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The Most Excellent Way: Secret Service Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - We follow Jesus in the practice of service done with humility and in secret. TEXT - John 13:1-17, Matthew 6:1-4 1. Caution #1: Beware of inflated egos.  • Mark 10:42-45  • EGO - Edging God Out 2. Caution #2: Beware of dirty toes.  • John 13:7-11  • John 15:1-5 3. Caution #3: Beware of lesser rewards..  • Matthew 6:1-4  • “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ~ Matthew 6:21 NEXT STEPS 1. Recognize the worth of a person in the everyday. 2. Drop off a meal, card, or flowers to a person in need without telling anyone.   3. Volunteer for a local charity and don’t tell your friends. JOURNAL 1. What ordinary, everyday people or places come to my mind as opportunities for service?  2. Do I associate service with more distant contexts rather than my closest relationships and immediate surroundings? Why? 3. How have I experienced the tension between serving for recognition verses serving out of genuine love? FOR REVIEW: Nine Core Practices  • Sabbath: Rest and stopping work to delight in God and creation.  • Solitude: Stepping away from noise and distraction to be alone with God.  • Prayer: Conversing and communicating with God throughout the day.  • Fasting: Abstaining from food or other appetites to hunger for God.  • Scripture: Engaging with the Bible for spiritual formation.  • Simplicity: Living with less to make space for what matters.  • Generosity: Giving away money and possessions freely.  • Hospitality: Welcoming others into your space and life.  • Community: Doing life together with a committed group of believers around a table. Of these nine practices, which have been the most fruitful in helping you abide in Jesus? Of these nine practices, where do you feel the strongest pull toward legalism?

The Most Excellent Way: Watering Hole Scuttlebutt Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - We are called to do God’s will no matter what. TEXT - John 4 OUTLINE Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:34 1. Scuttlebutt can be a rumor, gossip, idle talk or breaking news.   • John 4:3-6  • Scuttlebutt can be true or untrue. 2. Even when true, scuttlebutt can be hard to hear.  • John 4:7-11  • Get your scuttlebutt from the source. 3. Some truth violates expectations.  • John 4:27  • Prepare to answer the question, “What are you thinking?” 4. Follow God’s calling no matter what.  • John 4:29-42  • Celebrate the good news with more scuttlebutt. JOURNAL PROMPTS 1. Am I driven to do God’s will?  2. How is God’s will like food to me? 3. Where is my favorite watering hole? FOR FURTHER REFLECTION ON JOHN 4 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him. 34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” 39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”  42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

The Most Excellent Way: Our Calling Pastor Steve Poole TEXT – Exodus 4:1-16  1. You are called. “To be called by God out of the world and into the body of Christ is the highest vocation possible.” ~R.C. Sproul 2. You are called to be the Body of Christ. “Y'all” 3. You are called to do the work of ministry. “We don’t just have God’s gifts. We are God’s gifts to his church. So my church is not just there in order to bless me, as though I am a shopper filling my basket in the supermarket. The opposite is true: we’re all saved and given to our churches as gifts to bless others by serving them. We are not meant to be consumers but contributors!” ~Richard Coekin NEXT STEPS 1. Answer God’s call to join His family through faith in Jesus. 2. Answer God’s call to use your gift in ministry 3. Answer God’s call to disciple someone. JOURNAL -What is God calling me to do right now, in this season? Why do I feel called in that way?

The Most Excellent Way: Service in Worship Pastor Leah Carolan   THEME – Sunday mornings serve God and the church body. TEXT – Exodus 8:1, Romans 12:1   1. Let my people go that they may avad.” Exodus 8:1  • a. work, serve, till, or worship  • b. Exodus 8:1, Exodus 3:12, Joshua 24:15, Psalm 100:2  • c. Humiliating or flourishing   2. Rules for Worship/Service  • a. Exclusive devotion  • b. Sacrificial system  • c. Ritual purity  • d. Feasts and Sabbaths  • e. Rules for social justice and love   3. The highlight of spiritual maturity is serving alongside Jesus with your spiritual gifts.   NEXT STEPS 1. Come with expectation to serve. 2. Enjoy it – it should be rewarding!

