In our series "In Unseen Spaces" series, we are exploring how God meets people in unseen, quiet places to do deep, formative work. Following Jesus’ wilderness experience and Moses’ time in the desert, we now look at the prophet Elijah, whose story unfolds in a tense period of Israel’s history. Facing the corrupt rule of Ahab and Jezebel, Elijah tirelessly contends for justice and faithfulness. After a powerful showdown against the prophets of Baal, Elijah finds himself fleeing for his life, exhausted and despairing. Here, God meets him with tenderness, not rebuke, tending to his immediate needs and inviting him to listen. In a moment of intimacy, God whispers instead of wielding force, showing that rest and nearness can heal where power cannot. This journey teaches us that times of exhaustion and anxiety often call for rest, not action, as God uses unseen spaces to draw us close, helping us return to our lives whole and renewed.

In this teaching, we explore the often-overlooked years Moses spent in the wilderness, away from his dramatic encounters with Pharaoh and the Exodus. These forty years, filled with the quiet work of shepherding, were crucial as God transformed Moses, helping him shed Egypt’s influence and learn patience. In these unseen spaces, Moses found that true faithfulness is less about dramatic moments and more about showing up in the everyday, letting God work in the quiet. Join us as we consider how God forms us in similar ways today.

In our new series "In Unseen Spaces," we explore moments where life unexpectedly slows down, leading us into hidden, quieter places—just as it did for biblical figures like Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. Beginning with Jesus' time in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), we delve into the tests of identity, anxiety, and control he faced, revealing a deeper purpose behind these trials. These unseen spaces, though challenging, offer us the opportunity to be formed by God's love in ways that prepare us for what comes next. Join us as we discover how Jesus invites us to walk through the wilderness at the unhurried pace of love.

Guest Speaker Christie Penner Worden shares on hope, faith, and wonder from her new book The Me I was Made to Be.

Humans are created in the imago dei, which is not simply a state of being, but a vocation. Being an image-bearer is a calling to create and cultivate in ways that resemble God and benefit others. We participate in making real Jesus’s kingdom when our everyday actions are inspired by a kingdom's imagination. When we create families, art, ministries, and safe workplaces that reflect Jesus and his kingdom, we are joining with God in extending the kingdom on earth.

In our current series, we’ve been talking about our practices as a church: gathering, welcoming, and inviting. Today, we focus on the practice of exploring – paying attention to where God is already at work around us, remaining curious and open to surprise. Paul’s journey teaches us that when we slow down, embrace uncertainty, and stay curious, God can lead us to new and beautiful encounters, just like His surprising meeting with Lydia by the river. We’re invited to trust, pay attention, and take risks, following God wherever He leads.

In this teaching of The Missio Dei series, we explore the ancient and essential practices of welcoming and inviting, rooted in biblical hospitality. Jesus modeled a radical hospitality that crossed boundaries, inviting the unexpected into His presence. Drawing from stories in Luke 4 and Matthew 25, we see that in welcoming others, we are not just offering kindness but encountering Christ Himself. As we reflect on what it means to create space for people who think, live, and believe differently, we are reminded that God invites us all to the table—and in doing so, we become both the welcomed and the welcomers.

In this teaching of the Missio Dei series, we explore the practice of gathering as a central act of faith. Building on last week’s message from Jordan Moss, we dive into how gathering tells a story of who we are, where we come from, and what God is doing in our midst. Whether around a table or in worship, gathering allows us to celebrate, remember, and proclaim God’s work. It's where we practice belonging, experience the presence of Jesus, and are shaped for mission in the world. Join us as we reflect on the deeper significance of gathering in our journey of faith.