Evergreen Church: Recent Episodes
Evergreen Church
God So Loved the World - Episode 3 - John 3:16 - 12-19-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching by Evergreen Church
God So Loved the World - Episode 2 - Ephesians 2:1-8 - 12-12-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching by Evergreen Church
God So Loved the World - Episode 1 - John 3:16 - 12-5-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching by Evergreen Church
Praying the Psalms, Episode 5 - A Prayer of Joy to the World - 11-28-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching by Evergreen Church
Praying the Psalms, Episode 4 - A Prayer of Rest - 11-21-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching by Evergreen Church
Praying the Psalms, Episode 3 - A Prayer of Thirst - 11-14-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching by Evergreen Church
Praying the Psalms, Episode 2 - A Prayer of Anger - 11-7-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching by Evergreen Church
Praying the Psalms, Episode 1 - A Prayer of Confession - 10-31-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching by Evergreen Church
The Parable of the Dishonest Manager - 9-5-21, Dan Brennan, Preaching. by Evergreen Church
God So Loved the World - Episode 2 - Ephesians 2:1-8 - 12-12-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching
Praying the Psalms, Episode 5 - A Prayer of Joy to the World (Psalm 98) - 11-28-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching
Praying the Psalms, Episode 4 - A Prayer of Rest (Psalm 91) - 11-21-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching
Praying the Psalms, Episode 3 - A Prayer of Thirst (Psalm 42) - 11-14-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching
Praying the Psalms, Episode 2 - A Prayer of Confession (Psalm 137) - 10-31-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching
Praying the Psalms, Episode 1 - A Prayer of Confession - 10-31-21, Dave Benedict, Preaching by Evergreen Church
5-16-21 - "All New Things or All Things Made New?" - Jon Woolner, Preaching. by Evergreen Church
| The Story of Stephen | Acts 6:1-15, 7:1-2, 7:51-60 | If-Then. Julie Steel, Preaching.
|Easter Sunday | Luke 24:1-12| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Jon Woolner, Preaching.
|Palm Sunday | Luke 19:28-44| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Jon Woolner, Preaching.
|The Story of Zacchaeus | Luke 19:1-10| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Elise Steel, Preaching.
|Being Seen by God | Matthew 6:19-23| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Jon Woolner, Preaching.
| The Prodigal Son | Luke 15:11-31| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Jon Woolner, Preaching.
| The Story of Jerusalem | Luke 13:31-35| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Julie Steel, Preaching.
|The Good Samaritan | Luke 10:25-37| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Jon Woolner, Preaching.
|The Transfiguration| Luke 9:28-36| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Elise Steel, Preaching.
|When God Shows up and Disrupts Us |Luke 7:36-50| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Jon Woolner, Preaching.
|Lord of the Sabbath |Luke 6:1-11| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Jon Woolner, Preaching.
|Reflecting the Image of Christ |Luke 5:1-11| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Julie Steel, Preaching.
|How Close do you Want to get to Jesus? |Luke 4:14-30| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Jon Woolner, Preaching.
|Delighting in God |Luke 3:21-22| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Jon Woolner, Preaching.
|It's an Evergreen Thing |Luke 2:41-52| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Jon Woolner, Preaching.
|The Second Advent |Matthew 24:30-31, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3, Titus 2:11-14 | Finding Your Story in God's Story. Paul Peterson, Preaching.
|All You Need is Love |Matthew 22:36-40 | Finding Your Story in God's Story. Ben Steel, Preaching. Char Forslund, Storyteller
|Mary's Joy |Nehemiah 8:10, Luke 1:46-55 | Finding Your Story in God's Story. Elise Steel, Preaching.
|Peace and the Pastor's Dilemma |Jeremiah 6:13-16, John 14:27 & John 16:33 | Finding Your Story in God's Story. Paul Peterson, Preaching. Ellen Baker, Storyteller
|Finding Hope in Daniel's Story |Daniel 6: 26-27 & Luke 1:30-38| Finding Your Story in God's Story. Julie Steel, Preaching. Carl Lindberg, Storyteller
|God Calls Isaiah |Isaiah 6:1-8 | Finding Your Story in God's Story. Chris Tomoson, Preaching.
|Jonah and God's Mercy |Jonah (1:1-9) | Finding Your Story in God's Story. Dan Brennan, Preaching.
Finding your Story in God's Story, Moses and the Golden Calf | Exodus 32 | Paul Peterson, preaching.
Be Still | Psalm 46 Our Summer series in the Psalms comes to a close as we celebrate our first live service - in the parking lot! Paul Petersen, preaching.
Finding Rest in Jesus | Luke 10:38-42 Encountering Jesus in Lent Julie Steel, preaching.
