Trinity Fremont

Midday Prayer Opening O Lord, open my lips And my mouth will declare Your praise. Make haste, O God, to deliver me; Make haste to help me, O Lord.   Candle Lighting   Prayer of Approach (from St. Augustine) Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, to love what is holy.   Psalm Reading - Psalm 117 - NLT (Pentecost) Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. For his unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord's faithfulness endures forever. Praise the Lord!   Scripture Reading - Matthew 7:24-25 Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.   Silent Meditation on God's Word   As we enter this time of meditation on God's Word, we pause to be still, to breathe slowly, to re-center our scattered senses on the presence of God, and to take a moment of silent prayer to ask the Holy Spirit to speak clearly to us through His Word.   -Pause-   As I read our text for today, listen for one word or phrase that is being spoken by God to you.   Ask yourself: Through which word or phrase is God wanting to speak to me today?   Allow that word or phrase to guide your meditation today. Repeat it over and over in your mind. Let it wash over you. Let it fill you.   Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.   As the Holy Spirit speaks to You today through His Word, take a moment now to pause and repeat that word over and over in your mind as you allow God's Word to wash over you and fill you.   -Pause-   Now we reflect on the word or phrase that God is highlighting for us today.   Ask yourself: What part of my life needs to hear this word from God?   The Spirit has highlighted something in this text for you today. What part of you really needs to hear that?   Here, I will read the text again, and then we will have a longer time of silence to reflect on what God is highlighting for you today.   Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.   Take a moment now to pause and consider: What part of your life needs to hear this word from God today?   -Pause-   Now we respond to God's Word.   As yourself, What is my response to God based on what I have encountered in His Word?   Because God speaks to us all in different ways, your response can also take on many different forms.   Maybe that response is in the form of a prayer. Use this time to thank and praise God. Speak to and listen to Him. Ask Him for something. Allow your prayer to flow from your heart freely and fully.   Or maybe God is reminding you of something. Maybe He's reminding you of your identity in Him. Or of His promises. Or of His presence in your life. And so I encourage you to sit in that reminder.   Or is God inviting you to respond in some physical way to the word that you have heard?   Maybe it's an encouragement to keep doing what you're doing. Maybe it's an encouragement to stop doing what you're doing. Maybe it's an encouragement to start doing something new.   We hear God's Word and respond to it.    Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.   Take a moment now to pause and consider: What is your response to God based on what you have encountered in His Word?   -Pause-   And now we rest in God's Word.   We have read God's Word. We have reflected on it. You have responded to it.   Now we return to a place of rest.    Remember that this rest is not based on your works. It is not based on your response to God's Word. But today and every day, we can rest in God's promises and His presence here with us today.   Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.   Take a moment now to rest in God's promises and His presence here with us today.   -Pause-   Lord's Prayer Our Father who art in heaven: hallowed be Thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven:  Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us:  and lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.   Benediction Eternal Creator of light, Yours is the morning and Yours is the evening. Draw us to Yourself so there will be no darkness within us. Amen. Let us go in peace. Thanks be to God. *Liturgy was compiled using resources from Lectio 365 and Ruth Haley Barton's "Invitation to Retreat."

When Jesus tells his disciples and us today to “do his words” it doesn't mean there won't be storms in our lives as all of us absolutely know.  Sometimes it's storm after storm.  Where is the calm?   The calm is in our hearts and minds through one thing - faith in Christ Jesus.  He is THE Rock, not just “A” rock.  How we hold up during the storms of our lives is dependent upon our faith in Jesus, our Rock, our Redeemer.   What a foundation He gives us.  A foundation built for us by blood, sweat and tears of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ.  The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, yes, but not the storms of the world although He could if He desired.  But that isn't the way He works.  He does the heavy lifting.  We do the trusting and believing.  Living inside the will of God is the safest place to be.  Living outside God's will, well, we are asking for trouble.   But even then, our Rock and Redeemer isn't going anywhere.  He is always ready to forgive, ready to lift us up again.  It's what our God does.  It's who our God is.     Isaiah 28:14–18 James 1:19–27 Matthew 7:24-29

Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow. That doesn't mean we stop planning or doing the work in front of us. It means we stop asking our money, plans, abilities, and anxiety to guarantee the future. Instead, Jesus points us to the birds and the lilies. They receive what the Father gives and do what He created them to do today. In the same way, our heavenly Father knows what we need, provides for us, and frees us to live faithfully in the present. Because tomorrow already belongs to the Father, we can receive today with gratitude, see the people and needs around us, and use what God has placed into our hands without asking those gifts to control the future. Exodus 16:1–6, 13–21 1 Timothy 6:6–19 Matthew 6:19–34

Jesus warns against practicing righteousness in order to be seen by others. Whether we are giving, praying, or fasting, the praise of the world can feel like a reward. But it is an incredibly small one. It doesn't last, it can't save us, and it can't hold us together when life falls apart. Again and again, Jesus points us to something greater: “your Father.” The greatest reward is not simply what the Father gives, but the Father Himself. And through Jesus, our great High Priest, we are invited to draw near to Him with confidence. In Christ, the Father gives us not only daily bread, but the Bread of Life. Not only clothing, but the righteousness of Jesus. Not only His gifts, but Himself. Isaiah 58:1–12 Hebrews 4:14–16 Matthew 6:1–18

"Missionary Gary" Theis shares his thoughts on the bible and  miracles God still provides. The joy the Lord that is found in not being normal.

Changed hearts.  This is what Jesus is after in this part of His Sermon on the Mount.  It is not about check lists.  They will ALWAYS be imperfect.  Even when we have a TO DO list, and start crossing things off on it, you can still see through the scribbles and be reminded of not being able to be perfect when it comes to DOING what is needed to be done.  Also, there are some things that remain on our TO DO lists unchecked as we either run out of time to do them or ignore them out of inconvenience.   Jesus reminds us in these verses that our imperfections are not going to go away on our own.  However, Jesus, Himself, absolutely can and did perfectly fulfill the LAW for us.  His righteousness redeems us, not our “trying” hard enough to DO the things we have to do.  No, God promises to give us NEW HEARTS through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Our lights shine because of our transformed hearts, not out of our ability or inability to be righteous by upholding, perfectly, the Law of God, which we can't.  But HE can and HE did, for You and for me.  He took our imperfections to the cross and he finished what was needed for us to be saved.  Check√ Isaiah 49:1-6 Philippians 2:12-18 Matthew 5:13-16

Last week we heard that we are empty vessels filled with Jesus. This weekend we ask: What does a life look like when that vessel is full, oozing out? In the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus declares, “You are the light of the world” and commands us, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” This is not about hiding Jesus or shining our own light, but allowing Christ's light to shine through us. When we are filled with Him, our good works, done in faith, love, and service, become visible reflections of His grace. Others see them and are drawn to glorify our Father in heaven. Isaiah 49:1-6 Philippians 2:12-18 Matthew 5:13-16

This week, Jesus continues the Beatitudes and shows us what happens when He gives His kingdom to empty-handed people. He fills His people with His Spirit, and what He gives begins to come out in mercy, purity, and peace. These gifts are not a reward we earn or a possession we keep for ourselves. They are gifts from Jesus, worked in us by His Spirit, for the sake of our neighbor. And even when others reject Jesus as He comes through His people, His promise remains: the kingdom is already ours, and the fullness is still coming. Readings: Isaiah 66:5–14 2 Corinthians 4:7–18 Matthew 5:1–12

This week, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” In a world broken by sin and death, mourning is real. But Jesus does not leave His people with grief as the final word. He enters our brokenness, dies and rises, and promises the day when death will be swallowed up forever, every tear will be wiped away, and all things will be made new. Isaiah 25:6–9 Revelation 21:1–5 Matthew 5:1–4

