Advent 2023

Simeon’s Encounter

By Barbi Paschal   Simeon, a religious man dedicated to God, living in Jerusalem, was very old and feeling the number of those years. Long ago, he had been told by the Holy Spirit that before he died, he would see the Messiah, the redeemer…
Barbi Paschal
December 21, 2023
Advent 2023

Mary’s Journey

The journey had been long and hard. They had been traveling for almost a week. As they walked the last several miles to Bethlehem, Mary was concerned whether they would arrive before her labor started. She had prayed since before the journey began that they…
Debbie Fuller
December 14, 2023
Advent 2023

Joseph Ponders

 By Ryan Gernand   Yahweh had gone silent for so long. Countless generations had tended these fields and flocks throughout the ages. And, for centuries, no one had heard any new prophecy. We had waited in silence for so long.   My beloved Mary! I just…
Ryan Gernand
December 7, 2023
Advent 2023

Mary and Elizabeth

by Leah Chandler Mary’s hands cradled her flat belly. Was he already growing in her? The angel had just visited and told her miraculous news—that she, a virgin, was pregnant with our Savior, and that her cousin Elizabeth was already six months along with new…
Leah Chandler
December 1, 2023
Advent 2023Blog

Mary and the Angel

 It was baking day as I recall. I was standing at the kneading table, working the dough. Sunlight spilled in the open doorway onto my hands, catching the dancing flour dust in its rays, when a shadow fell across me. Glancing up, I saw a…
Alyson Hunter
November 24, 2023
Summer Chapel

Summer Chapel Order of Worship for July 23rd

Summer Chapel July 23rd Order of Worship Welcome to Summer Chapel – a guided experience to help you practice the presence of God through silence, reflection, and prayer. Please begin with the Personal Prayer. We will spend about 5-8 minutes in silence with this practice…
Lisa Ashton
July 28, 2023
Summer Chapel

Summer Chapel Order of Worship for July 16th

Summer Chapel July 16th Order of Worship Welcome to Summer Chapel – a guided experience to help you practice the presence of God through silence, reflection, and prayer.  Please begin with reflecting on the image and prayers below. We will spend about 5-8 minutes in…
Lisa Ashton
July 22, 2023
Summer Chapel

Summer Chapel Order of Worship for July 9th

Summer Chapel July 9th Order of Worship Welcome to Summer Chapel – a guided experience to help you practice the presence of God through silence, reflection, and prayer. Today we will follow three movements of prayer – thanksgiving, confession, and discernment taken from the book,…
Lisa Ashton
July 22, 2023
Summer Chapel

Summer Chapel Order of Worship June 25th

Summer Chapel June 25th Order of Worship Welcome to Summer Chapel – a guided experience to help you practice the presence of God through silence, reflection, and prayer.  As you wait in silence, think about something you would like to talk with Jesus about.  A…
Lisa Ashton
June 30, 2023
Summer Chapel

Summer Chapel Order of Worship June 18th

Summer Chapel June 18th Order of Worship Welcome to Summer Chapel – a guided experience to help you practice the presence of God through silence, reflection, and prayer. Please begin with the Personal Prayer experience described below. We will spend about 10 minutes in silence…
Lisa Ashton
June 19, 2023
Summer Chapel

Summer Chapel Order of Worship June 11th

Summer Chapel June 11th Order of Worship Welcome to Summer Chapel – a guided experience to help you practice the presence of God through silence, reflection, and prayer.  Please begin with the Personal Prayer described below. After about 5 minutes, I will move us along…
Lisa Ashton
June 12, 2023
Summer Chapel

Summer Chapel Order of Worship June 4th

Summer Chapel June 4th Order of Worship Welcome to Summer Chapel, please begin your time by following the Prayer of Invitation below. PRAYER OF INVITATION Pick a prayer of invitation to silently pray for the next 5 minutes. Focus on the words you are saying.…
Lisa Ashton
June 9, 2023
Lent Guide 2023

Lent Guide – Week 6

Making Room for What Matters Most Week 6 – A Reflection for Holy Week Scripture Readings from the Gospel of Matthew Take some time this week to reflect on the Passion – Jesus’ journey of suffering to the cross.  The chosen passages and reflection by Henri…
Lisa Ashton
March 30, 2023
Lent Guide 2023

Connections Host Group – April 2

Meet Your Hosts for April 2nd The Crandall Small Group Mariah & Timothy Berkey Erin & Tyler Crandall David & Kelly Rodriguez Karlan & Logan Varner Kyle & Lana Wilson Ashley & Brian Yoder Time together Almost 9 months Our Vocations a college professor, a…
Lisa Ashton
March 30, 2023
Lent Guide 2023

Lent Guide – Week 5

Making Room for What Matters Most Week 5 – Confession Breath Prayer (Breathe in) May my heart confess. (Breathe out) And receive Your grace. In Week 5 of Lent we are focusing on the practice of confession. To confess is to agree about what it…
Lisa Ashton
March 24, 2023
Lent Guide 2023

