LaGrave Church

Our hearts long for many things. But one of our deepest longings is for our Lord. This hymn touches on that longing. Dr. Larry Visser reflects on "I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light" by Paul Manz.

Feeling torn between different emotions? Being pulled from two different sides? Lament is the place to embrace these feelings. Rev. Mike Hoogeboom reflects on how to lament, hesed, and Psalm 13.

Anger seemingly abounds around us. This anger can lead us down a dark path. How should we respond to our anger? Rev. Peter Jonker continues our Epiphany series. The Scripture passage is Matthew 5:21-26.

Struggling? Uncertain? What about completing a pilgrimage? Rev. Ruth Boven reflects on pilgrimage, Rev. Laura de Jong's "The Twelve" post, and Hebrews 11.

After this week, we are a shaken. The country is shaken. But there is a place that can never be shook. Rev. Peter Jonker reflects on the rioting at the capitol and Psalm 46:4-5.

Finding a renewed hope? What does a living hope look like to you? Rev. Kristy Manion reflects on 1 Peter and cross stitching.

Why does the Sermon on the Mount start with blessings? Is it a strict instruction manual or an illustration of the Christian life? Welcome to 2021! Rev. Peter Jonker leads the first service of the new year and the beginning of our Epiphany series. The Scripture passage is Matthew 4:23-5:12.

What is your behavior within God's plan? Looking at a few people within the Christmas story, we see different players with different responses. Rev. Bob Grussing reflects on Jeremiah 29:11 and Mary's, Joseph's, and Elizabeth's responses to God's plan.

We stand in the in-between time. Something happened, but it is not yet complete. What do we do in the meantime? Guest minister Rev. Stan Mast leads our service and the title of his sermon is “In the Meantime”. The Scripture passages are Psalm 126; Galatians 4:3-7.

We reflect on our crying out for Christ to come, and then what His coming means. Rev. Peter Jonker leads a series of readings, anthems, and meditations on Christ's birth. The Scripture passages are found in Isaiah, Matthew, Luke, and John.

We get so excited about celebrating Christ's birth that we might forget what led up to it. What was it like for Mary and Joseph arriving at Bethlehem? Rev. Mike Hoogeboom reflects on homelessness, Mel Trotter Ministries, and Luke 2.

As we wrap-up our Advent Series, turning our attention towards Christmas, we discuss death. Rev. Peter Jonker wraps up our Advent Series. The title of his sermon is “Making the Crooked Straight: The One Who Lifts the Shroud”. The Scripture passage is Isaiah 25:1-12.

Are you feeling a sense of hope? Does the reminder of Christ's birth overwhelm you with joy? Rev. Ruth Boven reflects on Luke 2, hope, and sharing a moment of sear joy with her daughter.

As we move through Advent towards Christmas, our joy increases in anticipation of the birth of Christ. Dr. Larry Visser reflects on the French piece "Noel Grandeur Duo" and the joy of Christmas.

Do we have the bandwidth to remember those who suffer for their faith as we deal with the problems around us? Rev. Peter Jonker reflects on the recent deaths of Christians in Nigeria.

How does the story of Garden of Gethsemane teach us to react to suffering? As we continue our Advent series, we turn from an inward look, to looking at the world. Rev. Ruth Boven continues the 3rd Sunday of Advent. The Scripture passage is Isaiah 42:1-9.

Are little things causing you to weep? Are your grief resilience a bit low? Rev. Kristy Manion reflects on Matthew 5:3-4, "Every Moment Holy" by Douglas McKelvey, and betta fish.

If you are a fan, you know a lot about something. Like the shepherds going to meet baby Jesus, fans to action to in order to follow. Rev. Bob Grussing reflects on Luke 2, sports, and "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman.

Acting out of fear, we are prone to do terrible and foolish things. But what happens when God straightens out our loves? What does love have to do with fear? Rev. Peter Jonker continues our Advent season. The Scripture passages are Isaiah 7:1-17.

During Advent, it is good to reflect on who Christ is. Augustine offers us some very good descriptions/dichotomies about the person of Christ. Rev. Mike Hoogeboom reflects on St. Augustine, Advent, and the description of Christ.

Our relationship with God is bent to nearly the breaking point. But there is One who makes our scarlet as white as snow. Welcome to the season of Advent. Rev. Kristy Manion begins this time of waiting for the birth of our Savior. The Scripture passages are Isaiah 1:1-20; 53:4-6.

We long to be in control. We set ourselves to be in control of our lives. However, God's grace is unpredictable, uncontrolled by us. Rev. Ruth Boven reflects on Matthew 10:39 and a poem by David Whyte.

Can you name another text that is 1200 years old? This hymn has brought comfort through many wars, political shifts, changing of countries, and pandemics. Dr. Larry Visser and cellist Calin Muresan reflect on "Of The Father's Love Begotten" and the Advent season.

God's molding of us can be quite forceful. We often long for soft molding, but sometimes hard edges need to be broken off. Rev. Peter Jonker reflects on Psalm 51, John Dunne, and C.S. Lewis.

The 2020 holiday season is like none other. We begin it with meditations on giving thanks. Rev. Peter Jonker starts our Thanksgiving day with a series of meditations, readings, and songs.