Christ Church Evangelical Covenant

Hear then Do - November 7 2021 - Pastor Vann Trapp

We all know this, but we still need to be reminded; agreeing with what someone says makes no difference if we don’t act according to what we have heard. That is especially true when we hear from God. I know a lot of what God has said. I agree with most of it. (So, yes, there are things I still wrestle with…) But if I’m honest, I act on far less than I know or agree with. James says that doesn’t make sense. Doing is what makes the difference in this world, not just knowing… or even agreeing. Let’s talk about it…

Listen First - October 31 - Pastor Vann Trapp

How often do we speak before we think? Or definitely speak before we listen. Because listening is not just about hearing the sounds that come out of another person’s mouth, but rather, actually understanding what they are trying to communicate. God knows that if we would take the time to listen, we could avoid a lot of anger, misunderstandings and strains in our relationships. But James is not just talking about listening to each other. And he is not just talking about putting a slow fuse on our own anger. There is something even more important that he is communicating here. Will we take the time to truly hear what he is saying?  Let’s talk about it…

The Single Life - October 24, 2021 - Pastor Vann Trapp

You won’t hit a target if you have double vision. You won’t make a decision if your affections are torn between two options. And you won’t find yourself in God’s blessing if you are trying to follow Jesus and the enticing options of this world at the same time. You have to focus on one image, choose one option, serve one master. We call that clarity. James and even Jesus call that purity of heart. So, how can we live our lives free of a cluttered heart; distracted, divided, diluted? How do we develop a single focus? Let’s talk about it…

The Final Draft - October 17 2021 - Pastor Vann Trapp

It is rare that any first draft doesn’t need revising. We will work and rework everything from school papers to car designs to architectural plans. Generally, our lives need revision and reworking as well. For that reason, we will often second guess God about His plans and ideas, even His intentions, assuming that they need reworking as well. But God says that His intentions never change. His character never changes. His love for us never changes. He never changes. What does that mean for our lives? Let’s talk about it…

Splitting Image - October 10 2021 - Pastor Cheryl Lavornia

Most of us will recognize that we are part of our culture and our culture is part of us. We may not like it but it’s true and no matter how much we fight against it, it still there. But, as we continue to walk through James, he says that while trials of our faith produce perseverance, these trials also lead to temptation. But if God is the one testing our faith, is He the one leading us into temptation? What is temptation? Is temptation sin? What is sin? Well, we’ve got a good deal to unpack this week! So come join us and be encouraged because God still promises us life in the end!

Split Decision - October 3 2021 - Pastor Vann Trap

How much do we value success in this world? How well do we understand our standing in the world to come? Do we ever lose sight of what is truest about us because of what is happening on the surface of our lives in the present moment? The Bible tells us that our position in Jesus never changes; God’s love for us as His children never changes; our future hope never changes. Is that what we are keeping in view as we make our decisions in this world? Let’s talk about it…

Double Standard - September 26 2021 - Pastor Vann Trapp

Wisdom. We could all use some. Life can be complicated, complex, and messy and there are times we need answers, directions, or just someone to tell us which way is up. All of that is wisdom. But where does it come from? How do we find it? How do we develop it? And how can we know when we really have it?  Let’s talk about it…

Double Back - September 19 2021 - Pastor Cheryl Lavornia

Lots of times, we set out on a journey or face a challenge with a plan. We even have an idea of how to reach that destination or overcome an obstacle. This plan takes us forward...bringing us to our destination, goal, or to a prize. But when the plan doesn't work out, we tend to "double back" or regroup. We want to go back to what makes us comfortable and safe or we ask "why is this happening to me?" But in God's Kingdom, oftentimes, our best plans are not the way forward. Join us this week to hear about Pastor Cheryl's journey on the Camino and what James has to say to us all... as we walk forward in this life.

A Second Look - September 12 2021 - Pastor Vann Trapp

How often do we ever look at hard times as a welcome guest to be honored and celebrated? Why would we ever do that? James says that it is because hard times are what prove our faith, show it to be more enduring than those fleeting trials. We often run from hard times or groan about hard times. But maybe it’s time to take a second look.  Let’s talk about it…

Goddard Park - September 5, 2021 - Pastor Vann Trapp

For some reason, even though He is quite capable, all knowing, and needs nothing from us or anyone else, Jesus invites us to join Him in the work He is doing in this world. He calls us to see the world in a different way and see our lives and purpose through a different lens. So, when Jesus comes walking along into your life and calls you to follow and learn, what will your response be? What will our response be this year together as Jesus invites us as a community to follow Him? Will it be All In?