A Dream Powering Generosity: Unlimited Acceptance & The Problem with Boundaries (Acts 10)

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The story of Peter and the Roman Centurion Cornelius (Acts 10) proves that God shows no partiality. This sermon explores Peter’s radical transformation: a man who gave up generations of religious tradition to enter the home of his enemy, the Roman Centurion Cornelius. Peter’s newfound generous spirit became the foundation of our faith, demonstrating that generosity is the opposite of enmity. When we are open to God’s Spirit, there are no limits to where God can lead us.

Generosity in the Midst of Survival: The Story of Ruth and Naomi | Shawnee Community Christian Church

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The story of Naomi and Ruth begins with desperation and bitterness but ends with an ancestor of Jesus—a hope that was unimaginable when they set out on the road. This transformation was made possible by Generosity in the Midst of Survival, epitomized by Ruth’s famous declaration of commitment.

Pastor Tabatha reminds us that true generosity, whether of time, talent, or treasure, is not manipulated or forced; it’s freely offered, humbly accepted, and responsibly used. It’s an invitation to be part of a bigger story—one where we trust that God provides enough, which in turn allows us to curb commercialism and share with others. Just as Ruth and Naomi were welcomed, embraced, and accepted into a community that allowed them to thrive, our annual stewardship drive is an invitation for you to invest in our mission of acceptance and sharing God’s love with anyone who needs it in the Shawnee area.

The Way of the Innkeeper: Church as an Inn of Mercy | Shawnee Community Christian Church

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The parable of the Good Samaritan is a story we all know, but what about the Innkeeper? Pastor Tabatha shifts our focus to the quiet, essential character who made the victim’s healing possible.

Following the wisdom of St. Augustine, who saw the Inn as an allegory for the church, we understand that the church is meant to be a place of sanctuary and safety—a nesting and resting place for God’s love and justice. This is The Way of the Innkeeper—being willing to take a small risk to meet the needs of our neighbors in practical ways. Our physical space is a resource for mercy, a space where all are actually welcome. The ultimate goal is not just to build sanctuaries, but to be continuously prepared to demonstrate mercy by turning outward and searching the road for those in need of our generosity. We are invited to breathe together, find comfort, and extend that welcome and healing to all we meet.

 

The Mustard Seed Economy: Small Faithful Actions Create Hope | Shawnee Community Christian Church

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How can a community—or a church—turn decline into hope? Pastor Tabatha introduces the concept of small faithful actions using the story of Marion, Ohio, a town that replaced signs saying, “Heroin is Marion’s economy” with signs declaring, “Hope is Marion’s economy.” The lesson for the church is clear: Nobody is coming to save us, but we don’t need saving! We are a vibrant, healthy, loving faith community that can still live out its mission here and now. Just as Jesus taught that the Kingdom of Heaven is like the smallest of seeds, we find that sustainable growth comes from humility and curiosity, not big, flashy, outside projects.

We are invited to follow four simple steps:

  1. Humbly observe what’s not working.
  2. Ask what’s the smallest change to address it.
  3. Do that thing now.
  4. Repeat.

Hope is not passive, and neither is our faith. We believe in the power of God to multiply our small faithful actions into something great and lasting. We invite our neighbors to experience and share God’s love by trusting that God is ready to do great things with small generous actions. Come be a part of the vibrant community in the Shawnee/Lenexa area where we value faith that makes a difference.

 

Telling Our Story: Communal Faith and Acceptance | Shawnee Community Christian Church

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We know the feeling of being overwhelmed and alone. This powerful sermon, “Telling Our Story,” with Pastor Tabatha, offers a vital truth: communal faith and acceptance mean you never have to navigate doubt or despair alone. Based on 1 Corinthians 11, the message shows how Jesus’ act of sharing communion was meant to be communal and counter-cultural, actively breaking down the divisions that try to separate us. We explore the powerful realization that when your own faith is running low, you absolutely can rely on the strength of our community. This message is a deep reminder that we belong together in the journey of life and faith here in the Shawnee/Lenexa area.

Our church’s story provides a strong contrast to the ancient Corinthian church—a “hot mess” that failed to practice acceptance. You will discover how our affirming church community intentionally created a new narrative of true love, acceptance, and generosity. We intentionally used past struggles to fuel growth. Watch the full sermon replay to witness the power of a faith community that asks, “Are we living into God’s dream for us?” Join us next week for our worship service and become part of a movement where you are fully seen, fully loved, and fully embraced by our communal faith.