Connections Host Group – March 26th

Meet Your Hosts for MARCH 26TH The Fuller Small Group Angie & Ed Ashton Joann Bennett Julie & Sam Fields Debbie & Rocky Fuller Jackie & Mike Jones Barbi & Mark Paschal Bill Scalf Time together Part of the group has been together for over…
Lisa Ashton
March 24, 2023
Lent Guide 2023

Connections Host Group – March 19th

Meet Your Hosts for MARCH 19TH The Ashton Small Group Lisa Ashton Gary & Kim Coats Jenny & Michael Groves Gary & Sharon Kramer Alan & Mona Simmons Time together About 8 months Our Vocations - programer - contractors - migraine therapist - realtor -…
Lisa Ashton
March 17, 2023
Lent Guide 2023

Lent Guide – Week 3

Making Room for What Matters Most Week 3 – Generosity Breath Prayer (Breathe in) Grant me a generous heart. (Breathe out) That I may give with joy.   In Week 3 of Lent we turn our attention to the practice of generosity. It has been…
Lisa Ashton
March 9, 2023
Lent Guide 2023

Connections Host Group – March 12th

Meet Your Hosts for MARCH 12TH The Clark Small Group Aaron & Molly Chasteen Erica & Nate Clark Kelsey & Ryan Gernand Jonathan & Mollee Lamb Time together About 3 years Our Vocations - teachers - coaches - photographers / public relations - investment banker…
Lisa Ashton
March 9, 2023
Lent Guide 2023

Lent Guide – Week 2

Making Room for What Matters Most Week 2 – Sabbath Rest Breath Prayer (Breathe in) Because I trust in you. (Breathe out) I will make room for rest. “Every week the whole community entered into this exercise in trust together. Every week the community gave…
Lisa Ashton
March 2, 2023
Lent Guide 2023

Connections Host Group – March 5th

Meet Your Hosts for MARCH 5TH The Andrys Small Group Cameron & Jessie Andry Christine & Ryan Ellsworth Kim Herron Jeremy & Maggie Neckers Allison & Chris Overholt Tony Pantello Time together About 3 1/2 years Vocations - four teachers - an architect - an…
Lisa Ashton
March 2, 2023
Lent Guide 2023

Lent Guide – Week 1

Making Room for What Matters Most Week 1 – Caring for our Bodies Breath Prayer (Breathe in) My body is a gift. (Breathe out) Help me, God, to take care of it. We receive our bodies as a gift from God. This can be hard…
Lisa Ashton
February 24, 2023
Lent Guide 2023

Connections Host Group – Feb 26th

Meet Your Hosts for FEBRUARY 26TH The Dubois Small Group Jill & Kevin Dubois Doug & Julie Marshall Amy & Steve Reed Billy & Carla Lynch Rachel & Scott Vance Time together Just about 2 years Vocations We are an eclectic bunch... - two elementary…
Lisa Ashton
February 24, 2023
BlogDeep Thoughts with MattLent 2021

Good Friday

On this Good Friday, we reflect on the pain and suffering that touches each of our lives at some point. Be it sickness, loss, or tragedy, these periodic reminders that we live in a broken world are part of our shared human experience. In these…
Matt Carder
April 2, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Stations of the Cross

The first time I participated in Stations of the Cross, I had no idea what to expect. It was sometime around 2006 (I think) and I wanted to find somewhere to worship on Good Friday. Our home church was not offering a service, but I…
Jennifer Stanley
April 1, 2021
BlogLent 2021

On the First Day of the Week

Each Tuesday and Wednesday during Lent, we will share -section by section- the Easter story as recorded in the book of Luke. As you read, we suggest that you follow an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means "sacred reading" and is an approach…
Jeremy Neckers
March 31, 2021
BlogLent 2021

A Tomb Cut in the Rock

Each Tuesday and Wednesday during Lent, we will share -section by section- the Easter story as recorded in the book of Luke. As you read, we suggest that you follow an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means "sacred reading" and is an approach…
Jeremy Neckers
March 30, 2021
BlogLent 2021

New Rhythms

I sit on the porch and I wait. I know God can meet me here. He has before. Which is actually to say that the porch is where I can usually quiet my mind and spirit long enough to hear His voice or, at least,…
Debbie Fuller
March 26, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Call Me That I May See You

For today's blog, I offer a prayer of St. Augustine. Make this your prayer today as you remember Jesus's promise. "Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know You, and…
Matt Carder
March 25, 2021
BlogLent 2021

The Sun Stopped Shining

Each Tuesday and Wednesday during Lent, we will share -section by section- the Easter story as recorded in the book of Luke. As you read, we suggest that you follow an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means "sacred reading" and is an approach…
Jeremy Neckers
March 24, 2021
BlogLent 2021

This Is the King of the Jews

Each Tuesday and Wednesday during Lent, we will share -section by section- the Easter story as recorded in the book of Luke. As you read, we suggest that you follow an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means "sacred reading" and is an approach…
Jeremy Neckers
March 23, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Home

There is no place in the entire universe quite like home. Of all the places you can spend time there’s really only one place that captures your heart and mind like your home. Over the last year, I think most of us have probably spent…
Cameron Andry
March 22, 2021
BlogLent 2021

God. Is. Good.

