We understand we're all on a life-long journey of discovering who God is and a more accurate perception of ourselves. We realize that God has in his imagination an idea of who we can become that is not possible without His grace that accepts us as we are and, at the very same time, calls us forward to live like Jesus did. It means we've taken our hands off the religious panic button, and abandoned quick answers and worn out rhetoric, and dare to engage in an open dialogue about faith and the things of life knowing that participating in God's activity wherever and however is what is truly relevant.
David Harvey unpacks for us Luke 24:44-53. David explores the significance of Ascension Day within the Christian faith, delving into the meaning of heaven, the nature of God's presence, and the implications of Christ's ascension. David emphasizes that the ascension is not merely a departure but a coronation, affirming Christ's authority and presence in our lives. David also touches on the nature of being and becoming, the role of witnesses in God's work, and the blessings that come from recognizing the ascended Christ.
It is the Sixth Sunday of Easter and we have special guest Joash Thomas with us. Joash unpacks the need for a renewed vision of Christian mission. Joash emphasizes the importance of mutuality, shalom, and the Eucharistic table as central themes in embodying justice and community within the church.Chapters00:00 Celebrating Community and Personal Milestones01:44 Adjusting Vision for Christian Mission09:27 Mutuality and Shalom in Christian Mission13:00 Renewal at the Eucharistic Table
It is the Fifth Sunday of Easter Christin Woods speaks on the inclusivity of God's kingdom, the nature of love and community, and God's promise of renewal, culminating in the fulfillment of His will in our lives.Chapters00:00 The Role of the Pastor in Sermon Preparation03:05 The Importance of Silence and Beholding05:56 Understanding God's Work in the Seen and Unseen08:51 Inclusivity in God's Kingdom11:55 The Nature of Love and Community15:03 God's Promise of Renewal17:58 The Fulfillment of God's Will
It is Fifth Sunday in Easter and David Harvey reflects on the significance of Good Shepherd Sunday, emphasizing the importance of silence and reflection in understanding the role of God as the Good Shepherd. David explores themes of suffering, the transition from theological understanding to personal prayer, and the journey from darkness to light. David encourages listeners to learn to hear the voice of the Shepherd amidst the noise of life and highlights the role of pastors in guiding others to hear Jesus' voice. Ultimately, the message conveys hope in the presence of God as the Good Shepherd who cares for all, including those we may consider enemies.
Cody Matchett is with us for the Third Sunday in Easter. Cody explores the themes of resurrection, the liturgical nature of Revelation, and the call to discipleship through the lens of the worthiness of the Lamb. Cody emphasizes the importance of seeing the divine in everyday life, the transformative power of worship, and the necessity of self-giving love in following Christ. Cody draws on literary references and scriptural narratives to illustrate these points, culminating in a call to join the cosmic song of praise that reverberates through creation.
It is the Second Sunday in Easter and David Harvey explores the themes of gratitude for the gospel, the role of scripture in uncertain times, the significance of Jesus as the faithful witness, and the church's mission to bring wholeness to a broken world. David addresses the challenges of doubt, the importance of peace, and the call for the church to remain faithful to Jesus on His terms, emphasizing the need for a community that welcomes all, including those struggling with faith.Chapters00:00 The Gospel Reading01:31 Teaching on Revelation09:54 The Resurrection and Its Significance12:50 The Concept of Peace and Wholeness17:05 Thomas and the Challenge of Doubt23:35 Faithfulness in Uncertain Times29:45 The Church's Role in a Chaotic World34:00 Invitation to the Table of Unity
It is Resurrection Sunday and David Harvey explores the themes of resurrection, hope, and the human tendency to resist the transformative power of faith. David delves into the Easter story, emphasizing the significance of recognizing the living amidst the dead and the invitation to embrace new life through Christ. David challenges listeners to reflect on what they have given up on and encourages them to remember the resurrection as a continuous, active part of their lives.
