This week as we commemorate the Reformation we explore one of its core concepts "We are saved by grace through faith." We are not saved by the good works we do, we aren't trying to win our salvation, that prize has already been won by Christ. When the prize is already won we can turn our attention to our neighbors needs and using our good works to support them and help them find belonging.
17 Oct 2026
"Burden" -- Sermon from October 17, 2026
In today’s society we understand weary. Our calendars are packed and yet we feel pressure to add one more project, one more appointment, one more task, one more burden. When Jesus says “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” We wonder how that can be true. Jesus goes on to invite us to live by his example with a gentleness and humility that removes the burden of one more thing. We don’t have to accomplish any task to find the rest Jesus promises us even as we are in all our weariness. When we can release our burdens we begin to notice others who are struggling and by noticing them, caring for them, and assisting them we build a community where belonging is found.
10 Oct 2026
"Noticed" -- Sermon from October 10, 2026
The widow in our Focus Text this week gives her last two copper coins. A model of generosity, right? Pastor Chad invites us to hear the familiar story differently. Jesus invites the disciples to notice the widow as someone who we are called to care for not as a role model of sacrifice. We tend to notice the people whose large donations, get their names on stadiums, dorms, and even churches. We hope to get noticed by them so we can access the power and privilege they have. Jesus notices us not because of any of our wealth, power, or privilege but because we are beloved children of God just as we are. When we start to notice others the way Jesus does we can offer others the kind of belonging we found in our faith community.
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