Daily Bible Reading - December 27th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - December 27th, 2020 | American Bible Society: John 1:19-34: Today’s reading begins with John the Baptist being questioned by the religious authorities who wish to know if he is the Messiah. John responds by saying he is not. When John sees Jesus the next day, he testifies that Jesus is the Son of God.

Daily Bible Reading - December 20th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - December 20th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Isaiah 8:21—9:7: King Ahaz preferred to seek an alliance with Assyria rather than rely on God (8:1-15), and today’s reading includes Isaiah’s warning of the Assyrian attack and God’s coming judgment against Judah. After a time of trouble is foretold, Isaiah speaks words of hope about the coming of a righteous king and his reign of justice and peace.

Daily Bible Reading - December 14th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - December 14th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Malachi 1:1-14: The readings for the next four days will be from the book of the prophet Malachi, which was written around 470-440 B.C. after the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Jerusalem and the Temple had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. Following the defeat of the Babylonians by the Persians in 538 B.C., the Temple was rebuilt and dedicated in 515 B.C. Yet the people were now under Persian control, and many began to question whether God was really concerned about them. In today’s reading, the prophet reminds the people of God’s love for them while, at the same time, delivering a reprimanding message to the priests.

Daily Bible Reading - December 13th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - December 13th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Revelation 19:11-21: Today’s reading depicts two visions; the first is Christ’s return as a military leader; the second is a scene of victory in which God’s enemies are destroyed.

Daily Bible Reading - December 6th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - December 6th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Revelation 1:1-20: The book of Revelation, also known as the Revelation to John, was written at a time when Christians were being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. The writer’s main concern was to give his readers hope and encouragement and to urge them to remain faithful during times of suffering and persecution. The book of Revelation belongs to a kind of writing called apocalyptic literature. Apocalyptic writings seek to reveal the secrets of heaven along with describing how human history will end. In today’s reading, the writer tells how he received a message from an angel sent by Christ, and he describes his vision of the risen Christ.

Sermon

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yERGhtz8hv8&feature=share

Daily Bible Reading - November 29th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - November 29th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Psalm 49: Written in the wisdom tradition, this psalm reminds us that death comes to all—rich and poor—and that wealth provides no protection from death. The psalm also reminds us that those who trust in themselves and their wealth are doomed, whereas the righteous are assured that God will rescue and save them from the power of death.

Daily Bible Reading - November 22nd, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - November 22nd, 2020 | American Bible Society: Ezra 7:1-10: The book of Ezra describes the return of some of the Jewish exiles from Babylonia and the restoration of life and worship in Jerusalem. (The rebuilding and dedication of the Temple are described in chapters 3—6). In today’s reading, at the command of the Persian emperor Artaxerxes, Ezra leaves Babylonia with other Israelites and arrives in Jerusalem.

Daily Bible Reading - November 15th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - November 15th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Psalm 121: Today’s reading is from a section in the book of Psalms entitled “Songs of Ascents” (Psalms 120-134). These psalms were used by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem from various parts of the land. Jerusalem is built on a hill, and the Temple was located on the hill called Zion. These “Songs of Ascents” were probably used by worshipers as they were “going up” to Jerusalem for one of the major festivals. Psalm 121 expresses assurance of God’s protection as pilgrims made their way to and from Jerusalem.

Daily Bible Reading - November 8th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - November 8th, 2020 | American Bible Society: 1 Chronicles 13:1-14: The Covenant Box had been in Kiriath Jearim for about twenty years (see 1 Samuel 7:2). David makes arrangements to bring the Covenant Box to Jerusalem. Uzzah, one of the men chosen to guide the cart on which the Covenant Box is placed, touches the Box to prevent it from falling and is struck dead. Out of fear, David decides to leave the Covenant Box at the home of Obed Edom in the city of Gath.

Daily Bible Reading - November 8th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - November 8th, 2020 | American Bible Society: 1 Chronicles 13:1-14: The Covenant Box had been in Kiriath Jearim for about twenty years (see 1 Samuel 7:2). David makes arrangements to bring the Covenant Box to Jerusalem. Uzzah, one of the men chosen to guide the cart on which the Covenant Box is placed, touches the Box to prevent it from falling and is struck dead. Out of fear, David decides to leave the Covenant Box at the home of Obed Edom in the city of Gath.

