Gratitude is like penicillin for the soul. Gratitude is linked to everything from better sleep to lower blood pressure, stronger relationships to better self-esteem. Creating a habit of giving thanks literally and spiritually improves your life. I think that is why Paul writes,Rejoice always. Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  (...  Read More

WelcomeThis week we are continuing our exploration of the book of Job. So far we have talked about loving God when times are tough and wrestled with questions such as “Is it okay to be mad at God?” and “Does everything happen for a reason?” This week we will turn to the final chapters of Job to see what we can learn from the text.Opening PrayerDear God, thank you for this time together as a group ...  Read More

Happy New Year! I know, I’m a little early on the well wishes according to our secular calendar. But, by the church calendar, this coming Sunday is the last one of the year. Traditionally, the new church year begins with the first Sunday of Advent, the 4-week season leading up to Christmas. Much like its secular sibling, the church new year is a time when Christians historically were challenged to...  Read More

WelcomeWelcome to Part 4 of our series in the book of Job. In the past three weeks we have considered some of the uneasy questions about God which Job’s story presents to us. Why do bad things happen, especially why do bad things happen to good people? Does suffering have some kind of purpose or reason? Is God fair or just? And those questions give rise to so many others and to many deep feelings ...  Read More

Recently, I was talking to a person who was working their way through the grief of losing someone they love. We were talking about what has helped them the most and they said, “people just showing up to hang out with me.” It reminded me that presence is powerful. This fall, we have been studying the book of Job at The Gathering. Most of the book is about Job’s friends trying to make him feel bette...  Read More

WelcomeIn the first part of this sermon series, we looked at the story of Job and the question, “Will we receive good from God but not also receive bad?” In part 2 we looked at the first conversation between Job and Eliphaz focusing on the question, “What is the purpose of suffering?” This week we are moving on in the conversation between Job and his friends to ask the question, “Is God fair or ju...  Read More