What is the Point of Words? [Ecc. 12:9-14]
Pastor Mike concludes our Meaning(less)? series in Ecclesiastes as the author reflects on the Teacher’s words to his own son, talking about how the words of Scripture matter, and how we tend to domesticate the Bible from some of the harder words that seem painful.
The Theology of “I Dunno” [Ecc. 11:1-6]
Mike continues our series in Ecclesiastes as the Teacher talks about the benefits of not knowing everything and how wise living is not based on success, nor taking our lives too seriously.
The Limits of Wisdom [Ecc. 7:1-14]
Mike talks about the pendulum of wisdom and escapism, and talks through how the Teacher in Ecclesiastes shows way we like to escape wisdom, including the dangerous posture of nostalgia in our everyday lives.
Throwing the Bible to the Byrds [Ecc. 3-4]
Mike continues in Ecclesiastes as we look at chapters 3-4, with 2 passages well known from a 60’s song and and a statement on friendship, but have much different meanings when engaging the biblical text on the Teacher’s understanding on what we strive for may be the wrong focus.
Let’s Stop Pretending [Ecc. 1-2]
Mike opens up a new series on Ecclesiastes challenging the typical assumptions that this book is “meaningless.” Instead, he offers challenges and encouragement of why this book is considered wisdom literature, with the first two chapters providing an alternate perspective on living life.
Epiphany [Matt. 2:1-12]
Join us for a special gathering about the season of Epiphany, which means, “revelation.” Join Rev. Sayuri Kist-Okazaki, the first ordained female minister in Japan for the RCA as she walks through its meaning. Make sure you check out the entire service by the RCA Global Board on Missions at our YouTube or Facebook page.
A New Way to Serve [Rom. 7:1-13]
Guest Jon Sherrill joins us as he walks through the murky waters of understanding how to approach sin in our lives. He navigates the difficult tension of the extremes of legalism and license and the heart of what the Apostle Paul is communicating during his time…and ours.
Reflecting on 2020
Pastor Mike reflects on the past year, and shares some stories of others in community on how God has been present during a difficult 2020, in addition to what we’re looking forward to in 2021 at New Ground.
Hope’s Incarnation [Luke 2:22-33]
Pastor Mike wraps up our Hope Sings series on Christmas Eve talking about the when hope decided to show up in the Christmas Story. It may be more relevant to our current situation in 2020 than anyone ever thought.
Hope’s Revolution [Luke 1:67-80]
Mike continues our Advent 2020 series talking about the deeper revolution of hope in Zechariah’s song, one of the heart.
Hope’s Demand [Luke 1:39-65]
Mike walks through the events before, during, and after Mary’s “Magnificat,” the first song of our “Hope Sings” series. While it may seem odd, hope has many demands on the way we live now, as displayed by both Mary and Elizabeth.
Hope’s Promise [Luke 1:26-38]
Pastor Mike walks through the archangel’s Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, the mother of Jesus, showing how God chose all the wrong ways for the Messiah to show up, and that hope is in places where might not have expected or even desired to look.
From Hateful to Grateful [Jer. 30:1-22]
Pastor Mike walks through the importance of a posture of gratitude during this moment, and shares stories from several people in our community on how they are journeying from hateful to grateful during this pandemic.
When the Church is Shaped Downward [Matt. 10:32-42]
Mike ends our YOUnited series talking about how the church is called to the way of the cross, which runs contrary to much of the American church experience steeped in consumerism.
When the Church Prioritizes Discernment [Eph. 6:10-17]
Mike talks through the Jewish tradition of the “the powers and authorities” in addition to spiritual warfare. It may not be what you are familiar with, but does place a priority to the church as a body of cultural discernment. Which is shaped by the cross.
When the Church Moves in Rhythm [Prov. 16:9; John 15:1-5]
Mike talks about experiences and seasons as part of the church’s calling. He challenges how we usually look to only one season, but miss all of the others as part of connecting to our divine purpose.
When the Church Walks in Justice [Micah 6:8]
Mike walks through the words justice and righteousness in the Hebrew Bible, leading up to the church’s call to care about the most vulnerable.
When the Church Embraces Diversity [Romans 12]
Mike walks through how people different than us are necessary in embracing our calling as the church and how the communion table is the ultimate picture of this reality.
When the Church Partakes in the Divine Nature [2 Pet. 1:1-11]
Pastor Rachel Reinink returns continuing our YOUnited series, where she walks through how integrating with others is part of the solution for the reintegration of our own souls.
When the Church Forgets First Grade [1 Cor. 12:12-31]
Mike starts a new series helping the church connect to its divine purpose, which he argues the American church has turned upside down from what the Scriptures teach.