Smokie Norful - I Need You Now

Daily Bible Reading - November 1st, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - November 1st, 2020 | American Bible Society: Psalm 92: This psalm is a song written for use on the Sabbath, the day for rest and worship (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15). It celebrates God’s goodness and righteousness.

Daily Bible Reading - October 25th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - October 25th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Jeremiah 10:1-16: In today’s reading, the prophet warns the people to avoid idolatry and points out the foolishness of worshiping other gods. The reading concludes with a hymn of praise to God.

Daily Bible Reading - October 24th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - October 24th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Jeremiah 7:1-15: Today’s reading is often referred to as the “Temple Sermon.” Jeremiah is instructed to warn the people to change their ways in order to be spared God’s punishment. The reading concludes with a reference to Shiloh, a place of priestly power and a shrine to the LORD in the northern kingdom where the LORD now no longer dwells (see Joshua 21:1, 2; 1 Samuel 1:3, 9) since the northern kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 721 B.C. because of the people’s disobedience.

Daily Bible Reading - October 18th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - October 18th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Jeremiah 1:1-19: Today we will begin reading excerpts from the book of the prophet Jeremiah. The prophet Jeremiah lived during the latter part of the seventh century and first part of the sixth century B.C. During his ministry, he warned God’s people of the catastrophe that was to fall upon the nation because of their idolatry and sin. The Assyrian Empire had fallen, giving rise to the Babylonian Empire which resulted in the destruction of Judah and the exile that followed. Today’s reading introduces us to the call of Jeremiah to be a prophet and what he is commissioned to do.

Daily Bible Reading - October 11th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - October 11th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Isaiah 32:1-20: Today’s reading describes a time when those who govern will rule with integrity and justice, and God’s peace will reign.

 https://twitter.com/drjalee52/status/1312700174494560256?s=21

Daily Bible Reading - September 27th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 27th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Proverbs 14:1-35: Today’s reading focuses on the importance of honesty, controlling one’s temper, and showing kindness to the poor. https://youtu.be/Mq6hprGOxpY

Daily Bible Reading - September 27th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 27th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Proverbs 14:1-35: Today’s reading focuses on the importance of honesty, controlling one’s temper, and showing kindness to the poor.

Daily Bible Reading - September 22nd, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 22nd, 2020 | American Bible Society: Proverbs 3:1-35: Obeying the LORD’s teachings will show one the right way to live. True happiness is gained by having wisdom from the LORD.

Daily Bible Reading - September 22nd, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 22nd, 2020 | American Bible Society: Proverbs 3:1-35: Obeying the LORD’s teachings will show one the right way to live. True happiness is gained by having wisdom from the LORD.

The Grace of God

Psalm 72 Of Solomon.

1 

Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness.

2 

He will ^[1] judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.

3 

The mountains will bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness.

4 

He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor. 

5 

He will endure ^[2] as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations.

6 

He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth.

7 

In his days the righteous will flourish; prosperity will abound till the moon is no more. 

8 

He will rule from sea to sea and from the River ^[3] to the ends of the earth. ^[4]

9 

The desert tribes will bow before him and his enemies will lick the dust.

10 

The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores will bring tribute to him; the kings of Sheba and Seba will present him gifts.

11 

All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him. 

12 

For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.

13 

He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.

14 

He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight. 

15 

Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long.

16 

Let grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. Let its fruit flourish like Lebanon; let it thrive like the grass of the field.

17 

May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed. 

18 

Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.

19 

Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. 

20 

This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse. 

1. [2] Or May he; similarly in verses 3-11 and 17

 

Daily Bible Reading - September 20th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 20th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 25:31-46: Jesus concludes his final discourse with a parable that describes the judgment that will take place when he returns. All nations will be judged based on how they responded to Jesus’s teachings and cared for those in need.

Daily Bible Reading - September 19th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 19th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 25:14-30: By means of a second parable, Jesus teaches about being faithful to what is entrusted to one’s care. Three servants are put in charge of their master’s property, and two of them invest wisely.

Daily Bible Reading - September 18th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 18th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 25:1-13: In chapter 25, Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of heaven by means of three parables known as parables of judgment, and his teachings focus on how to be ready for God’s coming kingdom. The chapter is a continuation of the eschatological discourse begun in Matthew 24:36-51. In today’s reading, Jesus uses a parable about five wise and five foolish young women and the importance of being ready for Jesus’s glorious return.

