Topic: Faithfulness

Pastor Wes reflects on Isaiah’s imagery of “beautiful feet,” challenging the conventional notions of beauty and perfection. Drawing parallels between cosmetically flawed produce and human imperfections, he emphasizes that beauty lies in purpose and message rather than appearance. Through Isaiah’s words, he connects the struggles of ancient exiles to our modern experiences of instability and uncertainty, urging the congregation to reflect on where they stand spiritually and where they are headed. The sermon concludes with an invitation to embrace faithfulness—growing in God’s image for the sake of others—even with life’s inevitable “bumps and bruises.”

Pastor Wes reflects on Luke 5:1-11, where Jesus calls Simon, James, and John to follow him after a miraculous catch of fish. He highlights Simon’s initial feelings of failure and doubt, the vulnerability of “deep water” as a metaphor for faith, and Jesus’ call to ordinary people to discipleship. Pastor Wes emphasizes that living our belovedness involves not only personal growth but also participating in community. He challenges the congregation to embrace discipleship as a shared journey, marked by welcoming, worship, caring, belonging, justice, and faithfulness, growing in the image of God for the sake of others.

In “Growing in God,” Pastor Wes reflects on Luke 2:41-52, where Jesus, at age 12, stays behind in the temple. He explores the importance of rituals, routines, and rhythms, like those in Mary, Joseph, and Jesus’ faithful journey to Jerusalem, as scaffolding for our spiritual growth. Pastor Wes encourages us to reflect on what we’ve lost, where we are curious, and how we can grow in wisdom, Divine favor, and connection with one another in the new year. He challenges us to be intentional about tending our relationship with God and others, embodying faithfulness by growing in God’s image for the sake of the world.