Lent begins Sunday, February 14. Lent is the traditional 40-day Christian season of prayer, fasting, and repentance prior to Easter. As Jesus entered into the desert at the beginning of his ministry for 40 days, so we withdraw intentionally, confess our sins, and experience God’s amazing grace and forgiveness. We begin our season together with […]
Read More »On Sunday, we called Suzette Mason as our new Minister of Children. I’m so excited that Suzette is joining our staff. She begins her journey with us in March. Pray for Suzette as she moves from Raleigh, North Carolina; and welcome her when she arrives. This week is a powerful time in the life of […]
Read More »As I shared Sunday, I will be meeting this week with the Northern Baptist Seminary community. This historic institution is located outside of Chicago. The main campus is in Lombard, and an extension campus is located Lawndale. Northern has been training ministers to serve the local church for over 100 years. The seminary is supported […]
Read More »Praise the Lord for his abundant blessings in 2015. After I wrote to you in November, you as a church family stepped up your financial support to the budget and Thanksgiving offering. Our staff reduced spending, and we were able to finish last year in great financial shape. Let me share a few details with […]
Read More »In Luke 8:20, Jesus’ biological family interrupted his teaching. “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” Jesus replied by describing a strong Christian home: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” On February 5-7, for our annual Connections Weekend, our church will […]
Read More »The book of Exodus offers one of the earliest records of unsolicited advice from in-laws. Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, told Moses that he needed help. It would not be the last time a spouse’s parents chimed in with suggestions. Jethro recognized that godly Leadership as a solo person should actually be spelled godly WEadership. Just as […]
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This week, the epic journey of Star Wars returns. I’m sure that I’ll climb aboard the Millenium Falcon and enjoy the ride at some point. Our world looks to heroic tales of adventure between the Force of light and dark to help them imaginatively deal with reality today. We don’t have to argue with those […]
Read More »Advent calls us to worship our King as he reigns from the Manger. In a world marked by terror and turmoil, we “worship Christ, the newborn King,” and welcome neighbors into our church for Winter Festival. We ring the bells of Christmas and baptize new believers into the body of Christ. This past weekend was […]
Read More »Advent announces God’s mission to the world. He sent his Son from his heavenly home to reign from a manger. Just as God sent Jesus, so we have the chance to participate in this mission throughout the month by hearing, giving, and sharing the good news. Several people among our church body and connected to […]
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Advent prepares us for Jesus’ return by inviting us to come to the manger. He reigns from a throne normally designed as a feeding trough for sheep. Our Good Shepherd comes as a humble servant delivered into this world by a poor family from Nazareth. They leave the security of their house to follow God’s […]
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