Sunday: Out of Our Caves and Into Our Missions / 1 Kings 19

Sunday! We gather in worship, waiting and listening for God.

• Worship: Mike Neelley

• Prayers of the People: Danielle Riley

• Sermon: Bob Ekblad

• Call to Action: Mike Neelley

• Blessing: Gracie Ekblad

1 Kings 19:9-18 (ESV): The Lord Speaks to Elijah

9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Sunday: The Shit List / Colossians 2:6-15

We gather as a loved and redeemed people, worshiping a possessive God that calls us into freedom from shame and guilt.

• Worship: Andrew Lewis - 0:00

• Prayers of the People: Bob Ekblad - 12:30

• Message: Mike Neelley - 25:38

• Closing Song: Did You Feel the Darkness Tremble - 50:20

• Call to Action: Gracie Ekblad - 54:37

• Closing Blessing: Andrew Lewis - 58:30

Colossians 2:6-15 (ESV): Alive in Christ

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Sunday: Keep Seeking the Things Above / Colossians 3

We gather in worship that our eyes and actions might be adjusted.

• Worship: Mike Neelley - 0:00

• Prayers of the People: Lise Bennett - 19:45

• Message: Gracie Ekblad - 25:35

• Closing Song: I Just Want to Praise You - 42:44

• Call to Action: Danielle Riley - 45:52

• Blessing of Lucy Capron - 47:26

• Closing Blessing: Andrew Lewis - 55:16

Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): Put On the New Self

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Sunday: Removing Blinders to See Through Delusions / 2 Thessalonians

We gather in worship together, seeking a God of truth and light.

• Worship: Mike Neelley - 0:00

• Prayers of the People: Gracie Ekblad - 18:50

• Message: Bob Ekblad - 34:47

• Closing Song: 56:15

• Call to Action: Andrew Lewis - 59:45

• Closing Blessing: Danielle Riley - 1:01:10

2 Corinthians 3:23 (NASB)

Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech…

2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 (NASB)

3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, 12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.

Romans 10:9-10 (NASB)

9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 (NASB)

5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Sunday: Rejoice in the Lord Always / Philippians 4

Sunday! We gather to worship in a difficult world.

• Welcome and Worship: Mike Neelley - 00:03

• Prayers of the People: Andrew Lewis - 18:00

• Message: Bob Ekblad - 24:08

• Call to Action: Gracie Ekblad - 49:16

• Closing Song: The Blessing - 54:01

• Blessing: Danielle Riley - 58:40

Philippians 4:4-9 (NASB)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Sunday: Do Not Fear, Only Believe / Mark 5

We gather, a dying people, in worship of a welcoming and healing God.

• Welcome: Andrew Lewis - 0:05

• Worship: Alvin and Kelsey Shim - 1:52

• Prayers of the People: Bob Ekblad - 15:26

• Message: Gracie Ekblad - 26:03

• Call to Action: Andrew Lewis - 55:53

• Closing Song, Revelation Song - 59:04

• Closing Blessing: Salvio Hernandez - 1:04:39

Mark 5:21-43 (ESV): Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus's Daughter

21 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24 And he went with him.

And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” 29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Sunday: Confessing Our Blindness and Deafness / John 9

Sunday! We gather in worship, that we might enter into the light of a broken, divided world.

• Welcome: Kevin Riley - 0:00

• Worship: Andrew Lewis - 0:40

• Prayers of the People: Gracie Ekblad - 12:34

• Message: Bob Ekblad with Tony Cienfuegos - 22:20

• Call to Action: Kevin Riley - 54:06

• Closing Song - 55:46

• Blessing: Danielle Riley - 57:58

John 9:39-41 (NASB)

39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” 40 Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.

Sunday: Enlighten the Eyes of Our Heart / Ephesians 1:15-19

We gather in worship for help and direction from our loving God.

• Welcome: Mike Neelley

• Worship: Alvin and Kelsey Shim

• Prayers of the People: Kevin Riley

• Message: Gracie Ekblad

• Call to Action: Bob Ekblad

• Blessing: Andrew Lewis

Ephesians 1:15-19 (NASB): The Blessings of Redemption

15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.

Sunday: Come, See, and Stay-Relational Life with Jesus / John 1:35-39

Sunday! We get together in real time, via Zoom and Facebook Live.

• Welcome and Worship: Mike Neelley

• Prayers of the People: Gracie Ekblad

• Message: Bob Ekblad

• Closing Blessing: Gracie Ekblad

John 1:35-39 (ESV) Jesus Calls the First Disciples

35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.

Sunday: God's Protest & Action Plan / Isaiah 59

Sunday! Our first week gathering via Zoom and Facebook Live—in real time. It did not go very smoothly, with stable connection, but we did it!

• Welcome and Worship: Alvin and Kelsey Shim

• Testimony: Lorinda Conley, Danielle and Kevin Riley

• Prayer: Bob Ekblad

• Message: Gracie Ekblad

• Call to Action: Mike Neelley

• Blessing: Kevin Riley

Isaiah 59, interpreted by Gracie

3) You have blood on your hands and have committed crimes with your fingers.
You have lied with your lips and spoken evil things with your tongue.

4) People are charged in court unfairly, no one accuses based on all the facts.       
They rely on empty plea agreements, and speak lies, which results in             
lawlessness and more evil.

7) People eagerly run to do evil and they are quick to shed innocent blood.
They think evil thoughts. 
Everywhere they go they cause ruin and destruction.