On our own, we are not capable of giving anything to God.  Our works don't cut it.  Can NOT cut it.  God blesses us with gifts that don't involve doing but receiving, receiving his goodness, grace and His promises.  Promises to never leave or forsake us.  Promises to cover us with the robe of His Son's righteousness.   We are blessed not because good things are happening to us, we are blessed because of what Jesus has done for us when He suffered and died for us. When He rose again for us.  This is how He has restored us.  So the question becomes, what does it look like to live that restored life?     Isaiah 57:14-21 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Matthew 5:1-3

This week, we celebrated Vacation Bible School at Trinty. The kids spent the week hearing five big truths: God is our Creator. God knows everything. God is our safe place. God is love. God is forever. Those truths are not just for kids. God created us for life with Him and love for one another. Sin bends that love inward, but God shows His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. Jesus takes our death in our place and for our sake, and He gives us His life. Death was not the last word for Jesus, and because of Him, death is not the last word for us. God made you. God knows you. God loves you in Jesus. God gives you life now and forever. Wow, God. Genesis 1:1-5, 24-31 1 John 4:7-16 Luke 24:1-12  

All Jesus is the end of Matthew.  It is fitting as Jesus is such a theme for Matthew throughout his gospel.  At the end of this gospel Jesus reminds or emphasizes he has ALL authority and it has been given to him by the Father.  He instructs his disciples to make disciples of ALL nations, in other words, ALL people. Disciples are to obey ALL Jesus has commanded them.  That's a lot of ALL's.   But then Jesus reminds them that he will ALWAYS be with them - ALWAYS.  And He is.  Through His Word, through His sacraments and through His Spirit, Jesus is ALWAYS with us, Always with us until He returns in ALL his Glory. Gen. 1:1–2:4a Acts 2:14a, 22–36 Matt. 28:16–20

What a gift.  A gift that is meant to be shared.  The Living Waters that Jesus refers to sharing with others in John 7 is the Holy Spirit that has been placed inside of us at our baptisms.  Again, what a gift, but a gift not to keep to ourselves.  In verse 38 Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘ Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” These Living Waters are the Holy Spirit in our hearts.  Gifts like love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness, all gifts of the Holy Spirit are to flow over out of our hearts for others and into others.  Jesus says in verse 37 “Whoever” believes in me.  The gift of the Holy Spirit and the Living Waters that flow out of our hearts are for ALL people.  Num. 11:24–30 Acts 2:1–21 John 7:37–39

In this final week of our Living Hope series, Peter calls God's people to keep loving one another, show hospitality without grumbling, and use the gifts we have received as good stewards of God's varied grace. This is not one more burden to carry. It begins with what Jesus has already done for us. He has welcomed us, loved us, served us, and made room for us. Now we love, welcome, and serve with the strength God supplies, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus. Acts 1:12–26 1 Peter 4:7–11; 5:6–11 John 17:1–11

In this week's Living Hope series, Peter reminds us that Jesus suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. Our troubles, fears, and frustrations are real, but they do not get the last word. When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we begin to see our suffering, our Baptism, our forgiveness, and our hope through His death, resurrection, and reign. Acts 17:16–31 1 Peter 3:13–22 John 14:15–21  

In this week's Living Hope series, Peter tells us to “long for the pure spiritual milk” so that by it we may grow up into salvation. This is not a message about becoming more saved or graduating from God's gifts. In Baptism, God gives life by His Spirit. Through His Word and Supper, He continues to feed and sustain that life. Whether we are newly baptized, newly confirmed, or have confessed the faith for decades, we never outgrow receiving from God. Acts 6:1–9; 7:2a, 51–60 1 Peter 2:2–10 John 14:1–14

Dying to sin and living to righteousness is not without its challenges.  It isn't and won't be easy.  Living in the world is one thing.  Living of the world is quite another.  Christians are not to appear as normal.  The Living Hope message Peter brings to these new Christians also comes with a price tag of which endurance will be needed.  Enduring what comes with not being of the world is seen as a gracious thing in the sight of God, but following in the steps of Jesus is what we are called to do.   Acts 2:42–47 1 Peter 2:19–25 John 10:1–10

