It's Better When You're Here!

As we come to the close of our series, Like a Girl, it feels fitting that we also gather to celebrate Mother's Day. Every one of us has a mother, and today’s story centers on two women whose lives show us the beauty of shared love and shared strength. Together, they offer us a vision of what life can look like when community matters more than self-interest. Their story invites us into a way of living where care is mutual, burdens are shared, and love is given freely. May we learn to love ourselves well, so that we can love others boldly and wildly. Passage: Luke 1:39-45 CEB

In a world captivated by the image of the lone, heroic leader, the story of Deborah reminds us that the greatest callings in our lives are never meant to be carried alone. As Gretchen learned in the Marine Corps, and as we discover in our everyday lives, we always go farther when we go together. Today, I want to remind us all that each of us leads somewhere, and that the best outcomes are often waiting on the other side of collaboration. So may we have the courage, wisdom, and humility to lead like Deborah. Passage: Judges 4:6-9 CEB

As we begin a new series exploring the often-overlooked stories of women in the Bible, it feels important to say this: it shouldn’t have to be a series—but it does. Women have always been central to our faith. Their courage, leadership, and witness are woven throughout Scripture. And yet, too often, their stories have been minimized while louder voices have tried to define their place. If those voices have been loud, then ours must be louder still. I’m grateful to add my voice to this growing chorus—people whose faith has been strengthened, challenged, and shaped by the women of Scripture. May we be faithful like Miriam. May we be willing to show up. May we listen, learn, and carry these stories forward. Passage: Exodus 2:2-8 CEB

Join Reverend Michael LeBlanc at our Chapel Campus as we celebrate a full year of worshiping together every Sunday in this wonderful location. Be part of this special milestone and experience the joy of community, reflection, and faith. Passage: John 20:19-31 CEB

Friends, Lent is over. As a church, we’ve spent this sacred season wrestling with deconstruction—what it means to gently, honestly take apart a faith that may have been handed to us in pieces that no longer fit, and to begin rebuilding something more durable, more vibrant, more expansive. Not a faith rooted in fear, but one grounded in truth. Not something brittle, but something alive. And today is Easter. Today, we remember that what we are building is not a system of rules or a list of boundaries. It is not small, and it is not fragile. It is a living freedom—a hope that does not collapse under doubt, a love that is not undone by questions. This is the kind of faith that walks through death and comes out the other side. This is resurrection. Passage: John 20:11-18 CEB

Join Reverend Michael at our Chapel Campus during our sunrise service on Easter morning. Passage: John 20:11-18 CEB

The joy of my life is to be— as a friend once named it— confetti for Jesus. Bright. Scattered. Alive with celebration. But tonight… Good Friday asks something different of me. It asks me to gather the pieces, to still the color, to quiet the joy. Because this night is not like the others. This is not a night for noise or lightness. Tonight, the world slows. The sky darkens. And we remember. We stand at the foot of the cross— not rushing past it, not softening it, not looking away. Because if we want to truly know the brilliance of Easter morning, the bursting, radiant joy of resurrection— then we must first sit here… in the weight, in the silence, in the sorrow of Good Friday. Passage: John 19:16-30 CEB

As we come to the end of our Lenten journey—a season where we’ve taken a hard, honest look at the faith of our youth, where we’ve dared to deconstruct and begin reconstructing—I want to invite us one step further down this road. We’ve spoken openly about deconstruction, trusting that together we are capable of rebuilding a faith that is durable, inclusive, and vibrant. A faith that can hold both our questions and our convictions. But today, I want us to consider the next logical step in this journey: proclamation. Because friends, a faith we keep to ourselves is not a faith we truly live. The gospel was never meant to be hidden—it is meant to be embodied, spoken, and shared. So may our lives be so loud with the good news that even without words, the world can hear it. Passage: Luke 19:35-40 CEB

Join Lee Bradley as he brings the message to us this week. Passage: John 3:1-18 ESV, Ezekiel 36:25-27 ESV, Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

A life of faith will require us to come to grips with the questions that life demands of us. These questions aren’t easy. As the old adage goes, the truth will set you free—but not until she’s done with you. Today, I want us to look at what it means to be honest in community and to choose growth together. At Shepherds, belonging doesn’t require you to become less of who you are. But it will require something else. It will require bravery. Passage: Ephesians 4:1-7 CEB

