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# Cedar Ridge Community Church

A Community of Hope and Transformation

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.crcc.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Candidates for Board Membership 2025](https://www.crcc.org/candidates-for-board-membership-2025/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Candidates for Board Membership 2025 This year our Board of Trustees is seeking to elect one new member for a 3-year term and re-elect one current member for another year. Elections will take place
- [God, Movies and Hope](https://www.crcc.org/god-movies-and-hope/) - This Sunday we begin our God in The Movies series, where we’ll hear from various people in our community as they share about their own journey of struggle, pain, joy and hope in real life... And real life is rarely easy! These have been harrowing times. Sometimes the apparently endless pain and suffering in the world
- [Love Is Greater Than Politics](https://www.crcc.org/8475-2/) - The current political climate has led to fear, vitriol and contention. For some it feels like the world has been turned upside down with conflict and opposing viewpoints, while for others it feels like the world has always been this way and we are all just waking up to it. Still others wonder what all
- [Justice Is Love In Action](https://www.crcc.org/justice-love-action/) - As followers of Jesus together, we are called to be a prophetic community. In my last post I shared how important it is for us to be a community of love in the current troubled political climate. Today I’d like to explore what it means for us to be prophetic, and why silence on issues
- [Wealth and Wisdom from Across the Border, By Jonathan Freeman-Coppadge](https://www.crcc.org/wealth-and-wisdom-from-across-the-border-by-jonathan-freeman-coppadge/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.26.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom: I Cor. 1:25 (NIV) We know them as magi, wise men, or kings, but they would more accurately be called enigmas. Tradition has colored in some of the missing information, but
- [Jesus Had So Much Love He Burst Back to Life, By Jennifer Anderson](https://www.crcc.org/jesus-had-so-much-love-he-burst-back-to-life-by-jennifer-anderson/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.26.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]I dreaded talking about theology with my kids for so long. I don’t want to give them my baggage, and there’s a lot of mystery to embrace. I grew up in some fear- and guilt-based communities. My earliest encounter with the
- [Getting to Know Darren Freeman-Coppadge](https://www.crcc.org/getting-to-know-darren-freeman-coppadge/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.26.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.26.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]My name is Darren Freeman-Coppadge. I was born and raised in Maryland, and save for a recent 5-year stint in Massachusetts, I’ve lived here my entire life. My family and I have been going to Cedar Ridge for some time. My
- [Simplifying Life As an Act of Worship, by Hannah Guedenet](https://www.crcc.org/simplifying-life-as-an-act-of-worship-by-hannah-guedenet/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.26.6″][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”3.26.6″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.26.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.26.6″]“Join us for a Lenten workshop on Simplifying Life”—my heart leapt as I heard those words one Sunday morning. Oh my gosh, I would love nothing more than to simplify. With two kids, a demanding job with lots of international travel, and a house, life often feels suffocating,
- [Thin Spaces](https://www.crcc.org/thin-spaces/) - At this time of year, we have the hardest task on the Cedar Ridge Farm. For almost all of our volunteers, this is worse than digging raised beds, pulling up deep-rooted weeds, or pushing wheelbarrows of compost back and forth to the plots. It is the difficult—almost painful—task of thinning the seedlings! “But they look
- [Look at the Birds](https://www.crcc.org/look-at-the-birds/) - I love birds, and always have. As a child, they caught my attention out in the countryside, and I would watch them intently through the window while I was munching down my breakfast before school. Slowly I started to notice their distinctions and began to identify them. One of my most treasured childhood possessions was
- [Pathways to Reconciliation](https://www.crcc.org/pathways-to-reconciliation/) - My favorite elementary school project was on the animals of the Serengeti plains in Africa. But the two other members of my team were not so enthusiastic, and were happy to let me do all the work. We got a good grade and were all commended when we presented it, but I felt resentful. It
- [Laying the Axe to the Root of Injustice](https://www.crcc.org/laying-the-axe-to-the-root-of-injustice/) - On Monday, we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Few people in recent history have challenged such painful and seemingly intractable injustice and captured the imagination of a whole culture with a dream of an alternative future. In the face of unbelievable hatred, opposition and violence, he never gave up on love.
- [Only Love Can Do That](https://www.crcc.org/only-love-can-do-that/) - I’ll be honest: I do not like Mr. Trump. I don’t like his policies. I can’t stand the boasting, the belittling, the bullying, and the addiction to ratings. I’m appalled by the rhetoric that sounds (to me) racist, sexist and chauvinistic. It’s outrageous how this kind of talk has empowered white supremacism in all its
- [Grateful Rest](https://www.crcc.org/grateful-rest/) - My parents grew up in relative poverty in England in the early part of the twentieth century, when there was very little economic opportunity. Neither of them was able to finish school or could afford to go to college. My mother lived with her three brothers in a house with two rooms in a war-ravaged
- [“Don’t worry,” said Jesus. Look at the zucchini!](https://www.crcc.org/dont-worry-said-jesus-look-at-the-zucchini/) - One of my friends who helps on the farm each week has learning difficulties. Sometimes they help him see things that I would otherwise miss. Like how funny zucchinis are… and let’s face it, they are! Even the word “zucchini” is funny. If you check the farm harvest log, you will see that almost no
- [On World Refugee Day](https://www.crcc.org/on-world-refugee-day/) - On vacation last summer, my wife and I made a road-stop in a small town in South Carolina. We found a great little coffee shop overlooking a picturesque harbor, and settled in to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet conversation. We obviously weren’t quiet enough because a couple of guys a few tables over
- [The Treacherous Beauty of Ash](https://www.crcc.org/the-treacherous-beauty-of-ash/) - “I have some bad news,” said the arborist. “Your ash tree is infected with Emerald Ash Borer and, in accordance with USDA regulations, I need to cut it down and take away all the lumber for burning. My heart sank. In addition to the cost and the loss of a huge beautiful tree in my
- [Shoots and spaces](https://www.crcc.org/shoots-and-spaces/) - The lettuce seedlings jostle for space - leaves pushing up against each other like too many kids in the backseat of my car. I hate thinning the seedlings: plucking out life that looks so green and healthy. But I know that otherwise the plants will be stunted and weak. A nearby row of beets, meanwhile,
- [Celebrating Small Life](https://www.crcc.org/celebrating-small-life/) - Strawberries are amazing things: technically they are not berries at all, but thickened stems, called receptacles. The little bits on the outsides are not actually seeds, but dry fruit (“achene”) that contain their own seeds. And unlike most other fruits, strawberries do not continue to ripen after they are picked. We are harvesting a lot
- [On Beetles](https://www.crcc.org/on-beetles/) - The bugs have arrived: the yellow pinstriped Colorado potato beetles and their lumpy orange babies, as well as the clumsy iridescent green and copper Japanese beetles. Together they are skeletonizing the leaves of the eggplants, potatoes, and beans. So much digging and sowing, weeding and watering, being stripped away one miniscule mouthful at a time.
- [Worrying with the Mockingbird](https://www.crcc.org/worrying-with-the-mockingbird/) - Northern mockingbirds build their nests as low as three feet from the ground. Usually in trees, but on the Cedar Ridge farm, there is one tucked inside the cage of a large tomato plant. A couple of weeks ago we noticed four speckled blue eggs, which have now been replaced by sleepy bundles of feathers.
- [Slowing down](https://www.crcc.org/slowing-down/) - The farm today is looking tired and dry. Our little half-acre plot has produced a ton of food (literally) and even the weeds seem to have now lost the energy to grow. Today we harvested 16 lbs of produce—a far cry from the triple-digit mid-week harvests of a month ago. And yet, finding six
- [Being Clover](https://www.crcc.org/being-clover/) - The farm at Cedar Ridge is still lush and green with clover. But soon the clover will be plowed under to help bulk up the soil with organic matter. Planting a cover crop is an investment of time, money, and effort at the end of the farming season, when we are all tired and looking forward
- [Asparagus](https://www.crcc.org/asparagus/) - Asparagus is spring’s first vegetable, one of the few things on our dinner plate that we harvest from a perennial plant, meaning one that comes back from its own roots every year. Other spring vegetables, like lettuce and radishes, are quick-growing, cold tolerant plants that we seed into the ground as soon as it is
- [Thoughts From a Rookie Farmer](https://www.crcc.org/6965-2/) - I was a church kid who grew up going to Bible camp and youth group. I went to a Christian college and was married to a pastor’s kid. I’ve been a missionary and a Bible school teacher. I’ve led small groups and preached sermons. I even sang solos in church growing up. When it
- [Weeds, Bugs and Beauty (by Lisa C)](https://www.crcc.org/7112-2/) - Driving into church and glancing to your right, the farm looks pretty wonderful. Orderly rows, mowed grass paths, tomato cages standing tall, like a postcard of an old-fashioned Victory Garden. It doesn’t just look wonderful, it is wonderful. When you enter the garden gates and start to walk the rows, though, the gloss of order
- [Farm Girl At Heart (by Nonniekaye)](https://www.crcc.org/farm-girl-heart/) - Growing up on a farm and ranch in central Texas instilled in me a love of nature. I spent my summer days running through the fields, riding on the tractor, feeding the cattle, moving hay bales and playing in the creek. We would work as a family to accomplish the constant work required to maintain
- [Joy in the Air and the Mud](https://www.crcc.org/joy-in-the-air/) - The farm brings me joy—usually. But sometimes it is just plain depressing. I stopped by the other week to check on things after one of the many recent thunderstorms. I wandered over to the squash plants, which were covered with vivid yellow flowers. But when I parted the leaves, I saw the stalks were a
- [Earth (Day) Worms](https://www.crcc.org/earth-day-worms/) - My son hates worms: he thinks they are like disembodied intestines in shallow graves. As we plant cabbage seedlings on the farm, the quiet evening air is punctuated with his exclamations of “Ew, gross!” and “Sooooo disgusting!” In some areas, particularly in northern forests, worms are an invasive species that is rapidly destroying the ecosystem,
- [Earth Day: A Celebration of Humility](https://www.crcc.org/earth-day-a-celebration-of-humility/) - Is it just me, or does it feel like spring has really struggled to break through this year? There was a chill in the air this morning as the sun came up and caught the few azaleas that have courageously begun to flower in my back yard. They glowed in resistance to winter’s refusal to
- [What Are We Waiting For?](https://www.crcc.org/what-are-we-waiting-for/) - A couple of weeks ago I was speaking at our church on the subject of hope in the context of war and violence. As always, I did my best to present a positive and hopeful way forward because I truly believe Jesus provides us with that kind of possibility. As always, I had my own
- [The Son of Man Came Eating and Drinking](https://www.crcc.org/son-man-came-eating-drinking/) - I love fall for many reasons, and one of the main ones is food and drink. We had friends over the other day for a leisurely meal, some good wine, and meaningful but relaxed conversation. That’s not an unusual occurrence. But somehow on this occasion, looking around the table, I became acutely aware that “it
- [Life and Death on the Autumnal Equinox](https://www.crcc.org/life-death-autumnal-equinox/) - Today marks the beginning of autumn—my very favorite season. On the farm, the early morning chill sharpens my senses. The flowers blaze in fiery shades of red, orange and yellow, enchanting a dozen butterflies. The freshly pulled carrots release a sweet, earthy smell that reminds me of my childhood. The swollen blackberries fall heavy into
- [Not Defeated, But Blessed (by Wil Corvey)](https://www.crcc.org/not-defeated-blessed-wil-corvey/) - Not everything we plant makes it to harvest. This year, squash beetles have destroyed whole rows on the farm. It's difficult to see hard work, seeds, and water go to waste, and it's sad to admit that we won't be able to pass whole crops along to the families we partner with. And it's hard
- [The Parable of the Groundhogs](https://www.crcc.org/the-parable-of-the-groundhogs/) - If you have passed by the farm recently, you may have observed the white wooden plank held tight along the bottom of the gate with rocks. If you’ve come up close to it, you may have even noticed the odd musky smell. It’s organic groundhog repellent, and it doesn’t seem to be working. For the
- [Disclaimer: Results shown not typical](https://www.crcc.org/disclaimer-results-shown-not-typical/) - The seed catalogues make farming look so orderly and easy: neat rows of weed- and bug-free onions and carrots. Eggplants ripe and dark with luscious foliage. Uniform-sized, unblemished green peppers. The photos never show groundhogs munching away on the cabbages, slugs taking out the green beans, or white beetles infesting the stalks of the squash
- [On World Environment Day](https://www.crcc.org/world-environment-day/) - Yesterday I was out on the farm with a young helper, and we tried to identify the visitors who had snacked on our crops. Groundhogs had chomped on the freshly weeded beans and kale; birds had pecked at the juicy ripe strawberries, and I have no idea what got into the radishes. (A Google search suggests
- [Mystery Is an Invitation](https://www.crcc.org/mystery-is-an-invitation/) - I just got back from vacation on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. Most people avoid Florida in the sweltering heat of summer, but for me there’s one big draw: sea turtles. The summer months are peak time for turtles to lay their eggs on the beach, and we were staying on the Archie Carr National
- [Getting Better at Failure](https://www.crcc.org/getting-better-failure/) - I’m not very good at failure. That’s surprising really because I’ve had plenty of practice! What I mean of course is not that I don’t know how to fail: rather, I’m not good at handling failure. Failure sends me into a tailspin of self-criticism, and makes me run for cover lest I be seen by
- [Creating Safe Space: What Does Acceptance Look Like?](https://www.crcc.org/creating-safe-space-acceptance-look-like/) - As a young person in my twenties I was in need of safe space: My life was a mess. Failed relationships, moral decline, wrong decisions and harmful behaviors had led to growing anxiety and depression that was becoming paralyzing. But I knew it was my fault, and I didn’t know where to turn. I had
- [Easter: A Celebration of Vulnerability](https://www.crcc.org/easter-celebration-vulnerability/) - Easter is a strange time of year. It’s a season when we celebrate new life: spring is in the air, and we decorate with pastel colors, bunnies, and chocolate eggs. And yet in all this sweetness we are celebrating something outrageous and almost unbelievable: Jesus came back from the dead! Really? Can anyone come back
- [Flirting With Self-Righteousness](https://www.crcc.org/flirting-self-righteousness/) - One of the challenges of being a prophetic community and speaking out on behalf of the vulnerable and oppressed is that we constantly flirt with self-righteousness. The political realm is full of finger pointing, sanctimonious rhetoric and self-vindication. But Jesus shows us another way: a way of love, where we speak and act with great
- [Seeds](https://www.crcc.org/seeds/) - Seeds went into the ground at the Cedar Ridge Farm in the past few weeks. Lettuce seed, so tiny it feels like chaff in the palm of your hand, beet seed all spiky and rough, and potato seed, which is really no seed at all, but chunks of the vegetable itself, dormant flesh with living
- [Life is at the Root](https://www.crcc.org/life-is-at-the-root/) - To look at the garden now you would think it was dead and lifeless. We are accustomed to thinking of plants as if their being was embodied in their green and growing leaves. But it isn’t so, not really. The life of plants is in the root, not in the flesh. In perennial plants, like
- [Living Water in the Garden](https://www.crcc.org/living-water-in-the-garden/) - Gardens are made of water. It is literally the stuff of life of all growing things, filling and giving substance to cells and tissues and bodies great and small. At this time of year the garden’s living water is all on the move – if you stand outside in a quiet place you can hear

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.crcc.org/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ background_size=”contain” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_slider use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” dot_nav_custom_color=”#ffffff” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Fullwidth Slider” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ header_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_font_size=”40px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_font=”|600|||||||” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ITALIAN-ICES-1000-×-600-px-2.png” background_size=”contain” content_width_tablet=”” content_width_phone=”28%” content_width_last_edited=”on|phone” content_max_width_tablet=”” content_max_width_phone=”321%” content_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”358px|75px||||” custom_padding_tablet=”300px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”250px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”1100ms” animation_delay=”50ms” auto=”on” header_font_last_edited=”off|desktop” header_font_size_tablet=”60px” header_font_size_phone=”50px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” body_font_size_tablet=”18px” body_font_size_phone=”18px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” overflow-x_tablet=”” overflow-x_phone=”visible” overflow-x_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_title=”” header_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide arrows_custom_color=”#6B2E71″ admin_title=”Welcome” _builder_version=”4.27.2″
- [Community Announcements and Information](https://www.crcc.org/announcements/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header text_orientation=”center” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_font_size=”50px” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” content_font_size=”20px” subhead_font=”||||||||” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ANNOUNCEMENTS.png” background_size=”contain” height=”232px” custom_padding=”||41px|||” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] We’re Hiring! Cedar Ridge is seeking a Facilities & Property Manager to help care
- [We're Hiring](https://www.crcc.org/hiring/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Opportunities-1000-x-200-px.png” alt=”Employment Opportunities” title_text=”Opportunities (1000 x 200 px)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_image][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_enable_image=”off” border_color_all=”#6B2E71″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”contain” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Help Shape a Community Where Everyone Belongs At Cedar Ridge Community Church, every
- [Serve with Us](https://www.crcc.org/serving-opportunities/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Serve with Us” button_one_url=”https://cedarridge.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/55/responses/new” button_two_url=”https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4BA9A82DA02-toiletry” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” link_option_url_new_window=”on” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Serving is one of the ways we
- [What We're Doing This Month](https://www.crcc.org/what-were-doing-this-month/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Current Series and Discussion Questions” button_one_url=”https://www.crcc.org/announcements/” button_two_url=”https://www.crcc.org/discussion-questions” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_color=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”1386px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row module_id=”god-in-the-movies” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/God-in-the-Movies.png” alt=”God in the Movies, August 2, 9, 16,
- [Contact Us](https://www.crcc.org/contact-information/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Contact Us” button_one_text=”Contact Us” button_one_url=”https://cedarridgecommunity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1194030″ button_two_text=”Service Times & Directions” button_two_url=”/planyourvisit/” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” background_enable_image=”off” height=”263px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Cedar Ridge Community Church 2410 Spencerville RoadSpencerville, MD 20868 Phone: 301-421-5949Fax: 301-421-0130 info@crcc.org Office Hours: M-F,
- [Our Plans](https://www.crcc.org/our-plans/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Our Plans” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” background_enable_image=”off” link_option_url_new_window=”on” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Our Annual Plan Our plans are derived from an extensive, churchwide, strategic planning process that led to the development of the
- [Giving Statement](https://www.crcc.org/giving-statement/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Summer-giving-reminder-1024-x-500-px.jpg” title_text=”Summer giving reminder (1024 x 500 px)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]To access your giving statement at any time, follow the steps below. Using the Church Center App Open the Church Center app and sign
- [FAQs About Our Online Community](https://www.crcc.org/churchcenter/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Join us on Church Center” button_one_url=”https://cedarridge.ccbchurch.com/form_response.php?id=6″ button_two_url=”mailto:ruthc@crcc.org” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ link_option_url=”https://cedarridgecommunity.churchcenter.com/setup” global_colors_info=”{}”]Create a Church Center account to stay connected with everything happening at Cedar Ridge. Benefits of Joining Ability to update your own contact information Easy event signups and
- [Board of Trustees](https://www.crcc.org/board/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Board of Trustees” subhead=”The Board of Trustees is responsible for organizational governance at Cedar Ridge. ” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 0%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_enable_image=”off” width=”100%” min_height=”234px” height=”200px” custom_padding=”||60px|||” link_option_url_new_window=”on” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||”
- [Giving](https://www.crcc.org/giving-2/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Giving” button_one_url=”https://pushpay.com/pay/crccspencerville” button_two_url=”https://www.crcc.org/giving-statement/” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” custom_padding=”0px||5px|||” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ChatGPT-Image-May-9-2026-07_02_50-PM.png” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Personal-1.png” link_option_url=”https://www.crcc.org/serving-opportunities/” global_colors_info=”{}”] [/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta button_text=”Click Here”
- [Journey](https://www.crcc.org/journey/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Journey: Explore, Connect, and Grow in Faith” button_one_url=”https://cedarridge.ccbchurch.com/form_response.php?id=8″ button_two_url=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Journey-2025.pdf” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” link_option_url_new_window=”on” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″
- [Welcome to Cedar Ridge](https://www.crcc.org/welcome-to-cedar-ridge/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Welcome to Cedar Ridge!” button_one_url=”/planyourvisit/” button_two_url=”https://www.crcc.org/what-were-doing-this-month/” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”|||on|||||” subhead_font_size=”20px” subhead_letter_spacing=”3px” background_color_gradient_direction=”127deg” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GOPR7314.jpg” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Cedar Ridge Community Church is a diverse, open, and affirming community of followers of Jesus, sharing God’s love with everyone and working to make the world a better place for all.
- [Resources & Materials](https://www.crcc.org/resources-materials/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#6b2e71″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Resources & Materials” button_one_url=”#downloadable-materials” button_two_url=”#elementary” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”|||on|||||” subhead_font_size=”20px” subhead_letter_spacing=”3px” background_color_gradient_direction=”127deg” background_enable_image=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”23px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-25px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_cta title=”Current Series & Questions” button_url=”https://www.crcc.org/what-were-doing-this-month/” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Information and materials for discussion and reflection.[/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″
- [The Service Today](https://www.crcc.org/the-service-today/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Service Today” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” content_font_size=”18px” content_line_height=”1.8em” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_line_height=”1.8em” header_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]Welcome to Cedar Ridge! We are glad you are here and hope you have a
- [Plan Your Visit](https://www.crcc.org/planyourvisit/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Plan Your Visit” button_one_url=”/contact-information/” button_two_url=”https://www.crcc.org/welcome-to-cedar-ridge/” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” content_font_size=”18px” content_line_height=”1.8em” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]Welcome to Cedar Ridge! We’re glad you’re here. Join us before the service starting at
- [Children & Youth](https://www.crcc.org/children-and-youth/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Children & Youth” button_one_text=”Children” button_one_url=”#children” button_two_text=”Youth” button_two_url=”#youth” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ content_font_size=”17px” background_enable_image=”off” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”100px||100px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]Children and youth are a priority for us at Cedar Ridge. On Sundays, different age groups for school children and young adults generally cover similar topics as adults, so families can have conversations together. We believe we
- [The Community Farm at Cedar Ridge](https://www.crcc.org/farm/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Community Farm at Cedar Ridge” button_one_url=”mailto:thefarm@crcc.org” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ text_text_color=”#000000″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]The community farm at Cedar Ridge is currently resting for a fallow year to replenish the soil with nutrients while we revision
- [Racial Justice](https://www.crcc.org/racial-justice/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Social Justice” button_one_text=”Immigration Rights and Resources” button_one_url=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CRCC-immigration-flyer.pdf” button_two_text=”Criminal Justice Reform Group” button_two_url=”www.crcc.org/criminal-justice-reform” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”507px” custom_margin=”-5px|||||” custom_padding=”2px||5px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”505px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]All of us are affected by racism in America, and God invites all of us into the holy struggle of changing our
- [Discussion Questions](https://www.crcc.org/discussion-questions/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Questions for Reflection and Discussion” button_one_url=”https://www.crcc.org/announcements/” button_two_url=”https://www.crcc.org/materials/” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Renewal-Series-FB-2026-3.png” title_text=”Renewal Series FB 2026″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”63%” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ text_line_height=”1.8em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”||10px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Current Series: Renewal! Download questions for Sunday, April 12, Rest and Renewal
- [Staff](https://www.crcc.org/staff/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Staff” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||27px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_team_member name=”Matthew Dyer” position=”Lead Pastor” image_url=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PA162204.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Matthew has served as Lead Pastor at Cedar Ridge since 2006. Originally from England, he trained and practiced as a medical doctor and then worked in
- [Finances](https://www.crcc.org/finances/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Finances” button_one_text=”Give Now” button_one_url=”https://pushpay.com/pay/crccspencerville” button_two_text=”Giving Statement” button_two_url=”https://www.crcc.org/giving-statement/” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” custom_padding=”0px||5px|||” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”16px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”36px” link_font=”||||||||” link_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#630670″ background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”5px|5px|5px|5px|false|false” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]Annual Budget[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column
- [Our Property and History](https://www.crcc.org/the-cedar-ridge-property/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Our Property and History ” button_one_url=”#explore” button_two_url=”#history” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”743px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”488px” custom_margin=”-7px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]Our Property Nestled between the metro areas surrounding D.C. and Baltimore, our sixty-three acre parcel property at 2410 Spencerville Road in Montgomery County, Maryland was
- [Listen to Messages](https://www.crcc.org/listen-to-messages/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Listen to Messages” button_one_url=”https://www.crcc.org/welcome-to-cedar-ridge/” button_two_url=”https://www.crcc.org/planyourvisit/” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ subhead_font=”|700|||||||” background_color_gradient_direction=”266deg” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/auditorium-1.jpg” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][enmse_series_engine what_to_display=”1″ series_type=”0″ show_browse_series=”on” show_browse_speakers=”on” show_browse_topics=”on” show_browse_books=”off” show_initial_message=”off” show_sharing_links=”on” show_series_details=”on” show_audio_download=”on” show_related_messages=”on” related_messages_sort_order=”Newest First” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/enmse_series_engine][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Interested in
- [This Sunday](https://www.crcc.org/this-sunday/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”This Sunday” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” content_font_size=”18px” content_line_height=”1.8em” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Fill Out a Connect Card” button_url=”https://cedarridgecommunity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1194030″ button_text=”Click here” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]One stop for joining our mailing list or
- [Virtual Sunday](https://www.crcc.org/virtual-sunday/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CRCC-Generic-Slide.png” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Virtual Sundays at Cedar Ridge” button_one_text=”Announcements” button_one_url=”https://www.crcc.org/announcements/” button_two_text=”Discussion Questions” button_two_url=”https://www.crcc.org/discussion-questions/” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ content_line_height=”1.8em” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_color=”#FFFFFF” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]In addition to our in-person services, we live-stream the main Sunday service at 10 a.m. via Zoom at the link below. Everyone is welcome to join us in-person or online![/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″
- [Advent @ CRCC](https://www.crcc.org/advent/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_color=”#011e00″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header button_one_url=”https://www.crcc.org/announcements/” button_two_url=”https://www.crcc.org/advent-reflections” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” admin_label=”Advent @ Cedar Ridge” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” content_font_size=”20px” subhead_font=”||||||||” background_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1.png” background_size=”contain” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_color=”#f2d726″ min_height=”30vh” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_color=”#011e00″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0) 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” min_height=”1573px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ min_height=”525.7px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”36px” header_line_height=”1.5em”
- [Guatemala Solar](https://www.crcc.org/guatemala-solar/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_color=”#011e00″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” admin_label=”Guatemala Solar” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” content_font_size=”20px” subhead_font=”||||||||” background_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Alternative-front-2.png” background_size=”contain” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_color=”#f2d726″ min_height=”30vh” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_color=”#011e00″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0) 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” min_height=”1573px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ min_height=”230.7px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/8-LasColinas_3-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”8 LasColinas_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default”
- [Upcoming Series](https://www.crcc.org/upcoming-series/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Advent Series: Waiting with Wonder Advent is a season of waiting. It’s a time of anticipation, full of presence and meaning. It’s a time where we engage with our longing for a more just,
- [The Quarterly Newsletter July 2020](https://www.crcc.org/the-quarterly-newsletter-july-2020/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Copy-of-Virtual-Sunday-Service.jpg” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Quarterly Newsletter – July, 2020″ button_one_url=”#preschool” button_two_url=”#elementary” background_overlay_color=”rgba(107,46,113,0.48)” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”Lato|900|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”40px” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”|||on|||||” subhead_font_size=”20px” subhead_letter_spacing=”3px” background_color=”#6b2e71″ background_color_gradient_direction=”127deg” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”||36px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Cedar Ridge Community Church[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG-21281-scaled.jpg” min_height=”370px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”65px” header_font=”Lato||||||||” header_font_size=”3px” header_2_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”70px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em”
- [Discipleship Series Materials](https://www.crcc.org/materials/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Small Group Materials” button_one_text=”More About Small Groups” button_one_url=”/small-groups/” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_enable_image=”off” width=”100%” min_height=”105px” height=”263px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.png” title_text=”1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”70%” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”
- [Media Resources](https://www.crcc.org/media-resources/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Resources for Spiritual Reflection” background_overlay_color=”rgba(102,102,102,0.36)” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#6b2e71″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_enable_image=”off” width=”100%” min_height=”105px” height=”202px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]Throughout the year, Cedar Ridge provides online meditations for reflection.[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.16″
- [Pray with Us](https://www.crcc.org/pray-with-us/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Pray with Us” button_one_url=”https://cedarridge.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/17/responses/new” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” background_enable_image=”off” width=”100%” min_height=”105px” height=”263px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” link_option_url=”https://cedarridge.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/17/responses/new” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”-50px||25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Our Approach to Prayer At Cedar Ridge,
- [Harvest Festival](https://www.crcc.org/harvest-festival/)
- [Message slides](https://www.crcc.org/message-slides/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Living with Integrity (September 7)” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
- [Serving Locally-Updated](https://www.crcc.org/serving-locally/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”186px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Serving Locally” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”1894px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” border_style_all=”none” global_colors_info=”{}”]Ongoing Local Projects We want to make a lasting, sustainable, practical and relational impact on economic justice issues in our local community. The needs are numerous and
- [Pastoral Staff](https://www.crcc.org/pastoral-staff/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Pastoral Staff” subhead=”Pastoral staff lead our church on a day-to-day basis” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ min_height=”443.7px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Matthew Dyer” position=”Lead Pastor” image_url=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PA162204.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ width=”99.6%” custom_margin=”|-179px||1px||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_module=”13436″ global_colors_info=”{}”]Matthew has served as Lead Pastor at Cedar Ridge since 2006. Originally from England, he trained and
- [Our Guatemalan Partners](https://www.crcc.org/our-guatemalan-partners/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Our Guatemalan Partners” button_one_text=”Kids: Read about life in Ipala, Guatemala” button_one_url=”https://www.crcc.org/life-in-ipala/” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-1px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 2009, Cedar Ridge made a commitment to partner with Ipala—a town of
- [Ruth Campbell, Pastor for Ministry Development](https://www.crcc.org/pastoral-staff/ruth-campbell-pastor-for-ministry-development/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Ruth Campbell” position=”Pastor ” image_url=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ruth.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_module=”13442″ global_colors_info=”{}”]Ruth joined Cedar Ridge in 2010, attracted by the honesty, warmth, and lack of “religion” of the members. She is inspired by the vision of a community following Jesus together, working as agents of love, peace and hope
- [Resources for those Impacted by Federal Workforce Reductions](https://www.crcc.org/resources-for-those-impacted/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Resources for those Impacted by Federal Workforce Reductions” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” content_font_size=”18px” content_line_height=”1.8em” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Many people in our community have been impacted in various ways by recent government actions. Below are some resources that may be
- [Our Vision & Values](https://www.crcc.org/our-vision-and-values/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Our Vision & Values” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]Cedar Ridge is a community of hope and transformation dedicated to following Jesus. Our vision is what we dare to imagine our future could be like if we passionately and seriously pursue our
- [Small Groups](https://www.crcc.org/small-groups/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Small Groups” button_one_text=”Join a Group” button_one_url=”https://cedarridge.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/14/responses/new” button_two_text=”Download Group Materials” button_two_url=”https://www.crcc.org/discipleship-group-materials/” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]What are Small Groups?[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb _builder_version=”4.17.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]At
- [Matthew Dyer-Lead Pastor](https://www.crcc.org/matthew-dyer-lead-pastor/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Matthew Dyer” position=”Lead Pastor” image_url=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Matthew-Dyer.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ width=”99.6%” custom_margin=”|-179px||1px||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_module=”13436″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”Matthew Dyer” sticky_enabled=”0″]Matthew has served as Lead Pastor at Cedar Ridge since 2006. Originally from England, he trained and practiced as a medical doctor and then worked in Latin America during the ’80s and
- [Becoming Anti-Racist](https://www.crcc.org/becoming-anti-racist/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Becoming-Anti-Racist-1.jpg” custom_padding=”||429px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”409.8px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”26px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Welcome! We are so glad you are joining us on this Lenten Adventure! Over the course of 5 weeks, we will explore some really BIG topics
- [The Quarterly Newsletter: Latest Edition](https://www.crcc.org/quarterlynewsletter/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Quarterly Newsletter” button_one_text=”Subscribe to Emails” button_one_url=”https://cedarridge.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/6/responses/new” button_two_text=”Read the Quarterly Online” button_two_url=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Quarterly-2024Q1.pdf” background_overlay_color=”rgba(102,102,102,0.36)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_enable_image=”off” width=”100%” min_height=”105px” height=”263px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Follow the link below for “Read the Quarterly Online” to view the latest edition. Recent previous editions
- [The Quarterly - June 2020](https://www.crcc.org/quarterly-june/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Copy-of-Virtual-Sunday-Service.jpg” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Quarterly Newsletter – June, 2020″ button_one_url=”#preschool” button_two_url=”#elementary” background_overlay_color=”rgba(107,46,113,0.48)” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”Lato|900|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”40px” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”|||on|||||” subhead_font_size=”20px” subhead_letter_spacing=”3px” background_color=”#6b2e71″ background_color_gradient_direction=”127deg” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”||36px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Cedar Ridge Community Church[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Untitled-design.png” background_blend=”darken” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”25px” header_font=”Lato||||||||” header_text_color=”#7e9930″ header_2_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”70px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” background_layout=”dark” width=”100%”