Christin Woods explores the themes of resurrection, worship, and grace through the lens of the biblical story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Christin delves into the significance of Jesus' declaration as the resurrection and the life, the extravagant worship of Mary, and the contrast between grace and meritocracy. Christin emphasizes the importance of being open to God's grace and the transformative power of worship, while also reflecting on the journey between the deaths of Jesus and ourselves.00:00 The Significance of Mary's Anointing00:00 The Context of Bethany and Lazarus02:44 The Grief of Mary and Martha05:32 Jesus: The Resurrection and the Life08:25 The Aroma of Worship12:13 The Cultural Significance of Smell16:03 Mary's Extravagant Worship19:57 The Contrast Between Mary and Judas23:09 The Prophetic Act of Anointing24:25 The Invitation to the Eucharist
David Harvey explores the themes of forgiveness, unconditional love, and the nature of God through the lens of the parable of the Prodigal Son. David reflects on the significance of celebration in the context of lost and found, emphasizing that God's love is not transactional but relational. The discussion also touches on self-righteousness and the importance of recognizing our own lostness in order to fully appreciate the grace offered by God.Chapters00:00 The Prodigal Son: A Journey of Redemption17:54 Understanding God's Unconditional Love26:54 The Invitation to Come Home
David Harvey explores the nature of God and Jesus, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's perspective, the reality of death, and the concept of forgiveness. David delves into the parable of the fig tree, illustrating how societal meritocracy affects our perception of worth and success, and ultimately highlights the unconditional love and forgiveness that God offers.Chapters00:00 Understanding God's Thoughts and Our Projections17:07 Repentance and the Nature of God's Mercy24:02 The Weight of Identity and Performance30:01 Forgiveness and Grace in Lent38:08 The Nature of God's Forgiveness
David Harvey explores the themes of faith, doubt, and spirituality through the lens of Abraham's relationship with God. David delves into the struggles of modern believers in a disenchanted world, the church's role in addressing skepticism, and the importance of embracing doubt as a pathway to deeper faith. David emphasizes the concept of 'trustful forgetting' as a means to reconnect with God and highlights the significance of the word 'Amen' as a declaration of faith amidst uncertainty.Chapters00:00 The Gospel Message: Jesus' Mission00:00 Abraham's First Words to God14:31 Doubt and Wonder: A Journey of Faith29:57 The Forgetful God and the Invitation to Grace
David Harvey explores the significance of Lent through the lens of the temptations of Jesus. David emphasizes the themes of grace, repentance, and the importance of turning down distractions to deepen one's relationship with God. David reflects on how the temptations Jesus faced mirror the struggles of humanity and how Lent serves as an invitation to recognize and embrace God's grace in our lives.Chapters00:00 The Temptation of Jesus00:01 Understanding Lent and Its Significance06:17 The Nature of Temptation and Human Desire12:19 The Role of Scripture in Temptation18:10 The Invitation of Lent: Grace and Repentance24:13 Living in the Light of Grace30:25 The Eucharist and Community Gathering
A.J. Jansen joins us, unpacking the importance of transformation, hope, and the church's role in bringing the glory of God from the mountain into the valleys of life, particularly in times of suffering and injustice.
Bob Osborne joins us exploring themes of worship, community, and the importance of storytelling in faith. Bob highlights the journey of Joseph as a narrative of grace and mercy, emphasizing the call to love one's enemies and the significance of gathering as a community. Bob emphasizes the anticipation of waiting for good outcomes and the overarching narrative of mercy in the Christian faith, culminating in an invitation to communion as a means of connecting with God's story.
This morning David Harvey delves into the teachings of Jesus, particularly focusing on the Sermon on the Mount and the concept of blessings and curses. Jesus emphasizes the human tendency to look towards the future and how our relationship with it shapes our identity. David unpacks the importance of trusting God to navigate life's challenges and the transformative power of blessings in a world often filled with negativity. Ultimately, the resurrection of Christ as a pivotal point that redefines our future and calls us to be agents of blessing in our communities.Chapters00:00 Understanding Blessings and Woes00:54 Human Nature: Future-Facing Perspective03:45 The Power of Blessing and Cursing11:35 Curses in Society vs. Blessings in Faith17:35 Trusting God for a Blessed Future24:06 The Resurrection: A New Future29:57 Living as People of Blessing
David Harvey reflects on personal experiences and scriptural encounters that reveal the nature of human brokenness and the need for forgiveness. Through the stories of Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, David emphasizes that recognizing our flaws is essential for spiritual growth and healing. David highlights the importance of creating a church environment where individuals feel safe to confess their sins and seek restoration without fear of judgment.
