“Today, in the wake of another election cycle, let us remember that we worship God who meets us where we are in this moment in time. Let’s acknowledge whatever emotions we’re feeling—whether gratitude, grief, hope, or fear—but let’s also root ourselves in the knowledge that God is faithful. Just as God was with those who came before us, God is here with us, calling us to live out our baptismal vows, to resist evil, injustice, and oppression wherever they appear.”
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I’m with the DJ | We can’t go alone (Copy)
“Today, in the wake of another election cycle, let us remember that we worship God who meets us where we are in this moment in time. Let’s acknowledge whatever emotions we’re feeling—whether gratitude, grief, hope, or fear—but let’s also root ourselves in the knowledge that God is faithful. Just as God was with those who came before us, God is here with us, calling us to live out our baptismal vows, to resist evil, injustice, and oppression wherever they appear.”
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I’m with the DJ | We can’t go alone
“Today, in the wake of another election cycle, let us remember that we worship God who meets us where we are in this moment in time. Let’s acknowledge whatever emotions we’re feeling—whether gratitude, grief, hope, or fear—but let’s also root ourselves in the knowledge that God is faithful. Just as God was with those who came before us, God is here with us, calling us to live out our baptismal vows, to resist evil, injustice, and oppression wherever they appear.”
Read MoreI’m with the DJ | You are a blessing
“Today, in the wake of another election cycle, let us remember that we worship God who meets us where we are in this moment in time. Let’s acknowledge whatever emotions we’re feeling—whether gratitude, grief, hope, or fear—but let’s also root ourselves in the knowledge that God is faithful. Just as God was with those who came before us, God is here with us, calling us to live out our baptismal vows, to resist evil, injustice, and oppression wherever they appear.”
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I’m with the DJ with some gratitude
“Today, in the wake of another election cycle, let us remember that we worship God who meets us where we are in this moment in time. Let’s acknowledge whatever emotions we’re feeling—whether gratitude, grief, hope, or fear—but let’s also root ourselves in the knowledge that God is faithful. Just as God was with those who came before us, God is here with us, calling us to live out our baptismal vows, to resist evil, injustice, and oppression wherever they appear.”
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I’m with the DJ and my neighbor
“Today, in the wake of another election cycle, let us remember that we worship God who meets us where we are in this moment in time. Let’s acknowledge whatever emotions we’re feeling—whether gratitude, grief, hope, or fear—but let’s also root ourselves in the knowledge that God is faithful. Just as God was with those who came before us, God is here with us, calling us to live out our baptismal vows, to resist evil, injustice, and oppression wherever they appear.”
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I’m with the DJ
Weekly Message: Living Together on Uncommon Ground: Respect
As we journey through our worship series Do Unto Others, we’re diving deeply into how we can be people of kindness, respect, and compassion—even in a world that seems to pull us apart. This week, we continue with a focus on “Respect,” a foundation for living together on the uncommon ground of God’s grace.
Each time we gather to study scripture, we explore how our spiritual ancestors navigated the challenges of division in their own times. Together, we discover how their experiences can guide us today, teaching us to interact through the lens of respect. Our scripture for this Sunday, 1 Corinthians 12:1-26, reminds us of our deep interdependence. Paul’s words show us that humanity was made to help and rely on one another, with each of us playing a vital role in God’s creation. When we recognize this connection, we see our relationships and responsibilities differently, as part of God’s ongoing work in the world.
Will we choose to respect our dependence on one another, honoring the unique ways each person reflects the Body of Christ? This week’s message is an invitation to consider how we can do that together.
This Sunday, we will also gather around the table to celebrate Communion, reminded of the grace and unity we share in Christ. Let this be a moment of reconnection with God and with one another.
And as we look forward to 2025, please remember to turn in your generosity cards. Your generosity makes everything we do together possible, supporting the ministries that help us to be a beacon of love, hope, and respect in our community.
Also, don’t forget to join us this Saturday for our Annual Holiday Fair at church!
Whether you join us in person or online, we look forward to worshiping with you this weekend.
In grace and peace,
Pastor DJ
I’m with the DJ
Sometimes, even when it’s hard to believe, we are called to hold onto the Gospel’s good news as truth. Together, we work to share this deeply good news with all people by approaching our interactions through the lens of humility. This weekends Scripture passage from Ephesians 4:1-6 invites us to engage with “all humility, gentleness, and patience.” What we put into the world actively shapes and participates in God’s ongoing creation. Notice that the scripture doesn’t say unity means we all have to agree; instead, it calls us to nurture the qualities that allow us to live in unity, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Can we start to trust that this kind of unity is truly possible?
Join us this weekend as we continue our worship series “Do Unto Others”.
Here’s a video introduction to give you a sense of the worship series.
Don’t forget that our annual trick or treating event is this Saturday evening from 6-8pm at the church!
Save the Date: All Church Conference
Join us for our All Church Conference with District Superintendent, scheduled for October 23rd at 7:15 PM. This important gathering is a key moment for our church community to come together, reflect on our past year, and plan for the future. We’ll discuss important matters and set our goals for the coming year. Your presence and participation are welcomed as we continue to grow and serve together. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details!
In grace and peace,
Pastor DJ
I’m with the DJ
I am excited to introduce our new sermon series, a vision inspired by Dr. Marcia McFee, Creator and Visionary of the Worship Design Studio, and Reverend Adam Hamilton from The Church of the Resurrection. In a time when our world feels increasingly divided—often symbolized by the colors red and blue—our hope is to create a ‘purple space’ where kindness, compassion, and love flourish beyond our differences.