For me, a simple prayer said in repetition within the pattern of my breathing and even mumbled under my breath has been transformative. It has allowed me to solidify cornerstone concepts and reconnect to foundational Truths when I struggle to embrace (or accept) where I…
Ryan Gernand
March 19, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Their Shouts Prevailed

Each Tuesday and Wednesday during Lent, we will share -section by section- the Easter story as recorded in the book of Luke. As you read, we suggest that you follow an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means "sacred reading" and is an approach…
Jeremy Neckers
March 17, 2021
BlogLent 2021

You Say That I Am

Each Tuesday and Wednesday during Lent, we will share -section by section- the Easter story as recorded in the book of Luke. As you read, we suggest that you follow an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means "sacred reading" and is an approach…
Jeremy Neckers
March 16, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Quiet Places

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. – Mark 6:31 “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” – Luke 5:16 One of my favorite…
Ryan Ellsworth
March 15, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Ask and You Will Receive

“Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus of Nazareth This is an outrageous and brazen claim. At first read, it almost sounds like some cutesy, hang-it-above-the-toilet, faux-sentimental saying. But in reality, it’s statements like this that…
Jeremy Neckers
March 12, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Man, I Am Not!

Each Tuesday and Wednesday during Lent, we will share -section by section- the Easter story as recorded in the book of Luke. As you read, we suggest that you follow an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means "sacred reading" and is an approach…
Jeremy Neckers
March 10, 2021
BlogLent 2021

When Darkness Reigns

Each Tuesday and Wednesday during Lent, we will share -section by section- the Easter story as recorded in the book of Luke. As you read, we suggest that you follow an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means "sacred reading" and is an approach…
Jeremy Neckers
March 9, 2021
BlogLent 2021

The Fruit of the Spirit

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23 A few years back, when I had four children between the ages of 1 and 5, I joined a…
Leah Chandler
March 8, 2021
BlogLent 2021

The Water’s Edge

Making it once again to the water’s edge Where the waves of the Atlantic meet the sands of the Carolina’s Traveling from the coast of Africa reaching my fingertips as I bend down to touch the water Breathing in the salty air the wind moves…
BlogDeep Thoughts with MattLent 2021

Evangelical Stream

Contemplative – Holiness – Charismatic Social Justice – Evangelical - Incarnational We’re nearing the end of a series where we’re exploring the six great Christian traditions. Each of these broad Christian movements is founded in Scripture and the life and teaching of Jesus. As Christians,…
Matt Carder
March 4, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Take This Cup

Each Tuesday and Wednesday during Lent, we will share -section by section- the Easter story as recorded in the book of Luke. As you read, we suggest that you follow an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means "sacred reading" and is an approach…
Jeremy Neckers
March 3, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Who Is the Greatest?

Each Tuesday and Wednesday during Lent, we will share -section by section- the Easter story as recorded in the book of Luke. As you read, we suggest that you follow an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means "sacred reading" and is an approach…
Jeremy Neckers
March 2, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Sing to the Lord

January 2008 was one of the lowest points I can remember having in my life. A few weeks after learning I was pregnant with our second child, I had a miscarriage.  I was not prepared for the intense and deep grief I would experience because…
Jill Dubois
March 1, 2021
BlogLent 2021

God Speaking Through Song

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”  -  Psalm 59:16 I have a confession, I am terrible at memorizing Scripture. Generally, I would say I…
Christy Close
February 26, 2021
BlogDeep Thoughts with MattLent 2021

The Social Justice Stream

Contemplative – Holiness – Charismatic – Social Justice – Evangelical - Incarnational You can’t read the Bible honestly without picking up on God’s heart for justice for the poor and oppressed. There are countless verses about caring for the poor, the immigrant, the overlooked, and…
Matt Carder
February 25, 2021
BlogLent 2021

The Last Supper

Each Tuesday and Wednesday during Lent, we will share -section by section- the Easter story as recorded in the book of Luke. As you read, we suggest that you follow an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means "sacred reading" and is an approach…
Jeremy Neckers
February 24, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

Each Tuesday and Wednesday during Lent, we will share -section by section- the Easter story as recorded in the book of Luke. As you read, we suggest that you follow an abbreviated form of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means "sacred reading" and is an approach…
Jeremy Neckers
February 23, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Grace & Peace

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a story from Nicaragua. There’s a risk, I think, in telling stories that happen in other countries. It’s easy for us (well, at least for me) to think that…
Jeremy Neckers
February 22, 2021
BlogLent 2021

He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands

 “For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” …
Gabriele Replogle
February 19, 2021
BlogDeep Thoughts with MattLent 2021

The Charismatic Stream

Contemplative – Holiness – Charismatic – Social Justice – Evangelical - Incarnational We’re halfway through our exploration of these six streams of Christian faith. As we begin Lent, it occurs to me that this happens to be a perfect time to look at these traditions.…
Matt Carder
February 18, 2021
BlogLent 2021

Come to me…

My two youngest children were the most adorable toddlers. They were fun and funny, adventurous and sweet, but for some reason, if they got hurt while we were out in public, they would freeze. No tears. No scream. Just frozen like statues and rooted to…
Leah Chandler
February 17, 2021
BlogDeep Thoughts with Matt

The Holiness Stream

Contemplative – Holiness – Charismatic – Social Justice – Evangelical - Incarnational Recently, I’ve been thinking about the ways we can learn from different Christian traditions. (I’m a pastor, so that kind of goes with the job.) But still, I’m convinced there’s a way to…
Matt Carder
February 10, 2021
BlogDeep Thoughts with Matt

What’s Next?

