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June 1, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Men's Ministry Update
More Than a Season of Rest Summer has a way of changing our rhythms. School schedules pause, vacations fill the calendar, and life often feels a little less structured. While summer can be a great time to slow down and recharge, it's also a great opportunity to look around and ask a simple question: Who can I serve? At Connect Church, one of the ways we help people find and follow Jesus is through our Prayer & Care Ministry. When needs arise—whether within our church family or throughout the River Valley—we want to respond with the love of Christ in practical and meaningful ways. Sometimes that means helping with a project around someone's home. Sometimes it's delivering a meal, making a phone call, visiting someone who is hurting, praying with a family, helping during a crisis, or simply showing up when someone needs encouragement. The needs vary, but so do the gifts, skills, and experiences God has given each of us. As men, we often want to help, we just don't always know where to start. Prayer & Care provides opportunities to put our faith into action and be the hands and feet of Jesus right here in our community. You don't need special training. You don't need to have all the answers. You simply need a willingness to serve. This summer, consider how God might use your time, skills, and availability to make a difference in someone's life. Whether you can swing a hammer, move furniture, make a phone call, pray with someone, or offer a listening ear, there is a place for you to serve. The church is strongest when we care for one another, and our community is impacted when we show the love of Jesus through tangible acts of service.
Let's be men who don't just talk about faith...let's live it. If you'd like to learn more about serving through Prayer & Care, we'd love to help you get connected.Sign Up Here
June 1, 2026 • 8 Minute Read
Sermon Blog
In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses one of the most pressing issues we face today: anxiety. But rather than offering quick fixes or coping strategies, He goes straight to the root cause. His teaching reveals that most of our anxiety stems from a divided heart - trying to serve two masters simultaneously. What Does Jesus Mean by "Treasure"? Jesus begins with a fundamental truth: "'Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'" - Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) Your Heart Follows Your Treasure Many people misunderstand this passage, thinking Jesus is saying we should invest in what we care about. Actually, He's teaching the opposite principle. Your heart doesn't decide where to go - it flows toward whatever has the most weight in your life, just like water flows downhill following gravity. Whatever becomes your treasure - whether it's financial security, reputation, your children's success, or career advancement - your heart will naturally flow there. This isn't a conscious choice; it's the natural direction of your life. How to Identify Your True Treasure You might be the worst evaluator of your own treasure because your heart is often divided between what you think should be important and what actually drives you. To discover your true treasure, don't ask yourself what's important. Instead, examine: Your checkbook and spending patterns Your calendar and time commitments Your browser history and what captures your attention What you make concessions for versus what you neglectSubscribe To These Posts Why Does Earthly Treasure Lead to Anxiety? The Vulnerability Problem Jesus mentions moth, rust, and thieves - representing slow decay, internal corrosion, and sudden loss. All earthly treasures share one characteristic: vulnerability. When your heart is chained to something vulnerable, you begin living in fear of losing it. Your entire life becomes a protection system, constantly working to guard what you treasure. This is exhausting and leads to the very anxiety Jesus wants to free us from. The Biblical Example of Solomon Solomon perfectly illustrates this principle. In 1 Kings 3, when God offered him anything, Solomon asked for wisdom to lead Israel well. Because he sought something to give rather than receive, God blessed him abundantly. But by 1 Kings 11, Solomon's heart had turned away from God. The text repeatedly uses the word "turned" - his heart followed after foreign women and their gods. By the time he wrote Ecclesiastes, this man who had found every earthly treasure declared it all "vanity of vanities" - empty and meaningless. How Does Misplaced Treasure Affect Our Vision? "'The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!'" - Matthew 6:22-23 (ESV) Single Vision vs. Double Vision Jesus uses the word "healthy" (haplous) meaning undivided or having a single point of gaze. A "bad" eye (poneros) means