The idea of Sabbath was completely unheard of in the ancient world until it appeared in the Hebrew Scriptures. Once enslaved people (forced to work 7 days a week by their task masters), were miraculously freed by the LORD God in fulfillment of God’s promise to them. In establishing a new nation and a holy people, God commands that they Sabbath one day a week. A day in which they are to stop their work, rest their bodies, delight in God’s goodness, and contemplate God’s gracious love. Sabbath is a day set apart unto the LORD. A day to rest from your work. Sabbath is the high point of the Christian's week. Sabbath is a day for “human beings” to be more than just “human doings.” On the seventh day, we rest from our work so that over the next six days we may work from our rest. This Sunday, we explore how our identity in Christ Jesus (vocation), nurtured through Sabbath practice, impacts our work in the world (occupation) all for God’s glory. Colossians 3:23-24
"Work From Your Rest - Your Christian Vocation"
September 10, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Colossians 3:23, Colossians 3:24
"Seeing is Believing"
March 31, 2024 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • John 20:1–18
This Sunday marks the high point in the Christian year - the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In John’s account of the Gospel of Jesus, we are introduced to the Son of God, the Messiah - sent by God to give eternal life to all who put their trust in him. The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection are central to our faith. That Jesus rose from the dead isn’t a secondary issue for Christians to “agree to disagree.” There is no point in being a follower of Jesus if he did not die for our sins, rise from the dead, and ascend into heaven. This is plainly revealed in the ancient creeds of Christianity. What we celebrate and declare with trumpets and loud hymns of praise was originally a morning of confusion, heartache, and desperation. As the sun set on Friday afternoon, Jesus’ friends and followers felt defeated, abandoned, and betrayed. But Sunday morning revealed Christ’s triumph over sin, death, and the devil. “Believe that Jesus is the Messiah - the Son of God - and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31).
The Pursuit of Holiness
December 31, 2023 • Pastor Rocky Hovda • 1 Peter 1:13–16
"Greetings church family! Another year is upon us, which means new opportunities to seek holiness in our lives. What is Holiness? Why is it so vital in our lives as followers of Jesus? How has the world pulled us away from the Word? Let's set ourselves up for a great year by pursuing holiness -- as well as our King who was born in a manger bed." In preparation for this week's message read 1 Peter 1: 13-16
"Grateful for a Loving Heavenly Father who is Merciful" Sunday Service
November 19, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Psalm 51, Psalm 103:10
We wrap up our month of giving thanks to God by pondering God’s mercy. Over the past two weeks, we have considered God’s steadfast faithfulness and generosity. This week you will be invited into the merciful arms of our Heavenly Father through Psalm 51. As King David comes to terms with the magnitude of his sin and deception before the LORD, he likewise discovers the depth of God’s mercy. As we conclude our month of praising God for who he is, we must not neglect to recognize and appreciate that God does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities (Psalm 103:10). During the morning service, we will also be announcing the dollar amount raised through this year’s Harvest Offering. In celebration of God’s Faithfulness, Generosity, and Mercy, we will gather together after the service for banana splits and we will hear from Shalese Sands as she shares her gift of art and bears witness to God’s calling on her life.