While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. ~Luke 24: 51 As we come to the close of Eastertide, we remember Christ’s Ascension and celebrate the promise that the risen Jesus does not leave us without blessing, hope, or purpose. Our worship will be an offering of blessing…

Come, Holy Spirit. On this Pentecost Sunday, we welcome the fire, wind, and breath of God to awaken the Church and send us out in love. We are invited to step into the story of Pentecost and participate in the pouring out of God’s Spirit upon the people. The prophet Isaiah proclaims, the Spirit of…

This Sunday our worship service will include a presentation of “Making a Pivot in the Midst of Life’s Whirlwind”—written and directed by Buddy Hannah, a local playwright and member of our sister church Allen Chapel A.M.E—and starring seven members of our church community. This dramatic reading is part of the ongoing “Our Story Is Never Over” Project and is compiled of bits and pieces from each of the Pivots.

First Beats will present their annual musical in worship today, directed by Jacqueline Stilger. This year’s musical is entitled "Storms" and was written by composer Mark Burrows. It features the Bible passage of Jesus calming the storm. It also explores the idea that we all go through storms in our lives. Some storms are physical:…

On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, received word of their emancipation two months after the Civil War had ended, and two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had gone into effect on January 1, 1863. Juneteenth was established as a Federal Holiday in June 2021. In alignment with our congregation’s commitment…

As we gather for worship this Sunday, we come carrying questions, wounds, and stories that do not always make sense. In the story of Hagar, Ishmael, and Abraham, we encounter pain, uncertainty, and the cries of those who have been cast aside. Yet even in the wilderness, God hears. Even in places of sorrow and…

Scripture is flowing with women who sing. Voicing prayers, praises, and pleas. Composing powerful messages about courage, community, compassion, and justice. In Exodus, Miriam’s song guides the Israelites safely across the sea and through the wilderness, sealing her eternal legacy as a singing prophet. In the Gospels, we learn the lyrical story of Mary and…

Americans Make Great Neighbors: Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary - A 4-Week Sermon Series on Service, Freedom, Innovation, and Diversity: Week 1: Freedom. This series explores what it looks like for…

Americans Make Great Neighbors week 2 - Service. "Love Moves Toward" ~ ASP TEAM Commissioning ~  We continue our series Americans Make Great Neighbors, exploring what it looks like for…

This Sunday, we celebrate the third week of our Americans Make Great Neighbors worship series. The theme Creating for the Common Good remembers that the God who created the heavens…