ARE WE THERE YET? Debunking the Arrival Fallacy (A Lenten Series)
Do you ever feel like if you just make it over the next hurdle or reach your next goal that you will have finally arrived in life? Many people do, including our Biblical friends, but guess what? That’s called the arrival fallacy, and it can keep us feeling disappointed and unhappy when we get to the “next thing” and find we still haven’t arrived at our hoped-for destination. We are still unfailingly human, flawed, broken. This Lent, let us learn to savor our uniquely human journey without the pressure of arrival, as we reconnect with the God of Jesus Christ who leads us in the way, providing sustenance, meaning, and hope through all our ups and downs.
Do you ever feel like if you just make it over the next hurdle or reach your next goal that you will have finally arrived in life? Many people do, including our Biblical friends, but guess what? That’s called the arrival fallacy, and it can keep us feeling disappointed and unhappy when we get to the “next thing” and find we still haven’t arrived at our hoped-for destination. We are still unfailingly human, flawed, broken. This Lent, let us learn to savor our uniquely human journey without the pressure of arrival, as we reconnect with the God of Jesus Christ who leads us in the way, providing sustenance, meaning, and hope through all our ups and downs.
Week 1: Getting Free and Staying Free | Exodus 15:22-27
Like the Israelites who were freed from Egypt only to find themselves without drinkable water, we too can find ourselves freed from one trouble only to be met with another. God invites us to shift perspective and find our freedom in relationship with God.
www.youtube.com/live/SiYi79dUBpE?si=DMhJN-8uOkIXJnzC
Like the Israelites who were freed from Egypt only to find themselves without drinkable water, we too can find ourselves freed from one trouble only to be met with another. God invites us to shift perspective and find our freedom in relationship with God.
www.youtube.com/live/SiYi79dUBpE?si=DMhJN-8uOkIXJnzC
Week 2: It’s Not the Destination, It’s the Journey | Deuteronomy 32:1-10, 44-52
We can work for weeks, months, even years to arrive at a certain point in life, our own “Promised Land.” But sometimes that Promised Land is not what we envisioned. Sometimes we don’t even make it there. And even when we do, the Promised Land is not the end of the journey. How can we let God reshape our vision of both the destination and the journey so that we can find beauty and meaning in all of it?
www.youtube.com/live/oxiQOzYWTQM?si=wgj-6UoJZv6pJJ2w
We can work for weeks, months, even years to arrive at a certain point in life, our own “Promised Land.” But sometimes that Promised Land is not what we envisioned. Sometimes we don’t even make it there. And even when we do, the Promised Land is not the end of the journey. How can we let God reshape our vision of both the destination and the journey so that we can find beauty and meaning in all of it?
www.youtube.com/live/oxiQOzYWTQM?si=wgj-6UoJZv6pJJ2w
Week 3: Who’s Your Hope? | 1 Samuel 8
When we are dissatisfied, the idea of a strong new leader can seem like our only hope to get where we want to go. But the story of the Israelite people and their demand for a king is a powerful reminder that leaders are all too human and that we must place our ultimate hope in God, the true King.
www.youtube.com/live/Is1nNdS-NYI?si=0FLMnuhAIGq8QfXv
When we are dissatisfied, the idea of a strong new leader can seem like our only hope to get where we want to go. But the story of the Israelite people and their demand for a king is a powerful reminder that leaders are all too human and that we must place our ultimate hope in God, the true King.
www.youtube.com/live/Is1nNdS-NYI?si=0FLMnuhAIGq8QfXv
Week 4: No Going Back | Ezra 3:10-13
Sometimes we think that everything will be fine if we can just go back to the way things were, but the present will never be the past. The good news is that God is in what was, what is, and what will be.
www.youtube.com/live/UhhQ4qtAa90?si=2as5JonPh6C6RMRb
Sometimes we think that everything will be fine if we can just go back to the way things were, but the present will never be the past. The good news is that God is in what was, what is, and what will be.
