CURRENT SERIES:

Change of Pace [ cheynj uhv peys ] (n): switch or variation in a normal routine or regular pattern of activity; something humans often crave when life gets boring or mundane.

No matter how you want to define it, change of pace describes the shift that takes place -intentionally or not – in the patterns or habits we develop. And as comfortable as they can be, those things can easily become ruts that ensnare us without warning. Nowadays, there are endless amounts of things that offer freedom from the “same old same old” we experience. But the Apostle Paul speaks of the kind of freedom available through Jesus that can bring about a lasting transformation. Join us in a new series through Galatians 3-6 as we reflect on the power of the Gospel to truly fuel a Change of Pace in our everyday lives.

SERIES ARCHIVE:

Change: we sense when we need it, we often hesitate to do it, and sooner or later it impacts every part of our lives. It’s been said that the only constant in life is change. And if anyone was familiar with change it was Paul – who went from attacking followers of Jesus, to becoming one himself, to giving his whole life to share the miraculous power of Christ. In his earliest epistle, Paul is quick to point out the external systems and internal longings that need to change if we are to live life to the fullest. These aren’t subtle changes – what Paul describes is a complete overhaul of our lives that will transform us at  our core. But a change this enormous is impossible for us to enact ourselves. In order to move from death to life we must rely on the power of God and the hope of the Gospel. Join us on a journey through the first 3 chapters of Galatians as we discover what it takes to receive a Change of Heart.

We all love a good underdog story. When the stakes are high and the odds are stacked against them, the most celebrated moments often stem from the most improbable victories. Our own lives are filled with narratives of unlikely or unexpected achievement, too. God has been miraculously at work in our story, but when those moments fade and the crowds go home, the reality of everyday life will inevitably be waiting for us. And in many ways, the challenge posed by “putting one foot in front of the other” each day can be the most daunting task of all. But God isn’t just at work in the big moments – his power is available in every moment. The exiles who returned to Jerusalem had seen miraculous victories, from building the wall to re-establishing a system of worship in their country. So now they must rely on the grace of God for far more than a season of victory but for generations of growth. What does it look like to faithfully walk with the Lord day in and day out? Join us in a series in Nehemiah as we explore how we are Built to Be.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could write a script for our lives? We’d never have to worry about being lonely or sad, and if difficulties arose we could just edit them out and begin a brand new scene. This could be really useful during the holidays. It’s tempting to buy into the idea that the Christmas season should “follow the script” – that the typical highs and lows of our lives should all be replaced with magical moments or enchanting experiences. But although we understand that this isn’t the case, we still kind of wish it to be true. 
The Book of Ezra may not be the traditional text to engage during Advent, but in it we find the Israelites having a range of experiences. Some are beautiful and miraculous and what we would expect for God’s people. Some are surprising and leave us wondering why God would allow that for those he loves. No matter the experience that most resonates with you, join us this Advent season as we encounter the hope and grace of God… In Light + Darkness.

Ask any architect and they will tell you how many factors, variables, and other elements need to be considered when designing a blueprint. Whether it’s a single family home or multi-purpose complex, a builder needs to follow a precise set of plans for the building to function safely and properly. For the Jewish exiles who returned from captivity in Persia, there seemed to be no such master plan for rebuilding the city of Jerusalem. But God’s people were led by a man whose passion for community restoration was surpassed only by his dedication to the Ultimate Designer. Following the Lord’s plans meant hard work physically and heavy lifting spiritually, but the end product would be worth the effort. Nehemiah recognized that prayer was the foundation of any renewal work, and that it would take more than hammer and nails to produce the kind of construction project he was called to. We, too, share his calling to help build a community. And what’s beautiful is that as we lean into this mission, we ourselves are “being built” despite the opposition and risk that accompany it. Join us in a series through the first seven chapters of Nehemiah, as we examine God’s calling to rebuild, restore, and respond to his leading.

We love to remember God’s faithfulness and mark milestones in the life of our church family. As we celebrate five years of being the Church, truly these years have been marked and sustained by God’s grace, goodness and undeserved favor toward us as individuals and as a church community. Happy five years, Centerway! So ready for what’s next!