The Most Excellent Way: Blessed Maturity Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Measure the fruit of maturity. TEXT - Ephesians 4:11-16 1. Unity  • Ephesians 4:11-13  • Ephesians 4:3-6  • Romans 12:4-5 2. Joy  • Psalm 133:1  • Isaiah 61:10  • John 15:11 3. Stability  • Ephesians 4:14-16  • Mark 10:42-45  • Matthew 7:16-20 NEXT STEPS 1. Serve. 2. Enjoy it. JOURNAL - Where do I see fruit? REFLECTION - Ephesians 1:3-14 - "Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ" 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. 5 In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

The Most Excellent Way: Right Person, Right Place, Right Time Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - We serve according to our God-given giftedness. TEXT - Ephesians 4:7, 1 Peter 4:10 1. God gives gifts.  • Romans 12:6-8  • 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 2. Gifts build up the body.  • Ephesians 4:7, 11-13  • 1 Peter 4:10  • Mark 10:43-45 3. Gifts determine service.  • Right person, right place, right time.  • “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” ~ Frederick Buechner NEXT STEPS 1. Ask Jesus, what is my gift? 2. Ask Jesus, what is my calling? JOURNAL: What is my gift? What is my calling (place and time)? REFLECTION   • Administration  • Being an apostle  • Craftsmanship  • Discernment  • Encouragement  • Evangelism  • Exhortation  • Faith  • Giving  • Healing  • Helps  • Hospitality  • Interpreting tongues  • Knowledge  • Leadership  • Mercy  • Music  • Prayer  • Prophecy  • Serving  • Shepherding  • Speaking in tongues  • Teaching   • Wisdom  • Worship leading PRAYER  Dear Lord,  Thank You for loving me and for giving me life and breath. You know my heart, and You know that I want to use the gifts You have given me to honor you and build up others. Lord, I am asking You to show me where You want me to serve. Open my eyes to see the needs around me, and open my ears to hear Your voice. Clear away confusion or doubt, and direct me to the specific people, places, or ministries where I can make a difference. Give me courage to step out when You open a door. Shape my heart to be a true servant, humble and willing to follow. In Jesus name, Amen

Service: The Most Excellent Way Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Whoever wants to be great must be the servant of all. TEXT - Mark 10:35-45 1. The “Drum Major Instinct” is real.  • Mark 10:35-37  • Philippians 2:3-4   2. Jesus models “the most excellent” way.  • Mark 10:42-44  • 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 3. We demonstrate love by “laying down our life.”  • Mark 10:45  • John 15:12-13  • Romans 5:8  • Isaiah 53:5   NEXT STEP: Serve someone.   JOURNAL - Who will I serve? REFLECTION - In April 1945, Staff Sergeant Henry "Red" Erwin flew 10 missions as a radio operator aboard a B-29 Superfortress in the Pacific. During low-level bombing missions, Erwin’s additional duty was to drop white phosphorus smoke bombs to mark targets for the trailing formation. On his 10th mission one of the bombs exploded prematurely, shot backward, and struck Erwin directly in the face. The chemical instantly blinded him and engulfed his body in flames. White phosphorus burns at roughly 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit and cannot be easily extinguished as long as oxygen is present. The B-29 immediately filled with thick, blinding smoke that obscured the pilot's vision and sent the massive aircraft into a dive. Realizing the plane and everyone on board would perish if the bomb ignited the aircraft's ammunition, Erwin took action. He picked up the molten, burning canister with his bare hands. Blind and burning alive, he crawled forward through the narrow fuselage, holding the bomb tightly between his forearm and his torso. He stumbled into the cockpit, located the co-pilot's window, and threw the bomb out. His 22 seconds of heroism saved the plane and 11 crew members. Erwin suffered critical injuries which he was not expected to survive. But he did. He spent 30 months in the hospital and underwent 41 surgeries, ultimately regaining his eyesight and the use of one arm.   “Greather love has no one than this.”

Be a Witness: Testimony Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - The power of our testimony rests not on human cleverness, but on the transforming power of God. TEXT - 2 Corinthians 2:1-5, Matthew 9:35-38 1. Know Jesus.  • 1 Corinthians 15:3  • Philippians 3:7-8  • Galatians 6:14 2. Embrace Weakness.  • John 9:25  • Mark 5:18-20  • Acts 1:8 3. Rest in God’s power.  • Zechariah 4:6  • Matthew 9:35-38 NEXT STEPS 1. Declutter your testimony. 2. Ditch the pressure. 3. Shift the burden.