In this week's Living Hope series, Peter calls us to “be holy,” but what does this mean? For some, those words sound like a crushing burden. For others, they sound like a reminder of how stuck they are. For others, they sound like a word for somebody else. But because Jesus is risen, we hear these words through the Holy One who ransomed us with His precious blood, made us His own, and set us free to live as His holy people. Acts 2:14a, 36–41 1 Peter 1:13–25 Luke 24:13–35

Peter's letter to new Christian churches and new believers is straightforward but wonderfully powerful and most of all, his letter is full of hope, a living hope.  This hope includes an inheritance.  In other words, we just receive it, regardless of what we have done or not done to deserve it.  It is ours for the keeping.   The inheritance is quite the inheritance.  Peter describes it as imperishable, undefiled and unfading.  He goes on to let us know where this inheritance is kept for us - HEAVEN.  What this looks like we aren't exactly sure other than we will be with Jesus.  However Peter reminds that it WILL be revealed to us when Jesus comes back to make all things new.   So there is much to be joyful about with this promise Peter shares with us even though this life, in this time and this place isn't always so easy.  Peter describes our challenges as trials, but trials that are only temporary as we rest in the promises of our Living Hope, Jesus.     Acts 5:29–42 1 Peter 1:3–9 John 20:19–31

This Easter, we hear the good news that the tomb is empty and Christ is Risen. He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!! But Easter is not only about what happened to Jesus back then. It's about what His resurrection means for you now, for your future, and for the good news you now have to share. Because Jesus is risen, that changes everything for you and for the whole world! Jeremiah 31:1–6 Colossians 3:1–4 Matthew 28:1–10

Jesus has made his triumphant return to Jerusalem.  Now what?  Well, he begins teaching again, except this time, he has quite an audience.  Jerusalem is filled with visitors for the upcoming Passover Feast.  It's an annual celebration.  But since Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, things have ramped up.  People are paying close attention to what Jesus is saying, more than ever.  Some are listening to Him because they are hoping that indeed He is the promised Messiah.  Many are listening to Him for evidence He should be arrested and put to death.   Then he says this: “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” His death and burial and ultimately, His own resurrection are all being foretold.  They all are necessary for glorification to occur.  A glorification we too will experience when Jesus raises us from the dead.  Isaiah 50:4–9a Philippians 2:5–11 John 12:20-36

Jesus is not only a good guide, he is the GREATEST Guide.  He guides us from the darkness of sin into light.  He guides us through His Word.  He guides us because He loves us, a love that led Him all the way to the cross where He suffered, bled and died for us.   But our guide is alive.  He is not dead.  He rose to continue guiding us and saving us until He returns to overcome the darkness once and for all.   Isaiah 42:14–21 Ephesians 5:8–14 John 9:1–7, 13–17, 34–39

This week, we hear Israel grumble in the wilderness and ask the deeper question hiding underneath their thirst: “Is the Lord among us or not?” In Exodus 17, God answers not simply by changing their circumstances, but by standing on the rock and giving life to His people. We'll see how that question still rises in us when life gets hard, and how God answers it fully in Jesus, who was struck for us and now gives us His life through His gifts. Exodus 17:1–7 Romans 5:1–8 John 4:5–26

After around 2,000 years, after the Fall in the Garden of Eden, there is a turn of grace by God by His calling of Abram.  God's grace is not only given TO Abram it is given THROUGH Abram.  Through Abram and his offspring, ALL nations/people will be blessed.  And they were and we are.   But we tend to get caught up in celebrating OUR being blessed without sharing God's grace.  There is plenty of grace to go around.  It is our nature to turn in on ourselves, celebrate what we have, and not want to or forget to share it.   God's grace is NOT JUST FOR YOU.  It's for ALL PEOPLE.  He repeatedly returns to us in grace, and He repeatedly turns us in grace toward others. How's that going for you?  Turning in grace toward others?  How is God turning you in grace toward others in YOUR life?    How might God work through you to be a blessing to others in little or even big ways?  Possibly there are things in your life you would like to turn AWAY from?  How's that going for you?  What are things you would like to turn towards in your life?   Turning towards God's grace and sharing it with others is God's desire for you.  Genesis 12:1–9 Romans 4:1–8, 13–17 John 3:1–17