Daily Bible Reading - September 17th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 17th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 22:23-46: Certain religious leaders continue to challenge Jesus’s authority and question him about rising from death and about the Messiah. A teacher of the Law seeks to trap Jesus by asking him to state what he believes is the greatest commandment.

Daily Bible Reading - September 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 22:1-22: Jesus compares the Kingdom of heaven to a wedding feast. Because the invited guests ignore the invitation, the king instructs his servants to gather people from the streets and bring them to the wedding hall. Today’s reading concludes with the Pharisees seeking to trap Jesus by asking him about paying taxes.

Daily Bible Reading - September 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 22:1-22: Jesus compares the Kingdom of heaven to a wedding feast. Because the invited guests ignore the invitation, the king instructs his servants to gather people from the streets and bring them to the wedding hall. Today’s reading concludes with the Pharisees seeking to trap Jesus by asking him about paying taxes.

Daily Bible Reading - September 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 22:1-22: Jesus compares the Kingdom of heaven to a wedding feast. Because the invited guests ignore the invitation, the king instructs his servants to gather people from the streets and bring them to the wedding hall. Today’s reading concludes with the Pharisees seeking to trap Jesus by asking him about paying taxes.

Daily Bible Reading - September 13th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 13th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 18:15-35: Today’s reading begins with Jesus’s instructions for handling matters of discipline within communities of faith and reproving one who has sinned. By means of a parable, Jesus teaches about repeated forgiveness.

Daily Bible Reading - September 6th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - September 6th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 12:1-21: The religious leaders question Jesus about the Sabbath, and Jesus challenges their narrow interpretation of Sabbath observance. Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, and the religious leaders begin to make plans to kill Jesus. The passage concludes with a quote from Isaiah 42:1-4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZRTt5fFzus&feature=share 

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: Daily readings for devoted living.

Daily Bible Reading - August 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - August 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Jonah 1:1-17: Today we will begin reading from the book of Jonah, a narrative that describes the adventures of a prophet who tried to disobey God’s command. In today’s reading, God commands Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, Israel’s deadly enemy, to tell its people they are doomed. Jonah, however, disobeys God and boards a ship bound for Spain. A storm ensues, and Jonah is thrown overboard and swallowed by a large fish.

Daily Bible Reading - August 9th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - August 9th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Hosea 3:1—4:10: Hosea is told to love his unfaithful wife, and his love for her is to demonstrate the LORD’s continuing love for unfaithful Israel. Accusations against Israel and its priests are cited.

Daily Bible Reading - August 2nd, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - August 2nd, 2020 | American Bible Society: Isaiah 49:8-26: The prophet Isaiah focuses on the new future that the LORD is creating for the people of Israel. Even though Jerusalem lies in ruins, it will be restored and the people will rejoice. God will bless and protect those who return from exile.

Daily Bible Reading - July 26th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - July 26th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Esther 9:20-32: Today’s reading describes the origin of the festival of Purim, an annual celebration to commemorate the triumph of the Jewish people over their enemies. Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, who had become a high official in the king’s court, writes a letter to all the Jews with instructions for observing the festival.

2018 Prayer Impact Report | Blog | News | American Bible Society

2018 Prayer Impact Report | Blog | News | American Bible Society: Dear Prayer Partner,One of the beautiful things about prayer is that it has the power to cross geographic boundaries, reaching heights, depths, people, and places that transcend our limited capabilities. We can touch and change lives through the heart of steadfast prayer.Prayer has the power to

Daily Bible Reading - July 19th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - July 19th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Esther 3:1-15: The king promotes Haman to the position of prime minister and orders all officials to show Haman respect by kneeling and bowing to him. Mordecai refuses, thus infuriating Haman. When Haman learns that Mordecai is a Jew, he makes plans to have all the Jews throughout the Persian Empire killed.

Daily Bible Reading - July 12th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - July 12th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Exodus 1:1-22: Today we begin reading excerpts from the book of Exodus, the second book in the Bible. The name “Exodus” comes from a Greek word that means “exit” or “departure” and refers to an important event in Israel’s history described in this book – the departure of the people of Israel from Egypt where they had been slaves. Today’s reading describes the suffering of the Israelites as slaves in Egypt and how two midwives defied the Egyptian king’s edict to kill Hebrew baby boys.