Ah, summer. Days are long, schedules change, and the season seems brimming with life. Many of us hope to take advantage of the summer months to rejuvenate, recharge, and enjoy some much needed recreation. But in the midst of this unique time of the year, we may also notice that things just seem a little off. We don’t have to look too hard to find the good being rejected and evil being rewarded. Thankfully, the Bible has a lot to say about where to turn in times like these. In the midst of some of the most challenging times in the history of God’s people Isaiah points out where God is at work, renewing his promise to his people and restoring their joy and hope. Whether summer brings rejuvenation, restlessness, or a bit of both, join us as we walk through a series of 12 words (yep, all beginning with RE) revealing God at work through the book of Isaiah.

It waits for no one… It heals all wounds… It’s money… What is it? TIME. Whether we are trying to save it, waste it, or make it, every one of us are impacted by the power of time. As the disciples Peter and Jude come to the end of a full life, they are able to leverage the time they have spent with Jesus and their experiences with the Holy Spirit to gain profound insight into truth, hardship, and priorities. The books of 2 Peter and Jude require us to take inventory of what we value most, and with the perspective earned through time spent trusting God, these men are able to address even the most modern challenges we face. Join us in a new series as we take a step back from the issues we tend to fixate on in order to see the Big Picture.

What if God’s plan for your life doesn’t line up with the American dream? 
We live in a time when the collective voice of culture is screaming for us to do what makes us happy and find what we love. So how can we justify the irrational sacrifices that Jesus proposes we make with our lives? As Peter encouraged persecuted Christians throughout Asia Minor, his words echoed the teachings of the Rabbi he surrendered his life to years before. He commanded us to love other people – friend and enemy – with the same care and attention that we do our own selves. Even in the midst of challenging circumstances we are called to live differently, and challenged to see with spiritual eyes past the storms of suffering to the growth and beauty that can come from them. If you’ve ever wondered how to be led by more than emotions, situations, or the conditions we’re surrounded by, join us as we explore what God is doing Behind the Seen in a series through 1 Peter 3-5.​

Bigfoot. Unicorns. The leprechaun’s pot of gold. There are plenty of legends that we wish were true, but are smart enough not to invest our energy or hopes in. Unfortunately, a life without suffering is one of those myths that many of us spend our days searching for. So what do we do when we find ourselves in the midst of hardship and burden? For Peter and the early church, the answer was to lean into Jesus and allow the hope he offers to give purpose to the pain. No matter what hard place you find yourself in, come join us as we encounter the rock of Christ’s living hope through the first two chapters of 1 Peter.

After all that waiting it’s finally here: the season when we get to celebrate, gather, and reflect on what really matters! Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year… But what if it isn’t? What if this season is just another reminder of the unfulfilled hopes, shattered dreams, and profound pain that accompany the fallen world in which we live? No matter how we feel this Christmas season, God has made a way for us to experience the peace of his presence. Because of Jesus we can pause – even in the toughest seasons of life – and allow the gift of his nearness to stir us to action. Join us in an Advent series through Psalm 89 as we contemplate the impact of the faithfulness of God in the midst of it all.

She knew what it was like to feel out of place. A woman from an alien land with a foreign way of life was never going to fit in or be accepted. Throw in the heartache she had experienced at a young age and there was little hope for finding the comfort and care she longed to experience. And yet despite her acquaintance with hardship, regret and suffering wouldn’t have the last word. Ruth’s is a story of redemption and the power of a faith that demands action. When our strength is gone and we feel like we’re hanging on by a thread, the message of hope can still be heard reverberating into the heart of our pain. Join us in a series through the Book of Ruth as we uncover and admire the tapestry of redemption that has been woven for us.

There’s no way around it: life is burdensome. It can wear us down, beat us up, and leave us unsure which direction to turn. But there are seasons of reprieve that feel physically rejuvenating and emotionally refreshing. While these seasons may be fleeting, they matter because they are so life-giving. Regardless of whether you currently feel parched or refreshed, God is offering us an oasis, a pleasant and peaceful area of rest, a place to find hope and put our trust. Join us in our summer series through Isaiah as we contemplate how to spot the goodness of God in every season of life.

Our modern world is uniquely designed for us to make comparisons. When we scroll through our feed and see the destinations, accomplishments, and purchases that others enjoy, we subtly, yet instinctively begin to turn our attention to our own lives. We wonder, “What’s wrong with the life I’m living?” It can seem like everyone we know has found a highway to happiness but us. And yet Scripture reminds us that although the roadmap that points to life leads us on roads less traveled, they don’t have to be traveled in misery. Those who follow Jesus and choose to walk the path he has marked out for us are promised the hope and joy of obedience, regardless of how difficult the journey becomes. Join us in a series through Ephesians 5-6 as we explore how to navigate those narrow, yet rewarding Roads Less Traveled.

