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Happy Christmas Eve! Today is the last episode of our Advent series, and wouldn't you know, it culminates to Jesus' favorite word: LOVE!Join us as we talk about Love as a person - that person is Jesus!
God's Gift of Love reminds us that love is not just something God gives, it's who He is. Through Jesus, God gave Himself, welcomed us into His family, and calls us to share that same love with others. As faith and hope guide us, this message invites us to live out the greatest gift of all: love that multiplies through us.
Thank you for joining us this week as Pastor Taylor continues our Christmas series for week 4 in Matthew 2. This week, we also had Cory and Cera Hammond lead us in the advent! We hope you are encouraged and convicted by this message, and we can't wait to see you next week! As always — love God, love others and make disciples!
For the next 4 weeks, we will be dropping a mid-week episode following the very sacred season in the church called Advent. Each week, we will light a candle and talk about the theme word. This week: JOY. Join us this Advent season as we wait and anticipate the gift that is Jesus!
The birth of Jesus brought good news of great joy for all people. In this message, we explore how God invites us to live in the fullness of joy not based on circumstances, but rooted in His presence. Discover how choosing joy, prayer, and gratitude, finding opportunity when worry arises, and celebrating our covenant relationship with God leads to strength, peace, and overflowing hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
For the next 4 weeks, we will be dropping a mid-week episode following the very sacred season in the church called Advent. Each week, we will light a candle and talk about the theme word. This week: PEACE. Join us this Advent season as we wait and anticipate the gift that is Jesus!
This week we look at the Peace Promise that came with the birth of Jesus. God offers a peace that goes beyond understanding, but we're challenged to live in it daily. Through reconciliation, kindness, and intentionally seeking the peace Jesus gives, we learn how to walk in the peace of the Prince of Peace. Discover how Jesus brings light into our chaos and how His peace can transform your relationships, your heart, and your season.
For the next 4 weeks, we will be dropping a mid-week episode following the very sacred season in the church called Advent. Each week, we will light a candle and talk about the theme word. This week: HOPE. Join us this Advent season as we wait and anticipate the gift that is Jesus!
This week we begin Advent by looking at the promised Light that breaks into our darkness. Isaiah 9:2 reminds us that all of us face darkness, all of us needed God's intervention, and all of us needed the Hope that was foretold Jesus, the Light of the World. When Christ shines, clarity replaces confusion, hope overcomes despair, and life triumphs over death. This message invites us to remember that even in darkness, God promised and provided Hope.
Thank you for joining us this week as we hear from our Lead Pastor Taylor Little for week 1 of our Advent series leading up to Christmas! You will hear from our very own Bob and Carmella Atkins for our first week of advent. Then Pastor Taylor will lead us through the Genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 explaining how it is important to the story of Jesus because it proves that he was the Messiah come and shows us that God will never forget. We hope you are encouraged and convicted by this message and we can't wait to see you next week! As always — love God, love others and make disciples!
Advent devotional week #1 - the theme of Hope
Pastor Darren begins the Advent series "Not Just the Shepherds, Others in the Christmas Story" by looking at some of the other significant people in the Christmas story and their role in it, in this message he speaks of King Herod.
Jason Miller - The stories of the birth of Jesus in the Gospels are given to us for more than sentimental Christmas tales. They're the narrative expression of the deep wisdom of our faith. The arrival of God in the life of Jesus can teach us how to look for and welcome of the arrival of God in our world right now. This year, we're bringing that wisdom forward into our own lives by not just hearing the stories, but by embodying the practices inherent in the stories. This week, we're reminded of the power of showing up, and the deep work of becoming fully present. What's Happening Join us for Christmas Eve at 4p or 11p, or through the podcast, and please note that there will be no gatherings or podcast on December 29th. Give to our Christmas Offering. Check out this years Annual Report. Support the ongoing work of SBCC by giving to the general fund. South Bend City Church is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Make sure to select the correct fund when giving.