Be a Witness: Good News Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - God calls us to give a testimony.  TEXT - 1 Peter 2:9-16 1. Testimony #1 - Good deeds. • “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary, use words.” Unknown • 1 Peter 2:12,15 2. Testimony #2 - Good news. • Luke 2:10-11 • Romans 1:16 • Mark 16:15 • 2 Corinthians 15:1-4 3. Testimony #3 - Good Jesus. • 1 Peter 3:15 • Ephesians 6:15 • 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NEXT STEPS 1. Describe what Jesus has done. 2. Describe what Jesus is doing. 3. This is your testimony. Share it.

Be a Witness: Hospitality Pastor Steve Poole SCRIPTURE: Luke 19:1-10 1. Hospitality was modeled by Jesus. • Luke 19:1-10 • Luke 7:37 2. Hospitality isn’t hosting, it's loving others well. • φιλοξενία - Philo - to love + Xenos - strangers (others) • Romans 12:13 • 1 Peter 4:8-10 • Hebrews 13:1-2 3. Hospitality creates opportunities to share the gospel. NEXT STEPS 1. Pray who God wants you to invite to share a meal with and practice hospitality. (unbelieving neighbor or coworker) 2. Invite them over and be hospitable 3. Make a plan to practice hospitality regularly. JOURNAL PROMPT What keeps me from practicing hospitality with my neighbors and coworkers?

Witness: Love - August 9, 2026 Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - People not projects.      TEXT - Acts 1:8 Love every person.  2 Corinthians 5:14. The Love of Christ compels me.  Witness is an act of love. Love every person at every threshold.  (Mark 4:26-29) Trust. Curiosity. Openness. Seeking. Follower. Love every person, at every stage, over the long term.  Acts 1:8 Acts 28:24  NEXT STEPS Journal and pray. Who is my low hanging fruit? Love someone who does not yet follow Jesus.  Go deeper: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/player/video/900376?session=949542&position=0&drawer=study-guide

Can I get a Witness? - August 2, 2026 Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses.”     TEXT - Acts 1:1-8 Be a clear witness.  Luke 1:1-4 Acts 1:1-3 1 John 1:1-3 Acts 4:20 Be a credible witness.   Acts 1:8 Matthew 5:13-16 Be a comfortable witness.  1 Peter 3:15 Isaiah 43:10  NEXT STEPS Journal and pray. What would help me be a more comfortable witness? Send your journal thoughts to [email protected]. Invest in growing in your practice of witness for the next 5 weeks.  JOURNAL PROMPT What would help me be more comfortable as a witness for Jesus? REFLECTION  The woman in John 4 went to the local well to get water. When she arrived, she met Jesus. After her encounter with Jesus she becomes a witness. This is what happened: Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him. (John 4:28-30) A simple testimony can have a profound effect. When is the last time you shared what Jesus has done? PRAYER LORD, Thank you for saving me and calling me to belong to you. Please forgive me for the times I’ve failed to tell others about you. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me boldness. Open my eyes to see the people around me, give me the words to say, and help me to speak with kindness and love. Let my life, my actions, and my words point others to Jesus. Use me to bring your light to a dark world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Better Together                 July 26, 2026 Pastor Kent Landhuis, THEME - We love one another in practical everyday ways.     TEXT - John 15:12-13 1. Community is not an idea but a way of life. a. 1 Corinthians 12:21-31 b. Acts 2:5, 7-9 c. Revelation 7:9-10 2. This way of life creates a better world for everyone.  a. John 15:5, 12-13 b. “Individualism leads to the degradation and destruction of people.” (The Social Fabric Project) 3. This better world comes by loving in practical ways.  a. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NEXT STEPS: Expand your flock. JOURNAL PROMPT Who in our community (Which body part?) are you most likely to exclude from your flock? How can you love them in a practical way?

Christian Community and Conflict             Date: July 12th, 2026 Pastor Steve Poole Key Scripture: Galatians 2:11-16 Where there is community, there will be conflict Christian conflict #1: Go directly to the person you have the conflict Gal. 2:11 & Matt. 18:15 Christian Conflict #2: Be humble, respectful and loving Christian Conflict #3: Discern the level of offense and level of relationship NEXT STEPS Next Steps: Join the community of Christ through faith in Jesus Practice the 3 principles of Christian conflict this week If you need help with conflict, invite in a friend, pastor or counselor.