What's Next? Commonway Vision Team I’m extending a thank you to Carl Frost for preaching this past Sunday. If you didn’t get a chance to listen, I encourage you to click here and check that out. The Power of God – January 24th - Carl…
Matt Carder
January 27, 2021
BlogDeep Thoughts with Matt

Do Not Lose Heart

Defeating Discouragement Do Not Lose Heart I want to remind you of the Apostle Paul’s words we looked at Sunday: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary…
Matt Carder
January 20, 2021
BlogDeep Thoughts with Matt

Each Other

Defeating Discouragement Each Other On Sunday, we continued this short series Defeating Discouragement. We’ll wrap it up next week because if it went on much longer, then…well…that would be rather discouraging. (Ha!) This week, the idea was that in order to walk through discouraging seasons,…
Matt Carder
January 13, 2021
BlogDeep Thoughts with Matt

Grace That Sustains

Defeating Discouragement Grace That Sustains Talking about discouragement is a strange way to begin a new year, no doubt. But given what we’ve been through – collectively – in 2020 AND what seems to be waiting for us in 2021, this might just be something…
Matt Carder
January 6, 2021
BlogGive Thanks 2020

Healing in the Family of God

Last month I went to a retreat, and the facilitator said something that has been churning in my spirit ever since. Karrie Garcia is a pastor’s kid, author, and founder of Freedom Movement and Freedom Academy. She has spent her life loving and serving in…
Jennifer Stanley
November 26, 2020
BlogGive Thanks 2020

Thankful for All Kinds of Family

My husband Steve and I have enjoyed 38 Thanksgivings together! This year, and every year before, we are thankful for our family. We’ve eaten turkey and shared prayers of thanksgiving with our grandparents, parents (blessed that three are still with us), aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings,…
Tammy Varner
November 24, 2020
BlogGive Thanks 2020

A Heritage of Thankfulness

Throughout the month of November, as people give thanks for what is important to them, family is nearly always mentioned.  Family looks so different to each person--with various portraits of broken, complex pieces that are forever linked together because of bonds that cannot be broken. …
Jill Dubois
November 23, 2020
BlogGive Thanks 2020

Simple Gifts

I find myself a bit snarky these days (even more than usual).  My stuffed down anger at the seeming insanity that is our current culture is coming out sideways.  I don’t feel entirely horrible about this, sometimes snarky can bring out the humor and bring…
Gabriele Replogle
November 20, 2020
BlogGive Thanks 2020

Thankfulness in the Everyday

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.  Proverbs 8:34-35 Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our…
Mike Lunsford
November 18, 2020
BlogGive Thanks 2020

Intentional Thankfulness

Let me be honest. Giving thanks does not come naturally to me.  Don't get me wrong. I am aware of, and thankful for, all the blessings and goodness and unearned privilege I receive in my life. I am, to the depths of my heart, thankful…
Debbie Fuller
November 16, 2020
BlogGive Thanks 2020

Thankful in Troubled Times

“Sometimes,” said the horse.  “Sometimes what?” asked the boy.  “Sometimes just getting up   and carrying on is  brave and magnificent."  -Charlie Mackesy   The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse Sometimes the days are dark. Sometimes the days are lonely and cold. Sometimes the…
Julie Geisen-Ritchey
November 13, 2020
BlogGive Thanks 2020

Thankful for His Presence

When I think about someone who’s not very thankful, my mind conjures up pictures of a little kid, surrounded by all the toys he could ever want, throwing a fit; or a wealthy person, surrounded by all the comforts they could ever want, bemoaning how…
Gus Goggin
November 11, 2020
BlogGive Thanks 2020

Reorienting to Peace

Expressing thankfulness can be a bit tricky these days. My world has been in chaos. For the past fifteen years, I’ve been employed by a summer camp ministry that has been thrown into turmoil by COVID-19. People just don’t want to go sleep in a…
Ryan Gernand
November 6, 2020
BlogGive Thanks 2020

The Kingdom In My Backyard

It was one of those perfect fall evenings. Cool, crisp air and the smell of freshly fallen leaves provided a perfect accompaniment to the small flames glittering in the fire pit in our backyard.  My buddies arrived one by one, carrying their camping chairs. One…
Cameron Andry
November 5, 2020
BlogGive Thanks 2020

My Kingdom Is Not of This World

I’m writing this before election results come out. That said, it doesn’t take a prophet to predict that for some of us our candidate(s) will win; for others, they’ll lose. Which means today brings joy and elation to some, and to others, disappointment or even…
Matt Carder
November 4, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach us to pray; Sunday & Thank you

