Questions are Lenses
Lakeside United Methodist Church
John 18:33 We all have lenses through which we see and interpret the world around us. They shape how we understand things, how we respond emotionally, and even what we think is or is not possible. One of the ways we can become aware of the lenses we and others are looking through is to examine the questions we ask.
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The Table
Lakeside United Methodist Church
1 Corinthians 8~ The dinner table is where we come to share about our days, be surrounded by our loved ones, and of course eat. It can also be a place where family tensions linger. As Thanksgiving approaches and we prepare our homes and hearts for time with our families, we’ll look to Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth for wisdom.
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A Moment Like This
Lakeside United Methodist Church
Esther 4:12-17 The story of Esther is, in part, a reminder that we can be stewards of the resources, influence, and opportunities we have been given no matter the circumstance. On this Stewardship Sunday, Pastor Dan and Finance Committee Chair Audrey France-Lanas reflect on practical ways we can all make a difference.
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Serve Impactfully
Lakeside United Methodist Church
Matthew 25:35-40 When we think about serving impactfully, it is easy to picture the mission trip or the big service project. But the opportunity to serve and make a difference isn’t just occasional or out-of-town, but it can be a part of our everyday lives. As we wrap up our Wesley Rooted series, we embrace the opportunity to continue the centuries-old tradition of Wesleyan Methodists making a difference for the Kingdom of God.
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Read Faithfully
Lakeside United Methodist Church
2 Timothy 3:16-17 The vast majority of Christians, United Methodists included, believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. But what does that mean, and what does it not mean? And how does that meaning affect the way we engage with Scripture and allow it to guide and shape our lives?
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The Flywheel
Lakeside United Methodist Church
Acts 2:47 As we gather to give thanks to God and celebrate 25 years of ministry, we reflect on the cycle recorded in Acts that demonstrates how churches survive and even thrive. Though there are a million details and challenges to living it out, staying faithful to the calling of all churches can begin to build momentum. The partnership of God’s grace and a faithful community can lead to long-standing and fruitful ministry.
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Embrace Widely
Lakeside United Methodist Church
Preacher┃Rev. Jeremy Green Scripture┃Luke 15:20-24 As Christians, we are called to love God and neighbor, but who exactly is our neighbor? Our Wesleyan heritage guides us toward casting a wide net and accepting all. As we explore the words of John Wesley and the parables of Jesus, we’ll consider how we can be unified in love despite our deeply held differences.
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Grow Deeply
Lakeside United Methodist Church
Whether we are talking about the literal roots of plants, the places and people that shape us, or the foundation upon which we have built our lives, roots are vitally important. Roots are the conduit for what sustains us, they are essential to growth, and they are meant to provide stability and strength. Therefore, it is also vitally important that we are rooted and grounded in the right thing.
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My Spiritual Progress
Lakeside United Methodist Church
It can be easy to feel like we should be further along in our faith journey, especially when we read some of the stories in the Bible. We see the bold faith of Peter, the courageous self-sacrifices of Paul, or the calm love of Mary, and we ask why we aren’t like them. And it is the subtle twist into comparison that steals away our ability to grow into the disciple God has made and called us to be.
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God’s Visceral Presence
Lakeside United Methodist Church
A good bit of anxiety stems from feeling like we aren’t getting what we need. And so we get reactive, seeking to meet those needs through our own effort. Essentially, we become like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, giving up our access to God’s presence by seeking to grasp things for ourselves.
info_outlineThere are four common dynamics that not only stress our relationships, but they often put us in a false reality. When we learn to locate and surface these dynamics, we can begin to dispel the illusion and return to the truth. Jesus promises that, through our faithfulness to him, we can know the truth, and the truth will set us free.