Christ City Church, Washington DC

Palm Sunday Mar 31, 2021

Pastor Matthew Watson’s Palm Sunday message explores how Jesus entered Jerusalem in protest, reacted in anger to exploitation in the Temple, and then rested. [Matthew 21:1-17]

Prayer: The Bread We Need Now Mar 22, 2021

Guest preacher Aaron Dorsey looks at the story of Moses and the Israelites wandering in the desert in Exodus, reminding us that it is not selfish to pray for our own needs. “Part of God’s nature is to notice, to attend to people and their suffering. It is not something we need to coerce God into. God already attends to us.” [Exodus 15:22-16:8]

Aaron Dorsey is studying as a PhD student in Hebrew Bible at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. His areas of interest include post/decolonial theory, hybridity, and trauma. He is also a musician and avid hobbyist.

Prayer: Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done Mar 16, 2021

Pastor Matthew Watson preaches about the “already and not yet” of God’s Kingdom, and how we can continue to pray for God’s Kingdom to come and God’s will to be done in the midst of this reality. [Matthew 6:9-13, 13:31-35]

Prayer: May Your Name Be Honored Mar 08, 2021

Pastor Andrea Ackermann unpacks the second phrase of the Lord’s prayer. [Exodus 3:13-15, Ezekiel 36:22-23]

Prayer: Our Father in Heaven Mar 01, 2021

Before anything else, the Lord’s Prayer establishes a relationship. It begins with being about God, before it’s about us; it starts with recognizing who God is: our Father in heaven. Pastor Justin Fung examines the opening phrase in the Lord’s prayer. [Matthew 6:9; Genesis 3:1-9]

Learning to Pray: Praying Like Jesus Prayed Feb 23, 2021

Pastor Matthew Watson introduces our new sermon series on the Lords’ Prayer. [Matthew 6:5-15]

Ash Wednesday 2021 Feb 19, 2021

This Ash Wednesday, we gathered virtually to worship and confess together. Elder Ife Johnson shared a spoken word poem, and Pastor Justin Fung brought a homily from Joel 2.

Missional Presence Feb 17, 2021

God is a sending God and we are a sent people. Pastor Matthew Watson preaches on the value of missional presence and our role in bearing the good news that God is at work today. [John 20:19-23]

Sexual Wholeness for a Culture That Splits Bodies from Souls Feb 09, 2021

Our bodies matter, and what we do with them matters. Pastor Justin Fung preaches on sex and sexuality in our fifth week of The Deeply Formed Life series. [1 Corinthians 6:13-20]

Update — an apology from Pastor Justin:

On Sunday, in talking about the theme of sexual wholeness, I shared some of my own history, including how I became addicted to pornography. In the course of telling the story of how I was first exposed to porn, I recounted when I had first been exposed to pictures of naked women — when some friends bought pornographic material from a store (at the time, porn was not as easily accessible online as it is now) — and described it as “a dirty magazine.”

Later in the week, I received feedback from a couple folks that that phrase elicited feelings of confusion — and even hurt — about what I was saying: what was ‘dirty’ about the magazine? Was it the sight of women’s bodies? Was it the sight of naked women’s bodies? That feedback caused me to stop and think, because “dirty magazine” is, I think, a pretty stock phrase for most men I know to refer to pornographic hardcopy material. And I certainly hadn’t meant it to imply that women or women’s bodies were unclean. In fact, I hadn’t even given a second thought to that phrase.

Which is the point. One of the practices we named to help us seek wholeness was to identify sexually de-forming messages and narratives. That includes unpacking the baggage we have picked up and the language we have learned, which may be as familiar to us as the air we breathe. But that doesn’t make it right or good.

Wiktionary tells me “dirty magazine” came to refer to material considered “morally unclean,” but I wonder if instead it might describe the act of the consumer, to paraphrase German theologian Martin Buber, treating another person as an “It” rather than a “Thou,” an object rather than a person.

Nevertheless, I should have been more thoughtful and less casual in my use of a slang phrase so I apologize for that. Thanks to those who gently and lovingly provided that feedback.

Interior Examination Feb 04, 2021

“Lord, show me, me.” Pastor Matthew Watson encourages us to engage in interior examination so we can live the life God intends for us. [Psalm 139]

Racial Reconciliation Jan 26, 2021

Guest preacher Bryan Franklin challenges us to seek answers to the questions, “Who am I?” and “Who is God?” as a foundation for our pursuit of racial justice and reconciliation.

Bryan Franklin is a Christian, husband, and, as of 10 weeks ago, a father. Bryan originally grew up just outside of Denver, Co. He is Biracial and identifies as both black and white. Bryan has a deep belief that Jesus Christ is our only hope for reconciliation and justice and that the church in its witness to Christ is in a place to demonstrate that hope, but only if we are willing to take a hard look at our theology and practices, and lament, confess, and repent of white supremacy. He currently serves as a Minister at The District Church and is pursuing a Master’s degree at Wesley Theological Seminary. Bryan is happily married to Candace Maloney Franklin, whom he credits for keeping him sane, reminding him of what’s important in life, and showing him what love truly is.

Contemplative Rhythms Jan 20, 2021

Pastor Andrea Ackermann examines how Jesus sought solitude and stillness with God, and she challenges us to set up contemplative rhythms in our own lives. The work is God’s and God’s work is not defined by our limitations; God is at work in our work and in our rest. [Mark 1:29-35]

The Deeply Formed Life: Introduction Jan 12, 2021

Pastor Matthew Watson brings a pastoral word after the past week’s events in DC, inviting us to recognize idolatry, repent, and remember the character of God in Psalm 147, reminding us that there is a rhythm to trusting Jesus. [Psalm 147:1-7]

The Lord Your God is With You Jan 05, 2021

Pastor Justin Fung begins the new year by preaching from Joshua 1:1-9. You may have heard that “Fear not” or “Do not be afraid” is the most repeated refrain throughout Scripture, because we are most often tempted to do just that—to be afraid, to fear, to forget that our lives and our faith and our world are in the hands of God, who made the heavens and the earth, who is greater than anything we might fear. As we begin 2021, let us be strong and courageous; let us stand firm in resolve and determination; let us press on. (Joshua 1:1-9)

