What if the good life isn’t about having more… but needing less?

To live freely, generously, and simply—this is the sacred invitation of Christ.

Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost – Worship Service – September 28, 2025

Bulletin-09-28-2025

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6–19 (First Nations Version & CEB) | Modern Lesson: Sherri L. Mitchell

This Sunday, Pastor Chris preached a powerful and peace-centered sermon titled “Taking Hold of What Is Truly Life.” Drawing from Paul’s letter to Timothy, the message centered on what it means to reject the trap of “more” and instead embrace the sacredness of “enough.”

In a world consumed by comparison and consumption, Pastor Chris asked us to pause and consider: What are we pursuing? What are we holding onto? And what might we need to let go of to live the abundant life God has already prepared?

He reminded us that gain is not always more. That the pursuit of wealth, comfort, and control can distract us from what really matters—our faith, our community, our calling. Instead, we are invited to seize a faith that is lived out, not stored up. One that prioritizes love, generosity, and justice over status and stuff.

Pastor Chris beautifully wove in insights from Buddhist wisdom, highlighting the suffering that arises from craving and attachment. Peace, he said, often begins with letting go. Letting go of perfectionism. Of scarcity. Of the lie that we must do or have more to be worthy of love.

The paired reading from the First Nations Version and modern lesson by Penobscot author Sherri L. Mitchell brought fresh clarity and cultural depth. Together, they affirmed this truth: we find fulfillment not in accumulation, but in harmony. In living simply, truthfully, and close to God.

With prophetic tenderness, Pastor Chris called us to the good fight—not a battle of ego or achievement, but a deep wrestling with who God calls us to be. Faith, he said, is not passive. It’s something we take hold of and let shape our lives. And when we clear away what does not bring joy, we make space for God to move. That is how we take hold of what is truly life.

📖🙏 Order of Worship Highlights:

• Prelude: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” – arr. L. Larson
• Hymns: “Wakantanka Taku Nitawa” (Dakota Hymn) | “Be Not Dismayed” | “Song of Hope”
• Modern Lesson: Sherri L. Mitchell
• Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6–19 (First Nations Version & Common English Bible)
• Sermon: “Taking Hold of What Is Truly Life” – Pastor Chris
• Special Music: “Come Build a Church” | “I Love the Lord”
• Prayer: Pastoral & Centering Prayers led by Pastor Chris & Kristin Andes
• Monthly Affirmation: “We are open to letting God shape our life into some new expression of love.”

“When we let go of our need for more, we make room for God’s grace.” — Pastor Chris