Superheroes are always landing in the middle of the mess, the chaos, the problem, or the crime to save the day! We wish we had such power to so easily clean up our own lives. Maybe we do... Here in Chapel Connect during July, we are taking a deep dive into the stories of several biblical superheroes. Today we meet Esther who finds herself in her own dilemma. But rather than despairing, she works with God to not only save herself but all the Jewish people living in the land at that time. Superheroes of the Faith don't very often (ever?) save the day by their own power, but with God, there is always a way forward. After you listen to Esther's story, consider keeping a journal of all the ways you are seeing God show up, right in the middle of your mess. God is faithful to God's promise to always be with you and bless you. Just keep your eye out for God! Like, share, and subscribe to stay connected to Union Chapel Indy's Chapel Connect! Chapel Connect Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVXtrEgcpz8

We know superheroes by the amazing feats they accomplish with their superpowers... Superman can "leap tall buildings in a single bound!" Captain America is super strong. Black Panther is super fast and can see in the dark. Elastigirl can stretch any part of her body and mold herself into different shapes and sizes. Their superpowers tend to be the best known things about these superheroes, even after the details of their lives and stories have faded from memory. What will people remember about us? What stories will people tell about us after the details of our lives have faded from memory? Will they remember how poorly we treated our spouse in the grocery store when we became angry, or will they remember our grace, kindness, encouragement and generosity? Will they remember our drive to succeed or the ways we showed them Jesus' lovingkindness? What stories will people tell about you some day? What superpower will you choose to show the world? Sunday Message Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcMVowVK968&t=3s

Here in Chapel Connect during July we are taking a deep dive into the stories of several biblical superheroes. Today we meet Rahab and discover that Superheroes of the Faith don't always make a grand entrance and save the day. Sometimes they are simply faithful to the small task given them on any particular day. Today we also learn a strategy for getting more out of our Bible reading. Use the following three questions to find more meaning and gain insight in the Bible stories you read: What does this story say about humans, about humanity? What does this story say about God? What does this story say about God's relationship with humanity? Chapel Connect Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwS3MHThlwA

In their ordinary, everyday lives, movie superheros live pretty average lives. Clark Kent goes to work everyday as a journalist. Diana Prince worked as a secretary. Bob and Helen Parr live in the suburbs with their three children. Most people around them had no idea of their secret, superhero lives. Only when they don their superhero costumes and save the day with their superpowers do we recognize them as Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Incredibles. Such transformations and their extraordinary feats of power make for a good movie! Making the leap from ordinary to extraordinary seems more than most of us can imagine. We don't have the ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound, transform into an Amazonian goddess in an instant, or corral our kids to all smile for the family photo, much less lead them in saving the world! But not all superpowers are so obvious. And not all superheroes wear flashy costumes. The Bible gives us endless stories of people who lived ordinary, unassuming lives until God called - and equipped - them to do something extraordinary. Noah was as ordinary as anyone in his day, but because he trusted God, he saved humanity from extinction. God offers us the same excitement and extraordinary experiences. Grab your cape and join the adventure! Message Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nCY846PgXs&t=3s

Making the leap from ordinary to extraordinary seems more than most of us can imagine. We don't have the ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound, transform into an Amazonian goddess in an instant, or corral our kids to all smile for the family photo, much less lead them in saving the world! But not all superpowers are so obvious. And not all superheroes wear flashy costumes. The Bible gives us endless stories of people who lived ordinary, unassuming lives until God called - and equipped - them to do something extraordinary... Chapel Connect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5jN8c4hixU

When the temps drop down to the single digits we have to get serious about appropriate winter attire. To be out in that kind of cold for even a short time means that we have to put on a warm hat; get our big, heavy gloves out; and dig the long, super warm coat out of that back of the closet. Conversely, when the summer temps climb into the upper 80’s and 90’s and the sun is out, you need to don lightweight color and fabrics, wear a hat, and even wear sunscreen. Being a follower of Jesus requires its own kind of "wardrobe." But not a wardrobe that only gets worn for a season, on Sundays, or for special occasions. Life as a follower of Jesus requires us to clean out our closets, get rid of all the things we wore in our life before Jesus, and keep only those garments that God has chosen for us. It may mean getting rid of some of our favorite things. But when we choose to keep and wear what God picks out for us, we can be sure that it will always fit, is always in style, and is always perfect for the occasion. #livechanged. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI26SKrW_yI&t=1s

Who doesn't like to be liked? Being liked feels good. Being liked by someone can be the start of a deep and meaningful relationship with that person. And affirmation and positive input from the people around us helps us learn what is socially acceptable and how to get along with others. But we live in a society that is consumed with approval and affirmation... a world that idolizes one's ability to fit in, be popular, and conform to the latest trends and styles. But life is not about how many "Likes" you get or how well you've imitated the popular people or trending styles you find on social media. God doesn't call us to conform to the ways of the world, but to be transformed by God's influence in our lives. To be liked by others feels good, but to be made more like God is the goal of a follower of Jesus. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x_vTRS7q9s

It is the job of marketers to convince you that you have some flaw, shortcoming, or need that only their product can fix. Your 'ugly' bathroom needs a facelift.... your dreary life would benefit from a vacation to an exotic and exciting destination.... your limp hair needs the benefits of a new shampoo. And even if we've learned the way of commercial marketers and can resist their perception of who we are and what we need, the world still gives us many expectations to live up to. Images of the perfect home and family; successful career and accomplished children; and healthy, happy, beautiful selves flood our culture and social media feeds. It's tempting to chase after these things. They promise happiness, health, and prosperity. But they seldom deliver. As hard as we try, we won't find contentment and fulfillment in imitating others. We're made in the likeness of God and seeking to imitate God’s 'selfie' is the only image worth pursuing. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTc32MlIH5c

Today's Worship Experience: Something Beautiful The arts and crafts industry is booming, and DIY-ers are putting a strain on home improvement supplies. With more people at home, and many with extra time on their hands through the pandemic, these industries seem to be at a high point. Stores like Michael's, JoAnn's, and Lowes provide everything from the raw materials to pre-designed projects to completed, inspirational pieces. Facebook pages like "Repurpose + Upcycle = Inspiration" have thousands of followers. A quick search on Pinterest gives ideas for crafting jewelry, home decor, gifts, fashion, and more. We are born with the desire to enhance our lives and environments with beautiful things. Some of us are wired to especially enjoy the creative process. Creativity and beauty are characteristics of the one Creator, the God who created all that is, the God that continues to re-create. Feeling a little blah and bland after a year of pandemic? Join God in the creative process and let God make something new and beautiful in you. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnQmv3mpvSM&t=1s

Better Together: Today's Worship Experience The word “church” holds different meanings for different people. Some would finish the sentence, "Church is...," with descriptions of a building or an organization. Some would talk about the services and programs that a congregation provides. Some would talk about worship, or about the feelings, they associate with the 'church.' And some would nostalgically recall the faith experiences of their childhood. When the Bible talks about the 'church,' it usually uses the phrase the "body of Christ" suggesting that the church is not just a place, an activity, or a feeling, but is in fact something that is vibrant, alive, growing, moving, and impacting its members and the world at large. In a physical body, each part is important. And so it is in the church, the body of Christ. Without you, the church is less than God designed it to be. With you, the body has all it needs to be Christ present in the world. We truly are... better together. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5N9QDO0CGs