The Good News From The Gardens Podcast

Tombs, Ooze, and Transformation: An Easter Sunday Message | Luke 24:1-12

What does the pupae stage of a butterfly's life, the resurrection of Christ and our individual and communal transformation have in common? A lot more than you may think. In this message Pastor Steve connects the metamorphosis of a butterfly, and our future selves in a way that you may never have considered. Listen to the message to be affirmed that God's image of life is alive and well within you, and what that means in this day and age, that aches for hope. 
Listen to the Radio Lab podcast Goo and You credited in this podcast.
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An Ironic Friday | Luke 23:32-47, 50-53

A Good Friday message featuring hymns and short reflections surrounding our life giving event of Jesus Christ's death on the cross.
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A Meal Meant to Make You Feel | 1st Cor. 11:23-26

In this Maundy Thursday message Pastor Steve shares a number of Holy Communion occasions as a guest, a parishioner, a seminary student, and pastor that have shaped his faith life. Each occasion was an opportunity to reflect on the centrality of the sacrament to our faith, and understanding of God's grace for us in Jesus Christ. On any given Sunday, how does the Lord's Supper make you feel and why is that important to your faith journey?
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God Moves Through Offensive Smells | John 12:1-8

Lazarus’ sister Mary anoints Jesus for his burial with an expensive perfume. She is ahead of everyone else in caring for Jesus' coming death. She is on the offensive. On the other hand, Judas is offended, as he feigns concern for the poor. What does it smell like to be the church? Does sacrifice have a smell? Join us this Sunday at 9AM for a message of love that hopefully lingers within you for the Lord. 
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God Moves...Through Mud | Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Because Jesus is cozying up to tax collectors and sinners (aghast!), he is compelled to tell his longest parable, The Prodigal Son, to grumbling Pharisees and scribes. There are so many points in this parable for us to consider. Which character do you identify with, and why? The younger son? The older son? In this message we explore the character of a God that moves and works through the muddiness of life to provide us with joy. 
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God Moves…into the Desert | Luke 4:1-13

God Moves…into the Desert | Luke 4:1-13
Jesus is in the wilderness being tested, or is it tempted, by the devil. Both are used in translations. But tested and tempted are not as interchangeable as you would think. “Tested” identifies with an individual’s ability to contend with something pushed upon them, wherein “tempted” identifies with an individual being pulled away and towards something. Jesus was pushed and pulled in the desert. We too are pushed and pulled upon by the sinful forces of this world. Jesus was every bit human, as he was divine. But it’s while in the wilderness, that Jesus humanity is delivered through a time of being tested and tempted because of his divinity, because of his trust in God the Father. This Sunday at 9AM worship we’ll wander into our individual and collective wildernesses and be reminded of the benefit of relying on God.    
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Ash Wednesday Message

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
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Unlimited Love | Luke 6:27-38

Unlimited Love | Luke 6:27-38
In this second half of the sermon on the plain, aka “the level place”, Jesus provides real world examples of how His followers are to respond to the hurt and hate of the world that will be exacted upon them. In short, they are to always respond in kind, with forgiveness. Easier said than done, right?! In this message we ponder the life altering, and healing power of radical love, blessing, forgiveness, and generosity for ALL of God's people, made possible through YOU!
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Love Levels Life

Love Levels Life | Luke 6:17-26
Jesus has drawn a huge crowd to a large level place. They want to hear him, be healed by him, and ultimately, all want to touch him. They want what he possesses. They need what he possesses. In the midst of this scene Jesus looks up to his disciples and delivers hope-filled blessings alongside a few “woes”. The lesson: Followers of Jesus are not to be satisfied with the status quo of life. Their blessed assurance is not to be rested in, but is to be lived out.
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Catching Grace

Catching Grace | Luke 5:1-11
Jesus’ teaching of God’s word has begun to draw great crowds. For Simon, James, and John, Jesus’ teaching inspires hospitality, then obedience, and then risk. After Jesus’ creative power is revealed, fear and amazement leads these three fishermen to leave everything behind to become apostles. Listen to this message about God’s faith motivating grace through Jesus.
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