Reachway Church

A recording of the prayers, scripture readings, and sermon from the gathering on April 25, 2021. (Music excluded for licensing and copyright reasons)

A recording of the prayers, scripture readings, and sermon from the gathering on April 11, 2021. (Music excluded for licensing and copyright reasons)

A recording of the prayers, scripture readings, and sermon from the gathering on April 4, 2021. (Music excluded for licensing and copyright reasons)

A recording of the prayers, scripture readings, and sermon from the gathering on March 28, 2021. (Music excluded for licensing and copyright reasons)

A recording of the prayers, scripture readings, and sermon from the gathering on March 21, 2021. (Music excluded for licensing and copyright reasons)

A recording of the prayers, scripture readings, and sermon from the gathering on March 7, 2021. (Music excluded for licensing and copyright reasons)

A recording of the prayers, scripture readings, and sermon from the gathering on February 28, 2021. (Music excluded for licensing and copyright reasons)

A recording of the announcements, prayers, scripture readings, and sermon from the gathering on February 21, 2021. (Music excluded for licensing and copyright reasons)

A recording of the announcements, prayers, scripture readings, and sermon from the gathering on February 14, 2021. (Music excluded for licensing and copyright reasons)

A recording of the announcements, prayers, scripture readings, and sermon from the gathering on February 7, 2021. (Music excluded for licensing and copyright reasons)

Pastor Seth makes an announcement regarding in-person gatherings, prayer, the reading of scripture, and finishing up our twenty-three-week series on the book of Acts.

Our narrative from the book of Acts this week (Acts 22 - 23) opens with Paul’s “defense” of himself (22:1). This week we explore the importance of being sure of what God has done for you in the past, so that you can keep pressing forward.

This week’s story from the book of Acts highlights a riot that took place because of the followers of The Way (of Jesus). Listen along and consider how trying to live like Jesus has the potential to disturb others.

Our world and our lives are swarmed with ideas. In Acts chapter seventeen we observe The Gospel and Paul encounter human philosophy - a flurry of human ideas - and find what God’s ideas are.

We put a lot of pressure on decision making and decision makers, but did you know that God decides things, too? And guess what? The decision is good news for everyone.

We work through the entire fifteenth chapter of the book of Acts to find that God’s Kingdom is one of grace and inclusion.

Our story from the book of Acts presents the Gospel (Good News) of God in such a way that removes worry from our minds. Because of Jesus, we have the opportunity to turn away from the things of this world that weigh us down and tire us out - and we won’t die! In fact, we will live.

The Apostle Paul kicks off his missionary journey with a sermon compelling enough to cause jealousy in some folks. His defense for his actions is rooted in a deep calling - a ministry - that reached us(!) and informs how we are to reach out to others.

Two sentences that, on the surface, provide seemingly meaningless details of a story - yet, if more deeply considered, we realize that God can speak to us and call us to something in an instant.

Interwoven within the account of Peter’s escape from prison (Acts chapter twelve) is the small detail of a praying church - however this would end up becoming a large detail. How does / should the rhythm of prayer influence the ‘entire’ church?

We look at the account of the first time the disciples of Jesus are called ‘Christians,’ and consider the implications of the reality that not-yet Christians were the first ones to assign that title (not the disciples!). Our driving passage is Acts 11:19-30.

Let us consider the story of Peter meeting Cornelius. In doing so, we realize that acts of favoritism are not Godly and have no place in God’s Kingdom and in the lives of those who follow Christ. Our driving text is Acts 10:1 - 11:18

Among several themes, the second half of Acts chapter nine provides an account of the power of relationships, friendships, and mutuality. Through the example of the biblical character Tabitha, and remembering God’s ancient call, we consider our call to being a friend to others.

We look to the story of the conversion of Saul to consider God’s restorative activity in the world, which for humanity, is our salvation. If God can reach Saul, God can reach you!

The story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts chapter 8) opens up our imaginations on who God is calling to God’s- self, and the unimaginable and uncontrollable movement of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures show us clearly through this story that God profoundly sees and deeply cares about every single human being.

In Reachway's Summer journey through the book of Acts, the life of Stephen is considered, as accounted for in Acts chapters 6 & 7. What can be learned from this story of someone who goes from 'food pantry director,' to wrongfully murdered? Let's explore that together.

The Seventh Word - Luke 23:44-46 - It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.Speaker - Jonathan ThomasThe Rev. Jonathan Thomas serves as Co-Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Peoria. He received his M.Div. degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, where he first met his wife, Jenny. After getting married they looked for a church they could serve together as priests and found the wonderful congregation of St. Paul's to be the sort of place willing to try something new. He previously served on the staff in churches in Virginia, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

The Sixth Word - John 19:30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.Speaker - Heather RobertsonPastor Heather Robertson is delighted to co-pastor St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin. New to this faith community, while coming home to Pekin, she marvels at the experience of this current journey. Saying yes to God even when it seems impossible has been a theme for a while now. Currently completing her seminary education at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, while being mom to three amazing kids with an unbelievable partner, life is certainly full. Only the movement of the Spirit could make it possible. May we all see with new eyes (from a distance) and hear with new ears the story of resurrection waiting to shock and awe us yet again.

The Fifth Word - John 19:28Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.Speaker - Rob CollinsRob Collins is the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Peoria. He comes from the great state of Texas and holds degrees from Mercer University (GA) and Gardner-Webb University (NC).

