This theme of Home for Christmas is multi-faceted. We remember that Jesus was born away from home, among the animals because there wasn’t a room ready for his family. We remember many individuals who are not home this year, whether because they are living outside, because it is not safe for them to be at their homes, because they are deployed overseas, because their country is ruled by a new regime that confiscated their home, or a whole other host of reasons. And yet, the God who chooses to dwell with humankind meets us all where we are.  God is with us...and all of creation, regardless of circumstance or location. And it turns out, THAT miracle of God’s presence is perhaps the most important element of finding home.  Resting in God’s love creates “home,” whether in chaotic, messy living rooms, or church sanctuaries, or the car, or a hotel room - we can find our home with God. Let us all come home for Christmas!

Fall is a time for reflection and thanksgiving, so it is fitting in our church life that this is also our Stewardship season. We will explore how our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness enable us to draw closer to God and His heart which is our home. 

Welcome Home! As we launch a new ministry year, we consider what it means to be home, find our spiritual home, and invite others to belong!

In this last month of tent worship, we will consider the practice of holy wandering.  We will read the stories of Exodus and the ways people who were on the move were able to connect with God in ways that would last from generation to generation.  We will consider the lessons we can glean from our own situation of being on the move, setting up, taking down, being flexible in times of rain, etc.

Join us as we look a the magic of Disney - when we suspend our disbelief while we watch movies...the suspension of disbelief can feel a lot like faith.  The quieting of the cynicism and listening to possibilities allows our minds to go new places...whole new worlds! In Peter Pan, the children learn that a little bit of faith, trust, and Pixie Dust can allow them to fly, and in the next few weeks, we will consider what Faith, Trust, and God’s love can do to open our minds and hearts to understand what God is doing in our lives and in the world around us!

If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.

Jesus’ resurrection changes things. It began the movement that became the Christian Church. It transformed the disciples into bold preachers and evangelists. And, it should change us too. Jesus rose from the dead, no matter the methods used to snuff out the Light he shone on the world.  As his followers, we are filled with the Holy Spirit to in-spire (literally breathe into us) our living. We pray that the Spirit would meld us together as Christ’s body alive in the world today! That is a BOLD prayer!  Christ is risen! And we rise as well, here and now! 

What Do You Say That I Am?

The season of Lent, which is 40 days plus Sundays before Easter, is traditionally a time of preparing our hearts to receive the ultimate gift of new life received on Easter morning. Forty is an important number, and appears in the Bible many times. The flood of Noah lasted for 40 days. Moses was in the desert 40 years before God spoke to him from the burning bush. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by Satan.

Choosing to join the Open and Affirming movement means engaging a process and taking the time needed to hold Bible Studies, have small group conversations, and consider how a statement of welcome would change our church.  Being patient with one another, listening carefully, and striving to be loving in all things are just as important as making any official statement.

​

CLICK HERE to view the ONA Devotional.