When was the last time you praised God? Praise isn’t something we should do — praise is a something we get to do. Join us this Sunday at 9:30 and 11:00 am as we praise God together!
This week in The Gathering and Sanctuary worship, we’ll examine how the prophet, Elijah, experienced the presence of God — just when he needed it most. Rather than in dramatic events, Elijah experienced God as a “still, small voice.” How can we make more space to experience God in our lives today?
This Sunday in The Gathering (Lance is on vacation) and Sanctuary worship, we’ll spend some time with the story of Jacob and Esau and we’ll focus on an event in Jacob’s life that was so transforming that he took on a new name: Israel, which means One who strives with God. All night long he wrestled with himself and all night long he wrestled with a mysterious stranger whom he knew to be the very presence of God — tangible and touchable. I look forward to sharing with you on Sunday and I invite you to bring your struggles with you to the time of worship.
In Sunday’s Gathering we will proclaim the Good News of Jesus and the power of Christ – working in and through us – to overcome the sins of racism and injustice. Please take the time to read these two powerful testimonies. May God’s Kingdom come, may God’s will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven.
The writer of Hebrews quotes Proverbs 3:11-12 in verses 5 and 6 of the 12th chapter: “My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts.”
Imagine that you have a structure in place, a way of doing things that brings order and predictability to a busy family life. Imagine that school, work, and childcare are all figured out in a way that helps everyone navigate their emotional, social, and psychological needs.
This passage from Romans reminds me of a story from the life of Ben Walker Hooper, who was Governor of Tennessee from 1911-1915. Born in Gatlinburg to an unwed mother, Ben knew the pain of never knowing his father.
In our series “Finally Something Real,” we’re talking specifically to people who consider themselves spiritual-but-not-religious, non-religious, or just over the whole “thing.” Join us at the Gathering for a message of healing for those who are looking for hope in something true, something powerful, and something real.
This new sermon series offers an opportunity to build a bridge between people of faith and people who are struggling to make their way in the world without it. I hope you’ll invite someone that you care about to join us in worship this weekend. It just might help them begin to think about Jesus in a whole new way.
This Sunday is Easter! A celebration of resurrection and we have a hopeful and spirited celebration planned for eleven:eleven, downtown! We will be joined by the blues guitarist, Buddy Whittington, bassist Aden Bubeck, singer/songwriters Hannah Kirby and Krista Russell, as well as Brad Thompson and a few surprises!