I have been impressed with the wide and deep participation of our church in Immerse: Messiah. Since September, well over half the church has read the New Testament and joined together for engaging and theo-logically challenging discussions on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. What a joy it is to read God’s word and allow the Spirit to form us individually … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Jesus Came for Us
During Advent, I will preach a sermon series called “Jesus Came for Us” about why Jesus came into the world and who He came to save. Of course, Jesus came into the world to save sinners, to rescue people like you and me who would be forever lost without God’s grace offered through Jesus Christ. Through the four Sundays of … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Thankful for the Blessings We Share
As we approach Thanksgiving, I am reminded that gratitude nourishes our souls and expressing thanks, espe-cially in public ways, brings honor to our Lord and edifies our brothers and sisters in faith. In other words, it’s good for us and it pleases God when we give thanks. We will take time as a congregation to express our gratitude during the … Read More
Men’s Bible Study
The Thursday morning Men’s Bible Study resumes September 6. Picking up from where we left off in the spring, Pastor Mike will lead the group through the second half of John. All men are encouraged to join us Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Pastor Mike’s Blog: What Happens in Your Soul
Sweet nectar pools deep in the heart of an angraecoid orchid, a flower so intricately designed that only one species of long-tongued moth can reach the nectar and thereby transfer the orchid’s pollen. Deep in the human heart dwells a soul, so wonderfully made that only its Creator can reach its depths and know perfectly the life it contains. Your … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: We Don’t Do Faith Alone
Jesus asks a lot of His followers. Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Give to those in need. Pray for those who persecute you. Following Jesus leads to blessing, but it’s still hard. Love one another. Remain in Me. Forgive. Yes, Jesus asks a lot of us, but He doesn’t expect us to do it all on our own. In … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Reading the Bible Anew
We love the Bible and don’t make excuses for that. We believe in the life-transforming truth of God’s word. We believe the stories told in the Bible are both real and meaningful. We read, study, teach, preach, pray, memorize and obey scripture, because we have found it beautiful, powerful and inspiring. This fall we will put new action and commitment … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Remember Who Lives Inside Us
For almost 30 years, I have carried my grandfather’s obituary folded up in my wallet. He was a remark-able man, and that little slip of paper, tucked behind my driver’s license, reminds me of him and how his life impacted mine. I haven’t read the obituary in years, but I know it’s there. Maybe it’s time to read it again. … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Outreach Prayer
Who do you know who doesn’t know Jesus? Are you praying for them? Have you ever asked if you could pray with them? Jesus said that He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). By God’s grace, we used to be lost but now have been found by the one and only Savior. That’s good news for you … Read More
Pastor Mike’s Blog: Many Hands and Many Feet
No one can do it all, and in the church, no one person can handle every issue and need that arises. We depend on lots of willing and able hands to accomplish all the many tasks required for our ministries. From small jobs to large, from up-front ministries to behind the scenes efforts, from administrative chores to spiritual undertakings, keeping … Read More