The Future is Now | Rev. Brittany Stephan

The Future is Now | Rev. Brittany Stephan

It is important that we continue to help children and youth discover that they are loved by God, valued by the church, and capable of making a difference right now. They are not just the future of the church. They are an important part of the church today. Their faith, questions, and enthusiasm strengthen our congregation and help shape who we are together.

Prayer of Blessing | Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross

In this sermon, we will meet a man named Jabez, who prays that kind of prayer. And we’ll be reminded that God hears all of our prayers. Even the ones that aren’t proofread or polished. The ones prayed through tears, fear, frustration, and trembling faith. Because thanks be to God, perfection has never been a requirement for prayer. Just a willingness to open our hearts before God. Lord, hear our prayers. Hear us when our words are polished and when they fall apart. Meet us in our desperation, our fear, our hope, and our need. Remind us that no prayer is too small, too messy, or too broken for Your love to reach. In Jesus’ name we pray- Amen.

Prayer for Surrender | Rev. Brittney Stephan

A Prayer for Pentecost Spirit of the Living God, we’ve carried much too long,  Holding burdens in trembling hands though we were made for song. We’ve worn exhaustion like armor, built walls around what’s inside, Yet deep within these weary souls, Your Spirit longs to rise. Give us the courage to surrender, to open clenched hands wide, To trust Your Spirit’s leading more than all the ways we hide. Release what keeps us bound, so we can finally breathe, And let Your holy presence shape the people we can be. For too long we’ve held our breath through grief and fear and pain, Forgetting that Your Spirit still brings life to us again. Let’s breathe in holy wonder and exhale what we can’t control, So the presence of Your Spirit moves freely through our souls. Help us breathe more deeply and be filled with sacred flame, The breath that formed creation and called the earth by name. It stirred dry bones to life and filled the Upper Room with fire, Yet still revives the weary heart with hope that reaches higher. In this Pentecost season, awaken us once more, Until the songs within us are all with one accord. Set our hearts to worship; for You, O God, we sing, With every voice touched by Your Spirit echoing freedom’s ring.

Praying for Our Nation | Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross

True prayer moves us beyond ourselves. It lifts our eyes from “my life,” “my problems,” and “my people,” and teaches us to see all people as beloved children of God. Explore what it means to pray faithfully, boldly, and compassionately—for our nation and God’s people throughout the world. Because prayer does not shrink our vision. It expands it.

Motherhood: The Unbroken Prayer | Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross

Prayer plays an important role in our lives, and it applies to everyone. Because the truth is, we all need it. Think about what you and those around you have gone through: trauma, illness, disappointment, addiction, betrayal, fear, grief—we can fill in the blank with whatever life has thrown our way. Prayer is our lifeline. It equips us to persevere through our deepest sorrows and to receive our greatest joys.   For Mother's Day, we give you “A Mother’s Prayer” and reflect on how this unique role shapes both our prayer lives and the lives of children.  Holy, loving, and mothering God, be with us and our families as we seek you. Deepen our trust and faith as we raise up the next generation as mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, foster mothers, spiritual mothers, aunts, and friends. We trust in your love and care for children and place them in your hands with faith. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.