Connections

Christianity in America: the Third Great Awakening and Response to Change - Part 4

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We find ourselves caught between the mid 1800s and the beginning of the 1900s with the Third Great Awakening. How do christians in the United States handle fast and large scale change, poverty, social issues, and more? Let's find out.

What Are You Looking At - Karen Oglesby

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:28:07 -0500

When David met Goliath he didn't see a ten-foot giant warrior, he saw an enemy defeated by God. Karen asks, "What do you see when looking at the challenges in your life?"

Rev. Mark Meyers Interview - Part 2

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We continue our conversation with Rev. Mark Meyers the Associate Pastor at UMC New Lenox. Our talk today continues our previous conversation on the Methodist denominations identity. We focus today on the theology and sacraments of the UMC.

Christianity in America: Missionaries and Division - Part 3

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We continue in tracing people, movements, and events in Christianity in American through the baptist and methodist. Today we look at the 1800s, specifically the Second Great Awakening, Francis Asbury, Missionary Movement, the Judson, the issue of slavery and all of their lasting impacts on us today.

Rev. Mark Meyers Interview - Part 1

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We sit down with Rev. Mark Meyers the Associate Pastor of UMC New Lenox, Illinois. Our whole conversation will be on Methodist history and theology. Our discussion today will be on the history of the Methodist Church in the U.S.A and its main movers and shakers.

Christianity in America: The Great Awakening and Revolution - Part 2

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We continue in church history pivoting to the United States of America. We will explore the 1700s and the movers and shakers of the Great Awakening that impact not only christianity in America, but help pave the way for the revolution. We will also look at those around during the revolution, particularly Baptist and how they shaped the founding of the United States of America with their Christian faith and beliefs.

Holy Spirit: Love, Love, Love - Part 2

Sun, 31 May 2026 15:43:59 -0500

God is Love. God demonstrates His love for us through the Holy Spirit. Pastor Zach explains how the apostle Paul described what love really means in I Corinthians 13.

Rev. Patty Bilyeu Interview - Part 2

Fri, 29 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We continue our conversationwith Rev. Patty Bilyeu. She is the Executive Minister of the Great Rivers Region in the ABCUSA denomination. We continue our talk about baptist history and identity in the United States of America.

Christianity in America: The Colonies - Part 1

Wed, 27 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We continue in church history pivoting to the United States of America. We trace some movements and impacts of Christianity in the history of the United States starting today with the 1600s and the colonies. We will particularly be using the Baptist and Methodist as a window into what is happening in the U.S.A at large.

The Holy Spirit: Pentecost - Part 1

Sun, 24 May 2026 14:10:35 -0500

Today is Pentecost - the day we celebrate the birth of the church. Fifty days after Jesus' crucifixion the Holy Spirit came and dwelt inside each believer. In the Old Testament we are told the Glory of God dwelt in the temple. How much greater that we can experience that same Spirit living within us!

Rev. Patty Bilyeu Interview - Part 1

Fri, 22 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We sit down with Rev. Patty Bilyeu the Executive Minister of the Great Rivers Region in the ABCUSA denomination to talk about baptist history and identity.

1500s Miniseries- Reformers Assemble Church History Part 9

Wed, 20 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We continue to look at the impactful 1500s on church history with a look at two reformers and a movement. Come along as we explore the Reformers Zwingli and Calvin, with a look at the Anglican Church. Each one impacts our theology and church polity today in the U.S.A.

Matthew: Gifts and Responsibilities - Part 25

Mon, 18 May 2026 10:47:13 -0500

Jesus concludes his Olivett Discourse with 3 parables instructing the disciples it is all about love. We've been given a job until he returns - Love as We Have Been Loved!

1500s Miniseries - 95 Problems Church History Part 8

Wed, 13 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We continue with the wild ride that is the 1500s in church history. Today we talk about Martin Luther. Luther's impact on church history is still felt today. His challenge to the church, institution, powers, and theology of the day are so powerful we still argue about them today. Come along and find out about the spark that lit the Reformation.