Who Jesus Says You Are | Luke 6:13-16 Encountering Jesus In Lent Paul Petersen, preaching.
Jesus, Full of Grace and Truth | John 1:9-14 Encountering Jesus in Lent Paul Petersen, preaching
Freedom In Christ | Galatians 3:23-29 Julie Steel, preaching. Kent Lottis, storyteller.
The Necessity of New Birth | Ephesians 2:1-5 The second in our series on the Covenant Affirmations. Paul Petersen, preaching.
The Centrality of God's Word | 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Third in our series around the Covenant Affirmations. This week we focus on the role of Scripture in shaping our church. Paul Petersen, preaching.
Searching for the Perfect Pastor | Ephesians 4:11-13 A fresh look at the foundations of our faith and how we live them out as a church family. Paul Petersen, preaching. Joseph Moriarty, storyteller.
Deeper in Christ - Further in Mission: Part 1 | Philippians 3:7-14 A fresh look at the foundations of our faith and how we live them out as a church family. Paul Petersen, preaching.
Looking Back, Looking Forward | Psalm 103 The end of the year is a good time to look back at the last year and look forward to the next. How can God’s word help us look back and forward without getting trapped with regret and fear? Ron Johnson, preaching.
A Time for Justice | Luke 2:8-15, Psalm 146:5-10. Rick Newell, preaching. Patricia Pont, storyteller.
A Time for Renewal | Matthew 1:18-24, Isaiah 11:1-10 Peace is a dominant theme in the Biblical accounts of Jesus' birth. Our reflection will be on how Joseph, Mary’s husband, lived out this Gospel promise. Paul Petersen, preaching. Donna Palmberg, storyteller.
The Wisdom of the Aged | Proverbs 31 Elise Steel, preaching. Lesty Norayati, storyteller
A Wise Prayer | Proverbs 30:7-9 The book of Proverbs has much to say about living wisely but did you know that it also helps us to know how to pray wisely? Julie Steel, preaching. Carla Kepler, storyteller.
We Need a Shepherd | Psalm 23 Sheep are mentioned over 500 times in the Bible. In fact, sheep are mentioned more than any other animal. Why the focus on sheep? Ron Johnson, preaching.
Sophos Moros | 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 God, in his wisdom, became a fool, for us. He, who knew no sin, became sin, for us. Peter Sung, preaching.
God Speaks | Proverbs 27:17 It is impossible to deny God without denying everything else. Peter Sung, preaching. Mark Pearson, storyteller.
Like Honey | Proverbs 24-25 Even the very best things are meant to be placeholders and arrows. Peter Sung, preaching. Dr. Edie Phillips, storyteller.
Remembering to Remember | Joshua 4:1-7 & 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 How is your memory? What triggers do use to remind you of important dates, events and appointments? The Bible has a lesson for us in what we may call practices of memory. Julie Steel, preaching.
Think! | Proverbs 20 Feel, think, then act. That’s the order in which God made us to function. But it’s hard. Peter Sung, preaching. Justin Bell, storyteller.
What is a Fool? | Proverbs 19 Are you a fool? What about him? Or her? Is God a fool? Peter Sung, preaching.
Wise Counsel | Proverbs 18 There is a kind of humility that opens your world to the exact wisdom that you need to help you when you need it most. Peter Sung, preaching. Rick Newell, storyteller.
Plans | Proverbs 16 Many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord who determines his steps. Peter Sung, preaching.
Words | Proverbs 15 Words are powerful, as powerful as the heart they flow from. Peter Sung, preaching.
Deception's Path | Proverbs 14 It is not our words that will define us, but our actions. Elise Steel, preaching. Dan Brannen, storyteller.
Don't Be Stupid | Proverbs 12-13 When's the last time you felt disciplined by someone who loves you? Peter Sung, preaching.
Giving is Getting | Proverbs 11:24-25 Have you heard the term "new math?" Solomon gives us a lesson in God's formula which is counterintuitive to what we've learned. Subtraction is actually addition. Julie Steel, preaching.
Choose Wisely | Proverbs 9:1-6,10-18 Choices are a part of our daily lives. We either benefit from them or regret them. The choice is yours! Julie Steel, preaching.
Holy Hatred | Proverbs 6:16-19 Hate Speech, Hate Crimes, Hate Groups...is it possible for hate to be a holy thing? King Solomon has something to say about that. Julie Steel, preaching. Lyla Pearson, storyteller.
How Wisdom Works | Peter Sung You gotta want it. You gotta fight for it. You gotta protect it. Then, with all you’ve got, you gotta trust it. Peter Sung, preaching. Jeff Parton, storyteller.
Life Pro Tip | Proverbs 1:1-7 | How do we stay Open? Hungry? Asking? Curious? And therefore, Learning? Growing? Changing? Wise? By fearing God. Peter Sung, preaching.