Christmas Eve 2020 Dec 29, 2020

Pastor Matthew Watson concludes our Advent “Light in the Darkness” series with this Christmas Eve homily. [Isaiah 9:1-7]

Light in the Darkness: Love Dec 22, 2020

On our last Sunday service of 2020, Pastor Andrea Ackermann takes her cue from the angels in the Christmas story. At the end of such a difficult year, it feels right to proclaim the truth that we are loved. God came to us in the person of Jesus. And by recognizing God’s love in Jesus, we recognize God’s love for us. No matter what this year has been like, no matter what has happened, no matter the level of uncertainty we’re feeling about starting a new year soon, we can proclaim we are loved. [Luke 2:8-14, 1 John 4:9, Romans 8:38-39]

Light in the Darkness: Joy Dec 15, 2020

It’s been an especially difficult year, and fear has played a huge role in that. On the third Sunday of Advent, Pastor Lisa Rodriguez-Watson reminds us that God matches our fears with his presence and power, and this brings us joy. [Luke 2:8-20]

Light in the Darkness: Peace Dec 08, 2020

Jesus not only brings peace—as the angel chorus sang to the shepherds, “Peace on earth, goodwill to all!” Jesus is our peace. Pastor Justin Fung takes a look at how Christ is our peace in three areas of life: peace with God, peace with others, and peace with ourselves. [Ephesians 2:14-17]

Light in the Darkness: Hope Nov 30, 2020

Pastor Matthew Watson begins our Advent 2020 series with a reminder that Advent Hope centered on Jesus is what actually allows us and frees us to see the light in the darkness. [Isaiah 9:1-7]

Blessed are Those Who are Persecuted Nov 23, 2020

In the final sermon of our series on the beatitudes, Pastor Lisa Rodriguez Watson preaches on the tough and timely last beatitude. She answers these questions: What is persecution? What are Jesus’ teachings about how we should treat people who persecute us? Why would Jesus ask us to do such hard things? [Matthew 5:1-12]

Blessed Are the Peacemakers Nov 15, 2020

Guest preacher Pastora Inés Valasquez-McBryde challenges us to real peacemaking in the Spirit, becoming peacemakers and not peacekeepers, as part of both our spiritual practices and our spiritual identity as children of God. [Matthew 5:1-12]

Inés Velasquez-McBryde is a pastor, preacher, reconciler and speaker. She is currently a chaplain at Fuller Theological Seminary. She is co-lead pastor of The Church We Hope For, planting a multiethnic church with her co-pastor, Bobby Harrison, in southern California. She is originally from Nicaragua. Inés earned her MDiv at Fuller Seminary and has 19 years of combined ministry experience in church-planting and pastoral staff leadership in multi-ethnic churches. She has spoken in local church pulpits across the nation, as well as at national and regional conferences sharing her passion for multiethnic church planting, racial reconciliation, justice, and the full inclusion of women in pastoral leadership. Inés has been married to Rob for 15 years and loves being a soccer mom to their son, Nash.

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart Nov 09, 2020

Pastor Matthew Watson preaches on the sixth Beatitude – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” He reminds us that Jesus is continually focusing on matters of the heart. What one does is incredibly important. And yet, time and again, Jesus exposes that the motives behind the actions are equally important to explore. Purity of heart, in the Biblical, Beatitudes-sense of the word and meaning involves integrity – a connection between outward action and inward thought. Jesus is warning against a duplicitous way of living and inviting us towards a life that is consistent in thought, word, and deed. [Matthew 5:1-12]

Blessed Are the Merciful Nov 02, 2020

Guest preacher Reverend Tonetta Landis-Aina explores what it means to be merciful even while we pursue justice, and challenges us to follow the difficult path of mercy with hope. [Matthew 5:7]

Rev. Tonetta Landis-Aina is the pastor of Resurrection City, a new interdenominational, affirming church in DC. A native of North Carolina, Tonetta moved to Washington, DC in 2004. She holds a Masters of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary and is passionate about marginalized people finding their stories in scripture as well as about the new shapes the church will take in the 21st century.

Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness Oct 26, 2020

Reverend Brandon Wrencher brings us a word on what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness on both a personal level and for the world. God does not offer us a “half-full justice.” Rather, God abundantly provides enough justice for it all. [Matthew 5:6]

Brandon Wrencher is a minister, organizer, writer, and trainer, working across the US within faith, education, and non-profit sectors at the intersections of decolonizing church, contemplative activism, and local presence to build beloved communities. As a serial innovator and church planter, Brandon’s latest venture is starting The Good Neighbor Movement (GNM) with a team of friends and neighbors. GNM is a multiracial, queer-affirming, Black-led creative spiritual community that is a network of spiritually-rooted activist groups based in Greensboro, NC.

Rooted in his formation in the Black Church, Brandon’s visionary leadership has spanned rural, small town, and urban communities in North Carolina and Chicago. Brandon is a teaching faculty with Neighborhood Seminary, coach with V3 Church Planting Movement, and facilitator with Faith Matters Network. Brandon is part of the Liberating Church Project, a research collaborative decolonizing new and established expressions of church, and that has a forthcoming book entitled “Liberating Church: A 21st Century Hush Harbor Manifesto” (self-published). Brandon is married to Erica, a cultural and social justice educator; and they have two sons.

