CCWGG

Our church member Kathy leads us through a teaching based around the foundational words of the Apostle's Creed Teacher: Kathy 

Not only is there beautiful community in the book of Acts, but there is also devastating conflict that the church has to address.  This week we look at 4 examples of conflict in the early church, and the three lessons they can teach us when confronting conflict.  Text: Acts 11.1--3, Acts 15.2, 36--41, Galatians 2.11--15 Teacher: Eric Williams

We walk through the aspects of our church gathering via the 4 Gospel Accounts of the Resurrection.   Text -  Prayer - John 20.1—10 Sermon - Matthew 28.1—10 Witness - Mark 16.1—8  Music/Eucharist - Luke 24.1—12 Teacher: Eric Williams

The early church was persecuted on all fronts.  Along with our study of the early church - we watch a short video based on the 21 Coptic Martyrs by ISIS in 2015.  Film Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwPQqkeeCTg Text: Acts Teacher: Eric WIlliams

The early church was known for it's radical generosity!  This week we look at how we can continue to grow in generosity - along with our financial redistribution.   Text: Acts Teacher: Eric Williams

The Early Church was known for its radical community... What are the 4 trademarks of that early community: Teaching, prayer, fellowship and economic equality.  Text - Acts 2 and Acts 4 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week as we continue on in the book of Acts, we do a deep dive into Temples. We look at the Biblical arc of the Temple, and the role that temples played in culture at large.  Lastly - we spend some time studying the way that temples are confronted in the book of acts, both the Jewish Temple, and the Temple in Lystra.   Text: Acts 2.1--4, Acts 14.11--20 Teacher: Eric Williams

This Sunday, in our second sermon during the 10 Acts Series - we look at the ascension of Jesus and how it fits in the larger narrative of the Scripture and how it provides Mission Direction, Power and Patience.  Text: Acts 1.1--11 Teacher: Eric Williams

Launching from the Gospel of Mark - we move into the book of Acts and see what happens when the Jesus movement launches.  This week is an introduction on some themes, topics and theologies that comprise this narrative.   Text: Acts  Teacher: Eric Williams

The big review from our two years in the Gospel of Mark Text: Mark Teacher: Eric Williams

Week 2 of our Advent Series... even though we are a little out of sync with the traditional schedule - we press forward with the theme of LOVE. Text: Various Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we begin a new Advent series!  Based off our Advent devotional - we will be exploring the 4 traditional Sundays of Advent: Hope, Preparation, Joy and Love. Text: Various Teacher: Eric Williams

The additional ending of Mark's Gospel Text: Mark 16.9--20 Teacher: Eric Williams

Sermon from the Death and Burial of Jesus Text: Mark 15.40--47 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week - The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  After a few brief introductory statements--we go verse by verse to understand the "strangeness" of the text. Then we spend some time reading and meditating on our own to see "What" the Spirit might say, and "Why" the Spirit might say that.  Text: Mark 21--39 Teacher: Eric Williams

As we draw to the end of Mark - Jesus stands on trial before Pilate and Pilate turns over Barabbas instead of Jesus.  What do we observe about the King of the Jews--and the Kingdom of Jesus as political, theological and personal Text: Mark 15.1--20 Teacher: Eric Williams

Who really is on "trial" when Jesus is brought before the Jewish leaders?  And how do we see ourselves in the midst of this conviction?   Text: Mark 14.53--65 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the arrest of Jesus, and the reactions of the disciples as Jesus is led away.  When pressed squeezed--Judas chooses selfishness/greed, Peter chooses violence/force, and the rest of the disciples choose fear/cowardice.  When pressed or squeezed--how do we respond? Text: Mark 14.42--53 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.  In looking at prayer we examine the significance/fidelity of prayer, the relationship of prayer, and the obedience of prayer.   Text: Mark 14.32--42 Teacher: Eric Williams

