We hope you enjoy these sermon videos from recent worship services and are encouraged by the message from God’s Word. Visit our YouTube channel to see additional videos.

"Happy (in) Lent! Joyful"
Rev. Jonathan Heifner | March 10, 2024

In contrast to happiness, joy seems to be unbound by circumstances. Those who have experienced the most profound suffering in life often have the most to say about joy. Why is that so? As we grow closer to God and place our hope in his redeeming work, we will consider how we can cultivate greater joy. Sermon based on Romans 12:12 NRSV.

"Happy (in) Lent! Laughter"
Rev. Ryan Roth-Klinck | March 3, 2024

People encountering mental health challenges often don't feel loved or understood about their mental health. We feel as a starting point for this series it is essential for us to name that people are beloved by God. This Sunday is also known as Baptism of the Lord Sunday and conveniently has some profound language about Jesus' belovedness. When God looks at us, no matter our mental health situation or circumstances, God says, "I am well pleased with you." Sermon based on Mark 1:4-11.

Happy (in) Lent! Delight
Rev. Jonathan Heifner | February 25, 2024

Children have this amazing ability to melt away adults' stony demeanors and turn them into playful and sometimes silly characters. These adults are able to experience the delight they felt as children, but they have locked this feeling deep inside them. As we consider how delight restores what has been broken, we will take a look at a family reunion story, where a father and an older brother respond very differently to the invitation to delight in the return of the younger son. Sermon based on Luke 15:11-32 NRSV.

Happy (in) Lent! Happiness
Rev. Jonathan Heifner | February 18, 2024

Beatitudes are regarded as one of Jesus' most significant teaching moments, with the phrase, "Blessed are those who...". However, there are several ways to translate the original language into English. We tend to associate the word “happy” with positive circumstances in our lives, but if we read the Beatitudes in this way, we may find that Jesus is pointing to the opposite kind of circumstances. The purpose of our discussion this week is to examine how the change from blessed to happy affects our interpretation of happiness and the Beatitudes. Sermon based on Matthew 5:1-12 NRSV.

Transfiguration Sunday
Rev. Jonathan Heifner | February 11, 2024

During the Transfiguration, mystery, glory, and wonder all come together. Peter, James, and John hike up the mountain with Jesus and witnessed Jesus being transfigured and changed along with Moses and Elijah. There will be many times in the next few months when our Scriptures leave us unsure of what to say. The Transfiguration calls us to do something different: We are to follow Jesus back down the hill. Sermon based on Mark 9:2-9 NRSV.

"Addressing Mental Health: Burnout"
Rev. Jonathan Heifner | February 4, 2024

When we experience burnout and compassion fatigue, it can feel like our efforts are wasted and we are on the verge of sinking. Our situation feels frightening, and we wonder how we will survive. Given how Jesus seems to respond in the stories we will explore, sleeping during the storm and looking like he's going to walk on by, we see that Jesus actually remains with us during the storms, and with a word, restores peace.  Sermon based on Mark 4:35-41 and Mark 6:45-52.

"Addressing Mental Health: Being a Companion
Alongside Someone's Mental Health Journey" 
Rev. Jonathan Heifner and Heidi DeJong | January 28, 2024

Being a companion alongside someone's mental health journey. A meanigful life is one with deep relationships. People will suffer, and we will have the reaponsibilityto help carry their burden. That is a holy and high calling, and yet, it can bring up for us any number of things. Sometimes, we say things like, "this will pas" or "Just cheer up, it's get better soon" because it is hard to carry another's grief. We will look at Job's friends and a Proverb to encourage us to be honest about all this and to be present for others in the hard times of life. We will hear Heidi DeJong's story too. Sermon based on Proverbs 25:20 and Job 2:11-13, 8.4-7.

"Addressing Mental Health: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)" 
Rev. Ryan Roth-Klinck | January 21, 2024

There is a fear of missing out (FOMO) or a need to "keep up with the Joneses". We're discussing how people feel obligated to conform to social expectations. Our inner life is often profoundly affected by the pressure to look, act, and behave a certain way, fit into a specific mold, and follow a particular path. The Pharisee does a performative prayer in front of everyone, but it is evident that it is not authentic or genuine. In contrast, the tax collector is clear on who he is, while the Pharisee's inner life needs care and attention. As Christians, we are called to take our prayer life earnestly, as doing the inner work helps us achieve health. Sermon based on Luke 18:9-14.