As human beings we all face fear. We live in times where it seems that fear is all around us. How do we maintain hope and continue to struggle for justice despite the fear that threatens to discourage and paralyze us? Preaching Bootcamper Phil Dickens reminds us that it is through our love and trust in God and each other, and by taking care of ourselves and each other. Also by finding strength in the knowledge of all who have come before us in these struggles.
Read MoreA new year can bring a flurry of opportunities, new visioning, and maybe the desire to energize whatever has been lying dormant in our lives. Sometimes it is easy to move into new territory. Other times we are gripped with the bad news of our past and present situation causing fear and trepidation which can overwhelm us. What if it doesn’t work out? What if we get hurt?
Rev. Venida shares that maybe 2026 is really the time to simply breathe, all the while creating a new narrative and vision for how we can move forward with grace and courage. Maybe in this new year, we can begin to surround ourselves with the Good News of Jesus, the Good News of what really is possible—for ourselves, our respective relationships, communities, and for this church. Maybe it is time to recognize that, as her pastor once told her, “God does the heavy lifting.” Perhaps insisting on hope is the realization that: Yes, she does!
Rev. Venida celebrates Christmas Sunday with a reminder that we can look to other people for help when we’re afraid.
Read MoreMost of us are afraid to acknowledge our fear. That's too bad. Coming face to face with fear is one of the most holy things we can do. Jonathan Williams, founding pastor, continues our Advent series Insisting on Hope.
Read MorePastor Venida shares what the 12 days were like after the announcement of her mother's body's transition.
Read MoreIn our second sermon of "The Path" series, Rev. Venida Rodman Jenkins reminds us how we are confronted with a host of experiences on the path causing us to question and have doubts about how we will overcome. This sermon will be a reminder that we can come to God with our fears and concerns, and the presence and power of God can be comfort and healing, and work in miraculous ways as we journey on.
Read MoreHave you at one time believed something so strongly you could hear no other perspective? But then over time you could hear what you wouldn’t before and see what you couldn’t see before? In this message Rev. Josh Lee starts our new series “The Path” by challenging us to consider where on the path do we find ourselves? Perhaps like Saul, just having recently lost our formerly held religious convictions or perhaps like Ananias being called to give sight and compassion to folks who have previously persecuted us because we remember what it was like to once be in their shoes.
Read MoreMak Gomez takes to the stage and speak about the disciples and community. In the midst of loss, change or fear, where do we turn for stability, for reassurance? In this sermon, Mak reminds us of the love that surrounds us all as being part of a community. We aren't meant to go it alone.
The opposite of fear is saying yes to living fully.
The future is unknown. That scares the crap out of us. What do we do in the face of the unknown?
Jonathan Williams shares that the way forward is not fear, it’s faith. Faith is a choice to take action and move forward even when there is nothing guaranteed. To make the conscious choice to believe just for today that the great I AM is at work in our fears and in our unknowns. The opposite of fear is saying yes to being made in the image of God, of living fully alive, warts and all.
This is the fifth and final sermon in our “This Feeling's Got Me Like...” series.
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