- [Resources for Racial Justice](https://www.crcc.org/resources-for-racial-justice/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Resources for Racial Justice” button_one_url=”#days of service” button_two_url=”#ongoing local projects” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|#000000 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”#000000″ background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” min_height=”169px” custom_margin=”||-27px|||” custom_padding=”||136px|||” link_option_url_new_window=”on” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ min_height=”2318px” custom_margin=”-32px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-168px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”20px” link_font=”||||||||” link_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]Resources[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″
- [The Quarterly - August 2020](https://www.crcc.org/the-quarterly-august-2020/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Copy-of-Virtual-Sunday-Service.jpg” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Quarterly Newsletter – August 2020″ button_one_url=”#preschool” button_two_url=”#elementary” background_overlay_color=”rgba(107,46,113,0.48)” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”Lato|900|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”40px” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”|||on|||||” subhead_font_size=”20px” subhead_letter_spacing=”3px” background_color=”#6b2e71″ background_color_gradient_direction=”127deg” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”||36px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Cedar Ridge Community Church[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sun.jpg” background_blend=”darken” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”40px” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” text_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]Mom Camp and Movies:
- [The Quarterly Newsletter - February 2021](https://www.crcc.org/the-quarterly-newsletter-february-2021/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Copy-of-Virtual-Sunday-Service.jpg” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Quarterly Newsletter – February, 2021″ button_one_url=”#preschool” button_two_url=”#elementary” background_overlay_color=”rgba(107,46,113,0.48)” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”Lato|900|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”40px” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”|||on|||||” subhead_font_size=”20px” subhead_letter_spacing=”3px” background_color=”#6b2e71″ background_color_gradient_direction=”127deg” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”||36px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Cedar Ridge Community Church[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Stories-of-Transformation-and-Hope-3-1.jpg” min_height=”418px” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Leaf-background-copy.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”right” custom_margin=”||50px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″
- [Criminal Justice Reform](https://www.crcc.org/criminal-justice-reform-group/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Criminal Justice Reform” button_one_text=”Take Action” button_one_url=”#action” button_two_text=”Criminal Justice Reform Group” button_two_url=”#group” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” content_font_size=”18px” content_line_height=”1.8em” subhead_font=”||||||||” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Understanding the Context Maryland incarcerates the highest percentage of
- [Farmhouse](https://www.crcc.org/farmhouse/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Farmhouse” button_one_url=”#justice” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”|||on|||||” subhead_font_size=”20px” subhead_letter_spacing=”3px” background_color_gradient_direction=”127deg” background_enable_image=”off” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text=”A Center for Justice” sticky_enabled=”0″]The farmhouse, built in 1855, is owned by Cedar Ridge Community Church. It is home to our racial justice reading room, and provides food preparation and storage space for our community farm, which
- [Life in Ipala, Guatemala](https://www.crcc.org/life-in-ipala/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Life in Ipala, Guatemala” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”743px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”488px” custom_margin=”-7px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”-50px||-25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”] As a way to follow Jesus and love our neighbors, Cedar Ridge is making friends and working with people to help those who live in poverty in Ipala,
- [Prayer Walk](https://www.crcc.org/prayer-walk/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Prayer Walk” button_one_text=”Use the Guide” button_one_url=”#guide” button_two_url=”/rentals/” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”||0px|||” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]The Cedar Ridge Prayer Walk gives you an opportunity to integrate prayer and reflection with a forty to fifty-minute walk around the 63 acre property. You can do the prayer in silence,
- [Beekeeping at Cedar Ridge](https://www.crcc.org/beekeeping-cedar-ridge/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Beekeeping” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”743px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”488px” custom_margin=”-25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]In 2008 we installed honeybee hives at Cedar Ridge as part of our commitment to manage our resources well, and from a desire to contribute to the environmental wellbeing
- [Solar Farm](https://www.crcc.org/solar-farm/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Solar Farm” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” background_enable_image=”off” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”743px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”488px” custom_margin=”-25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-19-at-8.37.44-PM.jpg” title_text=”Screen Shot 2022-04-19 at 8.37.44 PM” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/MO32-Ribbon-Cutting-0005.jpg” title_text=”MO32 Ribbon Cutting-0005″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]As part of our vision to treasure the
- [The Cedar Ridge Labyrinth](https://www.crcc.org/the-cedar-ridge-labyrinth/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Labyrinth” button_one_url=”/planyourvisit/” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”|||on|||||” subhead_font_size=”20px” subhead_letter_spacing=”3px” background_color_gradient_direction=”127deg” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” background_enable_image=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″]Located along the prayer walk on 63 acres of pastoral meadows and woods, the labyrinth at Cedar Ridge is a sacred place of beauty and peace where people come to draw closer to God. All are welcome
- [Get the Cedar Ridge App](https://www.crcc.org/app/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Get the Cedar Ridge App” subhead=”Stay connected, listen to messages, and give online with our app” button_one_text=”iPhone” button_one_url=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cedar-ridge-community-church/id1170655788?ls=1&mt=8″ button_two_text=”Android” button_two_url=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.echurchapps.crcc” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”||||||||” background_enable_image=”off” height=”263px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Cedar-Ridge-App-Screen.png” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]Features Audio
- [Stories from the Farm](https://www.crcc.org/stories-from-the-farm/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Stories from the Farm” subhead=”Thoughts from our Farm Team” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”1deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.25) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0) 0%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(0,0,0,0.25)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(0,0,0,0.35)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/farmers_market.png” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blog posts_number=”5″ include_categories=”16″ show_content=”on” show_categories=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_blog][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_sidebar _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_sidebar][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″
- [Baptism and Dedication](https://www.crcc.org/baptism-and-dedication/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Baptism and Dedication” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”] Everyone at Cedar Ridge is welcome and encouraged to be baptized. The only requirement is a desire and commitment to follow Jesus. Our practice is baptism for adults and younger people who can give
- [Worship with Us](https://www.crcc.org/worship-with-us/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Worship with Us” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85) 0%|rgba(99,6,112,0.95) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_0131.jpg” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#ffffff” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DSC_8908-scaled.jpg” title_text=”DSC_8908″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”
- [Advocacy—Make Your Voice Heard](https://www.crcc.org/advocacy-ideas/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9) Advocacy
- [Native Pollinator Garden](https://www.crcc.org/native-pollinator-garden/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Native Pollinator Garden” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”743px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”488px” custom_margin=”-25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]Established in partnership with the University of Maryland Pollinator Meadow Initiative, this garden is planted with a mix of native wildflowers and grasses that attract a wide variety of pollinators such
- [BOE email](https://www.crcc.org/boe-email/) - To: boe@mcpsmd.org Subject: Police Free Schools MCPS Board of Education Members, I’m writing to you today as a community member urging you to remove police officers from schools in Montgomery County. Across Montgomery County, students have given public testimony, organized protests, circulated online petitions, and shown overwhelming support for removing police from schools. National, state,
- [Desired Qualities for Cedar Ridge Board](https://www.crcc.org/board/desired-qualities-for-cedar-ridge-board/) - Qualities of the Board as a Whole The Board as a whole should reflect a caring, balanced, mature approach to governance of the church. The Board will always strive for unity but incorporate diversity and openness to differing personality types and expressions of spirituality. There should be a balance in terms of age, gender, skills,
- [The Quarterly - June 2021](https://www.crcc.org/the-quarterly-june-2021/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#6B2E71″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”44px”]The Quarterly Newsletter – June 2021 [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/june-quarterly-2021-title.jpg” min_height=”418px” locked=”off”][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Leaf-background-copy.jpg” min_height=”755px”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”]We all love stories! They are such powerful conveyers of meaning, hope, truth, and love. For thousands of years, human
- [Quarterly Newsletter - November 2020](https://www.crcc.org/quarterly-newsletter-november-2020/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ background_color=”#6b2e71″ background_enable_image=”off” locked=”off”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Quarterly Newsletter – November 2020″ button_one_url=”#preschool” button_two_url=”#elementary” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ title_font=”Lato|900|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”40px” content_font=”||||||||” subhead_font=”|||on|||||” subhead_font_size=”20px” subhead_letter_spacing=”3px” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” background_color_gradient_direction=”127deg” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”||36px|||”]Cedar Ridge Community Church[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/light-1.jpg” background_blend=”darken”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.3″ locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.26.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”25px” header_font=”Lato||||||||” header_text_color=”#7e9930″ header_2_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_2_font_size=”70px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” background_enable_image=”off” background_layout=”dark” width=”100%” max_width=”750px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|57px||||”
- [Prayer Vigil Liturgy](https://www.crcc.org/prayer-vigil-liturgy/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]1. Welcome and Opening Remarks 2. How Long, O Lord? Psalm 13How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?. How long will you hide your face from me?How long must I wrestle with my thoughts. and day after day
- [What does “discipleship” mean?](https://www.crcc.org/what-does-discipleship-mean/) - Another word for following Jesus is “discipleship.” A disciple is one who learns from someone else by staying close to them, listening to their teaching and modeling their life on them. It’s like being an apprentice. We use the term “discipleship” to describe everything we do to follow Jesus in that way, so it pretty
- [What does “following Jesus” mean?](https://www.crcc.org/what-does-following-jesus-mean/) - At Cedar Ridge we are followers of Jesus. This means that at a very practical level we follow the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth and seek to model our lives after him. We spend a lot of time studying what he did and said (what we call “the way of Jesus”) and apply it to
- [Lead Pastor's Blog](https://www.crcc.org/lead-pastors-blog/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Lead Pastor’s Blog” subhead=”Thoughts from our Lead Pastor, Matthew Dyer” _builder_version=”3.25.4″ background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Lead-Pastor-Blog-Header-Update-1.jpg”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_blog posts_number=”5″ include_categories=”168″ show_content=”on” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” _builder_version=”3.26.1″][/et_pb_blog][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_sidebar _builder_version=”3.25.4″][/et_pb_sidebar][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″ background_color=”#3b0f54″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_cta title=”Interested in listening to messages?” button_url=”/messages/” button_text=”Listen Now” _builder_version=”3.25.4″]You can hear messages from Matthew and our other speakers
- [Z-Google Analytics Code for Ad](https://www.crcc.org/z-google-analytics-code-for-ad/) - UA-77272956-2
- [Z-Google Code](https://www.crcc.org/10063-2/) - googlef3e424d043a82e35
- [Blog](https://www.crcc.org/blog/)
- [Z - Google Analytics Code](https://www.crcc.org/z-google-analytics-code-for-ad-2/) - UA-77272956-2
- [UA Code](https://www.crcc.org/12646-2-2/) - UA-77272956-3
- [Congregational Care](https://www.crcc.org/congregational-care/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.25.4″][et_pb_fullwidth_header background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”3.25.4″ title_font=”||||||||” title_line_height=”1.5em” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(107,46,113,0.85)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(99,6,112,0.95)” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”http://crcc.ericapalmisano.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/church-03-bkgd.jpg” saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”13003″ title=”Congregational Care” button_one_text=”Submit a Prayer Request” button_two_text=”Get Involved” button_one_url=”https://cedarridge.ccbchurch.com/form_response.php?id=17″ button_two_url=”https://cedarridge.ccbchurch.com/form_response.php?id=20″][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.25.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”] This ministry provides prayer and support for Cedar Ridge members and regular attenders

## Messages

- [Message: "Nope" from Colin  Anderson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/nope/) - A message from the series "God In The Movies."
- [Message: "Wicked" from youth .](https://www.crcc.org/messages/wicked/) - A message from the series "God In The Movies."
- [Message: "The Song of Songs – Part 2" from Nikki Lerner](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-song-of-songs-part-2/) - A message from the series "Songs of hope and Love."
- [Message: "Songs of Lament and…Hope?" from Dave  Cunniff](https://www.crcc.org/messages/songs-of-lament-and-hope/) - A message from the series "Songs of hope and Love."
- [Message: "The Song of Songs – Part 1" from Nikki Lerner](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-song-of-songs-part-1/) - A message from the series "Songs of hope and Love."
- [Message: "The Song of the Vineyard" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-song-of-the-vineyard/) - A message from the series "Songs of hope and Love."
- [Message: "Parables of Jesus" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/parables-of-jesus/) - A message from the series "Stories That Draw Us Deeper."
- [Message: "The Treasure and the Pearl" from Nikki Lerner](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-treasure-and-the-pearl/) - A message from the series "Stories That Draw Us Deeper."
- [Message: "The Wheat & Weeds" from Nikki Lerner](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-wheat-weeds/) - A message from the series "Stories That Draw Us Deeper."
- [Message: "Dancers and Mourners" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/dancers-and-mourners/) - A message from the series "Stories That Draw Us Deeper."
- [Message: "Mustard Seeds and Yeast" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/mustard-seeds-and-yeast/) - A message from the series "Stories That Draw Us Deeper."
- [Message: "Soil, Seeds, and Sowers" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/soil-seeds-and-sowers/) - A message from the series "Stories That Draw Us Deeper."
- [Message: "Jesus’ Vision for a Multicultural Community" from Nikki Lerner](https://www.crcc.org/messages/jesus-vision-for-a-multicultural-community/) - A message from the series "Renewal."
- [Message: "Justice Matters" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/justice-matters/) - A message from the series "Renewal."
- [Message: "Community Matters" from Nikki Lerner](https://www.crcc.org/messages/community-matters/) - A message from the series "Renewal."
- [Message: "Letting Go to Embrace Renewal" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/letting-go-to-embrace-renewal/) - A message from the series "Renewal."
- [Message: "Rest and Renewal" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/rest-and-renewal/) - A message from the series "Renewal."
- [Message: "Palm Sunday" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/77-palm-sunday/) - A message from the series "Stand alone message."
- [Message: "Don't worry, Don't Judge" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/60-dont-worry-dont-judge/) - A message from the series "Jesus' Manifesto of Love, Peace, & Justice."
- [Message: "The Lord's Prayer" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-lords-prayer/) - A message from the series "Jesus' Manifesto of Love, Peace, & Justice."
- [Message: "The Antitheses" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-antitheses/) - A message from the series "Jesus' Manifesto of Love, Peace, & Justice."
- [Message: "The Beatitudes" from Rachel  Anderson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-beatitudes/) - A message from the series "Jesus' Manifesto of Love, Peace, & Justice."
- [Message: "Introduction to Lent" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/introduction-to-lent/) - A message from the series "Jesus' Manifesto of Love, Peace, & Justice."
- [Message: "Worship and the Spiritual Battle" from Nikki Lerner](https://www.crcc.org/messages/worship-and-the-spiritual-battle/) - A message from the series "The Power of your Worship Toolkit."
- [Message: "Worship to God and For One Another" from Nikki Lerner](https://www.crcc.org/messages/worship-to-god-and-for-one-another/) - A message from the series "The Power of your Worship Toolkit."
- [Message: "Letting the Light in" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/letting-the-light-in/) - A message from the series "Follow the Light."
- [Message: "Little Lights" from Briana  ](https://www.crcc.org/messages/little-lights/) - A message from the series "Follow the Light."
- [Message: "Only Light Can Do That" from  Hubert Dixon](https://www.crcc.org/messages/only-light-can-do-that/) - A message from the series "Follow the Light."
- [Message: "How to Light a Candle Under a Basket" from Nikki Lerner](https://www.crcc.org/messages/how-to-light-a-candle-under-a-basket/) - A message from the series "Follow the Light."
- [Message: "The Wonder of Joy" from Nikki Lerner](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-wonder-of-joy/) - A message from the series "Waiting with Wonder."
- [Message: "Epiphany" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/88-epiphany/) - A message from the series "Follow the Light."
- [Message: "Love and Grace for a New Year" from  Kevin Richardson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/love-and-grace-for-a-new-year/) - A message from the series "Waiting with Wonder."
- [Message: "Christmas Eve 2025" from Multiple Speakers](https://www.crcc.org/messages/christmas-eve-2025/)
- [Message: "The Wonders of Love" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-wonders-of-love/) - A message from the series "Waiting with Wonder."
- [Message: "The Wonders of Peace" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-wonders-of-peace/) - A message from the series "Waiting with Wonder."
- [Message: "The Wonders of Hope" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-wonders-of-hope/)
- [Message: "Thanksgiving for Partnership" from Multiple Speakers](https://www.crcc.org/messages/thanksgiving-for-partnership/) - A message from the series "A Celebration of Solidarity."
- [Message: "Celebrating our Community" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/celebrating-our-community/) - A message from the series "A Celebration of Solidarity."
- [Message: "Encountering Sacred Space in the Other" from Rachel  Anderson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/encountering-sacred-space-in-the-other/) - A message from the series "Cultivating Sacred Space."
- [Message: "Walking in Infinite Love" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/walking-in-infinite-love/) - A message from the series "Cultivating Sacred Space."
- [Message: "Weaving Head, Heart, and Hands" from  Kate Thomas](https://www.crcc.org/messages/weaving-head-heart-and-hands/) - A message from the series "Cultivating Sacred Space."
- [Message: "Bluey" from Rachel  Anderson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/bluey/) - A message from the series "God in the movies 2025."
- [Message: "Cultivating Connections: A Story in Seasons" from  Hubert Dixon](https://www.crcc.org/messages/cultivating-connections-a-story-in-seasons/) - A message from the series "Cultivating Sacred Space."
- [Message: "Life in Two Realities" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/life-in-two-realities/) - A message from the series "Cultivating Sacred Space."
- [Message: "Living with Vulnerability" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/living-with-vulnerability/) - A message from the series "Hopeful Spirituality."
- [Message: "Living with Courage" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/living-with-courage/) - A message from the series "Hopeful Spirituality."
- [Message: "Living with Compassion" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/living-with-compassion/) - A message from the series "Hopeful Spirituality."
- [Message: "Living with Integrity" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/living-with-integrity/) - A message from the series "Hopeful Spirituality."
- [Message: "Celebrating Our Partnership with Ipala" from Community .](https://www.crcc.org/messages/celebrating-our-partnership-with-ipala/) - A message from the series "Stand alone message."
- [Message: "Gospel of John" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/gospel-of-john/) - A message from the series "Portraits of Jesus."
- [Message: "Gospel of Luke" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/gospel-of-luke/) - A message from the series "Portraits of Jesus."
- [Message: "Gospel of Mark" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/gospel-of-mark/) - A message from the series "Portraits of Jesus."
- [Message: "Gospel of Matthew" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/gospel-of-matthew/) - A message from the series "Portraits of Jesus."
- [Message: "Asteroid City" from Melinda and Colin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/asteroid-city/) - A message from the series "God in the movies 2025."
- [Message: "Les Misérables" from  Hubert Dixon](https://www.crcc.org/messages/les-mis-rables/) - A message from the series "God in the movies 2025."
- [Message: "The Fifth Element" from  Sarah House](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-fifth-element/) - A message from the series "God in the movies 2025."
- [Message: "Hook" from Joe Ralbovsky](https://www.crcc.org/messages/hook/) - A message from the series "God in the movies 2025."
- [Message: "Hope and Humility" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/hope-and-humility/) - A message from the series "Values."
- [Message: "Diversity and Justice" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/diversity-and-justice/) - A message from the series "Values."
- [Message: "Our Individual and Collective Journeys" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/our-individual-and-collective-journeys/) - A message from the series "Values."
- [Message: "The Greatest of These is Love" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-greatest-of-these-is-love/) - A message from the series "Values."
- [Message: "Beyond Aspirations" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/beyond-aspirations/) - A message from the series "Values."
- [Epiphany](https://www.crcc.org/messages/light-of-the-world/) - A message from the series "Jesus the Man from Heaven." We start a new series: Jesus The Man from Heaven. We begin of our new series with “Jesus the Man from Heaven” which lasts until the end of February. This is an exploration of the Gospel of John. Each week we will work our way progressively through the book looking at major themes. In particular we will consider how Jesus is presented, what he says about himself, what he does and what he teaches about God, life and really matters. In this Gospel Jesus often talks in mysterious terms, and we will look at some of these and apply them to our own world.
- [Message: "Stand Up to Oppressive Forces" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/stand-up-to-oppressive-forces/) - A message from the series "Sit, Walk, Stand."
- [Message: "Walk in Love" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/6-walk-in-love/) - A message from the series "Sit, Walk, Stand."
- [Message: "Sit with Christ" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/sit-with-christ/) - A message from the series "Sit, Walk, Stand."
- [Message: "Easter Sunday 2025" from Matthew and Ruth](https://www.crcc.org/messages/58-easter-sunday/) - A message from the series "Food for the Hungry." Our all-ages, outdoor Easter service.
- [Message: "Palm (Community) Sunday" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/palm-community-sunday/) - A message from the series "Food for the Hungry."
- [Message: "Making room at the Table" from Matthew and Hubert](https://www.crcc.org/messages/making-room-at-the-table/) - A message from the series "Food for the Hungry."
- [Message: "Dinner Interrupted" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/dinner-interrupted/) - A message from the series "Food for the Hungry."
- [Message: "The Final Banquet" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-final-banquet/) - A message from the series "Food for the Hungry."
- [Message: "Food for All" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/food-for-all/) - A message from the series "Food for the Hungry."
- [Message: "Food for the Journey" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/food-for-the-journey/) - A message from the series "Food for the Hungry."
- [Message: "Praise and Thanksgiving" from  Rebecca Stryker](https://www.crcc.org/messages/praise-and-thanksgiving/) - A message from the series "Experiencing God through the Psalms."
- [Message: "Repentance and Forgiveness" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/repentance-and-forgiveness/) - A message from the series "Experiencing God through the Psalms."
- [Message: "Lament and Hope" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/lament-and-hope/) - A message from the series "Experiencing God through the Psalms."
- [Message: "Worship and the Psalms" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/worship-and-the-psalms/) - A message from the series "Experiencing God through the Psalms."
- [Message: "I Send You" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/i-send-you/) - A message from the series "Three Little Words."
- [Message: "Abide in Me" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/abide-in-me/) - A message from the series "Three Little Words."
- [Message: "Come and See" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/come-and-see/) - A message from the series "Three Little Words."
- [Message: "Change: Opportunity and Challenge" from Matthew and Wesley ](https://www.crcc.org/messages/change-opportunity-and-challenge/) - A message from the series "New Year."
- [Message: "Epiphany" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/epiphany/) - A message from the series "New Year."
- [Message: "Looking Forward and Looking Back" from Matthew and Ruth](https://www.crcc.org/messages/looking-forward-and-looking-back/) - A message from the series "New Year."
- [Message: "Star/ Joy" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/star-joy/) - A message from the series "The Shape of Christmas."
- [Message: "Heart/ Love" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/heart-love/) - A message from the series "The Shape of Christmas."
- [Message: "Line/Peace" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/line-peace/) - A message from the series "The Shape of Christmas."
- [Message: "Circle" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/circle/) - A message from the series "The Shape of Christmas." Our Advent series begins with an all-ages service focused on piecing together the Christmas story with tangrams before exploring the imagery of a circle.
- [Message: "Together in Christ" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/together-in-christ/) - A message from the series "Christ is Enough."
- [Message: "Living in Christ" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/living-in-christ/) - A message from the series "Christ is Enough."
- [Message: "The Sufficiency of Christ" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-sufficiency-of-christ/) - A message from the series "Christ is Enough."
- [Message: "The Lordship of Christ" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-lordship-of-christ/) - A message from the series "Christ is Enough."
- [Message: "A letter to Those in Christ" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-letter-to-those-in-christ/) - A message from the series "Christ is Enough."
- [Message: "Our Values" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/our-values/) - A message from the series "Vision."
- [Message: "A Community Vision" from Community .](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-community-vision/) - A message from the series "Vision."
- [Message: "A Vision for Peace" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-vision-for-peace/) - A message from the series "Vision."
- [Message: "A Vision for Justice" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-vision-for-justice/) - A message from the series "Vision."
- [Message: "A Vision for Transformation" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-vision-for-transformation/) - A message from the series "Vision."
- [Message: "Our Vision" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/our-vision/) - A message from the series "Our Vision."
- [Message: "Lost and Found (Luke 15)" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/lost-and-found-luke-15/) - A message from the series "Stories Jesus Told." Jesus was a captivating teacher, and many of his most memorable teachings were conveyed as parables. These short, metaphorical stories were so artistic, vivid and compelling, they could be remembered after just one telling. But despite their apparent simplicity, Jesus’ parables contain paradoxes, surprises, and cryptic elements that demand deeper reflection and contemplation. Jesus explained they were intended “for those who had ears to hear.” We will therefore attempt to approach these stories with open hearts, laying aside our assumptions about what they mean, and inviting God to use their ambiguity to speak to us anew.
- [Message: "The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-wise-and-foolish-builders-matthew-7-24-27/) - A message from the series "Stories Jesus Told."
- [Message: "A Pharisee and a Tax Collector" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-pharisee-and-a-tax-collector/) - A message from the series "Stories Jesus Told."
- [Message: "A Widow and a Judge" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-widow-and-a-judge/) - A message from the series "Stories Jesus Told."
- [Message: "The Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-ten-virgins-matthew-25-1-13/) - A message from the series "Stories Jesus Told."
- [Message: "American Fiction" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/american-fiction/) - A message from the series "God in the movies 2024."
- [Message: "Coda" from Trish,Rebecca Audi, Stryker](https://www.crcc.org/messages/coda/) - A message from the series "God in the movies 2024."
- [Message: "Serenity" from Jeff Bailey](https://www.crcc.org/messages/serenity/) - A message from the series "God in the movies 2024."
- [Message: "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" from Kim Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/black-panther-wakanda-forever/) - A message from the series "God in the movies 2024."
- [Message: "Barbie" from  Kate Thomas](https://www.crcc.org/messages/barbie/) - A message from the series "God in the movies 2024."
- [Message: "Developing a Habit of Prayer" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/developing-a-habit-of-prayer/) - A message from the series "So,we pray."
- [Message: "Hope when everything seems dark and despairing" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/hope-when-everything-seems-dark-and-despairing/) - A message from the series "Tension: Real faith in a real world."
- [Message: "Disappointment with Prayer" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/disappointment-with-prayer/) - A message from the series "So,we pray."
- [Message: "Why pray?" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/why-pray/) - A message from the series "So,we pray." In this message we explore the reason and motivation for prayer.
- [Message: "Dealing with Fear and Anxiety" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/dealing-with-fear-and-anxiety/) - A message from the series "Tension: Real faith in a real world."
- [Message: "Handling Conflict and Disagreement" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/handling-conflict-and-disagreement/) - A message from the series "Tension: Real faith in a real world."
- [Message: "Living with doubt and uncertainty" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/living-with-doubt-and-uncertainty/) - A message from the series "Tension: Real faith in a real world."
- [Message: "Nature" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/nature/) - A message from the series "God Is Not Distant."
- [Message: "Activism" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/activism/) - A message from the series "God Is Not Distant."
- [Message: "Contemplation" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/contemplation/) - A message from the series "God Is Not Distant."
- [Message: "Community" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/community/) - A message from the series "God Is Not Distant."
- [Message: "Easter" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/easter/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark) Part 2."
- [Message: "Beyond the Wall" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/beyond-the-wall/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark) Part 2."
- [Message: "In the Company of Friends" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/in-the-company-of-friends/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark) Part 2."
- [Message: "On the Horizon" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/on-the-horizon/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark) Part 2."
- [Message: "In Jerusalem" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/in-jerusalem/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark) Part 2."
- [Message: "Down to Earth" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/down-to-earth/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark) Part 2."
- [Message: "On the Mountaintop" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/on-the-mountaintop/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark) Part 2."
- [Message: "Music" from Kerri, Kevin Wesley](https://www.crcc.org/messages/19-music/) - A message from the series "Got in the Arts."
- [Message: "Writing" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/writing/) - A message from the series "Got in the Arts."
- [Message: "Art" from  Chas Foster](https://www.crcc.org/messages/art/) - A message from the series "Got in the Arts."
- [Message: "Models of Wisdom" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/models-of-bolden/) - A message from the series "Ancient Life Hacks ."
- [Message: "Proverbs To Live By" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/proverbs-to-live-by/) - A message from the series "Ancient Life Hacks ."
- [Message: "Introduction to Proverbs" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/introduction-to-proverbs/) - A message from the series "Ancient Life Hacks ."
- [Message: "New Year Message: Choices" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/new-year-message-choices/) - A message from the series "Ancient Life Hacks ."
- [Message: "Christmas Eve Service" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/43-christmas-eve-service/) - A message from the series "Advent: The Presence of the Past." A traditional service of readings and carols.
- [Message: "Nativity Scene" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/nativity-scene/) - A message from the series "Advent: The Presence of the Past."
- [Message: "Shopping and Gift Giving" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/shopping-and-gift-giving/) - A message from the series "Advent: The Presence of the Past." This week we look at the tradition of gift giving.
- [Message: "O Christmas Tree" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/o-christmas-tree/) - A message from the series "Advent: The Presence of the Past." In this first week of Advent, we looked at the meaning behind Christmas trees, and used interactive stations to explore the Christmas story. The stations can be found here: https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Advent-2023-stations.pdf
- [Message: "Failure and Fresh Starts" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/failure-and-fresh-starts/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark)." This week we looked at the character of Peter as portrayed in the Gospel of Mark.
- [Message: "Shock and Horror" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/shock-and-horror/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark)."
- [Message: "Old Ways and New" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/old-ways-and-new/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark)." This week we looked at Mark 7:1-8:21
- [Message: "Miracles and Resistance" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/miracles-and-resistance/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark)." This week we looked at Mark 4:35 - 6:56.
- [Message: "Stories of Confusion & Enlightment" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/stories-of-confusion-enlightment/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark)."
- [Message: "The Beginning and The End" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-beginning-and-the-end/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark)." In this week, we look at the background and major themes of the Gospel of Mark.
- [Message: "Friends and Foes" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/friends-and-foes/) - A message from the series "Surprised by Love (Gospel of Mark)." This week we look at the first three chapters, focusing on Jesus' holistic healing and radical inclusion.
- [Message: "Why We Value Inclusion" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/why-we-value-inclusion/) - A message from the series "Why Do We Do That?." In the final week of this series, we look at why inclusion is such a core value for us at Cedar Ridge.
- [Message: "Why I Follow Jesus" from Wesley Bolden](https://www.crcc.org/messages/why-i-follow-jesus/) - A message from the series "Why Do We Do That?." This week our new pastor Wesley Bolden shares his journey on why he follows Jesús.
- [Message: "Why Do We Gather to Worship" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/why-do-we-gather-to-worship/) - A message from the series "Why Do We Do That?." This week we looked at worship practices--including music and song, communion, and baptism--and how these reflect our values of mystery, humility, and inclusion.
- [Message: "Why Growth, Community and Servanthood?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/why-growth-community-and-servanthood/) - A message from the series "Why Do We Do That?." This week we look at how we define following Jesus in terms of growth, community and servanthood.
- [Message: "The Woman Who Washed Jesus' Feet" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-woman-who-washed-jesus-feet/) - A message from the series "Stories of Faith." In this last week of the series, we explored the story in Luke's Gospel of the woman who washed Jesus' feet.
- [Message: "David and Goliath" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/david-and-goliath/) - A message from the series "Stories of Faith." This week we look at the story of David and Goliath as an example of faith that faces our demons.
- [Message: "The Widow of Zarephath" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-widow-of-zarephath/) - A message from the series "Stories of Faith." This week we look at the story of the widow of Zarephath as an example of faith that trusts in God's provision.
- [Message: "The Calling of Abraham" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-calling-of-abraham/) - A message from the series "Stories of Faith." This week we look at the story of Abraham as an example of faith that steps out and lets go.
- [Message: "The Story of Esther" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-story-of-esther/) - A message from the series "Stories of Faith." This week we look at the story of Queen Esther as an example of faith that confronts injustice.
- [Message: "Bitter Melon" from Margy  ](https://www.crcc.org/messages/bitter-melon/) - A message from the series "God In the Movies 2023."
- [Message: "Tuesdays With Morrie" from  Kevin Richardson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/tuesdays-with-morrie/) - A message from the series "God In the Movies 2023."
- [Message: "The Song of Lunch" from  Tinica Mather](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-song-of-lunch/) - A message from the series "God In the Movies 2023."
- [Message: "The Straight Story" from John  Evens](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-straight-story/) - A message from the series "God In the Movies 2023." This week we considered our call to be reconcilers, with a look at the move "The Straight Story."
- [Message: "Everything Everywhere All At Once" from Jesse Christian](https://www.crcc.org/messages/everything-everywhere-all-at-once/) - A message from the series "God In the Movies 2023." A look at identity and finding fulfillment in life through the Oscar-winning movie "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once."
- [Message: "Perseverance" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/perseverance/) - A message from the series "A Wiser Way to Live: A Study in James." This week we wrapped up our series with a look at the need for perseverance.
- [Message: "Wisdom From Above" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/wisdom-from-above/) - A message from the series "A Wiser Way to Live: A Study in James." This week we looked at two kinds of wisdom, and embraced the challenge of being peacemakers who sow in peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
- [Message: "Powerful Words" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/powerful-words/) - A message from the series "A Wiser Way to Live: A Study in James." In this message we look at James 3:1-12, and the power of words.
- [Message: "Practical Faith" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-wiser-way-to-live/) - A message from the series "A Wiser Way to Live: A Study in James." This week we looked at James chapter 2, and the call to live out our faith through not judging, not being fooled by wealth, loving authentically, and allowing mercy to triumph over judgment.
- [Message: "Pure Joy and Perfect Law" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/pure-joy-and-perfect-law/) - A message from the series "A Wiser Way to Live: A Study in James." This week we looked at James chapter 1.