Christin Woods unpacks for us the profound nature of love, particularly in the context of Christian theology. Christin delves into the essence of love as described in scripture, emphasizing that true love is not merely a feeling or behavior but is fundamentally rooted in the character of God. Christin highlights the implications of God's unfailing love for humanity and challenges listeners to reflect on their understanding of love in their relationships and community. Chapters 00:00 The Fulfillment of Scripture 00:00 Understanding Love Through Scripture 08:05 God's Love for Outsiders 13:55 The Nature of Divine Love 18:39 Invitation to the Table of Love
David Harvey explores the profound impact of scripture on individuals and communities, emphasizing the necessity of a holistic response to God's word. David discusses the theological insights of Karl Barth, the cultural resistance to bodily worship, and the importance of engaging with scripture beyond mere cognitive understanding. David invites listeners to reflect on their personal reactions to scripture and how it points to Jesus, ultimately calling for a deeper engagement with faith that encompasses the whole being. 00:00 The Power of God's Word and Its Impact 05:06 Holistic Engagement with Scripture 12:17 The Sacredness of Bodily Worship 21:13 Faith Beyond Cognitive Understanding 29:18 Scripture as a Living Conversation 34:37 Reacting to Scripture: A Call to Action
David Harvey explores the integration of scripture into worship, the significance of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana, and the cultural implications of social shame. David delves into the concept of Catholicity and the importance of unity within the Christian faith, tracing the historical divisions that have occurred over the centuries. The discussion emphasizes the lordship of Jesus and how it invites believers into a deeper understanding of unity and goodness in their lives. 00:00 The First Miracle: A Lesson in Community and Grace 09:10 Understanding Catholicity in the Church 16:51 The History of Christian Unity and Division 22:20 The Lordship of Jesus and Unity 26:33 The Goodness of God and the Church's Mission
David continues our teaching through Epiphany exploring the themes of community, the significance of baptism, and the nature of God as revealed through Jesus. David discusses the transition from the Christmas season to Epiphany, the role of John the Baptist, and the understanding of God's judgment and favor. David makes sure to emphasize that God is present in our brokenness and invites us to live out this understanding in our lives. Chapters 00:00 God's Promises and Our Identity 00:00 The Call to Community and Worship 05:12 Understanding Jesus' Baptism 15:12 God's Favor Over Judgment 25:19 The Nature of God: Presence in Brokenness
It is Epiphany Sunday. David explores the themes of inclusion, revelation, and the role of scripture in understanding the Christmas story, particularly through the lens of the Magi. It emphasizes that Christ's message is for everyone, the significance of epiphany as a moment of understanding, and the importance of scripture in guiding believers towards Jesus. David also reflects on the challenges and complexities of faith, especially in the context of a new year, encouraging listeners to trust in God's plan and the power of scripture in their spiritual formation. 00:00 Worship and Reflection 00:00 The Mystery of the Magi 07:27 Illumination and Spiritual Formation 13:01 The Role of Scripture in Guidance 21:12 God's Sovereignty in Our Journey 27:53 Transformation Through Encounter 30:07 A New Year of Hope and Faith
It is our family Sunday service. David explores the significance of scripture during the Christmas season, drawing parallels between the stories of Samuel and Jesus. David emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus's identity and purpose, the nature of our search for God, and the need to embrace God's presence in our lives. David encourages listeners to treasure the things of God and recognize that the search for God is over, as He is always present with us. 00:00 The Growth of Jesus and Samuel 05:53 Understanding Jesus's Presence 09:35 The Nature of Christianity 11:04 Treasuring God's Presence 12:05 The Invitation to Surrender
