Zao MKE Church

Faith that lives doesn’t just talk - it acts. James reminds us that belief without embodiment is dead, but resurrection faith shows up in mercy, justice, and love made real.

We’re kicking off a new series on the book of James: Agents of Heaven on Earth. This week, we’ll explore how James calls us to reject the world’s false wisdom and live whole, rooted in God’s abundance, even in a collapsing world.

On Easter Sunday, we proclaim the impossible: that death is not the final word, that empire doesn’t get to decide the ending, and that love—foolish, fierce, faithful love—cannot be buried. This is not a return to normal. It’s a rupture. It’s resurrection. And we are a part of it.

At Zao, instead of Palm Sunday, we call this day Protest Sunday—a celebration of fierce, faithful resistance to systems of violence and domination. In a world where empire demands silence and individualism breeds despair, we remember: we are not alone. Love shows up. Love tells the truth. Love organizes. And yes—love protests.

To love like Jesus is to surrender what we thought would save us. The cost is real—but what we receive is true love that lasts.

Guest sermon by Colby Martin.

When words fall short, love shows up in music, in awe, in presence. Come vibe with us as we explore the mystery of God and the love that moves us beyond words.

We're continuing our Love Songs sermon series for Lent. This week, our inspiration is "Adore You," by Harry Styles. Listen to the full series playlist here!

This Sunday, we kick off our new Lent series: Love Songs!   If you were into last year’s Breakup Album (or missed it), get ready for its perfect match. We’re diving into the love songs that keep coming back to the same themes—longing, devotion, heartbreak, and hope. Week one is all about Longing, and we’ve got a playlist ready for you to belt along with us.   Listen to the full series playlist her...

How can we follow the example of the Desert Mothers and Fathers by finding inner stillness in the face of chaos and violence?

A final reflection on what we can learn from the Hush Harbors about how to live in the solidarity and interdependence of the Kingdom of God.

The Christians of the Hush Harbors knew to look back and back to the wisdom of those whose faith had come before. Do we?

Under the brutality from white "Christian" slavers, enslaved Black folks cultivated, protected, and passed on a profoundly different faith in God, Jesus, and the scriptures. In this moment, when white nationalists have claimed the church again and again, we look to the Hush Harbors for lessons on how to faithfully follow Jesus and find Joy Unspeakable even in terrifying times.

Guest sermon by Mark Fraley

This season promises to be an intense one in the USA. But despite recent escalations, this era is not unprecendented. Come learn how Christian communities all over the world have been pockets of prophetic resistance to evil and violence throughout history, and how you can resource your heart and faith for modern times.

After all the loudness of the season, can you find God’s presence in the quiet?

What makes joy so essential to Advent? And what keeps us from being truly joyful people?

God commands us to love Them. Jesus explains that to love God means to love neighbor and self. What if love is not just intended for the recipient? What if the act of loving is what transforms us all?

In a violent world, the first move towards peace is always a risky one. Who will put their sword down first?

How can we take the risk of hope this Advent?

Thanksgiving can be complicated. What if our gratitude could be an act of resistance? By centering Indigenous wisdom, the teachings of Jesus, and practices of reciprocity, we can move from shallow tradition to a deeper, more honest celebration of life, connection, and care for creation.

It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war - or so the saying goes. But the Scriptures have something else in mind. In times of horrific political violence, God tells the people to plant gardens. To fall in love. Settle down. Have children.   If the world is feeling like a war zone right now, are you called to plant a seed of hope?

It's a big week, y'all. And whether this Tuesday has you biting your nails, planning a victory party, or throwing your hands up in despair, we see you. But the hope we have in God - and God's people - is firmer than any promise we can receive from earthly power brokers. Let's ground ourselves in the hope of the Gospel and prepare our hearts for whatever comes next.

The gifts God gives to us are meant for the benefit of all, and we are blessed when others are blessed. In a world of competition and scarcity, it feels counterintuitive - but in God's Kingdom, no one is free until we're all free.

God makes some big promises: life abundant, resurrection, liberation... when it's hard to believe in big promises, sometimes we try and make it on our own - to our detriment. Can we lose God's promise or will God find a way regardless?