe even a Jeep that wouldn’t run? This week, we’ll journey through ancient promises and unexpected grace, discovering how God’s good news reaches the low places in every life.
What does Isaiah’s vision of Jubilee have to do with hopeless places—and maybe even a Jeep that wouldn’t run? This week, we’ll journey through ancient promises and unexpected grace, discovering how God’s good news reaches the low places in every life.
December 1: Faith For The World
December 1: Faith For The World
This Sunday, we begin our Advent journey with the story of Daniel, a faithful servant of God living in exile. Daniel’s daily practices, like praying three times a day, remind us that faith is not just personal—it shapes how we live and influences the world around us. In a culture that often opposed his beliefs, Daniel’s unwavering commitment to God became a witness to kings and empires, showing that small acts of faithfulness can have a global impact.
Join us as we explore how our own faith, lived out in daily actions, can reflect God’s light for the world. Together, we’ll consider how we can prepare our hearts and lives this Advent season to make room for Christ and share hope with others. There’s a place for you as we discover what it means to live "Faith for the World."
This Sunday, we begin our Advent journey with the story of Daniel, a faithful servant of God living in exile. Daniel’s daily practices, like praying three times a day, remind us that faith is not just personal—it shapes how we live and influences the world around us. In a culture that often opposed his beliefs, Daniel’s unwavering commitment to God became a witness to kings and empires, showing that small acts of faithfulness can have a global impact.
Join us as we explore how our own faith, lived out in daily actions, can reflect God’s light for the world. Together, we’ll consider how we can prepare our hearts and lives this Advent season to make room for Christ and share hope with others. There’s a place for you as we discover what it means to live "Faith for the World."
November 24: It Will Be Different
Giving people a law and making covenant wasn’t enough to bring the change God wants. Pastor Paula explores the promise made to Jeremiah of a new covenant, one written on hearts instead of stone tablets or scrolls.
Giving people a law and making covenant wasn’t enough to bring the change God wants. Pastor Paula explores the promise made to Jeremiah of a new covenant, one written on hearts instead of stone tablets or scrolls.
November 17: God is still sending prophets
As we continue exploring the Old Testament, we see God calling imperfect people into partnership. From Moses to Hannah to Jonah, God invites individuals into the holy work of co-creating a future shaped by justice and mercy. Isaiah’s story reminds us that God’s call is not reserved for the perfect but for the willing and that God is still sending prophets.
As we continue exploring the Old Testament, we see God calling imperfect people into partnership. From Moses to Hannah to Jonah, God invites individuals into the holy work of co-creating a future shaped by justice and mercy. Isaiah’s story reminds us that God’s call is not reserved for the perfect but for the willing and that God is still sending prophets.
November 10: Choose Your Own Adventure
In “Choose Your Own Adventure,” we explore the choices that shape our journey as disciples, focusing on Jonah’s struggle with God’s expansive mercy. Jonah stands at a crossroads, confronted with God’s call to love beyond his comfort zone by extending grace to Nineveh—those he least expected or wanted to help. Throughout the Old Testament, we’ve seen God’s covenant widen and invite more people in, with each choice deepening the relationship between God and God’s people. Jonah’s story leaves us with a question: Will we embrace a faith that stretches us beyond what feels comfortable, making choices that open our hearts to love, or will we remain closed off, content within our limits? Just as Jonah’s story is left open-ended, so is our choice to respond to God’s invitation to live, grow, and serve by grace.
In “Choose Your Own Adventure,” we explore the choices that shape our journey as disciples, focusing on Jonah’s struggle with God’s expansive mercy. Jonah stands at a crossroads, confronted with God’s call to love beyond his comfort zone by extending grace to Nineveh—those he least expected or wanted to help. Throughout the Old Testament, we’ve seen God’s covenant widen and invite more people in, with each choice deepening the relationship between God and God’s people. Jonah’s story leaves us with a question: Will we embrace a faith that stretches us beyond what feels comfortable, making choices that open our hearts to love, or will we remain closed off, content within our limits? Just as Jonah’s story is left open-ended, so is our choice to respond to God’s invitation to live, grow, and serve by grace.
November 3: God provides
In this episode, Pastor Paula describes how God provides for Elijah during a time of drought and famine. Who would expect the way God acts in 1 Kings 17:1-16? Paula invites us to trust in God's provision and care for those on the margins.
In this episode, Pastor Paula describes how God provides for Elijah during a time of drought and famine. Who would expect the way God acts in 1 Kings 17:1-16? Paula invites us to trust in God's provision and care for those on the margins.