Hello readers and friends, Jennifer here. It has been my privilege to publish the writings of our talented authors here 6 days a week since Feb ##. I think we only had one day without a post, which I appreciate because the goal of Lent…
Jennifer Stanley
April 14, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach us to pray; Saturday

Luke 23: 55-56 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. Saturday…
Liz Carder
April 10, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach us to pray; Burn the Ships

Recently I was flipping through the radio and stopped on the song “Burn the Ships” by for King & Country. Out of curiosity, I wanted to know the origin of the title. In 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes landed on Mexican shores with a clear…
Nate Clark
April 7, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; Surrender to our Sustainer

‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’ Matthew 6:33-34 Still, to this day,…
Melia Ozbun
April 6, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; Sacrificial Love

“Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That’s the most sensible way to serve God. Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you…
Ryan Gernand
April 5, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; Martha Davis 1920-2018

Martha Davis is the beloved mother and grandmother of Wil Davis and his family. Her life was marked with a quiet determination and steadfast faith. She was married to a devoted preacher, had five children, and knew how to stretch a dollar as far as…
Jennifer Stanley
April 3, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; Christy Close

Proverbs 2:2, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— Has a person delivered a message to you, which you ultimately realized was from God? I became a parent at age 27, several years later than I had hoped to start my…
Christy Close
April 2, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; In the Unexpected Pause

Jonah 1: 17 Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Six months ago, I experienced what I’m told qualifies as a major life event: unexpected retirement. It’s okay;…
Madelyn Ferris
April 1, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; From Despair to Hope

Habakkuk 1:5 Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. I was lying on the floor, at the end of myself. I wanted to…
Shawn Ozbun
March 31, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; Still, Small Voice

1 Kings 19: 11-13 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great a powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord,…
Mike Lunsford
March 30, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; The Resurrection of Spring

Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? We are living in an unusual time. Some days it seems to me like a bad reality show.…
Debbie Fuller
March 30, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; Gratitude over Anxiety

Philippians 4.4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And…
Jeremy Neckers
March 26, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; The Disappointment Virus

James 1: 2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  …
Audrey Behrendt
March 26, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; In our Grief

John 11:32 “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Most people have surrounded a loved one as they breathed their last breath. At times, it is a gentle and peaceful process as they pass from this life. If this has…
Melia Ozbun
March 25, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; In our Frustration

Matthew 17: 14-17 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples,…
Gabriele Replogle
March 23, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; Through the Doubt

Matt:14, 22-31 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there…
Alyson Hunter
March 23, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; Teresa of A’vila 1515-1582

Teresa of A'vila Spanish noblewoman who felt called to monastic life in the Catholic Church. A Carmelite nun, a prominent Spanish mystic, religious reformer, author, and theologian of the contemplative life and mental prayer. She earned the rare distinction of being declared a Doctor of…
Jennifer Stanley
March 20, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; The Fruit He Gives

Galatians 5:22-23 (The Message Translation) But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard- things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with…
Jessie Andry
March 19, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; Connected

  Luke 6:12a “And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called unto Him his disciples: and of them He chose twelve, whom…
Steve Varner
March 18, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; Rooted

Ephesians 3:16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may…
Jill Dubois
March 16, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; Abiding Always

John 15:4-5 Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who…
Tammy Varner
March 15, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; St. Patrick (386-461)

On Saturdays, our prayers will be from those who have had great influence on our faith and our world. With St. Patrick's day approaching, we felt good about publishing St. Patrick's prayer. Last year, Matt taught a sermon about the life of St. Patrick.  You…
Jeremy Neckers
March 14, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; for peace over anxiety

Pandemic. Just the word feels surreal and causes my mind to wander somewhere between a future apocalyptic sci-fi movie and a History Chanel documentary. This week has been historic, mind-blowing, and hard. It is my turn to write the prayer blog and what I wrote…
Jennifer Stanley
March 13, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; for our teachers

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 “Teaching is the hardest job…
Jacob DeCroes
March 11, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; for our enemies

“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into…
Ryan Gernand
March 10, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; with compassion

‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:36-37‬ “Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to the man who encountered the robbers?” He answered, “The one who showed compassion and mercy to him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and constantly do the same.” ‭“I’ve got to…
Erica Clark
March 9, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray; with humility

Isaiah 66:2 All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.   When…
Ryan Ellsworth
March 8, 2020
Lent 2020

Oops… Day 5 was delivered early!

Oops! We accidentially published day five YESTERDAY, which was a Sunday. The 40 days of Lent do not include Sundays. So, we invite you to use today to catch up on any blogs you may have missed last week and spend a little time in…
Jennifer Stanley
March 1, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray ‘The Lord’s Prayer’- Day 5

Matthew 6:9a “Pray then like this:  ‘Our Father in heaven...’” Jesus taught us to begin our prayers, “Our Father…”  Such a personal title.  Not Lord. Not King. Father.  To be able to call God our Father is an intimate privilege, but it can also be…
Leah Chandler
February 29, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray – Desmond Tutu (1931- present)

On Saturdays, our prayers will be from those who have had great influence on our faith and our world. Desmond Tutu Today's prayer is by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, adapted from an original prayer by Sir Francis Drake. Bishop Tutu (born October 7, 1931) is…
Matt Carder
February 28, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray – Day 3

