New City Catechism (with Children’s Mode)
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year. When this goes out on the Wednesday Update, you may find yourself travelling in the car for several hours. Perhaps you’re looking for a way to pass the time. Here’s an idea that’s fun for the whole family: Catechism! Some of the best…
Read MoreThanksgiving Part 2
This week, we continue to praise and thank God for who He is and what he is doing here and around the world! We praise Him specifically for the faithful servants He has called to full time ministry whether they are pastors, missionaries, teachers, or aid workers. We are so thankful to be a part…
Read MoreThanksgiving Part 1
In preparation for our evening Thanksgiving service on Nov. 24, we’ll use this week and next to focus on prayers of praise and thanksgiving! Praise God with us for His redemptive work in individuals, families, and communities both locally, nationally, and globally. Praise Him for His beauty, wisdom, mercy, justice, righteousness, and love. Praise Him that He…
Read MoreThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick Lencioni
Have you ever been on a team? Maybe you were on a sports team growing up. Maybe you were put on a team by a professor and tasked with doing a group project. Maybe a boss nominated you to serve on a transition team to help the company roll out a new product. Maybe you…
Read MoreSupport for the Persecuted Church
At the 8:00 and 11:00 am services this Sunday, we’ll join the global church in prayer for persecuted Christians worldwide. In anticipation of that, please pray for workers scattered throughout the world who support and minister to Christians in persecuted areas. Pray that the Lord would give them wisdom in communicating with and advocating for…
Read MoreTrauma Ministry
According to renowned psychologist Diane Langberg, “Given the numbers of suffering and traumatized individuals, families, and nations, I think a look at suffering in humanity would lead to the realization that trauma is perhaps the greatest mission field of the 21st century. It is a supreme opportunity before the church today.” As such, we are…
Read MoreChronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
I love the Chronicles of Narnia. They’ve been called children’s stories, and they are. But they’re so much more. C.S. Lewis communicates the wealth of the Gospel with childlike simplicity, in a way that breaks our paradigms and penetrates our souls. I still remember reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe for the first…
Read MoreCounterfeit Gods by Tim Keller
On Sunday, Pastor El talked about the importance of Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller. I couldn’t agree more. Counterfeit Gods has been deeply formative for me in the Christian life. Pulling it off the shelf is like visiting an old friend. You can read it in a couple hours, but digest it for the rest…
Read MoreCountry Profiles: Syria (UPDATE)
Please pray this week for Kurdish Christians suffering in Syria due to the recent Turkish assault. Pray for wisdom as churches and families decide whether to stay or move to safety in other cities. Please pray for those who choose to remain as they consciously put themselves in danger to minister in dire situations. Pray…
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