Of all the things I love about Shepherds is that, as your pastor, I get to be very real with all of you. Today I want to share a part of my testimony and talk honestly about something many of us experience but rarely discuss—the connection between grief and doubt. Grief has a way of shaking us. It can stir questions we didn’t expect and doubts we never thought we’d have. But those moments don’t place us outside of God’s love—they often become the very places where we encounter it most deeply. My hope is that by the end of this conversation, we’ll be more prepared for when grief comes, more comfortable admitting our doubts, and above all convinced that there is no grief, no fear, and no darkness greater than the love of God. Passage: Romans 8:35-39 CEB

The concept of deconstruction has swept through the Christian world. More and more people who grew up in the church are taking a courageous, honest look at what they were taught—examining it, questioning it, and searching for new ways of knowing God. For many, deconstruction feels unsettling. For others, it feels necessary. And in many ways, it has become part of the lifeblood of Shepherd’s. So many of you have come to us from traditions that, for one reason or another, stopped working. You weren’t trying to walk away from God—you were trying to find Him again. In this new series, we’re going to reframe deconstruction—not as the end of faith, but as the beginning of a deeper story. A story that leads to a faith that is well-earned, broken in, honest, and above all, worth sharing. So let us seek—honestly and bravely—trusting that when we do, we will find God already meeting us there. Passage: John 10:7-15 CEB

On this first Sunday, I thought it would be wise for us to talk about our walk. This series sets before us the intentions we will follow as a church. It invites us to move beyond words and into action — to take the faith we confess with our mouths and live it with our whole lives. Today, as we begin a season of preparation, my hope is that we would recognize something beautiful: this is the best kind of life. Not the easiest life. Not the most comfortable life. But the life that is full, meaningful, and rooted in Christ. And we don’t walk it alone. We walk it together. So as we step forward, may we take up this easy yoke — side by side — learning the rhythms of grace, bearing one another’s burdens, and becoming a people shaped for the sake of the world. Passage: Matthew 11:25-30 CEB

Join us with guest Pastor, Greg Rusch, while Reverend Michael LeBlanc is out this week. Passage: 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NIV

No one likes to be interrupted. Our day-to-day lives are filled to the brim with things competing for our attention—ads, social media, texts, the news—each one demanding a piece of us. Today, I want to offer a different way of being interrupted. An interruption that doesn’t steal from us, but frees us. One that makes space for God’s Kingdom to dwell among us as we allow the right things to interrupt the way things are. May we be people who are willing to interrupt—for the sake of our neighbors, our communities, and the work God longs to do among us. Passage: Luke 5:17-25 CEB

Welcome to our new series, The Walk, where we explore what it truly means to follow Jesus in a way that shapes every moment of our lives. We don’t want a faith that lives only on paper—we want a faith that is lived, practiced, and embodied. We begin with the practice that brought us all here: sharing our faith. To share your faith with someone else is to step into the legacy of the saints who came before us. It is to see people the way Christ sees them. It is to love as Jesus loves. It is, in many ways, to walk as Jesus walked. May we come to know all people—so that all people may come to know Christ. Passage: Matthew 4:18-23 CEB

Plenty of churches exist for themselves. Some churches, even whole constellations of them, exist primarily to serve their members or elevate their pastors. But as we wrap up our series on our mission statement today, we are reminded of why we exist. We exist to inspire the hope of Jesus Christ. This is not a passive hope. It is not a hope meant to sit still or stay comfortable. It is a hope that puts on work clothes, that steps into the world, that serves, loves, and labors for the sake of others. May we be a church known not just for what we believe, but for how we live out the hope of Jesus Christ. Passage: Romans 5:1-5 CEB

At the beginning of a new year, I’m especially grateful that we get to pause, set our tone, and ground ourselves in our mission statement: With God’s help, we embrace and connect with all people, and together experience the love, light, and hope of Jesus Christ. Last week, I was pretty sick, and I’m so thankful that Rick was able to step in and cover for me as we focused on the theme of love. He even called me “confetti,” which I absolutely loved. It made me smile—and it also got me thinking. Because no matter how loud the world’s hatred may seem, it’s never louder than love. Love always rises. Love always remains. And love, especially the love of Christ, continues to break through in ways we may not even realize at first. Passage: John 1:9-14 CEB

A few years ago, when the leadership of Shepherds came together to shape a new mission statement, everything centered on one clear calling: to connect people to the love, light, and hope of Jesus Christ. As we step into a new year, our leadership knew it was essential to return to those same foundations—to ground ourselves again in what matters most: the love, the light, and the hope of Jesus Christ. Our mission is simple, but it’s vital. With God’s help, we embrace and connect with all people, and together we experience the love, light, and hope of Jesus Christ. May we be a church that shows up when it matters most— a church that loves in the nick of time.