Blessed Are the Meek Oct 19, 2020

Pastor Andrea Ackermann takes a look at the third Beatitude – “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” In our current order of things, especially in the U.S., we do not revere the meek. We tend to understand meekness as weakness, or lack of will, or a doormat. For us, the meek do not inherit anything because they don’t deserve it. Yet in the reality of God’s kingdom, the meek are already promised an inheritance. [Matthew 5:1-12]

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn Oct 11, 2020

The Beatitudes is where Jesus describes the lives of those in His Kingdom, and extends an invitation to join this Kingdom. If you have felt the sting of the world – if you’ve been last, been left out, been denied, been grieved, been the victim of violence of any kind or all kinds – this Kingdom is for you! It is especially for you. Jesus in his body, in his life, in his death and in his resurrection created this Kingdom for you. In a year that has felt like one long mourning, Pastor Watson looks at the second Beatitude, and how Jesus is our comfort in the midst of loss and grief. [Matthew 5:4]

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit Oct 05, 2020

In the midst of everything going on in the world today, we are still called to be citizens of God’s kingdom, marked by the character of Christ as revealed in the Beatitudes. Pastor Justin kicks off our fall series exploring Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount by calling us to consider both the comfort and challenge of the Beatitudes, and examining the way God shows a particular care for the poor and poor in spirit. [Matthew 5:3, 13-16]

Love Your Neighbor Sep 28, 2020

As we close out our Telos series, Pastor Matthew Watson talks about what it means for us to love our neighbors, for that is the invitation—and command—of Jesus. [Mark 12:28-34]

Love One Another Sep 20, 2020

Assistant Pastor Andrea Ackermann takes a look at our calling to be church and what it means to love one another. We can see in Jesus’ words and example that loving one another is not just the charge to care for one another, but loving one another is the foundation of our discipleship and our witness to the world. [John 13]

Love God Sep 14, 2020

When Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment, he responds, “Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength.” Pastor Watson explains that loving God “with all” is the challenging part. It’s not about working harder, it’s about surrendering and saying “yes” to God. [Mark 12:28-31]

Where We’re Going and How We’ll Get There Sep 07, 2020

On any journey, it is helpful to regularly check your bearings, to make sure you’re still heading in the right direction, and to course correct where needed. Our mission and vision since the beginning has been to join Christ “in his work of redemption in Washington, DC, and the world … to see the Kingdom of God on display in DC, in every life and every sphere of life.” As we approach six months of life in the age of COVID-19, Pastor Justin Fung helps us take time to recalibrate as a church, to remember what we’re called to, and to consider how to get from here to there. [Jeremiah 29]

But I Trust Aug 31, 2020

In the midst of all that has happened and is happening—a global pandemic, another police shooting of a Black man, civil unrest, white supremacy, as well as financial hardships and health issues—it can be hard to read the exhortation of Psalm 150 to praise the Lord. Pastor Lisa Watson talks about what Psalm 150 has to teach us about worship. (Psalm 150)

Gratitude in the Desert Aug 23, 2020

As we continue our Strength for the Journey series, considering how we can persevere on the road of faith and justice, Pastor Matthew Watson reminds us that it is through remembering and being reminded of what God has already done that we may see what God is doing now. [Psalm 136]

Contentment on the journey Aug 16, 2020

How do we understand the ways the Bible talks about contentment in God, in the midst of a world that isn’t how it should be? Pastor Andrea Ackermann preaches on Psalm 131, a pilgrim song that reminds us who we are and where we’re going. We are challenged to find rest and satisfaction in God’s presence, as a child with its mother. [Psalm 131]

Waiting on God’s justice Aug 10, 2020

How do we not grow weary in well-doing when God’s vision for our world can seem so far off? How do we not become discouraged when what we wait for, what we yearn for, what we hope for is so long in coming? Pastor Justin Fung turns to Psalm 130 to find sustenance and the source of both rest and resilience for life and faith in these challenging times—and particularly for the work of justice and compassion. [Psalm 130]

God’s refuge in the midst of struggle Aug 03, 2020

As a city, a nation, and a church we find ourselves in a unique moment in history. With a raging pandemic, the ongoing uprising for racial justice, political and financial uncertainty all around, it can be hard to remember that God is still sovereign, is with us in the struggles for justice, and His Kingdom is unshakable. In this series, we will explore five Psalms that serve as needed reminders and necessary invitations to rest in the Lord while continuing the fight of faith. [Psalm 46]

My Most Important Question 2020, Pt 2 Jul 27, 2020

Too often churches ask us to check our doubts at the door, to leave our most important questions behind. At Christ City Church, we believe that when we wrestle with our biggest questions, it actually deepens our faith. During this series, people in our own church community share how they have wrestled through their most important question.

In week 2, we heard from Sarah (“Can listening transform perspectives?”) and Evan (“God, what good are you?”).

My Most Important Question 2020, Pt 1 Jul 20, 2020

Too often churches ask us to check our doubts at the door, to leave our most important questions behind. But the reality is that we all have deep questions we have wrestled with throughout life. At Christ City Church, we believe that when we wrestle with our biggest questions, it actually deepens our faith. One of the most beautiful lines in the Bible is in Mark 9, when the man says to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” That captures the paradox of faith—there are things we know and cling to, and there are things we don’t yet know—and may never know.

During this series, people in our own church community share how they have wrestled through their most important question. This week, we heard from Anna (“Who is God when His promise of healing doesn’t happen?”), Chuck (“Is it time to go home?”) and Ashley (“Where do I belong?”).

Happy birthday, CCC! Celebrating 7 years Jul 12, 2020

We celebrate Christ City Church turning 7 years old (including our time as a parish of The District Church), with a message from Pastor Matthew about where we’ve been, and where we’re going. Watch the full service on our YouTube channel to see video messages from former and current members and friends of CCC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTtWS_tTu78

A Church Expanding Jun 28, 2020

The Ethiopian eunuch, Lydia, a demon-possessed girl, a jailer – Pastor Watson concludes our series on The Welcoming Kingdom by showing how the Kingdom of God expands to those who were traditionally viewed as outside of traditional boundaries. [Acts 8:26-31, 34-39; Acts 16:13-16]

Loving your enemies Jun 22, 2020

We are to love our enemies because we see the imago dei – image of God – in all people. But who is our enemy, and how do we love them? Pastoral Associate Andrea Ackermann looks at Jesus’ examples of loving his enemies in the gospels, and challenges us to identify and pray for our enemies.