- [Message: "Introduction to James" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/introduction-to-a-wiser-way-to-live/) - A message from the series "A Wiser Way to Live: A Study in James." In this introductory message, we look at the author, context and main themes of the Epistle of James.
- [Message: "What is Faith?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/what-is-faith/) - A message from the series "Exploring the Depths: Our Faith in Progress." Concluding our series on the who God is and what God is like, this week we focused on what faith is really all about.
- [Message: "Who is Jesus?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/who-is-jesus/) - A message from the series "Exploring the Depths: Our Faith in Progress." This week we focused on the person and significance of Jesus.
- [Message: "What is God Like?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/what-is-god-like/) - A message from the series "Exploring the Depths: Our Faith in Progress." At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus. At the same time, we want to make room for and embrace doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore who God is and what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason—recognizing that our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. We will focus particularly on the person of Jesus, “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world. This week we focused on “What is God Like?” #marylandchurchevent #churchinmaryland #communitychurchinmaryland #cedarridgecommunitychurch #burtonsvillemarylandchurch #montgomerycountychurches #howardcountychurches #communityevent #cedarridgecommunitychurch #whoisgod #whatisgodlike #chuchinmontgomerycounty #churchinmaryland #mysteryofGod
- [Message: "Who is God?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/who-is-god-exploring-the-depths-our-faith-in-progress/) - A message from the series "Exploring the Depths: Our Faith in Progress." In this introductory week we focused on how we know anything, and explored the question, “Who is God?”
- [Message: "Surprising Words of Hope | April 9, 2023" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/surprising-words-of-hope-april-9-2023/) - A message from the series "Heart Cries from the Cross." Happy Easter!
- [Message: "The Sixth Word of Accomplishement" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/heart-cries-from-the-cross-the-sixth-word-of-accomplishement/) - A message from the series "Heart Cries from the Cross." The authors of the gospels collectively record seven statements made by Jesus on the cross. These brief utterances are significant: They are a record of what Jesus said during the intense, agonizing, and vulnerable hours of his death. On the cross, Jesus was literally and figuratively stripped bare. From the darkness of pain and sorrow, he cried out. But these are more than “dying words”—rather they contain hope, love, and life itself. Jesus’ words from the cross open a unique window into the heart and mind of God. Down through the centuries, people have studied them for their timeless truths. Moreover, they have experienced God’s presence in their own lives as they have meditated upon them. This Lent, we will take a contemplative approach to the gospel accounts of Jesus’ heart cries from the cross. We will invite God to speak to us afresh through them, to meet us in our vulnerability, and to help us become more like Jesus as we listen to him. This week we talked about accomplishment in the context of Jesus' words: "It is Finished"
- [Message: "The Fifth Saying of Distress: I Thirst" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-fifth-saying-of-distress-i-thirst/) - A message from the series "Heart Cries from the Cross." This week we talked about distress in the context of Jesus' words: "I Thirst."
- [Message: "The First Word of Forgiveness" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-first-word-forgiveness/) - A message from the series "Heart Cries from the Cross." In this first week of Lent, we looked at Jesus' words, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."
- [Message: "The Third Word of Belonging" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-third-word-of-belonging-march-12-2023/) - A message from the series "Heart Cries from the Cross." This week we talked about belonging in the context of Jesus' words: "Here is your son... here is your mother."
- [Message: "The Fourth Word of Abandonment" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-fourth-word-of-abandonment/) - A message from the series "Heart Cries from the Cross." This week we talked about abandonment in the context of Jesus' words: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
- [Message: "The Second Word of Hope" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-second-word-of-hope/) - A message from the series "Heart Cries from the Cross." This week we talked about hope in the context of Jesus' words: "...you will be with me in paradise."
- [Message: "God is Light" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-is-light/) - A message from the series "God in Real Life." Today we look at what it means for God to be Light, and the call for us, too, to be the light of the world.
- [Message: "God is Love" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-is-love/) - A message from the series "God in Real Life." Today we look at what it means for God to be Love, and how we--like Jesus--can be love incarnate.
- [Message: "God is Life" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-is-life/) - A message from the series "God in Real Life." This week we look at the historical context, authorship, structure and major themes of 1 John.
- [Message: "Kindness Forever" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/kindness-forever/) - A message from the series "Winter Kindness." This week we looked at how kindness defies the darkness, and is a prophetic act that extends the kingdom of God. We looked at cynicism in the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden, and meditated on the Sermon on the Mount.
- [Message: "Kindness Keeps Company" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/kindness-keeps-company/) - A message from the series "Winter Kindness." This week we talked about how to truly listen and have empathy with one another as an expression of kindness.
- [Message: "Just Kindness" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/just-kindness/) - A message from the series "Winter Kindness." This week we talked about how kindness needs to be expressed through the pursuit of justice. Since injustice is a product of the illusion of separateness, justice (kindness in action) needs to come from recognition of our oneness with God and with each other, drawing on the love of Jesus.
- [Message: "Why Be Kind?" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/why-be-kind/) - A message from the series "Winter Kindness." This week we look at our motivations for being kind, and examples from Jesus found in the gospels. We looked at how we are called to be like Jesus in being "kinder than necessary" to everyone, without condescension, even when we don't feel like it--because we are children of God.
- [Message: "New Years Service" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/5-new-years-service/) - A message from the series "Stand alone message." Today we celebrate the season of Epiphany and reflect on how the baby born in Bethlehem begins his life-work as an adult in Galilee. We will look at the implications for ourselves in terms of the opportunity presented by disruption, our need for enlightenment, the value of finding a rhythm in life, and the need for perseverance.
- [Message: "Christmas Eve Service" from Multiple speakers](https://www.crcc.org/messages/christmas-eve-service/) - A message from the series "Stand alone message." We gathered together for a candle-lit service of readings, prayers and traditional carols. We welcome you to join us in celebrating the joy and meaning of Christmas.
- [Message: "Christmas With The Poets" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/christmas-with-the-poets/) - A message from the series "The Culture of Christmas." This week, we conclude our Advent series with an exploration of peace in difficult circumstances--featuring Maya Angelou's "Amazing Peace" and an interview with former CNN correspondent and Cedar Ridge member Kathleen Koch.
- [Message: "It’s A Wonderful Christmas" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/it-s-a-wonderful-christmas/) - A message from the series "The Culture of Christmas." This week, we look at the iconic Christmas movie "It's A Wonderful Life" as we explore the Advent theme of joy. (Only audio is available this week do to copyright claims.)
- [Message: "Christmas with Old St. Nick" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/christmas-with-old-st-nick/) - A message from the series "The Culture of Christmas." This week, we look at the cultural significance of Santa Claus, and feature Tolkien's book "Letters from Father Christmas" as we explore the Advent theme of love.
- [Message: "Christmas with the Grinch" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/christmas-with-the-grinch/) - A message from the series "The Culture of Christmas." This week we feature "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and explore the story of the first Christmas with interactive stations. Descriptions of the stations can be found here: https://www.crcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stations-for-First-Sunday-fo-Advent-2022.pdf
- [Message: "Grateful for Family and Friends" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/reading-romans-grateful-for-family-and-friends/) - A message from the series "Reading Romans." This week, we wrapped up our series with a Thanksgiving-themed look at chapters 14-16.
- [Message: "Living as Children of God" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/reading-romans-living-as-children-of-god/) - A message from the series "Reading Romans." This week we look at chapters 12 and 13.
- [Message: "The Mystery of Mercy" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/reading-romans-the-mystery-of-mercy/) - A message from the series "Reading Romans." This week we look at chapters 9-11.
- [Message: "The Spirit of Life" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/reading-romans-the-spirit-of-life/) - A message from the series "Reading Romans." This week we look at chapters 5-8.
- [Message: "Setting the scene" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/reading-romans-setting-the-scene/) - A message from the series "Reading Romans." In this introductory week, we look at the historical context for Paul's letter to the Romans, and examine the message summarized in the first 17 verses.
- [Message: "We're all in this together" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/reading-romans-were-all-in-this-together/) - A message from the series "Reading Romans." This week we look at Romans 1:17-4:25.
- [Message: "Part 3" from Matthew and Hubert](https://www.crcc.org/messages/part-3/) - A message from the series "Why I Follow Jesus." This week Matthew shares and interviews Hubert.
- [Message: "Part 2" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/part-2/) - A message from the series "Why I Follow Jesus." This week Bryan shares his story and interviews Deb Frew.
- [Message: "Part 1" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/76-a-beautiful-day/) - A message from the series "Why I Follow Jesus." Today Ruth shared her story of following Jesus, and interviewed Sandy.
- [Message: "Introduction" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/why-i-follow-jesus-intro/) - A message from the series "Why I Follow Jesus." This week we consider reasons we passionately follow Jesus together as a community.
- [Message: "A Story About Two Builders" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-story-about-two-builders/) - A message from the series "God in Story." In this message we explore Jesus' well-known story about two builders.
- [Message: "Elemental Spirituality: Water" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/elemental-spirituality-water/) - A message from the series "Elemental Spirituality." In this final week of the series, we look at the metaphor of water.
- [Message: "Elemental Spirituality: Fire" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/elemental-spirituality-fire/) - A message from the series "Elemental Spirituality." This week we look at the metaphor of fire, and ask what does it mean for God to be "a consuming fire"?
- [Message: "Elemental Spirituality: Wind" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/wind/) - A message from the series "Elemental Spirituality." This week we talked about how God can be seen in the wind, and the very air we breathe.
- [Message: "Elemental Spirituality: Earth" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/elemental-spiritality/) - A message from the series "Elemental Spirituality." Today we consider the origins of the 4 "classical elements" of earth, wind, fire and water, and look at what earth reveals to us of God.
- [Message: "Moana" from Cedar Ridge Youth](https://www.crcc.org/messages/gitm-moana/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies 2022." This week the youth presented lessons about identity, encouragament, and the transformative power of love--illustrated by the movie "Moana."
- [Message: "Finding Nemo" from Kevin Richardson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/finding-nemo/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies 2022." This week we look at the 2003 classic movie Finding Nemo, and what it teaches us about loss, love and trust.
- [Message: "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" from Roger Sandberg & Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-beautiful-day/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies 2022." This week we look at the movie "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood."
- [Message: "Avatar, the Animated Series" from Jacob & Rachel](https://www.crcc.org/messages/gitm-avatar/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies 2022." This week, we look at an episode of "Avatar," the animated series.
- [Message: "Encanto" from Briana Teller](https://www.crcc.org/messages/gitm-encanto/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies 2022." This week we look at the movie "Encanto."
- [Message: "The Victorious Kingdom" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-victorious-kingdom/) - A message from the series "A New Kind of Kingdom." In this message we examine how Luke describes and understands the resurrection of Jesus.
- [Message: "Citizens of the Kingdom" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/citizens-of-the-kingdom/) - A message from the series "A New Kind of Kingdom." Today we start our new series, "A New Kind of Kingdom," with a look at parables about belonging in the Kingdom of God.
- [Message: "Kingdom Currency" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/kingdom-currency/) - A message from the series "A New Kind of Kingdom." Today we talk about three of Jesus' much-misunderstood parables in our outdoor community service.
- [Message: "The Heart of the Kingdom" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-heart-of-the-kingdom/) - A message from the series "A New Kind of Kingdom." In this message we examine how Luke distinctively presents the death of Jesus, and the implications for us today.
- [Message: "Kingdoms in Conflict" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/kingdoms-in-conflict/) - A message from the series "A New Kind of Kingdom." Today we talked about parables involving conflict in Luke.
- [Message: "Step Forward with Courageous Hope" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/step-forward-with-courageous-hope/) - A message from the series "Next Steps." Today we wrap up our series with a message about hope. The videos discussed are here: Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWreKSjaR8k Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9skYkQfAwus
- [Message: "Step Up for One Another" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/step-up-for-one-another/) - A message from the series "Next Steps." Today we talk about the importance of Love in our community and the bible.
- [Message: "Step Into a World of Possibility " from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/step-into-a-world-of-possibility/) - A message from the series "Next Steps." Today we talk about faith, doubt, and having "a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
- [Message: "Step Out and Seize the Day" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/step-out-and-seize-the-day/) - A message from the series "Next Steps." We look at the invitation to struggle with doubt, be real (more than right), "be being filled" with the Spirit, and re-engage with our church community.
- [Message: "Earth Day Celebration" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/earth-day-celebration/) - A message from the series "Stand alone message." This is a brief outdoor service to celebrate Earth Day and the completion of the community solar farm.
- [Message: "The Stone That Moved" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-stone-that-moved/) - A message from the series "A Story in Stones." Today Matthew, Bryan, and Ruth lead our outdoor Easter Sunday Service
- [Message: "Singing Stones" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/singing-stones/) - A message from the series "A Story in Stones." This week Ruth leads us through the story of Palm Sunday
- [Message: "Foundation Stones" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/foundation-stones/) - A message from the series "A Story in Stones." This week we'll consider Jesus' words to Peter: "On this rock I will build my church."
- [Message: "Living Stones" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/living-stones/) - A message from the series "A Story in Stones." This week, we look at a passage that describes followers of Jesus as living stones, being built together to make something beautiful.
- [Message: "Throwing Stones" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/throwing-stones/) - A message from the series "A Story in Stones." This week, we look at stones as weapons of accusation and criticism.
- [Message: "Rejected Stone" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/rejected-stone/) - A message from the series "A Story in Stones." This week, we look at stones as foundational elements, old and reliable as the earth itself, and the way Jesus used them in his teachings
- [Message: "Stumbling Stones" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/stumbling-stones/) - A message from the series "A Story in Stones." This week, we look at the idea of God as the Rock, and the temptations Jesus faced to manipulate both rocks and the Rock.
- [Message: "Book Endorsements" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/book-endorsements/) - A message from the series "Goodreads: The Bible." This week, Matthew sits down for a conversation with some members of our community.
- [Message: "Synopsis" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/synopsis/) - A message from the series "Goodreads: The Bible." This week, we continue the series, "Goodreads: The Bible," focusing on some of its major purposes.
- [Message: "About This Publication" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/about-this-publication/) - A message from the series "Goodreads: The Bible." This week, we begin a new series, "Goodreads: The Bible," looking at the Bible's origins, its divine inspiration, and its humanity.
- [Message: "Growing Conflict and Controversy" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/growing-conflict-and-controversy/) - A message from the series "Good News for Everyone." This week, at the end of our 'Good News For Everyone' series, we look at how the Kingdom of God often collides with the way of the world.
- [Message: "The Journey to Jerusalem Begins" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-journey-to-jerusalem-begins/) - A message from the series "Good News for Everyone." This week, we look at what Jesus says it means to follow Him, and how we can live out His teachings starting right now.
- [Message: "Teaching Throughout Galilee" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/teaching-throughout-galilee/) - A message from the series "Good News for Everyone." *Note: Apologies for the technical difficulties! For the first 10 minutes of the message which did not make the recording, we have attached a PDF transcript below the series description.* This week, we examine 6 stories from Luke looking at the call to imitate God’s generous, indiscriminate love as part of an inclusive, equitable community.
- [Message: "The Heart of Jesus' Ministry" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-heart-of-jesus-ministry/) - A message from the series "Good News for Everyone." This week, we look at the radical message of Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain" and examine two miracles: the healing of a centurion's servant, and the raising of a widow's son.
- [Message: "Building the Team" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/building-the-team/) - A message from the series "Good News for Everyone." This week, we look at how Jesus grew a dedicated following—and a dedicated opposition—in a relatively short time at the start of his ministry.
- [Message: "Preparing for Ministry" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/preparing-for-ministry/) - A message from the series "Good News for Everyone." In this first week, we look at how Jesus grew in wisdom and strength, empowered by the Holy Spirit. And we ask how Jesus's identity, as described by Luke, impacts our own sense of self.
- [Message: "The Birth of a Better Way" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-birth-of-a-better-way/) - A message from the series "Stand alone message." A Christmas message on how Jesus' birth proclaims a better way of living.
- [Message: "Christmas Service" from Multiple speakers](https://www.crcc.org/messages/christmas-service/) - A message from the series "Stand alone message." On this last Sunday before Christmas, we gather together for an all ages service in the auditorium for our traditional Christmas service of readings, prayers and Christmas carols.
- [Message: "Angels from the Realms of Glory" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/angels-from-the-realms-of-glory/) - A message from the series "Singing the Songs of Christmas." This week, we focus on the fascinating backstory behind 'Angels from the Realms of Glory' and its author, James Montgomery.
- [Message: "Silent Night" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/silent-night/) - A message from the series "Singing the Songs of Christmas." This week, we look at the origin story of the well-loved carol, 'Silent Night'.
- [Message: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/o-come-o-come-emmanuel/) - A message from the series "Singing the Songs of Christmas." This week, we take a look at the stories and history behind the Advent hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." Note: Please excuse the audio issues; they are resolved at 3:18.
- [Message: "We Love the Real World" from Multiple speakers](https://www.crcc.org/messages/we-love-the-real-world/) - A message from the series "A Few of Our Favorite Things." This week, Ruth chats with community members Andrew House, a scientist, and Jason Float, a foster parent, about finding God in the real world.
- [Message: "We Love Living Hopefully" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/we-love-living-hopefully/) - A message from the series "A Few of Our Favorite Things." This week we examine what it means to practice gratitude, looking forward with hope.
- [Message: "We Love to Create" from Multiple Speakers](https://www.crcc.org/messages/we-love-to-create/) - A message from the series "A Few of Our Favorite Things." Note: Apologies for the early audio issue. It is resolved at 06:47. This week, we sat down for a chat with members of our community, Kevin Richardson and Rebecca Stryker, to discuss their passions, and their relationship with creativity.
- [Message: "Harvest Service" from Multiple speakers](https://www.crcc.org/messages/24-harvest-service/) - A message from the series "A Few of Our Favorite Things." This is an all ages, interactive outdoor service to celebrate our harvest and our beautiful, productive property in the crisp fall air.
- [Message: "Wounded Healers, Part 2" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/wounded-healers-part-2/) - A message from the series "When Everything Seems Broken." This week we conclude our series, When Everything Seems Broken, taking a look at weakness and how we might embrace it as a form of strength.
- [Message: "Wounded Healers, Part 1" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/wounded-healers-part-1/) - A message from the series "When Everything Seems Broken." This week we continue our series, When Everything Seems Broken, focusing on the significance of struggle as we wrestle with life's challenges.
- [Message: "Rethinking Service" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/rethinking-service/) - A message from the series "When Everything Seems Broken." This week we examine the connection between self-care and selfless service.
- [Message: "Listening to Ourselves and Others" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/listening-to-ourselves-and-others/) - A message from the series "When Everything Seems Broken." This week, we look at an impactful encounter between Jesus and a Gentile woman.
- [Message: "Making Time for Community" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/making-time-for-community/) - A message from the series "When Everything Seems Broken." This week, we look at the importance of community and what it means to be family.
- [Message: "Helping While Hurting" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/helping-while-hurting/) - A message from the series "When Everything Seems Broken." The pandemic has taken its toll on all of us in various ways and to different degrees. As we struggle with our own losses, anxieties, discouragements, and practical needs, we are also aware that in many ways we are privileged. In our workplaces, neighborhoods, and society at large, there are so many people struggling financially, emotionally, and spiritually. As followers of Jesus and as compassionate people we want to help—but how can we find the energy to care for others when we ourselves are tired and hurting?
- [Message: "Jesus in His Own Words" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/jesus-in-his-own-words/) - A message from the series "On the Trail with Jesus." Returning to the Mount of Beatitudes, we will take a fresh look at the radical ideas of Jesus in his “Sermon on the Mount.”
- [Message: "Mount of Beatitudes and Capernaum" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/mount-of-beatitudes-and-capernaum/) - A message from the series "On the Trail with Jesus." The trail arrives at the northern shore of the lake to the church at Tabgha which commemorates Jesus feeding the multitudes, then to the church and gardens at the Mount of Beatitudes, which commemorates the Sermon on the Mount, and then finally arriving at the ancient lakeside fishing village of Capernaum with its extensive ruins.
- [Message: "Lavi to the Sea of Galilee" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/lavi-to-the-sea-of-galilee/) - A message from the series "On the Trail with Jesus." This stretch goes from hilltop to hilltop, from the panoramic view at the Horns of Hattin, down to the Sea of Galilee, passing by ancient olive trees.
- [Message: "Cana to Lavi" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/cana-to-lavi/) - A message from the series "On the Trail with Jesus." This week, we leave Cana and the trail goes almost entirely along forests and through natural and cultivated fields to end at the outskirts of the modern Jewish agricultural commune of Lavi, which is located near the hill of the Horns of Hattin. This section includes a Roman road and the ruins of Shejara—an Arab village “depopulated by the Israeli military.”
- [Message: "Nazareth to Cana" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/nazareth-to-cana/) - A message from the series "On the Trail with Jesus." The trail goes through the Old City of Nazareth and then ascends via steep stairways to the ridge overlooking the city. From there the trail goes out into agricultural fields towards the extensively excavated ancient city of Sepphoris. After passing through the Arab village of Mash’had the trail arrives at Kafr Kanna, the traditional site of Jesus turning water into wine.
- [Message: "A Journey of Never-Ending Acceptance" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-journey-of-never-ending-acceptance/) - A message from the series "Stand alone message." As we head into a new series focused on a journey that Jesus would have made many times, we will pause to consider our own faith journey. How are we growing and changing as we walk with Jesus?
- [Message: "What is Worship?" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/what-is-worship/) - A message from the series "Church to Go." In this third and final week we ask the question, "What is worship?" If God is love and we are one with God, why and how should we worship?
- [Message: "Why Do We Pray?" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/why-do-we-pray/) - A message from the series "Church to Go." In this second week, we discuss what prayer is, and why we pray. For this week's main points, prayer practice and meditation, go to www.crcc.org/church-to-go-week-2
- [Message: "How Do We Experience God?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/how-do-we-experience-god/) - A message from the series "Church to Go." For this week's main points, prayer practice and meditation, go to www.crcc.org/church-to-go-week-1
- [Message: "Parable of the Sower" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/parable-of-the-sower/) - A message from the series "God in Story." Following on from our "God in the Movies" series, we will listen for God's voice through stories in the Scriptures. This week we will look at Jesus' parable of the sower.
- [Message: "Jonah" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/jonah/) - A message from the series "God in Story." Following on from our "God in the Movies" series, we listen for God's voice through stories in the Scriptures. This week we look at the well-known, but perhaps often-misunderstood story of Jonah.
- [Message: "Soul " from Kristin Wurie](https://www.crcc.org/messages/soul/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies 2021." Today, Kristin and Sierra Wurie discuss the movie "Soul." The clips have been omitted due to copyright laws, so the timestamps for the clips mentioned are below: Video Clip #1: 0:40 – 5:00 Video Clip #2: 29:48-34:05 Video Clip #3: 51:30-55:24 Video Clip #4: 1:15:49-1:16:49 Video Clip #5: 1:17:50-1:20-50 Ends with: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow5H2-PHbqk
- [Message: "The Farewell" from Jonathan Freeman-Coppadge](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-farewell/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies 2021." Today, Jonathan Freeman-Coppadge discusses the movie "The Farewell" The clips have been omitted due to copyright laws, so the timestamps for the clips mentioned are below: CLIP 1— 4:26–12:45 (Introduction to the characters and to the lie about Nai Nai’s condition. Intro of the moral dilemma about whether to tell her.) CLIP 2— 44:41–51:27 (going to hospital, Conversation with doctor, and family debate about when to tell Nai Nai.) CLIP 3— 1:01:12–1:06:28 (Generational conversation about culture values/moral values. Later Billi reveals the personal cost of these cultural choices.) At the very end, this song from the movie was included: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWvd_PSE9IU
- [Message: "Worshipping with our Whole Selves" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/worshipping-with-our-whole-selves/) - A message from the series "Demo Series." This is a hybrid service with participants either in-person or on-line. Through a focus on the return of the Israelites from Babylonian exile, we gather together to worship God with our whole selves--through celebration, lament and reflection.
- [Message: "A Hidden Life" from Gina Richardson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-hidden-life/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies 2021." Today, Gina Richardson discusses the movie "A Hidden Life." The clips have been omitted due to copyright laws, so the timestamps for the clips mentioned are below: (3:30 to 7:51) Franz and Frani are living the life they had dreamed of in a small village in the mountains of Austria, but their idyllic life is interrupted when Franz is drafted and sent to a training camp to fight for the N*zis where he begins to wrestle with the justifications for war and his spiritual beliefs. (31:38 – 34:58) Franz wrestles with his spiritual beliefs and goes to visit the Bishop to discuss his objections to the war. The Bishop tells him to support the war and Franz finds out later that priests are being threatened if they don’t preach solidarity with war and country. (59:20 to 1:00:57) Franz questions what God wants from him. After much struggle he follows his conscience decides to enlist. (1:50:36 – 1:52:24) A lawyer visits Franz in jail to help him get out of fighting, but he would still have to pledge to H*tler, but he keeps to his convictions and refuses
- [Message: "Groundhog Day" from Andrew O'Day](https://www.crcc.org/messages/groundhog-day/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies 2021." Today, Andrew O'Day discusses the movie Groundhog Day. The clips have been omitted due to copyright laws, so the timestamps for the clips mentioned are below: Clip 1 - 25:18 to 26:50 Clip 2 - 30:27 to 34:40 Clip 3 - 46:07 to 50:18 and 54:34 to 55:26 Clip 4 - 58:33 to 1:00:52 Clip 5 - 1:19:51 to 1:22:30
- [Message: "Remember the Titans" from Alison Pasternak](https://www.crcc.org/messages/remember-the-titans/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies 2021." In this message, Alison Pasternak discusses the movie "Remember The Titans." The clips have been omitted due to copyright laws, so the timestamps for the clips mentioned are below: Clip 1— 0:00-4:34 Clip 2— 29:11-31:20 and 32:22-35:57 Clip 3— 1:25:36-1:28:06 Clip 4— 1:44:30-1:46:00
- [Message: "Disappointment" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/disappointment/) - A message from the series "Bottled Up ." This week, Ruth will be giving the final message in the series, where we explore disappointment in ourselves and in the Bible.
- [Message: "May 2, 2021: Full Hybrid (In Person and Zoom) Service" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/may-2-2021-full-hybrid-in-person-and-zoom-service/) - A message from the series "Bottled Up ." In this hybrid in-person and online service, we continue our series "Bottled Up." This week, Matthew gives the message on the topic of anxiety.
- [Message: "Grief" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/grief/) - A message from the series "Bottled Up ." This week, Melanie will be giving the third message in the series, where we explore grief in ourselves and in the Bible.
- [Message: "Anger" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/anger/) - A message from the series "Bottled Up ." This week, Ruth will be giving the second message in the series featuring an interview with member Tommy Tavenner, where we explore anger in ourselves and in the Bible.
- [Message: "Owning Our Emotions" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/owning-our-emotions/) - A message from the series "Bottled Up ." This week, Matthew will be giving the introductory message, where we explore what it means to own our emotions.
- [Message: "Easter Sunday Service" from Multiple speakers](https://www.crcc.org/messages/easter-sunday-service/) - A message from the series "Easter Sunday." Happy Easter! Through songs, prayers, readings, reflections and a brief message, we will celebrate together Jesus–the Resurrection and the Life!
- [Message: "April 2, 2021: Good Friday Service" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/april-2-2021-good-friday-service/) - A message from the series "I Am." “Tenebrae” is Latin for “shadows” and is an ancient form of service used by various traditions. The progressive extinguishing of candles and use of darkness dramatizes the increasing sadness of Holy Week ahead of the celebration of resurrection at Easter.
- [Message: "I Am the True Vine" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/i-am-the-true-vine/) - A message from the series "I Am." This Palm Sunday, we explore the implications of Jesus’ claim: “I Am the True Vine."
- [Message: "I Am the Gate and the Good Shepherd" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/i-am-the-gate-and-the-good-shepherd/) - A message from the series "I Am." This week, we explore the implications of Jesus’ claim: “I Am the Gate and the Good Shepherd."
- [Message: "I Am the Light of the World" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/i-am-the-light-of-the-world/) - A message from the series "I Am." This week, we explore the implications of Jesus’ claim: “I am the Light of the World."
- [Message: "I Am the Bread of Life" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/i-am-the-bread-of-life/) - A message from the series "I Am." In this second week, we explore the implications of Jesus’ claim: “I am the Bread of Life."
- [Message: "I Am" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/i-am/) - A message from the series "I Am." In this introductory week, we will explore the implications of the sacred name “I Am."
- [Message: "Love Wins the Day" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/love-wins-the-day/) - A message from the series "Hope Changes Everything." Paul’s first recorded letter to the Thessalonians is brief and tender. Followers of Jesus in this prominent port city were facing persecution for their faith. Some had died, and the church was anxious that Jesus had not returned as they had expected. Paul writes to encourage them to stay true to the way of Jesus: to labor for the sake of love, to live pure and blameless lives, and to be steadfast in their hope for the future. This personal and heartfelt letter reminds us that we are a family, bound together by our love of Jesus and our vision for a better world. Love is stronger than suffering, and nothing—not even death—can ever separate us from Christ. Together, we will look beyond the troubles and anxieties of our current situation to the sustaining love of God that strengthens our hearts and gives us peace. In this final week, we look at hope in Jesus that transcends even death.
- [Message: "Never Give Up on the Way of Love" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/never-give-up-on-the-way-of-love/) - A message from the series "Hope Changes Everything." Paul’s first recorded letter to the Thessalonians is brief and tender. Followers of Jesus in this prominent port city were facing persecution for their faith. Some had died, and the church was anxious that Jesus had not returned as they had expected. Paul writes to encourage them to stay true to the way of Jesus: to labor for the sake of love, to live pure and blameless lives, and to be steadfast in their hope for the future. This personal and heartfelt letter reminds us that we are a family, bound together by our love of Jesus and our vision for a better world. Love is stronger than suffering, and nothing—not even death—can ever separate us from Christ. Together, we will look beyond the troubles and anxieties of our current situation to the sustaining love of God that strengthens our hearts and gives us peace. In this second week, we will look at Paul’s devotion to the Way of Love no matter the cost.
- [Message: "Let Your Life Speak" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/let-your-life-speak/) - A message from the series "Hope Changes Everything." Paul’s first recorded letter to the Thessalonians is brief and tender. Followers of Jesus in this prominent port city were facing persecution for their faith. Some had died, and the church was anxious that Jesus had not returned as they had expected. Paul writes to encourage them to stay true to the way of Jesus: to labor for the sake of love, to live pure and blameless lives, and to be steadfast in their hope for the future. This personal and heartfelt letter reminds us that we are a family, bound together by our love of Jesus and our vision for a better world. Love is stronger than suffering, and nothing—not even death—can ever separate us from Christ. Together, we will look beyond the troubles and anxieties of our current situation to the sustaining love of God that strengthens our hearts and gives us peace. In this first week, we look at the faith, love and hope of the Thessalonians, and ask what our own lives say about us.
- [Message: "Change Through Curiosity and Exploration" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/change-through-curiosity-and-exploration/) - A message from the series "Stories of Transformation." In this third and last week of the series, we consider change that comes through curiosity and exploration.
- [Message: "New Year's Service" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/new-years-service/) - A message from the series "New Years 2021." As we welcome a new year, we consider the role of hope and transformation in our lives in 2021.
- [Message: "Change Through Practice and Patience" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/change-through-practice-and-patience/) - A message from the series "Stories of Transformation." In this first week of the series, we consider change that comes slowly through patience and practice. Rory Anderson shares with us her story of committing to a daily practice of Centering Prayer.
- [Message: "Change Through Pain and Disruption" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/change-through-pain-and-disruption/) - A message from the series "Stories of Transformation."
- [Message: "Christmas Joy" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/christmas-joy/) - A message from the series "A Christmas Carol."
- [Message: "The Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-spirit-of-christmas-yet-to-come/) - A message from the series "A Christmas Carol." In this third week, we look at the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come
- [Message: "The Spirit of Christmas Present" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-spirit-of-christmas-present/) - A message from the series "A Christmas Carol." In this second week, we look at the Spirit of Christmas Present.
- [Message: "The Spirit of Christmas Past" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-spirit-of-christmas-past/) - A message from the series "A Christmas Carol." In this first week, we look at the Spirit of Christmas Past.
- [Message: "Thanksgiving" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/77-thanksgiving/) - A message from the series "Recentering." In this sixth and final week of the series, we look at the importance of thankfulness and feature stories from community members.
- [Message: "Friendship" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/friendship/) - A message from the series "Recentering." In this fifth week in the series, we look at the role of friendship.
- [Message: "Rest" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/rest/) - A message from the series "Recentering." In this fourth week in the series, we look at the practice of rest.
- [Message: "Reflection" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/recentering/) - A message from the series "Recentering." In this first week in the series, we look at the practice of self-compassion.
- [Message: "Grounded" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/grounded/) - A message from the series "Recentering." In this second week in the series, we look at the practices of being grounded in nature, in our homes and neighborhoods, and in our own bodies.
- [Message: "Creativity" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/creativity/) - A message from the series "Recentering." In this third week in the series, we look at the importance of creativity and play.
- [Message: "Challenging the New Normal" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/challenging-the-new-normal/) - A message from the series "Reimagining Church." In this final week of the series, we look at how we—like the early church—can respond lovingly to practical needs as well as acting prophetically in the area of food insecurity. We discuss ways to challenge the "new normal" of food systems that are characterized by economic, environmental and racial injustice, as we celebrate our own harvest on the Cedar Ridge farm.
