Baptism of the Lord Sunday: Called By Name, Sent By Grace

What we remember determines how we live.

At Jesus' baptism, heaven names him beloved before he ever begins his ministry. That same truth shapes our lives. We we remember our baptism, we remember that we belong - to God and to God's creation.

Creation justice is not political - it is baptismal. Caring for the earth and one another flows from remembering who we are WHOSE we are.

Scriptures:

Isaiah 42:1-9

Psalm 29

Acts 10:34-43

Matthew 3:13-17

Reflection Questions:

What does remembering your baptism awaken in you?

Where do you see creation needing gentle care right now?

How does the Bondi Junction story challenge the way we see our neighbor?

What small, faithful action might God be inviting you to take?

Joy in the Journey: Running Together for Justice

When Hebrews 12 tells us to “run with perseverance the race set before us,” it’s not talking about a solitary sprint. It’s picturing the community of faith — past and present — passing the baton of God’s mission from one generation to the next. 

In Westwood and Princeton, we have inherited a legacy. Our forebears built churches not just of wood and brick, but of prayer, service, and hope. We don’t run for our own sake — we run for the sake of others, and for the joy of seeing the Beloved Community take shape here in Wayne and Johnston Counties. 

Psalm 82 reminds us that defending the vulnerable is divine work. Luke 12 shows us Jesus lighting a fire — an urgent, transforming mission. These aren’t comfortable words, but they’re joyful ones, because they mean our lives matter in God’s story. 

This is why Fresh Expressions — church in new places for new people — matter so much. Whether it’s a hymn-sing on the lawn, a coffee table in a café, or a prayer booth at a fair, these are ways of taking joy and justice into the community. 

As we march in the light of God — like the South African believers who first sang “Siyahamba” in the struggle for freedom — we are declaring that love is stronger than injustice, and hope is stronger than despair. 

We don’t run alone. We run together. We run for joy. We run for justice. 

Key Points: 

1. We inherit a legacy of imperfect saints who ran before us. 

2. We run together — no one gets left behind. 

3. Jesus’ mission is urgent — the fire is now. 

4. Justice for the vulnerable is God’s own work. 

Reflection Questions – For personal or small group use 

1. Who are some of the “cloud of witnesses” in your life — people whose faith inspires you? 

2. What does it look like for our church to “run the race together” in our town? 

3. Where do you see Jesus’ “fire” at work in our community right now? 

4. Psalm 82 calls us to defend the weak — who in our county needs defending, and how can we respond? 

5. How might our church start one Fresh Expression that brings joy and justice into a new space in our community? 

Pastor's Blog - “When God’s Love Overflows”

Pastor Billy Sander

Stardate - July 28, 2025

Do you see what I did there Star Trek fans???

Sometimes life feels like a dry riverbed—empty, dusty, and waiting for rain. But God is not a cautious giver. Scripture reminds us a gain and again that God is like a river that overflows its banks, bringing life to the most barren places. 

Think of the boy with five loaves and two fish. He didn’t have much, but Jesus took his small offering and turned it into an overflowing feast. Or consider recent disaster relief efforts, where churches and volunteers poured out resources and compassion, proving that love grows when it’s shared. 

Challenge

Find one small way to let your love overflow—write an encouraging note, share a meal, or volunteer. Let’s be the river God uses to bring life. 

Summary 

God’s love is a river that overflows its banks—filling our lives with grace and spilling into the world through us. From modern generosity stories to Jesus feeding the five thousand, we see that when we offer what little we have, God multiplies it. God is enough, and His goodness is meant to overflow. 

Sendoff 

Friends, remember this: God’s grace is not a measured sip—it’s an overflowing cup. Let Him fill you today, and then go spill His love everywhere you go.  Blessings to you!  

Reflection Questions

1. Where in your life do you feel like dry ground? How might God’s overflowing grace bring life there? 

2. What “loaves and fish” do you have—however small—that you could offer to God?