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.