www.youtube.com/live/UhhQ4qtAa90?si=2as5JonPh6C6RMRb
Week 5: The Fake Out | John 2:13-25
Just when we think we have it all figured out – the right job, the right routine, the right way of doing things – Jesus comes in and upends our certainty, always moving us into deeper truth, justice, and relationship.
www.youtube.com/live/ziY0BJHLA_E?si=XOw6QHBYEXpT3fmc
Just when we think we have it all figured out – the right job, the right routine, the right way of doing things – Jesus comes in and upends our certainty, always moving us into deeper truth, justice, and relationship.
www.youtube.com/live/ziY0BJHLA_E?si=XOw6QHBYEXpT3fmc
Week 6 (Palm Sunday): Staying Power | Luke 19:28-40
Everyone loves a parade but what happens when the party is over? Real hope is built in daily acts of showing up – in times of celebration, in times of challenge, and in the ordinary in-between.
www.youtube.com/live/_7L0NRqibF4?si=thicROryF_4R1axw
Everyone loves a parade but what happens when the party is over? Real hope is built in daily acts of showing up – in times of celebration, in times of challenge, and in the ordinary in-between.
www.youtube.com/live/_7L0NRqibF4?si=thicROryF_4R1axw
Holy/Maundy Thursday: Detour Ahead | John 13:1-17, 33-35
The disciples thought they knew where they were going but Jesus says, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” Instead, he gives them instructions for a detour, “Love one another.” How do we love one another on the roadway to God?
The disciples thought they knew where they were going but Jesus says, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” Instead, he gives them instructions for a detour, “Love one another.” How do we love one another on the roadway to God?
Good Friday: Holding On When the Cross Feels Final | Matthew 26 & 27
Jesus’ cross feels like the worst kind of arrival; it bears the finality of death. When “arriving” means there is nowhere left to go, Jesus remains with us holding the promise that even this is not our final stop.
Jesus’ cross feels like the worst kind of arrival; it bears the finality of death. When “arriving” means there is nowhere left to go, Jesus remains with us holding the promise that even this is not our final stop.
Easter Sunday: Setting Out Again | Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20
Death is not our final arrival. Jesus lives and so do we. He sends us out on the journey anew and promises to be with us the whole way.
www.youtube.com/live/YL4kTtjSwnk?si=4T91y6W2VKRpSCSn
Death is not our final arrival. Jesus lives and so do we. He sends us out on the journey anew and promises to be with us the whole way.
www.youtube.com/live/YL4kTtjSwnk?si=4T91y6W2VKRpSCSn
New Sermon Series: The Names of God.
Journey with us as we explore the Old Testament, looking into the names of God that we do not hear regularly. Each week Pastor Robyn will share with us a Hebrew name and explain the meaning using scripture from the Old Testament.
Journey with us as we explore the Old Testament, looking into the names of God that we do not hear regularly. Each week Pastor Robyn will share with us a Hebrew name and explain the meaning using scripture from the Old Testament.
Week 1: Jehovah- Jireh
“The Lord will provide a sacrifice”| Genesis 22:13
www.youtube.com/live/Hf2LEocW8_s?si=JnI4CI0NEoPMhLiZ
“The Lord will provide a sacrifice”| Genesis 22:13
www.youtube.com/live/Hf2LEocW8_s?si=JnI4CI0NEoPMhLiZ
Week 2: Jehovah- Rapha
“The Lord that health thee” | Exodus 15:2
www.youtube.com/live/64OGpV-TbSc?si=VVGKjxlqD9zcF04M
“The Lord that health thee” | Exodus 15:2
www.youtube.com/live/64OGpV-TbSc?si=VVGKjxlqD9zcF04M
Week 3: Jehovah- Shamma
“The Lord is present” | Ezekial 48:35
www.youtube.com/live/QWLj4FRk-Zk?si=EeYmvkoQxfC4S_-p
“The Lord is present” | Ezekial 48:35
www.youtube.com/live/QWLj4FRk-Zk?si=EeYmvkoQxfC4S_-p