- [Message: "Cooperation and Conformity" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/cooperation-and-conformity/) - A message from the series "Reimagining Church." In this fourth week, we look at how the church has struggled with power and control, arising from fear. It includes an interview with Brian McLaren.
- [Message: "What Is Truth?" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/what-is-truth/) - A message from the series "Uncomfortable Conversations With Jesus." This week we look at Jesus' interactions with Pontius Pilate.
- [Message: "From Lockdown to Evacuation" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/from-lockdown-to-evacuation/) - A message from the series "Reimagining Church." In this second week, we look at the early church's response to conflict, persecution and ethnic tension.
- [Message: "We're All In This Together" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/were-all-in-this-together/) - A message from the series "Reimagining Church." At a time when we cannot meet together as previously—when we cannot sing together, take communion together, serve alongside each other, eat together, or hug one another as we share in each other’s joys and sorrows—what does it mean to be a church community? Our current context is forcing us to reimagine what it means to follow Jesus together—but this process of reimagining is not unique to our present time. The church has been constantly evolving. Through this series, we will look at how the radically diverse community that Jesus formed struggled with practical needs, ethnic tensions, and the unpredictability of the Spirit. We will examine the desire for order and the dangerous allure of power and control. And we will ask ourselves how we can remain resolutely committed to the way of Jesus as a prophetic, united community that overcomes physical separation and embraces demographic, personal and political diversity. In this third week, we look at how conflict was variously addressed in the early church--through dialogue, compromise, taking a stand and respectfully parting ways.
- [Message: "We The People" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/37-we-the-people/) - A message from the series "Reimagining Church." In this first week, we look at the diversity of Jesus' first followers, and the love that drew them together.
- [Message: "We the People" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/we-the-people/) - A message from the series "Reimagining Church."
- [Message: "Reflections on This Time of Pandemic" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/reflections-on-this-time-of-pandemic/) - A message from the series "Reflections on This Time of Pandemic."
- [Message: "“Follow me into self-denial, suffering and death” …and other warm invitations from Jesus" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/follow-me-into-self-denial-suffering-and-death-and-other-warm-invitations-from-jesus/)
- [Message: "“You’ll have to be reborn if you truly want to see what’s real." from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/you-ll-have-to-be-reborn-if-you-truly-want-to-see-what-s-real/) - A message from the series "Uncomfortable Conversations With Jesus." In this first week, we look at Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus.
- [Message: "“Fools, snakes, and whitewashed tombs" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/blind-fools-snakes-and-whitewashed-tombs/) - A message from the series "Uncomfortable Conversations With Jesus." This week we look at Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees.
- [Message: "Accepted: Psalm 65" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/accepted-psalm-65/) - A message from the series "Psalms: A Soundtrack for Our Lives." In this third and final week, we look at Psalm 65 and how we can experience God through intentionality, awareness, and gratitude.
- [Message: "Known: Psalm 139" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/known-psalm-139/) - A message from the series "Psalms: A Soundtrack for Our Lives." In this second week, we look at Psalm 139 and what it means to be "known" by God, and to be "fearfully and wonderfully made." The message features an interview with community member Darren Freeman-Coppadge.
- [Message: "Held: Psalm 40" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/held-psalm-40/) - A message from the series "Psalms: A Soundtrack for Our Lives." In this first week, we look at Psalm 40 and what it means to be "held" by God in dark times. The message features an interview with community member Steve Mather.
- [Message: "Paul: Finding Strength in Christ Together" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/paul-finding-strength-in-christ-together/) - A message from the series "Stories of Comfort and Hope." In this final week of the series, we look at Paul's experiences with suffering and opposition.
- [Message: "Psalm 23: The Comfort of God's Presence" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/psalm-23-the-comfort-of-gods-presence/) - A message from the series "Stories of Comfort and Hope." In this fourth week of the series, we listen for the voice of Jesus in the much loved psalm, Psalm 23, and find comfort in meditating on God's presence with us.
- [Message: "Jesus Walks on Water: Courage to Step Into the Unknown" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/jesus-walks-on-water-courage-to-step-into-the-unknown/) - A message from the series "Stories of Comfort and Hope." In this sixth week of the series, we look at two stories of Jesus and his disciples in stormy seas. We consider Jesus' challenge to share in the divine life, and are encouraged that we can also "walk on water" even if we will sometimes sink.
- [Message: "Rebuilding the Temple: Hope for the Long Haul" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/rebuilding-the-temple-hope-for-the-long-haul/) - A message from the series "Stories of Comfort and Hope." In this fifth week of the series, we explore the story of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, following the return of exiles in Babylon. We take hope in small things, and in the promise of God's presence with us; and are challenged to be God's temple in our homes and communities.
- [Message: "Ruth and Naomi: Choosing Hope Together" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/ruth-and-naomi-choosing-hope-together/) - A message from the series "Stories of Comfort and Hope." In this third week in the series, we look at the often misunderstood story of Ruth and Naomi, and its message to us about the importance of hesed.
- [Message: "Jacob and Esau: Hope for Reconciliation" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/jacob-and-esau-hope-for-reconciliation/) - A message from the series "Stories of Comfort and Hope." This week, we explore the family saga of Jacob and his twin brother Esau, and their journey to reconciliation.
- [Message: "Job: Comfort Without Answers" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/job-comfort-without-answers/) - A message from the series "Stories of Comfort and Hope." At the end of the message, play this related song: https://youtu.be/YIS0av9fUUU This week, we consider the ancient tale of Job, who struggles with questions concerning human suffering, and demands to meet with God.
- [Message: "Wake Up to Easter" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/wake-up-to-easter/)
- [Message: "Palm Sunday" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/80-palm-sunday/) - A message from the series "Inside Out and Upside Down."
- [Message: "Don't Worry, Don't Judge" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/dont-worry-dont-judge/) - A message from the series "Inside Out and Upside Down."
- [Message: "How Do You Pray?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/how-do-you-pray/) - A message from the series "Inside Out and Upside Down."
- [Message: "Getting to the Roots of Our Problems" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/getting-to-the-roots-of-our-problems/) - A message from the series "Inside Out and Upside Down." Jesus was a spiritual leader and teacher rooted in his Hebrew tradition. He was Jewish through and through, and the Gospel of Matthew portrays him as a rabbi—but a different kind of rabbi. To that end, Jesus is a strong advocate of “Torah” (the ancient Hebrew Law) as the means to a meaningful, ethical and fulfilling life. But unlike most other religious authorities, Jesus realizes Torah was not meant to be a set of rules, based on fear, that police our outward behaviors. Rather Torah is best understood as a “Way,” based on love, which helps transform us from the inside out so we can live such a life. Jesus is conscious that the religious way (often symbolized by the Pharisees) is simply not working. Just trying harder to follow rules does not bring the life and health it was supposed to. So Jesus goes to the heart of the matter, reinterprets Torah from the inside out, and addresses the motivations within us. The goal is not another set of religious rules, but harmony with the will and way of God, based on reciprocal love—what Jesus called the Kingdom of Heaven. This week we look at Jesus’ teaching in the latter part of Matthew chapter 5, where he addresses various outward behaviors that represent the broken nature of the human condition. He talks about murder, adultery, relational abuse, deceitfulness, revenge and hatred. It’s quite an extreme and scary list, such that Jesus says many will indeed declare themselves not guilty. But that’s not the point for Jesus. This is not an exhaustive list of “dos and don’ts” but there is a common thread: the way in which all of us have a tendency to dehumanize another person to justify our own actions. So he turns the list upside down and flips it inside out by tracing this motivation and attitude of dehumanization into the inner world of every one of us. We all have these tendencies. We may not murder but we all harbor hateful, angry, revengeful thoughts and feelings. We may not commit adultery but that does not mean we don’t objectify people sexually. This is painful to hear, but Jesus is setting a different tone and getting to the real root of our problems for the purpose of healing and wholeness. The tone is love: we are completely loved and accepted, so fear (which focuses on policing our outward behaviors) is no longer the motivation. In an atmosphere of love, we can honestly look at our inner motivations and are empowered to change from the inside out. This is life in the Kingdom of Heaven.
- [Message: "An Upside Down Poem" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/an-upside-down-poem/) - A message from the series "Inside Out and Upside Down." “The Sermon on the Mount” is the most famous summary of Jesus’ teaching in the Christian Scriptures. But this teaching begins, not with instructions or prohibitions, but with a poem. And this poem declares that the poor, downtrodden, ridiculed, and seemingly “weak” are actually approved and favored by God. Setting the upside-down tone for the sermon as a whole, Jesus’ memorable pronouncement of “congratulations to the losers” must have caused quite a commotion in the crowd gathered on that mountainside. Within first century Jewish society, it was generally accepted that following the Torah led to divine approval—which was in turn demonstrated in tangible rewards: material wealth, health and good fortune, respect and honor in the community. Thus, it was the rich and powerful who must be “blessed.” The poor, grieving, down-on-their luck must have offended, failed or disappointed God in some way. After 2000 years of reading this shocking, revolutionary declaration, we have found ways to tone down the impact and make Jesus’ words correspond to what seems “fair” or “feels true.” We romanticize the poor, oppressed and grieving as possessing the secret of confident dependency on God. Or we spiritualize these attributes so that it is the humble (but not humiliated), the empathetic (but not depressed), and the otherwise virtuous who are favored by God and will be rewarded—if not here on Earth, then at least in life beyond the grave. We don’t want to be shocked. We want to know the rules and so be able to judge our own performance and that of others. We want to earn approval; rules and rewards make sense and feel safe; they grant us a measure of control. Grace (unearned blessedness) is scary. This week we will consider what it means to let go of a “performance approach” to following Jesus, and instead embrace a life of being wholly loved—not because or in spite of who we are and what we do, but simply because God is Love.
- [Message: "Manifesto of the Kingdom of Heaven" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/manifesto-of-the-kingdom-of-heaven/) - A message from the series "Inside Out and Upside Down." In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives five main discourses of teaching. The first and most famous of these, found in chapters 5 -7, has become known as “The Sermon on the Mount.” It has also been called “The Manifesto of the Kingdom of Heaven” because here Jesus lays out much of his core teaching about personal and community ethics, morality and spirituality. He used a powerful metaphor in his time to describe what life lived in harmony with God could look like—the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus dreams of and invites us into a future where the divine way (the way of heaven) is possible on earth. This “sermon” is given early on in the writer of Matthew’s account, and not long after Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness. We are currently marking the forty days of Lent, and this week we root Jesus’ teaching in the Lenten season of personal transformation. We explore the meaning and significance of Lent, and through this lens, consider how the Kingdom of Heaven is both upside down and inside out. It is upside down because people normally viewed as at the bottom of the pile are raised to the top; and also because it turns out that divine power is not domineering but expressed as empowering, life-giving love. It’s inside out because the way we behave is determined by the health of our inner motivations (which is where Jesus points); and also because how we live and behave really matters. So we begin with the end in mind by considering what kind of life Jesus is calling us to, and practicing stillness to be able to look at ourselves more honestly in God’s presence.
- [Message: "Brother Lawrence" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/brother-lawrence/) - A message from the series "More Than Enough." In this fourth week of the series, we learn from Brother Lawrence how to experience God in the simple, practical activities and interactions of everyday life.
- [Message: "St. Thérèse of Lisieux" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/st-th-r-se-of-lisieux/) - A message from the series "More Than Enough." In this fifth week of the series, we study St. Therese of Lisieux and explore accepting our "insignificance" in the eyes of others, as we express God's love through small acts of kindness and consideration.
- [Message: "Howard Thurman" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/howard-thurman/) - A message from the series "More Than Enough." In this sixth week of the series, we discuss the life and work of Howard Thurman and seek to create awareness of the emotional complexity within us that causes violent responses, as we commit to practicing non-violence in everyday life.
- [Message: "Eugene Peterson" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/eugene-peterson/) - A message from the series "More Than Enough." In this final week of the series, we discuss the life and work of Eugene Peterson, and seek to understand the lifelong practice of following Jesus that brings deep satisfaction through congruence--being our "true self." We look at the three components of a contemplative life: prayer, listening and imagining, and participating in the work God is already doing.
- [Message: "Thirst" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/thirst/) - A message from the series "More Than Enough." In this third week of the series, we focus on listening to our thirst to identify what is missing from our lives; and deepening our relationship with Jesus--the source of living water.
- [Message: "Hunger" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/hunger/) - A message from the series "More Than Enough." In this second week of the series, we focus on reordering our priorities and fasting from addictive distractions in order to continually return to Jesus for our sense of identity and meaning.
- [Message: "Satisfaction" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/satisfaction/) - A message from the series "More Than Enough." In this first week of the series, we focus on practicing self-compassion as we let go of fears and distractions to embrace the rich, fulfilling life Jesus offers.
- [Message: "Two Epiphanies" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/two-epiphanies/) - A message from the series "New Year\'s 2020." This week we look at the baptism of Jesus, and compare and contrast it with the experience of Saul/Paul on the road to Damascus. What kind of epiphany are we in need of?
- [New Year's Message 2018](https://www.crcc.org/messages/new-year-039-s-message/) - A message from the series "New Year\'s 2018." This Advent season, we celebrate the story of Christmas from the perspective of some of the “smaller” characters. In this week’s message, we look at the story through the eyes of Simeon: an old man who was desperately holding onto hope that God would reach out in love to help a country that seemed to be going down the tubes. Throughout the series, we’ll reflect on our own personal stories in light of these characters and the impact they made in a much bigger narrative than they could possibly see or feel. We’ll remind ourselves that ordinary people like us, doing small things with great love, can change the world. And together we’ll embrace the traditional Advent themes to renew our hope that a world full of peace, love and joy is not only possible, but at hand!
- [Message: "Blessed Are the Curious" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/blessed-are-the-curious/) - A message from the series "New Year\'s."
- [Message: "Celebrating the Story" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/celebrating-the-story/) - A message from the series "Experience the Story." In the 4th week of Advent, we read Scripture as worship, with a focus on Mary's song of joy, the Magnificat.
- [Message: "Letting the Story Read Us" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/letting-the-story-read-us/) - A message from the series "Experience the Story." This Advent season, we will seek a deeper experience of God by immersing ourselves in the Christmas story. Perhaps we have read the ancient gospel narratives of the birth of Jesus many times before. But there is fresh meaning—new hope, peace, love, and joy—to be found in this old story. As humans, we seem hardwired to respond to stories: they trigger parts of our brain that allow us to move beyond hearing facts to share in the experience of the events described. Stories synchronize our brain activity with other hearers. They draw us together. Stories affirm what we have in common, and show us that we are all on a journey together. And Christmas is no ordinary story. It embodies our longing and hope for peace in the uncertainty of our world; for love clothed in all its vulnerability to prevail over fear; and for joy to flood the darkest of our night’s skies with angels-song. This Advent, we will experience the Christmas story through imaginative reading, contemplation, study, and worship. Let us invite the Eternal God to speak to us this season through ancient words and timeless truths. May we know in our innermost being that the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. This week focuses on Lectio Divina.
- [Message: "Studying the Story" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/studying-the-story/) - A message from the series "Experience the Story." This Advent season, we will seek a deeper experience of God by immersing ourselves in the Christmas story. Perhaps we have read the ancient gospel narratives of the birth of Jesus many times before. But there is fresh meaning—new hope, peace, love, and joy—to be found in this old story. As humans, we seem hardwired to respond to stories: they trigger parts of our brain that allow us to move beyond hearing facts to share in the experience of the events described. Stories synchronize our brain activity with other hearers. They draw us together. Stories affirm what we have in common, and show us that we are all on a journey together. And Christmas is no ordinary story. It embodies our longing and hope for peace in the uncertainty of our world; for love clothed in all its vulnerability to prevail over fear; and for joy to flood the darkest of our night’s skies with angels-song. This Advent, we will experience the Christmas story through imaginative reading, contemplation, study, and worship. Let us invite the Eternal God to speak to us this season through ancient words and timeless truths. May we know in our innermost being that the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
- [Message: "Entering the Story" from Multiple Speakers](https://www.crcc.org/messages/entering-the-story/) - A message from the series "Experience the Story." This Advent season, we will seek a deeper experience of God by immersing ourselves in the Christmas story. Perhaps we have read the ancient gospel narratives of the birth of Jesus many times before. But there is fresh meaning—new hope, peace, love, and joy—to be found in this old story. As humans, we seem hardwired to respond to stories: they trigger parts of our brain that allow us to move beyond hearing facts to share in the experience of the events described. Stories synchronize our brain activity with other hearers. They draw us together. Stories affirm what we have in common, and show us that we are all on a journey together. And Christmas is no ordinary story. It embodies our longing and hope for peace in the uncertainty of our world; for love clothed in all its vulnerability to prevail over fear; and for joy to flood the darkest of our night’s skies with angels-song. This Advent, we will experience the Christmas story through imaginative reading, contemplation, study, and worship. Let us invite the Eternal God to speak to us this season through ancient words and timeless truths. May we know in our innermost being that the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. In this first week, we use our imaginations to enter the story in an interactive all ages service.
- [Message: "Thanksgiving" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/55-thanksgiving/) - A message from the series "Thanksgiving."
- [Message: "United in Christ" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/united-in-christ/) - A message from the series "Joy Ride: A Journey Through Philippians." In this final week of the series, we look at Philippians chapter 4, and how joy comes through being united, trusting in God, being thankful, and learning contentment.
- [Message: "Devoted to Christ" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/devoted-to-christ/) - A message from the series "Joy Ride: A Journey Through Philippians." In this fourth week in our series, we explore Philippians chapter 3, and the paradox that devotion to Christ is both effort and surrender.
- [Message: "Humble Like Christ: Philippians 2" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/phlippians-2-humble-like-christ/) - A message from the series "Joy Ride: A Journey Through Philippians." In this third week in our series, we explore Philippians chapter 2, and the paradox that the more we empty ourselves, the more we are fulfilled.
- [Message: "Introduction to Philippians" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/introduction/) - A message from the series "Joy Ride: A Journey Through Philippians." In this introductory week, we look at Paul's life story, and the context and content of his letter to the followers of Jesus in Philippi.
- [Message: "Joy in Christ: Philippians 1" from  Brian McLaren](https://www.crcc.org/messages/joy-in-christ-philippians-1/) - A message from the series "Joy Ride: A Journey Through Philippians." In this second week in our series, Brian McLaren speaks on Philippians chapter 1. Brian explores the idea that suffering for Christ can be viewed as a privilege, and as a way of creating opportunity for new life.
- [Message: "Harvest Service" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/harvest-service/) - A message from the series "Harvest." This week we celebrate the harvest and explore what it means to practice thankfulness.
- [Message: "The Multi-Player Experience" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-multi-player-experience/) - A message from the series "GodQuest." Game 4: GodQuest is designed as a multi-player game. Interactions among players increase the supply of Love, help with combatting persistent “enemies,” and make the game more enjoyable. Your challenge is to use the rich environment produced by multi-player interactions to find additional clues of God’s presence. NOTE: Do not become distracted by searching for elusive High Score Players. For best results, focus on the players you already know.
- [Message: "Leveling Up Our Character" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/leveling-up-our-character/) - A message from the series "GodQuest." Game 3: To progress toward the GodQuest goal of experiencing more of God, you must maintain strength and health, and acquire additional skills. This game focuses on leveling-up by exploring your character’s divine origin, and unique characteristics. Your challenge is to combat “enemy” game elements that deplete your resources (including Shame, Criticism, Fear, and Distraction) by using the Reflection tool. NOTE: Some powerful or persistent “enemies” require multi-player combat.
- [Message: "What's for Lunch?" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/whats-for-lunch/) - A message from the series "The Meaning of Miracles." Pablo Picasso famously said, “Everything is a miracle. It is a miracle that one does not dissolve in one's bath like a lump of sugar.” But some things go beyond our current understanding of how the natural world operates. And when supernatural events occur that bring hope, healing or joy, we call them miracles. Through this six-week series, we examine some of the accounts of Jesus’ miraculous interactions with people, nature, and even objects. We look at the impact of the interaction on the characters in the story, and how they made sense of what was happening. We study Jesus’ own words about what these miracles meant, and will reflect on how they might impact our lives today. In this final week, we take an all-ages, interactive approach to the story of the feeding of the 5,000.
- [Message: "Engaging in the Mission" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/engaging-in-the-mission/) - A message from the series "GodQuest." Game 2: The God we are seeking to experience through GodQuest is Love. Love is the currency of the game, and it grows by being exchanged. You can build up the supply of love in the game by interacting with other players in various ways, including (i) serving them, and (ii) appreciating being served by them. Your challenge is to find opportunities to serve and to appreciate being served. NOTE: Opportunities may be smaller and more frequent than you expect!
- [Message: "Exploring the Territory" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/exploring-the-territory/) - A message from the series "GodQuest." Game 1: The God we are seeking to experience through GodQuest is already present in every part of the game. Your challenge is to identify the clues as you explore the terrain in which the game is played. Clues may be hidden in several areas, including nature, art, science, and music. To identify the clues, you will need to employ the Wonder tool. NOTE: All players have access to this tool. Younger players may be able to access the tool more easily, and can serve as a resource for this game.
- [Message: "The Furious Squall" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-furious-squall/) - A message from the series "The Meaning of Miracles."
- [Message: "Jesus Wept" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/jesus-wept/) - A message from the series "The Meaning of Miracles."
- [Moses and the Exodus](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-fresh-look-at-scary-bible-stories-moses-and-the-exodus/) - A message from the series "A Fresh Look at Scary Bible Stories." How can we read scriptures that present the world in a way that is out-of-step with our understanding of science and history? How do we reconcile accounts of God committing or commanding genocide with the unconditional love shown in Jesus? Is it possible to embrace ancient Biblical stories in a way that is intellectually honest? Can we find new ways to understand these stories, and to teach them to our children? During this six-week series, we will struggle with ancient Jewish scriptures that present problematic views of God and of the world. We will explore how these stories have been interpreted through the ages, and how we can find in them the love of God shown in Jesus. In this third week, we examine the defining story of the Exodus from Egypt.
- [Jonah and the Whale](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-fresh-look-at-scary-bible-stories-jonah-and-the-whale/) - A message from the series "A Fresh Look at Scary Bible Stories." How can we read scriptures that present the world in a way that is out-of-step with our understanding of science and history? How do we reconcile accounts of God committing or commanding genocide with the unconditional love shown in Jesus? Is it possible to embrace ancient Biblical stories in a way that is intellectually honest? Can we find new ways to understand these stories, and to teach them to our children? During this six-week series, we will struggle with ancient Jewish scriptures that present problematic views of God and of the world. We will explore how these stories have been interpreted through the ages, and how we can find in them the love of God shown in Jesus. In this fifth week, we look at the story of Jonah and the whale.
- [Message: "Dr. Strange" from  Steve Mather](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-dr-strange/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies."
- [Message: "Black Panther" from Yohance Ford](https://www.crcc.org/messages/black-panther/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies 2019."
- [Message: "The Lego Movie 2" from  Ethan Stryker](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-lego-movie-2/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies."
- [Message: "Rabbit Proof Fence" from Sarah Clark](https://www.crcc.org/messages/rabbit-proof-fence/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies."
- [Message: "Roma" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/roma/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies."
- [Message: "When Pigs Fly" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/when-pigs-fly/) - A message from the series "The Meaning of Miracles."
- [A Vision for the Journey: Growth](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-vision-for-the-journey-growth/) - A message from the series "A Vision for the Journey." Exploring what the practice of holistic spiritual growth looks like; and considering various aspects of regular, feasible and sustainable practices that will help us grow.
- [And Now For Some Good News: Sharing the Good News](https://www.crcc.org/messages/and-now-for-some-good-news-sharing-the-good-news/) - We all experience the very real longing for security and significance, but how can we reconcile that with Jesus’ call to deny ourselves, hold riches lightly, and become the servant of all? While the disciples consider the rich to be blessed, and argue over which of them is the greatest, Jesus holds up the example of a little child as the only way to receive the kingdom.
- [Are You More Than We Can Imagine?](https://www.crcc.org/messages/who-are-you-god-are-you-more-than-we-can-imagine/) - A message from the series "Who Are You God?." God’s goodness is embodied and defined in Jesus. Immanuel, God “with us” suffers with us and walks us through our pain; and although we continue to wrestle with our questions, God is faithful and trustworthy—and calls us to be the same.
- [Finding Our Niche](https://www.crcc.org/messages/breaking-the-chains-finding-our-niche/) - A message from the series "Breaking the Chains." We live in a polarized society, where even the phrase “social justice” is a divisive and politicized term. We are bombarded daily with news about injustice and oppression. And we lead busy and exhausting lives that leave little time and energy to engage in weighty societal issues. All of this can lead to guilt or a sense of obligation: rather than breaking chains and celebrating liberation, we could end up adding to the heaviness of life! But it needn’t be that way. Jesus calls all who feel burdened to find rest in him, and to share his easy yoke (Matthew 11:28-30). Our involvement in action flows not from guilt but from love—from our connection to the Love that holds the universe together. We are invited to partner with God as the justice and mercy of the kingdom of heaven are gradually, but relentlessly, established on earth. This week we celebrate the opportunity to use our unique personality, gifting and experience to help make the world a better place in a way that makes us better, more fulfilled, and hopeful people.
- [Safe Space to Be My Authentic Self](https://www.crcc.org/messages/safe-space-to-be-my-authentic-self/) - A message from the series "Creating Safe Space." Through this six-week Lenten “challenge” series, we will explore what it means to create, enjoy, and extend safe space. In a society that celebrates busyness as a sign of success, we will intentionally slow down to make room for prayerful reflection on how we interact with God, other people, and society as a whole. Many of us fear judgment for expressing our authentic selves, and yet we simultaneously find ourselves quick to judge others, valuing being right more highly than being loving. We long for gracious friendship and community—where we have space to grow, make mistakes, and experience unconditional love. And as followers of Jesus, we want to extend this safe space to all our neighbors through radical hospitality and a commitment to social justice.
- [The Two Sons and The Tenants](https://www.crcc.org/messages/getting-beneath-the-surface-the-two-sons-and-the-tenants/) - A message from the series "Getting Beneath the Surface." Vineyards held great social, cultural and religious importance in ancient Israel, and were used metaphorically in poetry and song. The prophet Isaiah, writing at the end of the 8thcentury BCE, describes Israel as a vine carefully planted and tended by God; but instead of producing good fruit (righteousness and justice), the nation produced bad fruit (violence and oppression). This vineyard became a “wasteland” when the Assyrian and Babylonian armies defeated Israel and took many of its inhabitants into exile. When the religious leaders of the day ask Jesus what authority he has to teach in the temple courts, he retells this parable to show that the prophets, poets, songwriters, and even history itself all point to him. Jesus will allow himself to be killed by the religious leaders, and yet will ultimately be vindicated as the Son of God. This week, we will explore how through this parable Jesus contrasts the persistent, vulnerable love of God with the religious leaders’ hardness of heart. We will also consider how he reiterates the prophets’ call to forget empty religion and live lives of righteousness and justice. In addition, we will ponder the picture that runs throughout scripture of a hopeful, inclusive future—a budding, blossoming, fruit-bearing vineyard that fills the whole world.
- [Making A Way When We Disagree](https://www.crcc.org/messages/we-can-work-it-out-making-a-way-when-we-disagree/) - A message from the series "We Can Work It Out." We live in a fractured world—divided by race, class, sexuality, age, gender and national borders—and polarized by politics. Jesus came into a deeply divided culture bringing a message love and reconciliation. His early followers represented very diverse backgrounds and sought to become a community that transcended their differences. But like us, they struggled! First Corinthians is the first of two letters recorded in the Christian Scriptures from the Apostle Paul to the fledgling church he started in the prosperous Greek city of Corinth. This new community of followers of Jesus was a diverse, gifted and dynamic group who were courageously and creatively exploring what new life in the way of Jesus looked like in their pagan culture. This resulted in some beautiful, life-giving expressions of faith but also created numerous problems and disagreements that resulted in deep divisions within the community. In First Corinthians, Paul addresses many of these divisions and calls the church back to its single greatest foundational truth: Love as embodied in Christ. This love is expressed as humility, consideration of others, and deference to the needs of those around us. Paul makes the case that no matter how gifted, enlightened or empowered we may think we are, real wisdom is found in this way of love. He dares to dream that unity is possible, and envisions a community that transcends disagreement. During this 5-week series, beginning on July 1, we will work our way through the letter, and explore the cultural context of the text to gain a deeper understanding of this way of love. We’ll also wrestle with how these ancient teachings apply today, and take up the challenge of Paul for our own lives personally, our lives together as a diverse community, and how we might share this in our world.
- [A Vision for the Journey: Commitment Sunday](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-vision-for-the-journey-commitment-sunday/) - A message from the series "A Vision for the Journey." Cedar Ridge celebrates baptisms and new members during the conclusion of "A Vision for the Journey."
- [A New King: The Story of the Magi](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-new-king-the-story-of-the-magi/) - A message from the series "New Beginnings." New Year’s resolutions reflect our hope that our lives don’t have to stay the same. The magi saw a new star and resolved to follow it wherever it led. Our lives are also journeys into unknown territory, and we may still be surprised by how God acts and where we find the Divine.
- [Noah and The Ark](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-fresh-look-at-scary-bible-stories-noah-and-the-ark/) - A message from the series "A Fresh Look at Scary Bible Stories." How can we read scriptures that present the world in a way that is out-of-step with our understanding of science and history? How do we reconcile accounts of God committing or commanding genocide with the unconditional love shown in Jesus? Is it possible to embrace ancient Biblical stories in a way that is intellectually honest? Can we find new ways to understand these stories, and to teach them to our children? During this six-week series, we will struggle with ancient Jewish scriptures that present problematic views of God and of the world. We will explore how these stories have been interpreted through the ages, and how we can find in them the love of God shown in Jesus. In this second week, we examine the well known flood story of Noah and the ark.
- [Serving Our Neighborhoods](https://www.crcc.org/messages/love-where-you-live-serving-our-neighborhoods/) - A message from the series "Love Where You Live." In this series we aim to fall in love with our neighborhoods; to see beauty with fresh eyes, and to develop a vision for how we can be agents of love, peace and hope right where we live. We could take our neighborhoods for granted, overlook their inherent and unique beauty, and even wish we lived somewhere more glamorous. Or we could see them as places of wonder and loveliness! For 4 weeks, we’ll explore how we can serve, befriend and celebrate our neighborhood in the way that Jesus did. Together we will work to become better neighbors and make our neighborhoods better places.
- [Befriending Our Neighborhoods](https://www.crcc.org/messages/love-where-you-live-befriending-our-neighborhoods/) - A message from the series "Love Where You Live." Jesus crosses all kinds of social barriers to connect with someone his culture considered an outsider. He vulnerably asks for assistance and engages in conversation in a deep and vulnerable way.
- [Celebrating Our Neighborhoods](https://www.crcc.org/messages/love-where-you-live-celebrating-our-neighborhoods/) - A message from the series "Love Where You Live." In this story, Jesus participates in a community celebration. When the wine runs out, the hosts face public humiliation. Jesus abundantly but quietly provides, allowing the festivities to continue, and others to take the credit. Join with us as we look at what this story can tell us about being a good neighbor.
- [Moving From Self Pity to Servanthood](https://www.crcc.org/messages/moving-from-self-pity-to-servanthood/) - A message from the series "It's Not About Me." As part of our summer God in the Movies series, we consider lessons to be learned from the short film "Validation."
- [Illuminate](https://www.crcc.org/messages/let-there-be-light-illuminate/) - A message from the series "Let There Be Light." Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, and also a time of stillness and reflection as we welcome the mystery of a newborn baby bringing hope and light into the world. In our Advent series this year, we will both celebrate and reflect on this Light. In this message, we look at Light overcoming darkness in our lives and in the world.
- [And Now for Some Good News: Why Did Jesus Die?](https://www.crcc.org/messages/and-now-for-some-good-news-why-did-jesus-die/) - A message from the series "And Now for Some Good News." We all experience the very real longing for security and significance, but how can we reconcile that with Jesus’ call to deny ourselves, hold riches lightly, and become the servant of all? While the disciples consider the rich to be blessed, and argue over which of them is the greatest, Jesus holds up the example of a little child as the only way to receive the kingdom.
- [Are You Holy?](https://www.crcc.org/messages/who-are-you-god-are-you-holy/) - A message from the series "Who Are You God?." God’s holiness can be viewed as awesome beauty and perfection that draws us into intimacy with God and one another, transforming us into healthy, mature and complete children of our loving heavenly parent.
- [Redefining Loneliness](https://www.crcc.org/messages/positively-lonely-redefining-loneliness/) - A message from the series "Positively Lonely." Whatever our age, temperament, or family situation, we all experience the ache of loneliness. This sense of being isolated or unwanted, of not being truly seen or known, can consume us when we are physically alone or surrounded by people. Though generally unpleasant, and sometimes crippling, loneliness can reveal to us truths about ourselves. Loneliness strips away distractions to reveal our deep longing for connection—with God and with one another. It causes us to discard illusions of independence and reach out to others to build community. And it drives us to seek a greater awareness of the loving presence of God. In this three-week mini-series, we will look at different aspects of loneliness, ways to overcome its negative impacts, and the lessons it may have to teach us. Together we will celebrate that we are not alone: that we are fully known by our Heavenly Parent, and are a family growing together in love.
