Try and Buy
Pastor Doug Dent
Each of us must accept Jesus’ invitation to “take a look.” It cannot hurt. Take some time to think about what Jesus is inviting us to do or to be. Perhaps we are long-time followers of Jesus, but we have never really considered what, specifically, Jesus invites us to do. Perhaps we are newer to […]
Vox Dei
Pastor Doug Dent
As Jesus left his disciples behind, he told them he had much more to say to them. But he left that speaking to the work of the Spirit (John 16). God still wants us to hear from God today: through the Scriptures and through God’s internal leading voice. Just like the words of a dear […]
The Party of Life
Pastor Doug Dent
Today our congregation celebrates the first communion of this new year. We gather, virtually, at the table where Christ is the host. We partake of the tiniest portion of bread and wine whose taste is perfectly ordinary. It is hardly a meal to rival the groaning boards of so many Christmas feasts. But that is […]
The Gore-Tex of Righteousness
Pastor Doug Dent
Freewill means that since we have a choice in the matter of our destiny, not to choose is to choose. This is a fact we would probably eliminate from our religion if we could. We do not like being backed into a corner where we have to say “yes” or “no.” Faith would be so […]
The savior Reveal
Pastor Doug Dent
The true reveal of Christmas is twofold: Jesus is revealed as the world’s true Savior and Lord, and it is also revealed that we can be reborn to live into the purpose and vocation for which God created us. As John puts it, when we receive Christ and believe in his name, we are given […]
Joy on Display
Pastor Doug Dent
Today, we are reminded that the birth of Jesus brings joy! Deep, long-lasting joy. A joy that cannot be extinguished by anything that happens in this world. No pandemic or economic crisis or social upheaval can rob us of the joy Jesus brings. I hope you find that kind of joy this season and that […]
Dream the World Better
Pastor Doug Dent
When the birth of Jesus is celebrated this Christmas, remember the words of Isaiah: “Here is your God!” Jesus joins Isaiah in bringing you back from exile, wherever you may be wandering. Jesus does the work of restoration by forgiving you and giving you a new life. He makes the rough places smooth and the […]
Please, Come Visit!
Pastor Doug Dent
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. We are preparing for God to visit once again. We know there is going to be a reopening. “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel which means, ‘God is with us’” (Matthew 1:23). We know that God did, indeed, tear […]
Recognizing Jesus
Pastor Doug Dent
When we serve children, guests, and the poor, we are really serving Jesus. When we welcome strangers, feed the hungry and care for the sick, we are really helping Jesus. The good news for today is that vulnerable people give us a chance to identify Jesus, alive and well in the world today. We can […]
Servant Eyes
Pastor Doug Dent
Our congregation’s plan for 2021 is Preach, Teach, and Reach. We will preach Christ crucified and raised for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of new and better life now and in the future. We will teach the Word of God, which says that all God’s people are equally precious. We will reach out […]
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