Week 4: Jehovah- Shalom
“The Lord our peace"| Judges 6:24
(No recording due to technical difficulties)
“The Lord our peace"| Judges 6:24
(No recording due to technical difficulties)
Week 5: Jehovah- Nissi
“The Lord our banner"| Exodus 17:8,15
www.youtube.com/live/NlmaZTKUM6I?si=mZ6tq-kAkbbf0aXZ
(Is not the full service, we had some technical difficulties)
“The Lord our banner"| Exodus 17:8,15
www.youtube.com/live/NlmaZTKUM6I?si=mZ6tq-kAkbbf0aXZ
(Is not the full service, we had some technical difficulties)
Week 6: Jehovah- Raah
“The Lord my Shepherd” | Psalm 23
www.youtube.com/live/xVVsAbWNEK8?si=pPzmrKFz7cxHlfTB
(Is not the full service, we had some technical difficulties)
“The Lord my Shepherd” | Psalm 23
www.youtube.com/live/xVVsAbWNEK8?si=pPzmrKFz7cxHlfTB
(Is not the full service, we had some technical difficulties)
Week 7: Jehovah- Tsidekno
“The Lord our righteousness ”|Jeremiah 23:6
www.youtube.com/live/8zdRgYMLRK8?si=Rev5trF2VzV6pALz
“The Lord our righteousness ”|Jeremiah 23:6
www.youtube.com/live/8zdRgYMLRK8?si=Rev5trF2VzV6pALz
Gift Exchange
Life hands us difficult experiences that weigh us down: despair, anxiety, sorrow, darkness, and feelings of meaninglessness. In the midst of all this, God holds out precious and life-giving gifts – hope, peace, joy, love, light, and purpose. This Advent season, as we prepare for gift exchanges with friends and family, we will reflect on the gifts given to us by the greatest giver of all and how we can receive and embrace those gifts even in the most difficult of times.
Life hands us difficult experiences that weigh us down: despair, anxiety, sorrow, darkness, and feelings of meaninglessness. In the midst of all this, God holds out precious and life-giving gifts – hope, peace, joy, love, light, and purpose. This Advent season, as we prepare for gift exchanges with friends and family, we will reflect on the gifts given to us by the greatest giver of all and how we can receive and embrace those gifts even in the most difficult of times.
Week 1: Despair for Hope | Psalm 121:1-8
In life, we go through dark valleys that can lead us into despair. In such times, God gives the gift of hope in God’s love and protection.
www.youtube.com/live/A5LSXEJXl14?si=cLieGyC858HWY8VE
In life, we go through dark valleys that can lead us into despair. In such times, God gives the gift of hope in God’s love and protection.
www.youtube.com/live/A5LSXEJXl14?si=cLieGyC858HWY8VE
Week 2: Anxiety for Peace | John 14:27
In the midst of troubling times, Jesus holds out the gift of peace. The peace Jesus gives is one that we cannot find in other things in this world.
www.youtube.com/live/dsTBTJgGJUw?si=vH5tQ_lwFtrOB1Ol
In the midst of troubling times, Jesus holds out the gift of peace. The peace Jesus gives is one that we cannot find in other things in this world.
www.youtube.com/live/dsTBTJgGJUw?si=vH5tQ_lwFtrOB1Ol
Week 3: Sorrow for Joy | Psalm 30
When we experience sorrow, we can turn to God, trusting that joy will come again as a freely given gift.
www.youtube.com/live/rX8zn3lWR8U?si=Lj3ATZViaJs5-2TH
When we experience sorrow, we can turn to God, trusting that joy will come again as a freely given gift.
www.youtube.com/live/rX8zn3lWR8U?si=Lj3ATZViaJs5-2TH
Week 4: Fear for Love | 1 John 4:7-19
Fear can lead us into hating the people that God created. But fear loses its power when we receive the gift of love. We are made complete in love.
www.youtube.com/live/d3PUWSTcsTQ?si=R-TZtepJ9uyQAIWj
Fear can lead us into hating the people that God created. But fear loses its power when we receive the gift of love. We are made complete in love.
www.youtube.com/live/d3PUWSTcsTQ?si=R-TZtepJ9uyQAIWj
Christmas Eve: Darkness for Light | Isaiah 9:2-7
Christ gives us the gift of light in the darkest moments of our lives. His light will guide and lead us into abundant life.
