This week, Pastor John explores what true ministry looks like by examining the Apostle Paul's heart for the church in Thessalonica. He emphasizes that meaningful ministry flows from a heart devoted to God rather than a desire for recognition or personal gain. Pastor John identifies three core characteristics of this heart-centered ministry: the courage to faithfully proclaim the gospel, a life lived with unwavering integrity, and a deep, loving care for the people we serve. He challenges everyone to reflect on these qualities, reminding us that we are all called to minister in our own spheres of life—whether at home, with friends, or at work. True ministry is about loving others enough to share both the truth of the gospel and our actual lives with them. Ultimately, encouraging us to prioritize pleasing God above pleasing people, trusting that when our service is rooted in his love, he will use us to make a lasting impact.

This week, we heard from the New England District Work and Witness Team as they shared their inspiring journey to South Africa. The team, which included four members from our own congregation, dedicated their time to the Nazarene Theological College in Johannesburg. They worked hard to paint and renovate sixteen bedrooms at the Good News Convention Center, a facility that provides essential financial support for the college. Beyond the physical labor, the team treasures the deep bonds they formed with students, the spiritual growth they experienced, and the warm, family-like welcome they received from the local community. Following this report, Pastor John delivers a powerful 'Mission Challenge' rooted in the gospel message from Romans. He emphasizes that while not everyone is called to travel across the globe, every believer is called to be part of God's mission. Whether through prayer, financial support, or local service, we are all encouraged to share the love and hope of Jesus. The challenge for us is to look at our own lives and neighborhoods and consider how we can faithfully tell others about the good news, just as we have freely received it.

This week, Pastor Chima explores the importance of maintaining a faith that remembers. He addresses how easily we can fall into spiritual amnesia when life gets tough, much like the Israelites who quickly forgot God's faithfulness after Moses spent time on the mountain. Pastor Chima highlights how fear and uncertainty often drive us to create idols of control and comfort instead of trusting God. He emphasizes that while our circumstances may shift, God's character remains constant. He encourages us to practice intentional remembrance—like keeping a journal of answered prayers—to ground ourselves in the truth of God's past provision. Ultimately, he reminds us that we serve a merciful God who hears our cries and stands in the gap for us, calling us to cast aside our distractions and place our full trust in Him.

This week, Pastor Julia wraps up our At This Table series by reflecting on the walk to Emmaus. She gently reminds us that our expectations often cloud our vision, preventing us from recognizing Jesus right beside us during our times of grief, disappointment, or confusion. Focusing on the moment when the disciples finally see the risen Savior as he breaks bread with them, she emphasizes that the table is a transformative space. It is here that hospitality, grace, and scripture converge to open our eyes. Pastor Julia encourages us to bring our heavy hearts and unmet expectations to the table, trusting that as we encounter the living Jesus, our own hearts will be set aflame, compelling us to share the good news with everyone we meet.

This week, Pastor John continues the series on tables in Scripture by turning to the most significant table of all: the Last Supper in the upper room. On the night He was betrayed, Jesus gathered His imperfect disciples, including the one who would betray Him and the one who would deny Him, and transformed the familiar Passover meal into a gift of redeeming grace. Taking what scholars identify as the cup of redemption, He declared a new covenant in His blood and said, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you,” knowing the cross was only hours away. In the message “Grace Is Served,” Pastor John shows that the Lord’s Table is not a reward for the worthy but an invitation from the gracious. Jesus meets imperfect people with redeeming grace, calling forgetful people to remember a faithful Savior, receive forgiveness, and live as those who have been redeemed. The words “for you” make that grace personal. Because we have received it, we are called to extend it to others. Listeners are invited to come to the table not because they have it all together, but because Jesus eagerly offers Himself, and because at this table, grace is always served. For this series, our church is gathering in the foyer around tables rather than meeting in the sanctuary. The different setting may result in some variation in audio quality.

This week, Pastor John continues the “At This Table” series with a message from Luke 7:36-50. Jesus is a guest at the home of Simon the Pharisee when a woman known as a sinner enters, weeps over His feet, dries them with her hair, and pours out costly perfume in an act of extravagant love. Simon silently judges both the woman and Jesus; Jesus answers his thoughts with the parable of two debtors—one forgiven a large debt, the other a smaller one—and asks which will love more. The story exposes Simon’s blindness to Jesus, to the woman, and to his own need, while revealing the woman’s gratitude as the evidence of a great debt already forgiven. Pastor John traces Jesus’ compassion for those others discard, reminding us that every person carries a debt before God that cannot be repaid, and shows that God’s love is the source of forgiveness while our love, worship, giving, and willingness to forgive others are the grateful response. For this series, our church is gathering in the foyer around tables rather than meeting in the sanctuary. The different setting may result in some variation in audio quality.

This week, Pastor John continues the “At the Table” series by focusing on God’s provision through the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17. When resources run dry and hope feels scarce, God still sets a table with enough. Through obedience, trust, and offering what little we have, we discover that God can do much with little—and that His faithfulness never runs out. The message culminates at the Lord’s Table, where we remember the greatest provision of all: salvation in Jesus. For this series, our church is gathering in the foyer around tables rather than meeting in the sanctuary. The different setting may result in some variation in audio quality, but we hope this message is an encouragement as we begin this series together.

This week, Pastor John begins our new series, “At This Table,” with a message from Genesis 18:1-15 titled “Everyone Is Welcome.” Through the story of Abraham welcoming unexpected visitors, we’re invited to consider the importance of hospitality and what it means to make room for others. As we gather around tables together, Pastor John challenges us to see hospitality as more than simply opening our homes, but as a reflection of God’s heart and His welcome to us. For this series, our church is gathering in the foyer around tables rather than meeting in the sanctuary. The different setting may result in some variation in audio quality, but we hope this message is an encouragement as we begin this series together.

This week, Pastor John guides us through the final chapter of the Book of Ruth, concluding our journey in the series Finding Hope in Hard Places. He brings the story of Boaz and Ruth to life, showing how God works behind the scenes to orchestrate a beautiful plan of provision and redemption. Pastor John helps us see how this ancient story reflects the bigger picture of Jesus as our true kinsman-redeemer, who secures our future and invites us into his own story. He encourages us to lean into trust and faith even when life feels uncertain, reminding us that God is always at work in our own stories, ready to turn seasons of emptiness into restoration and hope.

This week, Pastor John dives into the third chapter of Ruth, exploring what it means to keep trusting God while we wait for his promises to unfold. He highlights how Ruth takes a courageous step of faith by approaching Boaz at the threshing floor, showing us that daring to hope often requires moving forward even when we don't have all the answers yet. Pastor John reminds us that just because we don't see the full resolution to our struggles immediately doesn't mean God isn't at work. Just as Ruth experiences a partial provision and still has questions about the future, we are encouraged to remain faithful in the small, daily tasks God gives us. He emphasizes that we can find peace by trusting in God's character, knowing that he is writing our story and providing for our needs even in the middle of the waiting.