August 9, 2026: Novena, Chapter 4: Waiting Like a Child
Mark 10: 13-16

Jacob Perez, preaching

I am very much looking forward to this Sunday where we will conclude the four-part Novena series: Waiting Like a Child.

There is some irony here with the title: we may light-heartedly reflect on our own time as children or in raising children in realizing that the word “waiting” is not usually associated with childhood.

But that might be the point.

Jesus instructs us that unless we come to God with the faith of a child, we cannot receive the Kingdom of God. And maybe it ’s that lack of patience that can sometimes be thought of for a child, or that anticipation for a gift or holiday that children often exhibit, or maybe even the EXPECTATION, the audacity even, that children often project when they want something …

Maybe that ’s what God wants from us when it comes to the gifts of God.

We’ve been looking at what is required for revival. And this Sunday, I ’ll submit to you that at the core, the Spirit of God moves when we let go of the adult-like intellectualisms or rubrics for quantifying if something is rational enough for us to believe,.. And when we simply come like we did as children.

So come expectant. Come with a need that you want God to heal. Come with a desire to feel God ’s presence. And let it be so.

See you Sunday!

PS: A friend you know needs to hear about God’s radically inclusive love. And they need to hear it from this church, so bring a friend!

The way we worship is the way we live.

Worship is the work of the people, bringing together our fullest selves in a communal act of love and gratitude.  Each voice is important; each person is valued as the Spirit draws out our authentic gifts and talents, shared in the ever-widening circle of God’s people.  We hope you’ll join us this week as we gather to worship the God of extravagant welcome.