Mars Hill

Mike and Brian brought us into our second week of the series, concentrating on joy and peace. Mike invited us to consider the ways that disappointment hinders our encounter and experience of joy. Brian issued a prophetic call to be people of peace, just as Jesus is our peace. Isaiah 35:1-2 and Ephesians 2:14 Questions to consider— Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my j...

These two Teachings kicked off our new series called "By the Spirit." Troy began describing the goal and format of the series, along with offering a few words about the Holy Spirit. Delwin walked through a narrative that highlights love in the life of Jesus, encouraging all to be a loving presence in the world.  John 21:17 Questions to consider— Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God a...

Proverbs 19:16

Simplicity is a "hidden" posture throughout Proverbs. There is a consistent call to "declutter" life so that one can pursue wise living and the well-orderedness of creation and relationships.  Proverbs 30:7-9 Questions to consider— Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?  Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy S...

Discipline is not a favorite word for many people. Proverbs has a lot to say about it, encouraging an intentionally structured life and for the corrective voice of those who care for us not to be ignored.  Proverbs 3:21-26 Questions to consider— Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?  Forward [Journey]: What is...

To fear the Lord is to be wise... but this does not mean to be afraid of God.  Job 38:1-7 Questions to consider— Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering? Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Wisdom calls out, desiring that no one miss what is really important. Listening is one of the ways we catch a glimpse of the well-ordered world and relationships God intended.  Proverbs 8:1-8 Questions to consider— Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering? Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and...

Beginning this new teaching series, Troy gives a couple of ways of approaching the book of Proverbs before focusing on wisdom. We are encouraged to diligently pursue wisdom, alongside other people, throughout a lifetime.  Proverbs 1:1-7 Questions to consider— Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering? Backward [Roots]: W...

In the final Teaching of this summer series, we consider Judas as a relatable character in the Bible. Exercising some empathy and compassion, seeing Judas afresh invites us to think about how we treat and think about one another as we all continue to stumble forward together. Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16 Questions to consider— Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the churc...

By inviting us to engage the complicated story of Judah, Denise helps us see the value in the whole story being told, including the messy, broken, uncomfortable parts. We are encouraged to narrate and name all of our story, for the glory of God.  Genesis 38:1-30 Questions to consider— Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind...

We often stumble forward as parts of ourselves get caught up in busyness or are lulled into idleness. We are invited to wake up to God's calling and purpose for our life.  2nd Thessalonians 3: 11-13 Questions to consider— Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus? Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transf...

Naaman is a complicated character, both sympathetic and cautionary. He serves as an example of someone stumbling forward, challenging us to consider the ways we have decided how God is going to move in our lives.  2 Kings 5:1-6 [7-15a] Questions to consider— Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?  Inward: [Wholeness]: How...

The Shunammite woman’s story reminded us to find our identity, hope, and purpose in God alone, bringing our wounds, wanderings, and desperation to Jesus with confidence, even when the future feels unknown. 2 Kings 4: 8-37 Questions to consider— Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering? Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I...

In a story that is a real puzzle, Acts 5 puts lying on display, challenging all readers to consider the individual and communal costs of dishonesty. Acts 5:1-10 Questions to consider— Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus? Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Luke 9: 46-48

Numbers 13:1-2,17-20

Connecting her own story of encountering Jesus, Denise offers a compassionate glimpse of Nicodemus and his transformative time with Jesus.  John 3:1-8 Questions to consider— Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus? Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

Psalm 77:1-12

Individually and collectively, we are all tempted to build our own kingdom. Babel helps us see clearly where we might be building defenses out of fear and self-protection. The invitation of Jesus is to allow God to build a different kind of kingdom through us! Genesis 11:1-4 Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering? Outward...

This familiar parable offers up a strong moral challenge. And yet, the church fathers read this parable in a slightly different way, encouraging readers to see Jesus as their neighbor.  Luke 10:25-29 Questions to consider— Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering? Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of G...

This complex story of Abraham and Sarah journeying in partnership with God is full of humanity stumbling forward in ways that showcase God's patience, honesty, and faithfulness.  Genesis 18: 1-2, 9-15 Questions to consider— Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering? Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can...

In a very dramatic moment, Peter took action and caused real harm to another person. The Bible tells the story in four versions, but we are left to imagine Peter's motivations. This episode serves as a helpful examination of stumbling forward as a disciple and some of the ways Jesus meets us in our imperfections.  Mark 14:43-47 Questions to consider— Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, B...

We can't be the 'hands and feet of Jesus'—he has them attached to his resurrection and ascended body. Christ, in the flesh, now rules and reigns at the right hand of the Father. This is amazing, good news for us! Jesus in his body, bears our wounds and scars before the Father. We are seen, known, and loved.  Luke 24:50-53 Questions to consider— Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am...

How are we formed as people who give thanks at all times? Can gratitude be our default posture as Christians? Allow Scripture to point us to the gifts of this life that draw us into deeper union with God, the giver of all good things.  Luke 22:14-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Questions to consider— Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed duri...

Community member Cheryl Molhoek brings her experience working in Advancement to this Teaching, recounting her own journey with understanding money and the church. Inspired by the story of the widow's mite, Cheryl encourages us to think about our financial generosity as a joyful response to God's generosity towards us.  Mark 12:38-44 Questions to consider— Upward [Celebration]: Which attribute...