Weekend Service for June 29Scripture Readings: Genesis 41:34-36 | Proverbs 13:11Financial freedom and wise stewardship are not just practical goals—they are deeply spiritual pursuits that reflect our trust in God and our willingness to prepare for what lies ahead. Many of us desire to be free from debt, but desire alone is not enough; it takes a deep resolve, even a kind of righteous anger, to break free from the chains that hold us back. Debt can become so normal that we forget how much it limits us, but God calls us to live unshackled, ready for both the expected and the unexpected.Preparation is a biblical principle woven throughout creation. Proverbs points us to the ant, a tiny creature that works diligently in the summer to prepare for winter. The ant doesn’t wait for crisis; it acts in wisdom, knowing what is coming. In the same way, we are called to prepare—not just when the pressure is on, but in seasons of plenty, so that we are ready for lean times. This is not just about money; it’s about a posture of readiness and obedience.Joseph’s story in Genesis 41 is a powerful example. He didn’t squander the years of abundance but stored up resources, trusting God’s guidance. When famine came, Egypt was ready—not just for themselves, but to bless others. Joseph’s faithfulness in preparation allowed him to provide for his family and even those who had wronged him. This is the heart of biblical stewardship: using what God has given us wisely, so we can be generous and responsive to His call.Learning and taking action, even when we don’t fully understand, is part of this journey. Whether it’s fixing a go-kart or learning about investments, the key is to step forward, seek wisdom, and not be paralyzed by fear or ignorance. Mistakes will happen, but growth comes through action and humility.Ultimately, our financial decisions are not just about us. They are about being free to serve, to give, and to respond to God’s leading. Jesus calls us to hold our possessions loosely, to be generous, and to live in such a way that we can say yes to Him at any moment. When we prepare well, we reflect God’s character and open ourselves to be used for His purposes in our families, communities, and beyond.[00:00] Welcome[01:23] The Need for Urgency in Tackling Debt[02:09] Debt as Chains: Breaking Free[03:29] Preparing Before Crisis Hits[05:41] Personal Story: Procrastination and Preparation[07:09] Wisdom from Proverbs: Lessons from the Ant[08:48] The Importance of Working in Season[09:37] Overcoming Barriers to Financial Learning[11:04] Procrastination and Taking Action[13:27] Learning Through Mistakes and Obedience[14:22] Jesus’ Teaching on Possessions and Generosity[16:15] Joseph’s Story: Faithfulness in Preparation[18:24] Storing Up in Abundance for Lean Times[20:50] Preparing for the Expected and Unexpected[22:22] The Call to Learn and Invest Wisely[24:27] Teaching Work Ethic and Attitude[27:53] Choosing Our Attitude and Future[28:55] Living Generously and Being Ready for God’s Call[30:12] Prayer and Closing Reflections

Weekend Service for June 22Scripture Readings: Proverbs 22:7 | Romans 13:8Everything we have and everything we are belongs to God. This foundational truth shapes how we approach our finances, our possessions, and even our sense of self. When we recognize that our resources are not truly our own, but gifts entrusted to us by God, it changes our priorities and our sense of responsibility. Instead of being driven by the world’s constant push to acquire more through debt, we are called to steward what we have with wisdom and intentionality.The culture around us normalizes debt as a way of life—loans for cars, homes, and even everyday purchases. Yet, Scripture consistently warns about the dangers of debt, describing it as a form of bondage and a source of stress and anxiety. While borrowing is not condemned outright, the language of the Bible is clear: debt can enslave us, distract us from God, and hinder our ability to be generous. The borrower becomes servant to the lender, and our hearts can become entangled in worry and obligation.Practical steps, like budgeting and following a plan to pay off debts, are not just financial advice—they are spiritual disciplines. By being intentional with our money, we create space to live generously, to provide for our families, and to be free from the anxiety that comes with owing others. The “debt snowball” method—paying off the smallest debts first and rolling those payments into larger ones—mirrors the biblical principle of steady, faithful progress. It’s not about quick fixes or get-rich-quick schemes, but about cultivating a heart that is content, disciplined, and open-handed.God’s vision for His people is one of freedom and generosity. In the Old Testament, debts were canceled every seven years, ensuring that no one remained perpetually burdened. This radical generosity is a reflection of God’s own heart, who canceled our greatest debt through Christ. We are called to live simply, within our means, and to seek the kind of financial freedom that allows us to respond to God’s call with open hands and open hearts.[00:00] Welcome[00:43] Everything Belongs to God[01:47] The Debt Snowball Explained[03:22] The Importance of Budgeting[04:12] The Culture of Debt[05:19] The Lure and Trap of Easy Credit[06:37] What Scripture Says About Debt[09:57] Changing Our Mindset About Money[10:56] Debt as Bondage and Warning[12:24] Where Is Your Heart?[13:29] The Year of Debt Release[14:31] Generosity in Lending[16:22] The Freedom to Be Generous[17:29] The Illusion of Satisfaction[19:36] The Relief of Paying Off Debt[21:18] Learning from Failure[22:44] Living Simply and Generously[24:10] Closing Prayer