Daily Bible Reading - July 7th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - July 7th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Genesis 18:1-15: The LORD appears to Abraham, and Abraham is told by his three visitors that he and Sarah will have a son.

Can Truth Survive in a Postmodern Society?

Can Truth Survive in a Postmodern Society?: Is truth subjective? Does it hinge on our preferences and perspective?
Many today would answer yes to both questions. That’s why most social media platforms today are weighed down with endless deb...

Daily Bible Reading - July 5th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - July 5th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Genesis 16:1-16: Abram’s wife, Sarai, remains childless and offers her slave, Hagar, to Abram so that Abram can have an heir. After Hagar becomes pregnant, she looks with contempt on Sarai. Sarai treats her harshly, and Hagar runs away. Hagar encounters an angel of the LORD who tells her to return to her mistress. Hagar bears Abram a son who is named Ishmael.

Daily Bible Reading - July 5th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - July 5th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Genesis 16:1-16: Abram’s wife, Sarai, remains childless and offers her slave, Hagar, to Abram so that Abram can have an heir. After Hagar becomes pregnant, she looks with contempt on Sarai. Sarai treats her harshly, and Hagar runs away. Hagar encounters an angel of the LORD who tells her to return to her mistress. Hagar bears Abram a son who is named Ishmael.

Daily Bible Reading - June 28th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - June 28th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Ezekiel 37:15-28: Using two sticks and joining them end to end, Ezekiel is instructed to tell the people that God will unite the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah and that they will be united under one ruler.

Daily Bible Reading - June 21st, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - June 21st, 2020 | American Bible Society: Ezekiel 1:1—2:1: Today we begin reading excerpts from the book of the prophet Ezekiel. A unique feature of this prophetic book is that it is written in the first person. All of Ezekiel’s visions, prophecies, and actions are described from his point of view. Ezekiel was a priest who lived in exile in Babylon during the period before and after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. In today’s reading, Ezekiel describes a vision of God’s glory.

Daily Bible Reading - June 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - June 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Romans 14:1-23: Some of the followers in Rome believed that it was wrong to eat meat, and others were saying that certain foods should only be eaten on certain days. Paul says that there will be differences among God’s people, but that all of the believers need to be accepting of one another and not judge each other.

Daily Bible Reading - June 14th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - June 14th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Romans 12:1-21: The apostle Paul says that God’s people no longer need to offer dead animals or make any other sacrifice in order to please God. Rather they are to offer their whole selves in living service to God. Such service involves using the gifts each has received in accordance with God’s grace.

Daily Bible Reading - June 10th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - June 10th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Acts 19:21-41: Demetrius, a silversmith in Ephesus who made silver models of the temple of the goddess Artemis, sees his business, along with the economy of the city, threatened and undermined by Paul’s teachings. He stirs up opposition to Paul’s evangelizing work, and a city clerk is finally able to subdue the crowd.

Daily Bible Reading - June 7th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - June 7th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Acts 18:1-17: From Athens, the apostle Paul travels to Corinth and meets Aquila and Priscilla with whom he stays. He has a vision in which the Lord encourages him to keep on speaking and leading people to faith. While many in Corinth believe Paul’s message and are baptized, he is brought to court by his opponents but released by the Roman governor.

Daily Bible Reading - May 31st, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - May 31st, 2020 | American Bible Society: Acts 2:1-21: Today marks the day when many Christians celebrate Pentecost. God sends the Holy Spirit to give power and courage to the apostles. They begin to tell the good news about Jesus, which people hear in many different languages. Some people are happy and excited, while others make fun of the Lord’s followers. Peter quotes the words of the prophet Joel regarding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Daily Bible Reading - May 24th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - May 24th, 2020 | American Bible Society: 2 Corinthians 6:1—7:1: Paul reminds the Corinthians that he and his co-workers have gone out of their way to work hard and not cause problems and that they have spoken the truth. He concludes by warning the Corinthians against pagan influences and encourages them to live in awe of God.

Daily Bible Reading - May 24th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - May 24th, 2020 | American Bible Society: 2 Corinthians 6:1—7:1: Paul reminds the Corinthians that he and his co-workers have gone out of their way to work hard and not cause problems and that they have spoken the truth. He concludes by warning the Corinthians against pagan influences and encourages them to live in awe of God.

