Conflict is inevitable and can be healthy. The Path of Peacemaking is a topical series from Matthew’s gospel that provides tools and teachings on making peace, not just keeping the peace. The first two weeks help us prepare for a high-stakes conversation: start with the heart and the slippery slope. The middle four weeks go over the “four G’s” of the conversation: Glorify God, Get the Log Out, Gently Restore, and Going in Reconciliation. In the final two weeks, Pastor Scott covers what happens after the conversation: forgiveness and reconciliation.
9/10/2023 - 15th Sunday after Pentecost
A Flourishing Church: CCC Vision 2024
Jeremiah wrote a letter to God’s people exiled in Babylon instructing them to “work for the peace and prosperity of the city where they were sent.” God is still calling us to embody the gospel this way. Join us this coming Sunday to hear what God is up to in this coming year.
9/17/2023 - 16th Sunday after Pentecost
The Path of Peacemaking: Two Roads Diverged
Where do conflicts come from? From what is in our heart. Our conflicts reveal our values and priorities. Discover how identifying our conflicts can be lead to unity and growth. Commit to identifying your path.
9/24/2023 - 17th Sunday after Pentecost
The Path of Peacemaking: The High Road
Silence and violence are the two ditches on opposite sides of the path of peacemaking. Learn about how to take the high road of healthy conflict resolution and commit to being changed by God through the conflict.
10/01/2023 - 18th Sunday after Pentecost
The Path of Peacemaking: The Map
Asking, “What do I really want?” when you’re in a conflict is an important place to begin. But, what’s next? How can you open up a difficult conversation? Jesus often opened conversations by asking questions and listening. This Sunday, discover Matthew’s story about how Jesus handled a difficult conversation.
10/08/2023 - 19th Sunday after Pentecost
The Path of Peacemaking: You Are Here
Once you choose your topic, admitting your own role in the conflict helps to create a safe place. Jesus shared a great parable to illustrate his point in Matthew 7:1-5. Take the next step on the path of peace this Sunday. The challenge will be to confess and repent for the "log in your own eye."
10/15/2023 - 20th Sunday after Pentecost
The Path of Peacemaking: Obstacles
Glorify God, Get the log out, then Gently Restore. Don't skip out on confronting the thing that needs talked about. While this may be the most difficult part of making peace, it is an essential component. Jesus said what needed to be said so that we have a chance to change our minds. What needs to be said in your conflicts? The challenge this week is to have integrity in your love and mercy so that you can work on restoration wholeheartedly.
10/22/2023 - 21st Sunday after Pentecost
The Path of Peacemaking: Travel Plans
The final G of the four G's is to "Go and be reconciled." That requires making travel plans. Jesus equips his followers to live at peace with hostile authorities. Check out how Matthew (22:15-22) tells Jesus' practical illustration and gives us hints into how we can not only make peace, but live in peace with God and others. Will you give what has the image of God (ourselves) back to what belongs to God.
10/29/2023 - 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
The Path of Peacemaking: Know Before You Go
While conflicts are inevitable, some conflicts can be avoided through good communication and preparation. Matthew (22:34-46) records Jesus' proactive message in a simple sentence. Learn the skill of community temperature reading as you follow Jesus. This week, implement a peacemaking plan.