Weekend Service for June 15Scripture Readings: Proverbs 21:20 | Luke 14:28Financial freedom is not just about accumulating wealth or escaping debt; it’s about aligning our hearts and resources with God’s purposes. The journey begins with recognizing that everything we have belongs to God. We are not owners, but stewards, entrusted with His resources to manage wisely. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centered accumulation to God-centered stewardship, where our financial decisions become acts of worship and obedience.Living on less than we make, avoiding debt, saving for emergencies, budgeting intentionally, and pursuing generosity and contentment are not just practical steps—they are deeply spiritual disciplines. These principles, rooted in Scripture, challenge the cultural norm of living on borrowed money and chasing after fleeting pleasures. Instead, they call us to a life of discipline, planning, and trust in God’s provision. The story of the rich young ruler reminds us that it’s not wealth itself that is the problem, but the grip it can have on our hearts. Jesus calls us to count the cost, to build our lives on a solid foundation, and to be willing to let go of anything that hinders our wholehearted pursuit of Him.The first practical step toward financial freedom is simple but profound: save a small emergency fund. This is not about hoarding, but about preparing wisely for the unexpected, so that we are not derailed by life’s inevitable challenges. Just as a house cannot stand without a solid foundation, our financial lives need a base of stability. This allows us to move forward with confidence, to pay off debt, and ultimately to be generous. The goal is not to build a mountain of wealth for ourselves, but to be free to give, to bless others, and to reflect the generous heart of God.Ultimately, financial freedom is about becoming whole people—mentally, spiritually, and materially—so that we can serve God and others with open hands and open hearts. It’s about contentment, trust, and a willingness to let God reshape our desires and priorities. As we embark on this journey, may we seek not just financial stability, but the freedom to be radically generous and fully devoted to Christ.[00:00] Welcome[00:58] Dave Ramsey’s Story and Principles[01:56] Does God Hate Wealth?[04:21] God Owns Everything: The Stewardship Principle[05:41] Living on Less, Avoiding Debt, and Budgeting[06:37] Generosity and Contentment[07:32] Marriage and Financial Unity[08:02] The Seven Baby Steps Overview[10:00] Proverbs on Planning and Wealth[12:50] Counting the Cost: Jesus’ Teaching[13:49] Building on a Solid Foundation[14:59] Real-Life Foundation Stories[15:42] Paying Off Debt and Finding Relief[20:05] Prayer for Wholeness and Contentment[22:38] Closing Prayer and Blessing

