Midtown Vineyard Church

Sunday Gathering May 4, 2025Ryan Kenny (Romans 12:2)I keep falling into the same patterns—can anything really be different? You don't have to stay stuck—God can transform your mind, heart, and future.

Sunday Gathering April 27, 2025Ryan Kenny (Romans 12:1)We live in a world that promises more — more success, more affirmation, more life — but somehow leaves us emptier than ever. What if the life you're searching for doesn't come from chasing more, but from giving yourself fully to something bigger?This week, discover how Romans 12:1 invites you to reclaim your true humanity and find the wholeness your soul has been aching for.

Sunday Gathering April 20, 2025Ryan Kenny (1 Corinthians 15:1–58)Series finale of Creed: Resurrection of the body & life everlasting

Sunday Gathering April 13, 2025Ryan Kenny (Matthew 18:21-35)In a culture obsessed with cancelation and revenge, forgiveness feels outdated or even unjust. But when the early church declared, “I believe in the forgiveness of sins,” they weren't just talking about God's mercy toward them—they were choosing to become a community marked by mercy. What if, the way in is the way on… and that way is forgiveness?

Sunday Gathering April 6, 2025Grace Berg (Acts 2)In a time and age filled with uncertainty, it is natural to need a sense of control, whether real or perceived. This can throw us into a life of reaching for and striving for what we think is best for us and for others. But, history tells you and I that what we think is best isn't always best. What if the way forward isn't more of what we think we and the world need, but to actually heed the leadership of someone else, Jesus our Lord.

Sunday Gathering March 30, 2025Ryan Kenny (Ephesians 5:18)What if God isn't distant—but closer than your next breath? What if the power to change, to heal, to live with purpose isn't something you have to find—but Someone already reaching for you? Discover the presence of the Holy Spirit—real, active, and available.

Sunday Gathering March 23, 2025Tim Geddert (Acts 1:1-11)The resurrection of Jesus is the culmination of all that preceded it, in God's story of creation, Fall and redemption. And it is the essential foundation for all that follows, until all things are made new. In Jesus, one of us has already experienced what God has planned for all of us. Of this, the Ascension and Pentecost are the guarantees.

Sunday Gathering March 16, 2025Tim Geddert (Ephesians 4:7-10 & I Peter 3:18-19)Jesus, God in the flesh, really lived, really died, and really rose again. All this, including what the Apostles Creed calls "descending into hell" accomplishes our salvation, inaugurates the new creation, and fills the whole universe with the good news of God's saving grace.

Sunday Gathering March 9, 2025Ryan Kenny (John 13:6-17)In a time and age filled with uncertainty, it is natural to need a sense of control, whether real or perceived. This can throw us into a life of reaching for and striving for what we think is best for us and for others. But, history tells you and I that what we think is best isn't always best. What if the way forward isn't more of what we think we and the world need, but to actually heed the leadership of someone else, Jesus our Lord.

Sunday Gathering March 2, 2025Kate HoukSt. Thérèse of Lisieux is considered by many one of the greatest saints to ever live, and yet during her short life she lived in obscurity. Thérèse guides us to notice how our small and quiet everyday lives are an invitation to be shaped into the image of Christ. Together, we consider how God is forming us through our everyday interactions into the people we are meant to become in Him.

Sunday Gathering March 2, 2025Brian RossEver feel like your life is out of control? Would you consider this time in your life unsteady or maybe even crazy? We have a natural tendency that when things feel out of control, we try to gain control by any means necessary...but is that best?

Sunday Gathering March 2, 2025Ryan Kenny (Acts 17:24-28)In a time and age in which information is constantly changing and misinformation is constantly increasing, it can be hard to know what to believe. If belief precedes behavior, then we can all agree that figuring out what we believe is crucial. Maybe we don't need something new, but something true, to help bring clarity and purpose into our lives.

Sunday Gathering February 9, 2025Ryan Kenny (Ephesians 1:15-23)In a culture of “do better, try harder,” it is easy to busy ourselves in the effort of finding more fulfillment, more purpose, more status. Yet, no matter how many times we try this, we come up empty, still missing what it seems we are truly desiring. The good news is that there is “more” for you and I, but it does not come in the form we are most familiar with… it comes in a form that asks us to receive, to humble ourselves, and to look out beyond ourselves.

Sunday Gathering February 2, 2025Ryan Kenny (Titus 3)The call of the gospel to follow Christ in redemptively engaging with the world is a radical break from the exclusive self-concern that dominates most family and tribal loyalties, religious systems, and nationalistic ideologies. It is a continuation of the call to wider faith and focus that is at the core of Israel's covenant relationship with God. Titus 3 highlights some of the critical truths that make this radical outward shift of our heart and concern possible.

