Sermons & Such - Haven Berkeley Faith Community

In this Pentecost teaching, Leah wraps up the Earthly Empire and Divine Kin-dom series by tracing the Spirit's liberating work across Scripture, history, and today. She contrasts the Tower of Babel (an empire story rooted in conformity and self-glorification) with the Pentecost narrative in Acts, where the Spirit disrupts domination by empowering diverse languages and radical community. Drawing from the legacy of William Seymour and the Azusa Street Revival, Leah lifts up the Spirit's power to resist racism and empire while building a Kin-dom of mutuality, justice, and inclusion. Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In this powerful teaching, Leah explores what true greatness looks like in the Divine Kin-dom, contrasting it with the domination and hierarchy of empire. Drawing from the gospel of Mark, she unpacks two parallel stories where Jesus flips the script on greatness, calling his followers to service, humility, and care for the most vulnerable.

In this storytelling-centered teaching, Leah weaves together three profound “scar stories” to explore how resurrection, resilience, and healing often show up bearing the marks of suffering. She begins with the familiar post-Easter story of Jesus inviting Thomas to touch his wounds, reminding us that Divine transformation doesn't erase our pain, but honors it.

This Easter, Leah invites us to see resurrection not just as personal salvation, but as a profound act of resistance to Empire. In a time when powerful voices long for modern-day Caesars, Leah contrasts Ancient Rome with the Divine Kin-dom Jesus proclaimed—a vision built not on domination but on relational connection and justice. Through Matthew's resurrection account, she highlights how God entrusted women—not imperial soldiers—with the first gospel message, and how those on the margins were the true messengers of hope. She also warns of how the lust for control can corrupt even the most spiritual leaders, and calls us to resist with clarity and compassion. Ultimately, Easter reminds us that Jesus didn't return to rule with an iron fist—he rose to empower a diverse, justice-driven movement. This is resurrection with relevance. This is Divine Kin-dom rising.

In this final teaching of the “Earthly Empire and Divine Kin-dom” series, Leah walks us through the last, harrowing chapter of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life—his work in the German resistance, his arrest, and his ultimate execution. Amidst moral ambiguity and deep suffering, Bonhoeffer never stopped seeking Christ's presence in the complexity of real life. Through prison letters, unfinished writings, and his haunting poem “Who Am I?”, Leah shows how Bonhoeffer called followers of Jesus not to escapism, but to deep solidarity with the suffering of the world. Anchored in the story of Jesus in Gethsemane, this teaching calls us to “stay awake with Christ”—to bear witness and resist despair with courage and presence. Leah reminds us that the true legacy of Bonhoeffer lies not in answers, but in the question he lived: “Where is Christ, here and now?”Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In this next teaching on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Leah explores his leadership in the Confessing Church and his efforts to disciple Christian resistance in Nazi Germany. She shares how Bonhoeffer trained young pastors in an underground seminary, centering their faith on intentional community and the radical teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. His writings from this period, Discipleship and Life Together, challenge us to embrace “costly grace” —a faith the resists injustice rather than conforming to empire. Leah also reflects on the story of Martin Niemöller, a pastor who initially supported Hitler but later repented and spoke out, reminding us that resistance can take many forms. This teaching invites us to examine our own discipleship, the communities that shape us, and how we are called to live out faith in ways that challenge oppression.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