Matthew 6.5-8 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.  But when you pray,…
Jeremy Neckers
February 27, 2020
Lent 2020

Teach Us To Pray – Day 2

Luke 11:1  One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”    I planned my 7th-grade ski trip outfit very carefully. I wanted to…
Jennifer Stanley
February 26, 2020
Lent 2020

Welcome To Lent – Day 1

Welcome to our daily readings for Lent.  Thank you for joining us here on Day 1—you’re off to a great start! Perhaps you’re wondering, “What is this about?” Fair enough. As we venture into this experience, I’d like to tell you what to expect about…
Matt Carder
February 26, 2020
Writer's Circle

Lessons from a Running Back

As football season gets closer to its big game, the Super Bowl, it has me thinking about my time as a running back on our high school football team.  One of the most valuable lessons of my life came from those years, but it was…
Dwight Ferris
January 24, 2020
Advent 2019

Advent 2019 Week 4: LOVE

Psalm 89: 1-4 I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.  I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.  You said, "I have…
Gabriele Replogle
January 19, 2020
Advent 2019

Advent 2019 Week 2: Peace

This morning, in this second week of Advent, we light the PEACE candle. Our Advent reflection was written by Commonway member, Leah Chandler, and can be found on the Commonway blog. Listen, as Isaiah prophesies about the coming of Jesus in Isaiah 9: 6 For…
Leah Chandler
December 15, 2019
Advent 2019

Advent 2019 Week 3: JOY

Thank you to the Martin and Nancy Brown for reading for week three, JOY. Psalms 146: 5-10 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God,  who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that…
Wil Davis
December 15, 2019
Advent 2019

Advent 2019 Week 1: HOPE

Thank you to the Behrandt family for reading for week one. For centuries, it has been a tradition in the Christian church to use the lighting of candles within a wreath to symbolize the anticipation surrounding Jesus’ coming into the world. The wreath is made…
Jennifer Stanley
December 1, 2019
Slow Change Blog Series (2019)

The Joy of Slow Change

Everyone's life is a story that influences their world views, their choices, their relationships, and their behavior. There are some constants in life, but each person's story is unique. We all will die, and for those who grow old, there are things that happen to…
Robin Lett
September 24, 2019
Writer's Circle

Summer’s Here and Summer’s Gone

Summer’s Here and Summer’s Gone by Gabriele Replogle Ahhhhh, is it time for Sleepy summer days Lazy hammock breezy days Catching rays and catching waves Flying flags and big parades Crickets chirp and birds serenade Grills are lighted and friendships made   Busy nights, busy…
Gabriele Replogle
July 19, 2019
Writer's Circle

Summer: When Rest Requires Work

When Rest Requires Work By Melia Ozbun When I tell most people my family is avid campers, I usually get the same surprised response. “That’s not relaxing, that’s work.” And to be honest, their response is partly correct. Camping is work. When else do you…
Melia Ozbun
July 8, 2019
Writer's Circle

Summer: The Birth of the Adventure Day

The Birth of the Adventure Day By Leah Chandler It was the summer of 2003, back in our college ministry days, which often meant packing up the family and heading to whatever mountain or coast was hosting a summer leadership project for our college students.…
Leah Chandler
July 5, 2019
Writer's Circle

The Joy of (Great) grand-parenting

Have you ever wondered what makes a GREAT grandparent? I know I have. I’ve asked myself questions like: "What can I, as a grandparent, bring to the table that strengthens our family’s dynamic?"   "What can I plan to do with my grandkids that will be…
Dwight Ferris
June 14, 2019
Lent

The Other Side of Easter

Well, here we are on the other side of Easter. We have journeyed together several weeks through Lent, into the events of Holy Week and ultimately on to celebrate the world-changing good news of Jesus’ resurrection! Our hope is that, along the way, you have…
Matt Carder
April 28, 2019
Lent

Day 40: Celebration

Day 40: Celebration Written by Liz Carder Celebration as a discipline. What? “We must celebrate with a feast….so the party began.” Luke 15:23-24 I attended a wedding recently that was really really focused on the guests having a great time. I left wanting to send…
Liz Carder
April 20, 2019
Lent

Day 39: Good Friday

Day 39: Good Friday We invite you to join us (or wherever you may live) for Stations of the Cross. Commonway Church will be open from 12pm-7pm for this self led journey. Children are welcome to participate with their parents.  Mark 15 15 Very early…
Jeremy Neckers
April 19, 2019
Lent

Day 38: Stations of the Cross

Day 38: Stations of the Cross Written by Jennifer Stanley The first time I participated in Stations of the Cross, I had no idea what to expect. It was sometime around 2006 (I think) and I wanted to find somewhere to worship on Good Friday.…
Jennifer Stanley
April 17, 2019
Lent

Day 37: Celebration

Day 37: Celebration Written By Martin Brown Celebration is the core, the center, of all the Spiritual Disciplines—Richard Foster Without the discipline of celebration, the others can lead to a sense of obligation and drudgery. But for celebration to be genuine and meaningful, it must…
Jeremy Neckers
April 16, 2019
Lent

