December 22, 2024 • Rev. David Petty, Sanctuary Choir • Romans 13:8–11
Bethlehem was called “little” by the prophet Micah who recognized that something of great worth would come from a humble place. As a champion of the “least of these,” Jesus’ ministry would shine light on the worth of humble people and places. Let us ask, how will we show this kind of humble love to others?
Blue Christmas
December 18, 2024 • Pastor Donnie Sturgill, CLM Twinkle Gordon
We all know that our Christmas experience isn’t always the joyful time of year our culture, both religious and societal, expects us to have. Sometimes, the loss of someone we love saps the joy out of the season. Other times, life just isn’t going as well as we would like. Join us for our Blue Christmas service on December 18 at 6 p.m. This service is a time when we are given “permission” to acknowledge our sorrow in a time when we are often expected to feel joy. This service is intended to help make a space for both grief and joy during this Christmas season. The service will be in the sanctuary and on Zoom.
Nazareth: A Place of Simplicity
December 15, 2024 • Rev. David Petty, Jubilee Bells, Sanctuary Choir • Romans 1:26–32
Mary’s joy was not limited by the improbability that such a thing could happen in Nazareth. In this simple, tight-knit community of limited resources–a place where survival required interdependence with your neighbors–Jesus would be raised and grow into the teacher he became. This week, we wonder: what joy can we glean from the simplest of moments, the simplest of gifts, allowing ourselves to savor this season, pregnant with possibilities?
Rome: A Place of Longing
December 1, 2024 • Rev. David Petty, CLM Twinkle Gordon, Nathan Nors • Romans 8:18–25
Our lives and stories are often shaped by that which is out of our immediate control. This was true in the moment of the Roman decree that would turn into the story of hope for the world. On this first week of Advent, we ask ourselves whether we are placing our hope in the empires of the world, or in the liberating through-line of God’s presence. What are we longing for this Advent, and how does it call us to act with hope?