As Lent begins, Leah launches a special series within “Earthly Empire & Divine Kin-dom,” focusing on the life and resistance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. She examines how Bonhoeffer's time in New York—studying at Union Theological Seminary, worshiping at Abyssinian Baptist Church, and confronting American racism—transformed his understanding of Jesus and justice. These experiences sharpened his resistance to Hitler's rise in Germany, as he saw faith not as mere platitudes but as a radical call to action. Leah challenges us to reflect on our own lives: How have our experiences shaped our faith? How do we discern our personal path of resistance to injustice? This teaching invites us to step into Lent with renewed awareness, courage, and commitment to the work of Divine kin-dom.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In this next installment of the “Empire and Kin-dom” series, Leah examines how resistance stories have shaped movements for justice and survival. She highlights Harriet Tubman's unwavering faith in liberation and the ways enslaved people found hope in the Exodus story. Turning to the Book of Daniel, Leah unpacks how the Jewish court tales provided strength and defiance against empire, offering a vision of divine kinship over domination. These stories have empowered communities to hold onto their identity and resist empire. In a time when authoritarianism seeks to erase and control, Leah challenges us to reclaim the stories that sustain us and imagine a different future.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Leah launches the “Earthly Empire and Divine Kin-dom” series by exploring the stark contrast between earthly power and God's vision for community. Drawing on the story of Frederick Douglass, the warnings of the prophet Samuel, and Jesus' proclamation of the “Kin-dom of God,” she challenges us to discern the difference between empire and divine kinship. This teaching invites us to resist systems of oppression and build a faith rooted in justice, solidarity, and love.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In this powerful reflection, Leah draws upon the prophetic legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to inspire “A Time of Sacred Preparation.” She explores Dr. King's teachings on justice, nonviolence, and hope, even in the face of profound disappointment. Sharing excerpts from his sermons and prayers, Leah challenges us to confront the realities of our time with a resilient spirit and a commitment to love. She calls us to embody practices of preparation—prayer, reflection, and grounded action—that align with the Divine's call for justice and compassion. This teaching offers an invitation to carry forward Dr. King's vision, cultivating a hope that sustains us in the ongoing work of healing our world.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.Please note: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to share the audio or the video for “King in the Wilderness.” At the 24-minute mark of the audio recordings, you will experience about 20 seconds of silence. If you'd like to see the clip which is meant to go in this space, it can be found here on Youtube or on Max with a subscription. The exact clip starts at approximately 32:20 and goes until 37:50.

In this Epiphany teaching, Leah explores the Divine revelations in the story of Jesus' baptism and how they resonate today. She unpacks three key epiphanies: the way God disrupts social hierarchies, the collaborative nature of Divine work, and the power of the Spirit symbolized by the dove—gentleness, grace, and nonviolence. Leah reminds us that these qualities require strength and are essential for justice and empathy in a fractured world. Reflecting on the challenges of our time, she encourages us to trust our inner wisdom and embrace “dove power” to bring healing and hope. This teaching inspires us to align with God's heart and embody love and resilience in all we do.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Leah kicks off Advent with a reflective teaching on the theme “You Are a Blessing.” Exploring Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel, Leah highlights how Divine favor begins with blessing, reshapes expectations, and empowers new possibilities. Through this lens, she invites us to embrace the truth of our inherent worth and consider the agency we hold in our own sacred journeys.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In this closing teaching of the “Hurt to Whole” series, Leah introduces the concept of post-traumatic growth (PTG), the remarkable capacity of the human spirit to find resilience and even transformation after trauma. She reflects on her own personal journey and draws from trauma studies, explaining how adversity can lead us to new strengths, values, and connections. By examining stories of resilience from the Bible, Leah reminds us of a Divine presence that partners with us to bring good from harm. Encouraging the community to explore “What else is true?” she offers practical steps for cultivating resilience, including a radical self-love exercise. This final session is an invitation to embrace hope, wholeness, and the sacred growth that can arise from our deepest wounds.

In this insightful teaching, Leah delves into the significance of sharing our untold stories as part of the “Hurt to Whole” series. She begins with a powerful quote from Maya Angelou, connecting it to the process of trauma recovery that involves safety, remembrance, and reconnection. Leah explains how the Christian faith itself can be seen as a post-traumatic tradition, rooted in the shared experiences of Jesus' followers after his crucifixion. By revisiting the story of Jesus and Peter on the shore, she shows how safe, compassionate spaces allow stories of pain to be voiced, received, and reimagined. Leah encourages the community to build a trauma-informed culture, where healing can emerge through both spoken and creative expressions.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In this special service, Leah bridges the themes of the “Hurt to Whole” series with Caleb's renaming ceremony, highlighting the profound concept of embodiment. She speaks to how our bodies carry the imprints of trauma and, equally, the pathways to healing, emphasizing that true wholeness involves connecting deeply with our physical selves. Reflecting on the life of Jesus, Leah illustrates how the Divine chose to embody human experiences, from compassion to suffering, and how this embodied presence brought healing. By honoring our own stories and the wisdom in our bodies, Leah invites us to engage in a spirituality that is as physical as it is profound, following the example of those who live authentically in their truth.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.You can read Leah's poem Our Bodies Hold Our Stories here.

