Midnight Christmas Eve

"The Newborn" - Georges de la Tour (1593-1652)

This Christmas Eve, we'll be hosting our annual Midnight Service at 11:30 PM on the 3rd Floor of the Missoula Children's Theatre (200 North Adams). It's a small, intimate gathering to celebrate the coming of Christ through music, Scripture, and friendship. Our friends tell us this is one of the most beautiful things All Souls does.

There will be an informal reception beforehand at 9 PM at Alyson Visgauss' [631-942-7672 | 355 Kensington] (think drinks, snacks, goodies and a chance to wish one another a Merry Christmas).

This is a great way to do something meaningful for Christmas and explore the Christian faith, regardless of your spiritual convictions (or lack thereof). Come participate in a tradition that is at least 1500 years old. Your kids will love it, and so will you. We'd love to have you join us!

Two Men With Money (Luke 18:18-27, 19:1-10)

This week's Advent theme is joy - one of those elusive Christian attributes that we feel powerless to obtain or hang onto. How do we receive joy? In our stories today we meet two men with money who have radically different responses to their encounter with Jesus. Only one finds true joy and his joy leads him to generosity! [Ryan Sutherland]

Go In Peace (Luke 7:36-50)

The theme of this second week of Advent is peace. In our story this morning, a prostitute from the city boldly enters the house of Simon the Pharisee where Jesus is eating and washes Jesus' feet with her tears and hair. What is going on here? The story ends with Jesus telling her to "go in peace." But what does he mean by it? How do we experience it? [Ryan Sutherland]

Where Is Your Hope? (John 4:1-26)

We're entering the season of Advent (latin for coming) - the time of year when the church has historically focused on the coming of God in the person of Jesus Christ. There are four Sundays leading up to Christmas that each have a different theme (hope, peace, joy, love).

 This week we focus on the theme of hope by looking at Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman of ill-repute. Are you looking for hope this holiday season? You might just find it in the same place as this woman! [Ryan Sutherland]

How the Body Loves (1 Corinthians 13)

This fall we've been looking at Paul's vision for an equipped body of Christ and today we wrap up this series by seeing how the Body loves. How does Agape love express itself? Where does it come from? How are we supposed to find the power to love this way? [Ryan Sutherland]

A Many-Membered Body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

This week we get into the thick of Paul's body metaphor. Paul wants to help us see that the church is meant to have many members - which he describes as many parts of the body - all functioning in a unified way to actually be the body of Christ. He isn't simply making an observation about the body ("hey look at the church, there are lots of people here!") but describing the way the church is meant to be by God's design. [Ryan Sutherland]

God's Gift to the Body (1 Corinthians 12:1-12)

One of the marks of an equipped church is all of the members using their gifts properly. Do you know how God has gifted you? He's also provided the ultimate gift to enable the body to do works of ministry - his Holy Spirit!  [Ryan Sutherland]

A Discerning Body (1 Corinthians 11:17-32)

Paul's favorite metaphor for an equipped church is the "body of Christ." This week we start to really dive into this metaphor as we look at a key command of Paul's with regards to the Corinthian's public worship: "discern the body" (v. 29). What does he mean by this? And how do we actually live it out? [Ryan Sutherland]

An Equipped Body (Ephesians 4:1-16)

Paul introduces a metaphor here in Ephesians 4 to describe an equipped church - the body (with Christ as the head!). We'll be looking more deeply at this metaphor in the coming weeks. This week we look at the mission and ministry of the Church as well as how it grows. [Ryan Sutherland]

A Different Gospel? (Galatians 1:3-9)

Our friend & mentor, Rev. Shane Sunn, travels all the way from Denver (St. Patrick's Presbyterian - Denver) to share the celebration of ordaining & installing our first elders. He shares with us why a different gospel is often attractive but has consequences detrimental to the church. [Shane Sunn]

Organization Service

Hey friends, remember this Sunday is a very special All Souls Organization Service (NOTE: it's @ 9:30 AM at MCT instead of the normal 10 AM!). After 7 years we will finally become a "grown up" church - we'll be ordaining elders and installing Ryan as Sr. Pastor! We'll also be having a potluck at Ryan's place afterwards (Noon!).

This will also be the Cryder's last Sunday leading worship at All Souls, and then we'll be sending Christian & Marilyn off on a whole new adventure - a year long sabbatical in Austin, TX to see how God might want us to support church planting in that great city! Lots in store, hope you'll join us!

