Texts: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, 2:18-23; Luke 12:13-21

Series: Messy Spirituality

“All is vanity and a chasing after the wind,” says the teacher in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. Another translation of the word for vanity is "vapor." If everything created is vapor - here today and gone tomorrow - then we must place our trust in what is not created. In the midst of the vapor of this world, there is only one who holds weight; only one who can be our anchor.

Texts: Colossians 2:6-19, Luke 11:1-13

It can be tricky - messy, even - to figure out what most deserves our focus in following Jesus. There's a concept from the Lutheran tradition that can be helpful in this discernment. It's called adiaphora. Listen to hear more, and to help set your priorities in following Jesus.

Text: Luke 10:25-37

Series: Messy Spirituality

Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates that loving others is challenging and complex work. We are called to bear fruit – and fruit is messy! But there are such blessings in the mess. Are you willing to get messy?

Text: Luke 10:38-42

Series: Messy Spirituality

Worship & Arts Director Sara Lehman uses music and story to illustrate the connection God creates with us - a God who sings over our mess, inviting us to lift our cracked hallelujahs and lullabies at the edge of loss. In our Messy Spirituality series, we're exploring a love that listens, holds, and doesn't flinch when we forget the melody or the rhythm changes meter. Come worship with us. Bring your mess. It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.

Text: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Series: Messy Spirituality

When Jesus sends the disciples out in mission for the first time, he warns them that it will be messy. Not everyone will be ready to receive the good news they have to share. When it comes to our own work, we must be careful not to wrap our identity up with results. On this 4th of July weekend we hear a countercultural message: true freedom is knowing that our worth is not determined by productivity, but by who God has declared us to be in Christ.

Text: Luke 9:51-62

Series: Messy Spirituality

“No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” These are hard words from Jesus in today’s gospel reading, because the truth is, none of us is fit. We all look back. Our lives are a messy mix of competing priorities. This hard word causes us to run to him once again. Recognizing we can never do it on our own, we fall on the mercy of the one in “whose presence there is fullness of joy, and in whose right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16).

Something a bit different this week. We pray that what this recording gives you matches its sound: hope that is raw, honest, and alive.

You can watch the whole service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT0Gap3c0Uo&t=2276s

Texts: Psalm 46, Psalm 40:1-5, Mark 1:9-15, Philippians 4:4-9, Acts 1:1-11

Music, in order: "It is Well With My Soul" arranged by Jason W. Krug

“My Feet Are On the Rock” Shadie Halwani, soloist Originally recorded by I Am They

"Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God" arranged by Martha Lynn Thompson

"Rejoice" Becky Anderson, song leader. Originally recorded by Keith & Kristyn Getty

“The Commission” Gabriena Halwani, soloist. Originally recorded by Cain. Arranged by Jeff Tincher.

The doctrine of the Trinity has caused a lot of controversy – even violence – in the history of the church. Does it really matter if we get it exactly right? Here Pastor Matt Anderson makes the case that it does. The point is not knowing about God, but knowing - and being known - by the God who is love itself.