11/23 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

Sermon Recap

Pastor Sara talked about two passages of Jesus’ teachings about money. The first parable about the storehouses us invites us to consider the ways that we prioritize our own comfort and security by storing up our resources rather than the Kingdom. The second passage shows Jesus’ compassion for our real fear and anxiety around money and invites us to trust God by investing our “treasure” where we want our heart to be. 

Reflection Questions:

When you think about mon...

11/16 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

Sermon Recap

Pastor Shelvis Smith-Mathers talked about the gospel to the Romans and how the gospel calls us to “Think Different. Act Different. Be Different.”In particular, he talked about how the gospel of reconciliation has been demonstrated in South Sudan in the midst of war and conflict. When we think about the gospel as good news around the globe, Rev. Smith-Mathers encouraged us to live out our faith in ways that are different from the world around us - ways that seek...

11/9 Sermon Discussion and Reflection Questions

Sermon Recap

Pastor Suzanne reminded us that the gospel really is “Good News,” but it’s not easy. She talked the 72 disciples being sent out by Jesus as “lambs among wolves.” They were to go with vulnerability. She reminded us that they were told not to protect themselves or take a lot with them, but instead they were to:Eat what was put in front of them andNot move from house to houseShe reminded us that as we go to live out and speak of the good news, that we go, not at s...

11/2 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

Sermon Recap

Pastor Suzanne talked about some of the farming parables in Mark to remind us that the kingdom of God is unpredictable, wild, and slow growing. We are not responsible for making the kingdom grow. We are not responsible for the results of the seeds that we plant. Our job is simply to sow faithfully, generously trusting that some of the seeds will take root. 

Reflection Questions:

What about the farming analogy is frustrating for you?What about the farming analogy ...

10/19 Sermon Recap and Action Steps

Sermon Recap

This Sunday we heard from Boaz Nkingi, the founder and president of ICOACH, a ministry that empowers and equips Congolese refugees in Iowa. We also heard from Andrea Cook, the executive director of Johnston Partnership, which is a ministry that works to provide needed resources and services to our community. 

...

10/19 Sermon Recap and Action Steps

Sermon Recap

Sara reminded us that as we work to embody and speak about the good news with others, it’s important to remember that we don’t have all the answers, and that it is important to listen well first before speaking. She reminded us of places in the Bible where others either spoke without listening or modeled listening well and longer. Job’s friends didn’t listen well and offered their “right” answers that ended up being wrong. Paul listened and learned about the cu...

10/12 Sermon Discussion and Reflection Questions

Sermon Recap

Suzanne reminded us that people are first and foremost God’s treasures. However, we are often tempted to see people as Problems to be solvedCommodities to be usedEnemies to be defeatedShe encouraged us to consider which of those lenses we are most tempted to view people through and invite God to show us again how to view people as his treasures. She handed out “gold” coins to help us remember God’s joy at each one of his treasured people.

Reflection Questions:

Wh...

10/5 Sermon Discussion and Reflection Questions

...

9/28 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

Sermon Recap:

In this week's sermon, Pastor Suzanne cautioned against becoming a "pusher" for Jesus because God isn't a product, Jesus didn't model that kind of interaction with people and ultimately, it can end up pushing people away from God.She suggested instead that we can trust that God is always at work and our job is to slow down, look for where God is at work and people are open, then respond.  (Jesus modeled this in John 5:16-20)Being confident that God is at work ...

9/21 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

...

9/14 Sermon Recap & Action Steps

Sermon Recap:

Pastor Sara invited us to consider what “bridge” God might be inviting us to build in this next season (to God, to yourself, or to others). She talked about the invitation in scripture to be planted next to a stream of living water so that as we live our lives, we are deeply connected to the source of Life. She then talked about some opportunities at the church to work on specific “bridges.” You can learn more about those in the booklet below. 

Action Steps:

Spe...

9/7 Sermon Discussion and Reflection Questions

  Listen to the Panel

Reflect on Romans:

Spend some time this week journaling or talking about the questions that the panel participants were asked. 

What has stood out to you the most through this sermon series?

We have talked a lot about working towards peace and unity even with Christians we disagree with. What is hardest about that for you personally?

What is one practical way you are working to cultivate peace in a community that you're in (family, work, church, friend g...

8/31 Sermon Recap

8/31 Sermon Recap:

Pastor Sara talked about the call to humility in Romans 12 and invited us to practice statements that help us remain humble.

Practice These Humility Statements:

  You Tube Song

I will never not share this song when we are talking about humility.

...

8/24 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

8/24 Sermon Recap:

Pastor Suzanne talked about how God’s love is:His rugged commitment to be with usTo be for usTo transform us into the likeness of JesusShe talked about how Paul knew that more than information about God’s love, we need assurance. That God is with us and for us.She reminded us that that love is meant to be so complete, so absent of condemnation, that is causes us to love others in a similar way. 

Reflection Questions:

What is a time when you have felt deepl...

8/17 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

8/17 Sermon Recap:

Pastor Suzanne talked how knowing what to look for and hope for helps us remain steady throughout our journey. In particular, she talks about how “glory” is our destination. Glory is when we are at peace with God, at peace with ourselves, at peace with others, and at peace with creation. In the meantime, however, we will experience “groaning” like the groans of labor pains. Looking for signposts of glory helps us through the journey as we groan and partne...