Awaken Community

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. 

Guest speaker Jer Swigart from The Global Immersion Project walks us through what it looks like to follow the Spirit out beyond the borders of comfort.  Is this what was happening to Jesus in this moment?  Was Jesus following the Spirit's invitation out beyond his own borders and comfort?  

Worship Director Melody Olson explores the passage where Jesus desires to gather Israel like a mother hen wants to gather her chicks.  Is God male or female or something more than our categories?  

Micah preaches from the shortest passage in the Bible, John 11:35.  Lament and grief are a part of our lives and yet so many of us are afraid of them being a part of our life with God.  

Every year on a Sunday close to July 11th, we gather outside to remember where we started (in Cherokee Heights Park) and to celebrate the ways in which we have found God to be faithful.  Thanks to Vanessa, Andy, Claudette and Micaela who offered their stories. 

Tom Albinson of International Association For Refugees looks at Matthew 25 through the lens a lifetime of working with displaced peoples.