We build ramps.
Imagine being stuck inside your house. Not just for a few months during the pandemic, but for years. That happens to many people when they can no longer use the steep steps outside their own front door. Our volunteers have built 30 ramps in the last 18 months bringing hope and freedom to those who were trapped. That's why we build ramps.
Merit Badges
How will you get your stamp of God's approval -- your Christian merit badge? Tithing, volunteering and good behavior aren't enough. Showing unconditional love is the risk we must take to be the church in the world.
Darn Rosebay Willowherb!
Even a beautiful plant can be a noxious, invasive weed. When we see them, we want to pull them up. But Jesus taught a confusing parable saying to leave the weeds mixed in with the wheat in the field. Why would anyone do that?
Those Blessings Look Great on You
We all need God’s grace. When we loosen our grip on self-confidence, self-importance and self-righteousness our hands are open to reach humbly toward God.
Beauty from Ashes
God is in the business of making all things new. Even when life is in ruins, you can trust His promise that beauty will come from the ashes.
YOU DID SAY EMMANUEL?
You don't have to hide in the rocks like Moses did to see God. In fact, you don't have to look for God because He's not far away. God is always near.
Is Seeing Believing?
Jesus always shows up and reveals what God has been doing when nobody was watching. There are those who are out there bringing hope and healing with confidence that our God is working. They have not despaired even when they cannot see.
Afraid of the Light
People would rather be unhappy than uncertain. We resist change even if it might be good for us. God is always willing to do a new thing with us if we allow it. He will look beneath the surface to see who we really are and who we can really be.
Did Moses have GPS?
"I'm thirsty! I'm hungry! I'm lonely! I'm broke! I'm hurt! I'm sick! What will you do about it, God? Are you with us or not?"
The wilderness is not just a geographical place. The wilderness becomes a state of mind for anyone who attempts to have faith. The landscape has no edible plant life and no visible water, but it does have lots of rocks. Moses cries out, “What shall I do?” And, God answers.
Affirmationomics
If God is calling you to something big, He will see it through. He will give you what you need. He will lift you up when you need lifting. It’s more likely that God is calling you to a whole lot of small installments of kindness, mercy and care for your neighbor. It is much more likely that God is looking for you to let go of your own strength, so you can experience His immeasurable strength.
Dream Killer
Uncertainty makes your brain amp up anxiety and fear. You may feel depressed, angry or doubtful. That happened to the Israelites being chased by Pharoah's army. They were pushed to the edge of the Red Sea and afraid to go forward. Some people will put matters into God’s hands when they have no control over a situation. But how many people do you know who are willing to move forward into a place of pure chaos and tyranny?
Hello darkness, my old friend
How good is your night vision? Are you bringing light into a dark world? Are you brave enough to put on the armor of light and love the neighbor you fear?
religion
Millions believe they know what God wants. Religion will separate you from God if it tells you to only pray a certain way. Instead, show justice, mercy, kindness and love. These things endure.
light in the cage
The unknown is dark and scary. It's easier to stay in your cage and not risk what might be out there in the unknown. Then God's light bursts into your cage -- and everything changes.
Gulf Stream
Go with the flow. It's often easier said than done. Earth's oceans flow at the direction of mighty currents. The Gulf Stream brings water from the Gulf of Mexico to the Norwegian Sea. It has been estimated that capturing just 1/1,000th of the available energy from the Gulf Stream, which has 21,000 times more energy than Niagara Falls in a flow of water that is 50 times the total flow of all the world’s freshwater rivers, would supply Florida with 35% of its electrical needs. Unnoticed by most people, it warms the ocean, carries nutrients and tempers climate along thousands of miles of coast line.
The Holy Spirit moves in a similarly unseen manner. Guiding and protecting those who are open to feeling its power in their lives. Those who stay focused on the Spirit are a part of that massive, unequivocally powerful force in this world that brings warmth to all that is cold and melts all that is hard.
A Colorful Story
Church historian Suzy Boatner tells a few of the stories behind our stained glass windows.
What will people say at your funeral?
Did people see God's grace and love in the way you lived your life? Imagine what will be remembered.
Finding true north
If you feel lost, better check your compass. You might be heading the wrong direction. Follow true north to find the Kingdom of Heaven.
Sacred Selfie
93 million selfies are taken each day, but what do they reveal? Do you see only the polished surface or the real diamond inside?