Join Leah as she leads us into the transformative new “Hurt to Whole” series, where she explores the deep connections between trauma, healing, and spirituality. Reflecting on her father's experience with PTSD and her own year-long study of trauma care, she sheds light on how trauma affects our bodies, minds, and relationships. In this session, Leah tackles essential questions such as what trauma is, how it shows up, and how being trauma-informed can shape our spiritual communities. With compassion and insight, she also connects Jesus' ministry to modern trauma care, offering pathways for healing and hope. Discover how we, too, can move from hurt to whole.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Join Leah as she concludes the "Sacred Sources" series with a captivating look at biblical interpretation. Drawing inspiration from the Greek god Hermes, Leah introduces us to the art and science of hermeneutics – the practice of deriving meaning from texts. She expertly guides us through various interpretive lenses used throughout history, from early Jewish and Christian approaches to modern liberation and feminist theologies. Leah then turns our attention to Jesus' own interpretive key, found in Matthew 22:34-40, which emphasizes love as the central tenet of faith. This enlightening teaching equips us with valuable insights for reading scripture through a lens of love, encouraging a deeper and more nuanced engagement with the Bible. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your biblical understanding and enrich your faith journey.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In this Sunday's teaching, Leah starts off with a light-hearted anecdote involving a text message mix-up during an airport pick-up, highlighting the generational differences in communication. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the New Testament Epistles, a collection of letters that hold significant value in the Christian tradition. We delve into the context in which these letters were written, their intended audience, and the practice of pseudepigraphy, which sometimes complicates authorship. The message encourages us to discern which teachings in these ancient texts are relevant to our modern faith journey, particularly as we examine the universally accepted Pauline Epistle to the Philippians. Through this, we aim to find timeless lessons that continue to inspire and guide us today.

In today's teaching, Leah unpacks the complexities of the New Testament Gospels as part of the summer series, “Sacred Sources.” During seminary, many students face a pivotal moment when they realize the Bible's formation is more complex than previously imagined. This often leads to a crisis of faith, but it can also lead to a more mature and nuanced understanding of these sacred texts. In this teaching, Leah explores what the Gospels are, how they came to be, and their significance. While the Gospels aren't eyewitness accounts or direct transcripts of Jesus' words, they are powerful, faith-driven narratives that offer us a profound connection to Jesus. By understanding the historical and literary context of these texts, we can approach them with fresh eyes and deeper reverence, finding new ways to connect with the life and teachings of Jesus.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Discover the captivating story of the Bedouin shepherds whose curiosity in 1947 unearthed one of the most profound archaeological discoveries of our time: the Dead Sea Scrolls. Join Leah as she continues her “Sacred Sources” series, delving into these ancient texts, exploring their significance and how they shape our understanding of faith today.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Discover the transformative power of scripture in two poignant stories that span decades. From a freshman's eye-opening Bible study experience to the unsettling rise of Christian nationalism, these tales explore how the Bible can inspire faith and compassion while also being misused to entrench bigotry and power. Join Pastor Leah on a journey through “Sacred Sources,” where she delves into the ancient, diverse, and sometimes ambiguous texts of the Bible, and learn how to reclaim its wisdom for a more just and loving world.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.(And to watch the video mentioned at the end of Leah's teaching, click this YouTube link.)