In our society, it’s easy to retreat into silos, to surround ourselves with those who think, vote, and believe like we do. Yet, as people of faith, we are called to something more profound. The Golden Rule invites us to engage in honest, compassionate conversations with our friends, neighbors, and even those we may see as political or ideological opponents. Scripture challenges us to seek the common good, a vision for a better world that includes all of God’s children.
Our goal isn’t to erase our differences or force anyone to change. Instead, we seek to embrace the beauty that emerges when we truly listen, work together, and allow God’s love to lead. We invite you to step into this ‘purple space’ with us—a place where we cultivate humility, respect, kindness, and compassion for the sake of the common good.
Here’s a video introduction to give you a sense of the worship series.
This Sunday, we will begin our journey with a reading from Luke 6:32-36:
“Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive payment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for [God] is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your [Abba, God,] is merciful.”Sunday, October 13th, we’re hosting a Blessing of the Animals right after the service, out in the courtyard. It’s always such a joy to gather with our beloved pets and honor the sacred bond we share with them. Whether you bring your pets or a picture of them—whatever feels right for you—we will celebrate their presence in our lives with a special blessing.
I hope you’ll join us as we reflect on these words and seek to embody them in our lives. Together, let’s discover the beauty and possibility that God offers when we step beyond division and work toward unity, love, and mercy.
This Sunday, on October 13th, we’re hosting a Blessing of the Animals right after the service, out in the courtyard. It’s always such a joy to gather with our beloved pets and honor the sacred bond we share with them. Whether you bring your pets or a picture of them—whatever feels right for you—we will celebrate their presence in our lives with a special blessing.
Also, during our service, we’ll be presenting Bibles to our elementary-age children. This is such a meaningful milestone for our young ones as they begin to explore God’s Word for themselves. If your child hasn’t yet received a Bible, please reach out to the church office as soon as possible so we can be sure to include them.
Save the Date: Annual Charge Conference
Join us for our Annual Charge Conference with District Superintendent, scheduled for October 23rd at 7:15 PM. This important gathering is a key moment for our church community to come together, reflect on our past year, and plan for the future. We’ll discuss important matters and set our goals for the coming year. Your presence and participation are welcomed as we continue to grow and serve together. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details!
In grace and peace,
Pastor DJ
I’m with the DJ
A Special Sunday Coming Up!
Dear Church Family,
I’m excited to share some wonderful things happening in the life of our church, and I don’t want you to miss any of it!
First, on Sunday, October 13th, we’re hosting a Blessing of the Animals right after the service, out in the courtyard. It’s always such a joy to gather with our beloved pets and honor the sacred bond we share with them. Whether you bring your pets or a picture of them—whatever feels right for you—we will celebrate their presence in our lives with a special blessing.
Also, during our service, we’ll be presenting Bibles to our elementary-age children. This is such a meaningful milestone for our young ones as they begin to explore God’s Word for themselves. If your child hasn’t yet received a Bible, please reach out to the church office as soon as possible so we can be sure to include them.
This Sunday, we’ll also be concluding our worship series, "First Fruits and Fig Trees.” It’s been a journey of exploring God’s provision and purpose, and I hope you’ve been encouraged by these messages.
And a heads up—on the first Sunday in October, we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Communion together. It’s always a powerful moment of grace and connection as we come to the table.
Finally, I want to extend a special thank you to everyone who prayed for and volunteered at our last Abundant Grace Free Market event. Your support made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many in our community. If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s a video recap of the day: [YouTube Video].
And don’t forget—this Sunday we’ll be sharing a big announcement during the service! I can’t wait to see the joy this news will bring to our community. You won’t want to miss it.
I’m looking forward to all the good things God is doing in and through our church, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with each of you.
With hope and joy,
Pastor DJ
Save the Date: Annual Charge Conference
Join us for our Annual Charge Conference with District Superintendent, scheduled for October 23rd at 7:15 PM. This important gathering is a key moment for our church community to come together, reflect on our past year, and plan for the future. We’ll discuss important matters and set our goals for the coming year. Your presence and participation are welcomed as we continue to grow and serve together. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details!
In grace and peace,
Pastor DJ
I’m with the DJ
New Devotional Available for Our Worship Series: Fig Trees and First Fruits
Dear Church Family,
This Sunday, we will explore Matthew 21:18-22; 24.32-35 and Joel 2:21-24. As a reminder, in our current worship series, “Fig Trees and First Fruits”, we have a devotional available to help guide you through this season. The devotion is designed to deepen your connection to scripture and our shared faith. You can request a printed copy or digital version—simply let us know your preference, and we’ll be happy to provide it.
This Saturday!
Finally, mark your calendars for our next Abundant Grace Free Market on September 21st. It’s a beautiful opportunity to bless our community with essential items and embody the generosity of Christ.
Save the Date: Annual Charge Conference
Join us for our Annual Charge Conference with District Superintendent, scheduled for October 23rd at 7:15 PM. This important gathering is a key moment for our church community to come together, reflect on our past year, and plan for the future. We’ll discuss important matters and set our goals for the coming year. Your presence and participation are welcomed as we continue to grow and serve together. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details!
In grace and peace,
Pastor DJ