Luke 13:1-9

Ephesians 6:10-17بقلم Central Community Church

In today’s parable, Death came to the youngest son, in that far-off land, and asked its question. “I see you’ve become destitute,” said Death. “Here you are very far from home, with no money and no friends. Now that even the pigs eat better than you, do you still believe that life is beautiful?” Perhaps to his own surprise, the son answered Death w…

In this powerful exploration of the Book of Ruth, we're challenged to confront our disappointments and trust God even when life doesn't go as planned. The story of Naomi and Ruth reminds us that God can use our darkest moments as setups for greater redemption. We're encouraged to see Ruth's radical decision to follow Naomi and her God as a model of…

Luke 13:22-35

Ephesians 6:10-16بقلم Central Community Church

Jesus desires our ingathering, and we so often are not willing. Jesus goes belly up, like a fierce yet vulnerable mother hen in the presence of a fox, ready to take us under the shelter of her wings. Are we willing? And what might we learn from Jesus about lament? Sermon begins at minute marker 6:00 ​​​​Luke 13.1-8, 31-35 Resources BibleWorm podcas…

In this powerful exploration of faith, we delve into the book of Joshua and uncover timeless truths about courage and trust in God. The story of Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land serves as a mirror for our own spiritual journeys. We're challenged to confront three common barriers to faith: suffering, fragile security, and self-su…

Luke 4:1-13

One familiar story which contains a familiar parable flows into another familiar story. Is there anything at all new to say about the Samaritan that’s called “good” or the Mary and Martha sisterly tiff? Unclear. But given our deep dive into Luke, and looking for threads, Pastor Megan notices two things: Luke is driving home that 1) we are meant to …

Ephesians 6:10-16بقلم Central Community Church

In this powerful exploration of the Shema from Deuteronomy 6, we're challenged to truly hear God's voice and center our lives around Him. The Hebrew word 'Shema' means more than just listening; it's about understanding, responding, and obeying. We're called to love the one true God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength - a holistic devotion …

Luke 9:28-36

Ephesians 6:10-15بقلم Central Community Church

In this powerful exploration of Leviticus 16, we dive deep into the Day of Atonement and its profound significance for our spiritual lives today. The central theme revolves around God's provision for dealing with sin and guilt through the symbolic use of two goats - one sacrificed for the Lord, and the other sent into the wilderness as a scapegoat.…

In this episode of the "But I Tell You" podcast, host Tyler Gorsline welcomes Steve Ryan Carter, Lead Pastor at @christchurch.us and former co-lead pastor of Willow Creek Community Church. Join them as they explore Steve's profound journey through grief and transformation, focusing on his recent book, "Grieve, Breathe, Receive: Finding a Faith Stro…

Luke 6:27-38

Ephesians 6:10-14بقلم Central Community Church

Visiting guest preacher Rachael Weasley shares about what her queer church plant is up to these days, and explores today's passage in a queer way. Sermon begins at minute marker 3:43. Scripture: ​​​​Luke 7:36-50 Resources BibleWorm podcast: Episode 529 – Loving God and Neighbor, Amy Robertson and Robert Williamson, Jr https://bcmonline.org/ https:/…

In this powerful exploration of Exodus 19, we dive deep into the story of God's people at Mount Sinai. This pivotal moment in biblical history isn't just about laws and commandments - it's about identity and purpose. We learn that God freed the Israelites from Egypt not just to rescue them, but to bring them to Himself. This idea of being 'brought …

Luke 6:17-26

Ephesians 6:10-13بقلم Central Community Church

Fetus John the Baptist knew exactly who Jesus was, according to Luke. Adult John the Baptist sends emissaries to ask Jesus who he is. Jesus does not answer John’s question, but rather instructs the question-askers to simply report what they see and what they hear. It seems that, according to Jesus, his identity must be shown, enacted, embodied for …

In this powerful exploration of covenant, we dive deep into the heart of God's relationship with His people. The central focus is on Abraham's covenant, a pivotal moment in Genesis that shapes the entire narrative of Scripture. We're challenged to move beyond a contractual mindset with God, where we seek only benefits, to a covenantal relationship …