Matthew: Here is Your Sign - Part 24

Sun, 10 May 2026 21:48:40 -0500

Jesus describes what all disciples (you included) should expect as the end of this age approaches and his kingdom arrives. What are you to do? Pastor Zach explains, but the answer may surprise you.

1500s Miniseries- Turning Points- Church History Part 7

Wed, 06 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Continuing our look at Church History particularly in the 1500s we reach a turning point. We look at Erasmus of Rotterdam and the Council of Trent. One contributes to the Reformation and the other pushes back against it. And of course there is drama. Come for the history and stay for the tea.

Matthew: Jesus the Prophet - Part 23

Sun, 03 May 2026 15:09:35 -0500

The pharisees challenged Jesus' authority. His response pointed out how they were using their authority to bring glory to themselves instead of leading the people in their relationship to God.

1500s Miniseries- Global Mission?- Church History Part 6

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We are taking our time and begining a multi episode look at the impact of the 1500s. There is a lot happening these particular 100 years in church history so, it becomes necessary to slow down, take our time, and have some fun. on this episode we change up even the structure of the episode and start with two impactful monks and how the church and it's mission begin to shape not just Europe, but Africa, Asian, and the Americas.

Matthew: Everyone is Invited and the Dress Code is Jesus - Part 22

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:08:08 -0500

Jesus answers the religious leaders attempt to question his authority by telling three parables. The last was the parable about a wedding feast thrown by a king. His invited guests refused to come. He's invited you, what will you wear?

Bonus Episode: The Plague

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0500

The Plague or "Black Death" in the 1300s had a giant impact on the church and christianity. What might be surprising is how the plague is still impacting the church today. One of the church's youth asked for this special episode and we are excited to explore the impact and legacy of the plague on the church.

Church History: On the Edge of Change-Part 5

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:42:23 -0500

We take a look at church history between 1300 and 1500 AD. It is a time when the world begins to shift and many things begin to bubble and happen setting the stage for the Reformation.

Matthew: The Faithful Life in the Kingdom - Part 21

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:55:27 -0500

Jesus had just finished teaching about the importance of forgiveness and what do the pharisees ask - rules. Specifically divorce. Not so they could understand but to trick Jesus up. List to Jesus' response as explained by Pastor Zach.

Church History - We Getting Mediaeval

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We continue to walk through church istory looking at vibes, events, conflicts, and people. Today we look at the time of the church between 800-1300 AD.

Matthew: Go! - Part 20

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:15:09 -0500

Jesus died on the cross, rose from the grave and now just before he ascends, he instructs his disciples - his apprentices - to go and make more apprentices like them. Pastor Zach explains what that means for us today.

Church History: The Church Goes Mainstream-Part 2

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0500

We continue our journey through church history exploring the years between 300 AD to 500 AD. We see remarkable and influential people coming out of the time period We see theology and doctrine that shapes the church even today. And do we see Santa Claus throw hands? It is part 2 of Church History.

Matthew: Resurrection Sunday - Part 19

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:11:28 -0500

Prior to Easter the greatest weapon evil had to offer was death. But on Easter Jesus demonstrated that death no longer holds a grip on mankind. As believers, we are alive in him now and will be throughout eternity. Praise God! Glory to Him in the highest!

Church History- Messy Church Part 1

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Upon request we are diving in and walking through the history of the church. We recognize we as a church didn't appear out of no where. We also recognize that there are people that have shaped us and formed us that maybe we are not aware of. Just like normal family trees there is some interesting drama and conflict that has informed and shaped us today. So we begin exploring the messy start of the church in the first 300 years.

Matthew: King and Prophet - Part 18

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 14:37:34 -0500

Jesus rides into Jerusalem as Messiah King but also as a prophet predicting the fall of Isreal for their rejection of him.

Lent Series: Surprise Holy Week - Part 6

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500

As part of our series on Lent and its practices, Pastor Zach explores the week before Easter traditionally called Holy Week. this interesting week holds its own days, traditions, and practices meant to encourage us to encounter Christ and live out our faith.

Matthew: Peter Does the Math - Part 17

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 14:49:04 -0500

In chapter 18 Matthew records Jesus teaching the disciples what it means to forgive. Peter believes he has the answer - forgive someone "seven times". Jesus says, "No Peter, seventy-seven times". Paster Zach explains how we often misunderstand this entire teaching.

