Living fully into who we truly are produces such abundance that the fruits of the fields of our lives overflow. Offering this bounty with others is the command of God. But even more than that, the scriptures invite us to go beyond just what we have to offer, and also move into giving what we must strive to offer on behalf of love. How can we go the extra mile as a church?

You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the LORD your God. - Leviticus 19: 10 ...and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile... For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? - Matthew 5: 41, 46 

(Apologies for the technical difficulties)

We continue this Sunday with the idea that God has called us, not just by name, but to a special purpose. When we find and claim our own vocation–that which fulfills us and creates good in the world–we are freed from the bonds of what others may expect of us or claim for us. Discipleship comes in many, and sometimes unlikely, forms.

For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. - Isaiah 9:4  And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. - Matthew 4: 19, 20 

Something with “integrity” is stable–all the parts are supporting the whole. We are invited to examine all the parts of our lives to see if they point toward the fulfillment of our identity, vocation and call. When all things work together for good, the parched places in our lives become watered and our saltiness never loses its taste. Are you a self divided?

The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. - Isaiah 58: 11  You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot... Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. - Matthew 5: 13, 17 

Two of the most powerful and poetic lessons for life appear in the scripture readings this Sunday. The definition of beatitude is “supreme blessedness and happiness.” In our search for happiness among the “stuff” of life, have we missed the point? What difference would it make to embody a love for justice and kindness in our everyday lives?

God has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? - Micah 6:8  When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:  "Blessed are... “ - Matthew 5:1-12 

We continue this Sunday with the idea that God has called us, not just by name, but to a special purpose. When we find and claim our own vocation–that which fulfills us and creates good in the world–we are freed from the bonds of what others may expect of us or claim for us. Discipleship comes in many, and sometimes unlikely, forms.

For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. - Isaiah 9:4  And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. - Matthew 4: 19, 20 

The question of “who are you” often starts with a name. In the scriptures, people begin to describe Jesus by many names–Rabbi, Messiah, Lamb of God–as they tried to understand who this special person was. What descriptors do you want to be known by? Who has God called you to be?

Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The LORD called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb God named me. - Isaiah 49:1  When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi"... "We have found the Messiah." - John 1:38, 41  Rev. Tyler Conneley, new conference minister will be preaching.

Join us in the new year as we explore a new series from Worship Design Studio called Who Are You? beginning this Sunday, January 12.

The new year is a great time to re-look at questions such as "Who are you?" and "Where are you going?" We find ourselves making New Year's Resolutions in an effort to become who we want to be. Sometimes they last but most of the time we end up making the same resolutions year after year. This year we'll delve deeply into the question of "Who are You?" and discover that it is linked indelibly to "Whose You Are?" What amazing things could happen if you lived
into your best, most passionate, loving self? Let's find out together!