- [Moving From Cynicism to Hope](https://www.crcc.org/messages/moving-from-cynicism-to-hope/) - A message from the series "It's Not About Me." During today's service for all ages, we explore how we're all connected to one another and to God. And God is with us even when we don't notice.
- [Is Freedom Personal?](https://www.crcc.org/messages/we-can-work-it-out-is-freedom-personal/) - A message from the series "We Can Work It Out." Many of us are committed to doing the right thing as followers of Jesus. But every once in a while, we come up against an issue, and we're not so sure about what to do. Join Bryan and his guest panelists as we explore how we can navigate these gray areas with love.
- [The Big Picture: Gospel](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-big-picture-gospel/) - A message from the series "The Big Picture." Beginning on September 27, our next sermon series is titled, "The Big Picture: Gospel, Kingdom and Church." During this mini-series, we will look at the defining narrative of what Jesus came to do, exploring concepts we hear a lot in church and addressing questions like 'what is the gospel? what did Jesus mean by the kingdom of God? what is the purpose of church?
- [Safe Space for All](https://www.crcc.org/messages/safe-space-for-all/) - A message from the series "Creating Safe Space." Through this six-week Lenten “challenge” series, we will explore what it means to create, enjoy, and extend safe space. In a society that celebrates busyness as a sign of success, we will intentionally slow down to make room for prayerful reflection on how we interact with God, other people, and society as a whole. Many of us fear judgment for expressing our authentic selves, and yet we simultaneously find ourselves quick to judge others, valuing being right more highly than being loving. We long for gracious friendship and community—where we have space to grow, make mistakes, and experience unconditional love. And as followers of Jesus, we want to extend this safe space to all our neighbors through radical hospitality and a commitment to social justice.
- [Are You Good?](https://www.crcc.org/messages/who-are-you-god-are-you-good/) - A message from the series "Who Are You God?." God’s goodness is embodied and defined in Jesus. Immanuel, God “with us” suffers with us and walks us through our pain; and although we continue to wrestle with our questions, God is faithful and trustworthy—and calls us to be the same.
- [Are You Mighty?](https://www.crcc.org/messages/who-are-you-god-are-you-mighty/) - A message from the series "Who Are You God?." God is Love—and as love is vulnerable, risks rejection, and allows us freedom, God’s will is not always done. God calls us into partnership, and as we submit our plans to God, we can trust God to be with us, working all things together for good.
- [Moving to God as Center](https://www.crcc.org/messages/moving-to-god-as-center/) - A message from the series "It's Not About Me." During today's service for all ages, we explore how we're all connected to one another and to God. And God is with us even when we don't notice.
- [Are You Love?](https://www.crcc.org/messages/who-are-you-god-are-you-love/) - A message from the series "Who Are You God?." The very essence of God is Love, as revealed in the ancient Trinitarian understanding of God as a community of persons held together through interdependent, deferential relationship; God invites us to embrace Love.
- [City of Angels](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-city-of-angels/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies." We live in a fractured world—divided by race, class, sexuality, age, gender and national borders—and polarized by politics. Jesus came into a deeply divided culture bringing a message love and reconciliation. His early followers represented very diverse backgrounds and sought to become a community that transcended their differences. But like us, they struggled! First Corinthians is the first of two letters recorded in the Christian Scriptures from the Apostle Paul to the fledgling church he started in the prosperous Greek city of Corinth. This new community of followers of Jesus was a diverse, gifted and dynamic group who were courageously and creatively exploring what new life in the way of Jesus looked like in their pagan culture. This resulted in some beautiful, life-giving expressions of faith but also created numerous problems and disagreements that resulted in deep divisions within the community. In First Corinthians, Paul addresses many of these divisions and calls the church back to its single greatest foundational truth: Love as embodied in Christ. This love is expressed as humility, consideration of others, and deference to the needs of those around us. Paul makes the case that no matter how gifted, enlightened or empowered we may think we are, real wisdom is found in this way of love. He dares to dream that unity is possible, and envisions a community that transcends disagreement. During this 5-week series, beginning on July 1, we will work our way through the letter, and explore the cultural context of the text to gain a deeper understanding of this way of love. We’ll also wrestle with how these ancient teachings apply today, and take up the challenge of Paul for our own lives personally, our lives together as a diverse community, and how we might share this in our world.
- [Worship and Wonder](https://www.crcc.org/messages/worship-and-wonder/) - A message from the series "Worship and Wonder." The last in our series, "The Best Is Yet To Come," this message looks at developing a culture of intentional connection to the presence of God through corporate and individual prayer and worship.
- [The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control](https://www.crcc.org/messages/81-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-self-control/) - A message from the series "The Fruit of the Spirit." Our fall discipleship series focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at self-control as being set free to surrender control to the Spirit of God working deep within us, and engaging in a journey of struggle to experience more of God's healing love.
- [The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-self-control/) - A message from the series "The Fruit of the Spirit." Our fall discipleship series, focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at gentleness: a deep inner strength and security rooted in the power and love of God that allows us to release our desires to compete and control.
- [The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-faithfulness/) - A message from the series "The Fruit of the Spirit." Our fall discipleship series focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at developing a pathway to help us be faithful in every aspect of our lives, empowered by God’s unswerving commitment to us.
- [The Fruit of the Spirit: Gratefulness](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gratefulness/) - A message from the series "The Fruit of the Spirit." Our fall discipleship series focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This final week's message looks at gratefulness (which is not listed in Galatians 5) as a transformational and contagious characteristic that impacts how we view ourselves, others, God and the world.
- [Daniel in the Lions' Den](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-fresh-look-at-scary-bible-stories-daniel-in-the-lions-039-den/) - A message from the series "A Fresh Look at Scary Bible Stories." How can we read scriptures that present the world in a way that is out-of-step with our understanding of science and history? How do we reconcile accounts of God committing or commanding genocide with the unconditional love shown in Jesus? Is it possible to embrace ancient Biblical stories in a way that is intellectually honest? Can we find new ways to understand these stories, and to teach them to our children? During this six-week series, we struggle with ancient Jewish scriptures that present problematic views of God and of the world. We explore how these stories have been interpreted through the ages, and how we can find in them the love of God shown in Jesus. In this final week, we examine the story of Daniel in the lions' den.
- [Happy Feet](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-happy-feet/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies." We live in a fractured world—divided by race, class, sexuality, age, gender and national borders—and polarized by politics. Jesus came into a deeply divided culture bringing a message love and reconciliation. His early followers represented very diverse backgrounds and sought to become a community that transcended their differences. But like us, they struggled! First Corinthians is the first of two letters recorded in the Christian Scriptures from the Apostle Paul to the fledgling church he started in the prosperous Greek city of Corinth. This new community of followers of Jesus was a diverse, gifted and dynamic group who were courageously and creatively exploring what new life in the way of Jesus looked like in their pagan culture. This resulted in some beautiful, life-giving expressions of faith but also created numerous problems and disagreements that resulted in deep divisions within the community. In First Corinthians, Paul addresses many of these divisions and calls the church back to its single greatest foundational truth: Love as embodied in Christ. This love is expressed as humility, consideration of others, and deference to the needs of those around us. Paul makes the case that no matter how gifted, enlightened or empowered we may think we are, real wisdom is found in this way of love. He dares to dream that unity is possible, and envisions a community that transcends disagreement. During this 5-week series, beginning on July 1, we will work our way through the letter, and explore the cultural context of the text to gain a deeper understanding of this way of love. We’ll also wrestle with how these ancient teachings apply today, and take up the challenge of Paul for our own lives personally, our lives together as a diverse community, and how we might share this in our world.
- [Panel Discussion on Racial Injustice](https://www.crcc.org/messages/panel-discussion-on-racial-injustice/) - A message from the series "Reconciliation in a Time of Fear." This series follows on from our study of Amos at the beginning of the year. Amos not only addressed surface problems in the culture but, also, traced back the symptoms of an unjust society to reveal several deep rooted dark issues in humanity that still hold us captive today: racism, greed, violence and toxic, elitist, self-righteous religion. During this series we will take on the challenge of Jesus to pursue a completely different way of living: a way of light, love, reconciliation, generosity and peace. Jesus too gets to the root of issues by compassionately revealing the darkness in humanity but positively validates the light residing in every human heart and calls us to a life of truth, meaning and freedom. With God’s help we can breathe in God’s spirit, take courage and become a movement of love, peace and hope.
- [Forgiveness and Reconciliation](https://www.crcc.org/messages/forgiveness-and-reconciliation/) - A message from the series "Reconciliation in a Time of Fear." This series follows on from our study of Amos at the beginning of the year. Amos not only addressed surface problems in the culture but, also, traced back the symptoms of an unjust society to reveal several deep rooted dark issues in humanity that still hold us captive today: racism, greed, violence and toxic, elitist, self-righteous religion. During this series we will take on the challenge of Jesus to pursue a completely different way of living: a way of light, love, reconciliation, generosity and peace. Jesus too gets to the root of issues by compassionately revealing the darkness in humanity but positively validates the light residing in every human heart and calls us to a life of truth, meaning and freedom. With God’s help we can breathe in God’s spirit, take courage and become a movement of love, peace and hope.
- [God in the Movies: Whitewash](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-whitewash/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies." Jeanne Triplett and Vickie Thurston speak on the movie, "Whitewash," brought to us by the Racial Reconciliation Team.
- [God in the Movies: Get Out](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-get-out/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies." As part of our summer God in the Movies series, we consider lessons to be learned from the short film "Validation."
- [Easter Sunday](https://www.crcc.org/messages/83-easter-sunday/) - A message from the series "Easter." Corporate prayer binds us together, strengthens and encourages us, and reflects the loving, interconnected relationship we see in God.
- [Easter Sunday](https://www.crcc.org/messages/breaking-the-chains-easter-sunday/) - A message from the series "Breaking the Chains." A family-friendly celebration of resurrection life that breaks the chains of darkness and despair and brings hope, healing and joy.
- [Overwhelmed by Injustice](https://www.crcc.org/messages/breaking-the-chains-overwhelmed-by-injustice/) - A message from the series "Breaking the Chains." We want to address injustice in society—but which form of injustice? There are so many! It is easy to become overwhelmed by the scale, depth and complexity of the issues, and decide to disconnect from it all, or get stuck in our own emotional responses. This week, we consider how we can stay involved, without giving in to hopelessness. To do so, we need to remember that we are not the solution to the world’s problems: we are partners with God, called to be faithful in our daily lives. We can find joy and peace in knowing that we are not alone in the work of healing and reconciliation, and that ultimately love will triumph. God has given us skills and passions that we can apply to justice issues in ways that are uniquely our own. This doesn’t mean we will always be comfortable as we engage in these difficult issues, but it can mean we view engagement as an opportunity, more than an obligation. By remaining focused, partnering with and learning from others, celebrating small successes, and remembering to take time out to rest and relax, we can create a sustainable way to contribute to important societal challenges. To ensure a continued connection between contemplation and action, we need to regularly and prayerfully reassess our motives and attitudes, remembering there is no “them” and “us.”
- [God of Good News](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-partial-perspectives-god-of-good-news/) - A message from the series "God: Partial Perspectives." People have been following Jesus for more than two millennia, and there have been all sorts of different emphases, distinctives and characteristics to this faith journey. In this series, we will reflect on how various traditions have understood and experienced God, with their respective strengths and limitations. We will also explore how our own temperaments, personalities and cultural backgrounds create a unique lens through which we see God, and how scientific, artistic, contemplative and activist approaches can all be helpful. In this way, we not only hope to better understand and validate our own approach, but also embrace and be nourished by the approaches of others. Together we will seek truth without fear, with the aim of nurturing a deeper connection to God and celebrating the divine image in one another. This week we will focus on Christ’s presence with us, empowering us to be and share the good news, thereby partnering with God in the healing and reconciliation of the world.
- [God of Integrity](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-partial-perspectives-god-of-integrity/) - A message from the series "God: Partial Perspectives." People have been following Jesus for more than two millennia, and there have been all sorts of different emphases, distinctives and characteristics to this faith journey. In this series, we will reflect on how various traditions have understood and experienced God, with their respective strengths and limitations. We will also explore how our own temperaments, personalities and cultural backgrounds create a unique lens through which we see God, and how scientific, artistic, contemplative and activist approaches can all be helpful. In this way, we not only hope to better understand and validate our own approach, but also embrace and be nourished by the approaches of others. Together we will seek truth without fear, with the aim of nurturing a deeper connection to God and celebrating the divine image in one another. This week we look at integrity in terms of allowing God to transform our hearts so we live in a way that expresses love through honesty, empathy, self-control, and a sense of responsibility.
- [Adam and Eve](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-fresh-look-at-scary-bible-stories-adam-and-eve/) - A message from the series "A Fresh Look at Scary Bible Stories." How can we read scriptures that present the world in a way that is out-of-step with our understanding of science and history? How do we reconcile accounts of God committing or commanding genocide with the unconditional love shown in Jesus? Is it possible to embrace ancient Biblical stories in a way that is intellectually honest? Can we find new ways to understand these stories, and to teach them to our children? During this six-week series, we will struggle with ancient Jewish scriptures that present problematic views of God and of the world. We will explore how these stories have been interpreted through the ages, and how we can find in them the love of God shown in Jesus. In this first week, we examine the creation stories found in the book of Genesis.
- [David and Goliath](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-fresh-look-at-scary-bible-stories-david-and-goliath/) - A message from the series "A Fresh Look at Scary Bible Stories." How can we read scriptures that present the world in a way that is out-of-step with our understanding of science and history? How do we reconcile accounts of God committing or commanding genocide with the unconditional love shown in Jesus? Is it possible to embrace ancient Biblical stories in a way that is intellectually honest? Can we find new ways to understand these stories, and to teach them to our children? During this six-week series, we will struggle with ancient Jewish scriptures that present problematic views of God and of the world. We will explore how these stories have been interpreted through the ages, and how we can find in them the love of God shown in Jesus. In this fourth week, we examine the well-known story of David and Goliath.
- [Leaders, Communities, and their Writings](https://www.crcc.org/messages/leaders-communities-and-their-writings/) - A message from the series "Peter Paul and John." In this message, we take a look at three of the most prominent leaders in the early Jesus movement (Peter, Paul and John) and consider their personalities, their personal connection to Jesus and the specific kind of responsive faith this seemed to inspire. We also explore how communities evolved around these key leaders and how early Christian faith was expressed in different ways in these communities as evidenced by the writings handed down to us in the Christian Scriptures. The character of this faith was, in part, a response to the challenges of the cultural milieu and other religious assertions and so we consider our own spiritual challenges in this light.
- [Message: "Standing Tall" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/standing-tall/) - A message from the series "The Meaning of Miracles." Pablo Picasso famously said, “Everything is a miracle. It is a miracle that one does not dissolve in one’s bath like a lump of sugar.” But some things go beyond our current understanding of how the natural world operates. And when supernatural events occur that bring hope, healing or joy, we call them miracles. Through this series, we examine some of the accounts of Jesus’ miraculous interactions with people, nature, and even objects. We look at the impact of the interaction on the characters in the story, and how they made sense of what was happening. We study Jesus’ own words about what these miracles meant, and reflect on how they might impact our lives today. In this third week, we explore the story of Jesus healing on the Sabbath a woman bent over.
- [Message: "The Miracles of Jesus" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-meaning-of-miracles-the-miracles-of-jesus/) - A message from the series "The Meaning of Miracles." Pablo Picasso famously said, “Everything is a miracle. It is a miracle that one does not dissolve in one’s bath like a lump of sugar.” But some things go beyond our current understanding of how the natural world operates. And when supernatural events occur that bring hope, healing or joy, we call them miracles. Through this series, we examine some of the accounts of Jesus’ miraculous interactions with people, nature, and even objects. We look at the impact of the interaction on the characters in the story, and how they made sense of what was happening. We study Jesus’ own words about what these miracles meant, and reflect on how they might impact our lives today. In this introductory week, we explore what we mean by "miracles."
- [Ignite](https://www.crcc.org/messages/let-there-be-light-ignite/) - A message from the series "Let There Be Light." Matthew introduces our Advent series, "Let There Be Light." During the all ages service, we spend time experiencing a journey to Bethlehem.
- [Glow](https://www.crcc.org/messages/let-there-be-light-glow/) - A message from the series "Let There Be Light." Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, and also a time of stillness and reflection as we welcome the mystery of a newborn baby bringing hope and light into the world. In our Advent series this year, we will both celebrate and reflect on this Light. In this message, we look at the Light who draws everyone.
- [Are You Just?](https://www.crcc.org/messages/who-are-you-god-are-you-just/) - A message from the series "Who Are You God?." God breaks cycles of injustice through love, forgiveness and mercy; champions and protects the oppressed; and calls us to act in defense of the vulnerable, let go of our demands for vengeance, and pursue a way of mercy and non-violence.
- [What Is Safe Space?](https://www.crcc.org/messages/creating-safe-space-what-is-safe-space/) - A message from the series "Creating Safe Space." Through this six-week Lenten “challenge” series, we will explore what it means to create, enjoy, and extend safe space. In a society that celebrates busyness as a sign of success, we will intentionally slow down to make room for prayerful reflection on how we interact with God, other people, and society as a whole. Many of us fear judgment for expressing our authentic selves, and yet we simultaneously find ourselves quick to judge others, valuing being right more highly than being loving. We long for gracious friendship and community—where we have space to grow, make mistakes, and experience unconditional love. And as followers of Jesus, we want to extend this safe space to all our neighbors through radical hospitality and a commitment to social justice.
- [Simplifying Life to Make Safe Space](https://www.crcc.org/messages/creating-safe-space-simplifying-life-to-make-safe-space/) - A message from the series "Creating Safe Space." Through this six-week Lenten “challenge” series, we will explore what it means to create, enjoy, and extend safe space. In a society that celebrates busyness as a sign of success, we will intentionally slow down to make room for prayerful reflection on how we interact with God, other people, and society as a whole. Many of us fear judgment for expressing our authentic selves, and yet we simultaneously find ourselves quick to judge others, valuing being right more highly than being loving. We long for gracious friendship and community—where we have space to grow, make mistakes, and experience unconditional love. And as followers of Jesus, we want to extend this safe space to all our neighbors through radical hospitality and a commitment to social justice.
- [The Sower](https://www.crcc.org/messages/getting-beneath-the-surface-the-sower/) - A message from the series "Getting Beneath the Surface." This is one of Jesus’ most famous parables and has often been seen as a template for his parables in general because it is one that Jesus also explains to his disciples. As readers, we are given privileged status as “insiders” who get to hear the interpretation and meaning. On one level this is helpful because we get an explanation of what is beneath the surface of the parable. But here there is another twist: the explanation is pretty obvious and not particularly cryptic. So rather than focusing on Jesus’ explanation of this particular story, perhaps we should focus on what he is saying about his teachings in general. This is a parable about parables; it is a teaching about teaching. The irony is that he is talking about the nature of understanding, but his disciples don’t understand it! This week we explore that conundrum a little further and seek a deeper meaning in the parable. Our goal is to become both better hearers and better doers, so we will look at the various obstacles we face (comparisons to the soil types in the story) and especially focus on how we can cultivate a heart condition and receptivity more like the good soil. Specifically, we will follow the paradoxical spiral of Jesus’ teaching that “whoever has, will be given more” and look at humility, innocence, weakness and the sense of having nothing to lose as fertile soil for the Kingdom of God to bear fruit. We will also consider the generous, indiscriminate and inclusive way in which the Kingdom of God is shared—whether it is received or not—and the vulnerability of God’s love that does not force its way, but can be as readily rejected as accepted.
- [The Treasure and The Pearl](https://www.crcc.org/messages/getting-beneath-the-surface-the-treasure-and-the-pearl/) - A message from the series "Getting Beneath the Surface." This week’s message focuses on two tweet-sized parables that speak metaphorically about looking beneath the surface, weighing our priorities, and discovering the joy of Jesus and his kingdom. This kingdom is compared to a person who finds something of great value and then goes “all in” in order to obtain it. In one case, it seems that the treasure finder accidently stumbles upon a hidden treasure, while the second story features a long-time seeker. In both cases, the finders act decisively to sell everything they own to gain that prize, and their decision changes everything. Through these parables, Jesus invites us to go “all in” and embrace his kingdom, daring to dream of heaven on earth. While literally selling all our possessions is rarely a prerequisite, we may find we need to let go of certain beliefs, behaviors, uncertainties, fears, securities, reputations, and distractions in order to fully enjoy the life God intends for us. All around us, we can see examples of people who are pursuing this kingdom out of love for Jesus, no matter what the cost, by showing self-giving love, forgiving those who hurt them, speaking truth to power, sacrificing financially, and so on. This week, we will try to allow these parables to get beneath the surface of our lives, exploring what might be holding us back from going “all in,” and encouraging each other to see what is hidden and put our confidence in Jesus.
- [Sheep, Coins, and Seed](https://www.crcc.org/messages/getting-beneath-the-surface-sheep-coins-and-seed/) - A message from the series "Getting Beneath the Surface." The High School youth look at the significance and implications of three parables: the lost sheep, lost coin, and mustard seed.
- [Becoming a Worshiping Community](https://www.crcc.org/messages/when-words-are-not-enough-becoming-a-worshiping-community/) - A message from the series "When Words Are Not Enough." For most of us who go to church, worship is a given: it is what we do at church on a Sunday. We may have all experienced different norms of worship in various traditions but, whatever form it takes, worship is a familiar and established part of our spiritual experience. But we also feel some discomfort with worship. Why does God need so much adulation and affirmation? Does God demand it, and if so why? What are the consequences of not worshipping? Unconditional exaltation, glorification and homage are what humans have paid to monarchs, suzerains, overlords and idols of all kinds for millennia in order to stay in their good books. It has a smack of tyranny and superstition about it. Is that what God is like? Is this why we worship? TheMagnificat (Mary’s song of worship in Luke 1:46-55) gives a very different way of seeing worship. God is worshipped not as One who needs appeasement but as Love itself, who comes alongside the lowly and down-trodden rather than needing to be elevated to a place of power. Worship is a return to the reality that Love is the greatest; not fear, insecurity or competition for attention. Worship is a human recalibration to the reality of our oneness with God and with one another. As Paul tells us in Romans 12, we worship with our whole lives in every aspect of life. Worship is a renewal of our minds; a new way of seeing in which we discover that God is Love. God is here for us, here for everyone—here for the weak, the poor, the lost and confused. So we embrace as our own those who are least like us, we humbly defer to others, we forgive unceasingly with broken hearts, and find that this is worship.
- [Learning From the Early Church](https://www.crcc.org/messages/when-words-are-not-enough-learning-from-the-early-church/) - A message from the series "When Words Are Not Enough." Worship can and should be expressed in every aspect of our lives. While songs are certainly not the most important expression of worship, they have been a feature of individual and collective worship for thousands of years. Humans seem to be hardwired to sing—allowing our hearts to express so much more than our heads alone are able to do; drawing us closer to God and to one another. This week we will look at songs of worship recorded in the Christian scriptures, and explore what they can teach us about how to worship through song in our own cultural context. The writer of the gospel of Luke includes three songs by people directly associated with the birth of Jesus: Mary, Zechariah and Simeon. Their songs celebrate God’s faithfulness in fulfilling the promises made to their ancestors, and express hope for justice for the oppressed and blessing to all nations through the arrival of the Messiah. Letters written to early church communities contain passages that appear to be quotations from hymns or poems, particularly focused on the beauty and mystery of Christ. “Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:18) express our gratitude to God, and are also used to teach and encourage followers of Jesus to live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Finally, we will consider the declarations of God’s holiness, power, and justice found in the book of Revelation, and consider how the imagery used in apocalyptic literature can expand our imaginations, but may also be at times unhelpful.
- [Why We Worship](https://www.crcc.org/messages/when-words-are-not-enough-why-we-worship/) - A message from the series "When Words Are Not Enough." For most of us who go to church, worship is a given: it is what we do at church on a Sunday. We may have all experienced different norms of worship in various traditions but, whatever form it takes, worship is a familiar and established part of our spiritual experience. But we also feel some discomfort with worship. Why does God need so much adulation and affirmation? Does God demand it, and if so why? What are the consequences of not worshipping? Unconditional exaltation, glorification and homage are what humans have paid to monarchs, suzerains, overlords and idols of all kinds for millennia in order to stay in their good books. It has a smack of tyranny and superstition about it. Is that what God is like? Is this why we worship? TheMagnificat (Mary’s song of worship in Luke 1:46-55) gives a very different way of seeing worship. God is worshipped not as One who needs appeasement but as Love itself, who comes alongside the lowly and down-trodden rather than needing to be elevated to a place of power. Worship is a return to the reality that Love is the greatest; not fear, insecurity or competition for attention. Worship is a human recalibration to the reality of our oneness with God and with one another. As Paul tells us in Romans 12, we worship with our whole lives in every aspect of life. Worship is a renewal of our minds; a new way of seeing in which we discover that God is Love. God is here for us, here for everyone—here for the weak, the poor, the lost and confused. So we embrace as our own those who are least like us, we humbly defer to others, we forgive unceasingly with broken hearts, and find that this is worship.
- [The Heart of Wisdom](https://www.crcc.org/messages/finding-our-way-the-heart-of-wisdom/) - A message from the series "Finding Our Way." Every one of us is on a spiritual journey, whether we know it or not. Throughout our lives, we make choices, have relationships, and form habits that will either draw us closer to our loving creator or nudge us further away. How do we know we are on the right path? How can we know God’s will for us? Where do we belong in God’s story? How can we find meaning and purpose in our lives? Such questions call for deep discernment, seeking the Holy Spirit in all things so that we can walk closely with Jesus and avoid being distracted or confused. During this three-week series, we will look to beloved author, priest, and teacher Henri Nouwen to guide our conversations. His book Spiritual Direction will serve as a framework to help us “overcome our deafness and resistance… and hear God’s voice even when it calls us to unknown places.” Nouwen will lead us on a quest to recognize divine direction from within and increasingly see God in the world around us. We encourage you to buy a copy of the book so that you can go deeper as we explore three practices for discernment: Through reflection and contemplative prayer, we learn to find God in our hearts and see our true selves through God’s eyes Through meditative reading of scripture and other spiritual writings, we develop an “inner ear” that recognizes God in all things Through community, past and present, we are better able to see clearly and connect our daily stories with the great story of God’s love and presence
- [Wisdom and The Word](https://www.crcc.org/messages/finding-our-way-wisdom-and-the-word/) - A message from the series "Finding Our Way." Every one of us is on a spiritual journey, whether we know it or not. Throughout our lives, we make choices, have relationships, and form habits that will either draw us closer to our loving creator or nudge us further away. How do we know we are on the right path? How can we know God’s will for us? Where do we belong in God’s story? How can we find meaning and purpose in our lives? Such questions call for deep discernment, seeking the Holy Spirit in all things so that we can walk closely with Jesus and avoid being distracted or confused. During this three-week series, we will look to beloved author, priest, and teacher Henri Nouwen to guide our conversations. His book Spiritual Direction will serve as a framework to help us “overcome our deafness and resistance… and hear God’s voice even when it calls us to unknown places.” Nouwen will lead us on a quest to recognize divine direction from within and increasingly see God in the world around us. We encourage you to buy a copy of the book so that you can go deeper as we explore three practices for discernment: Through reflection and contemplative prayer, we learn to find God in our hearts and see our true selves through God’s eyes Through meditative reading of scripture and other spiritual writings, we develop an “inner ear” that recognizes God in all things Through community, past and present, we are better able to see clearly and connect our daily stories with the great story of God’s love and presence
- [Wisdom of Community](https://www.crcc.org/messages/finding-our-way-wisdom-of-community/) - A message from the series "Finding Our Way." Every one of us is on a spiritual journey, whether we know it or not. Throughout our lives, we make choices, have relationships, and form habits that will either draw us closer to our loving creator or nudge us further away. How do we know we are on the right path? How can we know God’s will for us? Where do we belong in God’s story? How can we find meaning and purpose in our lives? Such questions call for deep discernment, seeking the Holy Spirit in all things so that we can walk closely with Jesus and avoid being distracted or confused. During this three-week series, we will look to beloved author, priest, and teacher Henri Nouwen to guide our conversations. His book Spiritual Direction will serve as a framework to help us “overcome our deafness and resistance… and hear God’s voice even when it calls us to unknown places.” Nouwen will lead us on a quest to recognize divine direction from within and increasingly see God in the world around us. We encourage you to buy a copy of the book so that you can go deeper as we explore three practices for discernment: Through reflection and contemplative prayer, we learn to find God in our hearts and see our true selves through God’s eyes Through meditative reading of scripture and other spiritual writings, we develop an “inner ear” that recognizes God in all things Through community, past and present, we are better able to see clearly and connect our daily stories with the great story of God’s love and presence
- [Making Sense of Sex](https://www.crcc.org/messages/we-can-work-it-out-making-sense-of-sex/) - A message from the series "We Can Work It Out." We live in a fractured world—divided by race, class, sexuality, age, gender and national borders—and polarized by politics. Jesus came into a deeply divided culture bringing a message love and reconciliation. His early followers represented very diverse backgrounds and sought to become a community that transcended their differences. But like us, they struggled! First Corinthians is the first of two letters recorded in the Christian Scriptures from the Apostle Paul to the fledgling church he started in the prosperous Greek city of Corinth. This new community of followers of Jesus was a diverse, gifted and dynamic group who were courageously and creatively exploring what new life in the way of Jesus looked like in their pagan culture. This resulted in some beautiful, life-giving expressions of faith but also created numerous problems and disagreements that resulted in deep divisions within the community. In First Corinthians, Paul addresses many of these divisions and calls the church back to its single greatest foundational truth: Love as embodied in Christ. This love is expressed as humility, consideration of others, and deference to the needs of those around us. Paul makes the case that no matter how gifted, enlightened or empowered we may think we are, real wisdom is found in this way of love. He dares to dream that unity is possible, and envisions a community that transcends disagreement. During this 5-week series, beginning on July 1, we will work our way through the letter, and explore the cultural context of the text to gain a deeper understanding of this way of love. We’ll also wrestle with how these ancient teachings apply today, and take up the challenge of Paul for our own lives personally, our lives together as a diverse community, and how we might share this in our world.
- [Love and Power in Community](https://www.crcc.org/messages/we-can-work-it-out-love-and-power-in-community/) - A message from the series "We Can Work It Out." We live in a fractured world—divided by race, class, sexuality, age, gender and national borders—and polarized by politics. Jesus came into a deeply divided culture bringing a message love and reconciliation. His early followers represented very diverse backgrounds and sought to become a community that transcended their differences. But like us, they struggled! First Corinthians is the first of two letters recorded in the Christian Scriptures from the Apostle Paul to the fledgling church he started in the prosperous Greek city of Corinth. This new community of followers of Jesus was a diverse, gifted and dynamic group who were courageously and creatively exploring what new life in the way of Jesus looked like in their pagan culture. This resulted in some beautiful, life-giving expressions of faith but also created numerous problems and disagreements that resulted in deep divisions within the community. In First Corinthians, Paul addresses many of these divisions and calls the church back to its single greatest foundational truth: Love as embodied in Christ. This love is expressed as humility, consideration of others, and deference to the needs of those around us. Paul makes the case that no matter how gifted, enlightened or empowered we may think we are, real wisdom is found in this way of love. He dares to dream that unity is possible, and envisions a community that transcends disagreement. During this 5-week series, beginning on July 1, we will work our way through the letter, and explore the cultural context of the text to gain a deeper understanding of this way of love. We’ll also wrestle with how these ancient teachings apply today, and take up the challenge of Paul for our own lives personally, our lives together as a diverse community, and how we might share this in our world.
- [Hope For the Future](https://www.crcc.org/messages/we-can-work-it-out-hope-for-the-future/) - A message from the series "We Can Work It Out." We live in a fractured world—divided by race, class, sexuality, age, gender and national borders—and polarized by politics. Jesus came into a deeply divided culture bringing a message love and reconciliation. His early followers represented very diverse backgrounds and sought to become a community that transcended their differences. But like us, they struggled! First Corinthians is the first of two letters recorded in the Christian Scriptures from the Apostle Paul to the fledgling church he started in the prosperous Greek city of Corinth. This new community of followers of Jesus was a diverse, gifted and dynamic group who were courageously and creatively exploring what new life in the way of Jesus looked like in their pagan culture. This resulted in some beautiful, life-giving expressions of faith but also created numerous problems and disagreements that resulted in deep divisions within the community. In First Corinthians, Paul addresses many of these divisions and calls the church back to its single greatest foundational truth: Love as embodied in Christ. This love is expressed as humility, consideration of others, and deference to the needs of those around us. Paul makes the case that no matter how gifted, enlightened or empowered we may think we are, real wisdom is found in this way of love. He dares to dream that unity is possible, and envisions a community that transcends disagreement. During this 5-week series, beginning on July 1, we will work our way through the letter, and explore the cultural context of the text to gain a deeper understanding of this way of love. We’ll also wrestle with how these ancient teachings apply today, and take up the challenge of Paul for our own lives personally, our lives together as a diverse community, and how we might share this in our world.