What do we do with the guilt of sin?  Many times we don't own it.  We tend to “pass the buck.”  We tend to rationalize “it's not MY fault.”  It's human nature.  It's exactly what Adam and Eve did in the garden that fateful day when they gave into temptation.  What do you do when YOU give into temptation?  Do you take accountability or do you pass the buck? Unfortunately, because of our sinful condition, of which David reminds us in Psalm 51, we  were even conceived in, we not only pass the buck, but we just keep on sinning in our thoughts, in our words and in our deeds.  So now what? Well, Jesus takes all of those sins.  He takes them to the cross.  He says, “The buck stops here.  Right here at the cross.”  And it does… and He did, take them to the cross with Him so that we might be forgiven and redeemed.  He WANTS you to be with Him.  It's why He did what He did.   Our response?  Repentance, just like King David.  Genesis 3:1–21 Romans 5:12–19 Matthew 4:1–11

In this week's Kingdom Parables series, Jesus gives us a last day picture of His kingdom through the Parable of the Wedding Feast. This is not a moral lesson about proving we belong. It's a kingdom story about what the King does for His people. The King not only invites. He provides what is needed to belong. We'll see how Jesus makes us worthy by clothing us in His righteousness through His Word and Sacraments. And we'll end with the promise of the feast that never ends, when death is swallowed up forever and tears are wiped away. Isaiah 25:6–9 Philippians 3:1–11 Matthew 22:1–14

In this week's Kingdom Parables series, Jesus confronts our instinct to keep score and demand what feels fair. In the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, we see that the kingdom of God is not built on what we earn, but on the goodness of the King. Jesus calls people into His kingdom and gives the same salvation by grace through faith, no matter when He calls them. And when our hearts grumble, Jesus doesn't revoke His gift. He defends His goodness and invites us to receive salvation as the joy it is. Not entitlement. Not comparison. A gift. • Jonah 4:1–11 • Romans 9:14–18 • Matthew 20:1–16

In this week's Kingdom Parables series, we hear Jesus' parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price. These are not moral lessons about proving our devotion. They are Kingdom stories about what the King does for His people. We'll see how the King, Jesus, gives up everything for sinners, calls us by name, and makes us His own. Because of Him, we're freed from trying to earn our value, and we're able to see others as priceless treasures too. Isaiah 43:1–5 2 Corinthians 8:8–11 Matthew 13:44–46  

In this parable, God's extravagance is shown: His extravagant love, His extravagant forgiveness and His extravagant mercy.  God is the master who forgives the extravagant debt owed him by his servant.  But the servant's selfish, sinful nature is shown when he doesn't forgive or have mercy on a fellow servant who owes him a small portion of what he had owed his master.  His heart has not been changed.  He has NOT been transformed.  Good fruit is not part of the process. So here WE are.  God has also forgiven OUR debt to him, the debt of being born into sin.  We can NOT pay it on our own - not even close.  But God's love for us is so extravagant that He sent His own Son to pay the debt of sin FOR us.   And our response?  Of course that is the question of the day.  What IS our response?   Psalm 103:6-14 Ephesians 4:32-5:2 Matthew 18:21-35

This weekend in worship we continue our parable series with Jesus' short, surprising pictures of the Kingdom of God. The mustard seed and the leaven look small and ordinary. Yet Jesus shows that His reign grows in ways we can't always see and in ways that become unmistakable over time. The Kingdom does not depend on our strength or our scale. It depends on the King who is at work. We'll also connect these parables to the ways Jesus continues to build His Kingdom through ordinary means today. God's Word, the font, and the life of His Church can look simple on the surface, but they carry the power and promises of Jesus. And as we receive His gifts, we're freed to reflect His light and love in small, faithful moments. Words that point to Jesus, quiet prayers, and everyday mercy that God uses to bless others. Daniel 2:34–35, 44–45 Colossians 1:3-6 Matthew 13:31–33