Conversation with Pastor Tara Beth Leach

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Pastor Zach sits down for a conversation with Pastor, Preacher, Writer Tara Beth Leach to discuss her book The Great Morning Revolution.

Lent Series: Fasting - Part 5

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500

A series exploring historic practices of Christians during the season of Lent. Pastor Zach takes a look at the practice of fasting. Probably the most common practice associated with Lent, but how does this practice shape our faith and invite us into a deeper relationship with God? That is what we are exploring today.

Matthew: The Christ and the Shadow of His Throne Part 16

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 16:13:00 -0500

Matthew 16 and 17 we see Peter's spiritual roller coaster declaring Christ as Messiah followed by Jesus scolding him for trying thwart God's plan followed by seeing Jesus shrouded in the Glory of God on the mount of transfiguration. Our lives can be the same. Matthew's message is for us as well.

Lent Series: Prayer - Part 4

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500

A series exploring historic practices of Christians during the season of Lent. Pastor Zach takes a look at the practice of prayer and how Jesus calls his disciples to pray.

Matthew: The Messiah's Heart Revealed Part 15

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:33:47 -0500

We continue to walk through the gospel according to Matthew by hearing the stories of the feeding of the 5000 and Peter stepping out of the boat. We explore how these two stories are meant to invite and teach us as how to be apprentices of Jesus.

Lent Series: Generosity - Part 3

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0600

A series exploring historic practices of Christians during the season of Lent. Pastor Zach takes a look at the practice of generosity as it relates to Jesus, his teachings, our call as disciples, and how it relates to lent.

Matthew:The Kingdom Of Heaven Is Like...Part 14

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 17:08:30 -0600

Garrr, Jesus talks about treasure and pearls in our scripture today. Join Pastor Zach as he invites us to hear the good news and the treasure we have in scripture. During Lent the church seeks to draw closer to God and one way we do that is engaging with scripture.

Lent Series: Scripture Study - Part 2

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0600

A series exploring historic practices of Christians during the season of Lent. Pastor Zach takes a look at the practice of Scripture Reading and how it deepens our relationship as disciples to Christ.

Matthew: Mixed Reactions to Jesus - Part 13

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:14:28 -0600

Jesus has taught the people that the Kingdom of heaven is near. Jesus has demonstrated his authority through the miracles he performed. Still not everyone believed. His parable of the seed in various soils explains people's reaction. Where are you in accepting the reality of Christ in your life?

Lent Series: Repentance and Confession - Part 1

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0600

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the church season of Lent. Pastor Zach begins a series exploring historic practices used by the church to draw closer to Christ as his disciples. This week we look at the practice of Repentance and Confession.

Matthew: Joining the Messiah's Mission - Part 12

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 13:00:25 -0600

After Jesus had finished teaching the disciples and then demonstrating his message by healing, casting out demons, and showing compassion for the people, Jesus instructs his disciples to go out into the countryside and do the same. Guess what? His instructions were as much for you and I as they were for the disciples. Go and proclaim, "The kingdom of heaven is near. King Jesus is on the throne."

What is the Gospel - Part 3

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0600

We end our exploration of the question, "what is the gospel,' by looking at Jon 3:16 and The Book of Revelation. John 3:16 is a common passage quoted as the gospel. How does the final entry of the Christian Bible and New Testament declare the good news? Let's dive in and see.

Matthew: Jesus Brings the Kingdom into People's Lives - Part 11

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:18:41 -0600

Jesus began his ministry by announcing, "Repent, the Kingdom of God is near". Matthew 8 and 9 shows us how Jesus brought his message into the lives of people. His compassion, love and caring for the people is exactly how we are to represent Him as His ambassadors.

What is the Gospel - Part 2

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0600

We continue our exploration asking, "what is the gospel" in the second of a 3 part journey. Today we look at Paul and the letters he wrote. Does Paul's gospel reflect Jesus' message of the gospel? Let's Dive in and find out.