Weekend Service for June 8Scripture Readings: Psalm 24:1 | Matthew 6:24Today begins a journey into “Freedom Through Finances,” not as a dry lecture on money, but as an invitation to examine the deeper motivations that shape our relationship with what God has entrusted to us. Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, is saturated with wisdom about resources—not just how to get them, but how to use, preserve, and share them as part of our calling as God’s people. While the world often reduces money to a source of stress or a measure of success, Jesus calls those who would be His disciples to a radically different perspective: one rooted in the heart, in identity, and in stewardship.The teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6 are not random advice for the masses, but focused instruction for those serious about living as citizens of God’s kingdom. He warns against treasuring treasures on earth, not because possessions are evil, but because our hearts inevitably follow what we value most. The real question is not “What do I do with my money?” but “Who am I, really?”—because our financial decisions flow from our deepest sense of self.Motivation, then, is not a matter of hearing the right sermon or adopting a clever principle. Real change happens as we move through five layers: ideas, viewpoints, values, habits, and, at the deepest level, identity. Ideas are fleeting; viewpoints are choices; values are priorities that sometimes conflict; habits are the ruts we live in, often unconsciously; but identity is the bedrock—how we define ourselves. If we see ourselves as owners, we will always be anxious and grasping. If we embrace our true identity as stewards, everything changes.The call is not simply to adopt better financial habits, but to allow God to reshape our very identity. We are not owners, but stewards of all we have—our homes, our money, our opportunities. This shift is not easy, but it is the only path to true financial freedom and peace. As we move through this series, the challenge is to let God’s truth penetrate to the deepest level, so that our financial lives reflect the reality that God owns it all, and we are accountable to Him for how we manage His gifts.[00:00] Welcome[01:00] Why Talk About Money?[03:30] The Bible’s Emphasis on Money[05:19] The Limits of Sermons and Real Change[07:38] Money as a Universal Stressor[10:10] The Audience of the Sermon on the Mount[11:37] Jesus’ Teaching: Treasures and the Heart[15:40] You Cannot Serve Two Masters[17:26] The Nature of Motivation[20:28] Five Layers of Motivation[23:06] Conflicting Values and Financial Choices[25:11] The Power of Habits[26:33] Identity: Who Are You?[30:10] From Ideas to Real Change[34:05] Credit, Debt, and Living Within Means[36:55] The Parable of the Lost Coin[37:15] Building Habits and Realistic Budgets[39:20] Stewardship: It’s Not Your Stuff[41:01] The Parable of the Shrewd Manager[44:27] Prayer and Closing

Weekend Service for June 1Scripture Readings: John 20:19-23 | Galatians 6:2Community is at the very heart of what it means to follow Jesus. We are not called to walk this journey alone, but to be woven together as a family, a body, a household, and a temple made of living stones. The stories and metaphors throughout Scripture remind us that the church is not a building or a weekly event, but a living, breathing community of people who support, challenge, and care for one another. When we gather—whether it’s in youth group, Sunday worship, or a camping trip—we are building relationships that become the foundation for spiritual growth and resilience.Regular connection is essential. Meeting together consistently, not just for worship but for fun and shared experiences, deepens our bonds and creates a safe space for both celebration and vulnerability. It’s in these spaces that we can be honest about our struggles, share our burdens, and find encouragement. The church is called to be a place where we gently restore those who are struggling, where humility reigns, and where no one is too important to help another. We are each responsible for our own walk, but we are also called to walk alongside others, lifting them up when life gets hard.Scripture paints a vivid picture of the church as a place where we share each other’s burdens, forgive one another, and do good to all—especially to those in the family of faith. This is not just about receiving support, but about pouring ourselves into the lives of others, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus. True wholeness comes not from self-sufficiency, but from being rooted in Christ and connected to His people. When we are tempted to withdraw in times of struggle, the very thing we need most is to lean into community and the presence of God.God’s desire is for us to be whole, not broken and isolated. He fills the empty places in our lives and calls us to reflect His love by building up the community around us. Each of us has a unique role to play, and as we listen to God’s voice and step into His plan, we find purpose, healing, and the strength to keep moving forward. Let us be a family under one Father, supporting and being supported, so that together we can become a true reflection of Christ in the world.[00:00] Welcome[01:01] A Surprising Confession and the Power of Community[02:55] The Heart of Our Church: Safe Spaces and Support[03:54] The Importance of Consistent Gathering[04:37] Beyond Meetings: Building Deeper Relationships[06:08] Biblical Metaphors for the Church[07:11] The Danger of Isolation[08:06] What It Means to Be the Church[09:59] Jesus Appears to the Disciples: Community in Crisis[12:28] Sharing Burdens and Obeying Christ’s Law[13:25] Gentle Restoration and Humility[14:12] Sowing, Reaping, and Doing Good[16:51] The Hands and Feet of Jesus[17:37] Community and Mental Health[18:34] Implementing Wholeness: Practical Strategies[27:13] God’s Plan for Wholeness[27:51] Prayer and Closing

