Today we consider power — specifically which power can change the world.
Matthew 26 is our text — a story from Jesus’ final hours which speaks to two sources of power.
Which will we choose?
At 24:36 we showed a trailer to a documentary. This is not in the podcast. To watch the trailer, head here: Singing Revolution
Ephesians 5 calls us to be people of light – people who follow the example of Jesus.
In the gospel of John, just before the last supper Jesus washes his disciples feet – an absolutely stunning act. He then tells his disciples to do the same.
How do we move beyond this world’s philosophy (that we use our power for profit) and instead choose Jesus’ philosophy: use your power to serve.
PODCASTS CAN BE FOUND ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE PODCASTS
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7mI6D5HRivSfSFxmz9etaS?si=IvUNFK81St-9F_XmnNbZHA
Our second week considers the lie that only some people matter. We look at Matthew 20:1-16 and learn from Jesus who gave dignity to all.
Podcasts can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
We need stories of light — stories that point us to the world God desires, the world we are to work toward. We begin this series by considering a story that calls us to set a table instead of building a wall.
Podcasts can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
When two bedazzled messengers greeted Jesus’ disciples, they did not dismiss their grief or confusion — or was their doubt disqualify them. Instead, resurrection met them precisely where they were. The same is true today – and everyday.
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Week two considers Luke 10:37-42 – a story of sibling tension, which often leads us to conclude that one was right (Mary) and the other (wrong). But is it that simple? We consider what they have to teach us about two absolutely critical elements for those following the way of Jesus: action and contemplation
Our second Group Sunday (of three) begins with a sharing of our fundraising total and how it connects to our core values – especially that of Inclusivity.
February 16 was a “Group Sunday”, meaning we began together with a time of reflection and prayer and then everyone moved into various groups for the remainder of the morning.
The recording is of that reflection time. We consider our history with refugee resettlement, recent actions of the Trump administration, and action steps we can take to offer welcome and care.
Our second and final week (for now) in this series on resilience, we consider the gift of beauty.
Beauty is not a nice add on but something we need. It invokes awe and wonder, which draws us together and helps connect us to those things that are bigger.
We take a couple of weeks in between series to consider tools we will need to access in order to live a life of love without burnout.
The first week leans into the gift of music – a powerful, often taken for granted tool that can draw us together, meeting us in every type of moment, offering us strength for the journey ahead.
Our third week included time for practicing co-regulation exercises. We’ve edited the podcast, cutting out the larger portions of silence in which the congregation was practicing these exercises. We invite you to find someone to join you in these practices and hit pause at the appropriate moments.
Guest preacher: Bethany Ackley DeBlaay, licensed therapist (MA, LLP, SEP)
Week 2 invites us to consider that we are distress managers, doing what we can (often unconsciously) to avoid what we perceive as uncomfortable, difficult or painful. As a result, when we grow up learning that certain emotions are bad (or worse, sinful), we will do what we can to ignore or surpress them. In order to integrate our emotions, we must learn to face all of our emotions by slowing down and staying curious.
In the first week of a three week series, licensed therapist Bethany Ackley DeBlaay (MA, LLP, SEP) invites us to see our emotions as hardwired, autonomic responses to the world around us. If we are to integrate our emotions, we first need to understand that they are automatically happening all the time, whether we are aware of them or not.
Epiphany brings the story of the Magi – a story reminding us that the way forward is rarely straight.
This week, Elliot reflects on John the Baptist’s words, as well as research from the book, Tribal (written by Michael Morris) as we consider the good that is ours to do.
We Can’t Go Alone
Advent – Week 2
A look at Ruth 1 – a reminder that we meant to walk through this life together, which is a choice of both doggedly moving toward and graciously accepting mutuality.
Week 1: You are A Blessing
Luke 1:26-38
We return to foundational truths — truths that help us remember who we are to be in these season.
We return to foundational truths – truths that help us remember who we are to be in this season.
We use a familiar framework at The Branch as we process all of the things we might be feeling and thinking after the election.
