As we conclude our series in Acts we zoom out to look at the story in its entirety, in the context of the biblical narative. In turning our attention to the mission of God, the kingdom of God and the church we realize that the story has not ended and in fact we are invited into God's ongoing work in this world.

Luke concludes the book of Acts with Paul's encounter with the Jewish population living in Rome. Like in other places, his preaching of the gospel is met with a mixed response. He concludes by quoting Isaiah 6, you do not see or perceive what God is inviting you to, but the world is receptive.

Shipwrecked and stranded on the Island of Malta, Paul and his companions are met with unusual kindness and hospitality from the islanders. God, through Paul, heals many people over the course of 3 months before they leave for Rome.

On the way to Rome to face trial before Caesar, Paul experiences a violent storm and is shipwrecked. Paul relies on God and God saves. How will we lean into God as we navigate our own figurative storms and shipwrecks?

Years later, Paul is still on trial, though no punishable crimes can be proven. Paul demonstrates incredible strength in choosing a mindset of hope and purpose in the midst of suffering.

Put on trial before of governor Felix, Paul navigates challenging political and religious dynamics. In the midst of it all, Paul's focus remains rooted in the kingdom of God.

We are invited to abide with Jesus in all seasons and circumstances of life.

As followers of Jesus we are invited to bring others before God in prayer. Intercessory prayer is an invitation to come along side the Holy Spirit in offering love and support to others.

As we reflect upon the sudden loss of a dear friend in our church family, we turn towards God remembering God's love and faithfulness. We pray that, in community, we might begin to find healing from God.

While in Roman custody, a plot is devised to kill Paul. A Roman commander acts quickly to relocate Paul and preserve his life. Paul will spend the next few years in prison with no valid charges or convictions against him. Today we explore how to understand and engage during prolonged periods of struggle or the unknown.

Paul, arrested in Jerusalem, appeals to his Roman citizenship to prevent a flogging. Brought before the Sanhedrin, Paul pits the rulers against each other with an argument about resurrection. Ultimately, his journey will not end there, God intends for him to witness in Rome also.

Stories are powerful. Your story is powerful...miraculous, even. Today we explore Paul's telling of his conversion and life experience and how it might relate to our lives.

As Paul arrives in Jerusalem after his 3rd missionary journey, he is met with a mixed response. Though some celebrate his successes, a mob forms fueled by misinformation and mistrust of what his success might change.

As Paul approaches Jerusalem and the end of his third missionary journey, some warn him not to go, while he feels led by the Spirit to engage the persecution ahead. Today we explore how people in the Bible discerned the Spirit's guidance and how we might do the same.

Compelled by the Holy Spirit to preach the good news in Jerusalem despite the danger, Paul says farewell to the Ephesian elders. Like Paul, we are invited to find strength in the Lord when walking through hardship.

In Acts, we catch glimpses of the early church living in community - speaking words of encouragement, worshiping God and breaking bread together. What does it look like for us to live in community today?

After two years of discipling new believers in Ephesus, Paul's effort and success is recognized and met with opposition. A Riot ensues but is quelled short of violence.

Paul arrives in Ephesus to find some confusion about baptism and new converts who had not yet received the Holy Spirit. As the Spirit comes in power, people in the city take notice and the good news spreads rapidly.

In Ephesus a capable evangelist, Apollos, is effectively preaching the Gospel, yet without a full understanding of Baptism. A couple in ministry, Pricilla and Aquila, step in to fill out his understanding. Apollos demonstrates an ability to be correct, to learn and grow in knowledge and in ministry.

During his second missionary journey, Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half. We catch glimpses of big events and ordinary moments of daily living. We are invited to offer God all the (extra)ordinary moments of our lives.