This past Sunday, we combined two passages: Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial, and the Peter's denial of Jesus.  In these passages, the main issue of commitment - Jesus' commitment to the Peter/disciples/us, and our "commitment" to Jesus.  This was based off a quote from F. Dale Bruner: “Jesus' commitment to us… not ours to him is the ground, ‘the rock,' the foundation of the whole Christian life.” Text: Mark 14.27—31; 66—72 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the passage of the Passover Meal... aka The Last Supper. The early church had 5 names for this: The Bread Breaking, The Thank You Meal, Communion, The Mass and The Lord's Supper.  We look at each aspect and then take Communion in 4D! Text: Mark 12.12--26 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at Jesus' teaching regarding paying taxes to Caesar.  He is put in a vice by the Herodians and Pharisees... yet he elevates the conversation from the typical dualism to the beauty of the Kingdom of God.  Text: Mark 12.13--17 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the parable of the Wicked Tenants - how Jesus utilizes a teaching technique called a remez - to point the religious leaders toward Isaiah 5: 6 Woes and a Song of Judgment.   Text: Mark 12.1--12 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the question of Jesus' authority in light of his actions in the temple, and triumphal entry.   Unable to answer Jesus' question regarding John's authority, they lie.  How do we tell lies and listen to lies... and what can we do to combat this in our lives.  Text: Mark 11.27--33 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the passage in which Jesus curses, then kills a fig tree... and what that says about his temple actions which are sandwiched in between.  Lastly we close with how this all relates to prayer! Text: Mark 11.12--26 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look into Jesus' upside down 'Triumphal' entry. They/We - Shout Hosanna, Waive Palm Branches, Go 'Ahead' and 'Behind'...  And our calling to be with Jesus in Bethany. Text: Mark 11.1--11 Teacher: Eric Williams

The Rich Young Ruler  - This morning we look into Jesus' encounter with the Rich Young Ruler and the obstacles of wealth we all face.   Text: Mark 10.17--31 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we discuss the strange ending in the book of Mark!  Three possible ideas are: Missing Text, Dull Discipl'us', and Intended Genius.  Then we connect the possible endings with thoughts on our own lives with Christ.  Text: Mark 16.1--8 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week as we look into Mark 10.1--12 the Pharisees try and ambush Jesus with questions about divorce while he is residing in Herod's jurisdiction...hint, hint, wink, wink.  Then we end it up with some marriage vow renewals!! Text: Mark 10.1-12 Teacher: Eric Williams

This passage focuses on Mark 9:38--50 where the disciples are upset at others doing miracles who aren't "in the loop" and Jesus' subsequent call to extreme measures in the pathway of discipleship.   Text: Mark 9.38--50 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the roll of Children, Disciples and Jesus in Mark's Gospel. Drawing from Mark 9.30--37, 10.13--16 and Matthew 18.1--6 we look at: How children were viewed as insignificant and small rather than innocent and pure.  And then we spend some discussing how the disciples were on an olympic quest to be great. And finally - how the whole passage centers around Jesus as all emphasis is put on him and his Kingdom. Text - Mark 9.30--37, 10.13--16 and Matthew 18.1--6 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week, we dive into the current state of the Church. I discuss some personal hurdles, along with our board transition and utilized the: Financial Accountability, Event Coordinating, Pastoral Support, Mission Oriented, and Spiritual Direction/Discernment paradigm as a way to think through where our church has been and where it is going.  Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we discuss one of the patterns in Mark 9/10 of: Jesus predicting his suffering--the disciples misunderstanding and selfishness--Jesus call to be a servant/slave.  It is helpful in this passage to consider the age of the disciples as well as the nautre of being a servant as explained in Richard Foster's book - The Celebration of Discipline. Text: Mark 9.30--35, 10.32--45 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at one of the most famous cries in the scripture: "I believe!  Help my unbelief!"  The healing of the father's son, is mainly framed around those in the story who are "unable"--disciples, father, son, crowd.  The necessity for faith and prayer are the key elements to move us from "unable" to "able." Text: Mark 9.14--29 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we return to Jesus' Transfiguration - the importance of this narrative in the Early Church, the importance of "Listening to Him" - and some tie-ins from the Matthew account.  Text: Mark 9.1--10 Teacher: Eric Williams

