Genesis 25:1-28; 

Isaiah 55:12-13; Psalm 119:105

Jacob is a rascal. Like many others in our biblical texts, he represents a wide range of coping skills. Portrayed as a crucial link in the long history of our spiritual forbears (his change of name from Jacobs to Israel illustrates this well), he is clever, resourceful, spiritual and passionate about God’s covenant. He is also manipulative, selfish, impulsive, careless, and uncaring about others. Join us as we enjoy these fascinating words while we also wrestle with our biblical heritage. In doing so, and as we always hope to, we explore vital connections for the living of these days. 

Genesis 22:1-14

Have you ever felt like your feelings were being smothered, your life was constricted, options were limited, or your relationships were increasingly closed in? Our passage for today speaks to each of those dynamics, along with the much larger questions of theology and psychology. The traditional story of what our Jewish brothers and sisters call “The Binding of Isaac” reveals an evolving understanding of this mysterious God of what will be the Children of Israel. 

Hear how Abraham discovers a new way of understanding that echoes still in our day. And join us as we explore these hard and foundational words for our lives.  

Curiosity, wonder, wisdom, intellect, thorough investigation … each of these remain vital to our sacred human journeys. Join us as Paul and I consider the elegance of God’s creativity in creation, along with the fascinating road that has brought us to new understandings in these crucial arenas of faith and science.

Freedom has always been a big word in our national psyche. As Americans, we take pride in the many liberties we believe we have. As Christians, this has also been a heavy, foundational concept. Freedom lies at the heart of Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia. For our sermon today, we wrestle with the very difficult, controversial impacts being both devotedly Christian and passionately American have in our lives together. Join us for this challenging text and for this profoundly significant sermon.

All You Need Is Love

I Corinthians 13:13

Love is God’s magic superpower. Generally overlooked in our daily interactions, we can be full participants in this sacred connection to God and to one another. Join us for a powerful and creative presentation on the potential of God’s powerful love in our lives. And in addition, watch for the special broader worship experience that includes our own Decatur Avondale Children’s Choir singing songs of hope and praise in four different languages under the direction of Rev. Mark Green, our Pastor for Senior Adults and Youth and Children’s Music. 

Luke 24:1-12

Naturally, Easter Sunday is supposed to be a service of resurrection. First though, it’s worth considering the story leading up to the empty tomb: sadness, anxiety, devastating loss, palpable hopelessness, death. 

And yet, following the women of the story, their journey to the tomb on Sunday and beyond, provides some valuable guidance for living in these days. Join us as we learn together, are challenged, informed, inspired, and we hope, transformed for a new season of springtime resurrection.

With music and much gratitude, share with us in this very special Easter celebration.

Matthew 21:1-12

Questions rumble through this unusual passage in all four of the Gospel stories. Often called “The Triumphal Entry,” this traditional Palm Sunday text presents contrasting visions of what the future might hold. These same contrasts, along with their accompanying tensions, were lived out in the days following Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. And those contrasting visions continue today in our own society. Join us as we explore this important text, what Jesus really stood for, and why that matters now. 

Acts 13:1

Confusion runs rampant in our world today, in many ways and for many reasons. This rather obscure verse from the Book of Acts offers little in the way of clarity to our confusion, at least on the surface. But it’s depth of meaning offers a surprisingly big dose of hope. Listen closely, dig a little deeper with us. For in today’s lesson we discover key insights, wisdom and helpful context that shines a light on each of our own struggles. Looking for hope in a hard world beset by confusion? Join us as we share: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner!

Acts 1:8

Do you ever feel insecure? Feeling incapable of making much a difference in the world is a more common dilemma than we might think. Hard times and daunting difficulties are nothing new to our human condition. And yet, ordinary people continue to be used in extraordinary ways to make holy, needed changes. Join us and discover vital reminders of how God provides Power to the People!