What the Church DOES (2 Corinthians 4:1-18)

Last week we saw what the church IS, and this week we take a closer look at what the church DOES! This is the last sermon from one of our founders, Christian Cryder. We'll miss his teaching ministry! [Christian Cryder]

What IS the Church? (Acts 2:22-47)

This is one of the most profound passages in the whole New Testament - Peter's first sermon - when he calls the Jewish leaders that asked for the crucifixion of Jesus to repent! Through it we learn what the church IS - that there are 9 marks of a true church that distinguish it from other communities of people. [Christian Cryder]

You Give Them Something to Eat (Mark 6:30-44)

Many of us give and give and give until we are spent and peopled out. But the needs don't stop. Where do we find the power to increase our capacity for ministry? In this story, Jesus teaches the disciples something important about the amazing provision of God - it's precisely in their weakness that conditions are perfect for God to intervene. [Ryan Sutherland]

Sheep Without A Shepherd (Matt 9:35-10:16)

This morning we kickoff our fall series titled, "Equipping the Saints." In this passage, Jesus is filled with compassion for the crowds he encounters because they are like "sheep without a shepherd." Imagine a community where the members actually served as the shepherds to one another. That's what the church is meant to be. [Ryan Sutherland]

Who Can Be An Elder? (1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9)

What qualifies someone to be an elder in the church? What about women? We wrap up our short series on leadership and the office of elder by looking at the two primary passages in the New Testament that focus on character. [Ryan Sutherland]

The Office of Elder (Acts 14:19-23; 1 Peter 3:1-11)

The primary leadership "position" in the New Testament is called an elder? But what is an elder and what does an elder do? As All Souls prepares to elect it's first elders, we want to spend some time looking at this "position" and we find that it was something new for the New Testament church. It was actually something quite ancient that received new meaning and importance under the teaching of the Apostles. [Ryan Sutherland]

Complaint As An Element of Worship (Psalm 102)

Can God handle our really honest prayers? Should we even talk to him when all have to offer is complaint? The Psalms would indicate that we should. [Christian Cryder]

The Resolution to the Biblical Story - Renewal (Revelation 21:1-11)

We conclude our survey of the whole Bible as we try to understand God's plan for the end of the world. His ending is quite the contrast to popular views on the ends of the world. What's your view of the end? [Ryan Sutherland]

The Climax of the Biblical Story - Redemption (Romans 3:21-31)

The death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ play a fundamental role in the biblical plotline... how fundamental? It's the climax of the whole story! How does it shape your story? [Ryan Sutherland]

The Conflict of the Biblical Story: the Fall (Genesis 3)

Why is there death in the world? Why is pregnancy so hard? Why is there so much unemployment? More importantly, how does your view of the world answer these questions? Where did the world go awry in your view? Christianity claims that it all went awry at the Fall when Adam & Eve decided they wanted to be autonomous beings. [Ryan Sutherland]

The Intro to the Biblical Story - Creation (Genesis 1)

We begin our series on how to read the Bible by starting at the beginning - Creation! Why on earth is this the place the Bible begins and how are we supposed to make sense of it in a scientific world? [Ryan Sutherland]

The Grand Story of the Bible (Luke 24:36-49)

Like all good stories, the Bible has a literary structure with an introduction, conflict, climax & resolution. Do you read it as a story? Do you see yourself in the story? What story shapes your life?

This is the first of several sermons that will focus on how to read the Bible. [Ryan Sutherland]

Why Paul Wants Us to Share (Philippians 4:10-20)

This week we conclude our study of Philippians by wrestling with why Paul wants us to share in his ministry. In fact, that's been the whole point of the book - to encourage the Philippians (and us!) to partner with him and carry on the ministry of Christ in our city. [Christian Cryder]

What Holds the Kingdom Back? (Enemies!) - (Philippians 3:17-4:1)

In this passage Paul tells us there is a very real and present danger (enemies!) within the church that holds the Kingdom back from it's mission. The source of this danger just might surprise you. [Christian Cryder]

How Paul Looks at Life (Philippians 3:7-16)

Christianity is more than a religion - it's a worldview (a way of making sense of the world). How does your worldview mesh with Paul's? [Christian Cryder]

How Can We Know if This is God's Word (John 9:24-41)

One of the biggest doubts modern people have is Christian's claim that the Bible is God's word. This is one of the biggest hang-ups for many and thus a major reason so many of us can't imagine believing in Jesus. This week we look at an interesting passage that just might help us wrestle with this central truth of Christian Faith. [Christian Cryder]

How Paul Looks at Religion (Philippians 3:1-11)

We're half way through Philippians and Paul tells us that the way we advance in the Christian life is the same way we got into it - by putting our confidence in Christ alone! [Ryan Sutherland]

How We Work Out Our Own Salvation (Philippians 2:19-30)

Last week Paul wrote, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do according to his good pleasure" (Phil 2:12-13). What does that mean and how do we do it? This is what we consider as we look at two of Paul's dear friends, Timothy and Epaphroditus. [Ryan Sutherland]

What Paul Wants From Us (Philippians 2:5-18)