distorted or having double vision - trying to look at two things at once. When earthly things become your treasure, you develop spiritual double vision. You're trying to focus on God while simultaneously protecting your earthly security. This creates a distorted view of everything around you. When Others' Blessings Become Threats With a darkened eye, you begin filtering all news through one question: "Will this affect what I'm trying to hold onto?" Other people's promotions, successful marriages, or well-behaved children become threats rather than reasons for celebration. Their blessing feels like your loss because you're viewing life through the lens of scarcity and competition. Can You Really Serve Two Masters? "'No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.'" - Matthew 6:24 (ESV) The Problem with Mammon Jesus doesn't use the typical word for money here. He uses "mammon" - a term that carries the weight of a rival deity. When wealth becomes something you trust to secure your life, it begins functioning as a god, making promises only God can keep. This isn't about having money or possessions. It's about what you bow down to for security and identity. The thrones of earthly security and God's kingdom don't flow in the same direction. Trying to serve both will tear you apart. The Story of Gehazi In 2 Kings 5, Elisha's servant Gehazi provides a sobering example. After Elisha refused payment for healing Naaman's leprosy, Gehazi secretly pursued the reward. His attempt to serve two masters resulted in him receiving Naaman's leprosy as judgment. Gehazi wanted Elisha's faith but chose to worship at two altars. Jesus teaches that this division is impossible - you cannot serve two masters without devastating consequences. What's the Solution to Anxiety? "'Therefore do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?'" - Matthew 6:25 (ESV) Why Christians Often Struggle More with Anxiety Paradoxically, Christians sometimes struggle with anxiety more than non-believers because they're trying to serve two masters. Non-Christians may be emptier spiritually, but they're freer from the internal conflict of divided loyalty. The anxiety (merimnao - meaning "divided mind") comes from this internal war between surrendering to God and maintaining control. Three Arguments Against Anxiety Jesus provides three logical arguments against anxiety: 1. Life is the Greater Gift If God gave you life - the greater miracle - why would He abandon you over lesser needs like food and clothing? 2. Creation is Preaching Look at the birds and flowers. Even Solomon in all his glory wasn't dressed as beautifully as the grass of the field. Creation demonstrates God's faithful provision. 3. Anxiety Never Delivers "'And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?'" - Matthew 6:27 (ESV). Worry subtracts from life rather than adding to it, stealing sleep, presence, and joy. Moving from "God Sees" to "God Knows" Throughout this passage, Jesus progresses from "your Father who sees in secret" to "your heavenly Father knows that you need them all" (Matthew 6:32). This isn't just observation - it's intimate, covenant knowledge. In Hebrew understanding, to "know" someone means to enter their situation completely, to be fully present with them. This is the same word used when "Adam knew his wife Eve" - indicating the deepest intimacy and connection. The Story of Hagar Hagar's story in Genesis beautifully illustrates this progression. First, she encounters "El Roi" - the God who sees her. Later, when she and Ishmael are dying in the wilderness, God moves from seeing to knowing, providing exactly what they need and revealing His intimate care for their situation. Life Application The path to peace isn't found in better anxiety management or life organization - it's found in unified devotion to one Master. "'But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.'" - Matthew 6:33 (ESV) "Seek first" (proton) doesn't mean God gets the first slot on your daily checklist. It means He becomes the hub from which everything else flows. Your family, finances, and career don't compete with God for priority - they find their proper place and purpose within your relationship with Him. This week, pay attention to where your heart flows when pressure comes. What are you trying to protect? What creates anxiety in your life? These moments reveal where your treasure truly lies. Questions for Reflection: When you feel anxious, what are you actually trying to protect or control? What would change in your life if you truly believed God knows your needs and cares for you intimately? Are you trying to serve two masters in any area of your life, and how is that division affecting your peace? The invitation isn't to feel guilty about divided loyalties, but to experience the freedom and peace that comes from single-minded devotion to the One who sees you, knows you, and provides for you completely.
