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Today we will be looking at the parable of the Talents. Although "talents" in the context of the parable refers to money it was used by Jesus as a symbol of our faith and the gifts or "talents" that he has blessed us with. The essence of Christ's teaching is simple, "if you don't use it, you lose it". As true as that is in learning a new language or in playing a musical instrument or in keeping physically fit, it is also true in our spiritual lives. Having said that, it is not so much about the the hard work of practice as much as it is just "resting" in Christ and letting him "pump us up".

We continue our summer series, Parables: Small Stories, Big Ideas. The story of our focus today is the Parable of the Laborers. Many people think that this story is about fairness but in truth Jesus is addressing the fact that his hearers are not really hearing what he is telling them. Picture it.....God came to earth and told stories to people about HIS KINGDOM and all they could think about was their own lives. What is amazing is that God did not leave them in their foolishness, he was, as he promised so often, slow to anger and full of compassion. May you sense that reality for yourselves and your community this morning. May you find yourselves at the footstool of his throne of Grace.

There are several things going on this morning. The first and obvious one is that we will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that he did conquer death and hell for you and if you feel Him tugging on your heart’s sleeve then please join in. We will also take some time to remember the compassion of God to Wes and Linda P. and their family and also to us here at GNF for sparing his life one year ago and giving him back to us. Lastly we’ll continue our summer series “Parables: Small Stories, Big Ideas”, with a look today at the parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom. Don’t worry, by the end of this morning’s service it will make more sense to you. (I hope.) May you find a blessing of Peace and Grace this morning as we take time to turn our hearts towards God.

There are two implications to believing ourselves as created by a good, powerful, intelligent God. First, that we are inherently valuable, and second, that we are ultimately accountable. On the other hand, those that believe they are simply products of a process of evolution may see themselves as free of accountability before God, but they will also have a difficult time believing their lives are inherently valuable. Today, our regular guest speaker, Roger S will share his thoughts with us as we continue our “New Life”series.

God is the source of life: biological life and spiritual life, a life that creates, that sustains and that resurrects. We need to believe not just in a God who brought life to us and our world but also a God who brings new life to us and through us to our world. That belief will make us people of hope. Join with us today as our regular speaker, Roger S. begins a brand new series focussing on “New Life” as we also celebrate the baptism of James P. this morning

We celebrate risen Christ together! As we continue along #e lines of thought of last week, we are invited to believe in the mystery of the crucified and resurrected Christ. That belief will bring a clarity and joy to our lives. Join us as we hear from our regular speaker, Roger S on this Easter morning!

This morning we continue our series on faith with special guest speaker, Pastor Kasey V. Kasey is a pastoral candidate visiting GNF this weekend with his wife, Liz. Today, with Kasey, we will take a closer look at Rahab the prostitute, "your God is God". We will look at both the belief and the actions or deeds that such belief encourages and promotes.

This morning, we continue with our series on faith with the story of Moses. In early encounters with God, such as Moses at the burning bush, we see a man who is more fearful than faithful. But Hebrews 11 gives us what God sees. Can any of this apply to us? Have we ever considered what God sees when He looks at us? Today we will have an opportunity to think about these questions.

We continue our series on Faith with our regular guest speaker, Roger S. Today we ll learn, from the story of Abraham, more about what an obedient faith looks like and what it requires. An obedient faith displays readiness and requires complete trust. An obedient faith also displays patience and requires a heavenly focus.