Better Together July 26, 2026

Pastor Kent Landhuis,

THEME - We love one another in practical everyday ways.

TEXT - John 15:12-13

1. Community is not an idea but a way of life.

a. 1 Corinthians 12:21-31

b. Acts 2:5, 7-9

c. Revelation 7:9-10

2. This way of life creates a better world for everyone.

a. John 15:5, 12-13

b. “Individualism leads to the degradation and destruction of people.” (The Social Fabric Project)

3. This better world comes by loving in practical ways.

a. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

NEXT STEPS:

Expand your flock.

JOURNAL PROMPT

Who in our community (Which body part?) are you most likely to exclude from your flock? How can you love them in a practical way?

Christian Community and Conflict Date: July 12th, 2026

Pastor Steve Poole

Key Scripture: Galatians 2:11-16

Where there is community, there will be conflict

Christian conflict #1: Go directly to the person you have the conflict

Gal. 2:11 & Matt. 18:15

Christian Conflict #2: Be humble, respectful and loving

Christian Conflict #3: Discern the level of offense and level of relationship

NEXT STEPS

Next Steps:

Join the community of Christ through faith in Jesus

Practice the 3 principles of Christian conflict this week

If you need help with conflict, invite in a friend, pastor or counselor.

Loving as God’s Citizens July 5, 2026

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - We make the world a better place for everyone by loving our neighbors.

TEXT - Luke 10:25-37

Is there a better way?

What if we used fewer words?

What if we showed more mercy?

NEXT STEPS

Fast from the news.

Plunge into the Gospel.

Love someone.

What are you running from? June 28, 2026

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - We need one another to find freedom from shame.

TEXT - Mark 5:24-34

Ashamed and on the run.

Facing shame to find healing.

NEXT STEPS

Start small and slow.

Don’t quit.

Together is Better June 21, 2026

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - We seek out Spirit-led connections of deeper belonging.

TEXT - Acts 2:37-47

1. Embrace deeper belonging.

• Resist isolation, alienation, and division.

• Find a family.

2. Pursue deeper connection.

• See and be seen.

• Know and be known.

• Love and be loved.

3. Risk deeper relationships.

• A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35

• To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. CS Lewis

NEXT STEPS

Journal: What keeps me from going deeper in community?

Pray: God, where do you want me to go deeper?

Over the Top Generosity Every Day June 14, 2026

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - When we abide in Jesus, we become like Jesus who was rich, yet for our sake became poor, so that we, through his poverty, might become rich.

TEXT - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Give generously as a response to blessing.

2 Corinthians 8:7-8

Luke 6:38

Give generously because God gave generously.

2 Corinthians 8:9

1 John 4:9

Romans 8:32

Give generously with joyous anticipation.

2 Corinthians 8:11-12

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Luke 21:1-4

NEXT STEPS

Pray about giving.

Give something.

Celebrate giving.

Practicing Generosity: The Principle of Sowing and Reaping Date: June 7, 2026

Pastor Steve Poole

Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-12

1. Giving generously is sowing not losing

“So let me urge you to be a bit more reckless in your giving, and to have a good laugh about it as you give.” (Gary Millar)

2. We generously sow our time, talents, and treasures

3. Sow generously to harvest an enriched and eternal life

4. God provides both the seed for sowing and the harvest

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Cor. 9:10

NEXT STEPS

1.Enter into God’s generous forgiveness and resurrection life through faith in Jesus.

2.Analyze how you are currently sowing your time, talents and treasures and pray for wisdom about how to invest them well.

3.Reflect on how you are reaping God’s blessing for faithfully sowing your time, talents and treasure.

JOURNAL PROMPT

How are you currently sowing your time, treasures and talents? How is God calling you to sow them more generously?

How have you been enriched by generously sowing time, talent and treasures in others?