- [The Way](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-the-way/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies." We live in a fractured world—divided by race, class, sexuality, age, gender and national borders—and polarized by politics. Jesus came into a deeply divided culture bringing a message love and reconciliation. His early followers represented very diverse backgrounds and sought to become a community that transcended their differences. But like us, they struggled! First Corinthians is the first of two letters recorded in the Christian Scriptures from the Apostle Paul to the fledgling church he started in the prosperous Greek city of Corinth. This new community of followers of Jesus was a diverse, gifted and dynamic group who were courageously and creatively exploring what new life in the way of Jesus looked like in their pagan culture. This resulted in some beautiful, life-giving expressions of faith but also created numerous problems and disagreements that resulted in deep divisions within the community. In First Corinthians, Paul addresses many of these divisions and calls the church back to its single greatest foundational truth: Love as embodied in Christ. This love is expressed as humility, consideration of others, and deference to the needs of those around us. Paul makes the case that no matter how gifted, enlightened or empowered we may think we are, real wisdom is found in this way of love. He dares to dream that unity is possible, and envisions a community that transcends disagreement. During this 5-week series, beginning on July 1, we will work our way through the letter, and explore the cultural context of the text to gain a deeper understanding of this way of love. We’ll also wrestle with how these ancient teachings apply today, and take up the challenge of Paul for our own lives personally, our lives together as a diverse community, and how we might share this in our world.
- [Coco](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-coco/) - A message from the series "God in the Movies." We live in a fractured world—divided by race, class, sexuality, age, gender and national borders—and polarized by politics. Jesus came into a deeply divided culture bringing a message love and reconciliation. His early followers represented very diverse backgrounds and sought to become a community that transcended their differences. But like us, they struggled! First Corinthians is the first of two letters recorded in the Christian Scriptures from the Apostle Paul to the fledgling church he started in the prosperous Greek city of Corinth. This new community of followers of Jesus was a diverse, gifted and dynamic group who were courageously and creatively exploring what new life in the way of Jesus looked like in their pagan culture. This resulted in some beautiful, life-giving expressions of faith but also created numerous problems and disagreements that resulted in deep divisions within the community. In First Corinthians, Paul addresses many of these divisions and calls the church back to its single greatest foundational truth: Love as embodied in Christ. This love is expressed as humility, consideration of others, and deference to the needs of those around us. Paul makes the case that no matter how gifted, enlightened or empowered we may think we are, real wisdom is found in this way of love. He dares to dream that unity is possible, and envisions a community that transcends disagreement. During this 5-week series, beginning on July 1, we will work our way through the letter, and explore the cultural context of the text to gain a deeper understanding of this way of love. We’ll also wrestle with how these ancient teachings apply today, and take up the challenge of Paul for our own lives personally, our lives together as a diverse community, and how we might share this in our world.
- [The Great Adventure](https://www.crcc.org/messages/adventures-in-happiness-the-great-adventure/) - A message from the series "Adventures in Happiness." One way or another we are all seeking happiness. A sense of wellbeing and contentment is often the major driving force in our lives, whether we are always conscious of it or not. But happiness is also illusive. Many of the things that seem to promise happiness (like material wealth, popularity or status) often fail to deliver, and the resulting dissatisfaction can drive us to greater frustration as we seek those same things even harder. Jesus offers an alternative and opens up a way of living that moves us away from self-centered pursuits and set us on a journey of love for others as well as ourselves. Paradoxically, such a life requires us to take the risk of not putting our own needs or happiness first. But this is not a negative life of self-neglect. Rather as we give our lives away, we find them. In this new way of personal growth, authentic relationships and service to others, we find a deeper meaning and a greater purpose to life that brings happiness. Not a fleeting happiness that’s dependent on any given circumstance, but a deeper experience that transcends the ups and downs of life and might perhaps best be called joy. As followers of Jesus at Cedar Ridge we encourage one another to take this risk and to set out on this adventure in happiness. In fact everything we do here is an invitation into this paradoxical journey. It’s an invitation to partner with God in bringing healing to a broken world, and to let that healing begin with us. It’s a higher calling to live a life of meaning, purpose and fulfillment. It’s a journey we walk together, and our church is a community where we can each make this our reality. So a commitment to our vision is a commitment to live this incredible adventure!
- [Our Part in the Great Adventure](https://www.crcc.org/messages/adventures-in-happiness-our-part-in-the-great-adventure/) - A message from the series "Adventures in Happiness." According to protestant theologians writing in the 17thcentury, the chief end of humankind is to love and enjoy God forever. Each of us is made uniquely in the image of God, and we therefore enjoy and are enjoyed by God in a distinctive, personal manner. This may be expressed in so many ways—such as how we exercise our creativity, our sense of humor, our varied relationships, and our recognition of God in the countless “little” things of everyday life. We each bring our distinctive outlook on life and insights into the divine mystery to Cedar Ridge. And together we create a truly unique community! We are a community that seeks to bring God’s reconciling love to our workplaces and neighborhoods, and that views following Jesus as something that impacts every area of our lives. We value authenticity—honestly and humbly acknowledging our doubts and questions, and embracing mystery. And we are committed to diversity and to the loving acceptance and inclusion of everyone. We all have a role to play in our community—our presence matters. Our smiles and words of encouragement have more impact than we can imagine. Our contributions—no matter how “small” or hidden—make a difference. We—ordinary people like you and I—are Cedar Ridge.
- [Happiness Through Purpose](https://www.crcc.org/messages/adventures-in-happiness-happiness-through-purpose/) - A message from the series "Adventures in Happiness." Jesus lived with a deep sense of purpose. He described it in a variety of ways such as “doing the will of my father’ or “seeking and saving the lost.” It looked different at various times, too: resolutely “setting his face towards Jerusalem,” or tenderly “healing all who came to him.” Jesus was driven by a higher purpose—to love, heal and lead us into union with God and a deep experience of life in the Kingdom of God. We are invited into the same purpose: as we experience all this ourselves we join the mission to share it and make a way for others. Everything we do in our church community is part of this purpose. Our mission is to be and make disciples—to experience it ourselves, and make a way for others to have the same benefit. As a community on this mission, there are many things that need to “get done” and we all get to do them! We’ve all experienced to some degree the fulfillment accomplishing something. But this is especially rewarding when we are doing things for others, and when we have a sense that the task (however apparently mundane) is part of a higher purpose. Serving in this way brings a deep sense of joy and fulfillment of the Jesus paradox that to really live fully you have to give your life away. Cedar Ridge is a community where we get to live and serve in this way. Whether we serve because we have gifts and talents that are desperately needed, or because the job just needs doing, we are all invited to enjoy this adventure in purpose, meaning and fulfillment.
- [Happiness Through Generosity](https://www.crcc.org/messages/happiness-through-generosity/) - A message from the series "Adventures in Happiness." Jesus said to his closest companions and followers that he did not consider them servants but friends. Before going to trial and execution, he told the same people that he wanted to spend his final precious moments with them. Jesus seemed to long for friendship (just as we do) and take incredible joy in it. Clearly he spent important and much needed time alone, but in everything else he did, he did it with others, and in many ways his life was a celebration of community. But this was no ordinary community. Jesus’ circle included Roman officials and anti-Roman freedom fighters, tax collectors and Pharisees, women and men, Pagans, Jews and Samaritans. The power of Jesus’ love, acceptance and inclusion was evidenced by genuine diversity. And this was no show: these were truly friends. Jesus’ life was an embodiment—an incarnation—of his higher purpose of reconciliation and healing. The early Christ-following communities after Jesus embodied this same diversity and friendship. They were not only beneficiaries of this radical acceptance, but also extended it to others. Here at Cedar Ridge we are all descendants of this lineage, and are invited into the same adventure in friendship. Like all humans, we long to be fully known and fully accepted. But this is also a challenge: we have all experienced the joy of friendship and also the pain of rejection. We’ve all felt the comfort of inclusion but also the loneliness of being on the outside. So we are daring to dream that we can be a community where no one is alone. A community, like the one around Jesus, that is diverse in its beauty: black, white, male, female, young, old, gay, straight, married, single. A community that embraces difference, and is transformed by it. A community that demonstrates to the whole world that reconciliation and healing are possible.
- [Happiness Through Growth](https://www.crcc.org/messages/happiness-through-growth/) - A message from the series "Adventures in Happiness." Jesus said to his closest companions and followers that he did not consider them servants but friends. Before going to trial and execution, he told the same people that he wanted to spend his final precious moments with them. Jesus seemed to long for friendship (just as we do) and take incredible joy in it. Clearly he spent important and much needed time alone, but in everything else he did, he did it with others, and in many ways his life was a celebration of community. But this was no ordinary community. Jesus’ circle included Roman officials and anti-Roman freedom fighters, tax collectors and Pharisees, women and men, Pagans, Jews and Samaritans. The power of Jesus’ love, acceptance and inclusion was evidenced by genuine diversity. And this was no show: these were truly friends. Jesus’ life was an embodiment—an incarnation—of his higher purpose of reconciliation and healing. The early Christ-following communities after Jesus embodied this same diversity and friendship. They were not only beneficiaries of this radical acceptance, but also extended it to others. Here at Cedar Ridge we are all descendants of this lineage, and are invited into the same adventure in friendship. Like all humans, we long to be fully known and fully accepted. But this is also a challenge: we have all experienced the joy of friendship and also the pain of rejection. We’ve all felt the comfort of inclusion but also the loneliness of being on the outside. So we are daring to dream that we can be a community where no one is alone. A community, like the one around Jesus, that is diverse in its beauty: black, white, male, female, young, old, gay, straight, married, single. A community that embraces difference, and is transformed by it. A community that demonstrates to the whole world that reconciliation and healing are possible.
- [Happiness Through Friendship](https://www.crcc.org/messages/adventures-in-happiness-happiness-through-friendship/) - A message from the series "Adventures in Happiness." Jesus said to his closest companions and followers that he did not consider them servants but friends. Before going to trial and execution, he told the same people that he wanted to spend his final precious moments with them. Jesus seemed to long for friendship (just as we do) and take incredible joy in it. Clearly he spent important and much needed time alone, but in everything else he did, he did it with others, and in many ways his life was a celebration of community. But this was no ordinary community. Jesus’ circle included Roman officials and anti-Roman freedom fighters, tax collectors and Pharisees, women and men, Pagans, Jews and Samaritans. The power of Jesus’ love, acceptance and inclusion was evidenced by genuine diversity. And this was no show: these were truly friends. Jesus’ life was an embodiment—an incarnation—of his higher purpose of reconciliation and healing. The early Christ-following communities after Jesus embodied this same diversity and friendship. They were not only beneficiaries of this radical acceptance, but also extended it to others. Here at Cedar Ridge we are all descendants of this lineage, and are invited into the same adventure in friendship. Like all humans, we long to be fully known and fully accepted. But this is also a challenge: we have all experienced the joy of friendship and also the pain of rejection. We’ve all felt the comfort of inclusion but also the loneliness of being on the outside. So we are daring to dream that we can be a community where no one is alone. A community, like the one around Jesus, that is diverse in its beauty: black, white, male, female, young, old, gay, straight, married, single. A community that embraces difference, and is transformed by it. A community that demonstrates to the whole world that reconciliation and healing are possible.
- [A Short Journey That Changes Everything](https://www.crcc.org/messages/65-through-their-eyes-a-short-journey-that-changes-everything/) - A message from the series "Through Their Eyes." This Advent season, we will celebrate the story of Christmas from the perspective of some of the “smaller” characters. We begin with Mary and Joseph in an all-ages interactive service on the First Sunday of Advent: December 2. They were an unremarkable couple from a backwater town in the Middle East, who went on a journey that changed world!
- [An Innkeeper Under Pressure](https://www.crcc.org/messages/through-their-eyes-an-innkeeper-under-pressure/) - A message from the series "Through Their Eyes." This Advent season, we celebrate the story of Christmas from the perspective of some of the “smaller” characters. In this week’s message, we look at the story through the eyes of the notorious Inn-Keeper who has gone down in history as the one who turned away this “Holy Couple”! But perhaps in all his stress, busyness and lack of resources, he did the one small, positive thing he could—and it made a difference. Throughout the series, we’ll reflect on our own personal stories in light of these characters and the impact they made in a much bigger narrative than they could possibly see or feel. We’ll remind ourselves that ordinary people like us, doing small things with great love, can change the world. And together we’ll embrace the traditional Advent themes to renew our hope that a world full of peace, love and joy is not only possible, but at hand!
- [An Old Man Who Never Gives Up](https://www.crcc.org/messages/through-their-eyes-an-old-man-who-never-gives-up/) - A message from the series "Through Their Eyes." This Advent season, we celebrate the story of Christmas from the perspective of some of the “smaller” characters. In this week’s message, we look at the story through the eyes of Simeon: an old man who was desperately holding onto hope that God would reach out in love to help a country that seemed to be going down the tubes. Throughout the series, we’ll reflect on our own personal stories in light of these characters and the impact they made in a much bigger narrative than they could possibly see or feel. We’ll remind ourselves that ordinary people like us, doing small things with great love, can change the world. And together we’ll embrace the traditional Advent themes to renew our hope that a world full of peace, love and joy is not only possible, but at hand!
- [A Woman Who Celebrates the Impossible](https://www.crcc.org/messages/through-their-eyes-a-woman-who-celebrates-the-impossible/) - A message from the series "Through Their Eyes." This Advent season, we celebrate the story of Christmas from the perspective of some of the “smaller” characters. This week, we look at the story through the eyes of Elizabeth: a woman who surprisingly became pregnant in later life, and had to contend with a husband who was struck dumb! Throughout the series, we’ll reflect on our own personal stories in light of these characters and the impact they made in a much bigger narrative than they could possibly see or feel. We’ll remind ourselves that ordinary people like us, doing small things with great love, can change the world. And together we’ll embrace the traditional Advent themes to renew our hope that a world full of peace, love and joy is not only possible, but at hand!
- [God of Intimacy](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-partial-perspectives-god-of-intimacy/) - A message from the series "God: Partial Perspectives." People have been following Jesus for more than two millennia, and there have been all sorts of different emphases, distinctives and characteristics to this faith journey. In this series, we will reflect on how various traditions have understood and experienced God, with their respective strengths and limitations. We will also explore how our own temperaments, personalities and cultural backgrounds create a unique lens through which we see God, and how scientific, artistic, contemplative and activist approaches can all be helpful. In this way, we not only hope to better understand and validate our own approach, but also embrace and be nourished by the approaches of others. Together we will seek truth without fear, with the aim of nurturing a deeper connection to God and celebrating the divine image in one another. This week we look at contemplation, fasting and suffering as the means for a deeper consciousness of our infinite union with infinite Love.
- [God of Compassion](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-partial-perspectives-god-of-compassion/) - A message from the series "God: Partial Perspectives." People have been following Jesus for more than two millennia, and there have been all sorts of different emphases, distinctives and characteristics to this faith journey. In this series, we will reflect on how various traditions have understood and experienced God, with their respective strengths and limitations. We will also explore how our own temperaments, personalities and cultural backgrounds create a unique lens through which we see God, and how scientific, artistic, contemplative and activist approaches can all be helpful. In this way, we not only hope to better understand and validate our own approach, but also embrace and be nourished by the approaches of others. Together we will seek truth without fear, with the aim of nurturing a deeper connection to God and celebrating the divine image in one another. This week we look at following God by living a life of compassion, mercy, and the pursuit of justice for the vulnerable and marginalized.
- [God of Presence](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-partial-perspectives-god-of-presence/) - A message from the series "God: Partial Perspectives." People have been following Jesus for more than two millennia, and there have been all sorts of different emphases, distinctives and characteristics to this faith journey. In this series, we will reflect on how various traditions have understood and experienced God, with their respective strengths and limitations. We will also explore how our own temperaments, personalities and cultural backgrounds create a unique lens through which we see God, and how scientific, artistic, contemplative and activist approaches can all be helpful. In this way, we not only hope to better understand and validate our own approach, but also embrace and be nourished by the approaches of others. Together we will seek truth without fear, with the aim of nurturing a deeper connection to God and celebrating the divine image in one another. This week we consider the nature of reality, and the value of practicing traditional and everyday sacraments to gain a fuller understanding and experience of God.
- [God of Power](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-partial-perspectives-god-of-power/) - A message from the series "God: Partial Perspectives." People have been following Jesus for more than two millennia, and there have been all sorts of different emphases, distinctives and characteristics to this faith journey. In this series, we will reflect on how various traditions have understood and experienced God, with their respective strengths and limitations. We will also explore how our own temperaments, personalities and cultural backgrounds create a unique lens through which we see God, and how scientific, artistic, contemplative and activist approaches can all be helpful. In this way, we not only hope to better understand and validate our own approach, but also embrace and be nourished by the approaches of others. Together we will seek truth without fear, with the aim of nurturing a deeper connection to God and celebrating the divine image in one another. In the final week of this series, we consider what it means to be open to the Spirit of God within us, empowering us to grow more like Jesus, and to experience God and serve others in a way that reflects our uniqueness.
- [Facing Loneliness](https://www.crcc.org/messages/positively-lonely-facing-loneliness/) - A message from the series "Positively Lonely." Whatever our age, temperament, or family situation, we all experience the ache of loneliness. This sense of being isolated or unwanted, of not being truly seen or known, can consume us when we are physically alone or surrounded by people. Though generally unpleasant, and sometimes crippling, loneliness can reveal to us truths about ourselves. Loneliness strips away distractions to reveal our deep longing for connection—with God and with one another. It causes us to discard illusions of independence and reach out to others to build community. And it drives us to seek a greater awareness of the loving presence of God. In this three-week mini-series, we will look at different aspects of loneliness, ways to overcome its negative impacts, and the lessons it may have to teach us. Together we will celebrate that we are not alone: that we are fully known by our Heavenly Parent, and are a family growing together in love.
- [Experiencing Loneliness](https://www.crcc.org/messages/positively-lonely-experiencing-loneliness/) - A message from the series "Positively Lonely." Whatever our age, temperament, or family situation, we all experience the ache of loneliness. This sense of being isolated or unwanted, of not being truly seen or known, can consume us when we are physically alone or surrounded by people. Though generally unpleasant, and sometimes crippling, loneliness can reveal to us truths about ourselves. Loneliness strips away distractions to reveal our deep longing for connection—with God and with one another. It causes us to discard illusions of independence and reach out to others to build community. And it drives us to seek a greater awareness of the loving presence of God. In this three-week mini-series, we will look at different aspects of loneliness, ways to overcome its negative impacts, and the lessons it may have to teach us. Together we will celebrate that we are not alone: that we are fully known by our Heavenly Parent, and are a family growing together in love.
- [Contemplation and Action](https://www.crcc.org/messages/breaking-the-chains-contemplation-and-action/) - A message from the series "Breaking the Chains." In this first week of the series "Breaking the Chains," we look at the interconnectedness of contemplation and action, as illustrated in Jesus’ life, with a particular focus on the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. We seek to create space for inward reflection on how the current political climate affects us emotionally, psychologically and spiritually, as well as reflection on our outward responses in this current climate. The objective of this week—and for the series as a whole—is to foster a sense of hope, and develop practices to engage in action for social justice in life-giving ways.
- [The Art of Conversation](https://www.crcc.org/messages/breaking-the-chains-the-art-of-conversation/) - A message from the series "Breaking the Chains." Winston Churchill famously said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” This week, we look at how to hold the difficult conversations that engaging in social justice involves. Poverty and hunger, racial justice and immigration, and environmental issues have the biggest impact on society’s most vulnerable members; and as followers of Jesus, we are called to speak up for those who are marginalized and oppressed (Proverbs 31:8). Such conversations are often heartfelt and passionate—and this is a good thing! We are talking about important issues that impact thousands or even millions of people created in God’s image. At the same time, emotions can sometimes prevent us from listening, or lead us to be uncaring or unloving in what we say. We want to follow Jesus’ example of really listening to people—seeking to understand their viewpoint and underlying story. And we want to respond lovingly, with humility and graciousness, believing the best of others. We want to learn from one another, and can often learn the most from those who are very different from us. At the same time, we also want to be willing to challenge ideas and attitudes that do not contribute to justice, healing and reconciliation. We do this, not because we want to win an argument, but because we understand that we are partners with God in bringing more love to the world around us.
- [Palm Sunday](https://www.crcc.org/messages/breaking-the-chains-palm-sunday/) - A message from the series "Breaking the Chains." This week, we focus on the Palm Sunday story, with its focus on liberation and justice. We consider how Jesus' view of what it meant to be King and Savior differed from that of Rome and common Jewish expectations. We also consider the challenge to follow Jesus' way of consistent, self-sacrificial love in the context of social justice.
- [Message: "Through Their Eyes: A Short Journey That Changes Everything" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/through-their-eyes-a-short-journey-that-changes-everything/) - In this story, Jesus participates in a community celebration. When the wine runs out, the hosts face public humiliation. Jesus abundantly but quietly provides, allowing the festivities to continue, and others to take the credit. Join with us as we look at what this story can tell us about being a good neighbor.
- [Message: "Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/love-acceptance-and-forgiveness/) - Each week we will take a “tale” from the gospels that illustrate one characteristic or aspect of the Kingdom of God. This will not be an exhaustive overview of the theology of the Kingdom but rather an experiential journey. We want to live it rather than study it.
- [Message: "Belonging and Including" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/belonging-and-including/) - Each week we will take a "tale" from the gospels that illustrate one characteristic or aspect of the Kingdom of God. This will not be an exhaustive overview of the theology of the Kingdom but rather an experiential journey. We want to live it rather than study it.
- [Message: "Adventure" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/adventure/) - Each week we will take a "tale" from the gospels that illustrate one characteristic or aspect of the Kingdom of God. This will not be an exhaustive overview of the theology of the Kingdom but rather an experiential journey. We want to live it rather than study it.
- [Message: "Guatemala Report"](https://www.crcc.org/messages/guatemala-report/) - Each week we will take a "tale" from the gospels that illustrate one characteristic or aspect of the Kingdom of God. This will not be an exhaustive overview of the theology of the Kingdom but rather an experiential journey. We want to live it rather than study it.
- [Message: "The Trials of Life" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-trials-of-life/) - Series: Faith that Works: An Exploration of the Book of James
- [Message: "The Power of Speech" from  Vike Thurston](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-power-of-speech/) - During August we will be exploring the book of James, found towards the end of the Christian Scriptures (the New Testament) in the Bible. This inspiring and at times enigmatic book challenges the very nature of faith and pushes us out of the realm of mere thoughts, ideas, platitudes and good intentions and into the real world of what we do and how we live every day.
- [Message: "Two Kinds of Wisdom" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/two-kinds-of-wisdom/) - We're exploring the book of James, found towards the end of the Christian Scriptures (the New Testament) in the Bible. This inspiring and at times enigmatic book challenges the very nature of faith and pushes us out of the realm of mere thoughts, ideas, platitudes and good intentions and into the real world of what we do and how we live every day.
- [Message: "Never Give Up" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/never-give-up/) - We're exploring the book of James, found towards the end of the Christian Scriptures (the New Testament) in the Bible. This inspiring and at times enigmatic book challenges the very nature of faith and pushes us out of the realm of mere thoughts, ideas, platitudes and good intentions and into the real world of what we do and how we live every day.
- [Message: "Introduction: Incarnation & Vulnerability" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/introduction-incarnation-038-vulnerability/) - Fall Discipleship Group Series Transforming Relationships: September 12– October 19 On September 14 we will begin a six-week Discipleship Series, titled “Transforming Relationships.” Through the Sunday messages and discussion guides for discipleship groups, we will explore both how our lives are shaped and transformed by our relationships and how we can go about deepening and transforming the relationships we already have. The basic premise of the series is that the spiritual journey we are on (which varies for each of us) is impossible without close, intimate and safe friendships (fellow travelers, comrades in the struggle as it were).
- [Message: "Love Yourself as Your Neighbor" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/love-yourself-as-your-neighbor/) - Fall Discipleship Group Series Transforming Relationships: September 12– October 19 On September 14 we will begin a six-week Discipleship Series, titled “Transforming Relationships.” Through the Sunday messages and discussion guides for discipleship groups, we will explore both how our lives are shaped and transformed by our relationships and how we can go about deepening and transforming the relationships we already have. The basic premise of the series is that the spiritual journey we are on (which varies for each of us) is impossible without close, intimate and safe friendships (fellow travelers, comrades in the struggle as it were).
- [Message: "Compassionate Presence" from  Oliver Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/compassionate-presence/) - Fall Discipleship Group Series Transforming Relationships: September 12– October 19 On September 14 we will begin a six-week Discipleship Series, titled “Transforming Relationships.” Through the Sunday messages and discussion guides for discipleship groups, we will explore both how our lives are shaped and transformed by our relationships and how we can go about deepening and transforming the relationships we already have. The basic premise of the series is that the spiritual journey we are on (which varies for each of us) is impossible without close, intimate and safe friendships (fellow travelers, comrades in the struggle as it were).
- [Message: "The Challenge to Challenge" from  Oliver Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-challenge-to-challenge/) - Fall Discipleship Group Series Transforming Relationships: September 12– October 19 On September 14 we will begin a six-week Discipleship Series, titled “Transforming Relationships.” Through the Sunday messages and discussion guides for discipleship groups, we will explore both how our lives are shaped and transformed by our relationships and how we can go about deepening and transforming the relationships we already have. The basic premise of the series is that the spiritual journey we are on (which varies for each of us) is impossible without close, intimate and safe friendships (fellow travelers, comrades in the struggle as it were).
- [Message: "The Gift of Time and Space" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-gift-of-time-and-space/) - Fall Discipleship Group Series Transforming Relationships: September 12– October 19 On September 14 we will begin a six-week Discipleship Series, titled “Transforming Relationships.” Through the Sunday messages and discussion guides for discipleship groups, we will explore both how our lives are shaped and transformed by our relationships and how we can go about deepening and transforming the relationships we already have. The basic premise of the series is that the spiritual journey we are on (which varies for each of us) is impossible without close, intimate and safe friendships (fellow travelers, comrades in the struggle as it were).
- [Message: "Keeping Hope Alive" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/keeping-hope-alive/) - During November we will be focusing on the theme of Hope in a series called “Stories of Hope” in which a number of people in our church community will be sharing stories about their own experiences. In the Kingdom of God there is always hope; not a naïve “wishful thinking” that every cloud has a silver lining; but a resolute refusal to give up, a commitment to stand for what is good, and tireless pursuit of love and beauty. We’ll explore hope as a way of life and see Jesus as one who calls us to hope even in the most impossible circumstances.
- [Message: "Hope in Chaos" from  Kathleen Koch](https://www.crcc.org/messages/hope-in-chaos/)
- [Message: "Hope in Loss and Grief" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/hope-in-loss-and-grief/) - During November we will be focusing on the theme of Hope in a series called “Stories of Hope” in which a number of people in our church community will be sharing stories about their own experiences. In the Kingdom of God there is always hope; not a naïve “wishful thinking” that every cloud has a silver lining; but a resolute refusal to give up, a commitment to stand for what is good, and tireless pursuit of love and beauty. We’ll explore hope as a way of life and see Jesus as one who calls us to hope even in the most impossible circumstances.
- [Message: "Celebrate Peace" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/celebrate-peace/) - This Christmas season we want to capture the wonder, hope and joy of the miracle of the incarnation. The birth of Christ is great news for humanity! The presence of God in the world is a gift that brings light into darkness and life from death. Christmas is a time where we can celebrate these things with joy and fervor. It’s also a time where we acknowledge our pain and loss and where we look after and comfort one another. It’s a time where we seek peace and look to the hope of new life.
- [Message: "Celebrate Love" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/celebrate-love/) - This Christmas season we want to capture the wonder, hope and joy of the miracle of the incarnation. The birth of Christ is great news for humanity! The presence of God in the world is a gift that brings light into darkness and life from death. Christmas is a time where we can celebrate these things with joy and fervor. It’s also a time where we acknowledge our pain and loss and where we look after and comfort one another. It’s a time where we seek peace and look to the hope of new life.
- [Message: "Introducing Amos the Prophet" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/introducing-amos-the-prophet/) - This January we are beginning our winter discipleship series called “Justice For All” which is an exploration of the Book of Amos. Amos was a Hebrew prophet in the 8th century BCE (around 2700 years ago!) and yet his message is as relevant as ever today. He challenges humanity in general (and people who claim to be religious in particular) about injustice and inequity in society, laying down a passionate (and frequently very uncomfortable) challenge to do something about it.
- [Message: "Who Cares About Injustice?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/who-cares-about-injustice/) - Our winter discipleship series called “Justice For All” is an exploration of the Book of Amos. Amos was a Hebrew prophet in the 8th century BCE (around 2700 years ago!) and yet his message is as relevant as ever today. He challenges humanity in general (and people who claim to be religious in particular) about injustice and inequity in society, laying down a passionate (and frequently very uncomfortable) challenge to do something about it.
- [Message: "Who Cares About Religion?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/who-cares-about-religion/) - Our winter discipleship series called “Justice For All” is an exploration of the Book of Amos. Amos was a Hebrew prophet in the 8th century BCE (around 2700 years ago!) and yet his message is as relevant as ever today. He challenges humanity in general (and people who claim to be religious in particular) about injustice and inequity in society, laying down a passionate (and frequently very uncomfortable) challenge to do something about it.
- [Message: "Doing the Right Thing" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/doing-the-right-thing/) - Our winter discipleship series called “Justice For All” is an exploration of the Book of Amos. Amos was a Hebrew prophet in the 8th century BCE (around 2700 years ago!) and yet his message is as relevant as ever today. He challenges humanity in general (and people who claim to be religious in particular) about injustice and inequity in society, laying down a passionate (and frequently very uncomfortable) challenge to do something about it.
- [Message: "This Is Not The End: The call to hope" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/this-is-not-the-end-the-call-to-hope/) - Our winter discipleship series called “Justice For All” is an exploration of the Book of Amos. Amos was a Hebrew prophet in the 8th century BCE (around 2700 years ago!) and yet his message is as relevant as ever today. He challenges humanity in general (and people who claim to be religious in particular) about injustice and inequity in society, laying down a passionate (and frequently very uncomfortable) challenge to do something about it.
- [Message: "Justice in our Time" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/justice-in-our-time/) - Our winter discipleship series called “Justice For All” is an exploration of the Book of Amos. Amos was a Hebrew prophet in the 8th century BCE (around 2700 years ago!) and yet his message is as relevant as ever today. He challenges humanity in general (and people who claim to be religious in particular) about injustice and inequity in society, laying down a passionate (and frequently very uncomfortable) challenge to do something about it.
- [Message: "Exploring the Mystery and Meaning of Life" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/exploring-the-mystery-and-meaning-of-life/) - Our Lenten series called “Sharing Life Stories: Doorways to Meaning, Connection and Purpose” and runs from the first Sunday of Lent (February 22) through Palm Sunday (March 29). The series will follow on and go deeper into themes from our discipleship series last fall (“Transforming Relationships”). We’ll explore fresh ways of understanding and interpreting the story of our lives with a goal of becoming more alive in the present, more aware of God’s love and more engaged with a sense of meaning and purpose.
- [Message: "Sharing our Past: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" from  Vike Thurston](https://www.crcc.org/messages/sharing-our-past-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/) - Our Lenten series called “Sharing Life Stories: Doorways to Meaning, Connection and Purpose” and runs from the first Sunday of Lent (February 22) through Palm Sunday (March 29). The series will follow on and go deeper into themes from our discipleship series last fall (“Transforming Relationships”). We’ll explore fresh ways of understanding and interpreting the story of our lives with a goal of becoming more alive in the present, more aware of God’s love and more engaged with a sense of meaning and purpose.
- [Message: "Navigating Life in the Present: The Path of Surrender" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/navigating-life-in-the-present-the-path-of-surrender/) - Our Lenten series called “Sharing Life Stories: Doorways to Meaning, Connection and Purpose” and runs from the first Sunday of Lent (February 22) through Palm Sunday (March 29). The series will follow on and go deeper into themes from our discipleship series last fall (“Transforming Relationships”). We’ll explore fresh ways of understanding and interpreting the story of our lives with a goal of becoming more alive in the present, more aware of God’s love and more engaged with a sense of meaning and purpose.
- [Message: "Sharing Our Dreams for the Future: Life roles, calling, and purpose" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/sharing-our-dreams-for-the-future-life-roles-calling-and-purpose/) - Our Lenten series called “Sharing Life Stories: Doorways to Meaning, Connection and Purpose” and runs from the first Sunday of Lent (February 22) through Palm Sunday (March 29). The series will follow on and go deeper into themes from our discipleship series last fall (“Transforming Relationships”). We’ll explore fresh ways of understanding and interpreting the story of our lives with a goal of becoming more alive in the present, more aware of God’s love and more engaged with a sense of meaning and purpose.
- [Message: "Supporting One Another as We Pursue Our Life's Purpose" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/supporting-one-another-as-we-pursue-our-life-039-s-purpose/) - Our Lenten series called “Sharing Life Stories: Doorways to Meaning, Connection and Purpose” and runs from the first Sunday of Lent (February 22) through Palm Sunday (March 29). The series will follow on and go deeper into themes from our discipleship series last fall (“Transforming Relationships”). We’ll explore fresh ways of understanding and interpreting the story of our lives with a goal of becoming more alive in the present, more aware of God’s love and more engaged with a sense of meaning and purpose.
- [Message: "Easter Sunday" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/13-easter-sunday/) - We celebrate Jesus’ resurrection with an interactive and engaging service for all ages that was both fun and meaningful.
