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This topic wasn’t chosen at random. Each year, on the last Sunday of January, our church holds its annual meeting. This is the standing gathering where we address some of the most practical and organized aspects of church life—budget, staffing, and other significant decisions that shape our shared ministry. Everyone is welcome to attend, and members are invited to vote. For some, that kind of meeting can feel a little too business-like  to belong in a spiritual community. But

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 Before any of us rush in to form a firm opinion about the situation in Minneapolis, let's take a step back, process our thoughts and emotions, and let the Word of God shape our thinking. It is far too easy to get caught up in unhelpful thinking "filters" (examples

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

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

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

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

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!

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