Paul has just shown us how Jesus worked out His own salvation and then challenges us to work out ours. How does he think we ought to do that and how does this connect to the church? [Christian Cryder]

How Paul Looks at Jesus (Philippians 2:1-11)

Paul quotes an early hymn or poem to illustrate how the humility of Jesus Christ ought to produce both humility and unity within the church! [Ryan Sutherland]

How Paul Looks at Unity (Philippians 2:1-11)

How did the Apostle Paul think about unity within the Church? And how do we go about pursuing greater unity? Surprisingly, not by focusing on unity! [Ryan Sutherland]

How Paul Looks at Opposition (Philippians 1:21-30)

How did Paul's worldview make sense of his opponents? He actually saw them as an opportunity for God's Kingdom to advance rather than an obstacle. How was able to believe that and how can we start to think the way he did about opposition and adversity? [Ryan Sutherland]

How Paul Looks at Circumstances (Philippians 1:12-26)

In light of last week's tragic events at the Boston Marathon it's important to stop and ask how Scripture invites us to view our circumstances. Using the Apostle Paul as our guide, this week we examine Paul's attitude towards his circumstances (he's wrongfully imprisoned!), what the basis is for that attitude, and how we can have that same kind of perspective on our circumstances. [Christian Cryder]

How Paul Looks at People (Philippians 1:1-11)

This week we transition from the book of Matthew into Paul's letter to the Philippians so we can see how he captures the concepts of Jesus' Kingdom in the life of a particular church plant. This week we look at Paul's attitude towards people and how we can start to have that same attitude. [Christian Cryder]

A Kingdom of Giving (Acts 20:1-17)

Giving has always been one of the key components of Christianity (and the Kingdom of God). But it's also very challenging because deep down none of us are as generous as we want others to be towards us (or as generous as we know God wants us to be). So what's the secret to being generous. That's what we wrestle with this week.

• A Kingdom of Giving  - Christian Cryder

Most Recent Sermon

Jesus & the Empty Tomb - Easter (Matthew 28)

Was the tomb of Jesus really empty? How can we know and what does it matter for us? Since it's Easter, it's only fitting to consider the resurrection of Jesus.

• Jesus & His Throne - Ryan Sutherland

Jesus & His Throne (Matthew 27:27-54)

Jesus finally takes his seat, not on a throne, but on a Roman cross. We continue to wrestle with the question, why would anyone want to kill Jesus? But the cross, rightly understood, brings a more important question to the fore - why would God want to kill Jesus?

• Jesus & His Throne - Ryan Sutherland

Good Friday Service

If Good Friday is the day when Christians remember Jesus' brutal death on a Roman cross, how could it possibly be considered "good"? And why on earth would we celebrate it? Great questions! Why not explore them together with us?

We invite you to join us for a dark-yet-beautiful glimpse into one of the oldest of Christian traditions Friday, April 18th at 7:30 PM as we gather to celebrate a very special Good Friday service in the lobby of the Missoula Children's Theatre (200 N Adams).

The service will be somber and reflective, yet deeply optimistic and hopeful. Regardless of your spiritual convictions (or lack thereof), this is a great chance to work on your own spirituality by considering the claims of Christianity in regard to this seminal moment in human history. Hope to see you there!

Jesus & the Captives (Matthew 27:11-26)

Jesus is led before Pontius Pilate and the Roman Government in order for sentencing and a "notorious prisoner" named Barabbas was released instead of Jesus. Why? What were the charges against Jesus? Why would anyone want to kill this miracle worker and teacher?

• Jesus & the Captives - Ryan Sutherland

(sorry, but due to technical difficulties, the final few minutes were lost in recording)

The Cup of Sorrows (Matthew 26:36-46)

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus prays, "take this cup from me..." What does he mean by the "cup"? What's in the cup? Is it simply the suffering that he knew was coming? Or was it something more?

• The Cup of Sorrows - Ryan Sutherland

What If...

What if there was a church for people who have given up on church? A place that...

• ...welcomed you as you are, regardless of your spiritual convictions?
  
• ...encouraged you in your spiritual journey, wherever you are in that process?
  
• ...allowed you to be completely honest about your struggles, doubts, and flaws?
• ...wasn't afraid of the hard questions, and didn't shun those who disagree?
  
• ...didn't claim to have all the answers, and admitted when they were wrong?
  
• ...believed it's possible to know God without turning off your brain?
  
• ...worshiped God from the heart, with creativity, mystery, and artistry?
  
• ...tried hard to honor Jesus by taking all of his teachings seriously?
  
• ...met real needs in the city, without asking for anything in return?
  
• ...cared about things that matter, like peace, justice, and true friendship?
  
• ...embraced all types of people, no matter what?

What if there was a church like this? Would you check it out?

