Christmas Day didn’t go quite as planned for me. I woke up sick and spent most of the day in bed, making sure it wasn’t anything serious. But even from there, I could hear laughter—family gathered, stories being told, joy filling the house. And somehow, that was enough. It reminded me that joy doesn’t disappear just because circumstances aren’t perfect.

Since then, I’ve been noticing joy everywhere, on the basketball court, around the dinner table, and even in simple conversations with wait staff at a Sunday meal. Smiles. Laughter. Lighthearted moments.

Jesus came to bring Great Joy.
The joy of forgiveness.
The joy of peace with God.
The joy that grows as we serve others instead of living for ourselves.

I’m deeply grateful for the generosity shown through the Shine Campaign. Because of so many faithful hearts, we’ve already reached over 50% of our goal. Your giving helps fuel our ministry into 2026. As you give a courageous gift I hope it brings a quiet, holy smile, the kind that says, I trusted God with something meaningful. You can give online through our website or drop a check off into the church mailbox. 

As we step toward a new year, may we hold onto this promise:  “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Grace and peace to you and your family into 2026!

Pastor Mike

What do you get the person who has everything?

I once heard someone say, “If I want it and can afford it, I already have it. And if I can’t afford it, you can’t either.” I don't think I'd want to be shopping for him.

Which made me think of Jesus.  With Christmas being His birthday, what do you give the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills? The One who spoke and creation appeared? He already has everything… except one thing.

Your worship.

Tonight is Christmas Eve, and I hope you’ll come worship Christ, the newborn King. That’s a gift only you can bring. Your praise. Your heart. Your gratitude.

The Bible says, “Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise… and do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16).

The wise men didn’t bring just any gifts, they bowed low and worshiped. The one gift that still brings a joy to the heart of our Lord today.  

Merry Christmas, friend.

Pastor Mike

P.S. Join us tonight at 4:00 or 6:00 PM for a one-hour birthday celebration for Jesus. Special guest at both services—can’t wait to see you.

This Sunday we’ll be online only at 9:33 AM on Facebook with Ryan leading us in Christmas Worship songs and I'm bringing a message about what it is that makes God smile.

Usually only your favorite people right?
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If someone looked at your fridge chances are they’d probably see pictures of your favorite people—kids, the grand kids, the ones you love most. Who do you think God puts on his fridge door?

In Luke 2, when the angels announced Jesus’ birth, they sang: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

Favor. What a great word.  It means pleasure and delight. It means God’s kindness—above and beyond what could ever be expected. If you’ve grown up in church, you might recognize this word as grace. God’s unearned, unmerited kindness poured out on those who trust Jesus. Available to the Shepherds that first night and to you and I this night.

That’s the good news of Great Joy this Christmas: In Jesus coming God’s favor rests on us. Jesus said so Himself—I have come to announce “the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:19) 

Because of Jesus, we can have peace with God. And because we already have God’s approval, we no longer have to spend our lives trying to earn everyone else’s. 

So here’s the bottom line: We don’t work for God’s favor, rather we live from God’s it. 

And when you live from His favor, you stop chasing approval, you stop carrying guilt, and you finally experience peace.   Because in Christ, God has already chosen you. Already accepted you. Already delighted in you.

This Christmas, remember: your picture is on God’s fridge in heaven.

Merry Christmas,
Pastor Mike

P.S. Join us Wednesday at 4:00 or 6:00 PM for a candlelight Christmas Eve service—songs, Scripture, and a simple reminder of Jesus’ love for you.

We often believe joy comes at the end?

Luke tells us that when the decree went out from Caesar Augustus, "Joseph went up from Nazareth to Bethlehem..." (Luke 2:4). It wasn't a convenient or comfortable trip. Not with Mary being 9 months pregnant. That 80-mile journey would've likely taken 4-5 days with stops. On foot. All along the way the questions swirled in Joseph's heart. What's going happen? What will happen to us? The baby... what will he be like? 

Joseph had no idea how things would play out. He just knew he had to take the next step of obedience. Somewhere between Nazareth and Bethlehem, in the long miles and uncertain nights, God was at work. 

No angels spoke to Joseph that we know of. No promises given along the path. Just a long hard road, a very pregnant fiancé, and trust that the Lord was still in control.

Isn't this how it works for us too? So often we say to ourselves, "I'll have joy when I get there.... I'll have more joy when the kids are grown. I'll be happier when I don't have to work as much. When I find the person I love and they love me. When I have the right job... or get out of school... or when????"

We want answers now, but God invites us to obedience. We want joy at the destination. Joseph's story reminds us that God often meets us along the broken road. He reminds us that joy doesn't come from having life all figured out but rather from walking faithfully with God today, one step at a time.

This Sunday we'll look at Luke 2:1-7 and rediscover in a fresh way about how we can find JOY in the JOURNEY, even when life feels out of control or unfinished. If you're tired, uncertain or wondering where God is this season, you are not alone. 

Come and worship. Come be encouraged. Come let God meet you on the road you're walking right now! 

Grace and Peace to You!
Pastor Mike 

PS- Plan to join us Christmas eve at either 4:00 or 6:00 pm. Carols and Candle lights and the reminder that Immanuel has Come!

It's Christmas... Beware of these thieves stealing your joy...

I was reading Mary's story of the time Gabriel, an angel sent from God, came & announced she would be having a son. Birth announcements are usually a time for celebration and Joy right? So how could this be bad? 

Well, she's not yet married. Making plans. Her family and friends are excited. She's in love with Joseph. Then comes the news "you're going to be pregnant, and Joseph isn't the father".  She knew they hadn't been fooling around. She questioned Gabriel about the particulars.  "How might this happen?" she asked. In a moment what might be a glad and happy occasion of marriage to her sweetheart was about to be turned upside down.

Mary faced some fairly common Joy Robbers that we face.

Can you relate to any of these? Grief is a Joy Robber. Maybe this year you've experienced loss. Someone you love won't be around the table. Maybe you're grieving the loss of a dream. The loss of a friendship? 

Doubt is a robber that steals our joy. We've become cynical. We doubt God cares or if He does care He certainly seems unable to change my circumstances. 

Fear robs us of joy. Mary might've experienced fear? Fear of what the future holds. Fear of the situation you find yourself in at the moment. Fear I might have enough money? Fear of what is going to happen with my kids? My health?

I could go on! Today I want to remind you that the same way Mary conquered these robbers still works for us. You may be familiar with Mary's Song of Joy in Luke 1:46-55. "My soul GLORIFIES the Lord. My spirit REJOICES in God my Savior." (Luke 1:46-47). How could she sing and praise God with so much turmoil and uncertainly surrounding her?

The answer is found in her attitude (Luke 1:37-38) "Nothing is impossible with God. I am the Lord's Servant, may it be to me as you have said".

Mary chose to Trust God. She chose to be Fearless in the Face of Fear. She chose to Worship rather than worry about "what's going to happen next?" 

Two nights ago I got my journal out and wrote out 10 things that I'm grateful for. My goal is to get to 20 this week. I need to remember that God who calls me is faithful. How do I know? Because I'm grateful for what He's already done. God's past faithfulness reminds me I can trust Him with my Present Challenge. Mary said the same in Luke 1:49 "the Mighty One has done great things for me- Holy is His Name... He has already performed mighty deeds with His arm..."

In Mary we find a courageous woman who looked at the Joy Robbers we all face and chose GREAT JOY. She sung about it! She lived it out. On Sunday we're going to marvel once again for Her for Jesus!

Hope to See You This Sunday!

Pastor Mike 
PS- Ladies make sure and grab your ticket for this Saturday Nights celebration!