Day 36: Guidance; His Still Small Voice

Day 36: His Still Small Voice Written by Ralph Dowling Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After…
Ralph Dowling
April 16, 2019
Lent

Day 35: Trusting God’s Guidance

Trusting God’s Guidance Written By Eric Andrews I’d like to start today’s reading a little differently. Stop what you are doing. Close your eyes and focus. Think about the last time God truly let you down or dropped the ball. Seriously. Stop, close your eyes,…
Eric Andrews
April 14, 2019
Lent

Day 34: Worship: Our Response to His Seeking

Worship:  Our Response to His Seeking Written by Bobby Moran “Service as a substitute for worship is idolatry.  Activity is the enemy of adoration. (Foster, 161).” How would this statement change our lives if we actually decided that we were going to live out this…
Bobby Moran
April 11, 2019
Lent

Day 33: Heaven and Earth Collide

Heaven and Earth Collide Written by Melia Ozbun When most people think of the word worship, there are probably similar things that come to mind. Praise songs sung by melodious voices, finely tuned instruments that are neither too loud nor too quiet, great spotlighting and…
Melia Ozbun
April 11, 2019
Lent

Day 32: Simple Worship

Simple Worship by Jill DuBois I recently had the privilege of taking twenty-three 4th and 5th graders to an overnight conference tailored to their age group.  The kids were able to hear messages tailored to them, see a Ninja Warrior complete some pretty cool obstacle…
Jill Dubois
April 11, 2019
Lent

Day 31: Compelled to Confess

Compelled to Confess Written by Gus Goggin Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Jesus had this strange habit of forgiving people of their sins. Two thousand years later, we accept that part…
Gus Goggin
April 9, 2019
Lent

Day 30: The Healing Power of Confession

The Healing Power of Confession Written By Madelyn Ferris I once heard a Mom loudly insist to her teenaged daughter, “You need to go to confession!”  I remember thinking how intimidated I would be to step into a private chamber and confess my sins: I’m…
Madelyn Ferris
April 9, 2019
Uncategorized

Day 29: Deeper

Deeper Written by Jennifer Stanley Every year it’s the same story:  we drive south in pursuit of warm sunshine, sand between our toes, and quality time with our family. We get to the beach and put our toes in the surf and we are exhilarated!…
Jennifer Stanley
April 8, 2019
Lent

Day 28: Service; The Other 98%

The Other 98% I was curious, so I added up all the days I’ve spent outside the United States. The total comes to 199 (about 1.4% of my life). I suppose that may not be too impressive. I have friends whose Total Days Outside the…
Jeremy Neckers
April 5, 2019
Lent

Day 27: Service

How Children Learn to Serve Written By Jill DuBois If you’ve ever been around a toddler, you know that serving others is not always an innate, natural response they have to someone else.  In a toddler’s defense, much of their life is waiting for others…
Jill Dubois
April 4, 2019
Lent

Day 26: Service

Service Where You Are: A Mother’s Perspective By Jessie Andry I was walking through a store the other day and I came across a mug with an interesting saying on it. In swirly gold lettering it read, “You have the same 24 hours a day…
Jessie Andry
April 4, 2019
Lent

Day 25: Submission

Saying ‘Yes’ to the Adventure Written by Debbie Fuller Submission - the word alone elicits an almost instinctive defensiveness. While for some people this is a legitimate response based on abuses by those in power, for most of us it is more about control (no…
Debbie Fuller
April 2, 2019
Lent

Day 24: Submission

Mouth Shut; Happy Heart  Written by Audrey Behrendt “Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ” Ephesians 5:21 When I first told my husband, Mike, that I was going to be participating in the “Write this Way” project and would be writing about…
Audrey Behrendt
April 2, 2019
Lent

Day 23: Submission (Not My Will, But Yours)

Not My Will, But Yours Written by Wil Davis “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) He was 27 days old.…
Wil Davis
April 1, 2019
Lent

Day 22: Solitude

Solitude in Small Moments By Sarah Cooper Solitude. What do you think of when you hear the word solitude? What thoughts come to your mind when you think about solitude as a spiritual discipline? Does solitude make you feel sad, angry, afraid, lonely, or secluded?…
Sarah Cooper
March 27, 2019
Lent

Day 21: Solitude

One On One By Dwight Ferris One of my favorite memories as a kid was catching my dad in moments of solitude. We lived on a farm and in the evening, especially in the summer, when I was doing my daily chores before bed time,…
Dwight Ferris
March 27, 2019
Lent

Day 20: Simplicity

If Only For A Moment by Julie geisen-Ritchey “Then in a certain sense it is nothing I shall do…in this silence is the beginning.”                                                            -Kierkegaard   The moments of simplicity may be different for each of us… It may come in an exhalation during…
Julie Geisen-Ritchey
March 27, 2019
Uncategorized

Day 19: Simplicity

A Simple Life Written by Mike Lunsford “God made man simple, man’s complex problems are of his own devising.”  Ecclesiastes 7:30 Living a simple life, or with a discipline of simplicity, is easy to say, but not so easy to accomplish.  By definition, simple is:…
Mike Lunsford
March 26, 2019
Uncategorized

Day 18: The Simplicity of the Gospel

Embracing The Simplicity of the Gospel Written by Robin Lett “Our heart is restless until it rests in You (Lord).” Augustine I often think about the simple, rustic lifestyle I lived for years in a log cabin with no running water or electricity in the…
Robin Lett
March 26, 2019
Lent

Day 17: How’s It Going?

