Tension and Rhythm

Tension. Just the word itself evokes the physical reaction of our muscles tensing. We avoid tense situations and try not to be too uptight. It would be nice to live by some simple principles that would allow us to live tension-free lives. But Jesus tends to challenge an oversimplified view of the world. He announces the arrival of his Kingdom on Earth but then enters on a donkey and dies on a cross. He teaches the disciples not to be “of the world” but says he does not ask for them to be taken “out” of it. He commands us to be perfect, like our heavenly father, and then turns around and says no one is good but God. Following Jesus seems to involve a lot of paradox, but if we are able to hold his teachings in tension, we can find a new path, what we call in the Vineyard, “the radical middle”.

Tell Your Story

Join us for our fall sermon series: Tell Your Story where we will get to hear from members of our church and community about what God has done and is doing in their lives.

There are things that we know in our heads– things that we understand logically and theoretically; and then there are things that we know in our hearts, that move past the cerebral and change the way we understand the world and ourselves on deeper level. Everyone has a unique story made up of their own unique struggles and triumphs. We all have revelations from God that help us move from our heads to our hearts, that we are now uniquely qualified to speak about. There is power in speaking life and encouragement into one another through our stories. Despite living different lives, when we come together and share our stories we will quickly find that we aren’t alone, that we often have similar fears and struggles and that we can learn from each other’s triumphs. We are all also a part of the greatest story of all. The Bible is a compilation of many individual’s stories, knit together to form the beautiful overarching story of God’s love and desire for reconciliation with us through Jesus. You are invited to participate in God’s great story. Step out in boldness, inspire and encourage others, by telling your story. 

Annual Examen

400 years ago, Ignatius of Loyola crafted a genius way of prayer. His method, called The Daily Examen, helped a person reflect back upon their day and their life in terms of how one experienced God. It is both a challenging and comforting way to trace the movement of God in one’s life. This Great Annual Examen is based on Ignatius’ way of reflection and prayer.

So instead of making New Year Resolutions, join us for this simple journal exercise where you work through some questions to help you reflect on the past year and anticipate the next year to come. It’s called the “examen” because in this exercise we take an examination of how we’ve “done” in life—on the journey and in different aspects. In some ways, many of us will admit that this past year has “undone” us—we’ve felt spent, done or only surviving and perhaps barely surviving at that! However you reflect upon this past year, it’s our hope that you’ll have a GPS—a sort of marker that will help you discern where you are and how you are and where you want to go this next year.

Annual Examen Workbook

The Bright Valley

Join us and Vineyards around the nation for our Advent Series: The Bright Valley.

In the church, this is the season of Advent. It’s superficially understood as a time to get ready for Christmas, but in truth it’s the season for contemplating the judgment of God. Advent is the season that, when properly understood, does not flinch from the darkness that stalks us all in this world. Advent begins in the dark and moves toward the light—but the season should not move too quickly or too glibly, lest we fail to acknowledge the depth of the darkness. As our Lord Jesus tells us, unless we see the light of God clearly, what we call light is actually darkness: “how great is that darkness!” (Matt. 6:23). Advent bids us take a fearless inventory of the darkness: the darkness without and the darkness within.

― Fleming Rutledge, Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ

If we look carefully at the liturgies surrounding Advent, and at the way that the church globally has observed Advent, we’ll find that Advent is more about lament. Lament that the Lord once came and that He left. And so Advent perhaps is more a valley than a merry and bright high place.
If it’s a valley, then that means that Advent is about light coming into dark places. Advent is fundamentally about hope, peace, joy, and love breaking in. It is the bright light in the Valley.

Decorate the Church

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” or at least it will soon with your help!

Stay after the service on November 26th to help decorate our church for Christmas. We need both creative minds to decorate, and strong hands to brings down supplies from the attic. Free lunch for those that can stick around to help.

Thanksgiving Potluck

Join us November 19th after the service for a Thanksgiving Feast!

If you are able to bring a dish to share, please sign up in the lobby so that we can insure our main dishes are covered.

If you are unable to bring a dish, no worries! We always have plenty and would rather have you come empty handed instead of not at all.

Fall Festival

Join us November 5th at 1:00PM for our Fall Festival!

We will have games, crafts, activities, and live music.

Please RSVP below so that we have enough supplies for everyone.

 

Worship Song Writing Workshop

Let’s get creative together!

Join us for a night of song writing, lead by David Boyd.

Free dinner provided- RSVP below.

 

Everything My Parents Never Told Me About Money

A Nonjudgmental Personal Finance Course.

Join us November 4th from 5-9PM at Loveland Vineyard Church.

Holidays are coming up quickly and with it can come stress and anxiety about finances. We want to provide a space to talk about personal finances with zero judgment. We will go over some basics and create space for whatever questions you have.

Free dinner with the course.

 

Abide Day Retreat

Join us Saturday, October 28th for a contemplative day of rest near Horsetooth Reservoir.

Jesus regularly took time to step away and spend time with the Father. We are going to follow His example by setting aside a Saturday for a contemplative sabbath centered around drawing near to God and simply abiding in His presence. We will have a couple contemplative exercises and spiritual practices for you to try. 

Bring a bible, notebook, and sack lunch.

Please RSVP below so we know how many people to expect. We’ll send you more details via email before the event.

Food Pantry Restock and Lunch

Looking for opportunities to volunteer? Join us Tuesday, October 3rd at 10:00AM for our food pantry restock and lunch!

We need help packing the boxes that we distribute through our food pantry. This is such a great, tangible way to support our free community resource and love our city.