Awaken Community

Awaken gathers for its first Easter Sunday in the new building. Pastor Micah discusses Matthew 27-28 and the subversion of expectations throughout the resurrection story, including the many holy bodies that are raised to life in verses 51-53.

Pastor Micah discusses Philippians 2:1-11 and the importance of love within a community. This passage connects back to the Garden of Eden and the posture of letting go as we enter into continued relationship with God and one another.

Eugene Kim, Executive Director at Wild Fig Network and advocate for marginalized voices, delves into the Israelites' struggle against empire in Isaiah 43. He highlights powerful examples of resistance that have shaped Christian thought. The conversation explores the transformative power of the wilderness, comparing its symbolism to the rise of Christianity as a dominant force. Kim emphasizes the essential role of community in spiritual renewal and urges listeners to seek connection amid their own journeys of identity and belonging.

Delve into the complexities of the Prodigal Son's tale, reflecting on repentance, forgiveness, and the intricacies of family dynamics. Uncover the emotional struggles faced by both the returning son and his elder brother in their journey toward healing. Personal stories of reconciliation invite listeners to examine their own relationships, highlighting the importance of growth and repair. Explore the transformative power of grace and the challenges contemporary believers face in rebuilding connections.

The discussion weaves personal stories about transitions and faith, blending humor with spiritual insights. Delving into Isaiah 55, listeners explore the prophetic call for fulfillment and the power of God's covenant. They examine the vision of abundance and justice for communities, stressing its importance in church planting. The conversation also tackles capitalism's dual nature, reflecting on innovation versus income inequality. Finally, it highlights the need for faith-based economic engagement to foster healing and growth within society.

Micah explores Genesis 15 and the meaning of the word "covenant" and why this word/idea is so important to the biblical story. Where can we find significance in the fact that God chooses to be in committed formal relational partnership(s) with humanity despite knowing the outcome and tendencies.

Dive into the wilderness where Jesus confronts temptation! Discover the powerful parallels between His challenges and our own misconceptions about self-worth. Engage in discussions about intentionality and reflection as Lent begins, highlighting practices that prepare us for Easter. Explore the rich biblical narratives, learning how they shape our faith journeys and encourage a deeper community connection.

The discussion opens with the transformative power of faith, emphasizing community unity and gifts. As newcomers are welcomed, the focus shifts to growth and volunteerism in a new space. Jacob's journey to Bethel showcases themes of struggle and identity, inviting personal reflection on transformations. A bold call for social justice highlights the church's role in today's challenges. Finally, the power of imagination in nurturing hope within the community encourages active participation in shaping a brighter future.

Awaken ends its time at St James by discussing the role and significance of the altar in Jacob's story. What does it mean to mark a moment in time and how does God meet us as we set up our own altars in this time of transition?

This is the second to last Sunday at St James and Micah takes another approach to Genesis 28 by discussing the significance of being surprised by God's presence and staying curious about the places and people we will come into contact with in our new church home.