The ascension represents the completion of God’s work in Christ incarnate and the completion of Christ’s work in us. It’s easy to gloss over the Ascension as we move through the 50 days of Easter toward our celebration of Pentecost, but we should not do so. The Ascension represents a fulfillment of prophecy and explains … Continue reading "Jesus’ Ascension – An End, A Beginning, and An End" Read the article
Psalm 97:1-12 • Acts 16:26-34 • Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 • John 17:20-26 This week’s theme is our response to seeing the salvation, goodness and love of God in our lives. In the call to worship Psalm, the psalmist tells us that because the Lord reigns, the whole earth should be glad. In Acts 16 … Continue reading "Sermon for May 29, 2022 – Seventh Sunday of Easter" Read the article
Psalm 67:1-7 • Acts 16:9-15 • Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 • John 14:23-29 This week’s theme is the Lord’s hospitality. The call to worship Psalm is a song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, which includes a prayer that all people of all nations will join in. The selection from Acts records the hospitality of … Continue reading "Sermon for May 22, 2022 – Sixth Sunday of Easter" Read the article
Psalm 148:1-14 • Acts 11:1-18 • Revelation 21:1-6 • John 13:31-35 Our theme for this week is all hail King Jesus. Our call to worship Psalm gives us a picture of every creature – from those in the fathomless depths to those sitting on thrones – bowing the knee to the true King. Acts 11 … Continue reading "Sermon for May 15, 2022 – Fifth Sunday in Easter" Read the article
Psalm 23:1-6 • Acts 9:36-43 • Revelation 7:9-17 • John 10:22-30 On the fourth Sunday of Easter we witness how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls his people to himself. Our call to worship Psalm speaks of the Shepherd who cares for every need of his sheep. In Acts we read about Peter calling to Tabitha, … Continue reading "Sermon for May 8, 2022 – Fourth Sunday of Easter" Read the article
Psalm 30:1-12 • Acts 9:1-6, (7-20) • Revelation 5:11-14 • John 21:1-19 This week’s theme is resurrected restoration. The call to worship Psalm emphasizes healing and recovery from the Lord that prompts eternal gratefulness. A reading from Acts recounts Paul’s transformation from a persecutor of the church to a chosen instrument of the Lord. The … Continue reading "Sermon for May 1, 2022 – Third Sunday of Easter" Read the article
Easter Sunday is the most attended church service every year. It is also a great opportunity to invite those who don’t normally attend to visit your church, whether you are meeting online or in person. Here are some steps to make your Easter service last beyond the Hope Avenue experience on Sunday. #GCIchurchhacks Check out … Continue reading "Church Hack: Easter Prep" Read the article
Telling our youth about God’s willingness to bend reality for us gives them a taste of how good and glorious our God is. When I was the director of New Heights Summer Camp, it seemed like we got a significant rainstorm every year. The storms were rarely dangerous — more inconvenient than anything else. Once … Continue reading "The God of the Open Tomb" Read the article
What is the place for long-time elders and other church leaders within the new focus on the Love, Hope, and Faith Avenues of a healthy church? By Glen A Weber, Central Region Support Team, Coach Leadership in our denomination has been on a constant trajectory of growth over the past few decades. I began serving … Continue reading "I’m Feeling Left Out…" Read the article
Prepare now for the guests and visitors the Spirit will lead to your church. By Daphne Sidney, Superintendent Australasia Have you considered how it might feel to be a first-time visitor to your local worship service? While long-time members may be very comfortable surrounded by familiar faces and friends, it is easy to forget how that … Continue reading "Welcoming Guests and Visitors" Read the article
