Welcome to Commons! Today, Bobbi explores the theme of marriage and partnership in our "Strange New World" series, reflecting on how the resurrection reshapes our lives. We'll dive into what the Bible says (or doesn't say!) about relationships, Jesus' teachings, and what it means to build "pocket parks" of love in our lives. Join us as we ponder love, healing, and community in light of Easter.

Topics Covered:
Marriage & partnership in a Christian context
Jesus' teachings on divorce and union (Matthew 19)
The role of community and spiritual family
Building "love infrastructure" in our lives
Reflections on singlehood and diverse relationships
#CommonsChurch #StrangeNewWorld #Marriage #Partnership #Christianity #Faith #Love #Easter #Sermon

Baptism is more than just a ritual — it’s a layered encounter with grace that stretches from ancient Jewish practices to the earliest Christian communities. But why do we do it? And how does it shape our faith today?

In this thoughtful reflection, we explore:

• 🌊 The surprising roots of baptism in Jewish mikvah rituals
• ✝️ How John the Baptist reimagined cleansing as repentance
• 🙏 Why Jesus chose to be baptized — and what it means for us
• 🌅 How baptism became one of the earliest Christian practice
• 🌱 Why baptism is about more than just making a decision — it’s about participating in grace

Baptism is not just a symbol. It’s a means of grace — an invitation to step into a story much bigger than ourselves. Whether you’re preparing for baptism or looking to deepen your understanding, this message will help you see the beauty and mystery at the heart of this ancient practice.

#Baptism #ChristianSacraments #WhyBaptismMatters #JohnTheBaptist #JesusBaptism #Grace #FaithPractice #EasterSeries

Life is different in the light of Easter.

Easter plops us into a world that is supposed to feel brand new. We’ve just experienced resurrection, after all. Shouldn’t the world be all white daisies and blue skies? Well, yes and no.

The thing about living resurrection is that we live it even as we wait for it. Resurrection re-orders life with the expectation that nothing is ever really over. After the winter, there’s the warm spring. After the violence, there’s the opportunity to practice peace. In the dark early morning, there’s the contemplation of a transformed friend.

Let’s explore Easter’s fifty days, imagining again what resurrection life means for us and how that makes a difference in the world that God loves. Through Jesus, we see the world as it should be. Now we are tasked to make it so.