Weekend Service for May 25Scripture Readings: John 20:11-18 | Romans 8:28Pain is a universal experience, touching every life in different ways—sometimes through our own choices, sometimes through circumstances beyond our control, and sometimes simply as a part of living in a broken world. Pain itself is not inherently good or bad; it is a signal, a messenger that something needs attention. Whether it’s the physical pain of a broken bone, the lingering ache of an old injury, or the chronic suffering that some endure daily, pain invites us to respond. It can be a catalyst for change, a prompt to seek help, or a reminder that something in our lives needs healing.God did not design us for pain, but for wholeness and communion with Him and each other. Yet, because of the choices humanity has made, pain entered the world. Even so, God does not leave us alone in our suffering. Jesus models for us a life of love, grace, and presence—He meets us in our pain, just as He met Mary outside the empty tomb. In those moments when we are overwhelmed, when we don’t even have words to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, expressing our deepest groans to the Father.Pain, while difficult, has a purpose. It moves us from complacency, urging us to grow, to heal, and to become more like Christ. If we only numb or ignore our pain, we miss the opportunity for transformation. Instead, we are called to face our pain, to seek Jesus in the midst of it, and to allow our community to support us. Through this process, we not only find healing for ourselves but are equipped to help others who walk similar paths.Ultimately, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus—not pain, not suffering, not even our own failures. God’s promise is that, though we share in Christ’s suffering now, we will also share in His glory. Our hope is not in a pain-free life, but in the assurance that God is with us, working all things together for our good, and leading us toward wholeness. The invitation is to take the next right step, to reach for Jesus’ outstretched hand, and to trust that He is making us whole, one step at a time.[00:00] Welcome[00:32] Is Pain Good or Bad?[01:31] Personal Stories of Pain and Ignoring It[04:33] Responding to Pain: Danger, Choices, and Circumstance[06:05] Pain as a Catalyst for Change[06:49] God’s Design vs. Human Choices[07:47] How We Respond to Pain[08:40] Subduing vs. Working Through Pain[09:50] Community and Shared Experiences[10:39] Mary at the Tomb: Jesus Meets Us in Pain[12:47] Romans 8: Suffering and Glory[14:45] Hope in the Midst of Suffering[16:29] The Purpose of Pain and Endurance[17:50] The Promise of Eternal Wholeness[18:31] Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love[21:50] Assurance in Christ’s Love[23:37] Choosing Our Response to Pain[24:23] Taking the Next Right Step[25:53] Living Whole Lives in Christ[26:47] Prayer for Healing and Wholeness