Join Pastor Leah as she delves into the intersection of spirituality and mental health through the lens of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). This teaching unpacks the "Wise Mind" concept, highlighting how Jesus embodied this balance of emotion and reason in his actions and teachings. Through relatable anecdotes and biblical stories, Leah explorse practical DBT skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Discover how these tools can help us stay grounded, connected, and focused on what truly matters in challenging times. Tune in for an enriching journey towards deeper wisdom and spiritual resilience.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Step into a journey of discovery with Lead Pastor Leah as she shares a heartwarming anecdote about her daughter's profound insight that reshaped her perception of God. Set against the backdrop of Pride Month, Leah leads us into the realm of Queer Theology, unraveling its significance in navigating complex aspects of faith and identity. Through the lens of author Patrick Cheng's nuanced definitions and author Mihee Kim-Kort's insightful perspectives, Leah invites us to explore the multifaceted meanings of queerness and its potential impact on our spirituality. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in a dialogue that challenges conventions and fosters a deeper understanding of ourselves and the Divine.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Embark on a transformative journey of spiritual exploration with this Sunday's enlightening discourse. Inspired by personal encounters and sacred sites like the Temple Mount, our guest speaker invites you to transcend the confines of singular belief systems and embrace the richness of spiritual diversity.Delve into "omnism," advocating respect for all religions, fostering appreciation for diverse beliefs. Challenge traditional boundaries, exploring dangers of misinterpretation and urging curiosity. Discover Hindu philosophy's wisdom in diverse spiritual approaches through "Ishta Devata" and interconnectedness. Reflect on parallels between quantum entanglement and spiritual interconnectedness.Join us on a journey of discovery and enlightenment, where open hearts and open minds pave the way for a more inclusive and harmonious world. Embrace the boundless potential of spiritual growth and interconnectedness, as we honour the richness and diversity of belief systems that shape our collective journey toward truth and enlightenment.Review luca's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Embark on a soul-stirring exploration with Leah as she ventures into the depths of theodicy, seeking to unravel the tangled threads of suffering and faith. Reflecting on poignant personal moments and insights gleaned from her studies, Leah guides listeners through four thought-provoking models that grapple with the age-old question: where is God in the midst of suffering? From the traditional notion of "God's Plan" to the contemporary perspectives of divine empathy and human agency, each model offers a unique lens through which to view life's complexities.Drawing from theological giants like John Calvin to contemporary thinkers like Thomas Oord, Leah navigates the intricacies of faith with grace and candor. Through poignant anecdotes and scholarly reflections, she invites listeners to ponder their own experiences of suffering and the ways in which they encounter the divine in the midst of life's storms.As Leah shares her own evolving journey through the maze of theodicy, she offers not answers, but an invitation to wrestle with the profound mysteries of existence. Ultimately, she reminds us of the enduring hope that threads through our tradition—a hope that one day, all tears will be wiped away, and a new order of peace and wholeness will dawn.Join Leah on this transformative exploration, and discover where your own path intersects with the eternal questions of faith, suffering, and redemption.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Embark on a transformative journey with Leah in her thought-provoking teaching series, "Navigating the Maze: Finding God in the Midst of Complexity," where she skilfully interweaves profound insights from Colum McCann's novel "Apeirogon" with real-life narratives of hope and reconciliation.Drawing upon the poignant experiences of Basaam Aramin and Rami Elhannan, two fathers who transcended barriers of grief and animosity to become champions of peace, Leah offers profound reflections on the power of empathy, forgiveness, and collective action. From the early Christian ethos of pacifism to the complex moral frameworks of just-war theory, Leah guides us through the historical pathways traversed by Christians in their quest for ethical engagement with conflict.But the journey does not end with historical reflections; Leah invites us to explore the emergent paradigm of Just Peacemaking, a holistic approach that transcends traditional dichotomies and calls us to embrace multifaceted strategies for sustainable peace-building. Through engaging discussions and insightful reflections, Leah empowers us to discern our unique role in fostering reconciliation and justice in our communities and beyond.Join Leah in this illuminating exploration of peace and conflict, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary challenges, and where each of us is invited to be a catalyst for transformative change.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Step into the realm of faith and doubt with Cara Meredith, our special guest speaker, as she guides us through a rich exploration of Thomas's encounter with the risen Christ. In this week's Sunday service, delve into the complexities of belief and disbelief, as we unpack the narrative from John 20:24-31. Discover how Thomas, often labeled "The Doubter," embodies the struggles many face in navigating the maze of faith. Through Thomas's journey, we're invited to question, doubt, and ultimately encounter the transformative love of God. Join us as we journey together, exploring the depths of doubt and rediscovering the profound truth that God finds us in our moments of deepest need. This service promises to be a beacon of hope and a reminder that, despite the uncertainties of life, the path of love and faith remains steadfast.Review Cara's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Embark on a captivating exploration with Leah as she delves into the ancient Greek myth of Theseus, Ariadne, and the Minotaur, seamlessly weaving it into our contemporary struggles in her latest teaching series, "Navigating the Maze: Finding God in Complexity." Leah highlights the challenges of navigating modern-day mazes, addressing collective trauma and societal fragmentation while offering profound reflections on faith's role in guiding us through. Join Leah on this transformative journey as we seek hope beyond the maze, finding connection, healing, and liberation in the presence of the Divine.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Connie Barker is a white cis lesbian and former aspiring academic who has been living at the interesting intersection of Environmental Illness, Queerness, Disability and adult-onset Christian faith for almost 40 years. In this Sunday's teaching, she shares some stories that hopefully have something to say about making peace.Listen to or watch the teaching below.

