Removing the Scum
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Removing the Scum

And it’s a painful dentist visit if you get too far behind. That’s sort of how it’s been during the years of not reading scripture daily: scum-y. And the scum builds. Self-talk is scum-y, conversations with strangers are scum-y, talking with friends and family becomes scum-y.

Ten Commandments: What is this in my Right Hand?
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Ten Commandments: What is this in my Right Hand?

What is this in my Right Hand? 10 Commandments – Week 3 Mike Halstead 6/24/18 This week, we move on to the 2nd commandment, and discuss the dangerous practice of creating things that are not God in His image. We also will further take a look at God’s “jealous” nature, something that may be difficult...

Wildwood Forest Vacation Bible School (VBS!)
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Wildwood Forest Vacation Bible School (VBS!)

  Kindergarten – 5th grade Suggested donation of $5 Kids will discover the untamable nature of God as they visit Discovery Sites throughout Wildwood Forest. God’s character goes beyond our imaginations as He reveals himself in exciting, unexpected ways. Register today! To Volunteer for VBS There are so many things to do: help with decorations...

Ten Commandments: No Other Gods!
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Ten Commandments: No Other Gods!

10 Commandments Week 2: No Other Gods! Pastor Mike Halstead 6/17/18   This week we are diving into the 10 commandments proper, with number one: “You shall have no other gods before me.” Let’s discuss this, the first rule in God’s far-reaching Law, and see if we might be able to apply it to our...

Ten Commandments – The Finger of God
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Ten Commandments – The Finger of God

10 Commandments Week 1 6/10/18 Pastor Mike Halstead The ten commandments are a topic everyone knows about- even those who’ve never stepped inside a church building. Unfortunately, familiarity can often lead to an assumption that we know all about the topic – and we may not be right! Starting this week, we are going to...

Fresh Water: A Forest Ablaze
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Fresh Water: A Forest Ablaze

Fresh Water Week 6: A Forest Ablaze Mike Halstead 6/3/18 As we come back to our series about the power of our speech, let’s take a close look a few verses from James 3, and the vibrant imagery the author uses to describe the danger that our tongues can cause. James compares the tongue to...

Fresh Water
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Fresh Water

Fresh Water: The Art of Listening Mike Halstead 5/20/18 For the last four weeks, we have been examining James 3, a passage dedicated to the dangers of unrestrained speech and the importance of using your tongue for good, rather than sin. This week, let’s take a look at the reverse side of the coin: listening. In...

Fresh Water: The Surface of Faith
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Fresh Water: The Surface of Faith

Fresh Water: The Surface of Faith Pastor Mike Halstead 5/13/18 This week, let’s take some time to talk about how our faith translates into action. We have been looking at a passage in James 3 for a month now, unpacking the potential our tongues have. Potential to build up or destroy; to encourage or hurt....

Fresh Water: Good Vibrations and Positive Motivations
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Fresh Water: Good Vibrations and Positive Motivations

Fresh Water: Good Vibrations and Positive Motivations 5/6/18 Mike Halstead Last week, Mike discussed the danger of how we can use our words selfishly, motivating others for personal gain or through methods that don’t reflect the gentleness of Christ. This week, let’s look at how motivation of positive speech habits can be a boon to...

Ash Wednesday
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Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is perhaps my favorite holiday on the Christian calendar aside from Advent and Christmas.  I grew up Catholic, and Ash Wednesday was the first mass my step-dad shared with me.  One night, I asked him to take me to church and he responded, “Get your shoes on”.  I remember my acute confusion because...