www.youtube.com/live/Bm1mXWo49bI?si=hq593nf3qfHL_T7u
Christ gives us the gift of light in the darkest moments of our lives. His light will guide and lead us into abundant life.
www.youtube.com/live/Bm1mXWo49bI?si=hq593nf3qfHL_T7u
Week 5: Meaninglessness for Purpose | Jeremiah 29:11
Through our lives, we sometimes feel lost, not knowing who we are and where we are heading. God finds us in these places and gives us the gift of purpose for our lives.
www.youtube.com/live/HK4YMzeehKk?si=xU3g83qlCr2rlUkO
Through our lives, we sometimes feel lost, not knowing who we are and where we are heading. God finds us in these places and gives us the gift of purpose for our lives.
www.youtube.com/live/HK4YMzeehKk?si=xU3g83qlCr2rlUkO
Transformed By Grace
Grace is not merely a gift but God's invitation to a relationship that can change our lives and transform the world. In this series, we will delve into stories of transformation, connecting them to our everyday experiences. From feeling like outsiders to being part of a community, from fear to trust, from the “same old” to something creative and new – these are just a few of the transformations that God’s grace works in our lives. Say yes to grace and find new freedom in relation to yourself, others and even your personal and financial resources.
Grace is not merely a gift but God's invitation to a relationship that can change our lives and transform the world. In this series, we will delve into stories of transformation, connecting them to our everyday experiences. From feeling like outsiders to being part of a community, from fear to trust, from the “same old” to something creative and new – these are just a few of the transformations that God’s grace works in our lives. Say yes to grace and find new freedom in relation to yourself, others and even your personal and financial resources.
Week 1:
Called by Love | Luke 19:1-10 When God calls our name, it’s an invitation to a transforming relationship as an agent of grace. Zacchaeus went from being an agent of the state to an agent of God.
www.youtube.com/live/ajFkbj-PNqM?si=wYyMV05YpA7QG-Mg
Called by Love | Luke 19:1-10 When God calls our name, it’s an invitation to a transforming relationship as an agent of grace. Zacchaeus went from being an agent of the state to an agent of God.
www.youtube.com/live/ajFkbj-PNqM?si=wYyMV05YpA7QG-Mg
Week 2:
“God Trusted Me with It!” | Matthew 25:14-30 Fear leads us to waste the gifts we’ve been given. God invites us to a mindset of abundance and trust.
www.youtube.com/live/rARbtXB2m3s?si=sD2KdlW5PCi6IbMz
“God Trusted Me with It!” | Matthew 25:14-30 Fear leads us to waste the gifts we’ve been given. God invites us to a mindset of abundance and trust.
www.youtube.com/live/rARbtXB2m3s?si=sD2KdlW5PCi6IbMz
Week 3:
The Secret of Contentment | Philippians 4:1-7, 10-14, 19 As we learn what it really means to have enough, we are freed to embrace and leverage what we have.
www.youtube.com/live/Bj3vi6qjcFg?si=CAPD-O1g5AvG2PK4
The Secret of Contentment | Philippians 4:1-7, 10-14, 19 As we learn what it really means to have enough, we are freed to embrace and leverage what we have.
www.youtube.com/live/Bj3vi6qjcFg?si=CAPD-O1g5AvG2PK4
Week 4:
A Disciple’s Lifestyle | Luke 16:1-13 A disciple’s lifestyle is one of creativity and care for all God provides, including our resources and finances.
www.youtube.com/live/us8qRYsiTjY?si=lFhTx7gSOrphQvI9
A Disciple’s Lifestyle | Luke 16:1-13 A disciple’s lifestyle is one of creativity and care for all God provides, including our resources and finances.
www.youtube.com/live/us8qRYsiTjY?si=lFhTx7gSOrphQvI9
Created for Connection!
Observing the widespread and severe effects of social disconnection on Americans’ health, Dr Vivek Murthy (Surgeon General of the United States) says that “loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being.” This reality reflects what our faith already teaches us: God created us for connection and community. Drawing on the experiences of the early church in scripture, let us relearn how God leads us into lives of meaningful relationship with Godself and one another.
