Rev. Venida closes out the Book of Amos sermon series encouraging us to embrace A Defiant Hope.

Inspired by Amos, Kai Ngu gives a sermon on the age-old question, “Why do bad things happen?” Between the options of “chaos” (bad things just happen without a reason) or “purpose” (bad things happen for a reason), Kai proposes an additional way: mercy, or grace, as a good thing that happens without reason.

Rev. Venida continues the Book of Amos sermon series looking at how shifts and changes in our life can ultimately lead us where we are supposed to be as we use our God-given power to create change.

Jonathan Williams challenges our notion of Christianity. Is the way we worship really what God intends? Or are we complicit in a system of power that moves away from God and embraces an oppressive religious system?

Nytasha shares about how not only are our bodies created differently, but also our brains and personalities too -- and how seeing that our diversity in brains and personalities -- is a gift from God.

A panel of congregants — Zion, Nineesha, Viv, Kai — share their experiences and interests in exploring multiple traditions (e.g. faiths, cultures), alongside their progressive Christianity, including Hinduism, Haitian Vodou, Judaism, Buddhism, Chinese ancestral rites, as well as indigenous, animistic practices. Can we hold multiplicity? Why do we want to do so? What tensions, strengths, and questions emerge?

Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Marsha E. Williams continues our Lift Every Voice series taking a look at Scripture and sharing a theology we can use.

Sometimes we feel like we are strangers in our own home. Like we don’t belong. Sometimes we feel depleted and lack the strength to advocate for ourselves and others because of the dominant powers and systemic barriers all around us. Rev. Venida reminds us that we all belong and helps us consider how we can give Power to the People as we begin our Lift Every Voice sermon series.

The human experience is filled with moments that ask us to rise to the occasion and be exactly who we are divinely created to be… but it’s hard! In these moments, how do you muster the strength and courage to move on? How do you remember that you are uniquely made by the omnipotent source of creation? ENTER, THE HYPE SONG! Join me this Sunday as we explore how the Bible reminds us, exactly who we are, time and time again!

Rev. Venida celebrates Children's Day with a reading of When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner. This book reminds children that they are deeply loved, and that they each have been created with unique gifts that fit into God's divine plan.

Jonathan Williams asks us where we look to determine how well we're doing. Chances are, it's everywhere but inwardly. Someone is richer, happier, prettier, healthier, and ultimately, superior to you. And when you live in the land of “er” you absolutely believe that you should also be living in that land of “er.” You’re just not there yet. But Jesus offers another story. One that tells us we're fully and wholly loved regardless of our lot in this world. I know. That sounds trite. boring. Too easy. Well, maybe it is, but it could also change your life. Find out how.

Priscilla Alabi examines songs that've gotten her through moments of grief and despair.

Preaching Bootcamper Damaris Giha shares her experience of struggling to care for herself as a single person, learning to ask for help, and leaning into community for more care. She explores different biblical models for community care and how we as the church are living out this model. Finally, she asks how we can continue to lean into this and devote ourselves to caring for our people so we don't have to do it all on our own.

Mary Obasi talks about confronting the climate crisis by starting from a place of love.

Rev. Venida culminates the These Bodies Sermon Series with a message on Body Image. With so many brand and beauty standards attempting to influence how we present ourselves, as well as expectations surrounding how our bodies should behave, Rev. Venida challenges us to renew our minds and to be transformed to the extent that we see ourselves as the beloved of God.

Regina Miranda will continue our "These Bodies" series as she delves into Rethinking Mental Health.

I have been fat as far back as can remember. As a child, I knew I was bigger than many kids my age but it didn't occur to me that that was a bad thing, until I was told it was. Join Preaching Bootcamper Nytasha Obasi this Sunday as she delves into Reclaiming Our Bodies as we continue our These Bodies sermon series.

As a proud elder, Rev. Venida shares a sermon on aging. From the time we are born, our bodies begin the aging process. With each birthday, we are continuously aware that growing old can come with its fair share of challenges and a host of struggles. How can we live each day with grace and dignity as we age? How can we focus on what we “can” do and not simply what we “can’t” do? How can we rededicate our aging bodies to God as a form of worship?

Pastor Angela continues our “These Bodies” series, centered on Sexual Ethics, Purity Culture and letting go of the baggage we carry about physical love. What is holy…how do we honor each other and meet the needs of our bodies?

Our bodies have been dehumanized, criminalized, fetishized, sexualized, and desexualized. Keli's body’s existence in this country came about through the commodification of her ancestors’. That violent intersection of white supremacy and capitalism still informs her relationship with her body. And it is only through the constant unlearning of harmful ideologies (because there are so many!) that she can preach on the topic: Our Bodies are Good! And they are good! She is excited to start our “These Bodies” sermon series with you all. We will be discussing sexual ethics and purity culture, decolonizing the body, aging and ageism, reclaiming our bodies, mental health and trauma, and body images. But before we can dive into any of that, she believes it is critical that we accept, and walk in, the inherent goodness of our bodies! Join us as we begin the journey of dismantling harmful influences and embracing the truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made!