Daily Bible Reading - May 17th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - May 17th, 2020 | American Bible Society: 2 Corinthians 2:5-17: In today’s reading, Paul addresses a particular situation in which one person had been attacking Paul and his teaching. The followers in Corinth had publicly pointed out the wrong things this person had said. Paul encourages the Corinthians to forgive this person.

Daily Bible Reading - May 11th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - May 11th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Hebrews 13:1-25: Today’s reading is the final chapter of the Letter to the Hebrews. Christians are given instructions on how to live in ways that please God. The letter concludes with a prayer and words of encouragement.

Daily Bible Reading - May 10th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - May 10th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Hebrews 12:12-29: The imagery of Mount Sinai is contrasted with Mount Zion and the heavenly Jerusalem, where people come to Jesus who has arranged the new covenant between God and God’s people. The chapter concludes with words of encouragement and a reminder that God’s kingdom cannot be shaken.

Daily Bible Reading - May 9th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - May 9th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Hebrews 12:1-11: Today’s reading teaches that we are surrounded by faithful witnesses from the past and present. This “large crowd” is like a hometown crowd cheering us on as we run the race of faith. The reading concludes by affirming God’s treatment of us as his children.

Daily Bible Reading - May 7th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - May 7th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Hebrews 11:1-22: Today’s reading provides us with a listing of people of great faith and the actions and risks they took in response to their faith. The account begins with Abel and continues to Joseph. We learn that faith is the way to please God.

Daily Bible Reading - May 6th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - May 6th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Hebrews 10:19-39: The Lord’s followers are encouraged to keep their hearts pure and their consciences free from evil as they help each other prepare for the day when the Lord will return.

Daily Bible Reading - May 4th, 2020 | American Bible Society Hope Church

Daily Bible Reading - May 4th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Hebrews 9:1-22: Rules Shalom. Salaam. Peace. Paz. In Hebrew, Arabic, English and Spanish, we wish you peace. Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace, but it means more than the absence of conflict. Shalom means: God, creation, and all creatures webbed together in right relationship and mutual delight.

We pray for and seek shalom for our neighbors, shalom for strangers, sojourners, and refugees, shalom for creation, shalom for those with broken spirits or mental illness, shalom for families, and shalom for those of other faith traditions. In our experience, Jesus Christ embodies, teaches, and accomplishes God’s will for shalom.

Our Values

We frame our life together around the themes of worship, community, education, and service. Those themes are rooted in Philippians 2:1-11, and serve as the basis for our values which guide us in all that we seek to do.

WORSHIP

We value worship that intentionally awakens us to the presence of God through the preaching of the Word and the celebration of the sacraments.

We use the voices of the congregation in liturgy, music, prayer, and proclamation.

We expect preaching to be biblically-grounded, thoughtful, engaging, challenging, relevant, and responsive to the movement of the Spirit.

We try to develop well-crafted and participatory liturgies, including music that is thematically of one piece with the liturgy.

We seek a balance of music that represents the best of Christian hymnody while intentionally including new forms of worship music.

We want worship to be authentic to our experience while being hospitable, accessible, and inclusive to a broad sweep of worshippers.

We strive to worship in a manner that inspires, encourages, and sends us out to love and serve God and neighbor.

Daily Bible Reading - May 3rd, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - May 3rd, 2020 | American Bible Society: Hebrews 8:1-13: God gave Moses the plans for building the first Sacred Tent (Exodus 25:40—26:37). Israel’s priests offered sacrifices at this tent and later at the Temple. Both the Sacred Tent and the Temple are imperfect when compared to the real place of worship in heaven.

Reaching One Billion Souls for Jesus | Blog | News | American Bible Society

Reaching One Billion Souls for Jesus | Blog | News | American Bible Society: Charles Spurgeon said,

Daily Bible Reading - April 19th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - April 19th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Hebrews 1:1-14: The Letter to the Hebrews is a teaching sermon that is designed to help explain what the new Christian faith is all about. Today’s passage explains that the ancient prophets spoke God’s message to his people, but now God has sent Jesus to tell God’s message, achieve forgiveness for humanity’s sins, and rule over all creation forever.

