Pastor Quinn • January 7, 2024

Epiphany of our Lord—For All People

On Christmas Eve the angel told the shepherds, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). One wonders if those words struck those Jewish shepherds as odd. For centuries, God had given special attention to one nation—Israel. There were Jewish religious leaders who taught that only members of that special people would be saved. Not according to the Christmas angel! The birth of the Savior was good news for all people.


Tomorrow we celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord. Epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “reveal.” When the Savior was born, he was first revealed to Israelites: the shepherds, Simeon, Anna. But today, the Lord miraculously guides foreigners across countless miles, so the Savior could be revealed to them as well. How did the magi respond? “They were overjoyed” (Matthew 2:10). Epiphany is sometimes known as “The Gentiles’ Christmas.” We Gentiles (non-Jews) rejoice in the good news that this Jewish baby is not just the Savior of Jews. He is for all people—the Savior of the world.

Worship—A Witness to the World

By Pastor Quinn • October 11, 2026
When Solomon dedicated his temple in the Old Testament he spoke about it as a place of the LORD’s covenant promise and presence with his people, Israel. But, that’s not all it was. Solomon also spoke of the temple, and the saving name and deeds of the LORD proclaimed there, as a centripetal force – drawing people from all over the world to come and know the only Savior God. Christ commissioned his New Testament church to take the good news of the LORD’s salvation to all nations and the Apostle Paul did just that, proclaiming the powerful gospel on his missionary journeys in places of worship. This week, we’ll explore how public worship is more than just a gathering – it’s a powerful witness to the world. As we meditate on Scripture, pray together, and take small but meaningful actions, we’ll discover how God uses ordinary people and everyday worship to share the extraordinary news of Jesus. Let’s learn, grow, and witness – together. Worship is a witness to the world.

Worship—An Opportunity to Serve and Give to God

By Pastor Quinn • October 4, 2026
There were a number of offerings associated with Old Testament temple worship. One that is familiar to many Christians is the “firstfruits” offering. Firstfruits was an Israelite feast held in the early spring at the beginning of the grain harvest. The people brought the very first sheaf of grain to the priest, who would wave it before the LORD. No other grain was used or even harvested before the firstfruits offering was made. By doing this God’s people were acknowledging that every single blessing they had actually came from the LORD. They were also demonstrating they trusted the LORD to continue to provide everything they needed – blessings both physical and spiritual. In worship, we receive from God – we also respond. One of the ways we respond is by bringing offerings to him. These offerings can take many forms: our time, our talents, and our treasures. This week, we’ll explore how serving and giving is a meaningful act of worship and how each of us has something valuable to offer. Worship is an opportunity to serve and give to God.

Worship—An Opportunity to Serve Each Other

By Pastor Otterstatter • September 27, 2026
The holiday season is just around the corner. Many people like to travel back “home” for Thanksgiving and Christmas. But it’s not so much the place itself. It’s the people there. It would seem strange to sit down alone at a large table filled with turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings, even if that table was in your hometown. It would be a little weird to open Christmas presents by yourself in a hotel room, even if it was just down the street from your childhood home. It’s not just about “me and the turkey” or “me and the presents.” You go home to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with the people you love and do life with – your family and friends. The same is true about worship. Worship isn’t just “me and Jesus.” When we gather, we’re not just sitting near others – we’re called to walk with them. Public worship is a time to praise God together, shoulder burdens together, and grow stronger in faith together. This week, we’ll explore how worship connects us in fellowship with our family of faith, offers encouragement, and even helps restore those who are drifting away. Let’s ask: How can I be someone who both leans on others and lifts up others? Worship is an opportunity to serve each other.
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