Our theme is "God has Created, Redeemed, and Called us to Intentional Relationships, Ministry, and Vocations."

Join us as we study Genesis through Acts from September through May, learning how God intentionally and lovingly created and chose us for a mutual relationship. Then, from Pentecost through the summer, walk with us as we apply our commission from God to minister to our neighbors in our four spheres of life:

• Within our Homes: at home and at church
• Within our Vocations: as students, homemakers, owners, and employees
• Within our Community: as citizens of Santa Barbara and of America, and
• Within our World: as Children of God, swirled together with all believers in a priesthood that spans the ages.

Our lessons also tie into Martin Luther's writings, in which he echoes the Apostle Paul, reminding us that through baptism God gifts us trust-faith in God. Luther stressed we are always caught as Christians in the paradox of being perfectly free Lords of all, subject to none, and perfectly dutiful servants of all, subject to all (Freedom of a Christian, 1520). Daily we dismiss God, and truly deserve God's cosmic wrath; but through our baptism into Christ we were reborn children of God and inheritors of heaven. We are called daily to return and rely wholly and solely on God's promises that God's mercy of forgiveness is ours for trusting God, even without understanding what God means or has done. We truly come to God as little children, filled with a simple, awe-filled faith that God has taken care of everything, freeing us to follow God's leading and live to serve others as Christ did.

We are also following Luther's dedication to enable the home and families as primary nurturers of faith. This website provides resources for your use at home or at work. In the right-hand column you will find handouts relating to the week’s theme. If you have to miss a Sunday, or you want to revisit certain lessons, now you can access them when you need them. Use them often to keep the home faith-fires burning, engaging your family in questions that don't always need an answer! As with the calendar, the lessons will update continually with back issues and new lessons, so check back often!!