Lent

, ,

The Season Before Easter (today is Ash Wednesday)

, ,

This week's devotional is coming out a day earlier than usual. Why? Because today is an important day on the church calendar. It's the first day of Lent. Our church tradition doesn't always emphasize some of the key days on the liturgical Christian calendar but there is a lot of value in understanding why Christ-followers throughout the centuries have celebrated seasons as an important part of their faith journey.

As I did last year, I wanted to share a great article I found that simply introduces the idea of Lent and how it can help us to prepare our hearts for Easter. It's about much more than giving up coffee or chocolate for 40 days... it's about examining our hearts, recognizing our need for a Saviour and being ready to celebrate His sacrifice and triumph on Easter weekend.

Perhaps this can be something new and challenging in your journey into what's next in your spiritual life. Join us this Lenten season as we intentionally turn our attention toward the cross and the victory Jesus has won.

And in case you're wondering, our Easter series begins on March 12: Gospel.

Blessings,

Pastor Tracy

THIS SUNDAY

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 @ 10am
MIXED MESSAGES
You’re Stronger Than You Think
Tracy Dunham

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+Church Online)

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

, ,

What is Lent? (hint: more than giving up coffee and chocolate)

, ,

This week's devotional is coming out a day earlier than usual. Why? Because today is an important day on the church calendar. It's the first day of Lent. Our church tradition doesn't always emphasize some of the key days on the liturgical Christian calendar but there is a lot of value in understanding why Christ-followers throughout the centuries have celebrated seasons as an important part of their faith journey.

I wanted to share a great article I found that simply introduces the idea of Lent and how it can help us to prepare our hearts for Easter. It's about much more than giving up coffee or chocolate for 40 days... it's about examining our hearts, recognizing our need for a Saviour and being ready to celebrate His sacrifice and triumph on Easter weekend.

Perhaps this can be something new and challenging in your journey into what's next in your spiritual life. Join us this Lenten season as we intentionally turn our attention toward the cross and the victory Jesus has won.

See you on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy

THIS SUNDAY

THE PASSION
The Clearing

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)
9:00 - Kids Church Online (Freedom Kids FB Group)

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

,

Being Led to the Source by the SOURCE (cause and effect)

,

A symptom is something that alerts you to what's happening beyond what you can see. Your sneezing can tell you that your body is allergic to pollen and is telling your immune system to fight against it. The sneezing is obvious and annoying but isn't the issue in itself. It's the way that your body tells you that something microscopic is going on.

Finding the source most often needs to be traced from something you are experiencing in some way. Which begs the question: how are the things that I'm doing and saying and feeling pointing me to something that I can't immediately see?

Of course, so much of Jesus' teaching was pointing us to see this. He told the people that if they were struggling under unbearable religious demands that they needed to get things right with God on the inside and then the outside would be put right. (Matthew 23) He told a man that his sins were forgiven before he healed his physical body. (Mark 2) He taught us that outward actions are sourced from the heart first. (Matthew 5-7)

In this Lenten season, we have the opportunity to be drawn to repentance and dependance on God in a focused way. We can do this any time of the year, of course, but Lent gathers us together and helps us to put aside the pride that we carry as we look at the example of Jesus and all that He accomplished for us in humility and submission.

It's especially beautiful because we do it together, in community. And because of that we have each other to help us and encourage us and set an example for us as we allow the Holy Spirit to trace back the symptoms to their causes. What needs to be laid down? What needs to be surrendered? What needs to be confessed? What needs to be brought out and celebrated?

I want to encourage you to submit to this process as we move toward Easter. I fully believe that a heart that is postured to listen and respond to the Spirit every day is the heart that can be transformed every day.

Jesus, transform our lives so that we can impact the world for you.

Pastor Tracy

This Sunday

WALK TOWARD EACH OTHER
Walk Toward Your Work

Join us on Sunday at 10am for church online.
FOLLOW THE LIVESTREAM ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
We also post the service to YOUTUBE on Sunday afternoon.

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

, ,

NEXT... Impact Leadership Training (so excited!)

, ,

According to John Maxwell, leadership is influence. By that definition, we are all leaders in some way. There are people that we influence with our lives - our friends, kids, spouse, coworkers, or family members. The question is... what will we do with that influence?

As a church, we believe that we are called to equip the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13) and we're always looking for the most effective ways to do just that.

That's why we're launching Impact Leadership Training (ILT).

Margaret, Erin and I have been working together for several months to find a way to invest in anyone who wants to develop their leadership capacity and grow in their ability to influence others. It really is that simple. No end game, no recruitment for ministries - just a place to gather with others who are also learning and growing and learn from one another. It's built to challenge you to think about what's next in your life and calling.

Maybe you're thinking, sounds great but I'm not a leader. Even if it sounds interesting, I'm sure I don't qualify. Good news! ILT is built for equipping rookies and engaging seasoned leaders alike so if you're following Jesus and your interest is piqued, you're qualified.

Are you ready for what's next? Details and FAQs are all on our website. We're getting ready to launch in a few weeks so I encourage you to click the link, read more about ILT and when you're ready, send me an email.

Can't wait to get started,

Pastor Tracy

This Sunday

WALK TOWARD EACH OTHER
Walk Toward Your Kids

Join us on Sunday at 10am for church online.
FOLLOW THE LIVESTREAM ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
We also post the service to YOUTUBE on Sunday afternoon.

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

,

What the deal with Lent? (preparing for Easter, not the Easter Bunny)

,

This week's devotional is coming out a day earlier than usual. Why? Because today is an important day on the church calendar. It's the first day of Lent. Our church tradition doesn't always emphasize some of the key days on the liturgical Christian calendar but there is a lot of value in understanding why Christ-followers throughout the centuries have celebrated seasons as an important part of their faith journey.

I wanted to share a great article I found that simply introduces the idea of Lent and how it can help us to prepare our hearts for Easter. It's about much more than giving up coffee or chocolate for 40 days... it's about examining our hearts, recognizing our need for a Saviour and being ready to celebrate His sacrifice and triumph on Easter weekend.

Perhaps this can be something new and challenging in your journey into what's next in your spiritual life. Rob and I will be taking up the journey of Lent for the next 40 days. Join us as we intentionally turn our attention toward the cross and the victory He has won.

See you on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy

This Sunday

HE IS I AM
”I AM the Bread of Life”

Join us on Sunday at 10am as Pastor Tracy continues our series.

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.