What to Do with Difference and Disagreement Jun 15, 2020

As humans, we are going to have differences and disagreements. Pastor Justin Fung addresses how we navigate being united in community with folks with whom we may not see eye-to-eye, even if we both call ourselves Christians, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ individuals. How do we understand oneness in Christ with people who may express their faith differently, perhaps even in ways that hurts? Is a community that embodies the welcome of God to all people even possible, and if so, what does it demand of us? [Acts 15]

Resources

Paper: “Towards a Theology of Inclusion Regarding Human Sexuality”

A Welcoming King Jun 08, 2020

Pastor Watson introduces our new sermon series, “The Welcoming Kingdom.” For the next few weeks, we will better understand the expansive nature of God’s Kingdom, and consider how this informs how we behave as a local church. Pastor Watson looks at how Jesus, and even Old Testament prophets, embraced those historically outside the community of faith. He challenges us to follow Jesus into displaying the radical welcome and inclusion of God. [Luke 5:1-11, 5:27-32, 6:12-16]

A Spirit-Led Community May 31, 2020

This Pentecost Sunday, in the midst of protests for black lives and a pandemic, Pastor Justin Fung names the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit, and how vital the Spirit is for us today. [Acts 2]

Resources

Urban Doxology, “God Not Guns”

A Community of Humility May 25, 2020

Pastor Matthew unpacks the historically misunderstood Ephesians passages about submission to show how the gospel breaks down unjust power structures and brings freedom. [Ephesians 5:21-6:9]

A Community of Holiness May 18, 2020

Pastoral Associate Andrea Ackermann explores the church as a community of holiness. Understanding holiness begins with identity. We are God’s people, God’s church, a visible manifestation of God’s spirit and movement, and we are called to live into this identity. [Ephesians 4:17-5:20]

A Community on Mission May 11, 2020

In the third week of our Being Church series, Lisa Watson explains how to be a community on mission by answering these questions: Who gets to be a part? What do we do? and How do we do it? [Ephesians 3:1-13]

A Community of Difference & Diversity May 04, 2020

How do we, as a community, anchor ourselves in the work of Jesus in a manner that displays the reconciling, unifying, uniting love of God in the midst of our differences and diversity? We are called to live out our new humanity in Christ, in the context of the new Human Family that God has formed through Christ’s cross. Pastor Watson reflects on how we are to be the church, given the beautiful diversity that is represented within Christ City, and DC more broadly. [Ephesians 2:13-22]

Shadows & Hope Apr 26, 2020

This week we learned that a dear member of our church, Angel Scroggins, passed away. In response to this news, Pastor Watson decided to take a break from our Being Church series and pause in this moment to lament – to grieve this loss, and other losses that we are experiencing during this time. This sermon gives space for us to name the death and loss that we’ve experienced, and then to name the life and hope that we see in Christ. [Psalm 42:1-7]

The Body of Christ Apr 20, 2020

Just as the disciples had to figure out how to do life together after the Resurrection, so too we wanted to revisit the idea of who we are in light of the Resurrection. Pastor Justin kicks off our new series “Being Church: Becoming a Called Community” by exploring what it means to be the body of Christ. We belong to Christ, and when functioning properly, we work together as a unit to do what Christ wants us to do. [Ephesians 1]

The Small Story of Easter Apr 13, 2020

He is risen! He is risen indeed. This Easter Sunday, Pastor Matthew Watson explores the story of Simon of Cyrene, who was forced to carry Jesus’ cross on the way to Golgotha. We are reminded that we don’t have to carry our crosses alone. [Mark 15:21-24, Matthew 28:1-10]

Jesus is King Apr 06, 2020

On Palm Sunday, we celebrate and remember that Jesus is King. Pastor Justin Fung helps us explore what that means for us in these times of chaos, anxiety, and turmoil. [Luke 19:37-42, 45-46]

Resources

Wholeheartedness: Busyness, Exhaustion, and the Divided Life, by Chuck DeGroat
Two-minute prayer (courtesy of Fuller FORMATION)

For 21 consecutive days, practice a quick prayer with a trusted friend, significant other, family member, or someone in your small group.

Spend up to a minute each day praying for the other person for whatever they ask—what’s coming up in their calendar or a concern for themselves or for a loved one or for the world.

When both have prayed for each other, close in the Lord’s Prayer together.

What’s Next? Mar 29, 2020

As we close out our 12-week series on Learning to Live, Pastor Matthew Watson uses words from Paul’s letter to the Colossians to help us consider what’s next. [Colossians 1:9-14]

For the Sake of the World Mar 22, 2020

As we begin to round out our Learning to Live series, we look at learning to live for the sake of the world. God does not invite us only into a one-on-one relationship between God and me but into one which directly affects and impacts those around us and the world in which we live. Pastor Lisa Watson talks about what it might look like for us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. [Micah 6:8]

Church Mar 15, 2020

In our first livestreamed service, Pastor Justin talks about “Church” — unpacking the very real church hurt that most, if not all, of us have experienced — or will experience — but also the very real hope for what church should be and can be, particularly when the coronavirus has upended so much of ordinary life. [1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-12]

Resources

What we can do:

Follow public health advice from the WHO and DC Government.
Give to support the church as we care for and connect with those in need.
Serve, as you’re able, or let us know if and how we can help — email info@christcitydc.org.
Pray: for those who are sick or who have lost loved ones, those whose livelihoods and paychecks are at risk, those who are serving on the frontlines in hospitals and medical centers, those who are experiencing racism and xenophobia, those who are most vulnerable, those most deeply affected, those with the least margin.

Links:

Benediction: “Open Unto Me” by Howard Thurman

Lord, open unto me.
Open unto me — light for my darkness.
Open unto me — courage for my fear.
Open unto me — hope for my despair.
Open unto me — peace for my turmoil.
Open unto me — joy for my sorrow.
Open unto me — strength for my weakness.
Open unto me — wisdom for my confession.
Open unto me — forgiveness for my sins.
Open unto me — love for my hates.
Open unto me — thy Self for my self.
Lord, Lord, open unto me!
Amen.

