While winter in Iowa is white and cold, the season after Epiphany is green with growth. We, the church, get to grow in our life with Jesus, Son of God, Savior of the world and all its people.

This Epiphany season gathers us on the mountain with Jesus, to listen and learn from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of teachings on following Jesus and serving others. In Matthew, it’s three chapters long–5, 6, and 7. But in worship, we’ll hear from chapter 5 only. These are familiar teachings, including the Beatitudes, salt and light, anger, and loving enemies.

So in these weeks, we encourage each other:

Listen, Learn, Follow, Serve…

This is time when Jesus gives insight into big questions, like,

Who are we, and what are we made for?
What does faith in Jesus look like?
What is a good life?
What is salvation?

Those with ears to hear, hearts to learn, feet to follow, and hands to serve will certainly be surprised.