Observing the widespread and severe effects of social disconnection on Americans’ health, Dr Vivek Murthy (Surgeon General of the United States) says that “loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being.” This reality reflects what our faith already teaches us: God created us for connection and community. Drawing on the experiences of the early church in scripture, let us relearn how God leads us into lives of meaningful relationship with Godself and one another.
Week 1:
Connection Among Christians | Ephesians 4:1-6 Our local church is a place to build meaningful relationships through the gift of our one faith
www.youtube.com/live/yWPo5FOChOA?si=Ird5JJVEiPXzJRQW
Connection Among Christians | Ephesians 4:1-6 Our local church is a place to build meaningful relationships through the gift of our one faith
www.youtube.com/live/yWPo5FOChOA?si=Ird5JJVEiPXzJRQW
Week 2:
Connection with God | John 15:1-12 Jesus was connected to the Creator and all his relationships were built on this relationship; so may all our relationships be built on our relationship with God. Staying connected to God helps us have more loving relationships with others and bear fruit.
www.youtube.com/live/Scf28l_SYlo?si=YuXeNtw6dxjZ0EPm
Connection with God | John 15:1-12 Jesus was connected to the Creator and all his relationships were built on this relationship; so may all our relationships be built on our relationship with God. Staying connected to God helps us have more loving relationships with others and bear fruit.
www.youtube.com/live/Scf28l_SYlo?si=YuXeNtw6dxjZ0EPm
Week 3:
Connection with Community | Hebrews 10:23-25 In our loneliness, we often retreat from church and community. We are called, as believers, to prioritize the time for worship and small groups, to encourage each other in the faith
www.youtube.com/live/qzeZritnzi0?si=GP4qnYjkgt_3UIIw
Connection with Community | Hebrews 10:23-25 In our loneliness, we often retreat from church and community. We are called, as believers, to prioritize the time for worship and small groups, to encourage each other in the faith
www.youtube.com/live/qzeZritnzi0?si=GP4qnYjkgt_3UIIw
Week 4:
Connection Across Barriers | Ephesians 2:11-22 Division and barriers can isolate us from one another. Christ, through faith, can break down hostilities and move us into new community and connection with one another.
www.youtube.com/live/PbTu2p7j1oQ?si=gMtInJQYhwuUNyK4
Connection Across Barriers | Ephesians 2:11-22 Division and barriers can isolate us from one another. Christ, through faith, can break down hostilities and move us into new community and connection with one another.
www.youtube.com/live/PbTu2p7j1oQ?si=gMtInJQYhwuUNyK4
Week 5:
Connection with the Larger Church (World Communion Sunday) | 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 On World Communion Sunday, Christians remember that they are part of the one body of Christ. Whether they share communion in a cathedral or the countryside, this Sunday celebrates our diversity as well as our common bonds
www.youtube.com/live/GdVPh9QFcCs?si=4x_UoeCVV9Dhr_9w
Connection with the Larger Church (World Communion Sunday) | 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 On World Communion Sunday, Christians remember that they are part of the one body of Christ. Whether they share communion in a cathedral or the countryside, this Sunday celebrates our diversity as well as our common bonds
www.youtube.com/live/GdVPh9QFcCs?si=4x_UoeCVV9Dhr_9w
ON PURPOSE
Have you ever asked this question: Why am I here? Trying to discover the purpose of our lives can lead to a lot of questions: Who am I? Do I have a “calling”? What am I supposed to do with my life? What does purposeful living look like? Often, the world is all too ready to give us answers to these questions – promising that finding the perfect job or achieving the next milestone will make us happy. But in this series, we will embrace these questions as an invitation to discover what it is that God wants to do with the story of our lives right now.
Have you ever asked this question: Why am I here? Trying to discover the purpose of our lives can lead to a lot of questions: Who am I? Do I have a “calling”? What am I supposed to do with my life? What does purposeful living look like? Often, the world is all too ready to give us answers to these questions – promising that finding the perfect job or achieving the next milestone will make us happy. But in this series, we will embrace these questions as an invitation to discover what it is that God wants to do with the story of our lives right now.