The Bible Mar 09, 2020

Pastor Watson shows us the place of Scripture in Jesus’ life and asks us to consider what that means for how the Bible should be situated in our lives. He reminds us of the many ways that Jesus used Scripture to confront and comfort. [Luke 4:1-21]

Overcoming and Enduring Mar 01, 2020

How do we deal with the hard things, the darkness, the very real brokenness in our lives and in the world? Andrea Ackermann teaches us the sustaining practice of lament for helping us overcome and endure. [Psalm 13]

Prayer Feb 24, 2020

Jesus prayed all the time. But what is prayer? Prayer can take all sorts of different forms, but at its core, it’s about a relationship with God. Pastor Fung specifically looks at the prayer for God’s Kingdom to come on earth as in Heaven, and what this picture of justice would look like. [Luke 18:1-8]

Follow along with Learning to Live at learningtolive.app.

How to Live a Full Life Feb 17, 2020

In our Learning to Live series, we’re learning to live – and love – like Jesus. This week, Pastor Justin explains how this spiritual transformation can happen, and what it takes to live a full life. [1 Timothy 4:7b-10]

Who You’re Becoming Feb 10, 2020

Lisa Watson reminds us that Jesus is the clearest reflection of God, and in him, we can see what love looks like. Our growth as followers of Jesus – our ability to live as Jesus lived – hinges on our growth in love. [1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 13 and 2 Corinthians 3:18]

**God’s Story: 4-Part Gospel** Feb 02, 2020
In this week’s Learning to Live sermon, Pastor Watson reminds us that the Gospel doesn’t start with the fall and end with the cross, but starts in a garden and ends in a city and has its defining moment in an empty tomb. This narrative is still unfolding and has a place for you in its midst. [Luke 3:1-20]

Your Story Jan 27, 2020

This week, Andrea kicks off the section of Learning to Live that focuses on story – our story, God’s story, and how those intersect. Knowing our own stories enables us to know ourselves. She explores how stories both form and transform us, and reminds us that our stories are not static, but continuous. [Matthew 4:18-22, John 21:1-7, Acts 2:37-41]

An Invitation Jan 20, 2020

Pastor Watson continues the Learning to Live series with a look at how Jesus invites us to spend time with him, since it’s relationships that lead to transformation. New life starts with an invitation, a conversation, a relationship. This invitation from Jesus is extended to us so that we may then extend it to others. [John 1:35-42]

What Do You Want? Jan 13, 2020

Jesus calls us to follow him — because he knows how to live a true, full, fulfilled life — but he always meets us where we are. Pastor Justin Fung kicks off a new series — and introduces a church-wide experience: Learning to Live — by inviting us to be honest in answering a question that Jesus asked: “What do you want?” [Matthew 6:25-34]

Epiphany & Endurance: Lessons from the Magi Jan 06, 2020

Pastor Watson starts off 2020 with a look at the lessons we can learn from the Magi. As we consider the things we’ll love—and the things we’ll pursue—this year, the wise men offer wisdom on how to run, fight, and wait in order to bring glory to God. [Matthew 2:1-12]

SPIRES Plan

**An Advent Future** Dec 23, 2019
Pastor Watson wraps up our series on Anticipating Advent by looking toward a future where Christ fulfills all that he began. Our Kids City Director, Nikki Wiggins, reminds us of the best gift we ever received at Christmas. [Isaiah 61:1-6]

Image result for peaceable kingdom — **The Second Coming of Christ** Dec 15, 2019
For the third Sunday of Advent, Dana Cunliffe preaches on how Advent exists in both the past, the present, and the future. At Christmas, it’s natural for us to celebrate what happened 2,000 years ago, and also how Jesus is present with us now. But Dana highlights how important it is to remember and anticipate the future advent – the second coming of Christ. [Isaiah 40:1-11]

“Peaceable Kingdom” by Edward Hicks, via Wikimedia

Peace and Gathering Dec 09, 2019

In Isaiah 11, we find a people desperately waiting for the return of their King. Isaiah is anticipating the arrival of a King who will bring peace and gather the people. Jesus is this long-awaited King. Pastor Watson asks what it may look like now, to say yes to Jesus and the advent that we’re anticipating in our own hearts and minds. [Isaiah 11:1-9]

May You Find a Light Dec 02, 2019

Pastor Justin Fung introduces our Anticipating Advent series, which will explore the prophecies about Jesus in the book of Isaiah. As Christians, we celebrate Christmas as Jesus’ first Advent, when the kingdom broke into reality; but we look forward to his second Advent, his return, when he promises that all things will be made new. In this sermon, Pastor Justin asks, “What are you waiting for, and what sustains you in the wait?” He unpacks the vision of hope in Isaiah 9 and urges us to actively anticipate Advent this Christmas season. [Isaiah 9:2, 6-7]

“The grace and the impatience to wait” by Walter Brueggemann In our secret yearnings
we wait for your coming,
and in our grinding despair
we doubt that you will.
And in this privileged place
we are surrounded by witnesses who yearn more than do we
and by those who despair more deeply than do we.
Look upon your church and its pastors
in this season of hope
which runs so quickly to fatigue
and in this season of yearning
which becomes so easily quarrelsome.
Give us the grace and the impatience
to wait for your coming to the bottom of our toes,
to the edges of our fingertips.
We do not want our several worlds to end.
Come in your power
and come in your weakness
in any case
and make all things new.
Amen.

Ruth 4: Resilience, Risk-taking and Redemption Nov 25, 2019

In the final sermon in our series on Ruth, Pastor Lisa Rodriguez-Watson asks, “What does it mean to live faithfully forward?” We often believe the lies and labels that people give us because of our circumstances or things that have happened to us, but God wants us to see ourselves the way God sees us. Despite her background and challenges, Ruth was full of resilience and determination. She took faithful risks, leading to her redemption. As a foremother to Jesus, Ruth points the way toward him. [Ruth 4:9-17]

Ruth 3: Displays of Character and Hope Nov 19, 2019

Pastor Watson highlights how Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz exhibit fidelity, integrity, and hope – and how these qualities in the book of Ruth point us to Jesus. [Ruth 3]

Creative Response to Ruth 3 by Anna Wayne

Under His Wings

Counting the stars in the night sky and each sleeping breath he takes. She wonders what happens next? Sitting on the threshing floor in the middle of the night, what can become of this?