Join Reverend Michael LeBlanc on our last Sunday of the year!

Christmas has arrived. And that means we are here—gathered together—to remember the true reason for our celebration. The gifts, the songs, the stories, the turkeys—they’re all wonderful. But tonight, I want us to listen more closely. I want us to hear why this season exists. And it’s not just because Jesus was born—no, not only that. Christmas matters every time any of us chooses to keep Christmas well. It matters whenever grace is received, remembered, and lived out. Grace has come. So let us keep Christmas well. Passage: Titus 2:11-15 CEB

As we arrive at the last Sunday of Advent, I pray that we have prepared our hearts. Just as the eggs in our incubator have been given an environment conducive to growth, I pray that over these last four weeks, you have been able to grow as well. Soon, we will have chicks—and soon, we will have Christmas. My prayer is that hope, peace, and joy have found you, and that this week, love has met you in a new way. God is with us. May we love like it. Passage: Matthew 1:18-24 CEB

Last week, we talked about how this season of Advent isn’t just about surviving, but about growing. It’s an invitation to do more than simply make it through—to allow God to form us into disciples who are willing to let the chaff fall away, the things that hold us back, so that new life can emerge. Today, I want to talk about what that new life looks like. I want to explore how a church that chooses to reclaim joy can actually change the world. Because a church marked by joy doesn’t just feel different—it lives different. And when that kind of joy takes root, it begins to transform not just the church, but the neighborhood around it. Passage: Luke 1:46-55 CEB

Today we enter the Sunday of Peace in this sacred season of Advent—a time when we pause to reflect on the peace Christ brings into our world and into our lives. But this isn’t a passive or complacent peace. It’s not a peace that asks nothing of us. Instead, the peace of Christ is deep, steady, and transformative. It’s a peace that invites us to grow, to mature, and to participate in God’s restoring work in the world. So as we gather today, I want to challenge us to consider: What does true peace look like for us as Christians? And how might God be calling us to embody that peace in our actions, our relationships, and our communities? May this be a season of growth, of stretching, and of drawing closer to the One who is our Peace. Passage: Matthew 3:1-12 CEB

Join us as guest preacher, our Worship Coordinator, Michelle Manzi brings us our sermon this Sunday morning.

I am always grateful for the kind and encouraging words I hear from so many of you after I preach—especially when the topics get a little spicy. Knowing I can speak about generosity with my whole chest tells me something important: this church is not a people who simply go through the motions. You are a church with purpose, with conviction, and with power. As we wrap up our journey on generosity today, I’m excited to invite all of us into a moment of action—coming together as a family to offer our pledge cards and commit ourselves to the work God is doing among us. Let us steward this generosity. Passage: Mark 12:41-44 CEB

I’m beginning to suspect that I might know some of the most generous people on the planet. The Church has always been counter-cultural, and as I watch wealth concentrate into the hands of a few and see more and more cuts to the things that help my neighbors live with dignity, it only becomes clearer: I know incredibly generous people. Because generosity isn’t about a number. Generosity is about two things: The love. And the work. So today, as we gather, let’s talk about what it means to steward that work—faithfully, courageously, and together. Passage: Romans 12:3-5 CEB

Join us as guest Preacher, Reverend Ed New brings us our sermon this Sunday morning.

I’m reminded today of the people who included me. I think of these saints on All Saints Sunday, because they were the ones who reached out, who welcomed me in, who brought me along. And they changed my life. As we continue our series on generosity, I want to tie a few things together. May we have a spirit of gratitude for the saints we celebrate. May that gratitude inspire us to give generously. And above all, may we give with a heart of evangelism— a heart that doesn’t just open the door wide, but one that gently says, “Come and see.” Let us be good stewards of the welcome we have received. Passage: John 1:40-46 CEB

Friends, I find myself going back in time—digging up old, churchy words. Words like Eucharist. Membership. Passing the peace. I feel a little like Indiana Jones—or maybe more like one of those American Picker guys—sifting through dusty artifacts and discovering treasures. And today, I brought one with me: Stewardship. The way we talk about generosity in the church has always been wrapped up in this word—stewardship. Because the truth is, the reason we’re tired, the reason we’re sunburned, the reason we keep showing up— is because we’re stewards of a dream. The dream of the Gospel. So friends, let us steward the dream. Passage: James 1:16-22 CEB

Join us as guest Preacher Rick Gebauer brings us our sermon this Sunday morning.