Week 1:
Why Am I Here? | John 3:1-9 Why am I here? Asking this question opens us up to God’s purpose for our lives.
www.youtube.com/live/tSRhyRVi3y4?si=4gbIqFrCm8My786p
Why Am I Here? | John 3:1-9 Why am I here? Asking this question opens us up to God’s purpose for our lives.
www.youtube.com/live/tSRhyRVi3y4?si=4gbIqFrCm8My786p
Week 2:
What is a “Purpose”? | Matthew 5:13-16 We have a lot of misconceptions about what purpose is. Finding our purpose is about discovering who God has uniquely created us to be and how our own gifts can serve others in any given moment.
https://www.youtube.com/live/JVl6IWlc1rs?si=iOzf3Fkvr7vG0iG0
What is a “Purpose”? | Matthew 5:13-16 We have a lot of misconceptions about what purpose is. Finding our purpose is about discovering who God has uniquely created us to be and how our own gifts can serve others in any given moment.
https://www.youtube.com/live/JVl6IWlc1rs?si=iOzf3Fkvr7vG0iG0
Week 3:
Who Am I? | Acts 9:1-19, John 21:15-19 We may feel like we are defined by our highs and lows, but first and foremost we are defined by God’s love of us. And God’s love promises to redeem our whole stories. It allows us to look back over our lives and see how all our experiences – good, bad, and in-between -- can shape and clarify our purpose.
https://www.youtube.com/live/hNAJ4ydjGxc?si=08ZeEG6vausnLj_M
Who Am I? | Acts 9:1-19, John 21:15-19 We may feel like we are defined by our highs and lows, but first and foremost we are defined by God’s love of us. And God’s love promises to redeem our whole stories. It allows us to look back over our lives and see how all our experiences – good, bad, and in-between -- can shape and clarify our purpose.
https://www.youtube.com/live/hNAJ4ydjGxc?si=08ZeEG6vausnLj_M
Week 4:
Purpose is Present | Matthew 14:13-21 To discover our purpose, we must not focus only on the future, but also pay attention to the present. What do we have to offer right now, and who needs it? When we offer what we have now, we find – often to our surprise – that our purpose begins to come into focus.
www.youtube.com/live/xyx2W09vMq4?si=NVE2oAm6b7K4izy2
Purpose is Present | Matthew 14:13-21 To discover our purpose, we must not focus only on the future, but also pay attention to the present. What do we have to offer right now, and who needs it? When we offer what we have now, we find – often to our surprise – that our purpose begins to come into focus.
www.youtube.com/live/xyx2W09vMq4?si=NVE2oAm6b7K4izy2
Week 5:
No Time Is Wasted | Exodus 16 or Proverbs 8:22-31 When we don’t have the answer to where we are going, we often feel like we are wandering and “wasting time.” But with God, no time is wasted. In our wandering, God offer us an opportunity to explore new possibilities through acts of creativity, wonder, and play.
https://www.youtube.com/live/Hq0cRaKEY44?si=Q4brZCoI2JJUmRyi
No Time Is Wasted | Exodus 16 or Proverbs 8:22-31 When we don’t have the answer to where we are going, we often feel like we are wandering and “wasting time.” But with God, no time is wasted. In our wandering, God offer us an opportunity to explore new possibilities through acts of creativity, wonder, and play.
https://www.youtube.com/live/Hq0cRaKEY44?si=Q4brZCoI2JJUmRyi
Week 6:
Will Purpose Make Me Happy? | Matthew 16:24-26, John 11:1-37 In a world that prioritizes “happiness,” God calls us into a more expansive vision of faith and flourishing.
https://www.youtube.com/live/iwixGBtb9Ew?si=LBTVtQ8ab8_WQhwb
Will Purpose Make Me Happy? | Matthew 16:24-26, John 11:1-37 In a world that prioritizes “happiness,” God calls us into a more expansive vision of faith and flourishing.
https://www.youtube.com/live/iwixGBtb9Ew?si=LBTVtQ8ab8_WQhwb