At the Heart of It | Psalm 118 The truth of God's love from the heart of the Bible. Ron Johnson, preaching.
The Legacy of Bud Palmberg Stories from Bob Dings, Don Clark, Mary Strome, Don Strome, Ann Sakaguchi and Bill O'Brien. Julie Steel. officiating.
Blessed Assurance | Revelation 21:1-6 What is your story? What is your song? Perhaps that which defines us is greater than our present reality. Elise & Ben Steel, preaching. Sydel McKim, storyteller.
Demons, Vampires, & Angels | Revelation 12:1-12 We must know the enemy to fight the enemy. We contend, not against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil. Peter Sung, preaching. Carla Kepler, storyteller.
First Things First | Revelation 2:1-7 Our first love of God is in Jesus Christ. How do we grow and keep this love fresh? This is a huge question for all of us. Mark Meredith, preaching. Nicole Bell, storyteller.
Youth Sunday | Elise Steel, officiating. Marcus Heu-Weller, Maggie Baker, Liinu Virtanen, Alex LaBrie, Sara Gest, Alex Volegraaf, Erin Yee and Patrician Pont, students.
Prayers | Revelation 8:3-5 Do you know that praying matters and can be the difference maker? Do you know that the prayers of God's people are powerful and effective Peter Sung, preaching. Emmy Grob, storyteller.
Sacrifice | Revelation 5 Because He was slain, He is able to open the scroll and break its seals. Because He sacrificed, He is worthy of worship. Worthy is the Lamb. Peter Sung, preaching.
Worthy | Revelation 4 All living creatures gravitate toward worth. But who is worthy? What does it even mean to be worthy? Peter Sung, preaching.
Followers Fallacy | Revelation 3:15-20 Do your own priorities and desires drown out the commands Jesus gave us as followers? Have you decided God can wait until your own goals and dreams are fulfilled? Elise Steel, preaching.
Now What? | Luke 24:13-35 In one week the disciples went from celebrating Jesus, the king who would redeem Israel, to being dazed and confused. I can relate, can you? Julie Steel, preaching. Ron Thompson, storyteller.
Not Like Me | Revelation 5:12-14 The one final test of Jesus' divinity was emptying himself of it. Instead of grasping at power, he abdicated it. He was not like me. Peter Sung, preaching. Eden Heu-Weller, storyteller.
What is Truth | Revelations 7:9-17 It is the nature of lies to deceive and degrade. It is the nature of truth to emerge and endure. The cry for truth is in everyone and everywhere. Peter Sung, preaching.
He Called You | 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 The raging waves of the politicized information age inundate you on all sides. But, he called you. It's time to find your voice. Peter Sung, preaching.
What the Hell | 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 What is hell? Why hell? Is hell even real or Biblical? Peter Sung, preaching. Joseph Moriarty, storyteller.
How to Be | 1 Thessalonian 5:12-28 What is an appropriate way to relate to the leaders in our lives? What about an appropriate way to relate to our peers? Julie Steel, preaching. Joy Zorn, storyteller.
A Different Ethic | 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 The Bible's thoughts and guidance on sex and the managing of it are so right and just and good; how did the Bible get such a bad rep about sex? Peter Sung, preaching. Yerin Yang, storyteller.
A Different Light | Matthew 5:14-16 All that glitters is not gold. And the world knows this, too. Peter Sung, preaching. Becky Wong, storyteller.
im/PERFECT :: Finding the Way | Judges 21 The world seems to tell us conflicting ideas of what is the right way of living. Consider following The Way. Elise Steel, preaching
imPERFECT :: And He Did Not Know | Judges 16:15-20
We are free to make choices, but we are not free from the consequences of our choices. Bud Palmberg, preaching. Bob Dings, storyteller.
Pursuing Perfection in the Imperfect | Judges 8-9 We pursue perfection in imperfection, but God alone is perfect. Julie Steel, preaching. Riana Roche, storyteller.
im/PERFECT :: Imperfect Faith | Judges 6-8 Your faith and life will be imperfect but the perfect purpose of God will prevail in your life. Peter Sung, preaching.
im/PERFECT :: Pierce My Ear | Judges 3 Your commitments come to define the course of your life. Peter Sung, preaching. Scott Kuhn, storyteller.
imPERFECT :: Patterns | Judges 2:16-19 Patterns tend to speak the truth. Peter Sung, preaching. Lauren Dolby, storyteller.
Speakers: Greg Asimakoupoulos Peter Sung Bud Palmberg Julie Steel John Lindberg Steve Lindberg
Real Church | John 8:3-11 Satisfaction, not happiness, is what we're really after. So is God. Peter Sung, preaching. Lisa Odegard, storyteller.
