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Joy is about the big picture
Joy is not a commonly used expression. Aside from it being used as a name or talked about during Advent, you rarely hear people say, “I’m feeling joyous!” Happiness better captures what joy otherwise would. Think for a moment right now, are you happy? I’ve always had a hard time answering this question. It's challenging for me because I’m far more of a feeler than a thinker. At any given moment, my feelings are as unpredictable as Minnesota weather. Snowing one minute, rain

Dave Mergens
Dec 182 min read


Advent Week Two: Finding True Peace on Earth
Peace on Earth? This week, the focus of Advent is peace. Join me in a little thought experiment, and let’s answer this question: Can we have peace on earth? The opposite of peace is conflict. This is why, when a war ends, there is a “peace treaty.” Conflict comes from competing desires. I want it this way, you want it that way. When we don’t get what we want, conflict is the result. James, the brother of Jesus, spells this out in his letter . Back to my question. Is peace

Dave Mergens
Dec 102 min read



Dave Mergens
Dec 30 min read


The First Sunday of Advent
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. It marks the beginning of the four weeks leading up to the celebration of the birth of Christ and reminds us of the future hope we have in His return. Advent means "coming" or "arrival." This week's theme is HOPE. Hope is much more than wishful thinking. It is not simply an optimistic approach to life. Hope is projecting Jesus forward. For the Christ-follower, our hope is in Jesus. He was born into our world, He lived, He died, and He ros

Dave Mergens
Nov 301 min read


Thanksgiving & Faith
How does the practice of "giving thanks" reflect our faith? It reveals more than you might imagine! Take a moment to reflect on why you express gratitude. In our society, it is often seen as a suitable and courteous reaction in various situations. At times, we feel thankful because we appreciate the result of a particular event. On a day like today, we express gratitude because it is a holiday. However, if expressing thanks is confined to holidays, social occasions, or favora

Dave Mergens
Nov 271 min read


Thanksgiving Eve
As we head into Thanksgiving, Pastor Dave shares a mid-week encouragement about gratitude, faith, and the small steps that lead to extraordinary things. In this brief message, you’ll hear a reminder of what we’re celebrating this week and a look ahead to Sunday’s teaching from Ruth chapter 3.
Join us for Thanksgiving Eve service on Wednesday at 6:30pm!

Dave Mergens
Nov 261 min read


An Unlikely Hero
This week’s midweek message takes us back to Sunday’s teaching on Ruth. In chapter one, we’re reminded that God often works through people and places the world overlooks. Ruth may seem like an unlikely hero, but her story shows how God uses what feels weak to reveal his strength. As you move through the rest of your week, let those areas of uncertainty or limitation remind you that they’re often the very places God shows up most. Join us Sunday as we continue into chapter two

Dave Mergens
Nov 181 min read
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