 Paul tells the church at Philippi (and all of us): “God is at work in you.” That means you are worth working on. You are worth God’s time. God perceives that you are worth the investment. You are worth it.
What do you perceive is worth working on? What is worth your time? What is worth the investment, to you? We put our time and our investment into activities and institutions we value. What do you value? This Sunday, Rev. Tonja's sermon, "God is at Work in You", is based on Philippians 2:1-13. Participate beginning at 10:30AM on our Youtube Channel.  Ancient rabbis created a story (or midrash) about Nachshon, who led the Israelites across the Red Sea. Nachshon was the first to enter the waters, unsure of what to expect, or what the consequences of his daring action might be. Nachshon showed great leadership and courage.
Sometimes it is necessary to step out and take the lead without really knowing what the future holds. Sometimes it is necessary – as individuals and as a church – to demonstrate leadership and courage. This Sunday, Rev. Tonja's sermon, "Leadership and Courage" is based on Exodus 14:10-31, The Message. Participate in worship on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the virtual bulletin here.  Jesus said: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Paul said: “You can’t go wrong when you love others.” The Beatles said: “All you need is love.”
Why is love so important for Christians – so much more important than any of the other religious “laws” and commandments? Because God is love. This Sunday, Rev. Tonja's sermon, "All You Need is Love" is based on Romans 13:7-14. Participate in worship on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the virtual bulletin here.  Paul’s letter to the church in Rome instructs his readers to make the world a better place by engaging with others in a positive, loving way. Paul exhorts his audience: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil…live peaceably with all.”
Julia Jackson, mother of police shooting victim Jacob Blake, echoes Paul's words nearly a millennium later: “Let's use our hearts, our love, and our intelligence to work together, to show the rest of the world how humans are supposed to treat each other.” As Christians, we have hope in what we cannot see. We are not comfortable with what we perceive right now, but we glimpse a future that values all lives equally. We push ourselves toward what could be. We journey toward what is invisible. This Sunday, Rev. Tonja's sermon, "Journey Toward the Invisible" is based on Romans 12:9-21. Participate in worship on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and follow along with the virtual bulletin here.
We were proud to be a part of this year's festival! Rev. Tonja joined a full line up of talented speakers, entertainers, and artists to speak about North Christian Church's mission of welcoming all to God's table. |
 | We celebrate Pride Sunday on August 16 with Tonja’s message “A Place to Belong,” based on 1 John 4: 7-12. We all need to feel welcome, wanted, and worthy of love. As an Open and Affirming congregation, our message of welcome to all people is so important to share! It’s a message some people have never heard. But we know God’s love is for everyone – no exceptions! Worship will be available on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and take part in the service with the virtual bulletin here. Don’t forget the Virtual Pride Fest on Saturday, August 15, beginning at 5:00m. You can participate on the Columbus Indiana Pride website or Facebook page. |
 | Peter boldly walks on water for a short while, but then his confidence falters and he starts to sink. Similarly we, too, can start out boldly and then, before long, we start to falter. As a faith family, we can learn how to encourage one another when we start to fall. Let’s lift each other up with faith in the face of fear! Participate in worship on Sunday, August 9th for Tonja’s sermon entitled “Falls: Fear or Faith”, based on Matthew 14:22-33, New Revised Standard Version. Worship will be available on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and take part in the service with the virtual bulletin here. |
 | The well-loved story of the feeding of the crowd with five loaves and two fish is a classic miracle story found in all four gospels. But it is so much more than that! This is a story of asset-mapping, leadership, and direct action. This is a story that demonstrates the steps in finding a solution to a problem. Participate in worship on Sunday, August 2nd for Tonja’s sermon entitled “Finding a Solution”, based on Matthew 14:13-21, Common English Bible. Worship will be available on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM. Sing along with the hymns and take part in the service with the virtual bulletin here. |
In the Message interpretation of the Bible, Romans 8:39 reads: “I’m absolutely convinced that nothing…absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love.” (emphasis added)
Paul wrote his letter to the church at Rome in a difficult time of political upheaval. The community of Christians were facing some intense challenges. Paul encourages the church then – and now – to maintain hope.
We are living in a challenging time, as well. But we must maintain hope that – no matter what we are going through – God’s love is steadfast.
Participate in worship on Sunday, July 26 for Tonja’s sermon entitled “Absolutely Convinced!”, based on Romans 8:26-39, The Message. Worship will be available on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM.
Sing along with the hymns and take part in the service with the virtual bulletin here.
Paul wrote his letter to the church at Rome in a difficult time of political upheaval. The community of Christians were facing some intense challenges. Paul encourages the church then – and now – to maintain hope.
We are living in a challenging time, as well. But we must maintain hope that – no matter what we are going through – God’s love is steadfast.
Participate in worship on Sunday, July 26 for Tonja’s sermon entitled “Absolutely Convinced!”, based on Romans 8:26-39, The Message. Worship will be available on our YouTube channel beginning at 10:30AM.
Sing along with the hymns and take part in the service with the virtual bulletin here.
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