This is a busy time in the life of the church. And if I’m honest, it’s easy — even as your pastor — to forget our "why". Today, I want to push back against that forgetfulness. I want to slow down, lean in, and remind myself — and you — of the reason we do all of this. I’m so grateful for the kind words many of you share about my sermons. But I’ll tell you — the ones that seem to matter most are the ones I’m mostly preaching to myself. In all the planning, the preparing, the pouring out — I need to remember: our why is always worth fighting for. Because when the church is united in mission — nothing can stop her. Passage: Ezekiel 37:1-7 CEB

All throughout Scripture, the pages are overflowing with dreams—divine encounters, angelic visions, and heaven-sent messages. From Joseph to Daniel, from the prophets to the apostles, God has used dreams to speak, to guide, and to reveal His heart. When we talk about dreams, we often think of what happens while we sleep. But today, let’s lean in a little deeper—because God also has dreams for us. Not just in the night, but in the light of day. Dreams that shape purpose. Dreams that stir calling. Ready or not... God has dreams for you. So let’s step into that together. Passage: Genesis 28:11-19 CEB

In a world of single-serving relationships, the Church is called to something deeper—something eternal. In a culture where love is often measured by what we get, the Church must become a place defined by what we give—a place of sacrificial partnership, of covenant over convenience. Christian love is free, but it is never cheap. It calls for all of us—our time, our presence, our hearts. Because real love, Christ’s love, was never meant to be consumed. It was meant to be lived. Passage: Colossians 3:9-17 CEB

Last week, we talked about kids—and how Jesus didn’t just welcome them, He pointed to them as the example of real, humble, trusting belief. As a church, we've been gifted with a generation that shows us what it means to enter the kingdom of God with open hearts. Today, we shift our focus to another powerful part of our faith journey: friendship. It's a gift, yes—but it’s also a challenge and a calling. We were never meant to walk alone. From the very beginning, we were built for community. So let’s lean in, listen well, and start building something that lasts. Passage: John 15:9-15 CEB

As we begin this new series on relationships, let’s start with the very first relationship we ever experienced—the one we had from the moment we entered this world. From our earliest breath, we were introduced to the people who would shape us the most. Yet, as we grow older, it's easy to forget what it was like to be a child—the fears, the questions, the wonder. But God hasn’t forgotten. Today, we turn our hearts to what God says about children—not just to understand them better, but to understand Him more deeply. Children are not a problem to solve—they are a gift to be cherished. Let’s open our hearts, open God’s Word, and see what He wants to teach us through the lives of the littlest among us. Passage: Matthew 18:1-6 CEB

‘Everything happens for a reason.’ It’s a phrase we hear often — offering comfort, hope, even a sense of security. And yet, you won’t find those exact words in Scripture. Why? Because that phrase can paint a picture of a God who controls every detail like a puppet master — rather than a God who loves, who cares, who draws near in our pain. Today, we want to explore a better story. A truer story. One where God doesn’t stand at a distance pulling strings, but steps into the mess with us — with work boots on. A God who is present, not just in the triumphs, but in the tragedies. Not orchestrating every hardship, but walking with us through them. In everything, God is near. And that changes everything. Passage: Romans 8:18-25 CEB

Today, we come to a concept that feels especially intuitive to us as human beings: the idea of balance. We look at the world and naturally frame it as a cosmic scale—good on one side, bad on the other—and our actions seem to tip the balance one way or the other. It’s no wonder the idea of karma is so appealing. It gives us the sense that we’re in control—that we can earn blessing or avoid hardship based on what we do. But is that how God really works? Is justice in God’s kingdom just another version of what goes around, comes around? As we continue our theme of "Do No Ham," we’re asking a deeper question: What does true justice look like in a broken world? And here’s the truth—whatever burden you’ve been carrying, whatever weight you’ve been trying to balance—it’s already been lifted. You don’t have to carry it anymore. Passage: Matthew 5:43-48 CEB

Last week, we talked about having a daring faith — the kind that steps out boldly, even when the path isn’t clear. This week, we're shifting gears a bit, but staying in the same spirit. I want to talk about having a faith that endures. Not just a bold faith, but a strong one — strong like silk. Silk might look delicate, but it's one of the strongest natural fibers on earth. In the same way, our faith doesn't have to be loud or flashy to be powerful. This life is hard, and trying to walk through it on your own will wear you down. But when your faith is rooted in Christ, you have a strength that can withstand the pressure — and even the pain. So let's dive in today and talk about how to build that kind of faith — the kind that holds on, no matter what. Passage: Romans 12:9-16 NIV

