Ecclesia Houston on the West Side

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

In a world that primarily values commerce, the invitation to worship fully this advent season is an invitation to embrace a set of values that honor God above the market. Pastor Chris, through the book of Exodus and the story of Moses, invites us to embrace a season and life that worships God more fully.

Pastor Sean Palmer closes out our series on the Theology of the Body by discussing what it means to be the Body of Christ. Sean explains that we all have a connective call to the body of Christ that invites us to participate as our authentic selves.

Ericka Graham preached on the Mind's role within the body, and reminded us that we all have unique minds that “come alive” in different ways. These minds were meant to be used on our Christian journey—both to imagine a Kingdom come (here on earth), and to focus our minds on the reality that is Christ. Together, we imagined what it would look like to love God with our entire heart, soul, and mind, and we recognized the ways in which these concepts are entangled (theologically) within our own bodies.

Pastor Wayne Brown continues our series around the Theology of the Body and explores the topic of sexuality. For many of us, our experience with this topic is connected to shame. Pastor Wayne aims to offer new insight and perspective for how we view our own sexuality and how we view other people.

This week Pastor Sean continues our series on the theology of the body. He focuses primarily on how all our bodies are made in the image of God, and encourages us in to see all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities as welcomed and necessary members of the kingdom of God.

Pastor Chris Seay begins our new series around "The Body" by asking the question "What is a Body for?" Pastor Chris explains that the body is the mechanism to express our soul and that we would enact in our bodies what God is doing in our souls.

Pastor Ryan Bien introduces us to poet & lyricist Fanny Crosby. Her prolific and influential songs and lyrics continue to impact generations of Christians and remind us that God's response to sin is not punishment – God's response to sin is Jesus.

Pastor Chris Seay takes a look at Communion. What does this tradition mean in our lives and the life of our community? Pastor Sean introduces us to a journalist named Sarah Miles, the founder and director of The Food Pantry. Her story leads us into a deeper understanding of Communion.

This week, Rochelle Palmer points us to the wisdom and teachings of an ancient mystic, Hildegard of Bingen (also known as Saint Hildegard). Through Hildegard's “visions” that require an “embodied posture” towards spirituality, Rochelle uses the story of “The Good Samaritan” to remind us that we too, are called to worship our God with our entire body, and care for the entire bodies of others too—even if it means finding good in our “enemies.”

Pastor Wayne Brown shares the story of Fannie Lou Hamer and how her faith led her to fight for justice. Her story, and the words of the scripture that she held dear, remind us that we too are a people of justice, and seeking justice does have a personal cost.

As we continue in our series focusing on women of faith, Pastor Sean features our friend Shauna Niequist and her book, i guess I haven't learned that yet. Through her book, Shauna introduces us to a faith that is humble, quick to listen and invites us into hospitality.

Author Annie Dillard asks this question in her book Pilgrim at Tinker Creek - “Why is there beauty?” Pastor Ryan Bien invites us into the writings and faith of Annie Dillard to urge us to go outside and become aware of the beauty around us. The pace of our lives often leaves us with little time to intentionally slow down and seek beauty.

Pastor Wayne Brown powerfully urges us to view the Gospel as a message not about life after death, but about both, life now and life after. Through both the lens of the Latin American theological concept of Misión Integral, and the prayers of Mary, Wayne reminds us that the good news, the work of justice, and God's liberation apply right now.

Pastor Chris Seay continues our series looking at the voices of women of faith by looking to the words of Barbara Taylor Brown. Barbara's words invite us to engage with the Bible by seeing ourselves in the stories of Scripture.

Ericka Graham continues our series highlighting the voices of women throughout the Christian tradition, and focuses on Elaine Padilla and her work, Divine Enjoyment: A Theology of Passion and Exuberance. Ericka weaves some of Elaine's theology with quotes from women in the Houston area to help highlight the expansive and deep nature of joy. Ericka also points us towards some of Jesus' words that encourages us to find joy, even in hard circumstances.

In a return to our new summer series, seeking wisdom from the stories and voices of women throughout the Christian tradition, Pastor Wayne Brown shares insights from the life and unique calling of Joni Eareckson Tada and the story of Jacob in Genesis; in both cases, journeys transformed by the reality of disability. A perspective often neglected, stories like that of Joni and so many others challenge the ableist assumptions within our culture (the church included), and are a resounding call to the vitality of vulnerability.

Pastor Chris Seay preaches from Uvalde in the wake of the deadly mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. As we process this horrific tragedy, and other recent events that have left us similarly shaken, Pastor Chris seeks guidance from the words of Jesus to prompt us into healthy and meaningful ways to respond as people of hope in the midst of such grief.

Pastor Chris Seay continues our new series exploring the vital stories and voices of women throughout the Christian tradition, inviting us to consider the tragic circumstances faced by Agnes of Rome. Through her story, and the teachings of Jesus, we are reminded that earthly pursuits do not sustain us, that time is precious, and that we worship a God who sees and joins us in places of pain.

Teaching Pastor Sean Palmer kicks off a series that we will be in for the summer where we focus on voices of women in the scriptures and the church. This week, he tells the story of Anna Spafford and how her life is a model for us on how to handle the pain and suffering we face in life.