Sunday Gathering January 26, 2025David Parker (Deuteronomy 10:12-22, Luke 6:32-38)The call of the gospel to follow Christ in redemptively engaging with the world is a radical break from the exclusive self-concern that dominates most family and tribal loyalties, religious systems, and nationalistic ideologies. It is a continuation of the call to wider faith and focus that is at the core of Israel's covenant relationship with God. Deuteronomy 10:12-22 highlights some of the critical truths that make this radical outward shift of our heart and concern possible.

Sunday Gathering January 26, 2025Ryan Kenny (Matthew 6:19-24)Money is the root of all evil, something never said but often quoted. Actually, “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” The second seems to be a greater caution, as the object of money isn't the danger, it's our association with it. Are you aware of your relationship to money? To your stuff? If not aware, money and possessions can become the greatest force in our lives, for better or worse. Jesus offers a way forward to choose resistance to ourselves, to actually live greater than ourselves when it comes to our money.

Sunday Gathering January 12, 2025Ryan Kenny (Matthew 6:9-13)“Be yourself!” We are encouraged at every turn to live authentically, to not suppress our true self, and to express ourselves at all costs. While there are great benefits in this cultural moment of growing in expression of identity, what about when just being ourselves isn't helpful, and at times even harmful? Jesus offers a way forward to choose resistance to ourselves, to actually live greater than ourselves.

Sunday Gathering January 5, 2025Ryan Kenny (Matthew 6:16-18)What if the very things you reach for to satisfy your cravings are the same things keeping you restless and disconnected? Fasting invites us to step away from the noise and distractions of life to confront our deepest needs and open ourselves to God's transformative presence. In letting go, we discover that true satisfaction isn't found in fulfilling every desire but in making space for the One who truly fills us.

Sunday Gathering December 22, 2024Ryan Kenny (John 20:19-27)Most often, the quickest way to peace is for our circumstances to be or become favorable. To never get news of the diagnoses, for the relationship to magically repair, the unexpected check in the mail to erase the debt… but this isn't reality is it? Jesus offers a reality beyond our visibility that can bring peace, even when life isn't peaceful.

Sunday Gathering December 15, 2024Ryan Kenny (Psalm 23)“People are in one of two categories, the haves or the have nots.” Another way of saying this, people either lack or don't lack. But lack goes beyond whether someone possesses something or not, doesn't it? You could have much and yet still live from lack or you could have little and actually lack nothing. Are you aware of the ways in which you live from a place of lack? Maybe, through better understanding our relationship to lack, we could better access a peace that is beyond our ability to achieve.

Sunday Gathering December 8, 2024Jess Jackson (Psalm 131)

Sunday Gathering December 1, 2024Ryan Kenny (Isaiah 9:2-7)“Peace be with you,” a common refrain of Jesus. Sometimes, it can be hard to believe this peace is available given our unwanted circumstances and undesired challenges. Though, there has been a promise that has stood the test of time, that has changed the face of the earth and that has compelled people to live with hope and joy in the midst of suffering, a promise of Peace.

Sunday Gathering November 24, 2024Ryan Kenny (Genesis 6-9)The story of Noah's Ark is more than a tale of floods and animals—it's a profound critique of human wickedness, divine justice, and God's unrelenting grace. How does the ancient flood narrative shape our understanding of a God who chooses mercy over destruction, even when the human heart remains bent toward chaos?

Sunday Gathering November 17, 2024Ryan Kenny (Genesis 4:1-17)The first murder in scripture, Cain gets angry and kills his brother Abel. As westerners, we may be inclined to read this story and think “well, someone was going to kill someone eventually.” Or maybe, “wow, at least I am not like Cain.” But, what if pausing to ask certain questions invites us into the story that helps make sense of ourselves and all that's wrong in the world… a sense that helps you and I live with more peace, freedom and integrity that changes the world.

Sunday Gathering November 10, 2024Ryan Kenny (Genesis 2:3-3:24)A talking snake, a forbidden apple, nakedness and fig leaves, Genesis can seem to be a far off story in a far off land. What if the problems aren't there to be dismissed but can give direction? Direction that brings meaning and purpose, better able to make sense of what drives us and defines us which often leads to shame, guilt and fear.

Sunday Gathering November 3, 2024Ryan Kenny (Genesis 1:1-2:3)It doesn't necessarily tell us how, but it does tell us who and maybe even why. While written long ago, and our rational minds struggling to make sense of it all, what if the creation account of Genesis 1 was more relevant than ever? An account beyond the superficial and fleeting ways we try to find meaning, identity and purpose today.

Sunday Gathering October 27, 2024Ryan KennyOftentimes, we don't notice the current we are swimming in until it takes us away. In a political season like this one, two opposing forces are asking us to be for one and against the other. There seems to be a drift toward polarization, division and hatred as part of choosing our party. If we want to become more beautiful, peaceful and unifying people, we are invited notice the drift and resist.