Peace::Hope | Isaiah 9:6-7 This is the season of peace and yet it can be elusive for many. What is it? Julie Steel, preaching. Monica Finifrock, storyteller.
Unto Us :: Hope | Psalm 25:4-7 Hope, by definition, comes to you and is not from you. Peter Sung, preaching.
Another Way to Be | 2 Cor 13:3-4 What you've heard is true. There is another way to be in the world. Peter Sung, preaching. Peggy Johnson, storyteller.
On Being Weak | 2 Cor 12:1-10 Our culture values power and strength. The Bible values weakness. Why? Bud Palmberg, preaching. Crystal Bauer, storyteller.
Basket Case | 2 Cor 11:23-33 Have you ever been pushed to your breaking point? Julie Steel, preaching. Kevin Scheid, storyteller.
The Contrarian | 2 Corinthians 10:1-5 What is the secret to a life well lived? Elise Steel, preaching.
The Redemption Narrative | 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 It is possible for the redemption narrative to overtake all other narratives. Peter Sung, preaching. Jake Finifrock, storyteller.
Game Theory | 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 Do you play the short game, the long game, or the infinite game? Peter Sung, preaching. Bill Safstrom, storytelling
Slippers | 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 It's easier to put on slippers than to carpet the whole world. (It's Slipper Sunday @evergreen. Wear your slippers to church!) Peter Sung, preaching. Laurie Lehman, storytelling.
Hope | 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 From far away and from within, hope comes. Peter Sung, preaching.
Treasure that Transforms | | 2 Cor 4:6-12, 16-18 How does transformation happen? It is in our most vulnerable times that we are transformed by the treasure that is within us. Julie Steel, preaching. Terry Ball, storyteller.
Become, Belong, Engage | Family Matters - Fall 2018 Peter Sung outlines the vision for Evergreen at our Fall Family Matters meeting.
Free To Love | II Corinthians 13-18 Rules have their place in life, but being free to love was always the point. Peter Sung, preaching. Patricia Pont, storyteller.
What's Your Aroma? | 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 How do people remember you? Julie Steel, preaching. Susie Sung, storyteller.
A Sabbatical Story | 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 8-9 I think I owe you a story, and I'd love to tell it to you. Peter Sung, preaching. Brad Duea, storyteller.
Zeal+Knowledge | Acts 28:25-27 Passion and truth by themselves are great. Passion and truth together are divine. Peter Sung, preaching
God vs. Gods | Acts 19:2-6 Order in your life and in the world begins with the eviction of the tenant within. Peter Sung, preaching. Tim Streck, storyteller.
A Clean Fight: How the Early Church Argued | Acts 15:1-29 If you think there was some golden age of yester-year when Christians all got along then you're sorely mistaken. Acts 15 tells the story of the first major argument within the newly formed followers of Christ. This week we look at how the Church learned to disagree and compromise in a way that allowed the fellowship of believers to stay intact during a highly divisive time and how we can carry that same Sprit into our disagreements today. Ben Steel preaching. Daniel Gest, storyteller.
Misguided Worship | Acts 14:8-20 | Worship means placing worth on something or someone. We all do it whether we realize it or not. If you're not sure what or who you are worshiping, just look at where you spend your time and money. This Sunday we will see that we need to recalibrate the focus of our worship. Julie Steel preaching.
Love is Like That | 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 The story of our salvation is rooted in "God so loved the world that He GAVE..." Today there seems to be a lot of confused, manipulative, and non-Biblical teaching regarding tithes and offerings. This Sunday we will look at a Biblical case study to discover 7 principles of Biblical giving. Bud Palmberg, preaching. Don Strome, storyteller
The CHIC Report | Students and leaders who attended the CHIC Conference share their stories about personal growth, deeper connections and a renewed sense of mission.
The Power of Perception | Acts 10:10-20 Our perception of people, places, and things effect how we share the Gospel. How powerful would our witness be if we began to see the world through the eyes of God. This text gives us a glimpse into a life changing moment of clarity for The Apostle Peter, that has implications for us today. Leslie Sanders preaching. Averill and Kathy Allen, storytellers.
Body Consciousness | Acts 9:1-19 Our culture seems obsessed with solitary heroes and lone rangers. Christ's church is not to be a solitary setting. His church is to be His body with all that such life together implies. So what are the implications for us in this fractured "us vs them" culture. Bud Palmberg, preaching.
Authentic Christianity | Acts 8:25-40 This week we are switching gears from what is counterfeit to what is authentic. The word authenticity is mentioned a lot in our culture as a desirable trait. If it is so desirable, then why do we still run into counterfeit versions of many things? Philip and the Ethiopian Official will fill in the blank, Authentic Christianity is _____. Julie Steel preaching.
