Recognizing the value of preparing oneself for the the worship of God, we encourage you to consider praying through the day’s texts before the service begins—either during the week prior or the morning of the service. In general, the context of a story may be provided here, whereas in the service the primary story may be read alone, with the context informing how we engage that story. Additionally a “sermon seed” is offered for personal reflection and preparation.

7 April 2024

Responsive Reading: From Psalm 93
Primary Scripture: Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Title: “Left Behind”

Sermon Seed:
The book of Acts begins with Jesus “being lifted up” into the heavens and the disciples left behind. Once again, this seems to be a turn of events they had not anticipated, though the text gives us a purpose and understanding that they failed to grasp at the time. Why were they left behind? What does that mean for those of us today who consider ourselves disciples?

14 April 2024

Responsive Reading: From Psalm 4
Primary Scripture: Acts 3:1-10
Sermon Title: “Greater Things”

Sermon Seed:
In John 14:12, Jesus tells the disciples “whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” Here in Acts 3, we find one of the earliest stories showing that to be true. What might the implications be for followers of Jesus today?

21 April 2024

Responsive Reading: Psalm 23
Primary Scripture: Acts 17:1-9
Sermon Title: “A Cruciformed Life”

Sermon Seed:
The word “cruciformed” means “cross-shaped.” A “cruciformed life” would be a life shaped by and into one like Jesus’s commitment to follow his Way even to death on a cross. In what ways does your life follow this pattern? In what ways do you wish it did? In what ways do you resist?

28 April 2024

Responsive Reading: Psalm 22:25-31
Primary Scripture: Acts 18:1-4
Sermon Title: “Collaborators”

Sermon Seed:
Sometimes we are tempted to glamorize the early church in ways that just aren’t true. Here, Luke gives us a pretty mundane view of Paul’s life: working his trade all week and speaking in synagogue each Saturday. It’s not all action-adventure and miracles. Might there be ways you expect more out of yoruself than God does? How might you find a balance between your needs and your faith responsibilities?

5 May 2024

Responsive Reading: Psalm 98
Primary Scripture: 1Corinthians 13:1-13
Sermon Title: “Driven by Love”

Sermon Seed:
It seems there is always talk about someone being the GOAT — the “greatest of all time” —whehter in the realms of music, sports, or what have you. Here in 1Corinthians, Paul insists that in terms of gifts, motivations, and actions, the GOAT will always be love. Think of a time when you were motivated by love, and think of a time when you were motivated by something else. What was the difference? What were the outcomes?

12 May 2024

Responsive Reading: Psalm 1
Primary Scripture: 1Corinthians 15:1-26, 51-57
Sermon Title: “Free from Death”

Sermon Seed:
There is something about our embodied existence that seems to innately fear death. From time immemorial, it seems we have personified this reality that we see as our enemy. We have even harnessed its terror through things like roller coasters and horror movies. How does a fear of death continue to impact your life and relationships?

19 May 2024: Pentecost

Responsive Reading: From Psalm 104
Primary Scripture: 1Corinthians 12:1-13
Sermon Title: “Gifted for God’s Work”

Sermon Seed:
The scriptures repeatedly affirm that God gifts us to do the work God entrusts to us, and that in order for God’s work to be done, many different people with many different gifts will be required. What are the strengths, experiences, and skills that you have developed over the years? How might they be put to use to advance God’s mission of love?