Working and Weaving in the Trivial and Tragic
Blockbuster stories feature larger-than-life characters, breakneck action sequences, and out-of-this-world plot lines. Our lives can feel rather mundane by comparison. This week, we take a step back and consider how the story of Ruth reveals something wonderful about who God is and what kind of story God is telling.
Leave the Harvest, Change the Story
Desperate. Alone. Seeking to survive in a harsh environment. This is the life that Ruth and Naomi are living in Chapter 2 of The Book of Ruth, when the story takes a turn… they come across a field and a farmer that changes everything. This week, we take a closer look at Boaz, the humble farmer who displays the faithful virtue of generosity, and how his unharvested field can teach us to change the story for ourselves and others.
The Lost Art of Loyalty
Have you ever been surprised by loyalty? When you think of loyalty, what and who comes to mind? What makes us a loyal people? We’ll share an overview of the story of Ruth, whose loyalty to her mother-in-law and to God is exemplary, not because of stubbornness, but because of love. This week, we share an overview of the Book of Ruth, and examine the oft repeated show of loyalty from Ruth: “Where you go, I will go; your God will be my God.”
Putting Faith to Work
Sometimes a message has even greater meaning because of the messenger. Paul’s letter to the Colossians was delivered with a man named Onesimus, a former slave who carried a second letter from Paul to his former master. It’s all well and good to hear a good sermon preached about reconciliation, but what happens when we’re actually called to act? Let’s talk about putting our “Reconciling Faith” to work this week as we conclude this four-week study of Colossians.
How should my faith affect my life?
Does faith have a tangible impact on our daily life? This is the question at the heart of the third chapter in Paul’s letter to the Colossians. We’re not called to self-loathing, shame, or guilt, but we are called to personal transformation as God’s reconciling love continues to work within us. Let’s talk about it this Sunday, as we continue in our Worship Series, “Reconciling Faith.”
Is Jesus A Bad Influence?
Do you think Jesus would fit in nicely to most of our churches? In his letter to the Colossians, Paul makes the case that “going to church” isn’t really the same as having a Christian faith. In fact, following Jesus might just get us into trouble in our churches. This week, let’s talk about Paul’s case for a personal faith that lives in Christian community, and why rule-breaking just might be a fruit of the Spirit.
Journeying
A journey often includes new and exciting adventures. It may include traveling to other places, and it is an opportunity for a fresh start. Journeys usually require planning and begin with a first step – sometimes not a physical step but a step of faith that occurs when we overcome what may be stopping us from moving on in our journey.
Where are you on your faith journey? In our community, we have individuals just starting their journey. We encounter those who have reached a fork in the road and are trying to understand where their faith journey is leading them. Our community is filled with people who have embarked on a journey to read and study the BIble. Some of us are connecting our faith journey with specific calls to community, such as learning more about racial justice, immigration, or how we can help those who live in poverty.
Wherever we find ourselves in our personal faith journey, hearing stories of others’ faith journeys brings us closer to each other, encourages us to ask questions, and demonstrates that we are not alone in our journey. Today, we hear from three individuals and how their faith journey has led them to Arapaho UMC.
Echoes of Easter (Week 4)
After Jesus has washed the feet of his disciples and speaks of his betrayal, he shares a new commandment with his closest friends. He tells them to simply love one another as he has loved them and others will know that they are his disciples. Our students will lead us in worship and share how they have been able to experience God’s love and have had the opportunities to share God’s love with others, both inside and outside of AUMC.
Echoes of Easter (week 3)
Actions speak louder than words. And in today’s world where it seems that we just talk over each other, our actions have never been more important. Jesus tries to tell the people that titles do not matter, but rather, the works we have been given are the most important. When the people are unsatisfied with that response, Jesus plainly says, “I and the Father are one.” As we live as Easter people, knowing of the truth of the resurrection, where are we hearing the Echoes of the Easter message in Jesus’ statements? What Easter truths are you hearing today? Let’s explore how we are to live out the Easter message and allow our actions speak for us.
Echoes of Easter (Week 2)
Trust is something that is built. And trust is in short supply these days. In John 21, we’re two Resurrection appearances in and Peter, the leader of the apostles, still doesn’t trust what’s happening. What is more, Peter, whom Jesus calls “the rock on which I will build my church” does not appear very trustworthy himself. Peter, like us, easily loses focus in a tumultuous time. Peter and the disciples are confronted yet again with the power of Christ’s Resurrection – and the boldness of what it means to follow him. We’ll explore how the grace of God shows up in our lives and draws us toward building trustworthiness in our own lives and for the Church.
Echoes of Easter
An echo is a reflection of a sound heard by a listener after the original sound is heard. That sounds complicated, but most of us have experienced an echo. Whether footsteps in an empty hallway, or shouting “Hello!” in a cave or canyon, our voices are reflected back at us. In John’s Gospel, on Easter eve, disciples in the Upper Room are greeted by Christ who shared, “Peace be with you,” not once, but twice. He commissioned them by saying, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you,” and he breathed the Spirit on them. This week, let’s talk about echoes in time and space, the Spirit, and how we continue Jesus’ ministry and mission.
Easter (April 17, 2022)
Christ is Risen! Happy Easter!
We are so glad you are here and it is our sincere hope you find community wherever you are today.
Living Lent (Week 6)
Before the empty tomb, before the cross, there was the garden. At the foot of an olive tree, Jesus wrestles with the competing wills at work within him. Ultimately, he finds his way to humble surrender. The path of Lent ultimately leads us to this same olive tree before we arrive at the cross or the empty tomb; this week we invite surrender into our faith and our lives.