In this parable about the weeds and the wheat, the good seed being planted and the bad seed seed being planted, something happens that we all experience.  Good seeds grow up together with the bad seeds.  Good seeds mature with the bad seeds.  And it is hard to tell them apart. But it isn't our job to tell them apart.  That is up to Jesus, who is patient beyond any type of patient we can imagine. His WORD is the good seed that grows to be stored up safely. Satan tries with all his might to sow as much evil into the world as he can.  It's his mission.  Lies and deception are what he is about. Jesus is about grace and mercy. This grace and mercy leads to salvation, His work, not ours. On the Last Day, He will do the sorting.  Believers be assured of being stored safely with Him in His new creation forever and ever.     Malachi 3:16-4:2 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

In Week 1 of our parables series, Jesus opens the Kingdom of God to us through the Parable of the Sower. Parables are not moral lessons about how to be better people. They are stories Jesus tells to reveal what He is like as King and what His Kingdom is like. Here, we see His extravagant generosity as He scatters His Word widely, offering His gifts even where they will be rejected.Jesus also diagnoses what threatens that Word in our lives. The evil one seeks to snatch it away, hardship can scorch it, and the cares and riches of this world can choke it out. Yet the good news is that we do not make ourselves “good soil.” The Holy Spirit cultivates hearts to receive Jesus' Word, and God brings the harvest. As people who are being shaped by the King's generosity, we are also sent to reflect that generosity by sharing His Word with others. Isaiah 55:6–11 1 Corinthians 3:5–9 Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23

The other side of Christmas.  Reality hits doesn't it?  The brokenness of the world that has been cursed because of sin hits doesn't it?   The other side of Christmas for Joseph, Mary and toddler Jesus hit too didn't it?  Enraged King Herod desires only one thing.  Death to the new born king.  Instead of tidings of joy on Christmas crying and wailing from the mothers whose baby boys were murdered by Herod's henchmen.   What about us?  The other side of Christmas is far from perfect is it?  You see, God's creation is still groaning, groaning for perfection once again.  No disease, no sin, no sorrow, just peace, love and joy.   It's what God promises to bring once again.  Jesus WILL return as advertised, as promised to make things new again.  This time forever and ever.  This is where we place our Hope.  True Hope.   Isaiah 63:7-14 Galatians 4:4-7 Matthew 2:13-23

As we approach Christmas, we slow down and listen again to familiar Scriptures, discovering a promise we may have overlooked. In Revelation 21, Isaiah 65, and Matthew 1, God reveals that His greatest promise is not simply the removal of sorrow, pain, and death, but the removal of separation between Himself and His people. In this sermon, we explore the ache that reminds us something is not yet whole, the Jesus who enters that ache with us now, and the hope of the day when God will dwell with us forever. Isaiah 65:17-25 Revelation 21:1-4 Matthew 1:18-25

This week in our Advent series Between Two Advents, we turn to Isaiah 11 and the sharp words of John the Baptist. Scripture shows us a world cut down like a stump and a people tempted to trust in false security. But Jesus calls us back to Himself, the true Branch who gives life. As we stay connected to Him, He produces fruit in us and fills us with the hope of the peaceable Kingdom He will bring in full at His return. Join us as we explore what it means to remain in Christ while we wait for His coming.   Isaiah 11:1–10 Romans 15:4–13 Matthew 3:1–12  

This week we begin our Advent series, Between Two Worlds, by stepping into Paul's words from 1 Corinthians 1:1–9. Advent is a season of waiting for Jesus' arrival. We look back to His birth in Bethlehem and look ahead to His final return. But Paul reminds us we don't wait empty-handed. God has already poured out every gift we need in Jesus. He sustains us. He equips us. And He sends us into the world to reflect His light. Join us as we explore what it means to wait with purpose and to use the gifts God has placed in each of us for the good of His Kingdom.   Isaiah 2:1–5 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Matthew 21:1–11  

