Posts from Annie Saunders
The Mountaintop
“God does not stay on the mountain, God enters into the tedious and terrifying parts of this life. God doesn’t stay on the mountain and neither can we. Neither should we. Which brings me to the question, why are you here?” To hear more of Pastor Daniel’s sermon, click on the video below.
Posted on March 4, 2019 | Posted by Annie Saunders
“Take heart, it is I”
In Matthew 14, Jesus walked on the water to the disciples in the boat who were trying to survive a violent storm. As with others in that day, they likely believed that there was an evil spirit behind the storm with its wind and waves. Little wonder they cried out in fear at seeing someone walking toward […]
Posted on February 25, 2019 | Posted by Annie Saunders
Trust Enough to Hear the Hard Word
There are weeds growing in me. They are part of me. They are me. They disappoint me. They disappoint those closest to me. And, it appears they disappoint God. And God wants them out. There will come a day when God will collect the weeds within me and burn them. And I welcome it. Ok, so that’s a […]
Posted on February 18, 2019 | Posted by Annie Saunders
Slamming the Door
Slamming the door, I run inside. I throw my bag to the floor, wet hot tears streaking down my skin. The salty waterworks wash away my make-up, my armor, my strength. Globs of what remains collects on my chin. I charge towards you, a mistreated ire in my expression. “How could this happen?” I shout. […]
Posted on February 13, 2019 | Posted by Annie Saunders
Making a Lasting Impact
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ teachings were demanding around letting our lights shine, loving others, not being anxious, and so forth. In his conclusion to this sermon, Jesus asserted that acting on these demanding teachings was like building a house on a rock. When the rains fall and the floods come, that house […]
Posted on February 11, 2019 | Posted by Annie Saunders
The Lord’s Prayer–A Gift of Words
The Lord’s Prayer is a gift. It is a gift of words, especially for those of us grumpy about needing words. Not a gift of words as if these were the only ones to pray, as if any other prayer is now unacceptable. And not a gift of words in the sense that these are magical, some sort […]
Posted on February 4, 2019 | Posted by Annie Saunders
Test of Identity
On Sunday January 20th, Ascension participated in Pulpit Exchange Day. We were blessed to have Pastor Tom Trinidad from Faith Presbyterian Church come and preach God’s word. This event always reminds that no matter the denomination, the Christian faith is one church and we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. “May we receive God’s […]
Posted on January 23, 2019 | Posted by Annie Saunders
A Night of Storytelling
On January 11th, seven presenters (five from Ascension’s congregation, two from the Community Bible Study) told personal stories, shared laughs, and engaged with their audience. Proceeds for this event went to Ascension’s very own Free Pantry fund. In total our Storytelling Night raised $214, but there was also a copious amount of food donations. If […]
Posted on January 15, 2019 | Posted by Annie Saunders
God’s Grand Entrance in an Unexpected Place
Our scripture from Matthew 3 on the Baptism of Jesus was his grand entrance into the human story. It happened far away from God’s Temple and City. Could the people recognize how God enters and works in such unexpected places? Can you? Follow the links and listen in to find your way to seeing and […]
Posted on January 14, 2019 | Posted by Annie Saunders
You Are Dangerous
In a society driven by profit, by individual rights, by security over community, we who believe that Jesus is Lord are dangerous. We who care for the poor and for one another in this community are dangerous to the would-be lords of greed and isolation. We who first and foremost consider ourselves beloved children of […]
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