04.21.24 - Kids & Family Pastor - Crystel Watts - meh. - Back to life (Presence) Questions for Reflection How does the analogy of the suitcase reflect the tendency to fill our lives with obligations, distractions, and emotions beyond our capacity? In what ways does the feeling of "Meh" or apathy arise from seasons of over-commitment and exhaustion? How does it affect our spiritual well-being? Reflecting on Jesus' example of spiritual disciplines, why is subtraction often emphasized before addition? How can we apply this principle to create space for meaningful connection with God? Considering the steps outlined for establishing spiritual habits, which step resonates with you the most, and why? How might you incorporate these steps into your own spiritual journey? Key Verse(s) Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. Mark 6:31 Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him.' So they called to the blind man, 'Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you. Mark 10:49 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?' 'Yes, Lord,' he said, 'you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs. John 21:15 Setlist I BELIEVE - Phil Wickham O PRAISE THE NAME - Hillsong Worship NOTHING ELSE - Cody Carnes YOU'VE ALREADY WON - Shane and Shane

04.14.24 - Lead Pastor Bryce Gernand - meh. - How do I get out? Questions for Reflection By revisiting the gospel, we are trying to reposition ourselves—take the right posture—in our fight against apathy. We do this by regaining a proper Christian self-image. God brings the good news of forgiveness, healing, and freedom. Which of these gospel truths do you need to take hold of today (because God has already taken hold of it for you)? Spend a few moments praying Psalm 139:24, “See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Key Verse See if there is any offensive way in me, AND lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:24 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 ...consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11 Setlist I BELIEVE - Phil Wickham HOLY FOREVER - Bethel Worship I SPEAK JESUS - Charity Gayle GRATITUDE - Brandon Lake

04.07.24 - Lead Pastor Bryce Gernand - meh. - How did I get here? Questions for Reflection Meh is a casual interjection used as an expression of indifference or boredom. It is often regarded as a verbal equivalent of a shrug of the shoulders. Has this been your reality lately? If so, has your shrug been pointed at God (and things relating to God), those around you, or your purpose in life? We discussed the “seven deadly causes of apathy”: doubt, grief, triviality, feelings of inadequacy, fragility, lack of discipline, and lack of purpose. What has been the greatest cause of your apathy? Spend a few quiet moments simply coming before God in prayer. Come to him simply and honestly. Confess how you feel, and how you got to this place. Rest in knowing that he sees and hears you. Key Verse God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go! This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” Romans 8 (MSG) Setlist MY TESTIMONY - Elevation Worship KING OF MY HEART - Bethel Worship LIVING HOPE - Bethel Worship TRUST IN GOD - Elevation Worship