Truth and unity. Can these ideals really co-exist? We sometimes believe that if we want one we will have to sacrifice the other. But the Book of Ephesians gives us insight into the plan of God for humanity to walk life’s path united under the truth of his word. This unity isn’t simply a nice perk of submitting to his plan; it’s necessary for our survival if we hope to avoid the thorns, thistles, and pitfalls of the journey. Join us in a series through Ephesians 3 & 4 as we consider how the gospel empowers each individual to link truth and unity in a way that ensures we’ll never walk alone.

There is beauty all around us. From the majesty of the natural world to the grandeur of stunning architecture to the inspiration of meaningful relationships. But the beauty that we see often rests on the framework of a solid foundation. Trees need roots, skyscrapers begin on bedrock, and friendships require the groundwork of time and attention. The same is true with our relationship with God. If we want to enjoy the beauty of vibrant faith, it will require us to be rooted in the fundamental elements of our spiritual life. So what are these elements? And are they the same for everyone or are they uniquely personal? Join us in a series through Ephesians 1 & 2 as we explore what the Bible proclaims to be ESSENTIAL.

During Advent, the world is often seen in contrast. The darker days cause the twinkling lights of the season to shine brighter. Excitement about the holidays causes the pain of loss and grief to be more palpable. And if we’re not intentional, we can allow the issues of life to make the incredible gift that God has given us feel a bit… mundane. That’s because the things that cause us to be filled with wonder reveal the priorities of our lives. Will we look back on this season after it has rushed by, only to find that completing our Christmas list was the most incredible thing we experienced? Or are we willing to open ourselves up to the grace that is found woven throughout each moment? Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus by studying Psalm 98 and preparing room in our hearts to Wonder.

How can we better steward our lives? In this stand-alone message celebrating our “One Day to Feed the World” giving, we explore Jesus’ teaching from Luke 12.

WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE

The journey of life consists of a series of paths. There are paths we gladly walk, and there are some we tread reluctantly. What do you do when you’re faced with the choice between safe, comfortable terrain apart from God or a difficult course with him by your side? Jesus not only wrestled with this reality, but his obedience paved the way for us to be shaped by his presence. Join us in a series exploring the last three chapters of Mark. As we trust God for the strength to follow his voice, we’ll find that Jesus and the life of faith he calls us to, are nearer than we could have imagined… within walking distance.

SUMMER
BREAK
THROUGH

Have you ever heard the expression “the lazy days of summer”? Whether your schedule actually relaxes in the summer, or you just hope for a break in the action, there really is a shift this time of year. Even if the warmer weather doesn’t really change much for you, this season is marked by a feeling of change, resetting, and hopefully refreshing. So why this play-on-words of summer break and breakthrough? Breakthroughs don’t sound terribly relaxing. In fact, one definition calls it “an act or instance of moving through or beyond an obstacle.” No chill summer vibes there. But what if this summer, as we move through Isaiah chapters 6 thru 12, you felt relieved and refreshed – not from time swinging in a hammock – but from a newness that comes with the kingdom breaking through, causing you to move forward and finally getting un-stuck. If you’re in need of peace, hope, direction, encouragement, a challenge, or straight up spiritual breakthrough, we’re believing with you that this summer series will lead you to the God who provides them in every season.

We all know what it’s like to finish a connect the dots activity sheet. Sometimes the image is obvious and crystal clear before we even put pencil to page. Other times the picture is fuzzy and confusing until the last line is drawn. As the disciples followed the Savior through Jerusalem, they experienced things that didn’t make sense right away. However, as Jesus taught, prayed, and took action, their perspective changed and they were able to connect the dots of faith that shaped their spiritual journey moving forward. What experiences have left you longing for clarity in your life? Join us in a series through Mark 11-13 as Jesus’ perspective brings life into focus.

No one starts out in life looking to settle for the ordinary. We have hopes and plans for our life to shape the world. The funny thing is, over the course of time it becomes easy for our expectations to change. Maybe it’s a missed opportunity or failed venture. It could be a broken heart or unforeseen misfortune. However we label it, the willingness to settle can quickly overtake our dreams. But the Bible reveals that God has more for us, and he offers the ability to access the vibrant, meaningful existence that causes us to feel alive. Come discover the Great(er) Expectations that Jesus provides for us as we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark.