8)  They do not know the way of peace and there is no justice where they go,
They’ve made a crooked road for themselves.
Nobody on that road knows peace.

9) Therefore, justice is far behind us, and goodness is nowhere to be found.

10) We hope for light, but there is only darkness…

14) Justice is pushed back
and righteousness stands far away.
For truth has stumbled in the streets, and honesty cannot enter.

15) Truth is nowhere to be found,
and whoever goes away from evil becomes a victim themself.
The Lord saw it and it displeased him,
that there was no justice.

16) He saw that there was no one,
He couldn’t believe that there was no one to intervene.
So his Own Arm brought Him salvation,
And His righteousness upheld Him.

17) He put on righteousness as a breastplate,
and a helmet of salvation on His head;
He put on garments of vengeance for clothing 
and wrapped himself in zeal as a coat.

18)  So He will repay, according to their deeds,
wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies;
He will pay back the coastlands.

19)  So they shall respect  the Name of the Lord from the west,
and his glory from the rising of the sun;
For he will come like a rushing stream,
which the wind of the Lord drives.

20) “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob 
who turn from sin,” declares the Lord.

21) “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord.
“My Spirit that is upon you, and my Word that I have put in your mouth,
will not leave your mouth, or the  mouth of your children, or the mouth
of your grandchildren,” says the Lord,  “from this time forth and forever            
more.”

Don't Fret Because of Evildoers: Morning Devotions with Gracie Ekblad / Psalm 37:1-8

Gracie offers assurance in the big picture.

Psalm 37:1-8 (ESV): He Will Not Forsake His Saints

1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
    be not envious of wrongdoers!
2 For they will soon fade like the grass
    and wither like the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!

8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
    Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

Sunday: Pentecost and Unity / Acts 1:3, 6-8

Sunday! We gather to worship that we might be unified and transformed from our individual selves into one spirit.

• Introduction: Mike Neelley

• Welcome and Blessing: Gracie Ekblad

• Worship: Andrew Lewis

• Prayers of the People: Lucy Capron

• Message: Mike Neelley

• Call to Action: Bob Ekblad

• Closing Blessing: Gracie Ekblad

• National Day of Mourning and Lament: Sojourners

Acts 1:3, 6-8 (ESV)

3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Our Hope, Our Help, Our Shield: Morning Devotions with Gracie Ekblad / Psalm 33:12-22

Gracie begins the day with calling for help.

Psalm 33:12-22 (NCV)

12 Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people he chose for his very own.
13 The Lord looks down from heaven
    and sees every person.
14 From his throne he watches
    all who live on earth.
15 He made their hearts
    and understands everything they do.
16 No king is saved by his great army.
    No warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 Horses can’t bring victory;
    they can’t save by their strength.
18 But the Lord looks after those who fear him,
    those who put their hope in his love.
19 He saves them from death
    and spares their lives in times of hunger.
20 So our hope is in the Lord.
    He is our help, our shield to protect us.
21 We rejoice in him,
    because we trust his holy name.
22 Lord, show your love to us
    as we put our hope in you.

Sunday: Where Is Your Treasure? / Luke 12:13-21, 29-34

Our team gathers for worship, exploring how we are to be at peace.

• Welcome and Closing Prayer: Danielle Riley

• Worship: Mike Neelley

• Testimony: Lorinda Conley

• Prayer: Kevin and Quinn Riley, Andrew Lewis

• Message: Gracie Ekblad

• Blessing: Salvio Hernandez

Luke 12:13-21, 29-34,  (ESV): The Parable of the Rich Fool

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Don’t Blame, Repent Instead: Morning Devotions with Gracie Ekblad / Luke 13:1-5

Gracie addresses our impulse to find blame when things go awry, and suggests a different response.

Luke 13:1-5 (ESV): Repent or Perish

1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Sunday: Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

Sunday!

• Welcome and Benediction: Gracie Ekblad

• Worship: Andrew Lewis

• Prayers of the People: Mike Neelley

• Message: Bob Ekblad

John 14:1 (NASB): Jesus Comforts His Disciples

1 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.

John 13:31-33 (NASB)

31 Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus *said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; 32 if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

The Anchor of Your Soul: Morning Devotions with Gracie Ekblad

Gracie takes a moment to examine our hope among many worries.

Hebrews 6:19-20 (ESV)

19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf..

Need Wisdom? Ask God: Morning Devotions with Gracie Ekblad

Gracie Ekblad looks to the bounty available to us—we can have what we’re lacking.

James 1:5-6 (NASB)

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Sunday / Gracie Ekblad: Open Our Eyes, Jesus!

Sunday!

• Worship: Mike Neelley

• Prayer and Benediction: Bob Ekblad

• Message: Gracie Ekblad

Luke 18:31-34 (NASB)

31 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and mistreated and spit upon, 33 and after they have scourged Him, they will kill Him; and the third day He will rise again.” 34 But the disciples understood none of these things, and the meaning of this statement was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend the things that were said.

Luke 24:13-19 (NASB): The Road to Emmaus

13 And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. 16 But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. 17 And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What things?”

Delight in God's Wonders!: Morning Devotions with Gracie Ekblad

Gracie celebrates that all creation, we included, are designed to be fruitful and blessed.

Psalm 111:1-5 (NASB): The Lord Praised for His Goodness

1 Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart,
In the company of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the Lord;
They are studied by all who delight in them.
3 Splendid and majestic is His work,
And His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has made His wonders to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and compassionate.
5 He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will remember His covenant forever.