We want you to hear this clearly: The Christian faith isn’t passive. It’s about daring to see God's Kingdom come and dwell among us — here and now. If we truly want to know God, we must step out with a daring faith — one that believes, moves, and trusts beyond comfort. So let’s journey together, pressing into His presence and purpose with courage and conviction. Passage: Mark 15:42-27 CEB

Join us as we welcome our guest preacher Lee Bradley. Passage: John 4:1-42 CEB

Join us as we welcome our guest preacher Jason Sowell. Passage: Psalm 23 NLT

Join Reverend Michael LeBlanc as we finish our journey through the book of John. This whole month, we’ve been exploring how the Gospel of John reads almost like a comic book—packed with powerful moments, miraculous signs, and bold characters that leap off the page. But more than just entertainment, John gives us a vivid, approachable picture of who Jesus is and what He came to do. In week one, we talked about how Jesus showed up—how He enters into our world and meets us where we are. Week two reminded us that miracles aren't just about spectacle—they require a faith that’s free enough to see them. Last week, Brandon took us deeper, showing how a spirit of condemnation can’t coexist with the Spirit of Christ—freedom and grace go hand in hand. And now, here we are—week four. And here's the big idea: The same superpowers we see in Jesus? They come alive in us. In His Church. We’re not just spectators—we’re carriers of the power of life. So what does that actually look like? How can we show that power in the everyday? How do we speak life, give life, live life in a way that reflects the resurrected Jesus? Let’s dive in and talk about it. Passage: John 11:23-27, 39, 44 CEB

Join guest preacher Brandon Juhasz as he brings us the word this week. Passage: John 3:1-17 CEB

Join Reverend Michael LeBlanc as he continues our series through John. The Gospel of John tells the story of God in a way that’s truly worth telling. It’s poetic, bold, and deeply personal. Interestingly, the comic book—created in 1933—did something similar. It made larger-than-life stories and epic moments accessible to the masses. And in a way, so does the Gospel. Last week, we talked about how we can share the message of Christ with others. This week, we're stepping into the moment when Jesus did something miraculous for the very first time. His first sign. His first wonder. But here's the thing—if you take yourself too seriously, you might miss the miracle. So today, let’s take a breath, open our hearts, and step into the story. Because what Jesus did then still speaks volumes now. Passage: John 2:1-11 CEB

Join Reverend Michael LeBlanc as we start out journey through the Book of John. Today, we open our hearts to a story that has echoed through centuries—the story of Jesus. In this gospel, we’re reminded that the Good News was never meant to be kept quiet. It was meant to be shared, lived, and proclaimed. As we read the gospel together, let's remember: this story isn’t just history—it’s our story. A story that demands to be told. In today’s passage, we see what it truly means to tell the story of God—one with eternal weight and lasting impact. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. The question is: how will we prepare the way? Passage: John 1:14-18 MSG

Join Reverend Michael LeBlanc as he finishes our series from Anne Lamott's book, "Help, Thanks, Wow". I hope you've found something meaningful in this series on prayer. Prayer is such a profound gift—one we too often leave unopened. My prayer for you, and for all of us, is that we continue to be a people marked by three simple but powerful words: 'Help.' 'Thanks.' And today, 'Wow.' May we be overcome by wonder—so much so that our eyes are opened to see God in every moment, every detail, every breath. Let’s step into that kind of awareness together. Passage: Luke 19:32-40 CEB

Join Reverend Michael LeBlanc as he continues our series: Help, Thanks, Wow. We cannot tell you how many people have reached out this week about last episode’s message on asking for help—clearly, we hit a nerve! It’s a reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s the doorway to deeper connection and grace. As we continue this journey together, may our hearts be marked by gratitude, so that our lives overflow with generosity. Passage: Psalms 23:1-6 CEB

Join Reverend Michael LeBlanc as he continues our series: Help, Thanks, Wow. Today on Pentecost, we pause to remember that who we are in Christ is shaped, in part, by the people God places in our lives. And in that same breath, we recognize: we are shaping others too—intentionally or not. So today, let us pray for help, listen for help, and recognize the help God sends—often through one another. Passage: Matthew 14:27-32 CEB

Join newly ordinated Reverend Michael LeBlanc as he changed everything on Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost is the moment when the Gospel was spoken in a language every heart could understand. Fear gave way to faith. Silence turned into speech. And where death once ruled, hope rose up. The Spirit moved then—and still moves now. So we ask you… Who will stand because of you? How will you listen to the saints? Passage: Acts 2:1-21 CEB