Advent.

A season of waiting, longing.


Come, Lord.    Break through, God.    Keep your word.    

Do something.


Advent is the first season in the Christian calendar. Before Christmas, there is Advent. Less glitz and glitter, more lighting a candle in the darkness.


I think we need this season of Advent. I think we really need it this year.


This season of standing by the window, staring into the dark, wondering when the sun will rise. Waiting for the sun to rise. 

Trusting the sun will rise.


The Lord will keep His word. 
The night is nearly over, the (new) day is almost here.


We are weary, Lord.    But we dare to hope.


As your people waited for the Messiah, the first advent, your arrival, born in Bethlehem.


We wait for you to come again. To right all wrongs, 

to wipe away our tears, to make all things new.


Even now, even here...come, Lord.


Will you meet us in our weariness? 

Will you deepen our joy in your presence? 


Will you surprise us with your goodness? Come, Lord. 

  • "Long Lay the World"

    November 29, 2020


    James 5:7-11

    Rev. Dr. Ed Black


    Advent is a season of waiting. As we wait for Christ’s return, we look to the example of those who came before--those who waited for the coming of the long-expected Messiah. They show us how to wait with patient hope.



  • "A New and Glorious Morn"

    December 6, 2020


    Romans 13:11-14

    Rev. Katie Fowler


    We live in “the now and the not yet.”  Because of Jesus, a new day is dawning--but it’s still dark outside.  How do we live as people of the day even in the midst of night?

  • "To Our Weakness No Stranger"

    December 13, 2020


    Hebrews 2:14-18

    Guest Speaker Leanor Ortega-Till


    There is wonder and beauty in the story of the Incarnation. Jesus became truly human, just like you and me. No matter what we face, Jesus faced the same things--so he can help us! In all our trials, Jesus was born to be our friend.


  • "The Light of Faith"

    December 20, 2020


    Luke 1:26-45

    Pastor Chuck Fowler


    Faith is essential to life.  But what does faith look like?  Mary believes God’s message that she will be the mother of the Messiah, she finds God to be trustworthy. Mary believes the promises of God will at last be fulfilled, and she gives her “Yes” to God.

  • "The Weary World Rejoices"

    December 24, 2020


    1 John 4:7-12

    Pastor Katie Fowler


    What are you worth?  Do you truly believe, at the core of your being, that you have dignity and value?  Maybe you do, maybe you don’t.  The story of Christmas tells us that you are immensely valuable and precious.  Jesus, the Son of God, was born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago, all because of God’s love!  “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).  This Christmas Eve, may your soul feel it's worth!


  • "His Law Is Love"

    December 27, 2020


    1 John 4:12-19

    Pastor Ed Black


    “His law is love, and his gospel is peace.”  Love is the fulfillment of the law.  Jesus taught us that all the law and the prophets hang on two commands: love God and love neighbor.  How do we follow the way of this child born in a manger, Jesus our King?  We follow in the way of love. 

  • "Chains Shall He Break"

    January 3, 2021


    Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

    Guest Speaker Emmanuel Engulu


    “He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.”  Why was Jesus born?  To put our broken world back together again.  To bring healing and restoration, to break the chains of oppression, to bring about the righteousness and justice of God.  “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”