His face is peaceful in the light of the moon and she can see the kindness etched into the lines of his face.

Back to the silent space of waiting, the unanswered questions. God had allowed her husband to be taken from her, and yet he has still proven to be good, a God who sees everything and forgets nothing, not even her.

Each day gleaning has taught her the quiet discipline of hope in the midst of the unknown. Boaz himself had reminded her that she was under the wings of God.

But is this man willing to redeem her? He has provided barley, a field, and shown his favor for her. Is he the man she and Naomi know him to be? Steadfast, hardworking, righteous, and just?

Will his arms hold and protect her? Will she be precious in his sight or a burden to carry?

Or will he reject her, the foreigner Moabite; a widow. Will his merriment from the evening cloud his judgement, will he mistake her presence at his bedside?

Oh, to have the righteousness of a woman who walks by faith and not by sight. A woman strong enough to never doubt the providence of her God. A woman so courageous and loyal she pledged her life to the unknown.

The barley shifts and he stirs alarmed, the hour is late.

“Who are you?” He asks startled.

And without any doubt, fear or trembling, she responds,

“I am Ruth, spread your wings over me, pledge your faithfulness to me.”

Boaz is eager to redeem her but he must ask a kinsmen closer than himself before saying “yes”. It is back to waiting, back to the unknown. After all this time gleaning, believing and hoping there is still no firm answer in sight.

She is calm walking back to town in the dark early hours of morning, carrying the weight of six quarts of Barley. A symbol of a promise, a show of providence, an arrow pointing back to her God. And she knows no matter what that wherever He leads her, she will go, and she will find refuge.

Ruth 2: Providence and Participation Nov 11, 2019

Have you ever wondered how God provides? Pastor Justin Fung talks about how Ruth 2 shows us that God provides, in large part through people of compassion and commitment, who care for one another and the common good. Or to put it more personally: no matter our situation, we can be—we are called to be, we are needed as—instruments of God’s blessing, offering healing and grace to others. [Ruth 2]

Creative Response

To Glean | After Ruth 2

By Amy Sawyer

To gather what is ungathered.
Scattered scraps left
for the penniless, homeless, manless,
society’s less-thans, leftovers,
to reap and not to sew,
to walk along the edges
where the plow won’t go.

Her dirty hands
comb through barley fields,
a grain so rhythmically stitched
in it you can see
all Eden’s ideals.
Her thumb strums
the husk’s rough grooves
as creation’s perfection
unravels in her palms.

We know that bit about dogs and scraps
and the master’s table,
we can reframe and explain,
seeking dignity for “dogs”,
but women know.
Women know
how a vinegar wine flows
in our bloodlines, plow lines,
food lines, picket lines.
The bread we need now
comes too late.

Our blood and bodies given,
our names unsung,
we hold onto your story,
named among the nameless,
seed sown in us,
Your blood in His.
For she sings, we sing:
batter my heart, harvest me, thresh me,
glean me from what remains,
for we remain to be
saved on a grape and grain.

Ruth 1: The small story within the big story Nov 04, 2019

In the first sermon in our series on Ruth, Pastor Matthew Watson explores how the story of Ruth fits into the bigger story of God’s redemption. [Ruth 1:1-6, 22]

Creative Response

Empty

By Ife Johnson

Empty. I heard her say, “she went away full and came back empty.”
Empty: defined as containing nothing, or not filled or occupied.
But she came back with me.
Does that mean I am nothing, not filled or occupied; empty?
I may not have the worth of a son,
But surely my company is more than mara;
Has the sweet balm of our friendship only ministered to me?

Empty. Also defined as lacking meaning or sincerity.
Now I know, in me, sincerity is not in want.
I chose a mother over a husband.
Deemed an old widow more worthy than a man.
And I still do.
Where she went, I have followed, and where she remains, I will be.
Her people are now my people, and her God is now my God.

So, El-Shaddai, my God:
As Naomi now counts me as nothing,
I pray that you will make me of value.
As Naomi now lacks meaning,
I pray you will reveal her purpose through me.
Just as Naomi, I too will count myself as empty,
Anxiously waiting to be filled and occupied by You.

Nina Balmaceda: Encounters in Mark 5 Oct 27, 2019

Guest preacher Nina Balmaceda invites us to rediscover a savior, teacher, and redeemer as he confronts issues of gender, race, violence, and oppression. She walks us through how three of Jesus’ encounters with neighbors in need display his radical care for vulnerable people, giving hope in a world of hopelessness. [Mark 5:6-9, Mark 5:27-30, Mark 5:39-41]

Dr. Balmaceda is president and CEO of Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope International), an organization that works in Latin America alongside individuals, families, and communities in poverty, so that they can live with dignity, free from violence and injustice.

**A Sabbatical Testimony** Oct 21, 2019
Pastor Matthew Watson shares what God taught him during his two-month Sabbatical. Through several stories, he reminds us that God is with us, God loves us, and our rest, hope, and identity is in God. [Hebrews 4:9-16]

Triumph Oct 13, 2019

In the final week of The Whole Story series, Pastor Justin focuses on testimonies of triumph. For Christians, our triumphs come from being faithful. Whether something is a triumph depends on what you’re looking at, when you ask, and whom you ask. (Psalm 40:1-3, 9-10)

The Daily Examen (explained by Fr. Mark Thibodeaux)

RELISH the moments that went well and all of the gifts I have today. I begin by giving God thanks for all the things I’m grateful for today. I allow my mind to wander as I reflect on the ways God has blessed me on this particular day. I allow big things and small things to arise—everything from the gift of my faith, to the gift of my marriage, to the easy commute to work today.
REQUEST the Spirit to lead me through my review of the day. Next, I want to look at the moments in my day when I did not act so well. However, before doing so, I ask God to fill me with his Spirit so that the Spirit can lead me through this difficult soul-searching. Otherwise, I’m liable to hide in denial, wallow in self-pity, or seethe in self-loathing.
REVIEW the day. I look back at my day and ask the Lord to point out to me the moments when I have failed in big ways or small. I take a sobering look at the mistakes I’ve made this day.
REPENT of any mistakes or failures. If I have sinned, I ask God to forgive me and set me straight again. If I have not sinned but simply made a mistake, I ask for healing of any harm that might have been done. I ask for help to get over it and move on. I also ask for wisdom to discern how l might better handle such tricky moments in the future.
RESOLVE, in concrete ways, to live tomorrow well. I ask God to show me how tomorrow might go. I imagine the things I’ll be doing, the people I’ll see, and the decisions I’ll be mulling over. I ask for help with any moments I foresee that might be difficult. I especially ask for help in moments when I might be tempted to fail in the way I did today.

