Love is a verb. Too often in church we reduce love down to an idea or to a simple saying to justify what we believe. In reality, Jesus challenges us to take that word “love” more seriously. Love should drive us to action, not complacency. Love should always have us up and moving. Love for our neighbor does not stop at prayers and good vibes. True love for our neighbor drives us to care for them in tangible ways. In short, Love Serves.

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Love changes us. It invites us to grow, to discover who we are becoming, and to see the world and our place in it in new ways. The church is one of the places where that transformation can take root and grow, as people of every age and stage are nurtured, challenged, encouraged, and equipped to follow Jesus and live more fully into his way of love.

LOVE WELCOMES

Love welcomes, in ways that go far beyond a simple catchphrase of “You’re welcome here.” We are called to go deeper than just a friendly welcome because feeling welcomed and experiencing belonging are not the same thing. The church is called to extend the love of Jesus to all by looking outside of our circles – and sometimes outside of our comfort zone – to ensure that everyone is not just welcome, but fully included.

LOVE GIVES

Love is generous. It opens our hands, loosens our grip on what we have, and invites us to see our resources as gifts to share rather than possessions to protect. In this message, we’ll explore the spiritual practice of generosity and consider how giving can become an expression of gratitude, trust, and love – making a difference not only in the lives of others, but in our own lives as well.