October 27: A Place for God, a Prayer for Us
2 Samuel 7:1-17 tells the story of David’s desire to build a temple for God, only to learn that God’s plan is far greater. Instead of a structure made of cedar and stone, God promises to establish a lasting dynasty through David’s descendants—a house built from people.
Pastor Cyndi McDonald highlights the connection between worship and service, rooted in the Hebrew word avodah, meaning both. John Wesley’s teaching—“there is no holiness without social holiness”—shows how faith is lived out through acts of love and service. Every act of worship, both inside and outside the sanctuary, contributes to the house God continues to build today.
In this episode, we explore the story of Solomon dedicating the temple in 1 Kings 8, reflecting on how this sacred space symbolizes where heaven meets earth. Building on last week’s theme from 2 Samuel 7, where God promises David a lasting dynasty, we see Solomon fulfill part of that promise by constructing a temple. However, Solomon's prayer reminds us that God cannot be contained by walls—nor can God’s love. We discuss how faith is not just about grand moments but lived out in daily choices and relationships, inviting us to carry God’s love wherever we go and embrace a deeper connection with God and others.
October 20 God Builds a House
2 Samuel 7:1-17 tells the story of David’s desire to build a temple for God, only to learn that God’s plan is far greater. Instead of a structure made of cedar and stone, God promises to establish a lasting dynasty through David’s descendants—a house built from people.
Pastor Cyndi McDonald highlights the connection between worship and service, rooted in the Hebrew word avodah, meaning both. John Wesley’s teaching—“there is no holiness without social holiness”—shows how faith is lived out through acts of love and service. Every act of worship, both inside and outside the sanctuary, contributes to the house God continues to build today.
2 Samuel 7:1-17 tells the story of David’s desire to build a temple for God, only to learn that God’s plan is far greater. Instead of a structure made of cedar and stone, God promises to establish a lasting dynasty through David’s descendants—a house built from people.
Pastor Cyndi McDonald highlights the connection between worship and service, rooted in the Hebrew word avodah, meaning both. John Wesley’s teaching—“there is no holiness without social holiness”—shows how faith is lived out through acts of love and service. Every act of worship, both inside and outside the sanctuary, contributes to the house God continues to build today.
October 13: Praying Like It Matters
In this episode of Living in God's Story, we dive into the powerful story of Hannah from 1 Samuel 1. Hannah's raw, heartfelt prayer in the face of deep grief and misunderstanding reminds us of the boldness and vulnerability that true faith requires. We explore how her story connects to God’s larger plan for Israel and for us today, offering a model of persistence in prayer and trust in God’s promises. Join us as we reflect on what it means to pray like it matters, to live out our prayers, and to be part of how God is acting in the world.
Study Guide
In this episode of Living in God's Story, we dive into the powerful story of Hannah from 1 Samuel 1. Hannah's raw, heartfelt prayer in the face of deep grief and misunderstanding reminds us of the boldness and vulnerability that true faith requires. We explore how her story connects to God’s larger plan for Israel and for us today, offering a model of persistence in prayer and trust in God’s promises. Join us as we reflect on what it means to pray like it matters, to live out our prayers, and to be part of how God is acting in the world.
October 6: Idols in the Waiting
In this week's sermon, Pastor Cyndi dives into the story of the golden calf from Exodus 32-33, exploring how impatience and distractions lead us away from God. Drawing from the journey of the Israelites, we reflect on modern-day idols and the importance of spiritual disciplines like prayer and waiting. Discover how God invites us into a deeper relationship and transformation, even in times of uncertainty. We end with a practical prayer, “Help me want to love you, God. Help me want to love my neighbors,” as we seek to reframe waiting as a spiritual practice that draws us closer to God’s presence.
In this episode, we dive into the story of the golden calf from Exodus 32-33, exploring how impatience and distractions lead us away from God. Drawing from the journey of the Israelites, we reflect on modern-day idols and the importance of spiritual disciplines like prayer and waiting. Discover how God invites us into a deeper relationship and transformation, even in times of uncertainty. We end with a practical prayer, “Help me want to love you, God. Help me want to love my neighbors,” as we seek to reframe waiting as a spiritual practice that draws us closer to God’s presence.