How's It Going? By Jennifer Stanley Here we are; day 17! For me, the time has gone quickly from Ash Wednesday to this nearly half way point in the season of Lent. Most days, reading the blog post is the first thing I do and…
Jennifer Stanley
March 25, 2019
Lent

Day Sixteen: Study

My Daily Light By Madelyn Ferris In the early 90s, I was invited to go on the Women’s Emmaus Walk, a weekend of fun, food, and spiritual refreshment.  As part of the weekend, there were 15 short talks on various topics; the one I didn’t…
Madelyn Ferris
March 21, 2019
Lent

Day Fifteen: Study

“Study to shew thyself approved” There is nothing I look forward to more each morning then studying the scriptures. However, it didn’t start out that way. I have to admit, at one time I rarely read or spent much time meditating on the scriptures. Shamefully,…
Shawn Ozbun
March 21, 2019
Lent

Day Fourteen: Study

Discover God’s Love Letter to You By Leah Chandler “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103 (ESV) There is an old Jewish tradition that involves giving a child a piece of candy the first time they…
Leah Chandler
March 21, 2019
Lent

Day Thirteen: Fasting

Everyday Fasting Written by Lisa Davis From Richard Foster‘s book Celebration of Discipline, we find that throughout scripture fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. Fasting helps us have a more intimate walk with God. It often reveals the inner attitudes of our…
Lisa Davis
March 20, 2019
Lent

Day Twelve: Fasting

Let’s Take Baby Steps Written by Gabriele Replogle I don’t think I had ever observed fasting growing up.  Perhaps my parents had done it on occasion, without making much to-do about it… but it was never something that was a communal activity - one I…
Gabriele Replogle
March 19, 2019
Lent

Day Eleven: Fasting

Day Eleven: Fasting Written by: Leah Chandler Focus on God: Body, Mind, and Soul “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34 ESV) Jesus’ words strike a chord in our current culture of nearly…
Leah Chandler
March 18, 2019
Lent

Day Ten: Prayer

Day Ten: Prayer Written by: Wil Davis Scripture:   “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside of your Father’s care.”  (The words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 10: NIV) It was one…
Wil Davis
March 16, 2019
Lent

Day Nine: Prayer

Day Nine: Prayer Written by Christy Close Praying in Color Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. - James 5:13 I have a confession.  Prayer is hard for me.  Despite years of faith, I…
Christy Close
March 15, 2019
Lent

Day Eight: Prayer

Day Eight: Prayer Written by Bobby Moran When I look back on my childhood, I see that I probably learned prayer in a very different way than most people.  I grew up in an environment that both of my parents prayed dangerously in front of…
Bobby Moran
March 14, 2019
Lent

Day Seven: Meditation

Day Seven: Meditation Knowing His Voice By Gabriele Replogle As a Father’s Day gift I have been compiling my father’s ‘dadisms’ and am planning to get several of his fourteen grandkids to make a recording impersonating him. You know, those sayings that if you heard…
Gabriele Replogle
March 13, 2019
Lent

Day Six: Meditation

Day Six: Meditation Written by Ryan Gernard I’m In Over My Head “As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before…
Ryan Gernand
March 12, 2019
Lent

Day Five: The Inner Focus

Day Five: The Inner Focus Written by Jeremy Neckers Large, ornate churches have a strange effect on me. In Muncie, we have High Street and First Presbyterian. They’re beautiful, inside and out. But perhaps you’ve had the chance while traveling to see an actual cathedral.…
Jeremy Neckers
March 11, 2019
Lent

Day Four: Sabbath

Day Four: Sabbath Did you know that the forty days of lent do not include the Sabbath days? Typically, those are the days of worship so in our case, Sunday. We wanted to address Sabbath before the first one (tomorrow)! Written by Gus Goggin Without…
Gus Goggin
March 8, 2019
Lent

Day Three: Our Journey Together

Day Three; Our Journey Together Written by Jennifer Stanley When I wake up in the morning, I DON’T think to myself, “Gee, I really want to go somewhere and make my body do things that cause my heart to pump harder, sweat to drip, and…
Jennifer Stanley
March 8, 2019
LentWriter's Circle

Day Two: Your Personal Journey

Day Two: Your Personal Journey Written by Jeremy Neckers “God is not interested in your “spiritual life.” God is just interested in your life. He intends to redeem it.” -John Ortberg The Life You’ve Always Wanted My wife Maggie has this great thing she says…
Jeremy Neckers
March 7, 2019
LentWriter's Circle

Day One: What Is Lent

Day One; What is Lent? Written by Matt Carder Welcome to our daily readings for Lent. We’re glad you’re curious enough about this to find yourself reading Day 1—you’re off to a great start! Our hope and prayer is that we all find the writings…
Matt Carder
March 6, 2019