Counterfeit Christianity | Acts 8:1-25 Do you have a hard time discerning what is real and what is fake or counterfeit? What about fake news and knock-off handbags, jewelry and sun glasses (you know you have a pair)? And what about money? If it looks real does it really matter? Acts chapter 8 is a case study on deciphering real Christianity from Counterfeit Christianity. Julie Steel preaching.
A Movement That Matter | Acts 3:1-10 The early church captivated and challenged the cultures in which it grew because it was a movement that mattered; early Christians responded to deep human needs, challenged the status quo, and shoed people how Jesus changes everything. James Amadon, preaching. Don Wong, storyteller.
Power to Be - What? | Acts 1 & 2 Jesus told his disciples that the Holy Spirit would come and give them great power. But power for what? Bud Palmberg, preaching. Spencer Luce, storyteller.
This Same Jesus | Acts 1:1-11 Our Culture is experiencing the devaluation of life at both ends of humanities existence that seems to result in a flood of seemingly unexplainable violent deaths in random, unexpected places. Are we believers to live in the fear of death? Is there a future, a hope and a home? Bud Palmberg, preaching.
Requisite Armor | Ephesians 6 | Paul reminds us that our struggles are not with this world but with a dimension that we cannot see. He tells us what the required equipment is so that we can defend ourselves in all circumstances. Julie Steel, preaching. Joanne Montague, storyteller.
Requisite Sacrifice | Ephesians 5 There is no shortage of words and intentions out there. But all of it is empty, and even harmful if it's void of sacrifice. Peter Sung, preaching. Robin Pearson, storyteller.
Requisite Maturity | Ephesians 4:7-16 Maturity changes us; maturity changes me; maturity changes everything. Shaun Marshall, preaching.
Requisite Unity | Ephesians 4 | If you had to prioritize one, the "love your neighbor" part, or the "as yourself" part, which would you choose? Peter Sung, preaching. Susan DaPron, storyteller.
Requisite Community | Ephesians 2:11-22 All that love, power, and victory over death, what's it all for? Peter Sung, preaching. Leroy Peterson, storyteller.
Requisite Christ | Ephesians 1:18-2:10 Does God really have a place in our modern, well-resourced, and connected life? Is Jesus just nice, or actually necessary? Peter Sung, preaching. Marcus Heu-Weller, storyteller.
Trusting the Messiah | Matthew 21:1-11 Can I trust God with me? Learning to trust and to be trusted enriches our sphere of spiritual influence. The truth of God’s grace and mercy means nothing if not trusted! Mark Novak, preaching. Ian Holsteen, storyteller.
Peter Sung's closing remarks from the February 11, 2018 Family Matters Meeting. How much weight is the Church designed to handle?
The Cry of the Criminal | Malachi 3-4 Who is the perpetrator and who is the victim? Only God knows, and cares. Peter Sung, preaching. Julia Congdon, storyteller.
Your Heart | Malachi 1-2 God cares about our heart, but do we know what he sees? We think we know what want and who we love, do we deceive ourselves? Peter Sung, Preaching. Tanya Avilez, storyteller.
Complaining to Contentment | Habakkuk 3 If I am honest, I would have to say that my circumstances dictate my level of contentment. The remedy, as we see in Habakkuk's transformation, is to live by faith. Julie Steel, preaching.
Living By Faith | Habakkuk 1-2 Have you ever wondered how a good God could stand by and let evil prevail? For the next 2 weeks we will eavesdrop on a conversation between the prophet Habakkuk and God about the universal questions: "Why?" and "How long?" Julie Steel, preaching. Randi Kearn, storyteller.
Good Reason | Jonah 4 | God asks Jonah an honest question: Do you have good reason for your anger? Then God appeals to Jonah with His reasoning, not for his anger but for His compassion. What's your reason? Peter Sung, preaching. Polly Lindberg, storyteller.
Pivot | Jonah 3 | It's quite amazing and upsetting how haphazard God seems to be with his compassion and mercy - until it's our turn. Today, you; tomorrow, me. Peter Sung, preaching. Lisa Odegard, storyteller.
From Chaos to Clarity | Jonah 2:1-10 Have you ever been confined to the belly of a fish? It was in the darkest place that Jonah was able to recognize God's mercy and find the light of day. Julie Steel, preaching.
From Deception to Perception | Jonah 1:9-16 We rationalize our choices that go against God's desire for us and deceive ourselves. However, redemption is found in confession and humility. Elise Steel, preaching. Rachel LaBrie, storyteller.
Growing Old | John 21:15-19 How do you feel about growing older? Jesus says there is purpose and value to growing older. Peter Sung, preaching. Amy Krell, storyteller.
Doubters Welcome | John 20:24-31 “If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.” Peter Sung, preaching. Huy To, Storyteller.
