Christ Church Evangelical Covenant

Generosity in Tension - Feb 21, 2021 - Pastor Vann Trapp

We’ve heard it since we were kids, “It’s nice to share.” But that doesn’t make it any easier. In our “zero sum” thinking about life, if I give anything away, I lose. And we don’t like to lose. But God says there is a different equation that frames the universe and brings good to our lives - the generosity equation. Sharing is not just nice, it is essential for life. Let’s talk about it …

Grace in Tension - Feburary 7, 2021 - Pastor Vann Trapp

Grace. When Luther considered the essentials of Christianity, he saw Grace as one of the five pillars of the faith expressed in the Protestant Reformation. The song, Amazing Grace, is one of the most well known songs of faith both inside and outside of the Church. We all love the truth that God has offered us a gift that goes beyond simply what we deserve. So, how is it even possible for Grace to bring tension into our lives?

Wisdom in Tension - January 31, 2020 - Pastor Vann Trapp

Sometimes our lives feel like we are on a tightrope, balancing between two options, two opinions, two choices, two camps. But God tells us in this verse from James that His wisdom does not waver like that. It is steady – not a tightrope. And how is that possible? Because wisdom is never a rope strung between only two points. Its stability is found in the many viewpoints, voices, options and camps that it draws on for understanding. But there is tension in that place of wisdom. These voices don’t always agree. That is the Soul Intension of those who follow Jesus.

The Splash Zone - January 24, 2021 - Pastor Vann Trapp

When God pours into and through our lives, His presence coming through us impacts the lives around us with His power and His love. This is the Splash Zone. So, what is your splash zone? Who has God placed close enough to your own life to be influenced and transformed by the way God works in it?

Framed - January 17, 2021 - Pastor Vann Trapp

In the world of art, the most underappreciated and maligned member has to be… the frame. When does anyone ever joyfully exclaim, “I’ve been framed!” Never. And yet the frame is what helps us to focus our attention on what is essential in the picture within in. It provides a clear boundary between what is being portrayed and everything else. An essential part of our development as God’s people is letting Him frame us as well. Through His Word, His Spirit and His people, He clarifies what is important in our lives as individuals and as a community, and what needs to be let go. Have you been framed? Have we let God frame Christ Church? Let’s talk about it…

No et ceteras - January 10, 2020 - Pastor Vann Trapp

When you think about who some of the necessary people are in our community, who do you think of? Doctors and lawyers? Plumbers and electricians? Mayors and police officers? Teachers and social workers? What about when you think of who is a necessary part of God’s community, the Church? God says that when it comes to the Church, everyone He calls is an essential part. It’s like a Body. There are no extra parts. There are no et ceteras.

The Next Step - January 3, 2021 - Pastor Vann Trapp

With the arrival of Jesus, God started a new thing as well, and He has continued it up to our day. But each new season, we get to participate in a new part of God’s plan to make all things new. So, what is this season? What is our part? Let’s find out together…

Kindness - December 27, 2020 - Ken Bell

We are all happy to wave goodbye to 2020.  The year was filled with turmoil, heartache and sadness. Our routines were upended and our lives forced to abruptly change.  We worry about facing more of the same in the New Year.  Times Square will be empty when the ball drops. So how do we find optimism and hope in an uncertain future?  Why not try a little kindness.

Surprise Endings - Dec 20, 2020 - Pastor Vann Trapp

The best stories always have a surprise ending. Some twist or turn that there was no way to expect… except when you look back at the story again. And then you realize that this ending was intended by the author from the beginning. Everything went into setting it up. And because of that, the ending is all the more amazing and glorious as it is revealed, and the author is praised for the mastery with which they told the story. Such is the story of God’s rescue of the people He loved; you and me. Let’s take a closer look at this surprise ending together this week.

Surprised by the Detour - December 13 2020 - Pastor Cheryl Lavornia

It's probably safe to say that most of us are struggling... It's not us, it really is 2020. But in the midst of the struggle, it's how we make decisions, how we treat one another, and how we respond that really impacts our lives. What if there was a way to continue your journey, even with the various detours and disruptions, that would help you stay connected to God's purposes and plan? 

 

Join us this week as we walk through the narrative of scripture, examining the detours of others in order to find our own way.