- [Message: "Introduction of Series: Reconciliation in a Time of Fear" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/introduction-of-series-reconciliation-in-a-time-of-fear/) - This series follows on from our study of Amos at the beginning of the year. Amos not only addressed surface problems in the culture but, also, traced back the symptoms of an unjust society to reveal several deep rooted dark issues in humanity that still hold us captive today: racism, greed, violence and toxic, elitist, self-righteous religion. During this series we will take on the challenge of Jesus to pursue a completely different way of living: a way of light, love, reconciliation, generosity and peace. Jesus too gets to the root of issues by compassionately revealing the darkness in humanity but positively validates the light residing in every human heart and calls us to a life of truth, meaning and freedom. With God’s help we can breathe in God’s spirit, take courage and become a movement of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "Living Generously" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/living-generously/) - Our Spring Discipleship Series, titled “Becoming a Movement of Love, Peace and Hope: Reconciliation in a Time of Fear.” This series follows on from our study of Amos at the beginning of the year. Amos not only addressed surface problems in the culture but, also, traced back the symptoms of an unjust society to reveal several deep rooted dark issues in humanity that still hold us captive today: racism, greed, violence and toxic, elitist, self-righteous religion. During this series we will take on the challenge of Jesus to pursue a completely different way of living: a way of light, love, reconciliation, generosity and peace. Jesus too gets to the root of issues by compassionately revealing the darkness in humanity but positively validates the light residing in every human heart and calls us to a life of truth, meaning and freedom. With God’s help we can breathe in God’s spirit, take courage and become a movement of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "Healing Religion" from  Eric Sarriot](https://www.crcc.org/messages/healing-religion/) - Our Spring Discipleship Series, titled “Becoming a Movement of Love, Peace and Hope: Reconciliation in a Time of Fear.” This series follows on from our study of Amos at the beginning of the year. Amos not only addressed surface problems in the culture but, also, traced back the symptoms of an unjust society to reveal several deep rooted dark issues in humanity that still hold us captive today: racism, greed, violence and toxic, elitist, self-righteous religion. During this series we will take on the challenge of Jesus to pursue a completely different way of living: a way of light, love, reconciliation, generosity and peace. Jesus too gets to the root of issues by compassionately revealing the darkness in humanity but positively validates the light residing in every human heart and calls us to a life of truth, meaning and freedom. With God’s help we can breathe in God’s spirit, take courage and become a movement of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "Waging Peace" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/waging-peace/) - Our Spring Discipleship Series, titled “Becoming a Movement of Love, Peace and Hope: Reconciliation in a Time of Fear.” This series follows on from our study of Amos at the beginning of the year. Amos not only addressed surface problems in the culture but, also, traced back the symptoms of an unjust society to reveal several deep rooted dark issues in humanity that still hold us captive today: racism, greed, violence and toxic, elitist, self-righteous religion. During this series we will take on the challenge of Jesus to pursue a completely different way of living: a way of light, love, reconciliation, generosity and peace. Jesus too gets to the root of issues by compassionately revealing the darkness in humanity but positively validates the light residing in every human heart and calls us to a life of truth, meaning and freedom. With God’s help we can breathe in God’s spirit, take courage and become a movement of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "Christ As Artist" from  Chas Foster](https://www.crcc.org/messages/christ-as-artist/) - Chas Foster spoke on "Christ As Artist" as part of our God in the Arts Summer Series.
- [Message: "Music" from  Vike Thurston](https://www.crcc.org/messages/music/) - Vike Thurston gives a message on Music as part of our summer series, "God In The Arts."
- [Message: ""Mister God, This Is Anna"" from  Brandy Walker](https://www.crcc.org/messages/quot-mister-god-this-is-anna-quot/) - As part of our God In The Arts Summer Series, Brandy Walker speaks on the book, "Mister God, This Is Anna."
- [Message: "“Mister God, This Is Anna”" from  Brandy Walker](https://www.crcc.org/messages/mister-god-this-is-anna/) - As part of our God In The Arts Summer Series, Brandy Walker speaks on the book, "Mister God, This Is Anna."
- [Message: "Art and Spirituality" from  Harry Stone](https://www.crcc.org/messages/art-and-spirituality/) - As part of our "God in the Arts" series, Harry Stone speaks about "Art and Spirituality."
- [Message: "The Lego Movie" from  Kate Thomas](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-lego-movie/) - We conclude our God in the Arts series with a message from Kate Thomas, featuring The Lego Movie.
- [Message: "Guatemala Trip Update" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/guatemala-trip-update/) - Pastor Bryan Peterson and the Guatemala Team gave a update on their trip to Guatemala
- [Message: "Introducing Matthew" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/introducing-matthew/) - Matthew is a wonderful book in which Jesus is revealed in his Jewish context as a great teacher, rabbi and ultimately as the promised messiah. The book is focused around five of Jesus’ sermons (discourses), and we will look at one of these each week as well as some of the accompanying material. We’ll begin with an introduction and overview and end with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, followed by his commission to his followers to continue the work of the messiah. Despite its setting in and clear relevance to first century Judaism, we will see how dramatically applicable the message of Matthew is today to anyone daring to dream and struggle for a world of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "Living the Dream" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/living-the-dream/) - Matthew is a wonderful book in which Jesus is revealed in his Jewish context as a great teacher, rabbi and ultimately as the promised messiah. The book is focused around five of Jesus’ sermons (discourses), and we will look at one of these each week as well as some of the accompanying material. We’ll begin with an introduction and overview and end with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, followed by his commission to his followers to continue the work of the messiah. Despite its setting in and clear relevance to first century Judaism, we will see how dramatically applicable the message of Matthew is today to anyone daring to dream and struggle for a world of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "An Open Invitation" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/an-open-invitation/) - Matthew is a wonderful book in which Jesus is revealed in his Jewish context as a great teacher, rabbi and ultimately as the promised messiah. The book is focused around five of Jesus’ sermons (discourses), and we will look at one of these each week as well as some of the accompanying material. We’ll begin with an introduction and overview and end with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, followed by his commission to his followers to continue the work of the messiah. Despite its setting in and clear relevance to first century Judaism, we will see how dramatically applicable the message of Matthew is today to anyone daring to dream and struggle for a world of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "Who is the Greatest" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/who-is-the-greatest/) - Matthew is a wonderful book in which Jesus is revealed in his Jewish context as a great teacher, rabbi and ultimately as the promised messiah. The book is focused around five of Jesus’ sermons (discourses), and we will look at one of these each week as well as some of the accompanying material. We’ll begin with an introduction and overview and end with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, followed by his commission to his followers to continue the work of the messiah. Despite its setting in and clear relevance to first century Judaism, we will see how dramatically applicable the message of Matthew is today to anyone daring to dream and struggle for a world of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "The End of the World as We Know It" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it/) - Matthew is a wonderful book in which Jesus is revealed in his Jewish context as a great teacher, rabbi and ultimately as the promised messiah. The book is focused around five of Jesus’ sermons (discourses), and we will look at one of these each week as well as some of the accompanying material. We’ll begin with an introduction and overview and end with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, followed by his commission to his followers to continue the work of the messiah. Despite its setting in and clear relevance to first century Judaism, we will see how dramatically applicable the message of Matthew is today to anyone daring to dream and struggle for a world of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "The End of the World As We Know It" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/98-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it/) - Matthew is a wonderful book in which Jesus is revealed in his Jewish context as a great teacher, rabbi and ultimately as the promised messiah. The book is focused around five of Jesus’ sermons (discourses), and we will look at one of these each week as well as some of the accompanying material. We’ll begin with an introduction and overview and end with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, followed by his commission to his followers to continue the work of the messiah. Despite its setting in and clear relevance to first century Judaism, we will see how dramatically applicable the message of Matthew is today to anyone daring to dream and struggle for a world of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "The Beginning" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/98-the-beginning/) - Matthew is a wonderful book in which Jesus is revealed in his Jewish context as a great teacher, rabbi and ultimately as the promised messiah. The book is focused around five of Jesus’ sermons (discourses), and we will look at one of these each week as well as some of the accompanying material. We’ll begin with an introduction and overview and end with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, followed by his commission to his followers to continue the work of the messiah. Despite its setting in and clear relevance to first century Judaism, we will see how dramatically applicable the message of Matthew is today to anyone daring to dream and struggle for a world of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "The Beginning" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-beginning/) - Matthew is a wonderful book in which Jesus is revealed in his Jewish context as a great teacher, rabbi and ultimately as the promised messiah. The book is focused around five of Jesus’ sermons (discourses), and we will look at one of these each week as well as some of the accompanying material. We’ll begin with an introduction and overview and end with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, followed by his commission to his followers to continue the work of the messiah. Despite its setting in and clear relevance to first century Judaism, we will see how dramatically applicable the message of Matthew is today to anyone daring to dream and struggle for a world of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "The Big Picture: Kingdom" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-big-picture-kingdom/) - Matthew is a wonderful book in which Jesus is revealed in his Jewish context as a great teacher, rabbi and ultimately as the promised messiah. The book is focused around five of Jesus’ sermons (discourses), and we will look at one of these each week as well as some of the accompanying material. We’ll begin with an introduction and overview and end with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, followed by his commission to his followers to continue the work of the messiah. Despite its setting in and clear relevance to first century Judaism, we will see how dramatically applicable the message of Matthew is today to anyone daring to dream and struggle for a world of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "The Big Picture: Church" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-big-picture-church/) - Matthew is a wonderful book in which Jesus is revealed in his Jewish context as a great teacher, rabbi and ultimately as the promised messiah. The book is focused around five of Jesus’ sermons (discourses), and we will look at one of these each week as well as some of the accompanying material. We’ll begin with an introduction and overview and end with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, followed by his commission to his followers to continue the work of the messiah. Despite its setting in and clear relevance to first century Judaism, we will see how dramatically applicable the message of Matthew is today to anyone daring to dream and struggle for a world of love, peace and hope.
- [Message: "Stories of Hope" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/stories-of-hope/) - We began our Community of Hope series today with several guests, including the mayor of Ipala, Guatemala, Tinica Mather, Derek Harwerth and Eric S.
- [Message: "Commitment Sunday" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/34-commitment-sunday/) - During Commitment Sunday, we celebrate child dedications, baptisms, and new members.
- [Message: "Is There Anybody Out There?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/is-there-anybody-out-there/) - Our discipleship series is called “Does Prayer Make a Difference?” In follow-up to “The Big Picture, ” we’ll now look more specifically at our personal relationship and interaction with God. We will wrestle with the foundational issues of whether God hears and acts on our behalf, and why prayer is important. Our hope is that through this series, we will gain a deeper understanding of what God is like and how God interacts with the world—and that this understanding will motivate us to pray. We will explore different ways of praying that followers of Jesus have found meaningful down through the ages. In addition, we will acknowledge and support one another’s struggles with prayers that seem to go unanswered.
- [Message: "Teach Us to Pray" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/teach-us-to-pray/) - Our discipleship series is called “Does Prayer Make a Difference?” In follow-up to “The Big Picture, ” we’ll now look more specifically at our personal relationship and interaction with God. We will wrestle with the foundational issues of whether God hears and acts on our behalf, and why prayer is important. Our hope is that through this series, we will gain a deeper understanding of what God is like and how God interacts with the world—and that this understanding will motivate us to pray. We will explore different ways of praying that followers of Jesus have found meaningful down through the ages. In addition, we will acknowledge and support one another's struggles with prayers that seem to go unanswered.
- [Message: "Experiencing God Through Prayer" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/experiencing-god-through-prayer/) - Our discipleship series is called “Does Prayer Make a Difference?” In follow-up to “The Big Picture, ” we’ll now look more specifically at our personal relationship and interaction with God. We will wrestle with the foundational issues of whether God hears and acts on our behalf, and why prayer is important. Our hope is that through this series, we will gain a deeper understanding of what God is like and how God interacts with the world—and that this understanding will motivate us to pray. We will explore different ways of praying that followers of Jesus have found meaningful down through the ages. In addition, we will acknowledge and support one another's struggles with prayers that seem to go unanswered.
- [Message: "Finding Joy" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/finding-joy/) - Celebrating the First Sunday of Advent, Matthew speaks to us about Finding Joy.
- [Message: "Sharing Joy" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/sharing-joy/) - Celebrating the First Sunday of Advent, Matthew speaks to us about Finding Joy.
- [Message: "Bringing Joy" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/bringing-joy/) - Celebrating the First Sunday of Advent, Matthew speaks to us about Finding Joy.
- [Message: "The Source of Joy" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-source-of-joy/) - Celebrating the First Sunday of Advent, Matthew speaks to us about Finding Joy.
- [Message: "Epiphany, God Revealed to Us" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/epiphany-god-revealed-to-us/) - Celebrating the First Sunday of Advent, Matthew speaks to us about Finding Joy.
- [Message: "Compassion and Hope" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/compassion-and-hope/) - Celebrating the First Sunday of Advent, Matthew speaks to us about Finding Joy.
- [Message: "Enjoying Life" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/enjoying-life/) - For centuries followers of Jesus have believed him to be drive: as full an expression of God in a human being as possible.
- [Message: "Open-hearted Generosity" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/open-hearted-generosity/) - For centuries followers of Jesus have believed him to be drive: as full an expression of God in a human being as possible.
- [Message: "Psalm 51: Lord Have Mercy" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/psalm-51-lord-have-mercy/) - Through the six-week series “Prayer Pilgrimage: A Lenten Journey through the Psalms” we will offer up both our worship and our doubts to our Creator, and seek to be transformed in the process.
- [Message: "Psalm 104: God is Great" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/psalm-104-god-is-great/) - Through the six-week series “Prayer Pilgrimage: A Lenten Journey through the Psalms” we will offer up both our worship and our doubts to our Creator, and seek to be transformed in the process.
- [Message: "Psalm 42: Why, My Soul, Are You Downcast?" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/psalm-42-why-my-soul-are-you-downcast/) - Through the six-week series “Prayer Pilgrimage: A Lenten Journey through the Psalms” we will offer up both our worship and our doubts to our Creator, and seek to be transformed in the process.
- [Message: "Psalm 42: Why, My Soul, are You Downcast?" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/60-psalm-42-why-my-soul-are-you-downcast/) - Through the six-week series “Prayer Pilgrimage: A Lenten Journey through the Psalms” we will offer up both our worship and our doubts to our Creator, and seek to be transformed in the process.
- [Message: "Psalm 10: Why, Lord Do You Stand Far Off" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/psalm-10-why-lord-do-you-stand-far-off/) - Psalm 10
- [Message: "Psalm 118: Give Thanks to the Lord" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/psalm-118-give-thanks-to-the-lord/) - Psalm 10
- [Message: "Easter Sunday" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/51-easter-sunday/) - Psalm 10
- [Message: "How Can We Understand God?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/how-can-we-understand-god/) - Psalm 10
- [Message: "How Can We Understand God?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/90-how-can-we-understand-god/) - At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus, and at the same time makes room for and embraces doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Building on our Fall series, “The Big Picture—Gospel, Kingdom, Church,” we will focus on the significance for our lives of the Trinitarian view of God as Father, Son and Spirit. At the same time, we will consider how our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
- [Message: "Faith as Process" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/faith-as-process/) - At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus, and at the same time makes room for and embraces doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Building on our Fall series, “The Big Picture—Gospel, Kingdom, Church,” we will focus on the significance for our lives of the Trinitarian view of God as Father, Son and Spirit. At the same time, we will consider how our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
- [Message: "God as Trinity" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-as-trinity/) - At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus, and at the same time makes room for and embraces doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Building on our Fall series, “The Big Picture—Gospel, Kingdom, Church,” we will focus on the significance for our lives of the Trinitarian view of God as Father, Son and Spirit. At the same time, we will consider how our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
- [Message: "God as Father" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-as-father/) - At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus, and at the same time makes room for and embraces doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Building on our Fall series, “The Big Picture—Gospel, Kingdom, Church,” we will focus on the significance for our lives of the Trinitarian view of God as Father, Son and Spirit. At the same time, we will consider how our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
- [Message: "God as Father" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/99-god-as-father/) - At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus, and at the same time makes room for and embraces doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Building on our Fall series, “The Big Picture—Gospel, Kingdom, Church,” we will focus on the significance for our lives of the Trinitarian view of God as Father, Son and Spirit. At the same time, we will consider how our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
- [Message: "God as Son" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-as-son/) - At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus, and at the same time makes room for and embraces doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Building on our Fall series, “The Big Picture—Gospel, Kingdom, Church,” we will focus on the significance for our lives of the Trinitarian view of God as Father, Son and Spirit. At the same time, we will consider how our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
- [Message: "God as Son" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/40-god-as-son/) - At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus, and at the same time makes room for and embraces doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Building on our Fall series, “The Big Picture—Gospel, Kingdom, Church,” we will focus on the significance for our lives of the Trinitarian view of God as Father, Son and Spirit. At the same time, we will consider how our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
- [Message: "God as Holy Spirit" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-as-holy-spirit/) - At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus, and at the same time makes room for and embraces doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Building on our Fall series, “The Big Picture—Gospel, Kingdom, Church,” we will focus on the significance for our lives of the Trinitarian view of God as Father, Son and Spirit. At the same time, we will consider how our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
- [Message: "God as Holy Spirit" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/9-god-as-holy-spirit/) - At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus, and at the same time makes room for and embraces doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Building on our Fall series, “The Big Picture—Gospel, Kingdom, Church,” we will focus on the significance for our lives of the Trinitarian view of God as Father, Son and Spirit. At the same time, we will consider how our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
- [Message: "Living With Mystery" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/living-with-mystery/) - At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus, and at the same time makes room for and embraces doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Building on our Fall series, “The Big Picture—Gospel, Kingdom, Church,” we will focus on the significance for our lives of the Trinitarian view of God as Father, Son and Spirit. At the same time, we will consider how our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
- [Message: "Living With Mystery" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/5-living-with-mystery/) - At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus, and at the same time makes room for and embraces doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Building on our Fall series, “The Big Picture—Gospel, Kingdom, Church,” we will focus on the significance for our lives of the Trinitarian view of God as Father, Son and Spirit. At the same time, we will consider how our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
- [Message: "Celebrating People and Milestones" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/celebrating-people-and-milestones/) - At Cedar Ridge, we want to be a community that celebrates our relationship with God and our own distinct perspective on what it means to follow Jesus, and at the same time makes room for and embraces doubt, uncertainty and mystery. Through this series we will explore what God is like as revealed through scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Building on our Fall series, “The Big Picture—Gospel, Kingdom, Church,” we will focus on the significance for our lives of the Trinitarian view of God as Father, Son and Spirit. At the same time, we will consider how our understanding of God is limited and evolves over time. Our hope is that through this series we will develop a more passionate, loving and worshipful relationship with God, a greater acceptance of each other’s spiritual journey, and a stronger commitment to partner in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
- [Message: "The Meaning of Work" from  David Paschane](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-meaning-of-work/) - In this series we will explore this part of our lives with the kingdom of God in mind. What does it mean to be a “worker” and a follower of Jesus? What is the nature and significance of work beyond simply making a living? What does it mean to be fulfilled in our work, even when we don’t have our dream job? How can we become “better workers” (as our vision call us), while maintaining a healthy balance in all the stress and strain of modern life? We will address these issues through messages, interviews and discussion with the aim of re-envisioning our work as a vital part of discipleship, and thereby finding new ways to work with and for those around us.
- [Message: "WorkingTowards a Healthy Rhythm of Life" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/workingtowards-a-healthy-rhythm-of-life/) - In this series we will explore this part of our lives with the kingdom of God in mind. What does it mean to be a “worker” and a follower of Jesus? What is the nature and significance of work beyond simply making a living? What does it mean to be fulfilled in our work, even when we don’t have our dream job? How can we become “better workers” (as our vision call us), while maintaining a healthy balance in all the stress and strain of modern life? We will address these issues through messages, interviews and discussion with the aim of re-envisioning our work as a vital part of discipleship, and thereby finding new ways to work with and for those around us.
- [Message: "Working Towards a Healthy Rhythm of Life" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/working-towards-a-healthy-rhythm-of-life/) - In this series we will explore this part of our lives with the kingdom of God in mind. What does it mean to be a “worker” and a follower of Jesus? What is the nature and significance of work beyond simply making a living? What does it mean to be fulfilled in our work, even when we don’t have our dream job? How can we become “better workers” (as our vision call us), while maintaining a healthy balance in all the stress and strain of modern life? We will address these issues through messages, interviews and discussion with the aim of re-envisioning our work as a vital part of discipleship, and thereby finding new ways to work with and for those around us.
- [Message: "Interviews" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/interviews/) - In this series we will explore this part of our lives with the kingdom of God in mind. What does it mean to be a “worker” and a follower of Jesus? What is the nature and significance of work beyond simply making a living? What does it mean to be fulfilled in our work, even when we don’t have our dream job? How can we become “better workers” (as our vision call us), while maintaining a healthy balance in all the stress and strain of modern life? We will address these issues through messages, interviews and discussion with the aim of re-envisioning our work as a vital part of discipleship, and thereby finding new ways to work with and for those around us.
- [Message: "The Art of Rest" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-art-of-rest/) - In this series we will explore this part of our lives with the kingdom of God in mind. What does it mean to be a “worker” and a follower of Jesus? What is the nature and significance of work beyond simply making a living? What does it mean to be fulfilled in our work, even when we don’t have our dream job? How can we become “better workers” (as our vision call us), while maintaining a healthy balance in all the stress and strain of modern life? We will address these issues through messages, interviews and discussion with the aim of re-envisioning our work as a vital part of discipleship, and thereby finding new ways to work with and for those around us.
- [Message: "God in the Movies: Finding Nemo" from  Tinica Mather](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-finding-nemo/) - In this series we will explore this part of our lives with the kingdom of God in mind. What does it mean to be a “worker” and a follower of Jesus? What is the nature and significance of work beyond simply making a living? What does it mean to be fulfilled in our work, even when we don’t have our dream job? How can we become “better workers” (as our vision call us), while maintaining a healthy balance in all the stress and strain of modern life? We will address these issues through messages, interviews and discussion with the aim of re-envisioning our work as a vital part of discipleship, and thereby finding new ways to work with and for those around us.
- [Message: "God in the Movies: My Name is Earl" from  Marianne Warner](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-my-name-is-earl/) - In this series we will explore this part of our lives with the kingdom of God in mind. What does it mean to be a “worker” and a follower of Jesus? What is the nature and significance of work beyond simply making a living? What does it mean to be fulfilled in our work, even when we don’t have our dream job? How can we become “better workers” (as our vision call us), while maintaining a healthy balance in all the stress and strain of modern life? We will address these issues through messages, interviews and discussion with the aim of re-envisioning our work as a vital part of discipleship, and thereby finding new ways to work with and for those around us.
- [Message: "God in the Movies: Jeff Who Lives at Home" from  Charles Guedenet](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-jeff-who-lives-at-home/) - Jeanne Triplett and Vickie Thurston speak on the movie, "Whitewash," brought to us by the Racial Reconciliation Team.
- [Message: "Through the Eyes of Christ" from  Kevin Richardson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/through-the-eyes-of-christ/) - Jeanne Triplett and Vickie Thurston speak on the movie, "Whitewash," brought to us by the Racial Reconciliation Team.
- [Message: "Introduction to Acts" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/introduction-to-acts/) - Jeanne Triplett and Vickie Thurston speak on the movie, "Whitewash," brought to us by the Racial Reconciliation Team.
- [Message: "Introduction to Acts" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/80-introduction-to-acts/) - New Series: The Early Church: Adventures with the Holy Spirit We will round off the summer with a series about the Book of Acts in the New Testament. This book (known as “The Acts of Apostles”) tells the story of the church in its earliest years when Jesus’ followers first started to form communities and live out their faith. It’s exciting and inspiring, at times confusing and chaotic but throughout we see the fledgling movement of “Christians” embrace the radical message that Jesus had taught and live as though Jesus was still alive and present among them.
- [Message: "Guatemala Trip Update" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/50-guatemala-trip-update/) - New Series: The Early Church: Adventures with the Holy Spirit We will round off the summer with a series about the Book of Acts in the New Testament. This book (known as “The Acts of Apostles”) tells the story of the church in its earliest years when Jesus’ followers first started to form communities and live out their faith. It’s exciting and inspiring, at times confusing and chaotic but throughout we see the fledgling movement of “Christians” embrace the radical message that Jesus had taught and live as though Jesus was still alive and present among them.
- [Message: "Guatemala Trip Update" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/45-guatemala-trip-update/) - Bryan Peterson and this year's Guatemala Team share about their recent trip to visit our partners in Guatemala.
- [Message: "Chaos, Conflict and Community" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/chaos-conflict-and-community/) - Bryan Peterson and this year's Guatemala Team share about their recent trip to visit our partners in Guatemala.
- [Message: "Chaos, Conflict, and Community" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/84-chaos-conflict-and-community/) - We will round off the summer with a series about the Book of Acts in the New Testament. This book (known as “The Acts of Apostles”) tells the story of the church in its earliest years when Jesus’ followers first started to form communities and live out their faith. It’s exciting and inspiring, at times confusing and chaotic but throughout we see the fledgling movement of “Christians” embrace the radical message that Jesus had taught and live as though Jesus was still alive and present among them.
- [Message: "The God of Surprises" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/64-the-god-of-surprises/) - We will round off the summer with a series about the Book of Acts in the New Testament. This book (known as “The Acts of Apostles”) tells the story of the church in its earliest years when Jesus’ followers first started to form communities and live out their faith. It’s exciting and inspiring, at times confusing and chaotic but throughout we see the fledgling movement of “Christians” embrace the radical message that Jesus had taught and live as though Jesus was still alive and present among them. As always we’ll examine some of the background and context of the book and each week we’ll use a different passage to explore how the early church lived, how it spread and what living an adventurous life in partnership with the Holy Spirit looked like.
- [Message: "The God of Surprises" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-god-of-surprises/) - We will round off the summer with a series about the Book of Acts in the New Testament. This book (known as “The Acts of Apostles”) tells the story of the church in its earliest years when Jesus’ followers first started to form communities and live out their faith. It’s exciting and inspiring, at times confusing and chaotic but throughout we see the fledgling movement of “Christians” embrace the radical message that Jesus had taught and live as though Jesus was still alive and present among them. As always we’ll examine some of the background and context of the book and each week we’ll use a different passage to explore how the early church lived, how it spread and what living an adventurous life in partnership with the Holy Spirit looked like.
- [Message: "Swords, Shipwrecks, and Snakes: A Series of (Un)fortunate Events" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/swords-shipwrecks-and-snakes-a-series-of-un-fortunate-events/) - We will round off the summer with a series about the Book of Acts in the New Testament. This book (known as “The Acts of Apostles”) tells the story of the church in its earliest years when Jesus’ followers first started to form communities and live out their faith. It’s exciting and inspiring, at times confusing and chaotic but throughout we see the fledgling movement of “Christians” embrace the radical message that Jesus had taught and live as though Jesus was still alive and present among them. As always we’ll examine some of the background and context of the book and each week we’ll use a different passage to explore how the early church lived, how it spread and what living an adventurous life in partnership with the Holy Spirit looked like.
- [Message: "Catching Fire" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/catching-fire/) - We will round off the summer with a series about the Book of Acts in the New Testament. This book (known as “The Acts of Apostles”) tells the story of the church in its earliest years when Jesus’ followers first started to form communities and live out their faith. It’s exciting and inspiring, at times confusing and chaotic but throughout we see the fledgling movement of “Christians” embrace the radical message that Jesus had taught and live as though Jesus was still alive and present among them. As always we’ll examine some of the background and context of the book and each week we’ll use a different passage to explore how the early church lived, how it spread and what living an adventurous life in partnership with the Holy Spirit looked like.
- [Message: "The Fruit of the Spirit: Love" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-love/) - Our fall discipleship series, focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at unconditional, self-sacrificing love as the root, means and end of all the fruit of the Spirit.
- [Message: "The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-joy/) - Our fall discipleship series, focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at unconditional, self-sacrificing love as the root, means and end of all the fruit of the Spirit.
- [Message: "The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/24-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-joy/) - Our fall discipleship series, focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at joy as celebration of God's gifts and God's deliverance, as well as joy found in the midst of hardship and suffering.
- [Message: "The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-peace/) - Our fall discipleship series, focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at peace as trusting in the way of love for ourselves, our relationships, and our society.
- [Message: "The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/31-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-peace/) - Our fall discipleship series, focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at peace as trusting in the way of love for ourselves, our relationships, and our society.
- [Message: "The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-patience/) - Our fall discipleship series, focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at patience as slowing down to respond to challenges with love, recognizing God's patience towards us; as well as patiently persisting in doing right, even when we cannot see any results.
- [Message: "The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/11-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-patience/) - Our fall discipleship series, focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at patience as slowing down to respond to challenges with love, recognizing God's patience towards us; as well as patiently persisting in doing right, even when we cannot see any results.
- [Message: "The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness and Goodness" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/59-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-kindness-and-goodness/) - Our fall discipleship series, focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at goodness and kindness as intentional action for the wellbeing of others, as well as our unconscious impact on those around us.
- [Message: "The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness and Goodness" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-kindness-and-goodness/) - Our fall discipleship series, focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at goodness and kindness as intentional action for the wellbeing of others, as well as our unconscious impact on those around us.
- [Message: "The Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gentleness/) - Our fall discipleship series, focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at gentleness: a deep inner strength and security rooted in the power and love of God that allows us to release our desires to compete and control.
- [Message: "The Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/47-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gentleness/) - Our fall discipleship series, focuses on “The Fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. This week's message looks at gentleness: a deep inner strength and security rooted in the power and love of God that allows us to release our desires to compete and control.
- [Message: "Awaken to Wonder: Advent Day of Prayer" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/awaken-to-wonder-advent-day-of-prayer/) - Christmas is a magical season where lights, stories, music, gifts and gatherings create a sense of hope and longing for a new world; a world where love, peace and joy prevail. The birth of Jesus is the miracle that God is here with us, that this new world is possible and is open to all of us. This is the greatest wonder of Christmas.
- [Message: "Awaken to Wonder: Hope Is Here" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/awaken-to-wonder-hope-is-here/) - Hope is not wishful thinking about the future that potentially leads to disappointment, but an internal acceptance and commitment to God’s love being present in the here and now. This realization changes the way we see life and leads to a different kind of future. Christmas is a celebration of the hope of all hopes.
- [Message: "Awaken to Wonder: Hope Is Here" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/90-awaken-to-wonder-hope-is-here/) - Hope is not wishful thinking about the future that potentially leads to disappointment, but an internal acceptance and commitment to God’s love being present in the here and now. This realization changes the way we see life and leads to a different kind of future. Christmas is a celebration of the hope of all hopes.
- [Message: "Awaken to Wonder: Surrendering to Mystery" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/awaken-to-wonder-surrendering-to-mystery/) - We talk and sing about the incarnation at Christmas as if it was something obvious and prosaic rather than inexplicable and paradoxical. As we try to understand what it all means we invariably get to the point of realizing this is where rationalizing ends and surrendering to mystery begins. There is an extravagance—even a recklessness—to the love of God revealed in the Christmas story, which elicits the same kind of abandonment in response.
- [Message: "Awaken to Wonder: Surrendering to Mystery" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/34-awaken-to-wonder-surrendering-to-mystery/) - We talk and sing about the incarnation at Christmas as if it was something obvious and prosaic rather than inexplicable and paradoxical. As we try to understand what it all means we invariably get to the point of realizing this is where rationalizing ends and surrendering to mystery begins. There is an extravagance—even a recklessness—to the love of God revealed in the Christmas story, which elicits the same kind of abandonment in response.
- [Message: "Awaken to Wonder: God is Here" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/awaken-to-wonder-god-is-here/) - The birth of Jesus is the epitome of incarnation (God with us). God is love and present in all things. Jesus, as God’s presence, points us to see God all around us: in ourselves, in one another, in nature, in art, in beauty. Christmas is a time when we celebrate that God is here and embrace the new world that God is bringing into being: a dream made real in the birth of a baby in Bethlehem.
- [Message: "A New Way: Epiphany" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-new-way-epiphany/) - This week we look at the Jesus' experience of baptism, the wilderness and an exorcism; and how he “repents”, receives the life of God, and resists and confronts evil. This seems to be a model for experiencing and living a new way, in a new dimension – the Kingdom of God. We also look at Jesus’ challenge to follow him into this new way, and consider how we can receive God and overcome evil both within ourselves and in the world.
- [Message: "A New Community: The Story of Zacchaeus" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-new-community-the-story-of-zacchaeus/) - The story of Zacchaeus is a model for how Jesus’ way includes everyone. This new community is diverse and at times uncomfortable. But love is greater than comfort and is able to bring us all together no matter how different we are. This new community is nothing short of a redefinition of what it means to be family.
- [Message: "New Priorities: The Example of a Little Child" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/new-priorities-the-example-of-a-little-child/) - We all experience the very real longing for security and significance, but how can we reconcile that with Jesus’ call to deny ourselves, hold riches lightly, and become the servant of all? While the disciples consider the rich to be blessed, and argue over which of them is the greatest, Jesus holds up the example of a little child as the only way to receive the kingdom.
- [Message: "And Now for Some Good News: The Gospel and the Kingdom" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/and-now-for-some-good-news-the-gospel-and-the-kingdom/) - We all experience the very real longing for security and significance, but how can we reconcile that with Jesus’ call to deny ourselves, hold riches lightly, and become the servant of all? While the disciples consider the rich to be blessed, and argue over which of them is the greatest, Jesus holds up the example of a little child as the only way to receive the kingdom.