Sunday Gathering October 20, 2024Kate HoukTogether we will explore the context and experiences of Julian of Norwich that led to her famous quote: “Sin is inevitable. All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” We will notice how God relates to us in our pain and how to find him in the midst of our suffering.

Sunday Gathering October 13, 2024Brian Ross (Matthew 25:31-46)Each election season comes with polarizing commitments and promises by politicians, whether it be in regard to inflation and taxes, jobs and borders, domestic and foreign policy. Each of these commitments and promises are for your benefit, each side having a different agenda to speak to their audiences desires, needs and even core fears though they tend to divide in divisive ways. What if, no matter the political side of the aisle you stand, there was a way to stay connected amidst the polarization. Connected to a God who is above it all yet working in it all, connected to your co-workers, neighbors and family even though you disagree, and connected to others in a way that brings you purpose and significance?

Sunday Gathering October 6, 2024Ryan Kenny (Habakuk)“Trust me.” Have you ever had anyone say this to you and it just didn't land? No matter how much you wanted it to be true, there was too much evidence to the contrary, that even while they may be trustworthy, all hope was lost? As you look around the world, as you look at the political landscape in America, do you have hope that things can be made better? That people can turn it all around? What if trust is a way forward, even when you can't see it and even when everything may not be turned around. Where have you placed your trust in this season?

Sunday Gathering September 29, 2024Ryan Kenny (Exodus 20:1-7)We may only use the word “allegiance” when reciting the pledge of allegiance or maybe reading a fictional novel, but in reality, we give our allegiance everyday. Your time, your money, your affections, you are placing your loyalty regularly. Your family, your friends, your work all ask for your fidelity. Political parties and support groups, vying for your commitment at every turn.The question isn't whether or not you are pledging your allegiance, the question is whether you are aware, to what or to whom you are placing your allegiance?

Sunday Gathering September 22, 2024Ryan Kenny (1 Timothy 1:12-17)Just a little more therapy, a bit more success, the right amount of service, eventually we will become complete and whole people. But you've tried it, and yet, things still seem to be not what you sense they could be. What if, while none of these are in and of themselves bad, they may never complete us. Counterintuitively, Paul who was once skeptical of Christianity to a point of imprisoning and persecuting Christians, implores us that meaning and purpose and wholeness is not found in trying to fix and save ourselves, but to receive a savior who is all loving and merciful. Do you need rescuing?

Sunday Gathering September 15, 2024Ryan Kenny (John 6:25-71)Jesus came on the scene and part of resetting all of life into its rightful order, he cautioned that the fullness of life is not found in the accumulation of more (more money, more possessions, more status), but in the contrary. In our busy, cluttered and stressful world, Jesus offers to us that finding more is actually found in less, and the practice of simplicity is a way of creating room for the peace, love and unity which he offers.

Sunday Gathering September 8, 2024Ryan Kenny (Hebrews 13:5)Jesus came on the scene and part of resetting all of life into its rightful order, he cautioned that the fullness of life is not found in the accumulation of more (more money, more possessions, more status), but in the contrary. In our busy, cluttered and stressful world, Jesus offers to us that finding more is actually found in less, and the practice of simplicity is a way of creating room for the peace, love and unity which he offers.Practice: Give financially as a way of simplifying your desires, practicing a life of generosity.

Sunday Gathering September 1, 2024Ryan Kenny (1 Timothy 6:6-19)Jesus came on the scene and part of resetting all of life into its rightful order, he cautioned that the fullness of life is not found in the accumulation of more (more money, more possessions, more status), but in the contrary. In our busy, cluttered and stressful world, Jesus offers to us that finding more is actually found in less, and the practice of simplicity is a way of creating room for the peace, love and unity which he offers.Practice: Consider all that you have in your life (people, possessions, etc.), and spend some time at least two times writing down 3 things you are grateful for, allowing your awareness of God to grow in your life.

Sunday Gathering August 25, 2024Ryan Kenny (Luke 12:22-34)Jesus came on the scene and part of resetting all of life into its rightful order, he cautioned that the fullness of life is not found in the accumulation of more (more money, more possessions, more status), but in the contrary. In our busy, cluttered and stressful world, Jesus offers to us that finding more is actually found in less, and the practice of simplicity is a way of creating room for the peace, love and unity which he offers.Practice: Consider the vision and values you have for your life, then give something of value away which you possess that may not be furthering said vision and/or values.

Sunday Gathering August 18, 2024Brian RossWe may think that we are a powerful woman, or our own man, but we are much more products of our culture than we know. During these brief two weeks, we explore two key ideas, two unnoticed values, that are shaping our lives in ways that we often do not see. What Lies Beneath can make it hard for us to live life to the fullest.