Discover profound insights with Yu-Shuan Tarango-Sho, founding Director of Sacred Roots, as we explore "Showing up for Liberation." With inspiration drawn from Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer and Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Yu-Shuan navigates the intersection of spirituality and collective wellness, embracing the both/and paradigm.Through Yu-Shuan's guidance, we reflect on LeaderFUL-ness, engaging with young BIPOC leaders in the global movement for liberation. Rooted in cultural wisdom and interconnectedness, we embark on a journey of healing justice, reclaiming ancestral wisdom, and fostering collective well-being.Join us as we heed Yu-Shuan's call to interlock our roots and collaborate towards collective healing and liberation.Listen to or watch the teaching below.

Join Leah in this thought-provoking reflection as she explores the profound tension in Jesus' teachings about peace. Drawing parallels between the fictional dystopia of Panem in The Hunger Games and the historical context of Jesus in the Pax Romana, she delves into the contrast between worldly peace, enforced by oppressive powers, and the divine peace (Shalom) that Jesus calls us to embrace. As she navigates conflicting passages in Matthew, we're challenged to be peacemakers in the truest sense—championing justice, resisting false peace, and embodying the transformative power of Shalom in a world marked by conflict. Let's embark on this journey together, seeking wisdom and understanding in the pursuit of a just and holistic peace in 2024.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Join Leah as she reflects on the events of January 6th, particularly the attack on the Capitol in 2021, and explores the concept of peacemaking in the context of current challenges. She connects the story of the Magi in the Bible, particularly their role as "religious strangers," to the idea of “holy envy”—finding beauty in other traditions without attempting to claim or conquer them. Leah's narrative encourages a broader perspective and engagement with diverse perspectives, especially in the pursuit of peace amid various conflicts, both domestic and international. You are invited to reflect on personal experiences with "religious strangers" and consider the concept of holy envy in the context of peacemaking in 2024 with the help of guided questions and conversation.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Journey into the sacred silence of Advent with this insightful sermon as Leah explores the biblical story of Elizabeth and Zechariah. Delve into the mystery of their encounters with the divine, as Zechariah's silence and Elizabeth's voluntary seclusion unfold into profound moments of spiritual revelation. Discover the transformative power of silence and solitude during the busy holiday season, and join us in practical contemplative practices to tune into the sacred presence. This sermon invites you to reflect, find joy in the midst of weariness, and make space for encounters with the divine in your own life.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Join Leah for an engaging exploration of these thought-provoking topics and gain a deeper understanding of their relevance today as she delves into the enigmatic parables of Jesus, including a teaching story by AJ Levine—a Jewish New Testament scholar—and an analysis of a famous parable from the Gospel of Matthew. The teaching also addresses the cultural context of the parables and the significance of discussing the concept of consequences in the afterlife as a teaching tool. (The video by AJ Levine is an excerpt from her “Jesus in Text and Context” speech at Westminster Town Hall. The exact times are Part 1: 21:35 to 24:02 and Part 2: 24:02 to 26:47.) Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Explore the unexpected wisdom in this captivating teaching series. Join the thought-provoking discussion on growing in action, inspired by Jesus' parables. Unravel the mystery of the “Dishonest Manager” as we delve into the power of generosity and building relationships that transcend worldly wealth. Listen or watch the teaching and be part of a community committed to investing in true riches. Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Join us for a special collaborative discussion on Haven's identity and action steps this Sunday. Your voice matters as we build on the insights from our retreat. If you'd like to contribute your voice, watch the video or listen to the audio below and fill out the provided Google Form. Let's shape our vibrant community together!