September 29: Forward
In this week's sermon, Pastor Paula Dallas explores Exodus 13:1-8, focusing on the significance of the Passover and God's ongoing deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. She highlights the importance of remembering God's acts of deliverance and how these shape our faith and identity today. Pastor Paula invites listeners to reflect on their own "Egypts"—areas in life where they feel trapped or oppressed—and encourages them to embrace the freedom God offers. The sermon also emphasizes the role of communal rituals in keeping faith alive across generations.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Paula Dallas explores Exodus 13:1-8, focusing on the significance of the Passover and God's ongoing deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. She highlights the importance of remembering God's acts of deliverance and how these shape our faith and identity today. Pastor Paula invites listeners to reflect on their own "Egypts"—areas in life where they feel trapped or oppressed—and encourages them to embrace the freedom God offers. The sermon also emphasizes the role of communal rituals in keeping faith alive across generations.
Imperfect Co-Creators: Abraham, Joseph, and God's Unfolding Plan
In this 3rd episode of Living in God's Story, we explore the story of Joseph in Genesis 50:15- 21. The story of Joseph not only shows God fulfilling promises made to Abram but also foreshadows how God will bring about salvation and healing.
Genesis 37 and 50:15- 21
In this episode, we explore the powerful and complex story of Joseph in Genesis 50. Joseph’s journey from betrayal by his brothers to becoming a leader in Egypt reveals the depth of God’s grace and purpose. Even when his brothers intended harm, Joseph sees God’s hand at work, transforming their actions for good to save many lives.
We discuss Joseph’s subversive choice to forgive rather than seek revenge and how that challenges our ideas about justice and grace. Joseph’s words, “Am I in the place of God?”, remind us that judgment belongs to God, and our role is to trust in God’s larger plan for redemption.
We also reflect on how Joseph’s story invites us to be co-creators with God, participating in God’s work even through brokenness and failure. This episode examines the tension between power and inequality in Joseph’s leadership during the famine, and what it means for us today as we seek to live as co-creators in a world that often struggles with justice and grace.
Join us as we uncover the subversive themes in Joseph’s story and explore how they impact our understanding of forgiveness, power, and living out our faith in today’s world.
Stars and Smoke: Trusting God
In this 2nd episode of Living in God's Story, we explore Genesis 15, delving into God's profound promise to Abram through the imagery of stars and smoke
In this episode of Living in God's Story, we explore Genesis 15, delving into God's profound promise to Abram through the imagery of stars and smoke.
Highlights:
Perspective Shift: How Abram's view of the stars challenges us to see beyond our limitations and recognize the constant signs of God’s commitment in our lives.
Divine Commitment: The fiery symbols reveal God’s commitment and enduring presence. God’s promises through Abram’s story are complex and gradually revealed in scripture.
Tune in to see how these ancient promises continue to inspire and guide us today.
Living in God's Story: Episode 1 - Beginnings
Pastor Cyndi delves into the creation narratives of Genesis 1 and 2, examining their distinct portrayals of God and humanity. Sometimes, we need to focus on God as transcendent and all-powerful; at other times, we need to understand God as intimately involved in our lives. Both guide us in responding to tragedy.
Study Notes and Reflection Questions.
Video referenced in the sermon of Charles and Marcus describing two years of friendship and growth.
Welcome to the first episode of "Living in God's Story," a new series exploring the Old Testament. In this episode, we delve into the creation narratives of Genesis 1 and 2, examining their distinct portrayals of God and humanity.
Genesis 1 reveals a majestic, universal creation by God (Elohim), while Genesis 2 offers a more personal account, with God (Yahweh) forming humanity from the earth. Sometimes, we need to focus on God as transcendent and all-powerful; at other times, we need to understand God as intimately involved in our lives.
Amidst the recent tragedy that has touched our community, these creation stories remind us of God's ongoing presence and purpose. They guide us in responding to sorrow both as individuals and as a community.
Join us as we explore these foundational texts and their relevance to our lives today.
Study Notes and Reflection Questions.
Video referenced in the sermon of Charles and Marcus describing two years of friendship and growth.
Prayer that shakes the foundations
In Acts 4:31, the apostles' prayer for boldness led to a moment that shook their very foundation—literally and spiritually. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and transformed into fearless witnesses. What if that kind of divine shaking happened to you? Pastor Cyndi explores both Biblical and recent examples of people embracing this kind of transformative faith and their reshaping by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer that builds roots
Ephesians 3 teaches us how to pray for others. To pray for others in this way can expand our longings to conform to God’s desires. It’s one of many “birthday gifts” given to us through the ages, some in scripture and some from the saints who have gone before. Routinely praying a prayer, even when we don't feel like it, can be a way of opening ourselves to God's transformation.
And the peace of God…
Philippians 4:7 promises that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. But how do we open ourselves to God bringing about this peace within us? Pastor Cyndi McDonald reflects on what peace looks like, and then how the next two verses lead us into experiencing this peace.