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Sunday, March 17 Note: Writers on Sundays were asked to address the power of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in their lives. Poetic words that spark our imagination are part of the appeal of all the psalms. In the psalms, “the seas roar, the trees of the forest...

Saturday, March 16 Sometimes I get frustrated by all the parables that Jesus tells his disciples and followers. Wouldn’t it be easier if Jesus just plainly said what he meant? And yet, other times he doesn’t mince words at all – like that one time he called Herod a...

Friday, March 15 We have all been rejected and rejection doesn’t feel good. It can be devastating. In the scripture, Jesus’ message and ministry are rejected. The Pharisees are trying to dissuade Jesus from going to Jerusalem. But Jesus doesn’t fall for their ruse....

Thursday, March 14 Christians are called to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ life and death and on the role we play in continuing his mission. As in all the gospels, the Pharisees in Luke are largely antagonistic to Jesus and Jesus to them. Though the Pharisees’...

Wednesday, March 13 The Old Testament has some pretty brutal stories, and the book of Revelation is filled with harrowing images that still make their way into blockbuster horror movies, but few moments in the Bible make my hair stand on end like those episodes where...

Tuesday, March 12 Dr. Ruth Anne Reese of Asbury Theological Seminary describes in her commentary of Luke 13 three distinct uses of the Greek word, thelo, meaning “desire,” “wish,” or “want.” The Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill Jesus (vs.31). Jesus...

Monday, March 11 What is your mission? Do you know? Do you have a clear picture? Jesus came to earth knowing what his mission was. He varied his “tactics” or approach. He was always about ministering to others through feeding, healing, teaching, even as he approached...

Sunday, March 10 Note: Writers on Sundays were asked to address the power of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in their lives. “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” Luke 4:11 As with the devil’s first two...

Saturday, March 9 This passage of scripture opens by stating, “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit.” This simple statement can be easy to pass by very quickly. However, it is one of the most fundamental expressions of a very important truth to understand. The Christian...

Friday, March 8 The Bible is full of wilderness stories. In fact, the wilderness seems to be one of God’s favorite places to be revealed to individuals. The Bible is also filled with references to the number 40, using it to represent a lengthy period of time. This...

Thursday, March 7 For 40 days the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus did not succumb to that persistent temptation. Of course, he didn’t. But could we do the same? And just 40 days? Doesn’t it sometimes feel like we spend our entire life in the wilderness...

March 6 The Temptation of Jesus, which we read about in today’s passage, occurs immediately after he is baptized and a heavenly voice proclaims, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” The writer of Luke is perhaps warning us that we are at risk of...

When Miriam and I made a trip to Jerusalem, the first instruction our guide gave to us was this: “You are not traveling in this land as a tourist; you are here as a pilgrim.” To travel in the places where Jesus once traveled, and to study his teachings from historic...

All activities are canceled today because of inclement weather. Please be safe!  

Get a "lift" this Sunday at worship in the Sanctuary. At 8:30 Gospel Worship, celebrate the baptisms of Sarah Rose and Angelina Ramirez. At 11 Worship, enjoy the majestic music of the Møller organ. Come and be uplifted! And -- oh, yes -- the elevator is operating! See...

Worship canceled for 8:30 a.m.   Despite our well-intentioned plans for celebrating a baptism this morning at the 8:30 service, we are canceling the 8:30 a.m. worship today. We want everyone to be safe this morning and not venture out into the snowy weather. While a...

National City Christian Church will be OPEN for worship on Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Most other church activities are canceled. Choirs will not be singing (or rehearsing) on Sunday. We encourage everyone to use their best judgment when venturing out on Sunday...

We are working hard on a new strategic plan we are calling the Epiphany Process. Please read our summary report here.

In observance of the National Day of Mourning for 41st U.S. President George H.W. Bush, church offices will be officially closed on Wednesday, December 5. The Food Pantry will be open for distribution of food for our neighbors in need from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Other...

National City Christian Church congregational board and Senior Pastor Stephen Gentle are excited to welcome Valeria A. Foster to the position of interim Minister of Music. In addition to overseeing the expansive music ministry of National City Christian Church, she...

There will be NO elevator service at church this Sunday. I'm so sorry about this news, but the water break we had in the basement last night did significant damage to the elevator electrical system. It is completely shut down. For Sunday, the parking garage will be...

The Plymouth Choir from First-Plymouth Congregational Church, Lincoln, Nebraska, will sing for the 11:00 a.m. worship service this Sunday, June 17. In addition to joining our congregation in sung praise and prayer, the choir will  sing the Kyrie Eleison from...

We are excited to welcome Rev. Dr. Barber to our pulpit on Pride Sunday, June 10, at our 11 a.m. service. Rev. Dr. William Barber II is a preacher, author, and professor, he is the architect of the "Forward Together Moral Movement." Rev. Dr. Barber has most recently...

On Thursday, May 24, we were honored to host the Sojourners Reclaiming Jesus, a call to answer candlelight procession and vigil, featuring Bishop Michael Curry. Here is the live stream of the Reclaiming Jesus service. You can find more information at the Sojourners...

All dogs and their human companions are welcome at our annual dog blessing on our steps Sunday, May 20, at 10 a.m.

Broadcasting from National City Christian Church on Sunday, May 13, 6:00-7:30 p.m., the Poor People's Campaign will launch its first nationwide event of the season with nonviolent moral direct actions in over 30 state capitals and the District of Columbia.  ...

Easter Sunday, April 1 Today is the First day – the Lord’s Day – or Resurrection day. The Lord’s Day celebrates the beginning of the new creation – the First day – in the resurrection of Jesus. On this Sunday, we join with the communion of saints all around the world,...