David concludes our Advent series exploring the themes of performance culture during Christmas, the anxiety it generates, and the silent gods that demand our attention. David highlights the story of Mary as an archetype of faith and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of saying yes to God amidst societal pressures. Advent is a message of humility, trust, and the transformative power of prayer. 00:00 The Performance Culture of Christmas 07:21 Mary's Faithfulness and God's Favor 17:12 Mary: The Archetypal Human 23:21 The Prayer of 'Your Will Be Done' 26:45 Mary's Role in Spiritual Formation 28:09 The Table: A Reminder of Yes to God
Christin Woods continues our Advent series. Christin unpacks themes of Advent, focusing on the tension between anticipation and dread as Christmas approaches. The message emphasizes the divine gift of joy, even in dark times, and the unexpected nature of God's kingdom as illustrated by John the Baptist's call to repentance. Christin discusses the importance of justice in God's kingdom and how true repentance leads to a life shaped by Christ. Ultimately, the conversation highlights God's judgment as a source of comfort and the call for the community to live in the light of Christ. Chapters 00:00 Advent Reflections: Anticipation and Dread 03:09 The Gift of Joy in Darkness 06:12 Unexpected Messages: John the Baptist's Call 09:10 Repentance and Justice in God's Kingdom 12:04 God's Judgment as Comfort 15:04 Living in the Light of Christ 18:03 Preparing for Communion and Reflection
David continues our series on Advent, exploring the themes consumer culture, and the importance of focusing on the future rather than just the present. It discusses how society encourages a 'buy now' mentality, which can detract from our ability to think about the future. The speaker emphasizes the significance of the prophetic tradition in the Bible, which consistently points towards a hopeful future. The miraculous births of Zechariah and Mary are highlighted as examples of openness to God's future, and the conversation concludes with an invitation to trust in God's promises and to expect His work in our lives during the Advent season. 00:00 Introduction to Advent and Worship 02:47 Consumer Culture and the Urgency to Buy 05:58 The Importance of Future Focus 08:52 Prophetic Tradition and God's Future 12:12 Miraculous Birth Stories: Zechariah and Mary 15:07 Mary's Response vs. Zechariah's Doubt 18:00 The Nature of God and Human Expectation 20:52 Living in the Tension of Advent 23:58 The Invitation of Advent: Expectation and Hope
Its is our first Advent Sunday. David explores the themes of Advent, self-care, and redemption, emphasizing that true spirituality is not about self-improvement but about recognizing the coming of Jesus and the redemption He offers. The David challenges the notion that individuals are the problem and instead highlights the importance of looking up and embracing the hope that Advent brings. 00:00Advent: A Journey of Spiritual Growth 01:50Facing Uncertainty: Jesus' Message to His Disciples 07:39The Problem of Self-Care and Societal Pressures 13:33The True Nature of Advent: Embracing Redemption
It is Christ the King Sunday. David Harvey explores the themes of identity, the nature of modern life, and the significance of Christ as King. David discusses the implications of being the center of one's own story and contrasts this with the narrative of Christ the King, emphasizing that Jesus is not just a king but the King. The dialogue also delves into Pilate's role in the story of Jesus, questioning what it means to acknowledge Jesus as King in our lives. Ultimately, it invites listeners to consider their place in the story of Christ and the love that He offers to all. Chapters 00:00 The Gospel Reading and Introduction 01:21 Navigating Life's Pathways 03:30 The Story of Our Lives 05:48 Cultural Impasse and Human Behavior 08:35 Christ the King Sunday 09:05 The Faithful Witness 12:29 Pilate's Dilemma 16:17 The Nature of Christ's Kingship 20:02 How Do We Fit Into His Story? 24:34 The King Who Loves Us 28:54 Invitation to the Table
David Harvey finishes off our our series, "(Not) Listening to Shame," preaching from Hebrews 10:23-25,
David Harvey continues our series unpacking Mark 12:38-44 and Hebrews 9:24-28.
Christin Woods continues our series from Mark 12:28-34.
David Harvey continues our series preaching from Mark 10:46-52 and Hebrews 7:23-28.
Christin Woods continues our series, unpacking Mark 10:35-45 and Hebrews 7:23-28. How does Jesus totally usurp our understanding of heroes and leadership?
David continues our series on (Not) listening to shame, unpacking Hebrews 4:12-16 and Mark 10:17-31.
We begin our new series exploring the book of Hebrews using insights from Richard Beck's book "The Shape of Joy." David begins the series discussing how the shape of our Salvation is through Jesus and the Church.