Failure Oct 06, 2019

In the fifth sermon in our series on testimonies, Pastor Justin explores the topic of failure. He walks us through how we can learn and grow through our failures, and how the transforming power of the gospel can prevent failure from leading to rejection and shame. [Psalm 40:9-13]

Origin Stories Sep 30, 2019

Every fifth Sunday of the month is Kids City Sunday, where our youth and kids serve and lead during the service. As part of our series on testimonies, Pastor Watson talks with two teenagers from our church family – Arkale Scroggins and Nathan Watson. These young men share what it’s like to follow God as a young person, who in their families inspires them, how God has comforted them, what they would say to grown folks, and more about their origin stories. (Psalm 40:9-10)

Hope Sep 22, 2019

In the third sermon of our series on testimonies, Marisa Stubbs uses scripture and her personal story to unpack the who, what, when, where, why, and how of hope. [Psalm 40:9-10]

Questions

What is hope?
When is hope under attack?
Why is hope important?
Where have I seen hope? Where do I see hope?
Who is the source of our hope?
How do we cultivate hope?

Community Sep 16, 2019

In week two of The Whole Story, our series on testimony, Dana Cunliffe shares about the important place of testimony in community and the equally important place of community in testimony. [Psalm 40:9-10; Hebrews 12:1-3]

The Whole Story: An Intro to Testimonies Sep 09, 2019

Andrea walks us through Psalm 40 and introduces our new series, where we’ll discover how to give testimony, receive testimony, and tell the whole story. (Psalm 40)

A Vision, a Hope, and a Calling Sep 02, 2019

Preaching from the vision of the valley of dry bones seen by the prophet Ezekiel, Justin Fung talks about the vision of Christ City Church and who we are called to be. [Ezekiel 37]

What Kind of God, Part 2 Aug 26, 2019

This week, Justin Fung wraps up our series on Jonah. He urges us to see ourselves as Jonah in the story, and highlights what Jonah 4 teaches us about God’s mercy and why we should love our enemies. [Jonah 3:10-4:11]

Creative Response: Jonah 4

Courtney Albon

God, I don’t understand your indiscriminate love
I’m confused by the way your mercy moves
by the doors you hold open
by the tables you prepare
by the invitations you extend
I don’t understand your love

God, I’m tired of your patient justice
Tired of waiting for your liberation to catch up with my longing
For the tables to be flipped
For the systems to be uprooted
For the cities to be rebuilt
I’m tired of your justice

God, I’m scared of your unexpected grace
Scared of the places it might show up
Of the people it might reach
Of the sins it may cover
Of the punishment it may spare
God, I’m scared of your grace

Nineveh Repents Aug 19, 2019

Justin Fung reads Deryn van der Tang’s poetic response to Jonah 3. Dana Cunliffe walks us through Jonah chapter three, focusing on the Ninevites. She reminds us that God is at work, and there is always hope that powerful and wicked systems and empires can change. [Jonah 3]

Creative Response: Nineveh Repents by Deryn van der Tang

Three days did Jonah shout and sigh
God’s wrath in every street did cry
“Repent, repent before you die!”
The king threw off his royal clothes
Sat in the dust with barefoot toes
“Oh, evil men your sins disclose
Listen to what the prophet says
Or in forty days, you’ll be erased.
Man and beast, cease violent ways!
Sackcloth and ashes, fast and pray
If you want to live another day.”

As Jonah feared the people heard
The Word of God they preferred
From evil ways they turned away
God’s commandments to obey.
Compassion and Mercy is His Name
Just as Jonah knew the same.
We may huff and puff at others sin,
Before we really look within
This petulant child,
On whom God smiled
With His love He reconciled.

God’s Presence in the Pit Aug 12, 2019

Ashley Greeley offers a creative response to the prayer of Jonah 2, and Andrea Ackermann reflects on where God is in the midst of our troubles. [Jonah 2]

Creative Response: Sonnets for Jonah – Despair and Hope by Ashley Greeley

Down to the bottom of the sea I sink,
trapped in the gut of a diving sea thing.
With, I suppose, plenty of time to think,
desperate thoughts form in my mind and cling.

The darkness lends itself to my despair
I am all abandoned, lost, cast away.
God has turned his face from me, does he care?
I do the only thing left, and I pray.

In my mind’s eye I watch the words rising
to God – Will he accept my repentance?
My gut then wrenches, once, twice, advising.
I feel the waves swell once more, then silence.

But then I hear an answer, a small sound.
It seems the ear of God my prayers have found.

A small victory, perhaps, but he’s here.
I feel the hope roll off me in a wave.
God sent me to this place, a seat of fear,
but he did not lead me to my own grave.

He’ll rescue me – I feel it in my bones.
And I, I will follow him through the horde.
Whatever that means, through all the unknowns.
I proclaim – Salvation comes from the Lord!

I will not turn from you, though others spurn.
I see you for the love you are and praise
your name on high even in the downturn.
You brought me life when all else was ablaze.

God wins, I’ll do it, I’m ready to fight.
My world upends, then all is blinding light.

What Kind of God, Part 1 Aug 04, 2019

For the month of August, we’ll be looking at the story of Jonah in the Old Testament — with a creative response to the text preceding the message. This week, David Hood offered a spoken word poem based on Jonah 1. Then Justin Fung addressed the shootings in El Paso, TX, and Dayton, OH, that happened within the last 24 hours; and raised some of the questions posed by today’s passage, including “What kind of God do we believe in?” and “What do we do when God calls us to do the right — but hard — thing?” [Jonah 1]

Resources

Quotes

Anne Lamott:

You can safely assume you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.