Join Leah as she discusses the discovery of the essential components of trust. Engage in the discussion on the core pillars of trust - ability, integrity, and benevolence - and witness how they interplay in fostering collaboration and connection. Delve into the insightful journey of Jesus and Simon Peter, discovering the lessons in personal connection, partnership, and cultural understanding that pave the way for building trust within your own relationships. Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Join us for this transformative teaching from Pastor Leah Martens as she delves into the powerful biblical story of Naaman's healing in 2 Kings 5. Through a captivating exploration, Leah uncovers the profound connection between humility and collaboration, shedding light on the necessary steps to foster meaningful collaboration within our faith community.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Our service this Sunday featured the brilliant guest speaker Sandhya Jha, an esteemed activist, author, and speaker. In their thought-provoking discussion titled 'A People United?', Sandhya shared insightful perspectives and powerful messages that are sure to leave all viewers and listeners inspired and motivated to create positive change in their lives and communities and ask the harder questions of themselves and their communities.Listen to or watch the teaching below.

Starting off a new teaching series called "Dialogue with the Divine, Leah leads us in a discussion on prayer. She shares her personal journey, exploring the different forms and meanings of prayer in her life. Drawing from diverse religious contexts, Leah emphasizes the importance of communication in nurturing a relationship with God. Using the story of Hannah as an example, who prayed fervently for a child, she invites viewers to delve into biblical narratives. Through this series, Leah encourages us to deepen our spiritual connection and explore our own unique relationship with prayer and the Divine.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In her Easter Sunday sermon, Leah explores Mary Magdalene's longing for Jesus, her persistence in finding him after discovering his tomb empty, and her exploration of the mystery of his absence and proclamation of hope that we are not alone; that our spiritual journey can be one of transformation, moving us from grief or loss to hope and acceptance.Review Leah's notes and listen to or watch the teaching below.

On her final Sunday at Haven, Jeanne gives a teaching on a famous passage in Mathew, often called "the Beatitudes", in which she speaks directly as a woman of color to the BIPOC folk in the room.You can view Jeanne's Paraphrase of the Beatitudes here and listen to or watch her teaching below.

In her final teaching in the "Community Evolving" series, Leah take a look at an incident in the early church, as reported in Acts 15, and invites Haven to consider the way a group can work together through a process to pursue growth and change.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

This message is the second-to-last of Leah's teachings in the "Community Evolving" series. As the series comes to a close, we're looking at a couple of connected incidents in the book of Acts, with the hope that they may serve as a kind of case study in what collective evolution can look like. This first is a look at an incident in Acts 10, as the Spirit brings together two characters in a surprising way.Review Leah's notes and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In this teaching, Leah continues the "Community Evolving" series, considering the role tradition plays in our personal and collective spiritual evolution. Shared in the midst of Advent 2022, Leah focuses on the nativity story in Matthew, and considers how that story is part of an evolving spiritual tradition, as well as how we can continue to participate in our traditions evolving.You can review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In this third teaching in the “Community Evolving” series, Leah considers the implications of how a change in thinking impacts how we live and practice faith. We look at the way in which Jesus challenged the models of his day and encouraged his followers to be open to new ones to best serve the new things God was doing in his day, as we consider how Haven can continue to evolve our ways of gathering and practicing Jesus-centered faith.You can review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Leah shares the second teaching in the "Community Evolving" series, considering one potential model for how people often develop in their worldviews, including their spirituality. She also looks at how we may see that same progression evident in the life of Jesus, inviting us to evolve as he did.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In this new series, Leah invites Haven into an exploration of how growth and change can be an important part of our spiritual and communal life, considering the ways in which we are individually evolving, as well as the evolving we are doing communally. This first teaching introduces the topic and considers how our tradition points to a faith that grows and shifts over time, using the Apostle Paul as one example.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

This is the third and final teaching from Pastor Leah Martens in her "Liberating Return" series. This teaching on the "Return to Purpose" looks at how her summer sabbatical and recent current events have impacted her own thinking about her sense of purpose, as well as purpose for Haven. It also draws upon the story of Esther from the Hebrew Bible.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In this message, Leah shares the second of three teachings on the "liberating returns" she experienced during her sabbatical. This teaching focuses on the return to significant relationships, and considers how we might adjust the quality of our presence to experience life-giving connection with others we care about.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

In this message, Leah shares the first of three teachings on the "liberating returns" she experienced during her sabbatical. The first is focused on the return to one's self, and how that also impacts the return to Source. The teaching ends with an exercise to help each of us connect with self and Source.Review Leah's notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.