Essentials

Jesus Changes Us: Reformation Sunday

October 30, 2022 • Pastor Jim Mericle • Psalm 62:1–7, Luke 19:1–10

Today is the last of our Essentials series and we focus on how encountering Jesus in our life and having faith in him can change us for the better. It is also Reformation Sunday when we remember how Martin Luther's encounter with Jesus through the scriptures changed him and a whole society as his ideas help to reconnect us in a direct relationship with God through prayer, reading of the scripture, music, and learning. Finally, we celebrate the Confirmation or affirmation or faith of Garrett Birtja.

Is it More Important to be right than understanding?

October 23, 2022 • Pastor Jim Mericle • Luke 18:9–14

Today we hear the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. One did everything right and followed the rules; the other took advantage of the rules and people. And yet the latter was justified before God because he knew he needed God's mercy and forgiveness in his life and the other did not. We always need to remember God's love is big enough for both and that need to recognize we are totally dependent on God's mercy.

Scout Sunday - The Value of Perseverence

October 16, 2022 • Pastor Jim Mericle • Psalm 121, Luke 18:1–8

This Sunday we explore the value of persevering for justice in life and in our prayers and the importance of trusting God to prevail. We will also be honoring our Scouting groups that our congregation sponsors and the values like perserverence instilled through scouting.

The Attitude of Gratitude

October 9, 2022 • Pastor Jim Mericle • Luke 17:11–19, Psalm 111

In today's gospel Jesus heals 10 lepers but only the one from another land takes the time to praise God and tell Jesus thank you! So often we take good things for granted! Today we are reminded of the power of gratitude!

Faith and Service / Blessing of the Animals

October 2, 2022 • Pastor Jim Mericle • Luke 17:3–10, Habakkuk 1:1–4, Habakkuk 2:1–4

We continue our Essentials series with a focus on Faith and Service and as we share Holy Communion and a Blessing of the Animals

Costly Discipleship

September 4, 2022 • Pastor Mark Winick • Luke 14:25–33, Philemon 1–21

This week is the second week of a series on Essentials and Jesus uses some strong language to remind us that God comes first and that following him is not an easy thing to do - it can be costly. So when you chose Christ, choose with your eyes wide open.

Lost and Found

September 11, 2022 • Pastor Jim Mericle • Luke 15:1–10, Psalm 51:1–12

Have you ever felt lost in life? Today's parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin drive home how significant you are to God and that God is seeking you and heaven rejoices when of us discovers or rediscovers our relationship with God

Whom Do You Serve?

September 18, 2022 • Pastor Jim Mericle • Luke 16:1–13, Psalm 113

What do you most value?

September 25, 2022 • Dr. Rich Melheim • Luke 16:19–31, Amos 6:1, Amos 6:4–7

This week we will be hearing from Pastor Rich Melheim as he shares about what is really most in our lives and how we can better make God, family and relationships the priority we want them to be.

Essentials: Guest Relations

August 28, 2022 • Pastor Jim Mericle • Luke 14:7–14, Psalm 112

Today is Rally Day and we begin a new series, Essentials. We focus on essential teachings of Jesus and what they mean for us in our daily life and how they can make life more meaningful! Today we focus on being humble, generous, and grateful.