Expectations are powerful things. They influence our words, actions, planning, and hopes. Rarely will we put effort into cooking a meal, repairing a broken appliance, or entering a negotiation without the expectation of a positive outcome. We don't put energy into a relationship, time into learning a new skill, or effort into a team sport without the expectation of a meaningful connection, growth of some kind, or a win (at least occasionally!). What about our deeper lives of prayer? Do we pray with the expectation that God will bless us if we can check prayer off our list today? Or do we pray with the expectation that God will grant our prayerful wish list and solve our prayerfully presented dilemmas if we are diligent in presenting them properly? Scripture suggests that we pray with a thankful heart and attitude, expecting the good God we know and worship to be who God promises God will be. When we pray with alert minds and thankful hearts, we can always expect good things. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sUfWspnpUU

The world is a scary place these days! The news gives us steady images of violence and unrest. The economy, the job market, the supply chain - it's all so very uncertain and precarious. And to even leave your home or be with others is a risk to your health as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. What is one to do? It would be easy to turn inward, to retreat, to hide away until the danger passes. But will the danger ever pass? Is there another way? Scripture encourages us often (some say 365 times) to "not fear." And that admonition is often accompanied by the promise that "God goes with you." Even during fearful and uncertain times, we can live boldly and with confidence... because we live with God. With God, You Are... Brave. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AxOe-zDC1Q

Union Chapel Indy stands unique in its current time and place. There is no collection of gifts and graces, no accumulation of wisdom and experience, no place of joy or sorrow exactly like it anywhere else. This is because of the people who are right now a part of the ministry. And also because of all those who have gone before. On this All Saints Sunday we celebrate the light that remains among us of those faithful followers who have now gone on to glory. May we who call Union Chapel Indy home today glow as brightly for the world around us as those whose light still shines among us. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtGkNZK4DNk&t=15s

Maybe you’ve heard children boasting on the playground about how brave or strong or smart they are. Undoubtedly, someone will eventually call another to, “Prove it!” Words only go so far; eventually we all want proof of the amazing things we claim to be true. Followers of Jesus are often bold to praise a generous, loving, gracious Friend who is always there, never lets them down, and is faithful in season and out. The world looks at our claims about Jesus, and rightly demands, “Prove it!” A faith that lives only in words and worship is a flimsy faith, indeed. But a faith that shows itself through action is a powerful, active faith that easily ‘proves’ a present, caring and compassionate Lord. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOXf3NYuwbY