Holy Saturday, March 31 Scripture: Mark 15:42-46 We have a pretty good idea where Jesus was buried. Maybe you have been to the site in Jerusalem, within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Just in the past year, a team of scientists from National Geographic and the...

Good Friday, March 30 Scripture: Mark 15:22-39 As Jesus hung on the cross, the soldiers cast lots to divide up his clothes among them. What do we take from Jesus? Wealth, fame, possessions, power, and comfort. As he hung there people verbally abused and mocked Him....

Maundy Thursday, March 29 Scripture: Mark 15:1-20 Pontius Pilate came to Judea as the new Governor to bring some order to this troublesome province. He finds himself thrown into a trial involving religious turmoil that has captivated the people but brought the ire of...

Holy Wednesday, March 28 Scripture: Mark 14:17-31 Isn’t it remarkable that the people gathered with Jesus at the table are the very ones that would one day betray and desert him? During what would become known as the “last supper,” Jesus announces that one of those...

Holy Tuesday, March 27 Scripture: Mark 14:17-31 The scene is set - there is a buzz in the air; streets are packed with citizens and strangers alike; preparations are being made in the temple; Roman guards are on heightened security; tensions are high; and twelve men...

Holy Monday, March 26 Scripture: Mark 14:17-31 In spite of being betrayed, Christ shared his love with all of the twelve. After alerting them that he was aware of what would occur, he did not demonstrate any disfavor to the one who would betray him. He shared himself...

Palm/Passion Sunday, March 25 Note: We asked our writers on Sundays to address the power of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in their lives. Music, like Lent, sometimes takes us where we prefer not to go. In “South Pacific,” sophisticated South Sea planter Emile de...

Saturday, March 24 Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 We are all familiar with the story of Jesus riding a colt into Jerusalem for Passover. It was told in all four gospels. Jesus had been out in the countryside with his disciples teaching the people, healing the sick, and even...

Friday, March 23 Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 This is a momentous occasion. For the first time Jesus is permitting His followers to honor him as a King. His earlier habit of avoiding unnecessary publicity is negated. He requested a colt (baby donkey) that had never been...

Thursday, March 22 Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 As many of you may know and for those who do not know I am a convicted felon as of 2004. I was ashamed and humiliated at the arrest but eventually was glad it happened. I recall the anguish and heartache at the thought of my...

Due to inclement weather expected on March 21, the church offices are closed and all activities are canceled. Be safe and enjoy your day.

Wednesday, March 21 Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 Being a disciple of God isn’t all glory. Imagine, you just devoted your life to Jesus for two to three years, and spent the last nine months travelling through 35 locations en route to what promises to be a glorious return...

Tuesday, March 20 Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 As with most biblical passages, there are so many messages that can be deciphered. One of the commentaries (The Interpreter’s Bible, Volume 7, 1989) that I read suggested that the actions like the colt being untied and taken...

Sixth Week in Lent The Hour Has Come Monday, March 19 Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 Jesus traveled to Jerusalem knowing the trip would lead to his sacrificial death. Agony and suffering are looming, and yet great joy and celebration surround Jesus. He’s on a death march,...

Sunday, March 18 Note: We asked our writers on Sundays to address the power of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The Lutheran minister Martin Rinkart arrived in Eilenberg, Saxony, in the seventeenth century. By 1636, war and plague left him, as the town’s only...

An elderly aunt was driving her car, which she had long ago named “Has Been,” as she entered the parking lot with nary an empty space in sight. Just then backup lights indicated the car nearby was readying to leave. But before “Has Been” could be driven into the now...

Friday, March 16 Scripture: John 12:20-33 Of John 12:20-33, the significance may seem a little illusive, but it essentially (verses 24- 25) represents an important part of the spirit and reasoning describing the Christian religion. It raises some problems, probably...

Thursday, March 15 Scripture: John 12:20-33 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus… While reading, meditating, and praying about the...

Wednesday, March 14 Scripture: John 12:20-33 Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say – "Father save me from this hour?” No, it is for this reason I have come to this hour. John 12:27 None of us likes to go through a trial or a test. We think that having a...

Tuesday, March 13 Scripture: John 12:20-33 Jesus shares the parables to illustrate that we must sacrifice in life to death. That's heavy stuff. The promise He makes is the most powerful thing I can imagine; in death, we will be reborn into someone forever enduring....

Fifth Week in Lent Troubled Hearts Scripture: John 12:20-33 Monday, March 12 Scripture: John 12:20-33 In all likelihood the Greeks in this story were Gentiles who had been attracted to Judaism but hadn’t quite gone all-in. They had traveled to Jerusalem to worship at...

Sunday, March 11 Note: We asked our writers on Sundays to address the power of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in their lives. While I'm sure that I sang "Happy Birthday" and various nursery songs in pre-school, the first real memory that I have of singing was at...

Saturday, March 10 Scripture: John 3:14-21 What wondrous love is this oh my soul, oh my soul… Have you ever pondered while singing this familiar Lenten song, how one describes God’s love? Do the overused and insufficient words of “super,” “great,” “wonderful,” and...

Friday, March 9 Scripture: John 3:14-21 Indeed, God [sent his son into the world] in order that the world might be saved through him… John 3:17 Those who participate in sports know that in the final moments, one often wishes the game could be extended – other days you...

Thursday, March 8 Scripture: John 3:14-21 This Gospel of John 3:14-21 is a bit challenging for me. In this encounter the Gospel of John has sharp divisions between believers and non-believers, saved and condemned, people who love darkness rather than light do evil and...

Wednesday, March 7 Scripture: John 3:14-21 This week’s passage is challenging, even though portions have been held up as a beacon of hope for a challenging world, particularly at sporting events. I see God’s love and a call to responsibility, though it can read like...