Text: Matthew 1:18-25

Series: Are You Ready?

Texts: Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 1:46b-55

Series: Are You Ready?

What happens when we set aside our fear and suspicion of those who are different or think differently than us? We become ready to receive Jesus' presence anew. In this sermon Pastor Matt introduces the third theme of Advent that makes us ready to receive him as king: 1) being people of peace 2) humility 3) showing mercy.

Texts: Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 3:1-12

Series: Are You Ready?

Sometimes there are circumstances in our lives that feel like a stump - where new growth feels impossible, where our future feels like it has been chopped off. It is here that God speaks a new word: growth is possible. New life is possible. In fact, it's happening even before we can see it. It won't simply be a recovery of what has gone before, but God does cause new shoots to spring out of old stumps.

Text: Luke 2:1-20

Series: Advent Conversations

In this first-of-its-kind episode, Pastor Matt is joined by Tinh Brodhagen and Becky Anderson for a conversation about what it means to truly be "ready" for Christmas. Through their personal stories and fresh insights on the Christmas story, you're guaranteed to get a new perspective as you prepare your heart to receive Christ anew.

Texts: Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5

Series: Are You Ready?

What time is it? This powerful question echoes through Pastor Matt's sermon as he weaves together memories of his adolescent basketball career with the urgent message of Advent readiness. Drawing from Matthew's Gospel and Paul's letter to the Romans, Pastor Matt reframes the traditional "end times" narrative into a compelling call for present-day kingdom living. Rather than fostering fear about future events, he says these texts illuminate an invitation to spiritual alertness – much like a bench player ready to enter the game at any moment. Through the powerful metaphor of baptism, Pastor Matt explains how we "put on Christ" and embrace the disciplines of kingdom living: worshiping together, studying Scripture, nurturing faith through prayer, and actively pursuing justice and peace. He highlights the baptisms within Sunday's service as an opportunity for us all to renew our baptismal commitments, reminding us that the resurrection has already changed everything. The time for kingdom living isn't in some distant future – it's now. Just as basketball players ask "What time is it? Game time!" Pastor Matt challenges us to live intentionally as citizens of God's kingdom today, working toward Isaiah's vision of a world transformed by God's peaceful rule.

Text: Luke 23:33-43

Series: Where Your Heart Is

For the past two weeks we’ve focused on “where the heart is.” We know where Jesus’ heart is – he has given it to us fully, in his death for us on the cross. Today on the final Sunday of the church year we celebrate that the one who reigns over us does so with unflinchingly self-giving love.

Text: Luke 20:45-21:4

Series: Where Your Heart Is

With so many priorities in our lives, our loyalties often feel divided. Jesus points to a poor widow as a clear example of someone whose heart is in the right place. Like her, we are imperfect "clay jars," but we carry within us the transformative treasure of the Gospel.

Text: Luke 20:20-26

Series: Where Your Heart Is

We all have a variety of roles and responsibilities in our lives, and sometimes they can get overwhelming. But where is your heart? This week we begin a three-part series around that question. What you put your heart into will give shape to everything else. Join us for the rest of this month and accept Jesus' invitation to find peace and rest for your soul.