Your Thirst | John 19:28-30 In John 19, God promises us that we're going to have a perfect year - at his expense. Peter Sung, preaching
Hope for a New Year | Lamentations 3:21-24 Do you look forward to the new year with hope or anxiety? What might 2018 hold for you and me? The poet who wrote Lamentations is our example of how recalling the past gives us hope for the future. Julie Steel, preaching. Dave Wellman storyteller.
Cloak & Dagger | Luke 1,2 Glory comes to us always wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a borrowed manger, for God cannot come to us full force. Peter Sung, preaching.
God's Timing | Luke 2:1-7 "The time came for the baby to be born." I wonder if Mary thought so. Julie Steel, preaching. Holly Postma, storyteller.
Mary's Yes | Luke 1:26-38 | Mary said Yes. Elise Steel, preaching. Sid Postma, storyteller.
Christ the King | John 18 Our world is full of different claims to power, and likewise, Jesus makes his claim. Benjamin Steel, preaching. Ryan LaBrie, storyteller.
Unity for Mission | John 17 In His last hours, Jesus prayed, not for our health or financial security, but for unity. Julie Steel, preaching. Kendra Gil, storyteller.
Liminal Space | John 16 I want closure, clarity, and certainty. And yet, here we are, in limbo, waiting, and not knowing. So many terrible things, so many loose ends... When will day finally break? Jesus says, "In this world, you will... but I have..." Peter Sung, preaching. Monica Finifrock, storyteller.
Perichoresis | John 14 The ideal community is connected yet separate, without rules yet, by love and trust, fulfills all laws. The ideal community is the first and last community that's found only in our Triune God. We are created by Community in the image of Community for community. Peter Sung, preaching. Ashley Besecker, storyteller.
Bear Fruit | John 15 Anything can look like anything, depending on what you measure. Busy doesn't equal productive; productive doesn't equal meaning. What matters and is measured, Jesus says, is fruitfulness. Peter Sung, preaching.
I Love You | John 13 Are you a loving person? Where did you learn to love? Do you think you'll be able to love to the end? Peter Sung, preaching. Steve Andrews, storyteller.
Guest speaker Debbie Montzingo from Shoreline Covenant shares with us how sacrifice calls for grief. Carol Lottis, storyteller.
A Mission that Leads to Life | John 11 Guest speaker Chris DeVos from Colossian Way shares about how to engage in mission together in a way that leads to life rather than to death. Brayden Billbe, storyteller.
Jesus Wept | John 11 I'm not surprised anymore when things go wrong. Surprises are no longer surprising but expected. I expect detours, grief, and loss. And yet, the Gospel insists on redemption, that the story's ending is always in God's hands, and it's always about the ending
Now I See | John 9:9:1-3, 25b, 39-41 The human brain cannot live without theories of how things work. We need to ascertain who, what, where, when, how, and always why. In other words, we really want to see because it's a matter of survival. So, how does life work? Peter Sung, preaching. Nikki Ahrenholz, storyteller.
Light of Life | John 8:3-12, 15 What is that compulsion in me to pick up stones? When others fall, what makes me want to go over and kick them while they're down? And why isn't Jesus like me? Peter Sung, preaching. Carl Gardner, storyteller.
Connected! | Baptism is the outward and often public declaration of an inward reality. There is no power in the act itself but that it connects us to God and it's the grace in the relationship that saves. Peter Sung, preaching. Charlie Gardner, storyteller
The Holy Spirit | John 7 Jesus shows up, does some cool things, and society starts quarreling and scheming, fueled by fear and hate. Is there hope for such a fractured society? Peter Sung, preaching
A Severe Mercy | John 6 | Left to our own devices, it's not difficult to end up living pretty meaningless, predictable, and shallow lives. What does God have to do to save us? Peter Sung, preaching. Katie Scheid, storyteller.
An Unexpected Feast | John 6:32-40 Jesus feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fishes was an unexpected meal and people then could not fathom such a miracle. But Jesus potentially feeding the entirety of human creation seems absurd. Come and discover how an unexpected meal helps us remember the abundance in our lives. Elise Steel, preaching. Gordon Bell, storyteller.
An Unexpected Messiah | John 5:1-18 We all live with certain expectations. Sometimes our expectations are exceeded and other times they fall short. Jesus did not fit the "Messiah" mold as He was constantly doing the unexpected. Do our expectations of who God is, keep us from recognizing His work in the world? With Jesus expect the unexpected. Julie Steel, preaching. Cindy Streck, storyteller
Deep Well | John 4:7-26 | What would happen if God got deep down to the rockbottom place where you are utterly unmasked and laid bare before him? He would love you and accept you and call you his own. Peter Sung, preaching. Susie Sung, storyteller.
Face to Face | John 3:16-21 God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn it, but to love it. We can either stand and face him or stand condemned. Brent Strobel, preaching. Ray Brook, storyteller.
