Isaiah 43:16-21
Ross Janovec

As we enter into a new year, saying goodbye to the past year along the way, there is room for any number of emotions to rise to the surface. In a lot of ways, a new year can feel like a wild space, full of potential, full of questions, and full of unknowns. As we enter the wilderness of a new year, we carry everything we have collected over the last year, whether it be joys, concerns, celebrations, or trauma. Which of these do we hold onto? Which of these things can we let go of? We will inevitably wrestle with these questions over the next 12 months. The hope in this new year is that God makes a way through these times of questioning in the wilderness, providing us a path out of the desert, a bridge through troubled waters, and shade when we are weary. 

This Advent series imparts a feeling just as much as a message. It will hopefully feel like a warm blanket wrapped around us, giving us the courage to face the increased anxiety and intensity that an election season brings. It will bring us a feeling of standing on steady ground, a path for our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown of a new year. Finally, it will act as a soft whisper in our ears, reminding each of us of who we are and whose we are. It will feel like love. This season, may God’s all-embracing and steadying love be our companion.

This Advent series imparts a feeling just as much as a message. It will hopefully feel like a warm blanket wrapped around us, giving us the courage to face the increased anxiety and intensity that an election season brings. It will bring us a feeling of standing on steady ground, a path for our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown of a new year. Finally, it will act as a soft whisper in our ears, reminding each of us of who we are and whose we are. It will feel like love. This season, may God’s all-embracing and steadying love be our companion.

Matthew 25:31-46

For better or worse, Christianity has a long tradition of referring to Jesus as "king." These days, many of us are rightly suspicious of patriarchal and domination-based imagery, so images like this can rub us wrong. But is there something here that can be helpful in a time of political turmoil? What is the good news for those who are not very powerful, and for those who wonder whether they even make a difference? Is this image any use to The Land, as we seek to learn from the natural world and improve our corner of it? Eric will wrestle with questions like these, looking for good news about the power of humble efforts to make a positive difference.

By: General Board of Church and Society

As we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance, we commit to creating spaces of justice, inclusion, and affirmation.

If you are new to understanding gender identities or want to learn more about transgender and nonbinary experiences, here’s a great place to begin: Transgender 101

Every November 20th, the Transgender Day of Remembrance calls us to honor the lives taken by anti-transgender violence and to confront ongoing injustice. For the United Methodist Church, it is a moment to reckon with past exclusions, stand against the harm inflicted on the queer and trans community, and recommit to valuing every person as a beloved child of God.

As we live out the Social Principles, United Methodists call on “churches, governments, businesses, and civic organizations to do all in their power to combat such unjust treatment and to promote equal rights and protections for all.” 

As we honor the lives lost, we must also envision and work toward a future where such remembrance is no longer necessary—a world that fully embraces every person’s inherent dignity and divine worth.

Join us in welcoming Rev. Douglas E. Williams, a missionary with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, to The Land UMC. Serving in Argentina for nine years, Rev. Williams coordinates lay-pastor teams in northern districts and assists with hosting Volunteer in Mission teams. His ministry encompasses work with indigenous communities, addressing food insecurity, and reaching out to university students. With a background of 25 years as a pastor in the U.S. and a passion for innovative ministries, Rev. Williams brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to building international bridges of relationship. Don't miss this opportunity to hear his inspiring stories of faith in action and learn how God is working through him in Argentina.

Experience the power of "Native Voices," a transformative worship service that invites you to see the Creator through a fresh lens. Join us as we welcome Lynne Holman, director of the Denver Indian Festival, who will shed light on crucial issues affecting Native communities, including the heartbreaking crisis of missing children. Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of Native American spirituality, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary faith. This unique event promises to expand your understanding of God's diverse creation and inspire a deeper connection to our shared humanity.

Esther 4:14 NRSVUE
This week, Pastor Lauretta will primarily examine the Marice Ogden poem "The Hangman." It is scary and, thus, absolutely perfect for Halloween. This week's message will contain a Halloween theme that is more frightening than any ghost story could ever be. 

You are welcome to bring your furry friends and/or a photo of them to worship this Saturday for a blessing of the pets. We will honor their very real and positive impact on our lives while also remembering and thanking those who have already passed over the rainbow bridge. Animal-friendly communion will be served during the service, as they, too, are welcome at the table. We look forward to hearing all the joyful noises of furry friends this weekend!

[          ] Matters Series: Week 5
"We Matter?"
James 5:13-20
This week, we finish our 5-week series through select passages from the Book of James as we explore just how expansively and infinitely everyone, everything, our words, and our actions, matter to God. 