 

10.05.25 Message

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Feeling weighed down by a cynical world? This week, Pastor Tabatha continues her series on Resilience by focusing on the power of Hope.

Using a simple story of a man who patiently started a community chess club, Tabatha shows us that everyday hope—the kind that patiently plugs along day-in and day-out—is the foundation for a resilient life. This isn’t passive wishing; it’s an active pursuit of the good, even when the world feels dark.

Drawing on Scripture (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Romans 5:3-5, 1 Peter 1:3), you’ll discover that:

  • Hope is Active: A resilient faith sees the good and actively looks for hope in our lives and the world.
  • Hope is Carried: We are a resurrection people bound by community. When you feel hopeless, your community is there to carry hope for you, whether it’s through a shared prayer or a simple gesture like doing the dishes.
  • Hope is Alive: Hope is a living hope, planted deep within you by God’s love. It is the heart of your faith, beating within you and ready to see you through any hardship.

Hope will not disappoint us, because it is nurtured by the unbreakable love of God. Watch this sermon to tap into the living hope that is already inside you!

09.28.25 Message

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Are you a world-class worrier? Do you play through a thousand worst-case scenarios before breakfast? You’re not alone! Life is stressful, and it’s easy to get caught up in an endless cycle of anxiety that leaves you emotionally and spiritually drained.

In this powerful message, speaker Tabatha dives into Jesus’ profound teachings in Matthew 6:25-34 (the famous “do not worry” passage). Using relatable, honest stories—including a hilarious-but-true tale of fretting over a husband’s cross-country motorcycle trip—Tabatha shows us how incessant worry steals our peace and joy.

This sermon offers more than just comfort; it offers practical, faith-based tools to quiet the noise and cultivate a resilient faith.

You’ll learn:

  • How worrying is a cyclical habit that wears down our mental and spiritual health.
  • Why replacing your internal worry with God’s peace is the key to spiritual growth.
  • Three simple, actionable steps you can take right now to release your anxieties to God, focus on the present, and find support.

Stop letting the “what ifs” rule your life. Tap into the peace God promises and discover a faith that can withstand any storm. Click to watch and start breathing easier today!

09.21.25 Message

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Feeling overwhelmed or unprepared for what life throws at you? In this sermon, Pastor Tabatha shares a powerful message about resilient faith, drawing from the biblical story of Joshua. Just as Joshua faced his fears while stepping into Moses’s big shoes, we too can find strength and courage in moments of doubt. This talk is for anyone who has felt like an imposter or wondered where God is in their struggles. Discover how imperfect faith can be your greatest strength and find hope in the unwavering promise that God is with you, every step of the way.

09.14.25 Message

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Betrayal hurts, especially when it comes from the people who are supposed to love us most. In this powerful message, Pastor Tabatha explores how Joseph, betrayed and sold into slavery by his own brothers, found a way to forgive. Drawing from the book of Genesis, we’ll discover how his unwavering faith gave him the strength to overcome bitterness and trauma. Learn how forgiveness isn’t about excusing someone’s actions but about choosing to live a life of peace, not resentment. This sermon offers a look at how to build a resilient faith that can withstand life’s toughest challenges and lead to true healing.

In this message, you will discover:

  • How to build a resilient faith that can endure through life’s hardships.
  • The difference between forgiveness and accepting wrong, and how to use forgiveness as an antidote to anger and bitterness.
  • Why finding peace is more important than holding on to resentment.

09.07.25 Message

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Navigating a tough week? Feeling stuck, anxious, and like you’re walking through mud? You’re not alone. In this sermon, Pastor Tabatha explores how to build resilience through faith, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Drawing on the surprising and action-packed story of Esther, Tabatha challenges the idea of “bouncing back” and instead offers a new perspective: that resilience is about moving forward with courage. She shows us how Esther’s faith—despite being unmentioned in the text—is the key to her strength.

This talk will inspire you to:

  • Pause and pray before rushing into a tough situation.
  • Embrace your community and ask for help.
  • Find peace and strength through prayer, trusting that God’s compassion and presence are always with you.

Discover how to face life’s challenges not by yourself, but with a resilient spirit grounded in faith. Watch now and find the encouragement you need to keep going.