Unity Presbyterian - Denver, NC

This Sunday we begin a new series on the life of Joseph, the dreamer. He came from a very dysfunctional family where his father played favorites, his brothers tried to kill him, and yet God still used the poor choices of those around him to work for good in his life. What is your family like? Are they on your last nerve sometimes? Remember, families are a gift from God.

It's Reformation Sunday! Although that probably doesn't mean much to you, it is our chance to talk about how we should always be looking to examine ourselves as a church and as an individual. We should remember our roots, honestly look at our sins, and humbly repent. Reformation Sunday challenges us to do better.

Everything we do is for the glory of God. What does it mean to accomplish God's purposes in the world? Our answer comes in the giving that we do, our response to disasters, and to illnesses, and to the offerings of the church. This is Visioning Sunday when we begin to look ahead to what God might have in mind for 2025.

Do unto others as you wish they would do unto you. This includes everyone - even the vile and evil. Can you offer that kind of forgiveness? What does it look like to turn the other cheek when someone hasn't apologized? What about for your worst enemy? Pastor Dana takes a look at Jesus' instructions to his disciples on the way to treat everyone.

Do you sacrifice justice for peace? How can we have both? Jesus holds the tension between these two values as we explore how we might live lives of wholeness and healing.

What is the truth? In a world where so much information comes at you, how do you know what to believe? Those around Jesus had these issues, too, and Jesus had a lesson for them about truth. Let's listen to the words of Jesus to find what is true and right. 

What do you value? Consider how you might answer the question, “What are your core values?” Or “What do you value the most?” As Christians, we want to make sure our values match with Jesus’ values. Over the next five weeks, we will study the values of Jesus, beginning with the value of seeing the “other” as a neighbor. 

The Church is ekklesia, a group of people, a community, a gathering. It is all of us working together. One of us couldn't do it alone. We need each other. That not only applies to the Church of Unity but also to the greater Church around the world. We need all Christians working together to make the world a better place. What are you doing? Where do you fit in? What is your role?

This week in worship, we are talking about the church as a family. What is your family like? How do you fit in? What roles do you play in your different family systems? What are we called to do as a church family to be good family members?  Let's look at what Jesus and Paul have to say about the church as a family as we explore this metaphor. 

This week we begin a new series, taking a look at the metaphors of the church. This week, The Church is A... Body, specifically, the body of Christ. Take time to explore your own role in this church. Where is God seeking to use your gifts? Where can you deepen your involvement in God’s work?