Sunday Sermon- Dec 15 2024: Luke 2:8-20 // Advent wk 4 "The Advent of Joy" Elder Rob Fletcher
Sunday Sermon- Dec 22 2024: Isaiah 9:6-7 // Advent wk 5 "The Advent of Peace" Elder Matthew Pollock
Jason Miller, Jacqueline Kronk, and Rima Bahradine-Bell - The stories of the birth of Jesus in the Gospels are given to us for more than sentimental Christmas tales. They're the narrative expression of the deep wisdom of our faith. The arrival of God in the life of Jesus can teach us how to look for and welcome of the arrival of God in our world right now. This year, we're bringing that wisdom forward into our own lives by not just hearing the stories, but by embodying the practices inherent in the stories. This week, we're taking notes on generosity from our partners at the Boys and Girls Clubs. We had the opportunity to sit down with Jacqueline Kronk, the CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor, and Rima Bahradine-Bell, the 2024 Midwest Youth of the Year, to talk about how generosity has shaped their work and life. What's Happening Join us in person to grab your physical Advent Art Guide (1 per household while supplies last) or visit the library page on our website and scroll down to the documents section. Join us for Christmas Eve at 4p or 11p, or through the podcast, and please note that there will be no gatherings or podcast on December 29th. Give to our Christmas Offering. Support the ongoing work of SBCC by giving to the general fund. South Bend City Church is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Make sure to select the correct fund when giving.
Sunday Sermon- Dec 8 2024: John 3:14-17 // Advent wk 2 "The Advent of Faith" Elder Garrett Napier
Becky Ykema - The stories of the birth of Jesus in the Gospels are given to us for more than sentimental Christmas tales. They're the narrative expression of the deep wisdom of our faith. The arrival of God in the life of Jesus can teach us how to look for and welcome of the arrival of God in our world right now. This year, we're bringing that wisdom forward into our own lives by not just hearing the stories, but by embodying the practices inherent in the stories. This week, we're exploring the word “adoration,” discovering where it is found in the Christmas story, and where it can be found all around us. This weekend we had the chance to be led by our friend, Becky Ykema. Becky is a worship leader living in the Denver area that we have the joy of joining in community with several times as year. What's Happening Join us in person to grab your physical Advent Art Guide (1 per household while supplies last) or visit the library page on our website and scroll down to the documents section. Join our friends at the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art on Sunday December 15 from 2-2:30p for a reflection on the piece they contributed to our Advent Art Guide. Check out the rest of our Holiday Schedule and Christmas Offering opportunities. RSVP to our New to SBCC Table happening at 12:15p on December 15. Support the ongoing work of SBCC by giving to the general fund. South Bend City Church is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Make sure to select the correct fund when giving.
So Much More: Creating Space for God (Lectio Divina and Scripture Meditation)
This first week of Advent focuses on the theme of hope—a hope made tangible through the arrival of Jesus. Get your FREE Unhurried Advent Guide here. This 25-day guide is full of Scripture meditations, devotional readings with reflective questions, and contemplative imagery—all designed to help you slow down and savor the Advent season. Created in collaboration with Unhurried Living, an amazing ministry I'm confident you'll love. Why do we have hope? As believers, our hope isn't anchored in fleeting desires or wishful thinking. Instead, it is rooted in God's faithfulness. Did you know Jesus fulfilled more than 300 prophecies with His first coming—prophecies that were written centuries before His birth? These fulfilled prophecies assure us that God faithfully keeps his promises. And that means, just as Jesus came once, He will come again. This is our sure hope. This week's meditation is one of the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled. It is from the book of Isaiah and was written hundreds of years before Jesus's birth. It speaks clearly of Jesus as the Light who shines in our darkness. Just like us, the people in Isaiah's times struggled. While our struggles may differ, we know the weight of darkness in our lives and world. We, too, need the light of hope to break through. And Jesus is that light. No matter what you're facing this season, let this passage remind you of your sure hope in Christ—the One who entered into our darkness to bring His glorious light. I'm praying this meditation helps you rest in His unshakable hope today. Get your FREE Unhurried Advent Guide here. Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The entire meditation text is as follows: Isaiah 9:2, 6, NIV 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Mark Waltz - The stories of the birth of Jesus in the Gospels are given to us for more than sentimental Christmas tales. They're the narrative expression of the deep wisdom of our faith. The arrival of God in the life of Jesus can teach us how to look for and welcome of the arrival of God in our world right now. This year, we're bringing that wisdom forward into our own lives by not just hearing the stories, but by embodying the practices inherent in the stories. This week, we're inspired by the Magi to look for God in the unexpected and "wrong" places. Mark Waltz is an author, leadership coach, guest experience expert, and the Executive Director at A Rosie Place for Children. When he's not doing any of those things, he's most likely with his wife, Laura, his daughter, Liv, and his grandkid, Arlo. If you've been around SBCC in person, you'll most likely recognize him as the head of our greeters team. What's Happening Join us in person to grab your physical Advent Art Guide this weekend (1 per household) or visit the library page on our website and scroll down to the documents section. Check out the rest of our Holiday Schedule and Christmas Offering opportunities. RSVP to our New to SBCC Table happening at 12:15p on December 15. Support the ongoing work of SBCC by giving to the general fund. South Bend City Church is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Make sure to select the correct fund when giving.
Sunday Sermon- Dec 1 2024: Romans 15:7-13 // Advent wk 1 "The Advent of Hope"
On this, the last Sunday in our reimagining advent series we utilize the wise teachings of Ram Dass. Specifically, we lean into the mantra he championed "I Am Loving Awareness" as a touchstone for a gathering. The truth is that loving is awareness and awareness is loving. One is not without the other, so to sit with one is to be drawn into the other. This is our path to love. This is our path to awareness. --- If you would like to join live, please visit: SIT CLUB If you would like to donate to Davin as an energetic exchange for these offerings, please do so here: DONATE -- Born out of the pandemic, Sit Club began in September of 2020 and continues every Sunday morning at 10am CT. Typically an hour in length, an intimate group of all ages, genders and races, from all over the world gathers on Zoom to sit in guided meditation, contemplate a reading and then share in conversation. Each gathering is centered around a spiritual theme chosen and guided by Davin. Youngs Buddhism is often the framework through which the readings and practices are approached, but no particular religious or philosophical ideology is subscribed to. There are no requirements, special skills or abilities that are necessary to attend. Just an open heart and a desire to connect with a community of seekers.
Jason Miller, Mariah Keener, Zach Gillis, and SBCC Band - For the past few weeks, we've held the paradox of waiting and waking up: naming the deep, unfulfilled longings that we don't have the power to satisfy for ourselves, and recognizing our power to act. This year, the fourth Sunday of Advent occurs on Christmas Eve. So in this special episode of the podcast, we're sharing with you in real time the same songs, prayers, reflections, and teachings that will accompany our gatherings in South Bend today. In order to more fully participate in this experience, you may want to have an unlit candle nearby as you listen. Ways to Get Connected Support the ongoing work of SBCC by giving to the general fund, the Tribune Project, or the Christmas Offering. South Bend City Church is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Make sure to select the correct fund when giving.
Due to illness, Sit Club was canceled on December 17, but Davin recorded this brief sit and reflection on the third week of advent, which centers JOY! In it, he offers a practice that focuses on sympathetic joy as a way of reminding us of the joy that lingers within. In addition, he offers a reading by the teacher Charlotte Joko Beck from her book, Nothing Special. --- If you would like to join live, please visit: SIT CLUB If you would like to donate to Davin as an energetic exchange for these offerings, please do so here: DONATE -- Born out of the pandemic, Sit Club began in September of 2020 and continues every Sunday morning at 10am CT. Typically an hour in length, an intimate group of all ages, genders and races, from all over the world gathers on Zoom to sit in guided meditation, contemplate a reading and then share in conversation. Each gathering is centered around a spiritual theme chosen and guided by Davin. Youngs Buddhism is often the framework through which the readings and practices are approached, but no particular religious or philosophical ideology is subscribed to. There are no requirements, special skills or abilities that are necessary to attend. Just an open heart and a desire to connect with a community of seekers.
