This is the sermon from our 7/26/26 service. We recognize that we need trusted people in our lives to call us out when we need correction. Today’s key Scripture verses are: “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:15-16); “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (Proverbs 27:5-6); And passages from 2 Samuel 12:1-7 and Acts 9:26-28.

We all want to be known. We all want people we can count on. We all want relationships that make us stronger. In today's culture it's easy to be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone. It's possible to attend church every week and never really feel like you belong. But that's not the life God designed for us. Church was never meant to be a place where we simply attend. It was meant to be a place where we belong. Where grace is real. Where truth is spoken. Where people encourage one another, pray for one another, and help one another become more like Jesus. Join us for our series, Community Is Where We Grow, as we discover how God uses relationships to shape our faith, strengthen our lives, and transform us into the people He's called us to be.

This year, our focus is on building Stretchy Faith—a kind of faith that moves us beyond what’s comfortable and grows us in the areas that matter most.