May 26, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
567 & Student Ministry Update
Encounter Camp, June 7-12 Encounter Camp is now just over a week away! On Friday, we sent out an email containing important information regarding camp expectations, required forms, schedules, and other details. If your student is attending camp, please make sure to read through that email carefully so that you are fully prepared for the week ahead. If for some reason you haven't signed your child up, it is not too late.Register Now Summer MDWK As we move into the summer season, we want to remind families that MDWK continues all summer long! We know that summer schedules can get busy with vacations, sports, and family activities, but when students are in town, we hope they will continue being faithful to gather with their church family each week. Consistency matters in the spiritual formation of your students! We don't consider summer to be a pause from discipleship. It is another opportunity for students to continue building a strong foundation for their faith through Scripture, worship, relationships, and community. We are excited for all that God has ahead this summer and cannot wait to continue growing together! Summer Hangs In Connect Students, our team has intentionally designed our summer MDWK schedule to move more quickly into the lesson and small groups so that we can create space for a “Summer Hang” at the end of each night. Around 7:00 PM, we’ll transition outside for activities like pickleball, ultimate frisbee, kickball, and more. Some weeks, we may have sweet treats and activities for our non-sports crowd. Our goal is to give students additional time to build friendships and enjoy community together during the summer months when they do not have school the next morning. Many students will likely choose to stay and hang out through 8:00 PM, and we absolutely encourage that! We also hope this creates a great opportunity for parents to connect and spend time together while students are outside playing and having fun. We are excited for a summer full of discipleship, laughter, relationships, and memories together! Parents, Below is the link to this week's edition of the Culture Translator! Blessings, Trevor Holden 501-593-7227 trevor@myconnectchurch.ccCulture Translator
May 25, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Family & Kids Ministry Update
Hey Church Family! Sunday was a great day! We are always excited to see you and love welcoming new families as well! Upcoming Dates June 19 — VBS Decorating Night June 21–24 — TOTALLY 80’s VBS — 5:30 PM
Sign up to serve or pre-register children HERE! Pastor Bert Thought for the Week You have time for what you choose to make time for. May Memory Verse But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. - 2 Peter 3:18 Vacation Bible School | June 21-24 Bust out your cassette player and cassettes; we are stepping back into the 80s! Mark your calendar for Vacation Bible School! It's an incredible time to invite friends and families who aren't usually part of our church. Use the link below to find out more information, register your child, or sign up to serve. We hope to see you there!Register Here Connect Kids Sunday Recap! Connect Kids continued our study of Paul’s letter to Timothy this week. Paul warned Timothy not to be tricked by false teachers. This is such an important lesson for our kids to hear because there are many false messages in the world today. Often, the world teaches things like, “Do what makes you happy,” or “Do what feels good.” But God calls us to follow His truth instead of our feelings. One of the best ways we can know what is true is by spending time in God’s Word. The Bible helps guide us, teaches us right from wrong, and points us to Jesus. Here are a few great questions to ask your children this week to continue the conversation at home: • How can learning Scripture help you follow and serve God?
• What are some ways you have used Scripture to help you make right choices or keep from being influenced in wrong ways?
April 16, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Weekly Update
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. Sunday, October 19th 9:00 & 11:00am Worship Gatherings - Join us for Sunday
service in person or online. Kids Ministry - Age-specific programming during both services Youth Small Groups - Meeting after the 11:00am service in the Youth Room Monday, October 20th Women's Bible Study - 7:00pm in Room 204 Prayer Gathering - 8:00pm online via Zoom Tuesday, October 21st Young Adults Gathering - Coffee, teaching, and discussion at 7:00pm in the Cafe Wednesday, October 22nd Midweek Worship & Prayer - 6:30 pm. in the Sanctuary. Kids Midweek Club - Games, music, and Bible stories (ages 4-11) Thursday, October 23rd Men's Breakfast & Devotion - 7:00am at the Fellowship Hall. RSVP Here so we make sure we have enough food! Choir Rehearsal - 7:30pm in the Sanctuary Friday, October 24th Community Outreach Night - Serve with us downtown at 6:00pm. If you want to ride-share, let us know. Saturday, October 25th Youth Retreat Kickoff - Meet at the church at 10:00am for departure. Upcoming Events Trunk or Treat - Sunday, October 26th a 5:00pmNew here? We'd love to connect. This Week's Message "Called by Name"
Pastor Debbie Walker | John 10:1–15 What does it mean to be truly known – not just seen, but known? This week Pastor Debbie takes us into the heart of John 10 and the radical intimacy of a God who calls each of us by name. Whether you're in a season of clarity or one of deep searching, this message is for you. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch OnlineSubscribe To Our Podcast Community Prayer We carry each other through the spiritual practice of prayer. Here's what our community is lifting up this week: 🙏 David & Lena Reyes – David begins chemotherapy this week. Believing for strength, peace, and full healing. 🙏 The Nguyen Family – Grieving the loss of Grandma Rose, who went home to be with the Lord on Monday. May they feel surrounded by love. 🙏 Our College Students – Spring finals season is here. Wisdom, rest, and perspective over pressure. 🙏 Our City – For the families still displaced after the January fires — continued provision, housing, and hope. Submit your own prayer request here. Giving Your generosity makes our work in this city possible. We’re so grateful for you. New to our community? No pressure. Today, just be our guest.Give Now Here Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:30 AM
4200 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029 Next Week: "Even Here" – Psalm 139:7–12
See you soon ☀️
April 5, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Women's Ministry Update
Women on a Mission On June 16th at 6 PM, we’ll share a meal, hear from Karah Delgado serving in Spain, and learn how we can support women stepping into new beginnings through a ministry that provides dignity, purpose, and hope. You’ll also have the opportunity to shop for handmade jewelry created by women in this co-op. Each piece tells a story and makes a difference.