The Fourth Word - Mark 15:33-34At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).Speaker - Mary BeenkenReverend Mary Beenken is new to the Peoria area, where she has recently begun her first call as pastor of Grace and Peace Lutheran Church. She is married to Reverend Nathan Johnson, who serves St. John's Lutheran Church in Toluca, Illinois. Prior to beginning their ministry here, Mary and Nathan attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and went on to complete a post-graduate fellowship, travelling the globe to learn from the religious experiences of people who have experienced persecution. Their travels took them to Turkey, Rwanda, Germany, Guatemala, and India, before returning them home to the United States, where their ministry includes advocating for justice and building relationships rooted in compassion and peace. God has sent them across the world, but they have been blessed to settle here in Peoria where they live with their two dogs, Obie and Nergal.

The Third Word - (John 19:26, 27)When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.Speaker - Josh LeeJosh grew up in Elgin, IL, a suburb of Chicago. While attending Garrett Theological Seminary for his Masters of Divinity in May 2019 — he served at Kingswood United Methodist. Prior to this, he attended Moody Bible Institute for his Bachelors in Pastoral Ministry in May 2013. Both of these experiences have exposed him to a wide spectrum of theological and social thought.Since joining the staff at Imago Dei church in January 2019, Josh's primary role is the Sunday morning service, teaching and communications. He also provides pastoral care, oversight of building and grounds and implementing ways to communicate our mission and vision in the community and partnering with other organizations.

The Second Word - (Luke 23:43)One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”Speaker - Debra AveryRev. Debra Avery serves as pastor and head of staff at the United Presbyterian Church in Peoria. She has served as a second career pastor in four Presbyterian congregations in New York, Arizona, California, and Illinois. She has a skill set for vision and strategy work, and a passion for missional and justice endeavors. She previously served as the moderator of her presbytery in the San Francisco area.

The First Word - Luke 23:32-34 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.Speaker - Seth MajorSeth Major serves as the Lead Pastor of Reachway Church in Peoria, overseeing the church's mission, direction, and health. He and his wife, Tai, moved into the North Valley neighborhood to plant Reachway as a church that served the community in which they lived. Seth also serves as the CARES Director of the Dream Center, guiding their outreach efforts in the community.

We consider the quarreling and testing the nation of Israel did when they became thirsty in the desert and discuss how we are to faithfully engage with moments of wilderness ourselves. The scripture passages we pull from are Psalm 95 and Exodus 17:1-7.

For the second Sunday of Lent we look at John chapter 3’s dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus - who has a few questions. Having questions [for God] is natural and healthy. The season of Lent positions us to be able to receive the answers / feedback with grace and resilience. We also consider John chapter 2 as we wonder what it could mean to be ‘born from above of the Spirit.’

On the first Sunday of Lent we look at Matthew chapter 4, where the ‘attempt to tempt’ Jesus is made in the wilderness, and compared that to the events of the Garden of Eden in Genesis chapter 3. In light of these stories we learn that we are to trust God with both pace AND process as we journey throughout life.

In this final week of Epiphany we consider The Transfiguration of Jesus, accounted for in Matthew chapter 17. We ask the question, ‘When we want to grow, where do we go?’ and conclude that in our moments of doubt, assurance, and everything in between, we are to seek out the presence of God as we journey along.

The words of Deuteronomy chapter 30 frame our discussion on the often ‘hard-hitting’ teachings of the Sermon On The Mount. These ancient words in Deuteronomy encourage us in that A) We are able to choose [in general] B) The Word is near to us, and C) We can choose life. Teachings of Sermon On The Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) give us a picture of what it looks like to ‘choose life.’

For Epiphany week 5 we consider the theme of righteousness that Jesus addresses in Matthew chapter 5, and, by walking through Isaiah chapter 58, consider the differences between a righteousness that is motivated by law and one that is motivated by love.

As we consider the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) we ask the question, “What is the world telling me, and, in light of that, what is God telling me?” We explore the tensions of these profound differences.

As we consider a passage from Matthew chapter 4, accounting for Jesus calling some of His disciples, we explore Lectio Devina - a way in which we can creatively and meaningfully engage with the Scriptures.

"Now that we know that Jesus is the Son of God, what do we do with Him?" We approach this question by considering the account of Jesus gaining a few of His first disciples in John, chapter 1.

We ask the question ‘Why did Jesus get baptized?’ and consider some of the conditions and implications of His baptism. Good news: Salvation from God removes all barriers between God and humanity - the playing field is now level (which really is crazy). We are also afforded the opportunity to consider our own baptism as well.

On the second and final week of Christmastide we revisit the theme of light by considering the opening words of the Gospel of John and observing the way in which John the Baptist witnessed to the "true light."

We look at a passage that outlines hearing messages through others, and dreams, and discuss the importance of having a posture of listening.

We wrap up this Advent season and celebrate the birth of Jesus by discussing how the light of the world, invites us to be the light of the world.

We read about John the Baptist again this week, except this time he in in jail. This week we discuss the tensions of joy and suffering, and how we can hold both despite our present circumstances.

Taylor Huber leads us in a conversation about approaching Advent with a posture of repentance, and some important distinctions between pity and empathy.

We begin the Advent season with a discussion on the important tasks that Advent leads us to do (we highlight three).

Wrapping up our series on contentment by talking about human flourishing and God's originally intended design for us - and how that should shape our activity within the body of Christ and in the world.

A deeper dive into the Enneagram.