Worth the Risk: Invitation, Courage, and the Life of Faith
The season of Epiphany is a time to notice where God is at work in the world—and in our own lives. This year, our congregation is embarking on a five-week series called “Worth the Risk: Invitation, Courage and the Life of Faith” Inspired by Dave Daubert’s The Invitational Christian and the weekly Scripture readings from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year A), this series explores what it means to follow Jesus and invite others into faith—not with pressure, but with honesty, integrity, and love.
Each week, our preaching and teaching will focus on one of the fears that often hold us back from inviting others to share in the life of faith: fear of rejection, fear of harming a relationship, fear of appearing foolish, fear of being labeled fanatical, and fear of being vulnerable. We’ll learn how Scripture speaks to each fear, showing us that God is already at work and calls us into courage and faithful presence.
Here’s what you can expect each week:
January 18: “Why Should Anyone Come?” (John 1:29–42) — God calls the church to help people grow spiritually, not merely to survive. Even if invitations are declined, God is at work.
January 25: “Come and Follow” (Matthew 4:12–23) — Following Jesus strengthens relationships. Invitations are relational and trustworthy.
February 1: “Spiritual, Not Just Religious” (Matthew 5:1–12) — The Beatitudes remind us that authentic faith is honored by God. Even when our faith feels “foolish,” God blesses our openness and humility.
February 8: “Let Your Light Be Seen” (Matthew 5:13–20) — Faith is meant to be visible. With integrity, we can share God’s love without being pushy or overbearing.
February 15: “Come With Me” (Matthew 17:1–9) — Jesus walks with us into awe and vulnerability. Accompaniment makes faith-sharing safe and life-giving for everyone.
To deepen the conversation, we invite you to join our Bible study beginning January 12 at Tremont Coffee on Erie Street, meeting Mondays at 6:00 pm and Wednesdays at 10:00 am. These gatherings are a relaxed, welcoming space to explore the weekly readings, share stories of faith, and discuss how God is inviting each of us to walk courageously in everyday life.
Whether you’ve been part of the church for years or are simply curious, this series offers a way to listen to God’s call, grow in courage, and discover how faith can be lived authentically and joyfully. As Jesus said to his first disciples: “Come and see.”
We hope you’ll join us in worship and study this Epiphany season to experience God’s invitation for yourself—and to grow in the joy of inviting others to see God at work in the world.