Matthew: The People of the Way(c) - Part 10

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:17:39 -0600

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount was directed not to the rich and powerful but to the everyday people of his day. His message was challenge to them to go beyond the definition of righteousness described by the scribes and pharisees. Join us as we dive deeper and explore Jesus' message.

What's The Gospel - Part 1

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0600

"What is the gospel? An essential question for any follower of Jesus. We are called as Christians to proclaim and share the gospel, so this is an important question to ask. Our aim here is to make sure our gospel is the same gospel Jesus and the apostles shared and declared."

Testing of Jesus - Part 3

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0600

"Okay Jesus, the Slanderer will give you that you are the Son of God, so now lets get the party started. Jesus is offered to kneel only so he can rise victorious. Power, authority, and grace is what we have, what does it look like when we give it away?"

Matthew: The People of the Way(a) - Part 9

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:21:55 -0600

We begin a three-week journey exploring the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins with the beatitudes - an opening to his teaching to the crowd and disciples in front of him. What does Jesus mean when he describes some as “blessed?” Jesus presents his sermon as a mirror to his audience. What do the people see when they look into Jesus' mirror?

Testing of Jesus - Part 2

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0600

"Jesus, does the Father really love you? Do you really love the Father The Slanderer puts the love of God in question this week as Jesus faces his second test in the wilderness."

Matthew: The Good News Followers - Part 8

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 18:23:12 -0600

What is the gospel? As Christians we are called to share the gospel? Did Jesus share the gospel? If so, shouldn’t we share the same gospel?

Testing of Jesus - Part 1

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:52:55 -0600

"Jesus is hungry and facing the Slanderer. Having his sonship and relationship with God tested, how will Jesus respond?"

Matthew: Testing in the Wilderness - Part 7

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 12:25:08 -0600

Join us as we take a deep dive into the story found in Matthew's gospel of Jesus being testing in the wilderness. We dive down deep into each individual test. The hope is this pulls us closer to God.

Matthew: Emanuel - Messiah with Us - Part 6

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 15:04:20 -0600

Merry Christmas! We move from one giant moment to the next. Moving along in Matthew's introduction of Jesus to us, we go from the Nativity of Jesus to his baptism. But why does Jesus need to be Baptized? How does this fulfill righteousness? What does it have to do with you, me, and Joe? Come and See?

Matthew: Wait with Light - Part 5

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 14:02:16 -0600

Light- Advent is the season of arrival. As we await Jesus' return we remember his arrival. This week Pastor Zach speaks on how here at the end of Advent as we walk into the season of Christmas we have been waiting WITH light, specifically the light of Christ. Scripture is found in Matthew chapter 1 and the nativity story.

Advent Miniseries: Light - Part 5

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:33:35 -0600

Light- A short reflection on the season of Advent: specifically the final theme of light.

Advent Miniseries: Love - Part 4

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:32:42 -0600

Love- A short reflection on the season of Advent: specifically the theme of Love.

Matthew: Wait with Love - Part 4

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:20:59 -0600

Love- Advent is the season of arrival. As we await Jesus' return we remember his arrival. This week Pastor Zach talks about how we are shaped by the season as we wait WITH love based on the ending of John the Baptist's message found in Matthew 3:11-12.

Matthew: Prepare the Way - Part 3

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 14:09:42 -0600

Joy-Advent is the season of arrival. As we await Jesus' return, we remember his arrival. This week Pastor Zach talks about how we are shaped by the season as we wait WITH joy based on Mathew 3:1-10.

Advent Miniseries: Joy - Part 3

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:31:56 -0600

Joy- a short reflection on the season of Advent: specifically, the theme of Joy.

Matthew: A new Pharaoh - Waiting in Peace - 2

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:37:15 -0600

Sermon from December 7, 2025. Matthew 2:1-22

Advent Miniseries: Peace - Part 2

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:19:18 -0600

A short reflection on the season of Advent: specifically, the theme of Peace.

Advent Miniseries: Hope - Part 1

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:24:10 -0600

A short reflect for the Season of Advent. Pastor Zach invites you to reflect each week of Advent on the weekly theme: hope, peace, joy, and love. This week is the first week of Advent so the theme is Hope.