Born Again | John 3:1-15 We see with our eyes, know with our minds, and believe with our hearts. That's why, Jesus says, our eyes, minds, and hearts - we and all that is within - must to be born again, born afresh of the Holy Spirit. Peter Sung, preaching. Ron Johnson, storyteller
John 2:1-11 | Good Wine | The symbol of a feast is wine, and the purpose of wine is to be poured. Whether the wine is good or bad, now that's where the story gets interesting. Peter Sung, preaching. Shawn Davis, storyteller.
John 1:19-34 | The Lamb of God | "Sighs are air and go to the air. Tears are water and go to the sea. Tell me, my friend, if you can, when love is gone, where does it go?" And where does sin go? Peter Sung, preaching. Bailey McKim, storyteller.
JOhn 1:1-18 | Humans, it seems, exist in constant tension, with each other, with creation, in the universe. What does salvation look like, practically speaking, for such creatures? Peter Sung, preaching. Ric Landon, storyteller
Have you ever thought about what words of wisdom you would impart to those you love if you had one last chance? I would cut to the chase to what is truly important, to help guide those who remain.
II Timothy 3 | Is there a way to be in our society without the constant, ever creeping fear of being incorrect, intolerant, privileged, oblivious, offensive, or just ignorant? Can it be okay to have a view, a truth, or a stance? Peter Sung preaching. Brad Duea, storyteller.
II Timothy 2 - Life, Paul says, is like a war, a race, or farming. What do these metaphors have in common? Ah, yes, purpose. Timothy, Paul urges, stay focused, stay true, stay disciplined, stay the course. Jesus is your Lord and Lover and Lasting Reward. Peter Sung preaching. Brian Krell, storyteller.
I Timothy 5:1-8 | We all may not be mothers (at least not biologically) but we all have or had a mother. How do you feel about Mother's Day? Did you know that Mother's Day can be one of the most painful days of the year? There are several reasons why this is true for many people. No matter how you feel about this holiday, come this Sunday as we explore and expand our concept of who is a mother.
II Timothy 1:5-14 | Your primary job is to recognize, nurture, and guard the leading of your own life. It's your job to get clear and take meaningful action according to your goals and values. And you're not supposed to do it all by yourself but with help from others. This is the life-space from where the Gospel flows. Peter Sung, preaching. Pete Baird, storyteller.
1 TIMOTHY 6:17-21 | Have you ever told someone to "get a life"? Has anyone ever said the same to you? As we end the series in 1 Timothy we will focus on Paul's instructions for Timothy as he leads his congregation in the quest for experiencing real or true life. Life happens no matter what but true life happens when our riches cannot be counted in dollars and cents. Julie Steel preaching.
I Timothy 6:1-10 | What does it mean to be godly? What has is looked like in the past and how does it look today? The Bible offers us a timeless example of what a true leader seeks after - to live a vocation of godliness. This Sunday, let us examine our priorities and seek God's will so we may experience a richer, fuller existence and lead others to do the same. Elise Steel preaching. Kathy Riper, storyteller.
I Timothy 4:12-15 | Whether you know it or not, your life is influencing every person you come into contact with by the way you model Jesus to others. This Sunday we’ll look at several very practical ways Paul gives us to authentically model Jesus to the world around us. Jesse Butterworth, preaching. Laurie Lehman, storyteller.
I Timothy 3:1-16 | At the heart of "godly" is God — not good character, not high morality, and not competence — but God. What do you suppose a godly person would look like in our day and age? Peter Sung, preaching. Cristi Duea, storyteller.
1 Timothy 2:1-15 | Focused Leadership Peripheral concerns in the church were threatening the main message that God wants "all people saved and to come to the knowledge of truth." What is our focus today? Julie Steel, preaching. Ben Steel, storyteller.
1 Timothy 1:12-19 | Life is difficult, precarious, and tiring. Like a river, it turns and changes and keeps on going until it stops. Paul calls this The Good Fight. What we are promised in this fight is not escape from it but mercy, grace, and eventual and total redemption in Christ. Peter Sung, preaching. Joseph Scheid, storyteller.
1 Timothy 1:1-6 | The task of passing the baton to the next generation sneaks up on the best of us. What is the precious cargo you’d want to convey to those coming after you? Only your heart, Paul says, will survive the voyage. Peter Sung, preaching. Kent Lottis, storyteller
Mending Wings exists to mend the brokenness that has resulted from old models of missiology that taught Native Americans they had to abandon their culture to become Christian. Corey Greaves, founder of Mending Wings, shares a sermon with us, touching on the historical context of the subjugation and discrimination of their people, as well as the hope that springs from the realization of a contextualized gospel. By using their cultural practices of drumming, chanting, and dancing for Jesus, Mending Wings has helped many to tangibly see the restorative hope of Jesus in their lives.
