Today we started a sermon series looking that the vision statement of St. Mark's UMC. We looked at what it means to FOLLOW JESUS

As we dive into Colossians 3 we hear the challenge to shift our focus from worldly to Godly, and part of that shift is being honest with self, God and others. 

In Colossians 2 we hear how Christ Alone is sufficient, but we are also called to ask the question: Do we believe that?

In Colossians 1 we hear how Jesus is Build Different and how this truth should push us to a place of Awe-some worship of Christ Jesus

When Jesus is asked who is my neighbor, He shifts the whole question and explains how a neighbor is supposed to act. Because we are called to be a neighbor to all. 

Over the past couple of weeks we have been looking at the things that distract us from our purpose. Today we took a step back and asked...What is my purpose? 

In Nehemiah we hear how 3Fs almost kept him from his great work: Fog, Fire and Fear

In the book of Nehemiah we hear how many distractions came his way, but that Nehemiah was so focused on his "Great Work", and we should be the same. 

In Acts we hear how the coming of the Holy Spirit led to the birth of the Church, this morning we asked how this same thing could lead to the rebirth of the Church 

Matthew 6 we hear how our appetites direct our treasures, attention and devotion if we ar not able to curb our appetites to pursue God more fully 

As we continue looking at the weight of our words we look at the root of our words and start the hard work of looking within. 

Our words have the ability to create universes within ourselves and others. Today we look at how in the book of Ephesians we are called to consider out words, and to use them wisely.

In Psalm 133:1, we hear that God's desire for God's people is to be in a community between God and one another. Are you willing to heed the call   

In Proverbs 3 we hear a call to trust in God. This is a call to give up your control and seek God's control in your life

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, we look to a victory not yet experienced or understood. 

In Joshua 3, we hear how the Israelites are on the riverbank, ready to cross into the promised land. The only question is, are they willing to step in faith into this new reality?    

In Exodus 32, we hear the story of the Israelites worshipping the golden calf and how this is a call to remind us to live in faith, even amidst perceived abandonment by God.

In Exodus 16 we hear the story of God providing Manna in the wilderness. This is a constant reminder that God is the provider of all we need.  

Stop, look, and Listen before you cross the sea. Today, we continue our journey in Exodus and look at the question: What do you fear? Is your faith greater than your fear?    

At the end of Exodus 13 we hear of God's guidance through the Exodus, and how God led the Israelites on a journey "The Long Way Around"

This morning, we look at what it means to, no matter the circumstances, but our faith in the truth that "The Best of All Is... God is With Us". 

In the book of Esther, we hear how God calls us to be ready to stand strong and firm for Him when the moment arises. Are you willing to take 20 seconds of bravery and courage, and when it occurs, TAKE A MOMENT?   

In 1 Kings 18, we hear about how Elijah, though in the middle of a drought, had faith that God was at work in creating a future. This morning we looked at how this story could help us develop a faith for the future and the future church.  ...

As we journey through the story of Elijah and Elisha we are asked the question. Are you living a life that will outlive your life?  

In Matthew 27:50-51 we hear at Christ's crucifixion that the veil was torn. This was the moment when the sharing of the Church shifted from a person to a people, shifting us from consumers to creators and our focus from beyond just local to glo...