Ryan Asks the Questions

In morning worship on Sunday, September 14, 2025, Ryan LaPrade, Past-Chair of our Board of Deacons, called us forward in Dedication. Here is what he said:

In the quiet moments along the road to Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked a question that still echoes through time: “Who do you say that I am?”

Peter’s bold declaration, “You are the Messiah” was not just a statement of faith, but a turning point. From that moment, Jesus revealed the cost of discipleship: suffering, surrender, and the cross.

Today we are invited on that same journey. Not just to name Jesus as Messiah, but to follow him--to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and walk in the way of sacrificial love.

Giving is one way we respond to that call. It’s not about gaining the world, but about offering our lives, our resources, and our hearts for the sake of the gospel. When we give, we declare that our treasure is not in possessions, but in purpose. That we are not ashamed of Christ but boldly align with his mission.

Let us ask ourselves: Who do we say that Jesus is? And by proxy, what do we want this church to be? And… let our offerings reflect that answer. Let us give, not out of obligation, but out of devotion. Not to earn favor, but to express faith. Not to gain the world, but to gain Christ.

On Monday, October 20, 2025, we start a campaign entitled Forever Forward, 2026 to infuse resources into this church. That’s the day 40 volunteer callers have agreed to begin a process of canvassing the congregation, asking the membership of this church Ryan’s questions: "Who do we say that Jesus is, and how much does that answer matter to each of us?"

Are you willing to Step Up and offer your resources and yourself to strengthen and sustain this church as a voice for Jesus’ Way? Do you recognize that it requires denying ourselves, stepping up and walking the sacrificial pathway, if we are to sustain this community?