3 John 2-4 | Your Truth John says: You will experience prosperity and health, of both body and soul, if you live in your truth. Conversely, system-wide failure and deterioration is set in motion when you embrace lies. Who shall save us from this body of death? Peter Sung, preaching. Mary Ann Dawson, storyteller.
2 John 7-11 | The Bible keeps insisting on the scandalous name of Jesus. Is the spiritual and transcendent life possible without having to say "Jesus"? After all, it's 2017 and times have changed, no? Peter Sung, preaching. Nancy Dings, storyteller.
2 John 1-6 | You Should Walk True love is a practice, a daily doing, a costly and long walk in the same direction. And it's not something we do; rather, it's something that does us. Peter Sung, preaching. Bud Palmberg, storyteller.
Colossians 4:7-18 The human need to belong to one another is the very first thing we become aware of once we're sheltered and fed. In other words, belonging is the first real step towards becoming human. How shall we belong to one another as the body of Christ? Peter Sung, preaching. Tim Davis, storyteller.
Colossians 4:1-6 How aware are you that you're always proclaiming Christ? How you present yourself - your words and actions - either attract or repel. Elise Steel, preaching. Tony Clarke, storyteller.
Peace of Christ | Colossians 3:15-25 Basically, it's this: Know Christ, know peace; no Christ, no peace. But let's unpack this a little. Peter Sung, preaching. Kim Gardner, storyteller.
Christ's Love Unifies | Colossians 3:12-14 "You are what you eat" and "you are what you wear!" The spiritual garments we put on convey not only who we are but whose we are. See you soon at our very Valentine's Sunday! Julie Steel, preaching. John Lindberg, storyteller.
Colossians 3:1-11 On earth, we live as those under a spell, caught in the vortex, trapped in the madness. Jesus insists that there is a way of being that is markedly different. Awakenings are possible!
Colossians 2:16-23 Human penchant for insights, superstitions, and rules, in the end, only serve to harm us. Why, when truth in love has been demonstrated, proven, and made available, are we still so vulnerable to empty promises? Peter Sung, preaching. Dave Selvig, storyteller.
Colossians 2:2-15 If you do wrong, you will find yourself in debt, losing yourself, as you ineffectively try and try again to come out from under it. It turns out, debt is not so easily cancelled by the one who incurred it.
Colossians 1:15-29 All of Christ's work on the cross, all the wisdom and truth out there, all the discipline - Nothing can help you, until Christ gets in you, because Christ in you is your only hope of glory.
Colossians 1:1-14 The main point of Paul's letter to Colossae is that Jesus is God. Everything else somehow expands from there. Let's think through this together and see where we land.
Matthew 2:1-12 God is not a static principle but a dynamic, fully engaged, and living God. He's always moving us through life to help us learn and mature. Our job is to trust and respond to him as he shows us new things.
1 John 5 Jesus Christ is the one and only, true and living God, who came in the flesh, lived the perfect life, and died the perfect death. By the Spirit of God, he was raised from the dead, and by the same Spirit, we are able to believe. Do you believe?
1 John 4 God is love. And God is patient, because the primary expression of love is patience. In so many and unfortunate ways, I am an impatient man.
1 John 2:15-17 | Christ/AntiChrist Is there really opposition and conflict between God and "the world"? Didn't God create the world? Don't we live in the world? Love/hate, light/darkness, truth/lies, God/world, Christ/antichrist - Is there really war raging in and around us? Peter Sung, preaching.
1 John 2:1-6 Have you ever needed an advocate? Someone to stand in, stand up, or stand by? Jesus is God's perfect gift to us, exactly what we need - the perfect advocate.
1 John 1 Advent means: coming. The tense being both past, present, and future means that 1) Jesus came at one point in history, 2) his presence is felt and growing now, and 3) he will come and rule once and for all time. How is the coming of Jesus made manifest in your life today? Peter Sung, preaching.
James 5:13-18 Connection to others - relationships - are so fundamental to life and humanness that even our criminal justice system is seeing solitary confinement as too punishing and inhumane to be lawful. The life which God intends for us is found in relationships with "one another".
JAMES 4:1-11 God loves us with a love that is unconditional and generous. Not understanding that we can simply ask God for our needs and desires, we abuse and exploit each other. James believes there is a better way.
James 2:14-26 When you talk about “your faith,” what do you mean? Do you talk about faith as something dear to your heart, or is it something that leaves an impression on others, something visible? Someone has said, “love does,” but so does faith. Faith that is only a warm, inner feeling is something James wants to expose as fraud.
03-10-13 "How to Abandon People (Before They Abandon You)" - Peter Sung by Evergreen Church