Luke 5:1-11

بقلم Central Community Church

Jesus sees a woman and is moved with compassion to respond. But what about all the other women, humans, creatures, who also needed his compassionate response??? And what about the root causes of her suffering - Shouldn’t he have fixed the systems instead??? Jesus sees a woman - really looks at her - and is moved to respond. May we who seek to follo…

Pastor Tyler kicks off our new sermon series, Year of Living Biblically, by sharing a personal commitment to read the Bible through in a year, highlighting how unfamiliarity with the Bible can often lead to assumptions that it’s unfruitful. He sets up the idea that our approach to the Bible matters, and the problem may not be the Bible itself, but …

In this enlightening episode of the "But I Tell You" podcast, we dive into a transformative conversation with Joey Odom during our 28 Day Digital fast. Joey is the co-inventor of Aro—a groundbreaking technology designed to reshape how we engage with our phones and deepen our most important relationships. A One that many of you have been using to be…

Luke 2:22-40

Sabbath was to be the fountain around which the garden of all public life and policy grew in ancient Israel. On six days the people were to work, tending that garden, ensuring its health and growth and accessibility to all people, and on the seventh day they were to participate in the proper end and fulfillment of all work: reception of the fruits …

Galatians 6:11-18بقلم Central Community Church

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of busyness and anxiety. This message challenges us to recognize the spiritual warfare at play in our distracted lives. Drawing from 1 Peter 5:7-9, we're reminded of the powerful truth that we can cast all our anxieties on God because He cares for us. The imagery of Satan as a…

Luke 4:14-30

Three major commemorations converged last week: the birth of the Anabaptist movement, the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. (and the broader movement of which he was part, including our Anabaptist ancestors, Rosemarie and Vincent Harding), and the anniversary of the first national collective action of Mennonite Action. Thanks to the Pastoral Team for…

Galatians 2:20 |بقلم Central Community Church

In our digital age, we're constantly bombarded with information, leading to what can be called 'incoming content overload.' This phenomenon not only affects our daily lives but also impacts our relationship with God. The scripture from Psalm 103:2, 'Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits,' reminds us of the importance of remember…

John 2:1-11

Galatians 6:6-10بقلم Central Community Church

Clair dives into the timeless story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to explore sacred boundaries. This narrative reveals a profound truth: we were created for limits, not to restrict us, but to invite us into a deeper relationship with God. The serpent's temptation to 'be like God' mirrors our modern struggle with technology, as we strive to …

In this episode of the "But I Tell You" podcast, join us for a compelling conversation with Jay Kim, lead pastor of Westgate Church in Silicon Valley and acclaimed author of books like "Analog Christian," "Analog Church," and "Listen, Listen, Speak." Recorded live from the Practicing the Way conference in Portland, Jay opens up about his personal j…

Luke 3: 15-22

There’s lots going on in this story from Luke, and also in this sermon from Pastor Megan, and also in the story of our Anabaptist roots, and also in the congregational life of Seattle Mennonite Church. It’s all a bit of a mess, to be quite frank. But at the heart of all four stories (the gospel, the sermon, the history, and SMC today) is baptism an…

Galatians 5:25-6:5بقلم Central Community Church

Pastor Tyler challenges us to confront our relationship with technology and its impact on our spiritual lives. The story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of choosing 'the better part' - sitting at Jesus' feet and truly listening. We're asked to consider: are we more like Martha, distracted and wo…

Matthew 2:1-12

When the writer of Luke’s gospel litters his stories with the names of politicians and references to their political maneuverings, we are meant to pay attention. When the tale of a 12-year-old Jesus choosing to remain in the temple occurs DURING THE PASSOVER… and IN JERUSALEM… we are meant to notice. It is, after all, bookended with the story Luke …

Take a look forward with us as we dream on God's faithfulness in Seattle and at A Seattle Church.بقلم Tyler Gorsline

Galatians 5:22-26بقلم Central Community Church

Since at least the 4th century, Simeon’s prayer has been among the last words spoken by Christians each night before the candles of evening prayer are extinguished. His words are the incense the church has sought to breathe while falling asleep and while lying in sleep for centuries: almost as if to say, how could we ever find rest in this world wi…