Have you ever been desperate?  Desperate not from someone else's doing, but because of your own.  This is Samson in Judges Chapter 16.  His unnatural strength from God led to a life of getting what he wanted, when he wanted it.  Ultimately, Samson's wanting of women that were not his wife led to his desperate situation.  Which brings us back to our own desperation stories.  Stories of desperation that lead us back to God - back to God to be restored in body and soul.  Even in our sin, in our own mistakes, God will not leave us forsake us.  His Spirit remains in us to help us in our weakness.  “He intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”  Intercedes and restores us with grace won for us on the cross.  Yes, we too are too cry out to the Lord in our weakness and He will make us whole again.   Judges 16:4-9; 15-22; 28-30

This week we see how gratitude isn't just for the good days. In Philippians 1, Paul writes with joy and thanksgiving, not from comfort, but from prison. He shows us that joy isn't about how life is going for us, but about how the Gospel keeps moving forward through us. We see that when we look through the eyes of the Spirit, even hardship becomes a place where Jesus is at work.   Genesis 50:15-21 Philippians 1:3-19 Matthew 5:1-16

This week we kick off our new series, The Gratitude Challenge, by taking a closer look at something we usually overlook, our breath. In Genesis, God breathes life into dust. In Ezekiel's vision, His breath turns dry bones into living people. And in John 20, Jesus breathes His Spirit into His followers.We'll talk about how gratitude starts with things that we might overlook, like the everyday gifts God gives: air in our lungs and the Spirit that fills our hearts. Because what you look for is what you see.Join Pastor Gerber as we explore how learning to see and thank God for the “ordinary” things changes how we see everything. Genesis 2:5-7 Acts 17:22-31 John 20:19-23

All Saints Day.  It can tug at your heart in a variety of ways.  Our senses can quickly bring us back to one of our loved ones can't they?  It could be a smell, something we see, something we smell or something or something we hear and we instantly have a loved one in our minds and also in our hearts. All Saints Day is a time to remember them fondly, but it isn't always easy.  There is most certainly or was most certainly crying involved.  Now there is waiting involved, waiting for Jesus to return on the Last Day, and there is hoping involved.  Hope in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to restore all things including our loved ones to a new paradise where they(we) will walk in newness of life forever.   Crying, Waiting and Hoping - What a process He has given us.  Thanks be to God.     Psalm 130 1 John 3:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12

If you've ever had heart burn, you know it isn't a burning that feels good.  “Plop, plop, fiz, fiz.  Oh what a relief it is. ” Or at least we hope. The heart burn that the two of the disciples felt as Jesus walked with them on the day he was resurrected was not a burning that needed relief.  It was a burning from being in the presence of  Jesus, the Word of God himself. Being in the presence of the Light of the World will do that to a person.  But He is still present in many ways.  That burning wasn't reserved just for the disciples.  As we are in the Word and the Word is in us, indeed that burning feeling the disciples had while Jesus revealed the scriptures to them isn't going anywhere.  It is here to stay.     Revelation 14:6-7 Romans 3:21-28 Luke 24:13-35

This week in our Light of the World series, we move from being obviously transformed by the light to walking in it. Psalm 119 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God's Word doesn't always show us the whole road ahead. It often only lights the next step. But we can walk with confidence because we know who the Light is: Jesus! That same Light still shines in our lives today, guiding our steps through His Word and Spirit. Join us as we explore what it means to walk in the light of Jesus, one step, one degree of glory, at a time. Psalm 119:105-112 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Matthew 4:18-22

