The Carry On Cast

Pastor Megan and Pastor Kevin discuss 1 Timothy 1:12-17. This Sunday we start a new series – “Learn With Devotion” – reading 1 & 2 Timothy and its instruction as we consider our vision statement to learn with devotion and what it means for us!

Pastor Megan and Pastor Kevin discuss Acts 9:1-6, 10-18. This is the story of the conversion of Saul/Paul and might need some context. It’s not only a story of God working on Saul’s heart, but Ananias – he had to trust God and bring the good news to someone he feared. If our series is about how we continue to believe, how we live out faith in the world, then we must also make space for those we might fear, ignore, or distrust.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin discuss Acts 2:32-39. This Sunday, the church remembers especially that we know our God as Creator, Christ, and Spirit, a unique (and sometimes challenging!) way to know God. Peter’s sermon reminds us that the fullness of who God is works for our good in the world, and we have the privilege of sharing it with others.

It is Pentecost Sunday! Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin discuss Acts 2:1-8. In many ways, this is the beginning of our series – this is what gives the believers the ability to do what they’ve been doing in Acts. The Spirit wasn’t a one-time thing. It continues to work among us today. How are we being moved by the Spirit? How are we open to its action among us? What is the Spirit up to among us today?

Welcome to this time of devotion and reflection; this week, we hear more about the story we heard in worship on Sunday and remember that God’s word calls us together. Thanks for joining! [Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

Pastor Megan and Pastor Kevin discuss Acts 8:26-31, 35-39. A big part of this story is the dramatic difference between these two men and their willingness to learn from and with each other anyway. Who do we tend to leave out of important conversations? What could we learn when we are a true, full community? There is a willingness both to teach and to learn. We are all called to this.

Pastor Megan and Pastor Kevin discuss Acts 6:1-7. This can sound a little harsh, like the disciples are trying to punt on taking care of others. But they see the need and see they aren’t equipped for it. We frequently hear scripture tell us that there are many gifts and they are all needed for the good of God’s work in the world. How will we honor and uplift that? Part of the joy of being in one space at Easter now is that we can see the fullness of our community and the many ways we work together to serve.

Welcome to our time of devotions together as we consider our call to serve God in the world and reflect Christ’s love to others.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik, and Pastor Kevin discuss Acts 3:1-10. This Sunday, Richard Beck will be guest preaching. See v4 – Peter truly stops to see someone who others would ignore. What are we tempted to ignore? Who are we ignoring in the process? What do we have to give and share in the name of Jesus with the world around us?

How is God calling you to set aside fear and welcome others into Christian community? In our devotions today, we pray that we might do just that. Thanks for joining us this and every Monday morning.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Kevin and Pastor Erik discuss John 20:24-31. We are in our long-awaited new space – what will this mean for us as we continue to go out from here? This isn’t about a doubting Thomas but a believing Thomas. Sometimes, we do need to see. Where will you see Jesus? How does this place help you watch for him at work in your life?

Happy Easter! As we continue to celebrate the good news of the resurrection, we listen for the ways God continues to speak into our lives. Thanks for joining this time of scripture, reflection, and prayer today.

Christ is risen! We continue to celebrate the good news of the Easter season as we gather for our weekly time of prayer and reflection. Thanks for joining!

Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik, and Pastor Kevin discuss John 20:19-23. Jesus twice wishes them peace in the face of their fears. What does it look like for us to forgive or retain sins? What does that have to do with peace? Where in our lives are we stuck in fear and/or unwillingness to forgive?

Happy Easter and Resurrection of Our Lord!  Pastor Megan, Pastor Kevin, and Pastor Erik discuss John 20:1-2, 11-18. Join us this Easter Sunday for worship at 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 AM. How will we live – and what will we say – trusting that we have seen the Lord?

Pastor Megan, Pastor Kevin and Pastor Erik discuss John 12:12-19 (processional), John 12:20-28 (preaching). The two readings are continuous. The triumphal entry reminds us that Jesus is being declared to the whole world, as we hear in the preaching gospel. Jesus reminds us that it’s not about our glory in this world, but about losing ourselves so that the whole world can hear the good news. We begin our Holy Week remembering that there will be suffering and struggle but that God is glorified through it.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Kevin and Pastor Erik discuss John 17:20-26. This text has our theme verse – we know that we are called to be one in Christ. Glory is not for us to feel important, but so that all may know Jesus and all may be one in him. How will we share God’s love in Jesus together, as one people?

