Journey To Joy: Unraveled

The Woman at the Well: Unraveled

Jesus and the woman at the well in John 4 and confront one of the heaviest burdens many of us carry: shame. Shame tells us that we are broken, unworthy, or beyond the reach of grace. Yet when Jesus meets this woman, he knows her whole story without using it against her. He does not condemn her, diminish her, or make shame the center of their conversation. Instead, he offers her living water—grace that restores, heals, and reminds her that she is a beloved child of God. Through Scripture and honest stories of wounds carried within our bodies, churches, and communities, Pastor Zach reflects on the long and difficult work of healing from shame. The scars may remain, and the old voices may occasionally return, but they do not have the final word. Shame is not from God. No matter what shame has told you, you are enough, you are deeply loved, and God’s grace is for you.

Walking The Narrow Way: Rev Dan Wanders

In this week’s message, guest preacher Rev. Dan Wanders reflects on Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:12–14 and invites us to consider what it means to walk the narrow way. The way of Jesus is not always the easiest road, the widest path, or the choice that draws the largest crowd. It is the way of love, humility, mercy, and faithful attention to how we treat one another. Through the familiar words of the Golden Rule and Jesus’ invitation to enter through the narrow gate, this sermon reminds us that discipleship is not just about what we believe, but how we live. As we listen, we are invited to ask: What path are we walking? And how might the way of Jesus shape our steps today?

The Conversion of Saul: Unraveled

In this week’s message from our Unraveled series, we turn to Acts 9 and the conversion of Saul. Before Saul becomes Paul, before his words shape churches and communities of faith, he has a backstory. He is certain he is right, convinced he is being faithful, and yet his certainty causes real harm. On the road to Damascus, grace interrupts him, stops him, opens his eyes, and begins to lead him toward a new path. Saul’s story reminds us that grace does not erase the past or pretend harm did not happen. Grace tells the truth, calls us toward healing and repair, and invites us to begin again. Where is God’s grace interrupting your story?

Peter Sinks: Unraveled

In this sermon from our Unraveled series, we turn to Matthew 14:22–33 and the story of Peter stepping out of the boat and sinking beneath the waves. Peter’s story reminds us that faith is not always steady, certain, or untouched by fear. Sometimes we step forward with courage, only to realize how deep the water is and how strong the wind has become. But this story is not simply about doubt, and it is not about shame. It is about what happens when life, faith, and calling begin to unravel. Through Peter’s sinking, Thomas’s questioning, and Pastor Zach’s own story of pastoral hurt and healing, we are reminded that the good news is not that faithful people never sink. The good news is that Jesus is near, reaching out, often through the people and communities who help us find our breath, our footing, and our way back to the boat.

Journey To Joy: Unraveled

Absolutely — here’s a podcast description for Betty’s sermon: Unraveled: Journey to Joy | Betty Merta This week, Betty Merta begins our Unraveled sermon series with Sarah’s story and her own journey toward joy. Sarah’s life did not unfold the way she expected. She carried disappointment, frustration, waiting, and an impossible promise from God that sounded almost too good to believe. And yet, over time, laughter became more than disbelief. It became joy. Through Sarah’s journey and her own story of faith, recovery, loss, and learning to trust God over many years, Betty reminds us that joy is not always instant and faith is not always tidy. Sometimes God meets us in the places where life has unraveled, helping us let go of false beliefs, see ourselves more honestly, and discover that even when the promise sounds impossible, God may still be weaving something new.