On Mother's Day, Rochelle Palmer shares the story of Sarai and Hagar from Genesis 16. She invites us to consider how God responds to us by expanding his love and extending his blessings and promise to everyone, everywhere.

Pastor Chris Seay teaches from Psalm 32; prompting us to look to the coming weeks, a summer unlike any we’ve experienced, as an invitation. This time of great disruption has reminded us of the gift and privilege that is our very breath, challenged many among us to repent of our part in systems of generational trauma, and encouraged us all to faithfully make steps into the work to which God has called us.

Pastor Sean Palmer continues our revisiting of the Rhythms of Ecclesia by considering the binding of Isaac, and the challenge faced by Abraham as he endeavored to faithfully Seek God. The God we seek is a God of love and promises kept, far removed from the idols and systems that ask us to sacrifice our own humanity, and that of others, at their false altars.

Though we continue to gather online in this season, it was a much needed time to be with one another following an incredibly painful week. Pastor Chris reminds us of our call as followers of Christ to live as one, with hands open in sharing God’s blessing, especially in a time such as this; asking the Holy Spirit to guide and use us in helping to mend the deep ruptures in our communities and the world.

We simply aren't used to being at home this much. As a friend of mine said, we are great at binge-watching anything but our kids. She meant that home, over time, has become a secondary place for us. After all, most of our waking hours are spent at work. But now the two have merged. And what if that's what it was all about? Not an idolization of "family," but home as the place where we learn to love as God invites us to love the world.

Pastor Chris Seay continues our series revisiting the foundational Rhythms of Ecclesia, casting a vision for Christian hospitality during a time in which it is a challenge to invite many into our homes. As followers of Jesus, we are to continue extending open arms to the world, always cultivating space for care, community, and growth.

People are experiencing and reporting higher and higher degrees of loneliness and disconnection — even as we spend more and more time with fewer people in our homes. Part of our loneliness is our general disconnection. Even before COVID-19, our lives mostly moved around one another rather than toward one another. Add to that increasing division via social media and we are not only disconnected, but contemptuous to our relationships. This week, Pastor Sean introduces three powerful questions that the Apostle Paul revealed while he was locked away at home that will help make your relationships more whole.

Pastor Sean Palmer shares a rich and needed word on the true meaning of grace; our invitation into the deep and vibrant beauty God reveals through humble connection, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

When you're stuck at home it's easy to feel stuck. Add to that the chorus of voices in our culture saying that quarantine is the perfect time to finally write your book, launch a business, develop a new hobby, plus the opposing voices that remind us that we are in the middle of a pandemic and that just living through it all and maintaining our sanity is an accomplishment and it all equates to confusion. But what if God is up to something powerful in the midst of us all staying-at-home? What if we are being invited to encounter the world differently, and the only way God could encourage us to embrace a great reboot was a complete shutdown?

As we celebrate the incredible women of our community and in our lives, Erica Graham offers a beautiful and personal word on the nature of God revealed not only through biological and familial mothers, but all who give tirelessly and fiercely of their protection, guidance, and nurturing care.

Mother’s Day is this weekend. And while Mother’s Day is not on the Liturgical Calendar, mothering is a calling, task, sacrifice, and surrender unlike few others. Regardless of who we are, through the hardships, joys, beauty and pain someone somewhere has mothered us. God, in fact describes God’s care and redirection as a mother. This week, we enter into mothering, a task that couldn’t be more opposite than distancing, and we see God mother us in love in the midst of it all.

Pastor Chris offers a reminder of the vitality of kindness as we face the difficult circumstances of this season. As we receive God’s kindness, and extend that kindness both to ourselves and those closest to us in this crisis, we find that it will begin to ripple outward in ways beyond anything we could expect or anticipate. Through the simplest act of kindness, you never know when and how someone may be drawn toward the heart of Christ.

If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then right now we have never been more fond of our friends. Many of us are discovering that we may have taken our friendship for granted or didn't appreciate them as much as we should. And maybe that's because friendship requires more of us than we've ever admitted. What if being a friend — a true friend — is more than hanging out and convenience, but rooted in covenant and commitment?

Pastor Chris invites us to consider honestly what God is revealing in us through the challenges of this season. Self-awareness is not self-absorption, and is vital for us to discern both the gifts God has given us, and also our opportunities to repent and renew, as together we navigate this troubled time. We hope you will continue to join us through whatever these weeks may hold. You are beloved.

Join Pastor Chris as he continues his series of conversations with friends serving around our nation and around the world, discussing the common call we share in response to this global pandemic, and exploring in depth some challenges that may be contextually unique. Today Chris speaks with Paul Unsworth, founder of Kahaila, a unique combination of cafe, church, and charity in east London.

Are you sensing that you need your friends and deeper friendships more now than ever before? Maybe you find yourself appreciating your existing relationships in ways you never thought you would. The scriptures call us to a kind of loving and relating with one another that is expansive and beyond what most people know and experience. In times of distancing, we need one another more than ever. Maybe the opportunity in this season is for you to lean in to bolder, deeper, more rewarding friendships.