Vince asks questions about poverty, exploitation, and perceiving God's Spirit as we turn again to Matthew's Christmas story about the confrontation between Herod and the Magi. (Art: "Herod greeting the three magi" by Rolf Nesch, 1922)Join our live chat! https://discord.gg/MNXJSM8New here? http://brownlinechurch.org/connectResources http://brownlinechurch.org/resources Donate http://brownlinechurch.org/donate
Vince asks questions about poverty, exploitation, and perceiving God's Spirit as we turn again to Matthew's Christmas story about the confrontation between Herod and the Magi. (Art: "Herod greeting the three magi" by Rolf Nesch, 1922)Join our live chat! https://discord.gg/MNXJSM8New here? http://brownlinechurch.org/connectResources http://brownlinechurch.org/resources Donate http://brownlinechurch.org/donate
The second week of Advent is focused on Peace. This week pastor Michael taught through Isaiah 9:2-7 and reminded us that true peace is found in Christ and Christ alone.
In this, the second week of advent we light a candle for hope and a candle for peace. But what does it mean to even consider peace when we live in a world filled with war? In this Sit Club gathering, we engage a practice of wishing peace first to ourselves and to others. From there, we utilize the poetry of Wendell Berry and the words of Roshi Joan Halifax to lead us into a more expansive understanding of peace and its ability to hold us all, even in war. --- If you would like to join live, please visit: SIT CLUB If you would like to donate to Davin as an energetic exchange for these offerings, please do so here: DONATE -- Born out of the pandemic, Sit Club began in September of 2020 and continues every Sunday morning at 10am CT. Typically an hour in length, an intimate group of all ages, genders and races, from all over the world gathers on Zoom to sit in guided meditation, contemplate a reading and then share in conversation. Each gathering is centered around a spiritual theme chosen and guided by Davin. Youngs Buddhism is often the framework through which the readings and practices are approached, but no particular religious or philosophical ideology is subscribed to. There are no requirements, special skills or abilities that are necessary to attend. Just an open heart and a desire to connect with a community of seekers.
For the second Sunday of Advent, we visit again Mary's Magnificat -- the song of longing and revolution that formed Jesus in the womb.Join our live chat! https://discord.gg/MNXJSM8New here? http://brownlinechurch.org/connectResources http://brownlinechurch.org/resources Donate http://brownlinechurch.org/donate
For the second Sunday of Advent, we visit again Mary's Magnificat -- the song of longing and revolution that formed Jesus in the womb.Join our live chat! https://discord.gg/MNXJSM8New here? http://brownlinechurch.org/connectResources http://brownlinechurch.org/resources Donate http://brownlinechurch.org/donate
In the first sermon of our Advent series, Heaven Came Down, CJ Noel taught that it is impossible to have faith in Christ without having Hope in His promises.