Daily Bible Reading - April 18th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - April 18th, 2020 | American Bible Society: John 21:15-25: After sharing a breakfast of bread and fish with seven of the disciples, Jesus calls upon Peter to follow him and to care for Jesus’s lambs and sheep. John’s Gospel concludes by saying that there were many other things that Jesus did, and that not enough books could be written to contain them all.

Daily Bible Reading - April 12th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - April 12th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 28:1-20: An angel rolls the stone from the tomb, revealing that Jesus has been raised to life. The women rush to tell the disciples; and on the way, they meet the risen Christ. Later, Jesus appears to his disciples on a hill in Galilee and tells them to go forth and make disciples of all people.

Daily Bible Reading - April 11th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - April 11th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 27:57-66: Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus’s body, and Mary Magdalene and the other Mary keep watch at the tomb. Pilate sends soldiers to guard the tomb as well, in order to prevent Jesus’s disciples from stealing his body and claiming he had been raised from death.

Daily Bible Reading - April 8th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - April 8th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 26:36-75: Jesus grieves and prays in Gethsemane in preparation for his betrayal and arrest. His disciples fail to keep watch and fall asleep. Jesus is arrested and brought before the chief priests and the Council where he is accused of blasphemy. The chapter concludes with Peter denying that he knows Jesus.

Daily Bible Reading - April 5th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - April 5th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 21:1-22: Jesus enters Jerusalem, riding on a humble donkey, to the cheers of the crowd.
Then he enters the Temple, drives out the moneychangers, and heals people. In so doing, he angers the religious leaders. Today’s reading concludes with Jesus cursing a fig tree to symbolize God’s wrath against those who oppose Jesus’s teachings. (See Jeremiah 8:12-13 in which a withered fig tree symbolizes God’s judgment.)

Daily Bible Reading - March 29th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - March 29th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Ezra 8:15-36: The book of Ezra is considered a sequel to Chronicles and describes the return of some of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the restoration of life and worship in Jerusalem. After the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple (586 B.C.), the people were deported to Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:11-21). In 538 B.C., King Cyrus or Persia defeated the Babylonians and allowed the captives to return to their homes near Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (2 Chronicles 36:22, 23). Ezra, an expert in the Law of God, helps the people reorganize their religious and social life in order to safeguard the spiritual heritage of Israel. Today’s reading is Ezra’s prayer in which he asks the people to fast and to pray for God’s protection as they journey back to Jerusalem.

Daily Bible Reading - March 27th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - March 27th, 2020 | American Bible Society: 2 Chronicles 7:1-10: After Solomon offered his prayer to the LORD (see 2 Chronicles 6:12-42), he dedicated the Temple and offered sacrifices to the LORD. Then Solomon and all the people celebrated the Festival of Shelters.

Daily Bible Reading - March 27th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - March 27th, 2020 | American Bible Society: 2 Chronicles 7:1-10: After Solomon offered his prayer to the LORD (see 2 Chronicles 6:12-42), he dedicated the Temple and offered sacrifices to the LORD. Then Solomon and all the people celebrated the Festival of Shelters.

Daily Bible Reading - March 22nd, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - March 22nd, 2020 | American Bible Society: 2 Chronicles 1:1-17: Second Chronicles begins with a description of the rule of King Solomon, David’s son. When God appears to Solomon in a dream, the young king asks God for the wisdom and knowledge to rule his people. God replies with a promise to give him wisdom, knowledge, wealth, and fame.

Daily Bible Reading - March 21st, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - March 21st, 2020 | American Bible Society: Psalm 84: Today’s reading is a psalm that celebrates the joy of being and living in God’s presence. True happiness comes from depending on God, and the writer expresses longing to be in the LORD’s Temple.

Daily Bible Reading - March 19th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - March 19th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Psalm 75: In today’s reading the psalm writer expresses trust in God’s judgment and acknowledges that God judges with fairness.

Daily Bible Reading - March 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - March 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Psalm 48: As cited in verses 1 and 2, Mount Zion is the sacred hill and refers to Jerusalem, the city of God; and this psalm may have been sung by pilgrims visiting Jerusalem. Jerusalem and its people did withstand many attacks by enemy armies and even destruction by the Babylonians (586 B.C.) Still, the people believed that God would “keep the city safe forever” (verse 8), and this psalm celebrates Jerusalem as the place where God rules.