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Good Friday Prayer Guide 1) Extend forgiveness. In the midst of his execution, Jesus prayed for those whose very actions would cause not only his pain but also his death: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Grown-ups ask your child: When is it the hardest for you to forgive someone? Pray for those who have hurt you or offended you and ask for the grace to forgive and to keep on forgiving, as often and as long as necessary. 2) Pray for others to draw closer to God. To the repentant thief who was crucified next to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) How fitting that even as he was dying, Jesus was ushering someone into eternal life. Grown-ups ask your child: Why is it so important that we ask Jesus to come into our lives? Take a few moments to pray for those among your family and friends who have not yet experienced the fullness of life that is found through faith in Jesus. 3) Pray for those in need. John’s Gospel records Jesus taking the time and effort—from the cross—to place his mother, Mary, into the care of his faithful follower, John: “Woman, here is your son.” (John 19:26) That striking and intimate detail reminds us that Jesus cares for our practical wellbeing. Grown ups ask your child:  How has Jesus shown you and our family this same kind of love? Pray for the practical needs of those around you, but also ask for ways in which you could help practically meet those needs. 4) Pray for the lonely. When Jesus cried out from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me,” (Mark 15:34) he was echoing the abandonment and desperation of Psalm 22 (maybe take a moment to read this Psalm). Grown ups ask your child:  Have you ever felt lonely, tell me about it.  Do you know of anyone else that may be lonely? That loneliness afflicts many in our community, church, and family. Spend some time praying for the lonely people around you and ask Jesus to make himself known to them and be especially close to them. 5) Pray for those in pain. Jesus experienced extreme dehydration while on the cross. His thirst would have been excruciating (that word itself comes from the horrors of crucifixion: ex cruciatus, or out of the cross). So he cried out, “I am thirsty!” (John 19:28) Grown ups ask your child: Can you think of someone who may be in pain and in need of our prayers now? Let Jesus’ shortest saying from the cross prompt prayers for those who are in pain—those in the hospital, in rehab, in sick beds, or undergoing treatment. 6) Place yourself in God’s hands. Jesus quoted another psalm (Psalm 31:5) when he prayed, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” (Luke 23:46) There is no better time than Good Friday to consciously and reverently place yourself in God’s hands—to surrender anew your spirit, your life, your concerns, your future, your hopes, and dreams into his loving and omnipotent care. Go ahead and do that now. Grown ups ask your child: Can you close your eyes and imagine with me… picture God’s big and loving hands being held wide open for you to drop anything in there that you need to. Maybe what you need or want to put in there is your heart? Maybe it’s something you’re worried about, or even something you’re looking forward to? Let’s give it a try. 7) Give thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice. When Jesus spoke his last words on the cross, “It is finished,” (John 19:30) Matthew records, “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Matthew 27:51) This curtain was a constant reminder that sin makes humanity unfit for the presence of God; separating Holy from unholy. Jesus, through his death, removed the barrier between God and us, and now we can come before him with confidence and boldness. (Hebrews 4:14-16) The work is done. You have nothing to prove. You have nothing to earn. No “try and do,” only “take and be.” This is truly a good Friday! Give thanks. Grown ups ask your child: Jesus gave up his life on the cross because he loves you… can you think of anything that would make him stop loving you? Maybe if you tell a fib? (Say: No Way!) When you break something? (No Way!) When you are grumpy? (No Way, Let’s go take communion, remember this, and be thankful!) When you’re ready, come forward to receive communion. Setlist MY KING FOREVER - Josh Baldwin AT THE CROSS - Hillsong Worship

03.24.24 - Lead Pastor Bryce Gernand Hello World - Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing right. Questions for Reflection Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12) Elsewhere, he said, “If people persecuted me, they will persecute you too.” (John 15:20) Persecution, directly connected to living out our faith in Jesus, isn’t something most of us can even relate to. We have to be careful not to fall victim to the persecution complex, manufacturing conflicts in order to have something to rally behind. But it is a good time to ask ourselves a few questions: What if we do face true persecution? How will we respond when what we believe or how we live isn’t popular or accepted? When we’re in the minority? When it appears we’re on the losing team? Peter wrote two letters in the NT. The first one is written to address these very questions from people who were right in the crucible of persecution due to their faith in Jesus. He wrote to remind them who they were; God’s chosen. He reminded them of the true zip code of their hope; it is not in this world and all it has to offer. He also reminded them that opposition brings opportunity. Which of these reminders do you need today? There is persecution that happens, still today, in parts of our world. Take a moment and pray for these brothers and sisters in Christ. Key Verse Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12 If people persecuted me, they will persecute you too. John 15:20 Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. 1 Peter 1:7 Setlist WE PRAISE YOU - Bethel Worship LIVING HOPE - Bethel Worship WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME IT - Hillsong Worship HOSANNA - Paul Baloche

03.17.24 - Worship Pastor - Josh Guy Hello World - Blessed are the Pure in Heart Setlist THIS IS OUR GOD - Phil Wickham SAME GOD - Elevation Worship O PRAISE THE NAME - Hillsong Worship MY KING FOREVER - Josh Baldwin

03.10.24 - Lead Pastor Bryce Gernand Hello World - Blessed are the Pure in Heart Questions for Reflection Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Purity can be described with two words: uncomplicated and uncontaminated. With these words in mind, what faithful step can you take today in your life with Jesus? Do you need to get back to him being your ONE THING? Do you need to commit again to enjoying and stewarding the purity of your heart that he purchased on the cross? Talk with him about these things now. Key Verse Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8 Setlist HOUSE OF THE LORD - Phil Wickham AMAZING GRACE - Chris Tomlin GOODNESS OF GOD - Bethel Worship FIRM FOUNDATION - Cody Carnes