Where is God when we feel stuck or trapped? For the first Sunday of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, we look at Isaiah 9, a traditional Advent passage, with help from womanist theologian Monica Coleman. (Art: Isaiah 9 by Amy Lindahl)Join our live chat! https://discord.gg/MNXJSM8New here? http://brownlinechurch.org/connectResources http://brownlinechurch.org/resources Donate http://brownlinechurch.org/donate
Where is God when we feel stuck or trapped? For the first Sunday of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, we look at Isaiah 9, a traditional Advent passage, with help from womanist theologian Monica Coleman. (Art: Isaiah 9 by Amy Lindahl)Join our live chat! https://discord.gg/MNXJSM8New here? http://brownlinechurch.org/connectResources http://brownlinechurch.org/resources Donate http://brownlinechurch.org/donate
This is the first of a four week series where we attempt to reimagine advent through the lens of Sit Club. This week, we take a hard look at what the concept of "hope" using the practice of Tonglen as our guide. Anit, Kris and Johanna read three poems. Heavy by Mary Oliver Eagle Poem by Joy Harjo Everything is Waiting For You by David Whyte Davin also mentions the On Being podcast interview with Nick Cave: https://onbeing.org/programs/nick-cave-loss-yearning-transcendence/ --- If you would like to join live, please visit: SIT CLUB If you would like to donate to Davin as an energetic exchange for these offerings, please do so here: DONATE -- Born out of the pandemic, Sit Club began in September of 2020 and continues every Sunday morning at 10am CT. Typically an hour in length, an intimate group of all ages, genders and races, from all over the world gathers on Zoom to sit in guided meditation, contemplate a reading and then share in conversation. Each gathering is centered around a spiritual theme chosen and guided by Davin. Youngs Buddhism is often the framework through which the readings and practices are approached, but no particular religious or philosophical ideology is subscribed to. There are no requirements, special skills or abilities that are necessary to attend. Just an open heart and a desire to connect with a community of seekers.
Daniel Bannoura - As we enter the season of Advent, we'll spend four weeks exploring the implications of a God who locates Godself in the womb of a young woman. This week we heard from Daniel Bannoura, who reflected on Mary's song (the Magnificat). Daniel is a PhD student in theology at Notre Dame, a Palestinian Christian theologian, and along with his wife Shannan, a member of the South Bend City Church family. To join a pop-up brunch table on January 8th, either in person or online, head over to our website to search for the one that best suits your needs. To give to the Christmas Offering this year, the Tribune Project, or our general fund, go to our give page and select the appropriate fund from the drop down menu.
Mallory Wyckoff - As we enter the season of Advent, we'll spend four weeks exploring the implications of a God who locates Godself in the womb of a young woman. This week we heard from Mallory Wyckoff, who brought a teaching that considers Mary's experience in the Christmas story. Mallory Wyckoff is a writer, speaker, spiritual director, and peacemaker. She serves as key relationships officer with Preemptive Love, a global community of peacemakers working to end war and stop the spread of violence. Having completed her dissertation on the impact of sexual trauma on survivors' theological perception and spiritual formation, Mallory has a DMin in missional and spiritual formation. In all her work, Mallory is a trusted voice for people seeking to navigate their spirituality with curiosity, honesty, and courage. But before we heard from Mallory, we also heard from Willow Wetherall, Executive Director of Downtown South Bend, about our partnership to support a social outreach ambassador position. This is one of the objectives funded by this year's Christmas offering. To make a gift, head to southbendcitychurch.com/give and select the Christmas 2022 fund option. To sign up to host an in-person or online brunch on January 8th, CLICK HERE
Sunday December 4th, 2022 Waiting... Advent 2022 Christ City Church
Jason Miller - As we enter the season of Advent, we'll spend four weeks exploring the implications of a God who locates Godself in the womb of a young woman. What if her experience isn't just something for us to revere from a distance, but a pattern for us to follow as we, too, allow God to bear God's life in us? If you would like to share in the Eucharist meal with us, go ahead and grab some form of cracker or bread and some form of wine or juice. Ways to Engage: 1) Contribute to the Christmas Offering by going HERE and selecting the Christmas 2022 fund. For more information on the recipients of this offering, head over to our website. 2) Sign up to host a pop-up brunch (either in person or online) 3) Check out the rest of our calendar HERE
Jason Miller - As we enter the season of Advent, we'll spend four weeks exploring the implications of a God who locates Godself in the womb of a young woman. If you're looking for God, don't run away from your humanity. If you're a part of the growing digital SBCC community, we'd love to hear from you! Drop us a note letting us know how you found us and what keeps you listening at: info@southbendcitychurch.com. You can also support the ongoing work of SBCC by giving at: southbendcitychurch.com/give. Just select the “podcast” option from the drop-down menu to let us know how you're participating in the life of SBCC. South Bend City Church is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible.