In this opening message of our Miraculous series, we explore the deep connection between faith, science, and the nature of existence itself. 

From Genesis to the Big Bang, from quarks to galaxies, this conversation invites us to rethink what we mean when we say “God.”

Maybe the greatest miracle isn’t when the rules break…
Maybe it’s that anything exists at all.

This is a call to wake up—to wonder, to relationship, and to the sacred reality holding everything together.

#Faith #Science #Miracles #TheUniverse #Sermon

This Easter message explores one of Jesus’ most famous parables—and reveals the surprising twist we often miss. What if the story isn’t just about a rebellious younger son… but also about the older brother standing outside the party?

And what if Easter is the announcement that God is still coming after both?

This sermon traces the movement from lost sheep, to lost coin, to lost sons—and ultimately to a God whose grace refuses to give up on anyone.

Because the real question isn’t whether we’ve been lost…
It’s whether we’re ready to be found.

📖 Luke 15
🎥 Recorded at Commons Church

#Easter #ProdigalSon #Grace #Jesus #Church #Faith

In this message, we hold together two powerful moments:
• The parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18)
• Jesus’ quiet, subversive entry into Jerusalem

Together, they reveal something surprising about God:
Grace doesn’t always look like justice.
And peace doesn’t always come the way we expect.

As we step into Holy Week, this teaching invites us to reconsider what we’re hoping for—and whether we’re ready for the kind of kingdom Jesus actually brings.

🙏 A reflection on prayer, persistence, and faith
🌿 A different way to understand Palm Sunday
🕊️ A call to recognize the peace we often miss

In this message, we explore one of Jesus’ most familiar parables and uncover the twist we often miss. The kingdom of God doesn’t just grow—it shows up in unexpected places, disrupts our assumptions, and welcomes the people we might overlook.

Through the story of a healing on the Sabbath and a strange little seed planted in the wrong place, we’re invited to rethink what grace really looks like.

What if the kingdom isn’t about power or perfection… but presence, disruption, and radical inclusion?

📍Commons Church

📅 Part of our Parables of Grace series

#ParablesOfJesus #MustardSeed #Grace #Sermon #KingdomOfGod

In Luke 11, Jesus tells a strange story about a neighbour who refuses to help in the middle of the night. At first glance, it sounds like a lesson about persistence—keep knocking until God finally answers. But a closer look reveals something deeper.

In this message from our Parables of Grace series, we explore the story often called The Unhelpful Friend and discover that Jesus isn’t teaching us to badger God into responding. Instead, he invites us into a posture of shameless audacity—standing before God without fear, calculation, or shame.

Prayer isn’t a transaction.
It’s an act of trust.

Join us as we explore:
• Why Jesus answers questions with stories
• Our human desire for predictable formulas in faith
• The difference between persistence and audacity in prayer
• What it means to approach God without shame

Scripture: Luke 11:1–8

If you’d like to learn more about Commons Church, visit:
https://commons.church

#prayer  #Luke11 #ParablesOfGrace #JesusTeaching #Faith

When Peter asks how many times he must forgive his brother, Jesus sets the bar: not seven times, but seventy-seven times—a hyperbolic instruction for no cap on forgiveness. This parable, the capstone of a teaching series on community dynamics, focuses on the vast contrast between the king’s audacious cancellation of an unpayable debt (a "gajillion dollars") and the first servant's brutal insistence on collecting a small one (two to three months wages).

This teaching exposes how difficult it is to resist exacting every claim we are owed. While the parable’s severe ending can be jarring, we look at the limits of the metaphor: Jesus is not formulating a theology of eternal retribution, but painting a picture of the self-chosen prison of unforgiveness. Unforgiveness can become the "debt that keeps us locked up".

Ultimately, the story reveals a king moved by splagxnizomai—a deep, guttural, overwhelming compassion. It reminds us that God, who acts an awful lot like Jesus, uses grace instead of punishment to change our hearts.

This is the third message in our "Parables of Grace" series. Catch up on the previous messages on the Good Samaritan and the Lost Sheep!

In this message from Luke 15:1–7, we explore the Parable of the Lost Sheep — one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus — and uncover the scandal, absurdity, and beauty of grace.

This isn’t just a comforting story about being rescued. It’s a disruptive story about a God whose love defies social norms, economic logic, and religious expectations.

In this sermon, we explore:

• Why the religious leaders were uncomfortable with Jesus
• The social pressure of belonging and “normal” faith
• The economics of grace (why leaving the 99 makes no sense)
• Whether we are the lost sheep… the 99… or invited to become like the shepherd
• What radical grace means in a polarized world

Jesus doesn’t offer a technical theological argument here.
He offers a story that forces us to ask:

👉 What is God actually like?
👉 Who gets left outside?
👉 And what if grace is far more unreasonable than we’re comfortable with?

Whether you’ve felt lost, left out, written off — or whether you’ve struggled with who belongs — this parable speaks directly to us.

Scripture: Luke 15:1–7
Series: Parables of Grace

—

If this message resonates with you, consider subscribing for more teachings exploring the radical grace and upside-down kingdom of Jesus.

#LostSheep #Luke15 #ParablesOfJesus #Grace #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #ChurchOnline #Jesus #Faith #RadicalGrace

But what if we’ve been asking the wrong question?

When a lawyer asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” he’s really asking where the line is—who qualifies for his time, compassion, and responsibility. Jesus responds with a story that doesn’t just redefine “neighbor.” It reframes the entire conversation.

This sermon explores:

What Jesus meant by “eternal life” (and why it’s not just about life after death)

How status, identity, and tribal thinking shrink our world

Why the priest and Levite aren’t villains—but mirrors

How grace begins when we expand our definition of who belongs

The Good Samaritan isn’t just about helping someone in a ditch. It’s about waking up to the kind of life that “outruns death”—the life of the age to come—starting right now.

If you’ve ever wondered where you draw the line around compassion… this story invites you to move it.

—

📖 Scripture: Luke 10:25–37
⛪ Commons Church | Calgary
🔔 Subscribe for more teaching from our Parables of Grace series

In this final message of our If/Then series through Ephesians, we unpack Paul’s famous “armour of God” passage — and discover it’s far less about spiritual aggression and far more about communal resilience, subversive grace, and the way of peace.

If Christ reigns… then how should we live?

Together we explore:

Why unity is central to the Christian life

How Jesus redefines victory and power

What Paul really means by “our struggle is not against flesh and blood”

Why the armour of God is about peace, not culture wars

How community protects us from both chaos and deception

This isn’t a call to weaponize your faith.
It’s an invitation to reimagine strength, rethink your enemies, and rediscover the kind of victory that looks like love.

Because if Jesus wins through self-giving grace…
then everything changes.

—

📖 Text: Ephesians 4–6
⛪ Commons Church | Calgary
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about faith, culture, and the way of Jesus

In this message from our If/Then series through Ephesians, we turn to the second half of Paul’s letter—where belief turns into practice. Using the image of a “masterclass,” we explore how Paul invites followers of Jesus to learn Christ: to put off old patterns shaped by power, status, and exploitation, and to put on a new way of being marked by humility, gentleness, patience, and love.

This teaching wrestles honestly with cultural pressure, sexual ethics, speech, and formation—while holding out a hopeful vision of transformation. Paul’s call is not about moralism, but about waking up to the light of Christ and learning to live as people who reflect that light in the world.

📖 Scripture: Ephesians 4–5
✨ Themes: formation, humility, community, sexuality, waking up, spiritual growth

In Ephesians 2, the apostle Paul pivots from humanity’s brokenness to God’s radical grace with one of the most important conjunctions in Scripture: “But God.” In this teaching, we explore how Paul uses language, metaphor, and imagination to describe what God has done in Jesus—and what that means for how we live together now.

We reflect on:

• Why Paul begins with an honest picture of human failure
• How “but because of God’s great love” reshapes faith from transaction to grace
• What it means to be God’s handiwork—a kind of divine poem
• The walls of hostility we build, defend, and carry
• How Jesus creates one new humanity marked by peace
• Why Paul’s primary metaphor for the church is not an army or fortress, but a home

This message invites us to consider how Christian community can become a living sign of God’s creativity, welcome, and reconciliation—for the good of the world.

📖 Scripture: Ephesians 2
📍 Commons Church
🔔 Subscribe for more teachings and reflections

#Ephesians #ButGod #Grace #ChristianCommunity #FaithAndLife

In this sermon, we explore Mark 2 and the unforgettable story of five friends who refuse to accept the status quo. When a crowd blocks the way to Jesus, they climb a roof, tear it open, and lower their friend down—revealing a bold, relational creativity that leads to forgiveness, healing, and transformation.

This message invites us to:

• Rethink creativity as a shared, relational act
• See friendship as a form of faith
• Embrace risk, repair, and imagination in how we love others

Creativity resists conformity. And sometimes, love looks like digging through a roof.

In this message, we explore Paul’s surprising approach to spirituality at Mars Hill in Acts 17. Instead of debate, domination, or precision, Paul begins with common ground—quoting poets, honoring spiritual curiosity, and trusting that God meets people even in their confusion.

This teaching invites us to re-imagine spirituality as something creative, relational, and generous—where intent matters more than precision, and grace is wider than our certainty. Drawing on scripture, history, and everyday stories, we’re reminded that God is often found not through control, but through humility, curiosity, and shared humanity.

If you’ve ever felt spiritually unsure, stuck, or tired of performative faith, this is an invitation to a more spacious way forward.

In this message, we explore how **technology shapes our creativity**, our relationships, and even our spirituality. From smartphones in our pockets to bricks in the story of the Tower of Babel, the question isn’t whether technology is good or bad—but whether we are using it creatively, or allowing it to use us.

We look at:

* Why creativity belongs to everyone, not just the “creative class”
* What ancient stories like **Genesis 11 (Babel)** can teach us about modern technology
* How efficiency, uniformity, and power can slowly erode human flourishing
* The impact of screens and digital life on attention, relationships, and formation
* Three practices for reclaiming creativity: **being curious, critical, and close**

If you’ve ever wondered how to live faithfully, thoughtfully, and creatively in a tech-saturated world—this conversation is for you.

📍 Part of the series: *How to Be More Creative*
📖 Scripture focus: Genesis 11, Psalm 20, Romans 1
🏛 Commons Church | Calgary

👉 Subscribe for more teaching, conversations, and reflections on faith, life, and culture.

In this Advent reflection on Luke 2, we explore Simeon’s song (Nunc Dimittis) and what it teaches us about peace, waiting, generosity, and faith in an unfinished world. Christmas isn’t about getting everything we want—it’s about becoming the kind of people who pass hope forward.

If you’ve ever wondered whether believing still matters when the world hasn’t changed yet, this story is for you.

📖 Luke 2:22–35
🕯️ Advent at Commons Church
🎄 Christmas, Peace, Hope

We look at:

• The Ordinary Shepherds: How their simple, unearned divine appointment offers a profound message of acceptance—your everyday life is good enough for God.
• The Titles: A look at the layered, powerful titles given to the Christ child—Savior, Messiah, Lord—and how to connect them to your personal struggles and needs today.
• The Gloria's Embrace: An unpacking of the ancient hymn, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests," arguing that God's favor and peace are spacious enough to pull everyone in, seeking both the lowly and the high-riding.

Ultimately, this message is a reminder that Christmas is about our "glorious humanity" being given back to us, finding the extraordinary packed into a simple, ordinary life.

In this message we look at:

✨ Why Scripture gives us songs—not just stories—to prepare us for Christmas
🌑 How the “dark nights” of waiting shape us
🔒 The hidden spaces where shame, disappointment, and unanswered prayers live
🌅 And the renewed hope that breaks in when God whispers, “Do not be afraid… your prayer has been heard.”

If Christmas feels heavy, complicated, or lonely, this sermon reminds us: there is room for your story in the Advent story.
God sees the hidden places. God hears the long-held prayers. And God meets us with light—guiding our feet back to the path of peace.

🔔 Subscribe for more Advent reflections, sermons, and teaching from Commons Church.

In this message, we explore:
Model Disciples: The powerful, non-competitive relationship between Mary and Elizabeth.
An Oldie: How Mary's song borrows from the prophetic words of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2.
The Reversal: Why the Magnificat is a fierce, political song that declares God sides with the humble and marginalized, scattering the arrogant and pulling down the mighty.
Like Mother, Like Son: The striking connection between Mary's song and the later words of Jesus, including the Beatitudes, showing that he "sounds a lot like her."
Join us as we contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation—God arriving in unexpected ways—and learn to trust the pattern of the Magnificat reversal in our own lives.

What if the real test in this story isn’t blind obedience?
What if God is inviting Abraham—and us—into a deeper understanding of divine goodness?
And what does this story reveal about the God who ultimately leads us toward compassion, justice, and the Christ who shows us God’s true heart?

Join us as we wrestle with:
• The God Who Sees
• The God Who Tests
• The Fallout
• The Second Question
• And how this ancient story reshapes our imagination of God

If you’ve ever struggled with this passage, you’re not alone. This sermon offers a thoughtful, hopeful path forward.

Beginning with Abraham’s bold negotiation with God, we look at what this story reveals about divine character: a God who listens, responds, and invites us into courageous, honest conversation. Far from depicting a capricious or vindictive deity, the narrative highlights God’s patience, justice, and surprising willingness to engage with human questions.

We also explore what the Bible itself says about “the sin of Sodom”—drawing from Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Jesus, and Jude—to show that this story has never been a single-issue judgment. Instead, Scripture portrays Sodom as a symbol of humanity’s worst impulses: arrogance, injustice, greed, violence, exploitation, and the refusal to welcome the stranger.

Most importantly, we confront the story’s deeper message: that it is extraordinarily hard to remove yourself from the reach of God’s grace. Even the worst city imaginable could have been saved for the sake of ten righteous people. Judgment is real, but God’s compassion is relentless—and the entire Abraham narrative points us toward a God whose primary posture is not power, but love.

If you’ve ever wrestled with hard texts, struggled with the idea of God’s judgment, or wondered what these ancient stories mean for a life of faith today, this teaching will help you see Sodom and Gomorrah in a new light.

If you’ve ever felt weighed down by regret, uncertain about what comes next, or wondered whether you can begin again — this message is for you.

🕊️ Series: Big Promises, Small Steps

📖 Text: Genesis 13

🎙️ Speaker: Jeremy Duncan

📍 Commons Church

#Faith #Genesis13 #Abraham #CommonsChurch #BigPromisesSmallSteps

In this opening message of our Big Promises, Small Steps series, Pastor Jeremy Duncan explores how the grand narrative of God’s reconciliation—what Paul calls “the healing of all things”—begins with a single family leaving home, not knowing where they’re going.

Through themes like “When the Moon Hits Your Eye,” “Stuck in the Middle with You,” and “Everything We Leave Behind,” this sermon invites us to reflect on the slow, unfolding nature of faith — and the ways God meets us in our pauses, transitions, and in-between spaces.

Maybe you’re in your own “Haran” moment — waiting, wondering, unsure what’s next. This message will remind you that even when the surface is still, sacred work is happening beneath your feet.

📖 Scripture: Genesis 11–12
🎙 Speaker: Jeremy Duncan
🏛 Series: Big Promises, Small Steps (Week 1)
📍 Recorded at Commons Church, Calgary

➡️ Subscribe to hear more teaching from Commons Church.
🌐 Learn more: commonschurch.org

#Abraham #Sarah #Genesis #FaithJourney #CommonsChurch #SermonSeries #BigPromisesSmallSteps #BibleStory #Faith #Jesus

In this message, Pastor Jeremy revisits the story of Thomas and Jesus’ promise of the Spirit in John 14, exploring how honest questions can lead to deeper encounters with divine love.

Through Thomas’ doubt, Philip’s confusion, and Jesus’ response of kindness, we discover a God who meets us not with precision or perfection, but with presence. This talk invites us to see that faith is not what we think—it’s what we trust ourselves to.

Join us as we explore what it means to move beyond theory and into love:

• Thomas and the courage to question
• The kindness of Jesus in our uncertainty
• The Spirit as God’s ongoing presence within us

📖 Scripture: John 14:1–21

#CommonsChurch #FaithAndDoubt #HolySpirit #JesusAtTheCentre #GroundedSeries

Bobbi shares her personal journey and the exciting news of leading the new Marda Loop Commons parish launching in late 2026. Discover the four ancient practices that guided the early church – devotion to apostles' teaching, breaking bread, prayer, and koinonia (fellowship) – and how these practices practically tie us to the world.

Learn about the Jewish roots of participation, remembering the call to take care of others as seen in Deuteronomy 15. The sermon beautifully illustrates how churches, as holy places, invite us to participate in something mysterious, ancient, and collaborative, ultimately leading to the renewal of all creation.

We’ll explore:
 • The difference between peacekeeping (avoiding conflict) and peacemaking (creating transformation)
 • How Jesus’ teaching on turning the other cheek, giving your cloak, and walking the extra mile reveal a radical third way of nonviolent resistance
 • Why following Jesus invites us to courage, honesty, and reconciliation in our relationships, our communities, and our world

📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:9, 38–45
🎧 Listen on our podcast: commons.church/podcast
🌐 Find resources (sermon notes, liturgy, prayers): commons.church/sundays

If you’ve wrestled with conflict—in marriage, friendships, politics, or global issues—this message will challenge and encourage you to imagine a world more like heaven.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more teaching and conversation from Commons Church.

What if faith isn’t just about ideas or passion, but about centering everything on Jesus?
We’ll discover how:
 • Doubt can be part of faith and lead us deeper.
 • Spiritual passion is a response to God’s grace, not a way to earn it.
 • Jesus is at the centre of Scripture and the story of our lives.

This message invites us to reframe our doubts, our passion, and our faith journey with Jesus as the heart of it all.

📍 Commons Church is a Jesus-centered community in Calgary, Alberta.
Learn more at: commons.church

From John 11 to John 20, Thomas shows us that faith isn’t about certainty—it’s about trust, risk, and the courage to keep following Jesus even when we’re unsure.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions, wondered if doubt disqualifies you, or longed for proof that God’s promises are real—this message is for you.

📖 Scripture explored: John 11, John 14, John 20
🙏 Subscribe for more teaching, encouragement, and honest conversations about faith.

Bobbi contrasts her transformative experience in Iona with a less impactful visit to Fatima, Portugal, highlighting the difference between being a pilgrim and a tourist. The talk also delves into labyrinths as an accessible form of pilgrimage, emphasizing their embodied, symbolic, and enjoyable nature, and encourages listeners to seek out local labyrinths for their own spiritual journeys.

The sermon concludes by reflecting on the idea that while intentional pilgrimages are valuable, some of the most profound spiritual encounters can happen unexpectedly in everyday life. Drawing from Hebrews 12, Bobbi encourages listeners to approach life with the light and persevering spirit of a pilgrim, keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus, the "pioneer and perfecter of faith." The ultimate message is that whether planned or spontaneous, pilgrimage is a path that always leads us home to God.

We’ll cover:
 • Song Psychology – how music rewires the brain and shapes memory
 • Social Bonding – why singing together builds connection and trust
 • Neural Pathways – what happens in your brain when you sing
 • Healing & Wellbeing – how singing boosts mood, reduces stress, and strengthens community

From ancient evolutionary debates (Pinker vs. Darwin) to the earliest Christian hymns, from Frozen earworms to Paul’s letters in the New Testament — you’ll see how music has always been more than just entertainment.

Whether you’re a trained vocalist or someone who can’t hold a tune, you’ll discover why singing is one of the most human things you can do… and why you should probably do it more often.

📖 Scripture references: Ephesians 5:18–20, Colossians 3:15–16, James 5:13
🎶 Historical note: The 3rd-century Oxyrhynchus Hymn — one of the oldest pieces of Christian music ever recorded.

If this inspires you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more thoughtful explorations of faith, life, and culture.

#WhyWeSing #NeuroscienceOfMusic #FaithAndSong #Christianity #WorshipMusic #MusicAndFaith #SocialBonding #HealingThroughMusic

As one of the most influential Old Testament scholars of our time, Brueggemann taught us how to read the scriptures not just for what they say, but for what they imagine—how they invite us to resist empires, lament honestly, and hope boldly.

In this teaching, we explore:

🌀 Brueggemann’s life and theological contributions
📚 What it means to read scripture with prophetic imagination
🏛️ The symbolism of Egypt and Pharaoh as recurring empires in our world
🌊 A poetic re-reading of the Exodus and Red Sea crossing
💭 The dangers of self-deception, the lure of control, and the power of lament
✊ The invitation to imagine Church as an alternative community for justice and compassion

Whether you’re deeply familiar with Brueggemann’s work or hearing his name for the first time, this is a powerful conversation on how scripture—when read poetically—can shake us from numbness and awaken new ways forward.

👇 Who are the voices that have shaped your faith? Drop your “classic reads” in the comments—we’d love to hear them!

#CommonsChurch #ReadsAClassic #WalterBrueggemann #PropheticImagination #Exodus #SpiritualFormation #Theology #Justice #PoetryInScripture

Whether you're new to Willard or returning to his work with fresh eyes, this sermon will challenge and encourage you to rethink discipleship not as mere behavior modification, but as inner transformation rooted in the love of Jesus.

🕊️ Expect insight, reflection, and a thoughtful conversation about the kind of life Jesus invites us into—deeply formed, fully alive, and attuned to the presence of God in ordinary moments.

🎧 Listen in. Take notes. Share with a friend.

Last week, Bobbi took us on a wild ride with Saint Hildegard of Bingen's Scivias—if you missed it, catch up now! This week, we explore Brother Lawrence's revolutionary approach to faith, emphasizing "holy freedom" and finding divine connection in every aspect of life, from preparing meals to cleaning dishes.

Learn how Lawrence's concept of a "general fond regard to God" can free us from restrictive spiritual practices and invite us to see God's presence saturating the world. We'll also unpack the fascinating story behind The Practice of the Presence of God, a book published posthumously and seemingly against Lawrence's wishes—a testament to the power of meaningful conversations and shared wisdom.

This message is for anyone navigating a polarized culture, facing physical limitations, or simply seeking to infuse their daily work with deeper meaning. Brother Lawrence reminds us that every mundane task, done in love, can mirror Christ's daily efforts to join God in what God is already doing.

Key Themes:
Brother Lawrence & The Practice of the Presence of God
Finding God in the Ordinary
Holy Freedom in Spiritual Practice
Divine Connection in Friendship & Daily Life
The Spirituality of Work
Overcoming Spiritual Frustration

✨ We revisit the major themes:
 • The Cosmic Opening: Why Paul starts in the stars to talk about daily ethics.
 • Our Desires and Contributions: How our wants shape the world—and how to reshape them.
 • Household Codes (and Their Subversion): Reading Paul’s commands through a lens of mutuality and reconciliation.
 • Bringing It Home: How the grand story of the universe lands in something as ordinary as greetings and gratitude.

🔍 Along the way, Jeremy draws connections to his book Dirt and Stardust, exploring what it means to be both grounded and illuminated—salt of the earth and light of the cosmos. You’ll hear reflections on slavery, submission, justice, and the surprising relevance of Paul’s personal roll call to our lives today.

🧂 Live lives seasoned with salt.
🕊️ Be grateful. Be hopeful. Be wise.

Subscribe for more teaching rooted in Scripture, justice, and lived faith.
📖 Series Playlist: [link to playlist if available]
📚 Learn more about Dirt and Stardust: [link to book if available]

#Colossians #FaithAndJustice #ChristianTeaching #DirtAndStardust #CosmicChrist #MutualSubmission #BibleSeries #PaulineLetters #NewTestament

In this week’s sermon, we dive deep into Colossians chapter 2, exploring the tension between divine reconciliation and human responsibility. We wrestle with profound themes like:
 • “Yeah, but…” — How Paul’s writing balances cosmic hope with real-world warnings
 • Mystical Union — What it means to participate in Christ’s ongoing work
 • The Limits of Religion — Why rule-following can’t transform your heart
 • Driving It Home — How the gospel takes root in daily life, not just cosmic theology

You’ll also hear a lighthearted story about parenting and mansplaining that grounds these deep spiritual truths in everyday moments.

This is a message for anyone wondering how to live out their faith with authenticity, courage, and cosmic imagination.

👉 Subscribe and join us weekly as we journey through scripture, theology, and the beauty of everyday life in Christ.

📖 Scripture Focus: Colossians 1:24–2:23
🎙 Speaker: Jeremy Duncan, Lead Pastor at Commons Church
📍 Learn more about us at: commons.church

#Colossians #MysticalUnion #Jesus #Gospel #FaithAndWorks #ChristInYou #ChurchOnline #CommonsChurch #BibleTeaching

Join us as we unpack:

🖋 Authorship & Literary Context – Why is Colossians such an anomaly? What do scholars say about who wrote it?
📜 Ancient Christian Hymns – Is Paul quoting early worship songs to shape his theology?
🌌 Cosmic Gospel Foundations – What does it mean for Jesus to be the image of the invisible God?
🏠 Everyday Implications – How does Paul’s sweeping theology meet us at the kitchen table?

Through humour, deep reflection, and personal storytelling, Pastor Jeremy Duncan shows how Paul’s message about Jesus is not just big—it’s intimately present in our homes, habits, and hopes.

📖 Featured Text: Colossians 1:1–23
🎙 Series Theme: “Jesus at the Centre”
🕊 Key Idea: The most cosmic convictions must root themselves in our ordinary rhythms.

—

🔔 Subscribe to stay connected as we journey through Colossians over the next five weeks!
📲 Follow @commonschurch for weekly updates, podcasts, and more.

📌 Keywords: Colossians, Paul’s Letters, Authorship of Colossians, Cosmic Christ, Early Christian Hymns, Pauline Theology, Jesus at the Centre, Gospel and Daily Life, Commons Church Sermon, Jeremy Duncan

Topics Covered:
Marriage & partnership in a Christian context
Jesus' teachings on divorce and union (Matthew 19)
The role of community and spiritual family
Building "love infrastructure" in our lives
Reflections on singlehood and diverse relationships
#CommonsChurch #StrangeNewWorld #Marriage #Partnership #Christianity #Faith #Love #Easter #Sermon

In this thoughtful reflection, we explore:

• 🌊 The surprising roots of baptism in Jewish mikvah rituals
• ✝️ How John the Baptist reimagined cleansing as repentance
• 🙏 Why Jesus chose to be baptized — and what it means for us
• 🌅 How baptism became one of the earliest Christian practice 
• 🌱 Why baptism is about more than just making a decision — it’s about participating in grace

Baptism is not just a symbol. It’s a means of grace — an invitation to step into a story much bigger than ourselves. Whether you’re preparing for baptism or looking to deepen your understanding, this message will help you see the beauty and mystery at the heart of this ancient practice.

#Baptism #ChristianSacraments #WhyBaptismMatters #JohnTheBaptist #JesusBaptism #Grace #FaithPractice #EasterSeries

Easter plops us into a world that is supposed to feel brand new. We’ve just experienced resurrection, after all. Shouldn’t the world be all white daisies and blue skies? Well, yes and no. 

The thing about living resurrection is that we live it even as we wait for it. Resurrection re-orders life with the expectation that nothing is ever really over. After the winter, there’s the warm spring. After the violence, there’s the opportunity to practice peace. In the dark early morning, there’s the contemplation of a transformed friend. 

Let’s explore Easter’s fifty days, imagining again what resurrection life means for us and how that makes a difference in the world that God loves. Through Jesus, we see the world as it should be. Now we are tasked to make it so.

In this Easter reflection, we step into the Strange New World of resurrection and explore why the Eucharist, Communion, and the Lord’s Supper have always been at the heart of Christian practice. Long before the gospels were written, before theology was fully formed, the first followers of Jesus gathered around a table — and they experienced grace you could taste.

In this video, discover:

• 🕊 Why Jesus asked to be remembered through a meal, not a monument
• 🛐 The ancient Christian symbols — from the Chi-Rho to the Ichthus — and their hidden meanings
• 📜 Why the Eucharist is the earliest Christian ritual we know
• ✝️ How real presence, mystery, and grace still meet us at the table today

This isn’t just remembering a story. It’s encountering the Spirit that remakes the world — one shared meal, one open table, one broken loaf at a time.

#Communion #Eucharist #LordsSupper #TableOfChrist #Easter #Resurrection #ChristianSymbols #Grace #FaithAndPractice

In this honest, layered Easter message, Jeremy shares a deeply personal reflection on parenting, grief, and the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. From losing a beloved family dog to wrestling with theological shorthand that reduces Easter to a transaction, this is an exploration of why the cross is not about God’s anger — but about God’s grace.

Through the words of Jesus in John 12, we rediscover:
 • ✝️ The cross as the judgment of the world, not its condemnation
 • 🔥 How violence and injustice are exposed, not excused
 • 🕊 Why the “prince of this world” is not the devil, but the systems and powers we’ve created
 • 🌱 And how resurrection is not an escape — but the slow, inevitable healing of everything

This isn’t about a God who demands suffering. It’s about a God who refuses to look away from our pain — and invites us into a future shaped by peace, forgiveness, and impossible hope.

📖 Featuring insights from John 12, Ephesians, and personal stories of loss and wonder.

#Easter #WhyDidJesusDie #TheCross #Resurrection #GriefAndFaith #GoodFriday #EasterSunday #ChristianHope #HolyWeek

May our lives reflect his light and love. In the strong name of the risen Christ, we pray.

Amen.
Make It

In this message, we unpack some fascinating questions:

• Why do we ask God not to lead us into temptation? Does God actually tempt us?
• What exactly is "the evil" we’re being delivered from? Is it the devil, or something closer to home?
• Where did the popular benediction at the end of the prayer originate, and why isn't it included in all biblical manuscripts?

Discover the rich historical roots of the Lord's Prayer and its early usage in the ancient text known as the Didache, along with how early Christian communities shaped this prayer we still recite today.

Join us as we delve deep into practical and spiritual insights, exploring how this prayer shapes our understanding of God, community, and our role in transforming the world around us. Learn how Jesus invites us not to simply resist temptation but to actively refuse to remain in a world of brokenness and injustice.

Subscribe and journey with us into a deeper understanding of prayer, faith, and what it truly means to live out God's kingdom on earth.

#LordsPrayer #Prayer #ChristianLiving #BibleStudy #Temptation #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianHistory #KingdomOfGod #FaithCommunity #PracticalFaith

What happens when forgiveness feels unfair? Can we forgive even when we've been intentionally hurt? And how do we navigate forgiveness in everyday relationships—especially when it involves unmet expectations and subtle hurts?

Join us as we share relatable personal stories, like navigating family fairness during spring break, and uncover how Jesus teaches us about forgiveness, fairness, and the transformative power of grace. Learn the difference between debts (ophlei-mata) and trespasses (paraptoma) and discover how these metaphors shape our understanding of sin, obligation, and community.

We'll discuss:

The original meaning behind "debts" and "trespasses" in the Lord’s Prayer

How Jesus' teaching reshapes our approach to forgiveness

Practical insights into managing forgiveness in personal and communal relationships

Why forgiveness is essential—not just spiritually—but emotionally and relationally

Whether you've struggled with forgiving others, forgiving yourself, or understanding the divine dynamics of forgiveness, this message offers fresh insights and real-world applications.

Subscribe and join us in this meaningful journey toward a life marked by grace, healing, and hope.

#Forgiveness #LordsPrayer #ChristianLiving #BibleStudy #Relationships #Grace #Healing #FaithCommunity #JesusTeaching #SpiritualGrowth

In this thought-provoking talk, Bobbi delves into the historical and social context of this prayer, connecting it to the Exodus story and the concept of Sabbath rest. She shares personal reflections on her own prayer journey and the many forms prayer can take.

What makes this message truly unique is the integration of Polyvagal Theory. Bobbi explains the three systems of survival – freeze, fight/flight, and social engagement – and how they relate to our ability to trust and have our needs met. Discover how our bodies are designed for connection and collaboration in receiving what we need, and how this ties into the act of prayer.

We'll explore different interpretations of "daily bread," from literal sustenance to a metaphor for a new kind of tomorrow. Plus, hear prayers from various traditions, including the First Nations Version of the New Testament.

Whether you're new to prayer or have been practicing for years, this message will offer fresh insights and a deeper understanding of how prayer connects us to God and to each other.

Key Points:
The Lord's Prayer and "daily bread"
Historical and social context of prayer
Personal prayer journeys and different prayer forms
Polyvagal Theory and its connection to trust and needs
Community and collaboration in meeting needs
Different prayer traditions
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more messages from Commons Church!

Sign up for our newsletter: commons.church/newsletter

Learn more about our Annual General Meeting: commons.church/agm

#Prayer #PolyvagalTheory #Lent #DailyBread #CommonsChurch #Sermon #Christianity #Faith #Spirituality #Jesus

We begin by reflecting on Meister Eckhart's profound reminder: "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is 'thank you,' it will be enough." With this powerful simplicity, we enter into a discussion about how the language we choose in prayer shapes our relationship with God and one another.

Today’s sermon invites us to explore:

Prayerful Adjectives: Why the attributes we assign to God matter deeply.

Parental Figures: Understanding the familial language Jesus uses—beyond traditional gender binaries—to ground our prayers in shared community.

Our Shared Reality: Recognizing prayer as an expression of unity, reminding us that God belongs to all of us.

Newborn Desires: How aligning our desires with God's transforms not just our prayers but our lives.

Ultimately, this message encourages us to reimagine prayer as sacred conversation—where we are fully known, completely safe, and unconditionally loved. It's a space where authenticity meets divine embrace.

Join us as we rediscover prayer as a profound act of trust, solidarity, and hope. May this teaching encourage you to see yourself and the world through the compassionate eyes of our collective Father.

If you’ve ever struggled with prayer, you’re not alone. Is it worship, wishful thinking, or something we say to make life better? Today, we’re diving into what prayer really means by exploring Jesus’ surprising critique of hypocrites, publicists, and pagans, as well as a hilarious yet heartfelt prayer from Tina Fey’s Bossypants.

We’ll unpack how prayer can be humorous, deeply honest, and profoundly human—all at once. Maybe prayer was never meant to be a formula, performance, or tool for divine manipulation. Maybe Jesus’ famous prayer—the one you’ve heard a thousand times—was always meant to teach us more about ourselves than about how to impress God.

Join us as we reimagine prayer together, laughing, reflecting, and rediscovering a practice that might just be bigger—and simpler—than we’ve ever imagined.

Let’s talk about how to pray—and why honesty matters more than perfection.

Subscribe & join us for the rest of this series!

#Prayer #TheLordsPrayer #Spirituality #HonestFaith #CommonsChurch

✅ War for the sake of war

✅ Rooftop encounters and unchecked power

✅ Like father, like son—how brokenness repeats

✅ Learning the lessons before it’s too late

Before we begin, a content warning: this episode deals with themes of sexual assault and violence. I’ll handle these topics with care, but if you need to skip this one for your well-being, I completely understand.

We often hear the famous phrase: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” But have we considered the full quote?

“Great men are almost always bad men… still more so when you superadd the certainty of corruption by authority.”

David’s life is the perfect case study. Once a humble shepherd, a warrior with integrity, a man after God’s own heart—his rise to power was meteoric. But once he sat on the throne, something changed. Power reshaped him. His choices had devastating consequences, not just for himself, but for his family and his nation.

This is a story of how small compromises turn into tragic collapses. How sin, left unchecked, doesn’t just hurt us—it ripples through generations. And perhaps most importantly, it forces us to ask: What am I overlooking in my own life?

Because if we celebrate the victories of David while ignoring his downfall, we risk walking the same path.

🔔 Subscribe for more deep-dive explorations of Scripture.

👍 Like and share if this message speaks to you.

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments—what stands out to you in David’s story?

#David #BibleStudy #Faith #PowerAndCorruption #OldTestament #LessonsFromHistory

Becoming King: David is anointed by the elders of Israel and finally made king. He’s got everything a king could want, power, riches, and God on his side. However, Bobbi shows us that David’s meteoric rise to power brings with it questions like, what will the future hold for someone who seemingly has it all? What insecurities will come about for someone who has secured everything? And, what has been left behind in the process of David’s success?

Priest Things: David attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His first attempt ended in the death of a man named Uzzah. During his second attempt, David takes on a more priestly role by following instructions outlined in the law, wearing a garment of a priest, and by offering sacrifices along the way to Jerusalem. These are the tools that Bobbi named that equip us to be priests for ourselves and the world: eucharist and baptism, liturgical seasons and community life, scripture and prayer.

Everything You Ever Wanted: Once the Ark is settled in a tent in Jerusalem David finally rests in his palace, free from his enemies. He Inquires of Nathan the prophet about building a House for God. God instructs Nathan to tell David otherwise. The House of God will not be built during David’s reign, but instead, it will be built during his son Solomon’s reign. What God wants David to remember is that it was God who brought him to this point, and it will be God who will builds the House of David, establishing David’s family as part of God’s everlasting kingdom—planting a seed of messianic hope.

David Prays: David is reminded of how God’s presence had been woven throughout his life. David reflects on Nathan’s words with a prayer, reminding us to take account of our lives and where we are headed. Bobbi encourages us to reckon with our current situation and pay attention to God’s involvement. Like David, we are meant to commune with God more. Even when you have it all - there’s more to have - there’s always a deeper meaning to find.

We’ll explore themes of paranoia, uncertainty, friendship, and honesty—and what they reveal about Saul’s growing insecurity and David’s unwavering bond with Jonathan.

Along the way, we’ll unpack:

✅ Why Saul’s paranoia led to his downfall

✅ How Hebrew poetry shapes our understanding of this story

✅ What David & Jonathan’s friendship teaches us about real intimacy

✅ Why true friends don’t just hype you up—they tell you the hard truths

And yes, we’ll even talk about why it’s so hard to say “I love you” to a friend—and how social media has changed the way we express closeness.

Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the Bible’s most powerful friendships. Hit play, and let’s explore together!

#DavidAndJonathan #BiblicalFriendship #Saul #Faith #BibleStudy #HonestFriendships

We’ll explore:
🔥 The power of the underdog story
🎶 The baffled hallelujah that connects us all
🐻 Why bears come before giants in our journeys
⚔️ How David’s rise reveals deeper truths about leadership, ambition, and faith

And of course, we’ll meet him—Goliath—the giant who becomes more than just a villain in the story.

Whether you’re a fan of epic battles, biblical history, or just looking for inspiration in your own struggles, this one's is for you.

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into scripture, faith, and the stories that shape us.

#DavidAndGoliath #Faith #Underdog #BibleStories #Leadership #Hallelujah

From the crisis-driven leadership of the judges to Israel’s desire for a king, this journey explores how power, leadership, and divine purpose shape history. What does it truly mean to be “a man after God’s own heart”? And how does David’s story ultimately point us to Jesus?

🔹 The last judge & the first king
🔹 The evolving idea of God in Scripture
🔹 Saul’s failure & David’s unexpected anointing
🔹 What leadership should look like

Join us as we unpack the significance of David’s introduction—and what it means for us today.

This episode covers:
• The lessons hidden in everyday moments, like a Tuesday family dinner.
• How our brains naturally filter information and the importance of curiosity in overcoming these limits.
• A deeper look at Jesus’ attentive interactions in John 5 and how they challenge us to be more present.

Discover how genuine attention can reshape relationships, give others agency, and build connection—both with those around us and within ourselves.

This third Sunday of Advent is a time of joy and anticipation, and yet it doesn’t shy away from our struggles. Bobbi invites us to embrace the tension of the season: joy and gloom, light and darkness, searching and being found. What can we learn from a 12-year-old Jesus in the temple? How does his story mirror our own journeys of faith, growth, and belonging?

In this message, we reflect on the connection between Isaiah’s prophecy and Matthew’s gospel, uncovering how the ancient cry of “God with us” becomes tangible through the birth of Christ. From the threat of war in Isaiah’s time to the vulnerability of a child in a manger, we dive into how God’s presence transcends fear, conflict, and despair to bring peace, justice, and restoration.

This talk challenges us to see Christmas not just as a celebration of the miraculous but as a profound reminder of God’s unshakable commitment to all of humanity. Whether you’re steeped in tradition or encountering these stories anew, discover the hope that comes with knowing Emmanuel, God truly with us.

📖 Scripture Focus: Matthew 1:18–25, Isaiah 7

🙏 Let’s prepare our hearts for the light breaking into the darkness this Advent.

📍 Subscribe for more reflections on faith, scripture, and community.

Through this lens, we challenge traditional ideas of judgment and eternity, showing how Jesus shifts our focus from future speculation to present action. Join us as we discover how the life of the age to come begins in the here and now, inviting us to notice the divine all around us. Perfect for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on faith, theology, and living with compassion in today’s world.

We unpack the Parable of the Talents and its counterpart in Luke’s Gospel, reframing traditional interpretations and examining how these stories challenge us to rethink God’s character and our response to grace. Along the way, we explore themes of trust, justice, and the cost of doing the right thing, with a powerful parallel to Zacchaeus’ story.

Join us as we explore:

 • How Jesus reframes judgment as an act of love and guidance, not punishment
 • The true meaning behind Jesus’ parables of judgment, like the parable of the vineyard
 • Why God’s judgment is for us, not against us, and how it helps us find life, not destruction
 • The deeper purpose of God’s correction in our journey toward grace

🔑 Key Takeaways:

 • Judgment is not about fear; it’s God’s loving invitation to live differently.
 • God’s judgment clears away the obstacles that keep us from experiencing His grace.
 • Jesus offers a new understanding of judgment—one that leads us to life, not ruin.

🌿 If you’ve ever struggled with the idea of God’s judgment, this message offers a fresh perspective full of hope, love, and grace.

🙏 Don’t forget to share, and subscribe for more messages about faith, grace, and living out the way of Jesus.

Join us as we:

 • Debunk the cultural myth of the tithe.
 • Explore Jesus’ teaching on generosity in the Sermon on the Mount.
 • Unpack René Girard’s theory of mimetic desire and how it shapes our modern relationship with wealth.
 • Discover how a “good eye” can lead us to a life of meaningful, intentional generosity that reflects the heart of God.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

 • Generosity isn’t about obligation; it’s about becoming the person you want to be.
 • Jesus calls us to invest in things that have lasting value, not just material wealth.
 • Faith and wealth are connected, and a healthy relationship with both can illuminate our path forward.

If you’re ready to rethink how faith and wealth intersect in your life, this message is for you.

🌱 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content on faith, growth, and living out the way of Jesus.

We’ll learn about the Pharisees’ emphasis on study, interpretation of the Torah, and their innovative approach to making religious practices accessible to the common people. We’ll also discuss why Jesus sometimes critiqued certain Pharisees while maintaining respect for their overall tradition. Understanding this relationship helps us better appreciate both Jesus’ teachings and our Jewish neighbors today.

Throughout this series, we will delve into these themes, offering practical insights and encouragement. We will explore how our doubts can lead to deeper faith, how friendships can support us, and how volunteering can bring us closer to God and each other. Together, let's hold onto faith, knowing that it is through our questions, our connections, and our acts of service that we truly find the divine.

Whether you feel close to God today or find yourself going through the motions, this message will encourage you to embrace faith as a lived journey. We’ll look at how both the emotional and practical aspects of faith play a role in helping us hold on, especially when things get tough.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

 • Faith is not just an emotion; it’s also about the rhythms and practices that guide us.
 • Our unique experiences and stories are valid expressions of our journey with God.
 • You are invited to see yourself as the “beloved disciple,” fully part of the ongoing story of Jesus.

🙌 If you’ve ever felt disconnected or struggled with how to keep your faith vibrant, this message is for you.

✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content that explores how we navigate our faith journeys!

Throughout this series, we will delve into these themes, offering practical insights and encouragement. We will explore how our doubts can lead to deeper faith, how friendships can support us, and how volunteering can bring us closer to God and each other. Together, let's hold onto faith, knowing that it is through our questions, our connections, and our acts of service that we truly find the divine.

In this series, we examine the transformation of Biblical narratives from a glorification of conflict to an embrace of mercy and compassion. We discuss how the initial exclusionary stance in texts like Judges gradually opens up to an inclusive, loving ethos, setting the stage for Jesus' revolutionary teachings. By understanding the journey from fear to acceptance, we offer fresh perspectives on difficult passages, reaffirming our vision of God in the light of Christ's example, and invite you to join us in appreciating the dynamic, purposeful progression of history towards peace and love.

In our conversation, we explore the deep connection between joy and suffering, pondering biblical narratives set in valleys symbolizing the depths of despair and the peaks of hope. Hear about the transformation from pastoral work to personal wellness, and the embracing of healthier habits that bridge the physical with the spiritual. As we share these stories, we are reminded that true joy is not the denial of pain but the acknowledgment and transcendence of it, offering a path to a joy that persists day after day.

In our series kickoff, we recount the story of Abraham, where a casual lunch on his porch becomes a divine encounter, reminding us that profound experiences often hide in plain sight. Reflect with us on the intimacy of this moment and the human elements that make such stories relatable. We discuss how Abraham's hospitality and Sarah's laughter exemplify faith and humanity's response to divine promises. Through these narratives, we aim to recognize the joy in the mundane and understand its significance in the grand tapestry of theological and personal narratives. Tune in to rediscover the joy in the everyday and learn to celebrate life in its entirety.

Lent provides an opportune moment to do just that. To let go of our privileged assumptions and to read from the place of surrender. This Lent, we will pick up where we left off in the fall to work through the second half of Mark’s Gospel.

We forget how diverse the first Christian communities were. Maybe it’s because we’re from a long line of “if you don’t agree, go somewhere else.” Or we’re used to finding people like us at church, not people different from us. Or we think similarity is what the healthy body of Christ looks like. The groups of people in churches like the one Paul started in Corinth would have found each other strange. Paul gets that, and still, in the face of conflict he keeps saying, “Draw closer. Draw closer to each other. It’s your difference that makes you beautiful.” Series text: second half of 1 Corinthians.

We forget how diverse the first Christian communities were. Maybe it’s because we’re from a long line of “if you don’t agree, go somewhere else.” Or we’re used to finding people like us at church, not people different from us. Or we think similarity is what the healthy body of Christ looks like. The groups of people in churches like the one Paul started in Corinth would have found each other strange. Paul gets that, and still, in the face of conflict he keeps saying, “Draw closer. Draw closer to each other. It’s your difference that makes you beautiful.” Series text: second half of 1 Corinthians.

We forget how diverse the first Christian communities were. Maybe it’s because we’re from a long line of “if you don’t agree, go somewhere else.” Or we’re used to finding people like us at church, not people different from us. Or we think similarity is what the healthy body of Christ looks like. The groups of people in churches like the one Paul started in Corinth would have found each other strange. Paul gets that, and still, in the face of conflict he keeps saying, “Draw closer. Draw closer to each other. It’s your difference that makes you beautiful.” Series text: second half of 1 Corinthians.

We forget how diverse the first Christian communities were. Maybe it’s because we’re from a long line of “if you don’t agree, go somewhere else.” Or we’re used to finding people like us at church, not people different from us. Or we think similarity is what the healthy body of Christ looks like. The groups of people in churches like the one Paul started in Corinth would have found each other strange. Paul gets that, and still, in the face of conflict he keeps saying, “Draw closer. Draw closer to each other. It’s your difference that makes you beautiful.” Series text: second half of 1 Corinthians.

This Advent, we trace the landscapes of our lives in search of the path God takes toward us.

This Advent, we trace the landscapes of our lives in search of the path God takes toward us.

This Advent, we trace the landscapes of our lives in search of the path God takes toward us.

This Advent, we trace the landscapes of our lives in search of the path God takes toward us.

We also see Jesus' unique approach toward his religious critics and his ability to expand our imagination. We reflect upon an instance where Jesus questions the Pharisees on the Sabbath law, reminding them that rules are meant to aid, not control. Unpacking Jesus' teachings and his revolutionary message about the prioritization of life over law.

We also see Jesus' unique approach toward his religious critics and his ability to expand our imagination. We reflect upon an instance where Jesus questions the Pharisees on the Sabbath law, reminding them that rules are meant to aid, not control. Unpacking Jesus' teachings and his revolutionary message about the prioritization of life over law.

We also see Jesus' unique approach toward his religious critics and his ability to expand our imagination. We reflect upon an instance where Jesus questions the Pharisees on the Sabbath law, reminding them that rules are meant to aid, not control. Unpacking Jesus' teachings and his revolutionary message about the prioritization of life over law.

 –Immanuel Kant

Two years ago, we had a blast doing a series like this...and we think you did too.So, we’re bringing happiness back.In part, because this is a practice of community. To share stories. To make meaning. To brighten faces. But also because it’s a practice of imagination. To shape futures. To inspire choices. To chart new pathways.

Life has a way of making us feel limited at times, as though the patterns and options we have are set. As an alternative, Christian faith challenges us over and over again to use our imaginations to make, and move, and hope with abandon.

So join us as we collect several voices to tell us what makes them happy. You might just find yourself feeling lighter because they did.

 –Immanuel Kant

Two years ago, we had a blast doing a series like this...and we think you did too.So, we’re bringing happiness back.In part, because this is a practice of community. To share stories. To make meaning. To brighten faces. But also because it’s a practice of imagination. To shape futures. To inspire choices. To chart new pathways.

Life has a way of making us feel limited at times, as though the patterns and options we have are set. As an alternative, Christian faith challenges us over and over again to use our imaginations to make, and move, and hope with abandon.

So join us as we collect several voices to tell us what makes them happy. You might just find yourself feeling lighter because they did.

 –Immanuel Kant

Two years ago, we had a blast doing a series like this...and we think you did too.So, we’re bringing happiness back.In part, because this is a practice of community. To share stories. To make meaning. To brighten faces. But also because it’s a practice of imagination. To shape futures. To inspire choices. To chart new pathways.

Life has a way of making us feel limited at times, as though the patterns and options we have are set. As an alternative, Christian faith challenges us over and over again to use our imaginations to make, and move, and hope with abandon.

So join us as we collect several voices to tell us what makes them happy. You might just find yourself feeling lighter because they did.

 –Immanuel Kant

Two years ago, we had a blast doing a series like this...and we think you did too.So, we’re bringing happiness back.In part, because this is a practice of community. To share stories. To make meaning. To brighten faces. But also because it’s a practice of imagination. To shape futures. To inspire choices. To chart new pathways.

Life has a way of making us feel limited at times, as though the patterns and options we have are set. As an alternative, Christian faith challenges us over and over again to use our imaginations to make, and move, and hope with abandon.

So join us as we collect several voices to tell us what makes them happy. You might just find yourself feeling lighter because they did.

And one of the things we recognize here at Commons is that we rely on a chorus of saintly mystics, scholars, and innovators to inform who we are. People whose courage and wisdom shape us as a local, 21st-century expression of the Church. 

So join us as we name our patron saints. As we explore their stories. As we celebrate the ways they guide us 

And one of the things we recognize here at Commons is that we rely on a chorus of saintly mystics, scholars, and innovators to inform who we are. People whose courage and wisdom shape us as a local, 21st-century expression of the Church. 

So join us as we name our patron saints. As we explore their stories. As we celebrate the ways they guide us 

And one of the things we recognize here at Commons is that we rely on a chorus of saintly mystics, scholars, and innovators to inform who we are. People whose courage and wisdom shape us as a local, 21st-century expression of the Church. 

So join us as we name our patron saints. As we explore their stories. As we celebrate the ways they guide us 

And one of the things we recognize here at Commons is that we rely on a chorus of saintly mystics, scholars, and innovators to inform who we are. People whose courage and wisdom shape us as a local, 21st-century expression of the Church. 

So join us as we name our patron saints. As we explore their stories. As we celebrate the ways they guide us 

And in the light of Easter morning we awake to find that resurrection has come to find us.

Slipping into everyday moments.

Seeping into the dried out and forgotten places of our hearts.

Showing up to surprise in unexpected ways.

So, we celebrate!

Christ has been raised to life, and with him all creation too.

Life and love burst into full bloom.

Decay and despair release their grip.

And as they do, we give in to hope. We look forward with fresh expectation. We come together in praise of all new begin- nings.

Celebrate with us this Easter Sunday.

Even after doing so much good, sharing so much love, and bringing so much hope, Jesus kept telling his friends that his enemies would get the best of him. And then, in the final moments of his life - With his body taken and broken by violence - Jesus seemed to pause as death approached.

He turned his face to heaven, and taught his friends a prayer for broken hearts. Simply asking, “Why?”

Which is the question we bring with us to the end of Holy Week.

Carried from all the places of our sorrow - our loss - and our helplessness.
Here we ask our whys, and remember that God spared nothing to make all things new. That Jesus gave himself
over to death to lead us into life. That in his final words Jesus revealed how God knows the language of our doubt and fear. Showing us the road to resurrection, dark as it may be. And we that we don’t have to walk it alone.

A Gospel’s structure is a roadmap – a way to get your bearings in a story.

John structures his Gospel in four parts (stay with me). There’s the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Appendix. This Lent, we’ll work through the Book of Glory (John 13-20).

But maybe you’re like, “So what?” And you’re right about something there. That word “glory” doesn’t mean much to most of us. It feels stodgy and strange. But what if we replace it with its definition? A word we are more fond of – Beauty. Book of Beauty.

As we make our Lenten journey – these forty days toward Easter – what beauty will we find in the story of Jesus as John tells it?

These beautiful stories guide us like roadmaps to live as friends of God. The stories here are about service, Spirit, belonging, union, heartbreak, and new life.

Glory includes so much. It’s beautiful like that.

A Gospel’s structure is a roadmap – a way to get your bearings in a story.

John structures his Gospel in four parts (stay with me). There’s the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Appendix. This Lent, we’ll work through the Book of Glory (John 13-20).

But maybe you’re like, “So what?” And you’re right about something there. That word “glory” doesn’t mean much to most of us. It feels stodgy and strange. But what if we replace it with its definition? A word we are more fond of – Beauty. Book of Beauty.

As we make our Lenten journey – these forty days toward Easter – what beauty will we find in the story of Jesus as John tells it?

These beautiful stories guide us like roadmaps to live as friends of God. The stories here are about service, Spirit, belonging, union, heartbreak, and new life.

Glory includes so much. It’s beautiful like that.

A Gospel’s structure is a roadmap – a way to get your bearings in a story.

John structures his Gospel in four parts (stay with me). There’s the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Appendix. This Lent, we’ll work through the Book of Glory (John 13-20).

But maybe you’re like, “So what?” And you’re right about something there. That word “glory” doesn’t mean much to most of us. It feels stodgy and strange. But what if we replace it with its definition? A word we are more fond of – Beauty. Book of Beauty.

As we make our Lenten journey – these forty days toward Easter – what beauty will we find in the story of Jesus as John tells it?

These beautiful stories guide us like roadmaps to live as friends of God. The stories here are about service, Spirit, belonging, union, heartbreak, and new life.

Glory includes so much. It’s beautiful like that.

A Gospel’s structure is a roadmap – a way to get your bearings in a story.

John structures his Gospel in four parts (stay with me). There’s the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Appendix. This Lent, we’ll work through the Book of Glory (John 13-20).

But maybe you’re like, “So what?” And you’re right about something there. That word “glory” doesn’t mean much to most of us. It feels stodgy and strange. But what if we replace it with its definition? A word we are more fond of – Beauty. Book of Beauty.

As we make our Lenten journey – these forty days toward Easter – what beauty will we find in the story of Jesus as John tells it?

These beautiful stories guide us like roadmaps to live as friends of God. The stories here are about service, Spirit, belonging, union, heartbreak, and new life.

Glory includes so much. It’s beautiful like that.

A Gospel’s structure is a roadmap – a way to get your bearings in a story.

John structures his Gospel in four parts (stay with me). There’s the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Appendix. This Lent, we’ll work through the Book of Glory (John 13-20).

But maybe you’re like, “So what?” And you’re right about something there. That word “glory” doesn’t mean much to most of us. It feels stodgy and strange. But what if we replace it with its definition? A word we are more fond of – Beauty. Book of Beauty.

As we make our Lenten journey – these forty days toward Easter – what beauty will we find in the story of Jesus as John tells it?

These beautiful stories guide us like roadmaps to live as friends of God. The stories here are about service, Spirit, belonging, union, heartbreak, and new life.

Glory includes so much. It’s beautiful like that.

A Gospel’s structure is a roadmap – a way to get your bearings in a story.

John structures his Gospel in four parts (stay with me). There’s the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Appendix. This Lent, we’ll work through the Book of Glory (John 13-20).

But maybe you’re like, “So what?” And you’re right about something there. That word “glory” doesn’t mean much to most of us. It feels stodgy and strange. But what if we replace it with its definition? A word we are more fond of – Beauty. Book of Beauty.