Yesterday at Emmaus we considered a few of the things we have in common with all people - Brokenness and a Need for Grace.  Nate shared some examples of brokenness and charged each one of us to not only rest in God's grace and restoration but to also offer this grace to others.  Just before communion, Nate defined grace as nothing more than loving people when they don't deserve it.  This simple definition was made even more beautiful when it was followed by the communion ritual in which we remember and experience the grace of God...

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Sunday was an inspiratonal day for my family and me at Emmaus Church.  Here are three highlights: The Lester's Story - Rich and Melissa Lester came to share some of their story.  They talked about being grateful to God in the midst of very difficult missions in Ethiopia.  If you missed it, be sure to hear their story. The Stack of Cloth Diapers - One of the very practical needs that they shared was the need for cloth diapers for the community in which they serve.  They were hoping to have 100 diapers donated...

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Sandie, the Executive Pastor at Emmaus Church, shared an excellent idea on her personal blog a few weeks ago.  Advent is finally here and I know that lots of families have wonderful advent traditions.  The Christmas Activty Tree is one my wife and I are going to try with our three little ones this year.  Check out some of the wonderful expereinces that Sandie has pulled off with her family over the last few years.   Here's another list of ideas that you may consider incorporating in your advent experience this year. D...

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  I wasn't able to join the community at Emmaus Church in Lincoln on Sunday but I did watch the teaching online.  The message was called Less Weird, More Wonderful and Nathan mentioned three things that we do every Sunday at Emmaus that might seem a bit weird but are actually quite wonderful: Passing of the Peace - This is a 10-15 minute time after the sermon in which we have the opportunity to "pass peace" to one another.  I'll admit that it sounds weird.  Here's what is wonderful about this time.  Lots of...

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On Sunday at Emmaus Church in Lincoln, CA, Nathan began the teaching by having the children come to the front of the room to watch a clip from Toy Story.  He explained that there are two different ways to deal with all of the questions that children have while watching a movie.  One option is to simply tell them to stop asking questions and assure them that if they keep paying attention, the answers will be clear eventually.  The other option is to stop the movie every so often and allow some space for the questions to asked and ...

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