Daily Bible Reading - March 15th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - March 15th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Psalm 46: This psalm is an expression of confidence and trust in God. In the midst of cosmic or natural upheaval, God’s protection and presence is assured.

Daily Bible Reading - March 8th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - March 8th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Psalm 25: Today’s psalm is a prayer for guidance, protection, and forgiveness. It includes a series of petitions along with affirmations of trust in God. The writer attests to the LORD God as our teacher; to learn, one must have reverence for the LORD.

Daily Bible Reading - March 6th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - March 6th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Psalm 11: In this short psalm, an individual who has found safety in the LORD is addressing another individual and affirming trust and confidence in the LORD.

Daily Bible Reading - March 1st, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - March 1st, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 4:1-25: After Jesus is baptized by John at the Jordan River, the Spirit leads him into the desert where he is tempted by the devil. After the devil departs, angels come to help Jesus. Jesus then moves north to Capernaum and begins his public ministry in Galilee. He calls his first four disciples and travels throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing the sick.

Daily Bible Reading - February 23rd, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - February 23rd, 2020 | American Bible Society: Psalm 17: Today’s psalm is a prayer of one who is being falsely accused and who is seeking God’s justice. The writer pleads for help, protection, and deliverance from enemies, trusting in God’s wonderful love. The psalm concludes by affirming the joy that one experiences in God’s presence.

Daily Bible Reading - February 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - February 16th, 2020 | American Bible Society: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13: The apostle Paul describes how love is to be shown toward others. While there are things we don’t yet fully understand, when we act in love we grow in our knowledge of God.

Daily Bible Reading - February 15th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - February 15th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Psalm 136: Today’s reading is a hymn of thanksgiving for God’s eternal goodness and love. Written as a litany that was probably sung by the priests during worship, the words “his love is eternal” are a congregational response at the end of each verse. The psalm recounts the story of creation and recalls God’s saving acts in Israel’s history.

Daily Bible Reading - February 9th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - February 9th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Luke 10:25-37: Today’s reading is a parable that Jesus tells to explain what it means to love your neighbor as yourself (see Leviticus 19:18 from the reading for February 1). This story is known by many as “The Parable of the Good Samaritan.”

Daily Bible Reading - February 2nd, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - February 2nd, 2020 | American Bible Society: Deuteronomy 5:1-22: The book of Deuteronomy is organized as a series of addresses given by Moses to the people of Israel in the land of Moab, where they had stopped at the end of the long wilderness journey and were about to enter and occupy Canaan. Today’s reading is part of Moses’s second speech and includes the heart of Israel’s religion—the Law that God gave to Moses and the people. Moses recounts God’s covenant with the Israelites and the commandments they were given at Mount Sinai. (As noted in yesterday’s reading, a parallel account is in Exodus 20).

Daily Bible Reading - January 26th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - January 26th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Acts 5:17-42: The apostles are arrested but an angel of the Lord releases them from prison. They are then brought before the Council and Gamaliel, one of the Council’s leaders, argues that, if the work of the apostles is of human origin, it will fail; but if their work is of God, it cannot be defeated.

Daily Bible Reading - January 21st, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - January 21st, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 20:20-34: The mother of James and John asks a special favor of Jesus on behalf of her sons, and Jesus uses the opportunity to teach the disciples about servanthood. The chapter concludes with Jesus healing two blind men.

Daily Bible Reading - January 19th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - January 19th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 17:1-27: Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with him up to a high mountain where he is transfigured or visibly glorified. The disciples witness Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah. When they descend from the mountain, Jesus heals a boy with a demon. Jesus speaks a second time about his impending death, and the reading concludes with Jesus’s teaching on payment of the Temple tax.

Daily Bible Reading - January 12th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - January 12th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 10:1-15: Jesus calls his twelve disciples together and commissions them to continue the mission he has initiated.

Daily Bible Reading - January 12th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - January 12th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 10:1-15: Jesus calls his twelve disciples together and commissions them to continue the mission he has initiated.

Daily Bible Reading - January 5th, 2020 | American Bible Society

Daily Bible Reading - January 5th, 2020 | American Bible Society: Matthew 1:18-25: Matthew recounts how the birth of Jesus took place. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him that Mary, to whom he is engaged, has conceived a child by the Holy Spirit, and that the child is to be named Jesus.