03.03.24 - Lead Pastor Bryce Gernand Hello World - Blessed are the Merciful Questions for Reflection Take a moment and carefully read, and rest in, the following: God’s mercy is available to you and I! It doesn’t run out. We don’t reach his throne of grace in our time of need only to find that all of the mercy has been handed out; that all the seats have been taken. It never comes to an end, it is new every morning. God delights to show mercy. He is rich in mercy. You won’t be turned away. Come humble. Leave happy. God’s first description of his character is seen in Exodus 34:6, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” Out of all that God could have communicated to Moses, he chose these words. Does this surprise you? Bryce said, “Our ability to receive mercy hinges on our readiness to give it.” How ready are you to be merciful to others? Jesus said, “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) Spend a few moments receiving mercy from God. Now, who do you need to show mercy to today? Key Verse(s) The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” (Exodus 34:6) Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7) Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:8) Setlist THIS IS OUR GOD - Phil Wickham YES I WILL - Vertical Worship RECKLESS LOVE - Cory Asbury TRUST IN GOD - Elevation Worship

02.25.24 - Lead Pastor Bryce Gernand Hello World - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness… Questions for Reflection According to Jesus, the enemy steals, kills, and destroys (John 10). What exactly does the enemy steal? Our life, peace, joy, purpose, faith, purity, love, courage, hope, passion, influence, etc. Anything that will keep us from life with Jesus, and anything that will keep others from the same. You name it. He’ll take it. What has the enemy taken from you? If we hunger and thirst for righteousness, our response to this enemy should be, “That’s not right! Justice needs to be served! These things need to be returned to their rightful owner.” And Jesus’ good news for us, “Those who hunger and thirst for this rightness, they are blessed, for they will be filled.” Because Jesus came to recover stolen property! Does this give you hope? How so? In what ways could my hunger and thirst for righteousness result in others being filled and blessed? How could I begin to close the gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be? Key Verse(s) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 ...thanks be to God! He gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this VICTORY. 1 John 5:5 Setlist THE FATHER'S HOUSE - Cory Asbury SEE A VICTORY - Elevation Worship A THOUSAND HALLELUJAHS - Brooke Ligertwood KING OF MY HEART - Bethel Worship

02.18.24 - Lead Pastor Bryce Gernand Hello World - Blessed are the Poor, Mourning, and Meek Questions for Reflection Read Matthew 5:1-12, the section of the sermon on the mount known as the beatitudes. What stands out to you in this passage? This week, we looked at the poor, mourning, and meek. Bryce said, “A humble recognition of need is a necessary entrance requirement into God’s kingdom.” How have you seen this to be true? As an exercise, we spent a few moments trying to imagine ourselves in the place of some of the neediest who ran to Jesus. NOTE: In case you missed it, you can find it at the end of the message. Then we followed with these questions: Can you even take yourself there? If so, how does it resonate with you? What feelings does it conjure up? Do you still run to him and fall before him? Key Verse(s) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:3-5 God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 Setlist WE PRAISE YOU - Bethel Worship GREAT ARE YOU LORD - All Sons and Daughters MY KING FOREVER - Josh Baldwin HOW HE LOVES - David Crowder Band

A movement is stirring in the heart of Jackson; an initiative to create a positive influence in our community, while addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. At its core, Safe Families for Children (SFFC) is a collaborative effort between the SFFC Coordinator, the Church and the surrounding community, working hand in hand to create a safety net for families in crisis. This network of support is built on the principles of radical hospitality, disruptive generosity, and intentional compassion, all with the goal of keeping children safe and families together. Over the past year, JaxNaz Church has worked behind the scenes initiating discussions, organizing volunteers and casting the vision to area churches in an effort to bring Safe Families for Children to Jackson county. Through our collective efforts, we seek to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and addressing the root causes of instability, primarily social isolation. By providing a circle of support to every member of a family in crisis, we aim to empower parents and reduce the number of children unnecessarily entering the child welfare system. Going deeper, the mission of SFFC extends beyond just crisis intervention. This ministry was created to help churches fulfill their unique calling to be agents of change through building lasting relationships, fostering connections, and creating a community where no one is left behind. It's about recognizing the interconnectedness of us all and the shared responsibility we have in safeguarding the well-being of our children. As Safe Families for Children continues to make strides to open a chapter in Jackson, Michigan, let us unite our efforts and stand together in solidarity. Let us extend our friendship, compassion, and resources to those who need it most. Together, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive in a stable, nurturing and loving environment. The next step to making this ministry a reality in Jackson is to find four additional churches willing to partner with JaxNaz and embrace the vision of SFFC. Please share this blog post with friends, family, and co-workers. Spread the word and pray that we will be able to move forward soon because the need is great and the most vulnerable in Jackson cannot wait!