This past Sunday, we worked through Hannah’s song (or prayer) in 1 Samuel 2:1–11. And in doing so we began to unpack the nature of worship - specifically the fact that all of us are created as worshipers. At the outset of the sermon, I referenced one (of what I think) is the most helpful books I’ve read on the nature of spiritual formation (i.e. discipleship) entitled You Are What You Love.

Last October, our family took our first trip to Cape Breton.  What an amazing time to be on the Island with the vast array of fall colours and the breathtaking scenery of the coastal drive.  Many a friend prepped us with long lists of things to do, see, and eat.  And one of those was a visit to Inverness beach.

This Sunday we begin a new series in 1 Samuel entitled - A Search for a King.  Full disclosure…I have been studying and sitting in 1 Samuel for the past year.  So selfishly I wanted to unpack this passage together as a church.  It is so rich with revelation about who God is and how he patiently labours alongside us in the midst of our sin.  The book is immensely practical and deeply convincing.  But in the end it leads us continually to the cross and the gracious redemptive work of our loving God who pursues us even when we run from him.

This past Sunday we spent some time in our worship gathering praying for one of our partner churches.  And yes…they are also named Port City. Port City Church in Norfolk, VA just launched on Sunday, January 21st and like our church they are located in a strategic port city (a little further south and on the east coast of the United States).  Our churches are sister churches as we are both a part of the Mercy Hill family of churches so it is a joy to come alongside them during this exciting season to lift them up in prayer.

This past Sunday, we spent some time looking at Romans 8:28-29 where Paul says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” [italics added]