There is no doubt that every single one of us cares about the planet. Driving west through valleys made low by the Rocky Mountains is just one way to feel small in the best possible way. But how do we hold that care, and that smallness, alongside the convictions of our faith? Is it love God, love people, love the planet? If Jesus didn’t say that, could he have? Through the themes of play, awe, sustainability, and change we’ll consider how our love of God can fuse with our love of creation.

Whether you’re a homebody or not, home matters. Of course there are the equity pieces of housing first and affordability. These are big concerns in the life of the city. It’s good to want for others what we want for ourselves: safety, security, and a place to receive our Amazon packages. But there’s also a quieter hope for what home can mean. As is our practice in the summer, we’ll listen to the teaching team explore themes of rest, digest, repair, and relate through their experience of home and theological reflections on the places we live.

Whether you’re a homebody or not, home matters. Of course there are the equity pieces of housing first and affordability. These are big concerns in the life of the city. It’s good to want for others what we want for ourselves: safety, security, and a place to receive our Amazon packages. But there’s also a quieter hope for what home can mean. As is our practice in the summer, we’ll listen to the teaching team explore themes of rest, digest, repair, and relate through their experience of home and theological reflections on the places we live.

Whether you’re a homebody or not, home matters. Of course there are the equity pieces of housing first and affordability. These are big concerns in the life of the city. It’s good to want for others what we want for ourselves: safety, security, and a place to receive our Amazon packages. But there’s also a quieter hope for what home can mean. As is our practice in the summer, we’ll listen to the teaching team explore themes of rest, digest, repair, and relate through their experience of home and theological reflections on the places we live.

Whether you’re a homebody or not, home matters. Of course there are the equity pieces of housing first and affordability. These are big concerns in the life of the city. It’s good to want for others what we want for ourselves: safety, security, and a place to receive our Amazon packages. But there’s also a quieter hope for what home can mean. As is our practice in the summer, we’ll listen to the teaching team explore themes of rest, digest, repair, and relate through their experience of home and theological reflections on the places we live.

This week, we explore key moments in the life of Saul, the first king of Israel, through the lens of 1 Samuel 13. We'll uncover the complexities of biblical translation, the importance of understanding the true purpose behind scripture, and the dangers of intertwining religion with politics. Through stories of assassination, propaganda, and manipulation, this sermon challenges us to look beyond the details and grasp the deeper lessons that guide our faith journey.

In this exploration of 1 Samuel 9-12, we delve into the intriguing story of Saul's ascension to kingship and Samuel's complex reaction. We're reminded of our human tendency to judge by appearances, as Saul is initially described as tall and handsome. Yet, the narrative subtly warns us against such superficial assessments. As we witness Samuel's reluctance to anoint Saul, we're invited to reflect on our own moments of passive resistance to God's will. This story challenges us to examine where we might be holding back in our own lives, whether out of wisdom or fear. Ultimately, we're encouraged to move forward with purpose, trusting in God's presence even amidst our doubts and hesitations.

We explore the themes of leadership, authority, and the pursuit of God's will. The story of Samuel and the Israelites' demand for a king serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that true authority lies not in titles or positions, but in the influence earned through demonstrating care and trustworthiness. We are challenged to reflect on our own choices and the ways in which we may bend towards our own desires, potentially steering away from what is just and right. The message emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance directly, rather than relying solely on human leaders.