Urban Village Church

When we're in need of restoration, we sometimes look for that healing in familiar places. But God can surprise us by restoring us in unexpected ways. Christian Coon reflects on this using the story of Naaman.

How can we find restoration when others have harmed or betrayed us? Christian Coon reflects on how Jesus shows us a way.

In 2 Kings there is this mighty character, Naaman, who’s seeking healing and restoration from an illness. Naaman is disappointed though with the instructions he receives to be made well. It takes the encouragement of his community, getting out in nature, and a readjustment of perspective to take next steps. In worship, Pastor Chan discussed how part of finding restoration and wholeness is being open to all the ways it may come to us, and the surprising forms it may take in our lives. 

We are not the first faithful people to return to worship together after a long time away - others have done so too, under even harder circumstances, and we can learn from them. 

This morning, Pastor Hannah encourages us to look to the Israelites who returned from exile to rebuild the Temple under Ezra and Nehemiah. How did they return to one another and what did they do? How can we embrace God while moving forward in recovery and care together? .

In our fifth (and final) week of ‘Living Into Community’ - we’re running it back!! In week one, Pastor D’Angelo spoke about gratitude, and it’s such an important aspect of community, we're speaking about it again. 

Pastor Emily invites us to consider how Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians centers around hope being restored in the midst of despair. How does hope encourage us to contribute towards abundance within community, and, cover that commitment in gratitude? Please join us!

Yesterday, we concluded our “Living Into Community” series by discussing truth telling. In the letter to the Colossians the author talks about taking off something old to put something new on, and in this process, there is a period of nakedness and vulnerability. 

Pastor Christians asks us what does it mean to be fully truthful and transparent with ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities? And how can we remind others that we are God’s beloved? 

“Make yourself at home.” As we continue our series “Living Into Community,” Pastor Emily invites us to look at hospitality.  

 

Hospitality in this passage is spoken about within two contexts: internal and external. And, hospitality requires an act of service on behalf of the entire community. But what happens when the entire community isn’t involved, and only certain members are asked to give up for others?  What would hospitality look like if everyone approached it not as something that is extracted, but as something we freely give?  When we lead and respond with love, hospitality is a spiritual experience. 

We’re human, so we’re not always able to fulfill all the commitments and promises we make. And sometimes others may struggle to follow through for us. But in Christ, every one of God’s promises are ones we can depend on. How does God’s love and faithfulness impact our community? 

Join Pastor Christian reflecting on what it means to make and keep promises and the importance of covenant. 

 

**Streaming difficulties occur between 15:20 - 17:20. Apologies for the inconvenience. Click the “fast forward” button four times and enjoy :)

We all need community, and, community is hard. This morning we begin our series “Living Into Community” focusing on our first core practice: gratitude. Gratitude is a vital and sustaining aspect of community in that it is life giving. Gratitude invites us to engage, and keeps us from avoiding. Join Pastor D'Angelo as we explore new ways, gain fresh understandings, and challenge ourselves to be reflective of the love God shows us towards one another. 

As we celebrate taking steps towards in-person worship, Pastor Chan encourages us to lean on the wisdom of Paul from Romans and Miles Morales & friends from 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.' What does it look like to lean into the abundance of spiritual gifts as community? How can we confront real fears of scarcity faithfully?