Martin Buber:

‘Fear of God’ … is the dark gate through which [one] must pass if [one] is to enter into the love of God. [One] who wishes to avoid passing through this gate, [one] who begins to provide for [themselves] a comprehensible God, constructed thus and not otherwise, runs the risk of having to despair of God in view of the actualities of history and life, or of falling into inner falsehood. Only through the fear of God does [a person] enter so deep into the love of God that [they] cannot again be cast out of it.

Creative Response, by David Hood

Face you or flee

It’s not that I don’t hear your voice–
I’ve always heard it clearly.
It’s the believing, leaving, following I fear:
Those far away places fill me with trepidity.
Yet you say go.
Stubbornness, contentedness and laziness
addictively hold me back, distract from whatever
fullness you always promise.
But who are you to be trustworthy?
Thieves run free and the oppressed stay depressed.
The rich reap wealth and the poor pay the penalty.
Yet in this wicked world you’ve kept every promise to me:
Your ubiquitousness has expelled loneliness from my soul,
never have I once felt alone.
So in this in-between I face you or flee
Go where you point or sail the high seas.
Trust you or not, these and many questions abound,
But in the meantime I run from the answers
–May I one day, be found.

My Most Important Question 2019, Pt 2 Jul 28, 2019

Today we began one of our most popular series: My Most Important Question. Too often churches ask us to check our doubts at the door, to leave our most important questions behind. But the reality is that we all have deep questions we have wrestled with throughout life, and at Christ City Church, we believe that when we wrestle with our biggest questions, it actually deepens our faith. In Mark 9, a man said to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” That captures the paradox of faith — there are things we know and cling to, and there are things we don’t yet know — and may never know.

This week, we heard from Deryn (“Why is it so hard to know God and his design for your life?”), Erick (“Why can’t I feel the Spirit of God?”), and Akhi (“Are there bad people?”).

My Most Important Question 2019, Pt 1 Jul 22, 2019

Today we began one of our most popular series: My Most Important Question. Too often churches ask us to check our doubts at the door, to leave our most important questions behind. But the reality is that we all have deep questions we have wrestled with throughout life, and at Christ City Church, we believe that when we wrestle with our biggest questions, it actually deepens our faith. In Mark 9, a man said to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” That captures the paradox of faith — there are things we know and cling to, and there are things we don’t yet know — and may never know.

This week, we heard from Attrace (“What if I fail?”), Angel (“Father, can you really hear me?”), and David (“God, where were you?”).

Six Years of Christ City Jul 14, 2019

As we celebrate six years as a church (planted in 2013 as the East Side parish of The District Church and then launched in 2017 as Christ City Church), Matthew Watson helps us consider the call and the challenge of Christ to our congregation by looking at Jesus’ words to the church in Ephesus. [Revelation 2:1-4]

The Call of the Kingdom Jul 07, 2019

On the weekend of July 4th, Justin Fung considers the very first words of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel—”The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news”—and what that means for us as Christians in America. [Mark 1:14-20]

Resources

Book: James Cone, God of the Oppressed
Video: Chadwick Boseman’s tribute to Denzel Washington

A Theology of the Here and Now Jun 30, 2019

Marisa Stubbs closes out our Theology of Place series by talking about what it means and looks like for God’s kingdom to come and God’s will to be done on earth — and on our streets — as in heaven. [Revelation 21:3-5, 22-27; 22:1-5]

Creation Care Jun 24, 2019

Continuing our Theology of Place series, Dana Cunliffe talks about a theology of unbuilt spaces — creation itself — and how we are invited into a relationship of care for what God has made. [Genesis 1:20-2:9]

Theology of the City Jun 17, 2019

The redemptive story of God begins in a garden but it ends in a city. Pastor Matthew Watson preaches on the idea of new heavens and new earth breaking into our city and how we can be a part of it.

[Isaiah 65:17-25]

Place Matters Jun 11, 2019

Place matters. Because Jesus took on flesh and blood, lived in a neighborhood and identified with a people – we also root ourselves in neighborhoods and identify with people. Our place is Washington, DC. While many come to this city to consume it and to use it, we want to be among those who love it.

On Pentecost Sunday, we considered the indwelling of the spirit in our particular geography.

[Acts 2:1-24]

The Gifts & Mission of the Spirit Jun 04, 2019

Where are you using your gifts in the church? Where are you using your gifts for the city? Pastor Matthew Watson encourages us to examine the purpose and use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. [1 Corinthians 12:4-31]

The Holy Spirit and Unholy Spirits May 28, 2019

Just as there is a Holy Spirit, there are unholy spirits. Pastor Matthew Watson helps us understand spiritual warfare by shedding light on the ways the enemy works and the ways the Holy Spirit works. [Ephesians 6:10-12]

The Work & The Fruit of the Spirit May 22, 2019

What does it mean to have freedom in the spirit? Andrea Ackermann explores Galatians 5 by looking at what we are free from, what we are free for, and how we know we are walking in freedom. [Galatians 5:13-26]

Resources:

Derrek Webb – A New Law

The Person and Possibility of the Spirit May 14, 2019

Are you curious about the Power & Possibility of the Holy Spirit and how to live a spirit-filled life? Pastor Matthew Watson looks at the ways that the Spirit has worked throughout the biblical narrative: Creation, Revelation, Redemption, Guidance, and Commission. Which of these modes of the Spirit’s work are you in need of today? [Acts 1:4-11]

The Promised Holy Spirit May 07, 2019

We say goodbye to our series on John and hello to a series on the Holy Spirit. Pastor Matthew Watson opens up Jesus’ promises for an Advocate, a Comforter, and Helper – the promised Holy Spirit. [John 14:15-18]

John 21: The Aftermath May 01, 2019

We are nearing the end of our “Life, Death, and Life Again” series on John as we reach John’s final chapter. Pastor Matthew Watson offers questions and prayers that can move us forward as we come face to face with a resurrected Jesus. [John 21]

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