Awaken Community

Micah closes out the Take Heart series by looking at Psalm 27 to help us navigate the difficulty of balancing hope for the world and the harsh realities we have to be reconciled to. 

Micah talks through the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 and invites Awaken into the work of civil disobedience in the name of sacrificial love for others.

Micah brings us to Mark 6:45-52 when Jesus appears to the disciples in the midst of a storm on the sea. He points us to the ways that Jesus has proven himself a presence of peace and comfort to those in distress.

Awaken starts a new series this month as we find ourselves in a tumultuous political season. Micah kicks things off by adding context to Jesus words in John 16:33, "take heart for I have overcome the world". What does it mean to find peace in the midst of anxiety and uncertainty?

The Wells and Fences series comes to a close with a powerful message from Micah as we near Election Day. What does it mean to be a peacemaker? How do we do this for even those we might find ourselves at odds with? We can't make peace in the world if we haven't made peace within ourselves.

Micah is back at Awaken to talk through the concept of power and empire in scripture. How does power look in the kingdom of God and how do we integrate the ways Jesus has modeled what it means to hold power within the context of our own lives in this election season?

Awaken's Youth Director Trevor speaks for the first time on a Sunday morning and invites the congregation into the story of Jesus journeying through the wilderness. How does the human Jesus experience these tests and what example does it set for how we might find encouragement and grace in the midst of our own struggles?

Pastor Jenna takes the stage this Sunday and talks through the difficult reality facing our current political and religious climate. She brings attention to the language and ideology of white christian nationalism and how it finds itself at odds with scripture and the way Jesus held power.

Micah continues the Wells and Fences series by providing context for Jesus usage of parables in his teachings. The kingdom of God is not bombastic, but rather grows slow and steady like a mustard seed.

Awaken continues our series on wells and fences by inviting us to consider perhaps a more difficult message to absorb in this political season and climate. Micah discusses the dehumanization of others when we label them "enemies" and points to Jesus who offers a better way.

Awaken returns to a recurring series that has become a cornerstone of our community. Micah provides an intro to the Wells and Fences series and the importance of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.

Awaken is back at St James for both gatherings to continue our formational targets series. Micah discusses the nuance of listening for God's voice in the midst of our own. 

As a community we take a moment to create space for all the hard things being held, both individually and collectively. In the midst of our grief, we hold fast to the promises of God, the comfort of the Spirit, and the hope found in Jesus.

Micah takes a look at the story of Thomas in John 20:19-29. While Thomas is often labelled as "The Doubter", this story is intentionally included in John's gospel as an encouragement to those with doubts. Even as Thomas expresses his doubts and makes his request known, Jesus moves towards him and meets him where he's at.

Micah looks at the character of Judas and the different accounts we have of his life and death. How does someone this close to Jesus make the decision to betray him?

Micah looks at Romans 13 and the instructions to the Church to submit to the governing authorities. What does Paul have in his pocket when he writes this to the Church of Rome? How are we to understand these verses for our time and our day?

In a follow up to last weeks message, Micah shares his thoughts on the trustworthiness of the Bible, and the position in which we hold the Bible as a faith community.

Joel Lawrence shares about the origins of the Bible, and offers his perspective on how this book came to be and its purpose as God's word and a revelation of God's self. This is Part One of this discussion, and we would highly encourage you to listen to Part Two as you engage this topic.

Micah looks at Genesis 27 and the story of Jacob and Esau, but also of Rebekah. Rebekah hears a word from the Lord and works within the systems of her time to move the story of God forwards.

Micah looks at Genesis 22 and God's request to Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac.

We celebrate the high school students who have completed the first Confirmation Class of Awaken!

Micah returns to the Formational Target of Pilgrimage and shares about Awaken's experience on the Urban Camino. 

Sam Randall speaks on listening and the importance of asking good questions. What does it mean to be a good listener? What does it mean to listen and ask questions like Jesus? 

Micah wraps up our series on Generosity looking at John 8 and the generosity of things less seen. Will we be people who are generous with our assumptions, with our compassion, and generous towards ourselves?

Micah looks a few core principles about giving towards the church, or any organization. Do you align with the organizations mission, vision, and values? Do you trust the leadership? Does participating in the community bring value to your life? If so, do you invest in a way that is regular, proportionate, sacrificial, and cheerful?