As we continue to seek God’s kingdom, scripture exhorts us to never get tired of doing good. God’s people have never been called to ending evil in the world. God has always promised that he will be the one to do that ultimately. Cheering for others in doing the big nation-sized things or hate-watching the…
Read moreFebruary 13 Message From Your Pastor: Mission Friends
Last week, I asked you to lift up your church leaders in prayer. This week, I would like you to pray that God would continue to raise up leaders. If you are already a leader in the church, pray that God will show you who He wants to raise up in the future, and for…
Read moreFebruary 6 Message From Your Pastor: Mission Friends
Mission Friends, Last Sunday, you voted in a new council. Please lift them and our other leaders up in your prayers: Linda Howell, as chairperson Francis Nakitare, as vice-chairperson Victor Adaji, as Treasurer Dina Hokanson as Financial Secretary Toni Wapner as Council Secretary Roberta Glassman, Alice Jumba Nakitare, Brenda Juma, & John Howell as Ministry Chairs…
Read moreJanuary 30 Message From Your Pastor: Jesus’ most political statement
On the whole, Jesus’ ministry was not about rebellion or insurrection to the powers that be, in spite of the evil that was felt by the Jewish minority population in the Roman Empire. His gospel message did not need political overtones, because it was about a kingdom that could not be contained by nations or…
Read moreJanuary 24 Message From Your Pastor: God’s kingdom was established through immigration
Regardless of your political position on immigration policy, it is indisputable that God used immigration to spread his kingdom. Abram immigrated to Canaan and became Abraham. Jacob survived family by immigrating to Egypt. Ruth immigrated to Israel and became the great grandmother of King David. Jesus was a refugee in Egypt. The early church was…
Read moreJanuary 16 Message From Your Pastor: Enhanced DNA
Most of you know that I like superhero stories. And every superhero has an origin story about how they came to have powers and do what they do. One common origin story these days is that something caused them to have their DNA enhanced. It is still them, just supercharged. We are starting a new…
Read moreJanuary 9 Message From Your Pastor: Praise God
Did you know that we have a lot to thank God for this last year? He was faithful to and through us last year. Here are some highlights (in no particular order): 1. We baptized most of the Wilondja family and Dana Demand! Praise God. 2. We installed AC and quiet heating in the community…
Read moreJanuary 2 Message From Your Pastor: Happy 2025!
As the new year rolls around, I know that it is going to bring all kinds of ups and downs for each of us and for the church. There will be times of great joy, and times of grief. It is my prayer that alongside any other commitments that you are making for the new…
Read moreDecember 26 Message From Your Pastor: Did You Know?
A church as a community of Christian committed to growing together. Talking about what you are learning in church and out of church, seeking support from each other around life decisions, having a meal together (just because), these are ways in which we can build community with each other. Sharing the same set of sermons…
Read moreDecember 19 Message From Your Pastor: Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas OCC! Christmas time is almost upon us. It makes me remember my favorite pageant I was in as a kid. I don’t remember a lot about except for two things- my brother accidentally put his hand through the glass of the church door (!) and the theme of the pageant, which was “big…
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