You can feel it in a small group of friends or in a crowd. It’s been experienced by peasants and kings, introverts and extroverts, shy and outgoing. We all know the pain of being overlooked in plain sight. Jesus is no exception. His earthly ministry was marked by miraculous healings, powerful exorcisms, and profound teaching. Yet his glory was still not recognized by many who were witness to his work. What is God up to in your life and sphere of influence that has gone unnoticed? And what areas of your life feel hidden or overlooked? We look to Jesus who understands. He both brings revelation and speaks to our pain in ways that matter. Join us for a new series as we continue in the book of Mark, exploring the joys and trials of following Jesus.

In our modern world it seems we often seek tranquility through the order and familiarity of our routines. We are comforted by knowing what to expect and what’s expected of us. But what happens when our day to day world gets shaken up? Rather than placing our peace in something so tenuous, the Prince of Peace offers a better way. As we allow Jesus to navigate us through the storms of life, it’s possible he will lead us in a way that leaves our safe, contented routines disrupted. Join us in a series through Mark 3-6 as we explore how trusting him through it all is the surest way to find the peace we need.

Jesus. No other figure has garnered so many opinions, emotions or controversy. But there’s no arguing that the Son of God, who would die a sinner’s death, made a change in everyone he came in contact with. Sinners, saints, the religious, the apathetic, the social elite and the marginalized all walked away from Jesus wrestling with some fundamental questions. We will, too. Exploring the gospel of Mark will bring us face to face both with ourselves and the One who is the answer to the elemental questions of our lives.

It’s been said that one voice speaking truth is a greater force than fleets and armies. It’s also been said that truth doesn’t exist, only interpretation. Whatever side of the spectrum you land on, how we handle the subject of truth has the power to shape our worldview, our relationships and our lives. What if we could uncover a reality that isn’t subjective, abstract or merely personal? Join us in a series through 2 and 3 John as we explore that potential. Truth Be Told.

Murphy’s Law humorously states that if something can go wrong, it will go wrong. Unfortunately, most of the wrongs that impact our lives can be traced back to exasperating and infuriating people! Has “for the love!” ever crossed your lips? Within that exclamation is actually a rather deep implication that we believe love would prevent the thing that caused us to say that. And it’s true. Our world would be very different if we  all operated in love – not love as the world defines it but the love of God who gave us Jesus. John, because he was a close friend to Jesus and an eyewitness to his loving acts, offers a unique perspective on this truth in his first epistle. But instead of pointing out where others need to change, John’s answer to seeing a more loving world is to start with ourselves. It can be difficult to address our own weaknesses instead of pointing the finger at others, but this series will reveal that it’s the only way to navigate the absurdity that comes our way… FOR THE LOVE!

There are various ways to find ourselves “still.” A pandemic may impose physical stillness. Crossroads in life may render us still and stuck. Waiting makes us feel like we’re going nowhere and grief may paralyze us. But what if there’s a stillness that leads to life? Can life be found in seasons that look different than we hoped they would? The book of 1 John has a lot to say about that, and answers our questions in a way that may catch us off guard. Come explore this insightful epistle as we allow it to speak to life’s present circumstances and beyond.

It seems like we are living in an era of the unknown. Things we have looked to for clarity in the past have become clouded as we navigate through uncharted waters. But through the fog of uncertainty there is a voice speaking loudly. A voice that refuses to be drowned out by the storm of fear. That voice is directing us to a place of safety, laying out a clear path on which we can move forward, leading others along the way. In the midst of our struggles Jesus is calling out to us, LOUD AND CLEAR.

It’s a pretty great time to be alive, isn’t it? Medical, scientific, and technological advancements have provided us with access to things that generations before us could only dream of. But with these advancements also comes a shift in our perspective. Often the immediate is the only thing we see. Now if our food doesn’t get delivered within the hour or we can’t pay a bill online, our entire day is affected! What if God calls us to something that won’t have a benefit in the here and now? Will we be able to see past our current reality to have a big picture view of our lives? Come discover what Hebrews chapter 11 and part of 12 has to say about visionary faith in this six week series.

