2022 summer services
May 22, 2022 - September 4, 2022
During Pastor Jim Gates’ sabbatical, we are so blessed to have Jess Wakefield serve our church as Interim Head of Staff, as well as provide much of our spiritual leadership on Sunday mornings. We will also have the privilege of hearing from Dan Frost, Jay St. Clair, and Amanda Fuls this summer!
worship
Worship is our most important Christian practice, and yet we rarely reflect deeply upon what it means to worship well. In this series we consider the following questions. What kind of worship might bring joy to the Father’s heart? How can we, together, exalt the name of Jesus? What is the Spirit trying to say to the church?
Bring out the book
The Book of Nehemiah tells the story of the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem and the return of the exiled people of Israel. They came back to live, restore, and worship God. Dan Frost reveals the response of the people as they gathered to worship, once again, after years of being separated from their promised land.
WAKE UP! GET READY!
Imagine that for one day you could see your future through the eyes of Jesus. What would be different about it and what questions would it answer? There is one thing that we know for sure - if we could see our life to come through his eyes, we would NOT live in fear!
A HEART FOR WORSHIP
The Psalms are amazing poems and musical lyrics dedicated to the worship of our Lord. As you read them, you may even hear a hymn or contemporary Christian song pop in your head. They sprinkle our hearts, mind and soul with the Holy Spirit and inspire/move us to worship. Words and music are powerful tools to cultivate a love for being in God's presence... to have "A Heart for Worship."
AN ODE TO ANNA
(AND ALL OF GOD’S CHILDREN)
We are honored to have Pastor Kevin Geurink of First Presbyterian Church of Grand Island (NE) share his message "An Ode to Anna (and All of God's Children)." Kevin is the son of Terry and Colleen Geurink and uncle to Anna, daughter of Kyle and Jackie Geurink, whose baptism we will be celebrating, as well!
THE IMPORTANCE OF JOY
In this two part series, we discuss what it means to put joy into practice, as well as what the Bible means when it speaks of joy. Questions asked include how it is possible to be joyful in the midst of worldly struggles and obstacles... and why is it important to pursue a joyful heart.
RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS
Disciples must have wisdom and humility, but POWER is needed when an apostle is sent to share the message and ministry of Jesus with others. Spirit-provided authority and anointing is necessary to see and respond to others with the same passionate, sacrificial love God has for them. This strength is needed to press in to a disbelieving or hostile culture.
LUKEWARM CHRISTIANITY
& HOW TO FIX IT
In the letter written to believers at Laodicea, the church is referred to as being "lukewarm." They believe that their spiritual lives are far greater than they actually are and they are challenged to take an honest look at themselves. They are pressed to consider how they might become more committed to Jesus, not just in deeds, but in EVERY aspect of their lives.
my fruits come from god
We as individuals are branches connected to each other and linked/fed by the vine. That vine, Jesus, provides for us the nourishment to produce good fruit in our lives. Jay St. Clair discusses how our blessings and gifts are the fruit that is made to share with others for continued growth.
The Miracle of pentecost
If we want to understand the story and miracle of Pentecost, and experience that same blessing in our church and community, then we must understand how it began. It began with the powerful concept of a shared passion. The idea of a group of people rushing along in unison, operating with one mind... one purpose.
A New kind of authority
Saul was a big, self-righteous man with big, ambitious plans. He probably felt very special/important as he traveled to Damascus. But Christ calls us to a new kind of authority. An authority of... and only through him! An authority that emanates from our relationship with him and is one of salt and light.
winning the grand prize
The Apostle Paul said in Philippians that he wanted to win a prize. But it wasn't mere money that he was seeking - he wanted a prize of infinite value. He said, "I want to know Christ - yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
