An invitation to worship...
Preparing Our Hearts for Worship
September 25, 2026
Good Afternoon, Friends!
(Pastor Joel here) This Sunday our Gospel reading, Matthew 21:23-32, begins with a confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders of the Temple. If it were an old Western movie I would imagine the epic close-up shots with dramatic light and shadow across their faces!
Have you ever been in a confrontational situation that makes the hair on the back of your next stand on end? You can feel the adrenaline rush, hear your heart pounding in your temple, as your palms sweat. Do you think that's how Jesus felt, or did he see the situation in a completely different light?
If you’d like a preview of Sunday morning, I invite you to read Psalm 25 and Philippians 2:1-13 and reflect on them as you prepare for worship.
We will also be welcoming Olivet Nazarene University's Proclamation Gospel Choir to worship with us. I am grateful that they will be sharing their gifts with our congregation, and I expect it will be a wonderful morning together.
As we gather for worship on Sunday morning, would you come with the intention of welcoming someone new? Would you come with the expectation that you will hear from your Lord? Would you come to worship Jesus?
Pastor Joel Heald
Student Ministries
Good Afternoon, Friends!
(Pastor Joel here) This Sunday our Gospel reading, Matthew 21:23-32, begins with a confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders of the Temple. If it were an old Western movie I would imagine the epic close-up shots with dramatic light and shadow across their faces!
Have you ever been in a confrontational situation that makes the hair on the back of your next stand on end? You can feel the adrenaline rush, hear your heart pounding in your temple, as your palms sweat. Do you think that's how Jesus felt, or did he see the situation in a completely different light?
If you’d like a preview of Sunday morning, I invite you to read Psalm 25 and Philippians 2:1-13 and reflect on them as you prepare for worship.
We will also be welcoming Olivet Nazarene University's Proclamation Gospel Choir to worship with us. I am grateful that they will be sharing their gifts with our congregation, and I expect it will be a wonderful morning together.
As we gather for worship on Sunday morning, would you come with the intention of welcoming someone new? Would you come with the expectation that you will hear from your Lord? Would you come to worship Jesus?
Pastor Joel Heald
Student Ministries