Weekend Service for May 17

Scripture Readings: Psalm 13 / Psalm 34 / John 20:24-29 / Luke 22:42

Weekend Service for May 17Scripture Readings: Psalm 13 / Psalm 34 / John 20:24-29 / Luke 22:42Fear is a universal experience, but our responses to it are as varied as the people who feel it. Some of us are like the little girl who picks up a snake without hesitation, while others freeze at the sight of a tiny spider. Fear is an emotion that signals danger or threat, but it doesn’t have to control our lives. We often respond to fear by fighting, fleeing, freezing, or even fawning—trying to appease what scares us. Yet, as followers of Christ, there is another way: faith.Throughout Scripture, we see people who faced overwhelming fear and yet chose to trust God. David, a shepherd boy, stood before Goliath not because he was fearless, but because his faith in God was greater than his fear. Daniel, threatened with death for his devotion to God, chose faith over self-preservation, even as he faced the lions. Their stories remind us that faith doesn’t erase fear, but it gives us the courage to move forward in spite of it.The Psalms show us that even the most faithful people wrestle with fear and sorrow. David cries out to God in anguish, but ultimately chooses to trust in God’s unfailing love and goodness. Faith is not a denial of fear, but a decision to trust God’s character and promises in the midst of it. This is a process—a journey of learning to lean on God, step by step, as we see His faithfulness in our lives.Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, experienced deep agony and fear as He faced the cross. He prayed for another way, but ultimately surrendered to the Father’s will. Jesus shows us that faith is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to trust God’s plan, even when it leads through suffering.Life will always bring moments that test us—loss, uncertainty, pain. Faith doesn’t guarantee a life free from hardship, but it does promise God’s presence with us through it all. When we choose faith over fear, we find peace, rest, and the assurance that, no matter what comes, we are never alone. Our hope is anchored not in our circumstances, but in the unchanging love of Christ and the promise of what’s to come.[00:00] Welcome[01:03] Fear Factor and Childhood Fears[01:58] Family Stories of Fear[02:47] Defining Fear[03:43] Playground Lessons and Fear Responses[04:57] The Four F’s: Flight, Freeze, Fawn, Fight[06:04] Introducing Faith as a Response[06:56] Biblical Examples: David and Daniel[09:57] Daniel’s Faith in the Lion’s Den[10:59] Psalm 13: Wrestling with Fear[12:31] Psalm 34: Choosing Praise[13:31] The Ongoing Presence of Fear[14:33] Faith Is a Learning Process[16:58] God’s Provision in Uncertainty[18:07] Jesus’ Agony in Gethsemane[19:54] Submitting to God’s Will[20:49] God’s Presence in Our Trials[21:42] Life Is a Journey of Faith[22:31] The Hope of Eternal Life[23:33] Confidence in Christ[24:12] Prayer for Faith Over Fear[25:41] Closing and Benediction

Weekend Service for May 4Scripture Readings: Mark 1:35-36 | Luke 5: 15-16 | Mark 6: 31Today’s reflection centers on the sacred invitation Jesus extends to each of us: to rest, to seek solitude, and to establish healthy boundaries. While honoring mothers and the many ways they give of themselves, it’s important to recognize that this call is not just for moms, but for every weary soul—students, workers, parents, and anyone who feels the weight of expectations. The world often celebrates those who seem to do it all, likening them to superheroes, but Jesus never asks us to be superhuman. Instead, He calls us to embrace our humanity, acknowledging our need for help, support, and rest.Throughout His ministry, Jesus modeled rhythms of retreat and renewal. He invited His disciples to step away from the crowds and find quiet places to rest, not as a command but as a gentle offer. Even when there was more work to be done, more people to heal, Jesus would withdraw to solitary places to pray and reconnect with the Father. These moments of solitude were not acts of selfishness, but of wisdom and worship—demonstrating that rest is not a luxury, but a necessity for spiritual and emotional health.Solitude, as Jesus practiced it, is distinct from isolation. It is a sacred space where we can be honest with ourselves and attentive to God’s quiet voice. In a world filled with constant noise and demands, intentionally seeking moments of stillness allows God to renew our hearts and clarify our intentions. Jesus also set boundaries, even when it meant leaving needs unmet, showing us that saying “no” is sometimes an act of faithfulness, not failure.Practical steps for embracing this invitation include carving out even five minutes a day for solitude, learning to say “no” to outside pressures in order to say “yes” to peace and family, and intentionally honoring Sabbath rest. These practices not only restore us but also model healthy rhythms for those around us, especially our children. Ultimately, our strength is not found in our own striving, but in the rest and love of Christ. As we honor mothers and caregivers, let us also honor the God who invites us to lay down our burdens and find true renewal in Him.[00:00] Welcome[02:24] Invitation to Rest for All[03:40] Emotional Healing Begins with Jesus[05:26] The Superhero Myth and Its Pressures[07:22] Embracing Our Humanity and Need for Rest[08:11] Jesus Invites His Disciples to Rest[10:55] Jesus Seeks Solitude and Prayer[11:34] The Sacredness of Solitude[13:31] Jesus Sets Boundaries in Ministry[16:33] The Rhythm of Ministry and Retreat[18:12] Rest, Solitude, and Boundaries: Application[19:27] The Power and Permission to Say No[20:40] Honoring Sabbath in Modern Life[22:35] True Strength Found in Christ[23:35] Closing Prayer and Blessing[24:12] Praying for Renewal and Rest