Like riding the school bus, our faith involves trust. We don’t always know every stop or how long the ride will take, but we learn to settle in, look around, and grow during the journey. Sometimes the road feels bumpy or unfamiliar. Other times, it’s full of song, laughter, and unexpected lessons. Through it all, God is not just waiting for us at the destination—God is present in every mile, every question, every twist and turn.

This series invites us to rediscover the joy and trust of a child climbing aboard the bus for the first time. It calls us to let go of needing to control every aspect of the road ahead and instead lean into the sacred rhythms of trust, community, and daily transformation.

As students fill their backpacks with pencils, notebooks, and all the essentials for a new school year, we’re reminded that our spiritual lives need preparation too. In this back-to-school themed message, we’ll unpack The Supply List—the full armor of God that equips us to face whatever comes our way. From the belt of truth to the shield of faith, each piece helps us stand strong in a world full of challenges. Just like students rely on their supplies to succeed, we rely on God's strength, wisdom, and protection to grow in faith. Come ready to be equipped for the season ahead!

Driving to the church this week, I had my usual route planned—turns I’ve taken a hundred times before. But just a few miles out on Route 32, I was met with an unexpected bright orange “Road Closed – Detour” sign. I had to stop, re-route, and trust that the unfamiliar roads ahead would still get me to where I was going. Isn’t that so much like life? We map out our plans, our dreams, our goals—and then suddenly, we hit a detour. A job ends. A diagnosis comes. A relationship shifts. A path we thought was certain suddenly closes, and we’re left wondering where God is in it all. This is where unexpected faith comes in. Faith not based on what we can see or control—but on the One who sees the whole journey. Think of Joseph, whose dreams were delayed by betrayal. Ruth, whose faith led her to a new land and unexpected love. Or the disciples, called from fishing nets into world-changing ministry. Their lives didn’t follow a straight path—but God was present in every twist and turn. Maybe you’re on a detour right now. If so, you’re not alone. And you're not off course—you're on a different route where God is still at work.