[          ] Matters Series: Week 4
"Wisdom Matter?"
James 3:13-4:3
This week, we continue our 5-week series through select passages from the Book of James as we explore just how expansively and infinitely everyone, everything, our words, and our actions, matter to God. 

[          ] Matters Series: Week 3
"Words, Still Matter?"
James 3:1-12
This week, we continue our 5-week series through select passages from the Book of James as we explore just how expansively and infinitely everyone, everything, our words, and our actions, matter to God. 

[          ] Matters Series: Week 2
"Neighbors Matter?"
James 2:1-10
This week, we continue our 5-week series through select passages from the Book of James as we explore just how expansively and infinitely everyone, everything, our words, and our actions, matter to God. 

[          ] Matters Series: Week 1
"Words Matter?"
James 1:17-27
This week, we begin a 5-week series through select passages from the Book of James as we explore just how expansively and infinitely everyone, everything, our words, and our actions, matter to God. 

Ephesians Series: Week 7
"So, Who are We Fighting?"
Ephesians 6:10-20
This week, we conclude our 7-week series on the Book of Ephesians as we explore how we see God and ourselves and, more importantly, how God sees us.

This week, we find Ephesians intentionally speaking to the reality that we are not fighting people but instead systems. In a season of division, it's not about the costume; it's about the battle.

“Behaving as God’s Children”

Ephesians 5:15-21

This week, we continue our 7-week series on the Book of Ephesians as we explore how we see God and ourselves and, more importantly, how God sees us.

This week we find Ephesians intentionally speaking to how we are called to behave in this world. But it's just as much about how we behave as about why we choose to behave the way we do. And thats why we can be rooted in the reality that we are called to behave a certain way as children of God. 

"Life as a Teachable Moment"
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
This week, we continue our seven-week series on the Book of Ephesians as we explore how we see God and ourselves and, more importantly, how God sees us.

As we continue our journey through the letter written to the early church in Ephesus, we can begin to ask some critical questions about this text. What had the writer of Ephesians observed of the early church developing there that led them to offer a reminder to put away their falsehoods, to only speak the truth? Further, what is the writer of Ephesians inviting us to do when we are asked to let no evil talk come out of our mouths, to only speak with the intent to build others up? What lessons can we bring to our present context from this wisdom gifted to the Ephesian church? Perhaps, in this divisive political and social climate we find ourselves in here in the United States, we can hear an alternative yet more difficult path in which we can imitate the only capital T truth: Jesus Christ, who showed us how to imitate his acts of love demonstrated through his life, death, and resurrection.

Ephesians Series: Week 3

"Rooted and Grounded"

Ephesians 3:14-21

This week's passage from Ephesians is a prayer for believers in Jesus to find encouragement that some of us learned to pray while growing up and that some of us turn to in trying times. How might it encourage us to deepen our faith and find hope today? Eric will creatively explore this prayer, its imagery, and what we might glean from it today.

The Land is excited to announce that we will host Bloomington, IL's Wesley UMC Surge Youth Group and Choir for a free-will donation, family-friendly, one-hour concert. This youth group is part of the reconciling ministries network, and alongside Jubilation Youth Choir and Celebration Ringers, it takes an annual Mission Trip and Choir Tour, where it presents the good news and love of Christ to various places across the country. It sings a variety of contemporary Christian and sacred music. Spread the word and join us for this special occasion, as we are the only opportunity in the Denver area to hear this talented and devoted group of young musicians.

Be sure to bring your own chairs and/or blankets to sit on, as we hope to run out of chairs for the concert.

Ephesians Series: Week 2

"The Miracle of Being Included"

Ephesians 2:11-22

This week, we continue our seven-week series on the Book of Ephesians as we continue to explore how we see God and ourselves and, more importantly, how God sees us.

Early Christians, not conforming to the expectations around them, were often treated with suspicion or hostility. For different reasons, the same has often been true of many LGBTQ+ people in our churches - no matter what faith or gifts they bring, they can be treated as outsiders. While we celebrate the UMC becoming more openly welcoming to LGBTQ+ people, there are deeper questions than simple inclusion. What can we learn from the wisdom and lives of “queer” Christians, and how can this help to transform the church? On the Saturday of Denver’s Pride weekend, Eric - an aspiring ally who has learned from many LGBTQ+ people of faith - will share gratitude for some of these teachers and reflect on what we can continue to learn from them.