- [Message: "And Now for Some Good News: What Does It Mean to Be Saved?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/and-now-for-some-good-news-what-does-it-mean-to-be-saved/) - We all experience the very real longing for security and significance, but how can we reconcile that with Jesus’ call to deny ourselves, hold riches lightly, and become the servant of all? While the disciples consider the rich to be blessed, and argue over which of them is the greatest, Jesus holds up the example of a little child as the only way to receive the kingdom.
- [Message: "And Now for Some Good News: Following Jesus Into the World" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/and-now-for-some-good-news-following-jesus-into-the-world/) - We all experience the very real longing for security and significance, but how can we reconcile that with Jesus’ call to deny ourselves, hold riches lightly, and become the servant of all? While the disciples consider the rich to be blessed, and argue over which of them is the greatest, Jesus holds up the example of a little child as the only way to receive the kingdom.
- [Message: "And All the People Said Amen: Life Through the Lens of Prayer" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/and-all-the-people-said-amen-life-through-the-lens-of-prayer/) - This week we consider prayer as both a means of noticing God’s presence in all of life, and a means of nurturing our presence to God through deliberate practices. We explore what it means to pray through times when God seems absent.
- [Message: "And All the People Said Amen: Prayer as Worship" from  Caroline Ferrante](https://www.crcc.org/messages/and-all-the-people-said-amen-prayer-as-worship/) - This week we consider sung prayer as a means of joining the symphony of nature, surrendering to God in worship, and authentically expressing community.
- [Message: "And All the People Said Amen: The Healing Power of Prayer" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/and-all-the-people-said-amen-the-healing-power-of-prayer/) - Prayer brings about awareness of where we are falling short of God's dreams for us, gives us the courage to become willing to change, and connects us to the healing power of the Holy Spirit.
- [Message: "And All the People Said Amen: Hearing God Through Prayer" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/and-all-the-people-said-amen-hearing-god-through-prayer/) - Prayer is intended as two-way communication, and God can speak to us in many (often non-verbal) ways, but sometimes God seems silent or absent.
- [Message: "And All the People Said Amen: Prayer in Community" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/and-all-the-people-said-amen-prayer-in-community/) - Corporate prayer binds us together, strengthens and encourages us, and reflects the loving, interconnected relationship we see in God.
- [Message: "Palm Sunday" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/palm-sunday/) - Corporate prayer binds us together, strengthens and encourages us, and reflects the loving, interconnected relationship we see in God.
- [Message: "The Best Is Yet To Come: Sharing Our Vision With Others" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-best-is-yet-to-come-sharing-our-vision-with-others/) - The first theme in this series, this message focuses on inviting others to join us in our journey, and learning with and from likeminded partners and congregations.
- [Message: "The Best Is Yet To Come: Advancing Social Justice" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-best-is-yet-to-come-advancing-social-justice/) - The second theme in our series, this message focuses on increasing our understanding of and prayerful commitment to addressing social justice issues.
- [Message: "The Best Is Yet To Come: Prioritizing Relationships" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-best-is-yet-to-come-prioritizing-relationships/) - In this third theme of our series, we consider how we can grow in loving, life-giving relationships as an end in itself, and as the approach to everything we do as a community.
- [Message: "The Best Is Yet To Come: Cultivating Openness to God's Presence" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-best-is-yet-to-come-cultivating-openness-to-god-039-s-presence/) - The last in our series, "The Best Is Yet To Come," this message looks at developing a culture of intentional connection to the presence of God through corporate and individual prayer and worship.
- [Message: "A Light in Dark Places" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-light-in-dark-places/) - This short letter addresses some of the challenges facing churches on the first century who were expecting Jesus to return in bodily form very soon. The fact that this had not happened was confusing to many followers (because of things Jesus himself had said) and had led to both a sense of abandonment within the community as well as derision from without. These internal and external pressures had distracted the followers who were enticed by by a variety of competing philosophies. We’ll explore the various distractions we face today, the apparent “foolishness” of faith in our own context and explore reasons for hope in dark times. We’ll also consider what Jesus meant when he talked about returning.
- [Message: "The Gospel Demands Reconciliation" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-gospel-demands-reconciliation/) - This is the shortest letter ascribed to the apostle Paul, and the most personal. In it, Paul asks a church leader (Philemon), to welcome back a runaway slave (Onesimus) as a brother, forgive him his debt, and show him Christian love in place of Roman “justice.” This letter is carefully worded and emotionally loaded, reflecting how much was at stake: Onesimus’ very life, as well as the credibility of a gospel that claims we are all one in Christ, and that love is the greatest hallmark of a follower of Jesus. We will consider the radical call to lay aside our own demands, needs, feelings and expectations in the pursuit of reconciliation and oneness with each other in the God who is love.
- [Message: "Walk In Love" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/walk-in-love/) - 2 John is one of the shortest books of the Bible but addresses two of the biggest challenges facing the young communities of followers of Jesus. The first regards the very nature of Jesus and specifically whether he was human or not. There was incredulity that the divine could possibly be expressed within the frailty of humanity. Yet the writer of 2 John defends the outrageous claims of Jesus: that we as humans can follow in the way of Christ and experience union with God. Secondly, this partnership with the Divine is the inspiration to pursue love as both the means and end of life. We will take up this challenge to seek a life of deeper union with God; and also consider how we deal with "authority" and balance "conservative" and "progressive" approaches to our faith.
- [Message: "God in the Movies: The Queen of Katwe" from  Rebecca Stryker](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-the-queen-of-katwe/) - In our first feature of our annual summer series, "God in the Movies," Rebecca Stryker introduces us to Phiona, a young Ugandan woman who overcomes tremendous obstacles in her quest to become a champion chess player.
- [Message: "God in the Movies: Lion" from  Jason Float](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-lion/)
- [Message: "God in the Movies: Validation" from  Steve English](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-validation/) - As part of our summer God in the Movies series, we consider lessons to be learned from the short film "Validation."
- [Message: "God in the Movies: LaLa Land" from  Ethan Stryker](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-in-the-movies-lala-land/) - As part of our summer God in the Movies series, we consider lessons to be learned from the short film "Validation."
- [Message: "It's Not About Me: It Starts With Me" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/it-039-s-not-about-me-it-starts-with-me/) - As part of our summer God in the Movies series, we consider lessons to be learned from the short film "Validation."
- [Message: "Moving From Criticism to Encouragement" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/moving-from-criticism-to-encouragement/) - As part of our summer God in the Movies series, we consider lessons to be learned from the short film "Validation."
- [Message: "Moving from Resentment to Forgiveness" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/moving-from-resentment-to-forgiveness/) - As part of our summer God in the Movies series, we consider lessons to be learned from the short film "Validation."
- [Message: "A Vision for the Journey: Our Vision" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-vision-for-the-journey-our-vision/) - What our vision means and what the Kingdom of God could look like here and now; reflecting on the challenge to follow Jesus - individually and as a community; and renewing our commitment for the year ahead.
- [Message: "A Vision for the Journey: Community" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-vision-for-the-journey-community/) - In this message, we look at what it means to be a diverse community—as both a means and an end; and how we can become more accepting, vulnerable, empathetic and intentional in order to be that kind of community.
- [Message: "A Vision for the Journey: Servanthood" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-vision-for-the-journey-servanthood/) - In this message we look at how the various ways we serve reflect the way of Jesus; and how understanding our oneness with God and others can make servanthood a joy and a privilege.
- [Message: "A Vision for the Journey: The Challenge" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-vision-for-the-journey-the-challenge/) - In this message we look at the challenge and invitation of committing to following Jesus together as a community. We consider why we shy away from commitment; how commitment is reflected in our priorities, use of resources, and relationships; and how each of us can contribute to the achievement of our vision.
- [Message: "Hope and the Environment" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/hope-and-the-environment/) - In some ways, the world is a dark and scary place. Dystopian books and movies express our fears of chaos and suffering caused by conflict, disease, natural disasters, and environmental catastrophe. The vivid imagery of the four horsemen of the apocalypse from the ancient book of Revelation has long featured in popular culture—emblematic of a breakdown of social order and the ushering in of a violent and desperate future. Through media access, we are increasingly exposed to the devastating impact of poverty, famine, earthquakes, floods and war. None of us is untouched by suffering and death, and the anxiety that surround them. Given this reality, what place is there for hope? Can we honestly explore the topics of the environment, war, poverty and death, and find reasons to believe that good can overcome evil? Can hope in God empower us to stand fearlessly in the path of the 4 horsemen?
- [Message: "Hope in the Midst of Conflict" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/hope-in-the-midst-of-conflict/) - In some ways, the world is a dark and scary place. Dystopian books and movies express our fears of chaos and suffering caused by conflict, disease, natural disasters, and environmental catastrophe. The vivid imagery of the four horsemen of the apocalypse from the ancient book of Revelation has long featured in popular culture—emblematic of a breakdown of social order and the ushering in of a violent and desperate future. Through media access, we are increasingly exposed to the devastating impact of poverty, famine, earthquakes, floods and war. None of us is untouched by suffering and death, and the anxiety that surround them. Given this reality, what place is there for hope? Can we honestly explore the topics of the environment, war, poverty and death, and find reasons to believe that good can overcome evil? Can hope in God empower us to stand fearlessly in the path of the 4 horsemen?
- [Message: "Hope and Global Poverty" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/hope-and-global-poverty/) - In some ways, the world is a dark and scary place. Dystopian books and movies express our fears of chaos and suffering caused by conflict, disease, natural disasters, and environmental catastrophe. The vivid imagery of the four horsemen of the apocalypse from the ancient book of Revelation has long featured in popular culture—emblematic of a breakdown of social order and the ushering in of a violent and desperate future. Through media access, we are increasingly exposed to the devastating impact of poverty, famine, earthquakes, floods and war. None of us is untouched by suffering and death, and the anxiety that surround them. Given this reality, what place is there for hope? Can we honestly explore the topics of the environment, war, poverty and death, and find reasons to believe that good can overcome evil? Can hope in God empower us to stand fearlessly in the path of the 4 horsemen?
- [Message: "Hope in Sickness and Death" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/hope-in-sickness-and-death/) - In some ways, the world is a dark and scary place. Dystopian books and movies express our fears of chaos and suffering caused by conflict, disease, natural disasters, and environmental catastrophe. The vivid imagery of the four horsemen of the apocalypse from the ancient book of Revelation has long featured in popular culture—emblematic of a breakdown of social order and the ushering in of a violent and desperate future. Through media access, we are increasingly exposed to the devastating impact of poverty, famine, earthquakes, floods and war. None of us is untouched by suffering and death, and the anxiety that surround them. Given this reality, what place is there for hope? Can we honestly explore the topics of the environment, war, poverty and death, and find reasons to believe that good can overcome evil? Can hope in God empower us to stand fearlessly in the path of the 4 horsemen?
- [Message: "Thanksgiving" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/thanksgiving/) - In some ways, the world is a dark and scary place. Dystopian books and movies express our fears of chaos and suffering caused by conflict, disease, natural disasters, and environmental catastrophe. The vivid imagery of the four horsemen of the apocalypse from the ancient book of Revelation has long featured in popular culture—emblematic of a breakdown of social order and the ushering in of a violent and desperate future. Through media access, we are increasingly exposed to the devastating impact of poverty, famine, earthquakes, floods and war. None of us is untouched by suffering and death, and the anxiety that surround them. Given this reality, what place is there for hope? Can we honestly explore the topics of the environment, war, poverty and death, and find reasons to believe that good can overcome evil? Can hope in God empower us to stand fearlessly in the path of the 4 horsemen?
- [Message: "Becoming Safe People" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/becoming-safe-people/) - Through this six-week Lenten “challenge” series, we will explore what it means to create, enjoy, and extend safe space. In a society that celebrates busyness as a sign of success, we will intentionally slow down to make room for prayerful reflection on how we interact with God, other people, and society as a whole. Many of us fear judgment for expressing our authentic selves, and yet we simultaneously find ourselves quick to judge others, valuing being right more highly than being loving. We long for gracious friendship and community—where we have space to grow, make mistakes, and experience unconditional love. And as followers of Jesus, we want to extend this safe space to all our neighbors through radical hospitality and a commitment to social justice.
- [Message: "Celebrating the Gift of Safe Space" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/celebrating-the-gift-of-safe-space/) - Through this six-week Lenten “challenge” series, we will explore what it means to create, enjoy, and extend safe space. In a society that celebrates busyness as a sign of success, we will intentionally slow down to make room for prayerful reflection on how we interact with God, other people, and society as a whole. Many of us fear judgment for expressing our authentic selves, and yet we simultaneously find ourselves quick to judge others, valuing being right more highly than being loving. We long for gracious friendship and community—where we have space to grow, make mistakes, and experience unconditional love. And as followers of Jesus, we want to extend this safe space to all our neighbors through radical hospitality and a commitment to social justice.
- [Message: "The Great Spiritual Migration: Brian McLaren" from  Brian McLaren](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-great-spiritual-migration-brian-mclaren/) - Brian McLaren, founding pastor of Cedar Ridge, encourages us to continue moving forward in love, peace, and faith.
- [Message: "Commitment Sunday" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/15-commitment-sunday/) - Jesus said to his closest companions and followers that he did not consider them servants but friends. Before going to trial and execution, he told the same people that he wanted to spend his final precious moments with them. Jesus seemed to long for friendship (just as we do) and take incredible joy in it. Clearly he spent important and much needed time alone, but in everything else he did, he did it with others, and in many ways his life was a celebration of community. But this was no ordinary community. Jesus’ circle included Roman officials and anti-Roman freedom fighters, tax collectors and Pharisees, women and men, Pagans, Jews and Samaritans. The power of Jesus’ love, acceptance and inclusion was evidenced by genuine diversity. And this was no show: these were truly friends. Jesus’ life was an embodiment—an incarnation—of his higher purpose of reconciliation and healing. The early Christ-following communities after Jesus embodied this same diversity and friendship. They were not only beneficiaries of this radical acceptance, but also extended it to others. Here at Cedar Ridge we are all descendants of this lineage, and are invited into the same adventure in friendship. Like all humans, we long to be fully known and fully accepted. But this is also a challenge: we have all experienced the joy of friendship and also the pain of rejection. We’ve all felt the comfort of inclusion but also the loneliness of being on the outside. So we are daring to dream that we can be a community where no one is alone. A community, like the one around Jesus, that is diverse in its beauty: black, white, male, female, young, old, gay, straight, married, single. A community that embraces difference, and is transformed by it. A community that demonstrates to the whole world that reconciliation and healing are possible.
- [Message: "Thanksgiving" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/14-thanksgiving/) - Take a fresh look at the story of Jesus healing 10 lepers, and consider the relevance to gratitude and becoming whole in this Thanksgiving message.
- [Message: "Christmas Eve"](https://www.crcc.org/messages/christmas-eve/) - This Advent season, we celebrate the story of Christmas from the perspective of some of the “smaller” characters. In this week’s message, we look at the story through the eyes of Simeon: an old man who was desperately holding onto hope that God would reach out in love to help a country that seemed to be going down the tubes. Throughout the series, we’ll reflect on our own personal stories in light of these characters and the impact they made in a much bigger narrative than they could possibly see or feel. We’ll remind ourselves that ordinary people like us, doing small things with great love, can change the world. And together we’ll embrace the traditional Advent themes to renew our hope that a world full of peace, love and joy is not only possible, but at hand!
- [Message: "Simple Generosity" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/simple-generosity/) - The aims of the series are that we would find hope and freedom from the burdens that money can impose on us and that we would all become greater sources of generosity and kindness in the world.
- [Message: "God & Money" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/god-038-money/) - We will take a practical look at how making money, spending it, saving it, and sharing it can all become a more positive force both for our own lives and for others. The aims of the series are that we would find hope and freedom from the burdens that money can impose on us and that we would all become greater sources of generosity and kindness in the world.
- [Message: "When Following Jesus Doesn’t Make Cents" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/when-following-jesus-doesn-t-make-cents/) - We will take a practical look at how making money, spending it, savng it, and sharing it can all become a more positive force both for our own lives and for others. The aims of the series are that we would find hope and freedom from the burdens that money can impose on us and that we would all become greater sources of generosity and kindess in the world.
- [Message: "Freedom To Be Generous" from  Tom Austin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/freedom-to-be-generous/) - We will take a practical look at how making money, spending it, saving it, and sharing it can all become a more positive force both for our own lives and for others. The aims of the series are that we would find hope and freedom from the burdens that money can impose on us and that we would all become greater sources of generosity and kindness in the world.
- [Message: "Consumed by Debt" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/consumed-by-debt/) - This week we’ll look at how the power of consumerism in our culture can dominate our approach to money and cause us to spend more than we have on more than we need. We’ll consider how easy it is to get into overwhelming debt and how this can prevent us from enjoying life and being generous with others. We’ll also explore how we can turn this situation around.
- [Message: "Just Money" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/just-money/) - Having established that money is not bad we will look at how we, as consumers, can use our buying power as a positive force for justice in the world. We’ll connect the fact that our consumerism and need for cheap products can have a potentially negative effect on others around the world, and we’ll respond to Jesus’ prophetic challenge to pursue justice and champion the poor.
- [Message: "2013 Vision Gathering" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/2013-vision-gathering/) - Lead pastor Matthew Dyer shared some exciting plans about our future as a church community, as we pursue our vision together.
- [Message: "Commitment Sunday" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/commitment-sunday/) - We celebrated new members (from The Journey), baptisms and child dedications.
- [Message: "Introduction to Revelation" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/introduction-to-revelation/) - During the hot summer month of August, we will be exploring perhaps one of the most confusing and at times controversial books of the bible – the book of Revelation, sometimes known as The Apocalypse. This five-week series is called This Is Not the End: An Exploration of the Book of Revelation. We invite you to join us as we wrestle with what it meant to its original readers and how we can learn from and apply that meaning to our own lives today. It’s a colorful text full of vivid and dramatic pictures, and we will look at some background issues to help us examine what they might mean.
- [Message: "Challenges to Churches" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/challenges-to-churches/) - During the hot summer month of August, we will be exploring perhaps one of the most confusing and at times controversial books of the bible – the book of Revelation, sometimes known as The Apocalypse. This five-week series is called This Is Not the End: An Exploration of the Book of Revelation. We invite you to join us as we wrestle with what it meant to its original readers and how we can learn from and apply that meaning to our own lives today. It’s a colorful text full of vivid and dramatic pictures, and we will look at some background issues to help us examine what they might mean.
- [Message: "What on Earth Does This Mean?" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/what-on-earth-does-this-mean/) - During the hot summer month of August, we will be exploring perhaps one of the most confusing and at times controversial books of the bible – the book of Revelation, sometimes known as The Apocalypse. This five-week series is called This Is Not the End: An Exploration of the Book of Revelation. We invite you to join us as we wrestle with what it meant to its original readers and how we can learn from and apply that meaning to our own lives today. It’s a colorful text full of vivid and dramatic pictures, and we will look at some background issues to help us examine what they might mean.
- [Message: "Life After Death" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/life-after-death/) - During the hot summer month of August, we will be exploring perhaps one of the most confusing and at times controversial books of the bible – the book of Revelation, sometimes known as The Apocalypse. This five-week series is called This Is Not the End: An Exploration of the Book of Revelation. We invite you to join us as we wrestle with what it meant to its original readers and how we can learn from and apply that meaning to our own lives today. It’s a colorful text full of vivid and dramatic pictures, and we will look at some background issues to help us examine what they might mean.
- [Message: "A Celebration of Hope" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-celebration-of-hope/) - During the hot summer month of August, we will be exploring perhaps one of the most confusing and at times controversial books of the bible – the book of Revelation, sometimes known as The Apocalypse. This five-week series is called This Is Not the End: An Exploration of the Book of Revelation. We invite you to join us as we wrestle with what it meant to its original readers and how we can learn from and apply that meaning to our own lives today. It’s a colorful text full of vivid and dramatic pictures, and we will look at some background issues to help us examine what they might mean.
- [Message: "Experiencing God through Silence" from  Vike Thurston](https://www.crcc.org/messages/3-experiencing-god-through-silence/) - This series is about experiencing God. Sometimes spirituality and religion can be reduced only to understanding God or thinking about God or believing certain things about God. But the scriptures are full of encouragement to experience God directly— Jesus called us to follow him—not just to believe certain things about him.
- [Message: "Experiencing God Through Our Senses" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/experiencing-god-through-our-senses/) - Worship, art, symbol and emotion can help us lead us into a transcendent experience of God.
- [Message: "Experiencing God Through Silence" from  Vike Thurston](https://www.crcc.org/messages/experiencing-god-through-silence/) - Be Still and Know That I Am God
- [Message: "Experiencing God Through Nature" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/experiencing-god-through-nature/) - We live in a beautiful world. It is true that there are many aspects to our world that are harsh, dark and even ugly but none of us can deny that we live on a planet of unspeakable, breathtaking beauty. People in the Christian tradition have different ways of interpreting the first few chapter of the Bible in Genesis chapters 1-11; but there is great agreement about the fact that all of creation, all of this beauty was brought into existence through and by God and that the universe is sustained through God’s love and power.
- [Message: "Experiencing God Through Our Mind" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/experiencing-god-through-our-mind/) - We all have different temperaments, learning styles, personalities and backgrounds that make some ways of connecting with God more readily productive than others. Different spiritual traditions have favored certain methods over others for a variety of theological and cultural reasons and while this has helped some for whom those methods were effective, it has also caused guilt and inhibition in many for whom those same methods have not been helpful.
- [Message: "Experiencing God Through Loving Others" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/experiencing-god-through-loving-others/) - Service, loving, and caring for others and activism for social justice can help us develop a deeper awareness of God’s presence in others, especially among the marginalized and disregarded, as we learn to treat everyone as a child of God.
- [Message: "Experiencing God Through Ritual" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/experiencing-god-through-ritual/) - Experiencing God through practice, habit and a rhythm of life.
- [Message: "Stories of Hope in Ipala" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/stories-of-hope-in-ipala/) - We begin with the story of our church's friendship with the people of Ipala, Guatemala and we hear how hope is springing up in all kinds of ways in that city.
- [Message: "The Struggle for Hope" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-struggle-for-hope/) - We begin with the story of our church's friendship with the people of Ipala, Guatemala and we hear how hope is springing up in all kinds of ways in that city.
- [Message: "Never Beyond Hope" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/never-beyond-hope/) - We begin with the story of our church's friendship with the people of Ipala, Guatemala and we hear how hope is springing up in all kinds of ways in that city.
- [Message: "Message of Hope" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/message-of-hope/) - This is the season of Advent when we wait with great expectation for the birth of Jesus. At this time we celebrate the miracle of Incarnation and God’s love for everyone, expressed by being with us in human form. During our series this month we will be celebrating the traditional themes of Advent–Hope, Peace, Love, Joy! It’s amazing to think that these incredible gifts are given freely to us all and are fully expressed in the birth of Jesus. Each week we’ll celebrate one of the themes beginning with Hope on the first Sunday of Advent when we’ll all make Advent wreaths and candles together, so we can keep the wonder of this season alive in our homes. Throughout this time we’ll also have “Advent Reflections” available. These simple weekly reflections are ideal for families or groups of people; each week will include devotional Christmas readings, prayers, lighting of the advent candle and suggestions for serving others.
- [Message: "The Savior of the World" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-savior-of-the-world/) - We start a new series: Jesus The Man from Heaven. We begin of our new series with "Jesus the Man from Heaven" which lasts until the end of February. This is an exploration of the Gospel of John. Each week we will work our way progressively through the book looking at major themes. In particular we will consider how Jesus is presented, what he says about himself, what he does and what he teaches about God, life and really matters. In this Gospel Jesus often talks in mysterious terms, and we will look at some of these and apply them to our own world.
- [Message: "Remembering Betsy Mitchell Henning" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/remembering-betsy-mitchell-henning/) - We start a new series: Jesus The Man from Heaven. We begin of our new series with "Jesus the Man from Heaven" which lasts until the end of February. This is an exploration of the Gospel of John. Each week we will work our way progressively through the book looking at major themes. In particular we will consider how Jesus is presented, what he says about himself, what he does and what he teaches about God, life and really matters. In this Gospel Jesus often talks in mysterious terms, and we will look at some of these and apply them to our own world.
- [Message: "Betsy Mitchell Henning Memorial Service"](https://www.crcc.org/messages/betsy-mitchell-henning-memorial-service/) - We start a new series: Jesus The Man from Heaven. We begin of our new series with "Jesus the Man from Heaven" which lasts until the end of February. This is an exploration of the Gospel of John. Each week we will work our way progressively through the book looking at major themes. In particular we will consider how Jesus is presented, what he says about himself, what he does and what he teaches about God, life and really matters. In this Gospel Jesus often talks in mysterious terms, and we will look at some of these and apply them to our own world.
- [Message: "The Light of the World" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-light-of-the-world/) - Series: Jesus, The Man from Heaven
- [Message: "The Way of Life" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-way-of-life/) - Series: Jesus, The Man from Heaven
- [Message: "The Lamb of God" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-lamb-of-god/) - Series: Jesus, The Man from Heaven
- [Message: "The Hope of the World" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/the-hope-of-the-world/) - Series: Jesus, The Man from Heaven
- [Message: "Introduction and Overview on "The Life You've Always Wanted"" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/introduction-and-overview-on-quot-the-life-you-039-ve-always-wanted-quot/) - Our Lenten Discipleship Series this year is a book study on "The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People," by John Ortberg. Throughout Lent the messages during the worship services will focus on one or more chapters of the book. During the week, we will go through the study guide in our discipleship groups.
- [Message: "A "Dee Dah Day" An Unhurried Life" from  Melanie Griffin](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-quot-dee-dah-day-quot-an-unhurried-life/) - Our Lenten Discipleship Series this year is a book study on "The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People," by John Ortberg. Throughout Lent the messages during the worship services will focus on one or more chapters of the book.
- [Message: "Prayer & Servanthood" from  Ruth Campbell](https://www.crcc.org/messages/prayer-038-servanthood/) - Our Lenten Discipleship Series this year is a book study on “The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People,” by John Ortberg.
- [Message: "Life Beyond Regret -The Guided Life" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/life-beyond-regret-the-guided-life/) - Our Lenten Discipleship Series this year is a book study on "The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People," by John Ortberg.
- [Message: "Secrecy and Scripture" from  Bryan Peterson](https://www.crcc.org/messages/secrecy-and-scripture/) - Our Lenten Discipleship Series this year is a book study on "The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People," by John Ortberg.
- [Message: "Rule of Life" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/rule-of-life/) - Our Lenten Discipleship Series this year is a book study on "The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People," by John Ortberg.
- [Message: "A Life of Endurance" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/a-life-of-endurance/) - Our Lenten Discipleship Series this year is a book study on "The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People," by John Ortberg.
- [Message: "A Life of Endurance" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/47-a-life-of-endurance/) - Our Lenten Discipleship Series this year is a book study on "The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People," by John Ortberg. Palm Sunday 2014
- [Message: "Easter Sunday" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/easter-sunday/) - Our Lenten Discipleship Series this year is a book study on "The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People," by John Ortberg. Palm Sunday 2014
- [Message: "Welcome to the Perilous Realm" from  Matthew Dyer](https://www.crcc.org/messages/welcome-to-the-perilous-realm/) - We hope you will join us for this 6-week series, beginning on April 27 as we explore the Kingdom of God which is the central theme of Jesus teaching as recorded in the gospels and the reality in which Jesus called us to live. We hope you will join us for this 6-week series, beginning on April 27 as we explore the Kingdom of God which is the central theme of Jesus teaching as recorded in the gospels and the reality in which Jesus called us to live.

## Categories

- [Stories from the Farm](https://www.crcc.org/category/farm/) - Sign up to help on The Farm here! Subscribe to Receive Stories from the Farm Updates: Fill out a Connect Card to stay informed of the latest posts to our Farm Blog. We will be including a link in The Loop, an email sent out on the first of the month, designed to keep you informed of upcoming dates and other important information at Cedar Ridge.
- [Updates and Information](https://www.crcc.org/category/updates-and-information/)
- [Lead Pastor's Blog](https://www.crcc.org/category/lead-pastors-blog/)
- [Quarterly Newsletter Highlights](https://www.crcc.org/category/quarterly-newsletter/)

## Tags

- [being the church](https://www.crcc.org/tag/being-the-church/)
- [how to respond as a church](https://www.crcc.org/tag/how-to-respond-as-a-church/)
- [love](https://www.crcc.org/tag/love/)
- [caring for the stranger; love in action](https://www.crcc.org/tag/caring-for-the-stranger-love-in-action/)
- [justice; social justice](https://www.crcc.org/tag/justice-social-justice/)
- [Easter; meaning of Easter; vulnerability; God](https://www.crcc.org/tag/easter-meaning-of-easter-vulnerability-god/)
- [acceptance; love; creating safe space; safe space; loving others](https://www.crcc.org/tag/acceptance-love-creating-safe-space-safe-space-loving-others/)
- [vulnerability](https://www.crcc.org/tag/vulnerability/)
- [authenticity](https://www.crcc.org/tag/authenticity/)
- [following Jesus](https://www.crcc.org/tag/following-jesus/)
- [farm](https://www.crcc.org/tag/farm/)
- [groundhogs](https://www.crcc.org/tag/groundhogs/)
- [kingdom](https://www.crcc.org/tag/kingdom/)
- [failure; growing through failure; spiritual journey; spiritual growth; growing as a person; vulnerability; acceptance](https://www.crcc.org/tag/failure-growing-through-failure-spiritual-journey-spiritual-growth-growing-as-a-person-vulnerability-acceptance/)
- [fruit](https://www.crcc.org/tag/fruit/)
- [harvest](https://www.crcc.org/tag/harvest/)
- [marketing](https://www.crcc.org/tag/marketing/)
- [disappointment](https://www.crcc.org/tag/disappointment/)
- [mystery](https://www.crcc.org/tag/mystery/)
- [experiencing God in nature](https://www.crcc.org/tag/experiencing-god-in-nature/)
- [embracing mystery](https://www.crcc.org/tag/embracing-mystery/)
- [faith](https://www.crcc.org/tag/faith/)
- [doubt](https://www.crcc.org/tag/doubt/)
- [defeat](https://www.crcc.org/tag/defeat/)
- [pests](https://www.crcc.org/tag/pests/)
- [blessed](https://www.crcc.org/tag/blessed/)
- [food](https://www.crcc.org/tag/food/)
- [fall](https://www.crcc.org/tag/fall/)
- [Son of Man](https://www.crcc.org/tag/son-of-man/)
- [Advent; Christmas; hope; Immanuel; light in darkness; miracle of Christmas](https://www.crcc.org/tag/advent-christmas-hope-immanuel-light-in-darkness-miracle-of-christmas/)
- [ash](https://www.crcc.org/tag/ash/)
- [doing the right thing](https://www.crcc.org/tag/doing-the-right-thing/)
- [immigration](https://www.crcc.org/tag/immigration/)
- [refugee](https://www.crcc.org/tag/refugee/)
- [immigrant](https://www.crcc.org/tag/immigrant/)
- [joy](https://www.crcc.org/tag/joy/)
- [wonder](https://www.crcc.org/tag/wonder/)
- [zucchini](https://www.crcc.org/tag/zucchini/)
- [worry](https://www.crcc.org/tag/worry/)
- [Labor Day](https://www.crcc.org/tag/labor-day/)
- [rest](https://www.crcc.org/tag/rest/)
- [enemies](https://www.crcc.org/tag/enemies/)
- [judgment](https://www.crcc.org/tag/judgment/)
- [self-righteousness](https://www.crcc.org/tag/self-righteousness/)
- [MLK](https://www.crcc.org/tag/mlk/)
- [Pharisee](https://www.crcc.org/tag/pharisee/)
- [tax collector](https://www.crcc.org/tag/tax-collector/)
- [parable](https://www.crcc.org/tag/parable/)
- [sacrifice](https://www.crcc.org/tag/sacrifice/)
- [injustice](https://www.crcc.org/tag/injustice/)
- [pathways](https://www.crcc.org/tag/pathways/)
- [reconciliation](https://www.crcc.org/tag/reconciliation/)
- [birds](https://www.crcc.org/tag/birds/)
- [uniqueness](https://www.crcc.org/tag/uniqueness/)
- [experiencing God](https://www.crcc.org/tag/experiencing-god/)
- [thinning](https://www.crcc.org/tag/thinning/)
- [simplify](https://www.crcc.org/tag/simplify/)
- [farming](https://www.crcc.org/tag/farming/)
- [gardening](https://www.crcc.org/tag/gardening/)
- [worship](https://www.crcc.org/tag/worship/)
- [simplifying life](https://www.crcc.org/tag/simplifying-life/)
- [simplicity](https://www.crcc.org/tag/simplicity/)
- [acceptance](https://www.crcc.org/tag/acceptance/)
- [welcome](https://www.crcc.org/tag/welcome/)
- [Christmas story](https://www.crcc.org/tag/christmas-story/)
- [Easter](https://www.crcc.org/tag/easter/)
- [talking to kids about Easter](https://www.crcc.org/tag/talking-to-kids-about-easter/)
- [Jesus](https://www.crcc.org/tag/jesus/)
- [resurrection](https://www.crcc.org/tag/resurrection/)
- [hope](https://www.crcc.org/tag/hope/)
- [movies](https://www.crcc.org/tag/movies/)