Awaken Community

Week 3 of our DNA/Values series - Pastor Micah discusses the value of Authenticity by studying the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel.  As the first woman in scripture to take her struggle with infertility to God, we learn a lot from Hannah about what it means to be authentic in our lives and spiritual journeys.

Carrying on the series started last week, Pastor Micah introduces our next value here at Awaken: Holistic. In his message, he answers these three questions: What is holism? Why is it important? And what are the implications of a holistic approach to faith and spirituality?

This week, Pastor Micah launched a new series refining the values we hold here at Awaken. First and foremost, we value Jesus. In his message, Micah answers the question "If Awaken truly values Jesus, what would that look like?"

Guest speaker Stefan Van Voorst brought a wealth of his everyday experiences to illustrate the importance of connection. What does it look like in the context of culture today? And how does viewing it through the lens of our faith change or emphasize that? The slides Stefan used can be viewed here: PDF or PowerPoint

In the second and final part of the Reconciled series, Pastor Micah continues the conversation about what it looks like to be a reconciling church. Our goal as the Church should be to continue the reconciling work of Jesus on the cross - "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." (Colossians 1:19-20).

Guest speaker David Bailey, founder of Arrabon and Urban Doxology, challenged and encouraged us to be faithful fanatics of Jesus, leading us to become the reconciling Church.

It's Fall Kickoff at Awaken! Pastor Micah discusses what it means to fully be The Church and what it can look like when we bring our whole selves. Whether it's a season of breathing in, acknowledging and receiving what you need; or breathing out, giving whatever you might have to give - there's a place for us all to add our voice.

We had the privilege of hearing from Awaken's Associate Pastor Jenna Daniels on Matthew 8:18-22 "The Cost of Following Jesus". In her teaching, Pastor Jenna dives into the subtext of many evangelical upbringings where the belief was that if you were faithful in your relationship with God, you would have all you desire. Do we believe God will give us the desires of our hearts or was it turned in to "God will give you the American Dream"?

"Power, wealth, privilege often make us blind and deaf to things that are right next to us." This week, Pastor Micah delves into the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus to sort out what they're about. Why is the Rich Man not named but Lazarus, the lowly beggar at the gate, is given a name? Why does Jesus put these two people in the parable so close together? These men couldn't be any further apart - in status, wealth, and religious standing.

Guest speaker Judy Howard-Peterson explores the nature of the Good News and what it means to be the real life presence and body of Christ in the world.