David Harvey finishes off our "How to be a Church" series. Church on a Sunday mornings matters in as much as it impacts our lives throughout the week. The liturgy after the liturgy is how we pursue wholeness for the world.
We continue our series on, "How to be a Church" where we unpack Psalm 1 together as a community.
We are continuing our series on, "How to be a Church". David preaches from Mark 8:27-38 discussing how Liturgy forms our language and how we speak to on another.
David Harvey continues our series on "How to be a Church" preaching from the book of James.
We begin our new series "How to be a Church" in which David Harvey unpacks Mark 7:1-8,14-15, 21-23.
David Harvey finishes up our series on the letter to the Ephesians. David talks on the armor of God and what it means to stand firm.
Tory Hovdestad continues our series on the letter to the Ephesians. Tory unpacks Eph. 5:16-20 showing what it means to live wisely in Christ.
David Harvey continues our series preaching from, Ephesians 4:25-5:2.
We are blessed to have our Grade 4/5 leader, Shannon preach for us. Shannon unpacks Ephesians 4:1-16 discussing what it, means to be the whole body of Christ. Shannon then further unpacks disability theology and how the Church those with disabilities have a special place in the body of Christ.
Christin Woods preaches from Ephesians 3:14-21. Christin unpacks Paul's beautiful prayer for the Ephesians.
(Sermon from July 17th) Christin Woods preaches from Ephesians 2:11-22, unpacking what it looks like to live in the peace of Christ.
David Harvey launches us into a new series, Exceedingly, Abundantly, More, rooted in the text of Ephesians. If you think of Paul as dense, complex and preachy, then perhaps Ephesians will change your mind...
David Harvey unpacks Mark 6:1-13. Jesus loved talking with people. It is an aspect of his personality on display in so many spaces of the Gospels. It shouldnt then suprsie us that from their earliest gatherings, prayer was something Christians always wanted to do. Christians talk to Jesus so Christians pray. Sadly most of us don't really know if we know how. Because we want to be the type of community that does pray, this is a theme we keep returning to at Westside. This year we explore how Christ encounters people in Mark's Gospel as a guide for us encountering Jesus today.
David Harvey unpacks Mark 5:21-43. Jesus loved talking with people. It is an aspect of his personality on display in so many spaces of the Gospels. It shouldnt then suprsie us that from their earliest gatherings, prayer was something Christians always wanted to do. Christians talk to Jesus so Christians pray. Sadly most of us don't really know if we know how. Because we want to be the type of community that does pray, this is a theme we keep returning to at Westside. This year we explore how Christ encounters people in Mark's Gospel as a guide for us encountering Jesus today.
David Harvey unpacks Mark 4:35-41. Jesus loved talking with people. It is an aspect of his personality on display in so many spaces of the Gospels. It shouldnt then suprsie us that from their earliest gatherings, prayer was something Christians always wanted to do. Christians talk to Jesus so Christians pray. Sadly most of us don't really know if we know how. Because we want to be the type of community that does pray, this is a theme we keep returning to at Westside. This year we explore how Christ encounters people in Mark's Gospel as a guide for us encountering Jesus today.
David Harvey unpacks Mark 4:26-34. Jesus loved talking with people. It is an aspect of his personality on display in so many spaces of the Gospels. It shouldnt then suprsie us that from their earliest gatherings, prayer was something Christians always wanted to do. Christians talk to Jesus so Christians pray. Sadly most of us don't really know if we know how. Because we want to be the type of community that does pray, this is a theme we keep returning to at Westside. This year we explore how Christ encounters people in Mark's Gospel as a guide for us encountering Jesus today.
The gospel text is from Mark 4:26-34. Jesus loved talking with people. It is an aspect of his personality on display in so many spaces of the Gospels. It shouldn't then surprise us that from their earliest gatherings, prayer was something Christians always wanted to do. Christians talk to Jesus so Christians pray. Sadly most of us don't really know if we know how. Because we want to be the type of community that does pray, this is a theme we keep returning to at Westside. This year we explore how Christ encounters people in Mark's Gospel as a guide for us encountering Jesus today.
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