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.
Plans in the Trouble
Pastor Cyndi McDonald reflects on two favorite scripture passages submitted by two people in the congregation: Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:34. She shares how these scriptures are helping her get through a current trial.
Everyday Resurrection
John 20:1-18
Pastor Paula Dallas.
Let's be Easter people! A sermon about how we need and celebrate the Resurrection throughout the year.
We're not giving up!
2 Corinthians 4: 7-10; 13-16
Pastor Paula Dallas.
God's light is within us, ordinary people. Hear a sermon on how to live by faith, empowered by the light of God.
Nobody gets the problem they can handle
Nobody gets the problem they can handle. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a problem. Sometimes life throws problems at us. And sometimes it's God! Take the case Ananias, sent by God to heal Saul (who comes breathing murderous threats to destroy Ananias and his church family.) What gives Ananias strength to follow God's will? How can we make similar choices, especially when it comes to bringing peace to times of anxiety, conflict, and change.
Jealousy and Sabotage
Paul brings good news...until he starts stepping on toes. He disrupts the status quo, introducing change that leads to resistance and fear. Similarly, jealousy can escalate into fierce opposition. How do our stories about other people form our attitudes toward them? It's easy to focus on what others are doing wrong, but the Christian walk is about us. We aren’t responsible for the naysayers and know-it-alls. Remember whose you are. Shake off the dust and look for where the Holy Spirit is at work.
Stop, pray and sing
Can people change? Paul grew up saying the morning blessing, giving thanks for being a man and not a woman, free and not a slave, Jew and not a Gentile. Yet in Philippi, these are the very people who first respond to his message. Paul can be hot-headed and reactive, but in prison, he stops, prays and sings, and God works in a miraculous way.
Secrets
The miracle of Pentecost is followed by a community of people who devote themselves to the Apostles’ teaching, shared meals, community, and prayer. It doesn’t take long, though, for tension in the community to express itself. Secrets, whether from God or one another, is a symptom that someone is wrong. It can be a symptom of idolatry, which is deadly.
Triangles
The miracle of Pentecost is followed by a community of people who devote themselves to the Apostles’ teaching, shared meals, community, and prayer. It doesn’t take long, though, for tension in the community to express itself in a “triangle”. Unfortunately, triangles don't address the underlying issues. How will you respond when you find yourself in a triangle? You could (1) put on your superhero cape & save the day! (2) walk away saying, "not my monkey, not my circus", or (3) hand over the keys. We'll look at 3 examples of times when Jesus was drawn into a triangle.