These are hard days. It’s a hard season. We’re seeing around City Church more discouragement and anger and frustration than we have in a long time, just because of the way our country is going. We want to pay attention to that reality without exacerbating it.

We might want try and take a breath when we are in a conflict with someone - Kelley Barton

Today you’re invited to receive the words of this poem as a blessing for wherever you are in the journey of forgiveness.

I (Bill) shared in yesterday’s message about experiencing forgiveness from my brother after being unable to truly accept and love him for years.

What we hear at CCLB on Sundays seems to free us up to express our wounds, share deeply and honestly with. - Kelley Barton

Below is the song we closed the service with on Sunday. Listen in and ask the Spirit to guide your thoughts as it flows over you.

For Paul, part of his conviction came from the experience of feeling God’s love - of being deeply touched by it and aware of God’s reality. That changed everything for him.

Reflecting on a poem by Mary Oliver.

He was, in a word, relaxed.

What are the circumstances when you might need to fudge the truth for the sake of a higher calling? When is it just self-protection? What makes lying justified?

So many people have been sharing that these days are hard for them

Jesus says that he will MAKE them into fishers of people.

Sometimes losing hope is a very appropriate next step.

Today we’re going to pray a prayer from Kate Bowler, a theologian who has had her share of suffering. Take your time with it, pausing often and being prayerful.

The scripture teaches that God pays attention to the smallest thing

There’s something about being desperate, facing our losses, recognizing our need that opens us up to truly relying on God.

To me, that lens of awareness empowers me to be the author of my life. - Denia Bradshaw