“It’s better this way”… “You’ll be better off”… We’ve all heard these words of encouragement from people who love us, but we don’t always believe them to be true. If the word better means a thing or a situation is superior to your current reality, who gets to determine what is better and what isn’t? As we explore the richness of scripture, the author of Hebrews will remind us that Jesus not only exercises the authority over our lives as king, but as our High Priest he becomes the fulfillment of a better hope for humanity. Jesus meets us where we are and changes us… For The Better.

Sometimes we wear it like a badge of honor. Other times it’s our excuse for not meeting our potential. It seems like no matter how hard we try to master it, we are consumed by busyness, along with the stress and exhaustion that come with it. What would it look like to truly rest in a world of constant access and furious pace? Hebrews lays out a strategy for experiencing refreshment physically, spiritually and emotionally. There is hope for an overworked and fatigued world. Rest Assured.

Let’s face it – life doesn’t make much sense sometimes. We see it on a grand scale in cultural injustice and social inequality, and on a personal level in our broken dreams and our interrupted plans. When we’re left in the dark and life is confusing, wouldn’t it be nice to know where to find a spark of hope – a ray of light? Thankfully, God has set into motion a plan so that what we walk through can be illuminated by the radiance of His glory. Come explore with us that plan through our series in the first two chapters of Hebrews.

In a culture in which truth is subjective, an incredible amount of emphasis is placed on experience. In fact, what someone has tried and experienced often trumps any truth that others would try to convey to that person. It’s not uncommon to hear an argument like, “If something works for me, who are you to question it?” The people of Judah had tried to find fulfillment in the gods and idols of other nations, but this pursuit had left them broken and in need of healing. In the midst of this painful experience Isaiah tells Judah (and God tells us) that there’s what we’ve tried (and what even appears to be proven or right) and then there’s the Truth. So what in our lives have we tried and what is Truth? And what is the truth about who God says you are in the midst of missing the mark? Join us as we explore what God has to say in regard to these questions and much more in our series Tried and Truth.

Have you ever found yourself going through the motions, believing you’re doing the right thing, only to find there’s no fruit from it? In this four week series we’ll look at a group of people who wanted to do the right thing, but had gotten caught up in religiously doing what had always been done. Theirs were common, routine, even widely-accepted causes, but missed the mark. Uncommon means “not ordinarily encountered, exceptional, remarkable.” Let’s explore together the uncommon causes that will lead to change in us and in our communities.

One of the beautiful things about the gospel is that it is powerful enough to overcome those things that threaten our life’s purposes. The work that Jesus accomplished has destroyed the power of sin, death, and even hell itself! We have become brand new, so does that mean we should have a brand new purpose as well? To What End is a series that explores God’s objectives for us in light of the truth of the gospel. Come discover what impact the resurrection of Jesus can have on the direction your life is heading.

Love. It’s hard to measure, quantify or even define. You know it when you feel it, but somehow love transcends emotion. As humans we long for the love we experience to be authentic, so how can we guard against the counterfeit? Join us on a journey to answer that question, and discover the effects of authentic love as it spills over into every aspect of our lives.

Living your best life comes from a counterintuitive approach. || Surrender brings freedom. Losing your life you’ll find it. Handing over authority brings fulfillment.

We belong to a culture that wants to add God in to our life, but God insists that He leads our life, and often that means we need to be deconstructed (in the best way). When we trust that He is kind and give Him that authority, He is faithful to bring about a fruitful life beyond what we can imagine.

Our first thought is typically for ourselves.
At first glance, we see situations in a singular light.
We even read scripture and make face value assumptions on its application.

But on second thought, as the truth of the Gospel is brought to light in our lives, we see and hear and respond differently. Come dig a little deeper into that truth as we walk through a series in Corinthians.

Christmas. Its songs, traditions, food, and movies evoke emotions in us that can’t be replicated. But what is it that we are actually celebrating? Love? Family? Peace? Our search for those things among the promises of earthly treasure always seem to leave us disappointed. Join us in a series through some of the most famous Advent passages in the Bible as we explore a hope that enters our story from beyond this life.

How does the church navigate a culture that prides itself on wealth, power and pleasure? Far from being only a modern issue, this question is at the heart of the book of 1 Corinthians. Join us in a series that challenges people along all points of their spiritual journey to Consider the Source and ask how walking with Jesus changes our perspective on life and the culture in which we live.

What is it that you run to when times get tough? Is your contentment connected to your circumstances? So often we link our experiences with how we should feel. Join us in a series through the book of Philippians that reveals what it takes to be content in a discontented world.