Reformation. Change. Restoration. This Sunday we celebrate who we are as we all remember our baptisms, the work of the church, and the faith to which we all profess. We remember the courage and faithfulness of Martin Luther and all who worked tirelessly to bring new life in Christ. As …
Today’s gospel reading (and this time of church year) lends itself to an emphasis on giving monetary resources for the coming fiscal year. And it is important that we care for this place where we welcome & equip folks to be sent into God’s kingdom. But stewardship is more than …
The Sparta Independent sent a photographer to witness our first blessing of the pets. The pictures and link are a click away: Furry Friend Blessing
In today’s gospel (Matthew 22:1-14), Jesus tells another parable as a way of teaching us that receiving God’s grace changes people. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer taught, God’s grace is not cheap, it comes at a great cost upon the cross. Once we receive this costly grace, our lives are never the …
The Church of the Past.. This week, we read in the letter to Philippians about Paul’s faith story. What he once believed no longer holds him back. His encounter with Christ has him looking forward to eternal life in heaven. How about you? What in your past holds you back? …
Live Like Christ… During September, our worship has focused on who we are as Christians and how we share that with others. And in this focus, we’ve seen how God has demonstrated God’s love, forgiveness, generosity and grace. This final Sunday is where it all gets put together – living …
A great tool that Shepherd of the Hills uses for offerings and other donations is known as Simply Giving. You no longer will have to fill out a form in the office when you start, change or stop this automatic service. What’s more – you can also direct other donations …
Last week, we identified that we are forgiven and are asked to do likewise to others. And on the heels of that message, we are further given more outrageous news – that the kingdom of God is unlike anything we knowPoor Jonah. The guy never could get comfortable. Jonah had …
The what is this: we are also a people that forgives others. Today our perspective is broadened by the good news that God’s forgiveness is not based on our idea of fairness, but rather on abundant, unimaginable grace. And we are called to go and the same. It’s not an easy …
SUMMER AT THE MOVIES: As Good as it Gets The summer is winding down and this is the last week of our “Summer at the Movies” series. We begin this week with the following scene: A burning bush in the distance, a voice commanding Moses to take off his shoes, …