Pastor Chris shares the story of Rena Quint, a holocaust survivor. Her story of survival and suffering led her to a dedication to living a life of joy. Rena’s story is inspiring and challenges us to examine the ways we view our own lives.

Guest Teacher Rochelle Palmer introduces us to poet & lyricist Fanny Crosby. Her prolific and influential songs and lyrics continue to impact generations of Christians and remind us that God’s response to sin is not punishment – God’s response to sin is Jesus.

Pastor Sean Palmer takes a look at Communion. What does this tradition mean in our lives and the life of our community? Pastor Sean introduces us to a journalist named Sarah Miles, the founder and director of The Food Pantry. Her story leads us into a deeper understanding of Communion.

This week, Ericka Graham points us to the wisdom and teachings of an ancient mystic, Hildegard of Bingen (also known as Saint Hildegard). Through Hildegard’s “visions” that require an “embodied posture” towards spirituality, Ericka uses the story of “The Good Samaritan” to remind us that we too, are called to worship our God with our entire body, and care for the entire bodies of others too—even if it means finding good in our “enemies.”

Pastor Sean Palmer shares the story of Fannie Lou Hamer and how her faith led her to fight for justice. Her story, and the words of the scripture that she held dear, remind us that we too are a people of justice, and seeking justice does have a personal cost.

As we continue in our series focusing on women of faith, Pastor Chris features our friend Shauna Niequist and her book “i guess I haven’t learned that yet”. Through her book, Shauna introduces us to a faith that is humble, quick to listen and invites us into hospitality.

Author Annie Dillard asks this question in her book “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek”: Why is there beauty? Pastor Sean Palmer invites us into the writings and faith of Annie Dillard to urge us to go outside and become aware of the beauty around us. The pace of our lives often leaves us with little time to intentionally slow down and seek beauty.

Guest Speaker, Ruth Turley, powerfully urges us to view the Gospel as a message not about life after death, but about both, life now and life after. Through both the lens of the Latin American theological concept of Misión Integral, and the prayers of Mary, Ruth reminds us that the good news, the work of justice, and God’s liberation apply right now.

Pastor Sean Palmer continues our series looking at the voices of women of faith by looking to the words of Barbara Taylor Brown. Barbara’s words invite to engage with the Bible by seeing ourselves in the stories of Scripture.

This week Pastor Chris shares a message about the playful, joyful, and beautiful nature of God, inspired by the book Divine Enjoyment by Elaine Padilla.

In a return to our new summer series, seeking wisdom from the stories and voices of women throughout the Christian tradition, Pastor Mike Yager shares insights from the life and unique calling of Joni Eareckson Tada and the story of Jacob in Genesis; in both cases, journeys transformed by the reality of disability. A perspective often neglected, stories like that of Joni and so many others challenge the ableist assumptions within our culture (the church included), and are a resounding call to the vitality of vulnerability.

Pastor Chris Seay preaches from Uvalde in the wake of the deadly mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. As we process this horrific tragedy, and other recent events that have left us similarly shaken, Pastor Chris seeks guidance from the words of Jesus to prompt us into healthy and meaningful ways to respond as people of hope in the midst of such grief.

Following the horrific tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, our team gathered to shape and share this time of prayer and lament. We continue to pray for the families of the victims, and a community in the midst of deep trauma and mourning, but our response as a church will not end with prayer. Join us this weekend as Pastor Chris will invite us into specific ways that we will engage as a family in the days ahead. Lord, have mercy.

Pastor Sean Palmer continues our new series exploring the vital stories and voices of women throughout the Christian tradition, inviting us to consider the tragic circumstances faced by Agnes of Rome. Through her story, and the teachings of Jesus, we are reminded that earthly pursuits do not sustain us, that conviction is costly, and that we worship a God who sees and joins us in places of pain.

Pastor Chris Seay invites us into the beginning of a new series which will unfold over the course of the summer, exploring the stories and voices of women in Scripture and throughout Christian history. This week, we consider the story of Anna Spafford and how her response might help us reflect upon our own in facing the inescapability of grief. We hope you’ll continue joining us for more of these powerful, beautiful, and crucial stories of faith.

On Mother’s Day, Pastor Mitzi Mak shared vulnerable perspective from her own story, and invited us to explore the many instances in which the Scriptures speak to the feminine character of God. Today we pause to celebrate the many diverse forms of motherhood, wonder at the unique and miraculous experience of childbirth, and worship together our God who is nurturer, comforter, and protector.

Pastor Mike Yager leads us to consider Jesus’ “Great Commission” and subsequent ascension as a call into shared purpose and connection as a new kind of community. In light of the invitations shared, how might you be called to more fully participate in the life of the church in this season?

Pastor Sean Palmer closes the series which has guided us through the Lenten season; utilizing Mike Mantel’s Thirsting for Living Water as a resource to help us consider our stories in light of God’s greater movement of redemption for all people, places, and things. Sean enters the story of the early church in Acts to examine our call to become the kind of genuine community through which the Holy Spirit would turn the world upside down.

It was a deep joy to gather and celebrate together at White Oak Music Hall. We extend our gratitude to all who took part, especially those who joined us so generously in serving the community, and our love to the entire Ecclesia family, wherever your Resurrection celebrations may have found you. Here, you can revisit our online service, including an encouraging message from Pastor Chris Seay. Our audio podcast feed will resume on its regular schedule next Sunday. He is risen!

On this Palm Sunday, as we enter into Holy Week, Pastor Chris Seay teaches from Lviv, Ukraine. We have connected with local pastors, and are identifying ways we can partner with efforts to care for those fleeing violence, and those continuing to defend their homeland. As we engage with Jesus’ story, today and throughout the week, we are reminded that the Body of Christ is always called to move towards in these times of extreme trial.