All Souls Missoula is a grassroots effort to be this kind of church, by being these kind of people. It's a safe place for friends, families, and people in process to explore faith and experience real community. It's a place you can feel good about bringing your friends to, not because we're perfect, but because we're in this together, and we're excited at where it's going. What if you could help us get there?

Spring Groups (2013)

In case you haven't noticed, we've had a lot of new faces lately. Welcome! One of the ways we really experience community is by engaging it more deeply, not just on Sundays, but together in homes throughout the rest of the week. This Spring we will have a number of group offerings, all of which officially get going the week of Monday, Feb 11...

1. Small groups – Eat, read, discuss, pray together in groups of 5-10. These are a great ways to connect to God by living life in community with others. 
1. Westside Group – Tuesdays @ 6:30 PM at Beau & Esther McBryde's
   [1219 Howell St.  ~ Esther: 531-9089]
2. Southside Group – Thursdays @ 6:30 PM at Rob & Sarah Munjal's
   [2316 Cloverdale Dr. ~ Sarah: (301) 801-0207]
3. River Road Group – Thursdays @ 6:30 PM with Naomi Bray & Jess Folmar
   [506A Bondurant Ct. ~ Naomi: 552-5883 ~ Jess: 552-5297]
2. Larger groups – focused on special topics or content...
1. Leadership Training – Wednesdays @ 7 PM [no dinner!] at Chris & Jenifer's. This group is geared to help identify / train potential elders, but it's open to anyone (men or women) who has gone through All Souls 101 wants to learn more about what it means to be a leader at All Souls. [1224 Lincoln Road ~ Christian: 529-5568 ~ Ryan: 529-2468]
3. Missional Gatherings – once a month (during the week following the first Sunday), our small groups will meet together in slightly larger groups to hear from God about how we can love our city together. These groups have never been done before at All Souls and we are very excited about them, so stay tuned for details – your group leaders will have more information.

Jesus & the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:36-46)

Why is the Lord's Supper such an important part of the Lord's Supper? More importantly how does the Lord's Supper give us a taste of Jesus' Kingdom?

• Jesus & the Lord's Supper - Christian Cryder

The Role of Worship in the Kingdom (Matthew 26:17-35)

• The Role of Worship in the Kingdom - Christian Cryder

Judgment in the Kingdom (Matthew 25:31-46)

Today we look at one of the scariest passages in the New Testament. Jesus tells a parable about sheep and goats and how Jesus will one day judge people for how they live out the values of the Kingdom. Sheep are destined for heaven while goats are destined for hell. How do we make sense of this parable in light of our modern sensibilities about heaven and hell?

• Judgment in the Kingdom - Christian Cryder

Ash Wednesday

Want to experience a Christian tradition that is more than a thousand years old? Join us for a short, contemplative Ash Wednesday Service this Wednesday morning at 7 AM @ the Downtown Dance Collective (121 W Main). This is a great way to begin exploring the season of Lent. We will be done by 7:40 AM. Contact Christian (529-5568) or Ryan (529-2468) if you have questions.

The Comfort and Challenge of the Kingdom (Matthew 20:1-16, 21:28-32)

Jesus tells several parables about the Kingdom of Heaven and in them we see how the message of the Kingdom is both incredibly comforting (for those who acknowledge their sin) and challenging (for those who don't see their need).

• The Comfort and Challenge of the Kingdom - Christian Cryder

A Kingdom of Glory (Matthew 17:1-13)

Three of Jesus' disciples (Peter, James & John) get to go on an amazing field trip with Jesus - up a mountain where God himself shows up in a bright cloud and declares his pleasure with his Son. Moses and Elijah show up and Jesus is transfigured before their eyes! What's this story show us about the Kingdom?

• A Kingdom of Glory - Ryan Sutherland

A Kingdom of Suffering (Matthew 16:13-28)

This week we look at one of the most controversial passages in the history of the church, but the controversy is actually misplaced. The church has tended to focus on what this passage is saying about church authority and leadership, while the real controversy ought to be how Jesus confronts our own inability to suffer for his sake. How does suffering connect to the Kingdom?

• A Kingdom of Suffering - Ryan Sutherland

A Kingdom of Forgiveness (Matthew 9:1-8)

In this story, Jesus makes a bold claim that our biggest need is not healing - it's forgiveness. And yet, when we actually try to move through life extending the kind of forgiveness that Jesus displays, we find we can't do it. How do we become the kind of people that can forgive others the way Jesus wants us to?

• A Kingdom of Forgiveness - Christian Cryder

What it Means to Have Faith (Matthew 8:1-17)

Why is faith so important in Christianity? Sometimes it seems like Jesus even makes faith a prerequisite for doing miracles in a person's life. What do we do with that? What does it mean to have faith?

• What it Means to Have Faith - Christian Cryder