Sunday Gathering August 11, 2024Brian RossWe may think that we are a powerful woman, or our own man, but we are much more products of our culture than we know. During these brief two weeks, we explore two key ideas, two unnoticed values, that are shaping our lives in ways that we often do not see. What Lies Beneath can make it hard for us to live life to the fullest.

Sunday Gathering August 4, 2024Layla Van Gerpen (Mark 2:1-12)We long for meaningful relationships and carry wounds from broken ones. What can we learn about friendship from a group of friends who break social rules and reveal the true foundations of friendship?

Sunday Gathering July 28, 2024Ryan Kenny (Matthew 2:1-12)In this week's Cautionary Tale, we look to Herod to see how self protection and preservation, when left unchecked can lead us to a very dark place.

Sunday Gathering July 21, 2024Ryan Kenny (Matthew 26:47-49)In this cautionary tale, Judas Iscariot demonstrates the danger of using Jesus as a means to an end, inviting us to consider “who do you want me to be?” rather than “what's in it for me?”

Sunday Gathering July 14, 2024Ryan Kenny (1 Samuel 15:10-26)The Old Testament story of King Saul reminds us that self-awareness is a great antidote to self-deception and that your deepest character flaws don't have to define you, you can allow them to refine you.

Sunday Gathering July 7, 2024Taylor Starks (Matthew 11:25-28)At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, because this was your good pleasure. All things have been entrusted to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son desires to reveal him. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”Matthew 11:25-28

Sunday Gathering June 23, 2024Ryan Kenny (John 15:1-14)Christians can be known for many things, and if we are honest, many of them are not good. From being judgmental, hypocritical or know-it-all's at the least, for those looking on, following Jesus may not seem very attractive.What does seem attractive? At the least, people who are non-anxious, filled with joy beyond their circumstances and able to love deeply, especially those who are different from them. When we look at the life of Jesus, this seems to be the type of people Jesus is inviting us to become, so why then is it so hard to attain?

Sunday Gathering June 23, 2024Ryan Kenny (Matthew 11:28-30)Juggling work, friendships, and social commitments; The pressure to always be available and responsive to all; Worrying about finances, health, or relationships; Feeling uncertain about your goals or future; Comparison to others whether scrolling a feed or relating to a colleague. Would you say you are more rested or restless?While the busyness and/or stressors of your life may stay the same, what if you could live from a deeper place of rest? In spite of your current season, you could still be a person who others look to for inspiration, joy-filled, calm in your responses, peace in your direction, content in all things. It may feel counterintuitive, but Jesus invites us to a life of rest, and not just to hit more REM sleep at night, but to actually find it deep within our souls.

Sunday Gathering June 16, 2024Ryan Kenny (Revelation 3:20)How do you most often relate to God; distantly, casually or respectfully? While these can be common ways of relating, these don't actually satisfy the depth at which you want to relate does it? You want to feel more connected than you do, your hope is to sense a greater peace and joy beyond your circumstances, you desire to be fully seen and accepted in spite of your pains and brokenness.The scriptures point to a God who invites us to a relationship of depth; the fullness of knowing and being known, the ease of experiencing and understanding, the gift of connection and conversation. God the Father invites us to a relationship defined by intimacy.

Sunday Gathering June 9, 2024Jess Jackson (Esther 4:13-14)How might God be inviting you to join the work he is already up to?

Sunday Gathering June 2, 2024Ryan KennyJesus' new way, implores a new you

Sunday Gathering May 26, 2024Ryan Kenny (Philemon 1:1-25)Though short, Paul's letter to Philemon packs a powerful punch, helping us to change the way we see, to change the way we'll be.

Sunday Gathering May 12, 2024Ryan Kenny (Genesis 1:26-27)As life goes on, we can often forget that at one time, we were created. Very quickly, life becomes our own… our own plans, our own ambitions, our own achievements. But in this, things don't always seem to work out perfectly do they? Within us and around us, no matter how much we live true to ourselves, it feels like things aren't the way they are supposed to be.The scriptures offer that we were created by the God of the universe who knows us inside and out, created us and cherishes us, in the good and the broken. If it's true that you and I were created, may our creator have an intended purpose for the way things were supposed to be and who we were supposed to be?

Sunday Gathering May 5, 2024Mark Baker (Luke 15:1-2, 11-32)Authoritarian or apathetic? Commanding or complacent? Intrusive or indifferent? While we're talking extremes, how do you most often view God? From parents to coaches, teachers to relatives, how we have experienced authority figures in our lives shapes our view of them which then in turn influences how we relate to them.Jesus entered into a culture that already had ways of relating to authority, holding a tension between the polarization of legalism or permissiveness. Whether the lens of your spirituality relates to God holding a gavel to maintain order, or the parent backstage of American Idol who couldn't disappoint their kid by telling them they can't sing, we may be surprised by the spirituality of Jesus who invites us to the center to reimagine these polar opposites.