Merry Christmas Eve - this week we look at Jesus' Transfiguration--defining the word, how he is transfigured, and the importance of "Listening to Him." Text: Mark 9.1--10 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week, we look at Peter's confession of the Christ, and what it means to see Jesus clearly through the lens of his call to discipleship. Text: Mark 8.24--9.1 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we study Jesus' healing of the blind man in Mark 8.22--26.  We engage this primarily through a group Lectio Divina which looks like this: What is the word that falls on my ear? Why is that—life, circumstances, relationships, struggles, victories? What now?—is there a next step that God is inviting me to take? Then end our time with a few textual notes. Text: Mark 8.22--26 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at Jesus feeding 4000 in the gentile territory of the Decapolis.  Comparing it with his feeding of the 5000, Jesus is symbolically stating his claim as the provider and giver not only to Israel, but also the gentiles.   Text: Mark 8.1--10 Teacher: Eric Williams

In this sermon, we break down the healing of the Deaf/Mute man with a question for each verse.  Then we created some space to just go be with Jesus and reflect on these quesitons.   Text Mark 7.31--37 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week is part two of the Syrophoenician woman.  In this teaching we observe Jesus is both teaching his disciples and challenging the woman in Mark 7.24--30 and how his racial slur is truly aimed at the disciples. Text Mark 7.24--30 and Matthew 15.21--28 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the passage in which the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law accuse Jesus and his disciples of being unclean.  Jesus turns the table on on them and informs them of breaking Moses' commands and then finalizes by calling the crowd to him and teaching about the true nature of clean/unclean. Text: Mark 7.1--23 Teacher: Eric Williams

As we look at the passage in which Jesus walks on Water, we experience it through the eyes of the disicples who are: Isolated/alone, Straining/Struggling, Terrified/Troubled, Hardened/Stubborn/dull. Text: Mark 6.45--56 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week, we take the very challenging passage of the beheading of John the Baptist.  What do we learn about Herod, and how does his life compare with the Esther narrative, Sermon on the Mount, Parable of the Soil and the Feeding of the 5000. Text: Mark 6.14--29 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week Jesus goes home to Nazareth to preach in the synagogue, and away to the surrounding villages as he sends his disciples out to do ministry.   Observing the two dynamics, we encounter Jesus the handyman with his interns! Text: Mark 6.1--13 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the second half of Mark 5 - where Jesus heals "two" daughters.  As he heals them, we dive into the subject of faith as in both healings 'faith' is the key operative involved in their healings. Text: Mark 5.21--43 Teacher: Eric Williams 

Continuing on in the book of Mark, this week we continue to explore the different people begging Jesus as he heals the demoniac and encounters the crowds.   Text: Mark 5.1--20 Teacher: Eric Williams

A guest teacher shares about her experience sharing the Gospel while living in the land of camels. Yes - all of this information is meant to be intentionally vague and non-descriptive.  

This week we look at Jesus casting out the man possessed by the legion of demons.  Two main movements -  1. Demon discussion! 2. People who beg Jesus - demons, the townspeople, and the healed man Text: Mark 5.1--20 Teacher: Eric Williams

The parable that we need to understand to understand all parables.  This week we look at how: Parables Divide, Who the Parable is about, Our Primary Disposition, and Forgiveness (or lack thereof). Text: Mark 4.1--20 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at Jesus encounter with his family and the Pharisees at the end of Mark 3.  Jesus Re-designs and reinforces the family... And Jesus gives a bit of a primer on dealing with conflict as he engages with the Pharisees who have come down from Jerusalem Teacher: Eric Williams Text: Mark 3.20--35