Refugee-sus

This Sunday as we gathered on Zoom, Mark began our new sermon series entitled, “The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus & the Revolution” by looking at Matthew 2:1-23, in which the Magi visit Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, who then have to flee to Egypt.

(Note: We usually have at least a short time after Mark’s message where people can share their thoughts about the message, or other things that have been happening in their lives. This group discussion portion of our Zoom gatherings is removed from the publicly posted recordings, but if anyone who regularly attends Emmaus would like to hear a complete recording from a certain Sunday, please send us an email.)

Good Surprises Can Bring Great Joy

For Christmas Eve, a few of us gathered on Zoom, where Mark concluded our short advent series by looking at the story of Jesus’ birth from Luke 1 - 2:20.

(Note: We usually have at least a short time after Mark’s message where people can share their thoughts about the message, or other things that have been happening in their lives. This group discussion portion of our Zoom gatherings is removed from the publicly posted recordings, but if anyone who regularly attends Emmaus would like to hear a complete recording from a certain Sunday, please send us an email.)

God is With Us in the Wilderness

This Sunday, we did something a little bit different, and gathered outside our church building so that we could have one in-person service before the end of the year. (All were wearing masks and families were well distanced!) Mark also broadcast on Zoom for those who wanted to participate remotely. In this short service, Mark continued our short advent series by looking at the story of Mary from Luke 2:1-8. (The audio quality on this one is a little poor in a few places since we were meeting outside).

(Note: We usually have at least a short time after Mark’s message where people can share their thoughts about the message, or other things that have been happening in their lives. This group discussion portion of our Zoom gatherings is removed from the publicly posted recordings, but if anyone who regularly attends Emmaus would like to hear a complete recording from a certain Sunday, please send us an email.)

Restoring the Covenant

This Sunday as we gathered together on Zoom, Mark continued on in our new series "Underground Kingdom of God" as we looked at Nehemiah 4 & 5, in which Nehemiah leads his people in rebuilding the wall around their city while under threat of attach from nearby enemies.

Something Worth Rebuilding

This Sunday as we gathered together on Zoom, Mark continued on in our new series "Underground Kingdom of God" as we looked at Nehemiah 2:1-8, in which Nehemiah asks the king for a leave of absence to go help his people.

Cupbearer to the King

This Sunday as we gathered together on Zoom, Mark continued on in our series "Underground Kingdom of God" as we looked at Nehemiah chapter 1, in which Nehemiah hears news of his people and offers a confession to God.

Into the Lions' Den

This Sunday as we gathered together on Zoom, Mark continued on in our new series "Underground Kingdom of God" as we looked at Daniel chapter 6, in which we hear of Daniel being thrown into a lion's den for his disobedience to the king while remaining devoted to his God.

Into the Fire

This Sunday as we gathered together on Zoom, Mark continued on in our new series, "Underground Kingdom of God", by looking at Daniel chapter 3, in which we hear of Daniel's three friends being put into the fiery furnace for disobeying his order.

The Dream

This Sunday as we gathered together on Zoom, Mark continued on in our new series, "Underground Kingdom of God", by looking at Daniel chapter 2, in which we hear of Daniel helping Nebuchadnezzar decipher the meaning of a dream he had been having.

Defeat, Identity, and Vegetables

This Sunday as we gathered together on Zoom, Mark began our new series we are calling "Underground Kingdom of God" by looking at Daniel chapter 1, in which we hear of Daniel performing a respectful act of subversion under his Babylonian captors.

Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection

This Sunday Mark looked at Paul’s words to the Christians in Philippi (as found in Philippians 3:7-14) where he shared with them some things he had learned while running his race, even though it was not yet finished. As Emmaus celebrates 10 years as a church, we looked at what another 10 years might bring…

Jesus' Prayer for Unity

This week and next we are taking some time to reflect on the conversations of the last four weeks and to transition into our next series. This Sunday Mark looked at Jesus’ prayer for unity among is followers as found in John 17.

A Conversation with Rodney McAuley

This Sunday we conclude our four week series where we welcome key leaders in our city for a conversation on Jesus, Racism, and the Church. This week Mark speaks with Rodney McAuley, who has been a pastor and mentor in Spokane for many years, and is a respected voice in our city for racial reconciliation.

Near the end of the conversation we had two questions from participants in the Zoom call, which were taken out for privacy (it should be obvious where they were asked based on the preceding comments by Mark and the pause and response by Rodney). The questions are summarized as follows:

  1. As we come up into this election and partisan divisiveness that is dominating our country, how do we stay holy in this time of unholiness?

  2. In the section from the Bible that [Rodney] opened up the conversation with (2 Cor. 5:14-6:2), what are your thoughts on verse 16, which says, “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.”

A Conversation with Lenore Three Stars

This Sunday we continue a series of conversations with key city leaders on the topics of Jesus, Racism, and the Church. For our third conversation, Mark speaks with Lenore Three Stars, who serves as a facilitator for the annual Journey to Mosaic, a faith-based racial reconciliation experience in the Pacific Northwest. She also speaks, writes, and serves with nonprofits related to her interests in the local community, Native culture, and a discipleship of creation care.

A Conversation with Stephy Nobles-Beans

This Sunday we continue a series of conversations with key city leaders on the topics of Jesus, Racism, and the Church. For our second conversation, Mark speaks with Stephy Nobles-Beans, who is Associate Chaplain for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Ministry at Whitworth University, as well as a Pastor at a small church on the South Hill.