Embracing the Way of Jesus: An Introduction

Embracing the Way of Jesus: An Introduction

Ben Conachan

As our community continues to transition from deconstruction to reconstruction, from a focus on what we are not toward a focus on what we are, we dream of a church that holds up the ancient and historic way of Jesus that is worthy of being embraced. The way of Jesus casts vision for a flourishing life. It is life so immersed in Divine Love that our daily lives are transfigured: no longer are strangers to be feared, they are family to know; no longer is change threatening, it is an opportunity to evolve; no longer is self-giving burdensome duty, it becomes an opportunity to share God’s love that has filled our hearts to overflowing. Family, evolution, the expression of love—these are distinctive of Jesus’ way that, in this series, we will dream about deepening into.

Loneliness

Loneliness

Ben Conachan

In 2023, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a statement declaring a new epidemic—not a new strain of COVID or the flu, but rather loneliness. In this sermon, our aim is to normalize our experiences of loneliness and to explore how we as a community can respond to the epidemic of loneliness and provide a place for connection and belonging to flourish.

OT Reflections: Tym Andrews

OT Reflections: Tym Andrews

Tym Andrews

It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and lead pastor.

This week we hear from Tym Andrews, sharing about his story of finding belonging and his hopes for Pearl Church to be a welcoming community for all.

OT Reflections: Leah Griffin

OT Reflections: Leah Griffin

Leah Griffin

It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and lead pastor.

This week we hear from Leah Griffin, sharing on the theme of “identities” and their hope that  Pearl Church is and continues to be a community people are proud to be a part of. 

OT Reflections: Valinda Harlan

OT Reflections: Valinda Harlan

Valinda Harlan

It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and lead pastor.

This week we hear from Valinda Harlan, sharing her heart for Pearl to be a place where we can be renewed in our minds, feel radical love in our hearts, and be a family of action animated by love.