Thanks for joining us in this time of devotion where we are reminded that God is always with us and always at work.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Kevin and Pastor Erik discuss John 13:1-14. Jesus points us towards his crucifixion. Service is the whole point. Jesus loves us with his whole life; we are also called to love and serve each other with everything we’ve got. This is what unites us: a desire to serve to the glory of Jesus Christ and his gospel. How will we serve each other now that we are side by side?

We continue through Lent and remember we are never alone, that God always goes with us, and that God sees us when we hurt. Thank you for being together in this time of devotion.

With Jesus our Good Shepherd, we have confidence that even in adversity and change we can find peace and comfort. May this time of prayer and reflection help you follow him more closely through your week. Thanks for joining us!

Pastor Megan, Pastor Kevin and Pastor Erik discuss John 11:38-44, the story of Jesus' power over death. Lazarus still dies eventually. Death is still real. But Jesus reminds us that it is not the last word. Continue our journey to notice Jesus in unexpected ways and as he unites us all in his life, death and resurrection.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Kevin and Pastor Erik discuss John 10:1-16. Jesus uses metaphor to try to describe how he cares for and unifies us – and how others don’t. There is a word of promise and a word of warning. We listen for Jesus but also learn to avoid those who won’t care for God’s people. This is meant to be a comforting word, especially in the last verse – Jesus protects all of us. What does it mean that we all belong to our good shepherd?

Welcome to the season of Lent and its call to repentance and renewal. May this time of prayer help you in that faithful discipline. You may join us Mondays at 9 am or whenever it works in your week.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin discuss John 9:24-38. This is a complex story of healing, judgment, cowardice, blame, and anger. Where do we see ourselves in this story? Jesus does not let anyone remain in suffering or without community. Jesus calls us together. What keeps us from being one in Christ – and what brings us together?

Easter has now fully transitioned to our unified building at 4545 Pilot Knob Road. We give thanks to God for this new season and remember fondly all that God has done with us in our history. Thanks for joining in this time of devotion as we mark this meaningful moment.

This is our last worship service in this pattern. We’re about to go into a transitional stage. More than ever, we trust that Jesus is the one who brings us life. Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin discuss John 3:1-17. Nicodemus tries to hide his seeking under cover of darkness. Maybe we feel suspicious or nervous, too. But Jesus meets us right where we’re at. Transfiguration Sunday is meant to remind us of the divinity of Jesus and start us on our journey to the cross. This year, we come together in this walk and trust in Jesus as one people.

We trust in God’s action and presence among us, even through transition and trial. God promises to always love and care for us, and that is good news. Thanks for joining this time of devotion, whether you join at 9 am on Mondays or any other time in your week.

Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin discuss John 4:46-54. This story comes right after the story of the Samaritan woman. It’s another story of Jesus crossing cultural boundaries to restore life and relationship. What Jesus has done doesn’t just bring the official to faith, it brings everyone around him to faith. While projects are a part of our partnerships, it’s not all there is. It’s also about being partners in faith and being changed by each other. We encourage each other as we walk in faith together.

Pastor Megan and Pastor Erik discuss John 4:31-42. Even though the woman seems ostracized, she still returns to her community to proclaim Christ. Her witness is what brings people to Jesus, but their encounter with Jesus is what really brings them to faith. How will we trust people to point us to Jesus? How will we truly meet him in unexpected places? A community is restored and faith grows. This is part of our own faith relationships. We build relationship and faith together.

On this day, when we remember the legacy and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, we hear again that the gospel calls us out into the world to love and serve our neighbors. Thank you for taking this pause for devotion and community today. From January 19

Pastor Megan and Pastor Kevin discuss John 4:16-29. Continued from last week: she is likely trapped in Levirate marriage, promised to the family member of a deceased husband who won’t marry her. She might be seen as bad luck, having caused many deaths. Jesus doesn’t judge this, he sees it and her. She engages with him in earnest questioning and truth-seeking. In this case, about the appropriate place for worship. But Jesus continues to break down boundaries by focusing on “spirit and truth”.  We encounter Jesus in the life and testimony of the people we meet. We travel to visit our partners not to change them, but to learn from them and be changed by them. We see the people and the faith we share.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Kevin and Pastor Erik discuss John 4:1-15. Samaritans are culturally different and even despised by Jews of Jesus’ time. The text admits that Jesus should not be talking or sharing anything with the woman. More on this next week. When we want to share our faith or hear others’ stories, there can be too many cultural barriers. This encounter reminds us it’s still possible and worthwhile. Jesus focuses on water, a symbol with great meaning to both. What are some places of common ground where we can talk about faith and learn from others?

Through hard news and challenging times, we cling all the more to God’s promises. In our devotion today, we remember the gift of baptism and how it charges us to oppose evil and point to Jesus. Thanks for joining us; these devotions typically go live Mondays at 9 am.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Kevin and pastor Erik discuss John 1:25-34. John doesn’t baptize Jesus in this gospel. In many ways, it’s beside the point. Who baptizes isn’t as important as God’s love revealed in baptism. John says baptism is meant to reveal Jesus. It is still true – in our baptism, Jesus’ grace and mercy are revealed to us and to all. This story focus on Jesus and John’s proclamation of him. It’s an opportunity for us to talk more about baptism, too. It is truly a foundation of our faith and meant for anyone. How can we trust in our baptisms and all God’s gifts to us through this promise?

Happy new year! We take a moment together to reflect on all God’s gifts, especially the gift of communion. We remember that all are truly welcome to receive our Savior’s gifts at his table. Thanks for joining this time of devotion that typically goes live Mondays at 9 am.

Join Pastors Kevin, Megan, and Erik in discussion of John 1:35-46. Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” is more than words—it’s a call to reveal His presence through our lives.

Pastor Megan and Pastor Erik discuss John 1:1-14. We often hear this passage on Christmas Eve – today is still the Christmas season! This reading reinforces Jesus’ deity while reminding us that he truly lived as a human in our world. We remember God’s ongoing promises fulfilled in Jesus. How will we celebrate God’s promises incarnate in Jesus?

As we come to the end of the Advent season, may this time of prayer give you space to prepare your heart for the good news of Christmas. Remember that you are welcome to join us for Christmas Eve worship here at Easter. Go to easter.org/christmas for schedules and details. We’ll be glad to see you there!

Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin discuss Isaiah 55:1-13. Some of these verses are again familiar and the temptation is to pull them out of context. This comes to God’s people while they are in exile, while they are suffering. This is the shortest day of the year. How does this promise bring light to us? God’s promises are good news, especially as they remind us that God sends Jesus so all might have what they need.

We continue through Advent, watching and listening for the good news of great joy that will come at Christmas. Thank you for joining this weekly time of reflection and prayer. Remember that you can go to easter.org/christmas to make your plans for this season, especially for Christmas Eve worship.

Pastor Megan, Pastor Kevin and Pastor Erik discuss Ezekiel 37:1-14. Through the prophet, God promises a return from exile and new life. It’s a kind of macabre image for this season, but the message is visceral and clear: God brings new life. This is the promise we celebrate: that the coming of Christ brings life. How will you share that good news in this Advent season?

Welcome to our time of prayer and reflection together in this second week of Advent. May you find space throughout your week for rest and listening to what God is up to in your life.

Welcome to Advent! Together, we take time to prepare our hearts for the good news of Jesus’ birth, even in the midst of so much going on. Thanks for joining us wherever you can; devotions are typically posted Mondays at 9 am.

We begin the season of Advent, a season of waiting for Jesus’ birth!

Thanks for taking this time to be recentered and reminded of God’s love for all people.

Christ the King Sunday! Pastor Megan, Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin discuss Reading: Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24. Some of these verses have become separated from the texts themselves. Remember that they come in the context of God’s warning that external piety is not enough. We do not put on a show of faithfulness to our King, but worship God seven days a week in all we do and say. What does it mean to worship Christ as our King – and how is it different from the world’s expectations of power and glory?

We come together to praise God because God is worthy of all our praise! Thanks for taking this time to be recentered and reminded. Devotions are typically posted Mondays at 9 am.

Pastor Megan and Pastor Kevin discuss Psalm 150. We’ve been talking about the many commitments we make as people of faith, and being here in worship (onsite or online!) is one of them. We live out our other vision statements as we worship with joy – we are in community, we care for each other, we give, we learn. From the vision statement: weekly worship centers us in relationship with each other and with God. It’s good that you are a part of it! All the gifts you share keep our worship life vibrant and Christ-centered for years to come

Our whole lives bear witness to our faith, including the way we use money. Together, in this time of prayer and devotion, we’ll reflect on how God calls us to use all gifts well.