by Chip Johnson

​I believe in Bigfoot. My decision to believe in him pretty much comes down to granting the benefit of the doubt to so many people who must have seen something. To be totally honest, I’d have to say I really just want it to be true. I want to believe there is a big hairy humanoid out there who has managed to stay off the grid and keep us guessing all these years. I want to be proud of the guy (or gal) for so skillfully evading capture and only allowing the scarcest of photographic evidence. And, I don’t mind if you think I’m crazy because there’s really nothing at stake in it for me. For me to believe in my Sasquatch friend costs me nothing. Tomorrow, if someone was able to prove in no uncertain terms that it’s all been a hoax, as sad as I would be, my life would carry on without missing a beat.
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Believing in Jesus is easy. Following Jesus will cost you your life. Unlike making a decision to believe, following Jesus puts some skin in the game. When I choose to follow Jesus, I am diving headlong into a whole universe of messy relationships and complete trust in a will that is not my own. To live with Jesus is to embrace the reality that every Christian is a leader. We are obligated to the other parts of a Body and, therefore, give up the luxury of being along for the ride. Instead, we give ourselves over to a life lived in the beauty and chaos of community. There is all manner of risk and adventure and discomfort along the way. There is also that which Jesus promised to those who dare pass through the threshold of belief into the realm of discipleship: that we will know and be known...that, in Christ and in Christian leadership, we are loved more in the confession of sin, not less...we are lifted up in our weakness, not rejected...we are leaders as we follow, not followers or fans. What a glorious dance to follow Jesus in a life of leading each other into the depths of humility and real relationship!

by Melody Paris

This life is a journey with Christ and everyday I make choices that either shape me to be more like Him or less. It is not always easy to explain to friends and family what it means to be like Jesus and why I choose to pursure that goal. In his book Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation, M. Robert Mullholland Jr. was able to put into words the importance of the spiritual journey not only for myself but for others. I would like to share this with you:

by Misti Sanders

I just wanted to take a minute to express few thoughts about our Children’s Department. If you have not had a chance to tour the classes or meet the teachers, please come say hello. We are always looking for people to join our team. No experience necessary. Just a heart to serve. 

On Sunday morning while most of the church spends time worshiping God & listening to the sermon we get to experience a different side of worship and teaching that I believe can be equally as impactful. For those of us in the Children’s Department, we have a very unique and privileged opportunity to play with, worship, hug, teach, listen to and serve those who are so precious to God...our children. Last Sunday I was sitting in the nursery with the sweetest little brown haired, blue eyed boy, who was asleep and drooling on my shoulder, listening to our PreK teachers (in the next room) play with their students and I tell you my heart was so full it could burst. Letting go of “expectations” of my time and making space in my life to just be available has been life changing. One of God’s greatest blessings in my life has been the opportunity to witness every Sunday our amazing teachers, dedicated helpers and the adorable children. 

​God is Good, Amen.