In this story from Exodus 34, Israel is encamped at Mount Sinai while Moses has gone up the mountain to spend time with God. This is the time when Moses delivers to Israel the Ten Commandments, written by the finger of God. In this encounter with God, Moses receives more than the Law from God. When he comes down from Mount Sinai, his face is shining.   The Hebrew word translated “shone” (qaran) can mean a radiance that beams out like sun rays. This is not a soft glow Moses generates. He is literally shining so brightly that it's like beams of light are proceeding from his face. Ultimately, and somewhat unbelievably, Christians too are called to reflect God's glory to the world. Paul alludes to this in 2 Corinthians 3:18, where believers are described as being transformed “from one degree of glory to another.” This reference to Moses's shining face reminds all believers that this spiritual transformation begins with time spent in the presence of God. And it leads to people being so completely transformed that it's like they're illuminated. Are you illuminated by being transformed by Christ's love for you? Is it obvious that Christ is in you? How do we go about going from one degree of glory to another? Exodus 34:29-35 II Corinthians 3:12-18 Luke 9:28-36

This week we begin a new series, Light of the World, with the very first words of Scripture: “Let there be light.” In Genesis 1, God doesn't just flip a switch so we can see what was already there, He speaks light into chaos and brings order where there was none. That same creative Word becomes flesh in Jesus, who steps into the brokenness and despair of our lives. On the cross and in the empty tomb, He makes us whole, tov, not just a little better, but complete in Him. Join us as we hear how the Light of the World still speaks into our chaos today.   Genesis 1:1-5 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 John 1:1-5 

It is one thing to “talk the talk.”  It is another thing to “walk the walk.”  The apostle Paul makes it very clear in his letter to the Ephesians that walking in the light of Jesus and bearing fruit for His Kingdom is not only a suggestion, it is indeed what Christians are to do - Bear fruit by walking as children of the light - Jesus.   Two questions: 1) What are you reflecting in this world? 2) Who are you reflecting in this world? Isaiah 60:1-3 Ephesians 5:3-14 Matthew 5:14-16

At Trinity, we don't just learn who we are in Jesus or love because He first loved us, we also Lead. In Ephesians 4, God equips His people so the whole body of Christ may grow. We lead by showing Jesus through our actions, by investing in God's mission with the gifts He provides, and by telling others who Jesus is. This is our calling as His children, and this is our joy as His Church. Exodus 18:13-24 Ephesians 4:11-16 Mark 10:35-45

At Trinity, we learn who we are in Jesus so that His love flows through us. This week we focus on Love, because God loved us first, we are called to love others, forgive freely, and serve with joy. In 1 John 4, we hear that God's love was made visible in Jesus. Now that love shines through us to our families, our church, our school, and our community.   Leviticus 19:9-18 1 John 4:7-12 John 13:1-15, 34-35

Series: Learn. Love. Lead. Title: Learn.   Trinity's mission is clear: Learn. Love. Lead. Equipped to Reflect the Light of Jesus. It starts with the foundation - Learn. Before we can love or lead, we need to know who we are. In 2 Timothy 3, God's Word is described as breathed out by Him, making us wise for salvation and equipping us for every good work. At Trinity, we learn by worshiping and praying in community, by studying God's Word together, and by living out His will for our lives. This is our identity: we are children of God, loved and known by Jesus. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Luke 10:38-42

The powerful truth that Jesus is our Living Hope—a hope made alive through His resurrection. Because He lives, we are not only forgiven by mercy but welcomed into a lasting inheritance that can never fade. Lamentations 3:19-24 I Peter 1:3-9 John 14:1-7

He who was rich became poor for our sake. By Christ's poverty we have become rich – rich in God's grace.  God gives.  He gave his Son's life.  We receive – receive this gift of grace, undeserved forgiveness. We respond.  What does that response look like for you – response to this inexpressible gift of grace?  Are you a cheerful giver or a reluctant giver – giver of gifts that are not even ours? Exodus 16:9-15 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 John 6:30-35  

Preaching   In worship, God gives His living Word, read and preached. He speaks to form us, not just inform us. From 2 Timothy 3:16–4:2 we see Scripture as God-breathed and preaching commanded. Isaiah 55 promises His Word won't return empty. Luke 24 centers it all on Christ crucified and risen. This message invites us to listen actively, take one simple step of obedience, and share what Jesus has done in us.   Isaiah 55:6-11 2 Timothy 3:16-4:2 Luke 24:44-49