Alpha is an incredible evangelism tool that Sanctus uses for witnessing to both young and old alike. This week, Pastors Jon and Robin tell us more about updates to the Alpha program as well as the upcoming Alpha sessions at Sanctus Church.

Speaker: Jon Thompson and Robin Djokoto Publication: December 8, 2024

The final stage of life can be marked by a sense of hopelessness or uselessness. Pastor Jon uses the example of Caleb's long-lived faithfulness and generosity to encourage the older members of the church to keep reaching forward and growing their hope in Jesus.

Speaker: Jon Thompson  Publication: December 01, 2024

Joshua 13-14

Table Talk: https://youtu.be/IYfztF6CZmU

We've all volunteered for something at some point because we felt we had to. Pastor Jon takes the time to really examine the difference between volunteering and serving with the heart of a disciple.

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: September 29, 2024

Select music provided by https://www.soundstripe.com Building Legacies - Cody Martin: ZJ7BYITH9PVH2XCQ

Most Christians are comfortable with the idea that we will receive the gift of freedom from sin in an eternal afterlife. What we struggle with more is the idea that God has given us the Holy Spirit in this life, and that the Spirit lives in us right now, and grants us power that we don't have on our own. Pastor Jon digs into Romans 8 and expounds on the liberation from a dark, desperate life that is only possible with the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: January 23, 2023

We all make bad choices, even when we are trying our best to make good ones. Why? Because we can't escape the worst bits of ourselves without outside help. Pastor Jon dives in and explains what role the law plays in exposing our sins, and how our love for Jesus leads us to the place where we find our very desires change so that we can, with His help, do what we are called to do, no matter the struggle. 

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: January 15, 2023

We like to think of ourselves as strong, independent people, in control of our own destinies. We don't like to admit that everything we do either submits to the mastery of sin or in obedience to our loving saviour, Jesus. Pastor Jon wades into the idea of spiritual slavery, and discusses how we are all committed to a master but only one master offers rest and resurrection -- Jesus. 

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: January 8, 2023

Join us as we celebrate on the eve of Christmas -- when we remember the Light of the World coming down to make the crooked things straight, the dark places light, and offer the joy and consolation we need all year long.

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: December 24, 2022

Kids are great at knowing how to be excited about what's coming next. Eager anticipation -- if not patience -- is usually pretty easy for them. Pastor Jon takes a look at Simeon and Anna as they waited for the long-promised Messiah. He uses them as our examples to keep going as we wait for our return to our true home with Jesus Christ.  

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: December 18, 2022

We've all become so accustomed to the Christmas songs that play over and over in shops, in movies, on the radio -- pretty much everywhere during the Christmas season. This week, Pastor Jon takes a close look at the Christmas hymn "Joy to the World" and how it illuminates what scripture has to say about the joy of Advent.

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: December 11, 2022

The Christmas story can feel so incredible that we can forget it isn't just a fairy tale - it actually came true! It is the most wonderful reality that Jesus was delivered to us, and that He alone can free us from our sins. Pastor Jon spends this second week of Advent looking at the prophecies around Jesus's birth and how waiting can be a gift in itself.

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: December 4, 2022

Our culture is at war with the Biblical truth that people are born sinful. We want so badly to believe that cute babies are perfect and it's the horrible world that corrupts them. But Pastor Jon gives us insight into the reality of original sin and the incredible, Earth-shattering gift of grace through Jesus - the Second Adam - that God has given us.

Speaker: Jon Thompson Published: November 27, 2022

We are all walking through lives that encounter so much difficulty and suffering. It can be difficult to see the hope of Christ when we're in the midst of so much struggle. But Pastor Jon Thompson takes us on the journey that sees suffering turn into hope, fueled by the persistent love of God in which we can find the rest and relief we need. 

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: November 20, 2022

Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that if we just try harder, do better, say the right things or follow the right traditions, that it will make us right. And when time after time we fail ourselves, it can be hard to have hope that things will ever get better. Pastor Joel Penney explores how faith in God's promises - realized through Jesus - is the only thing that will ever give us what we need to keep going. And as we walk in faith, we'll find Him guide us to where we are meant to be. 

Speaker: Joel Penney Publication: November 13, 2022

We continue our Fall 2024 vision Sunday series with a look at the dimensions of Christian life through which we grow in our relationship with Christ.

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: September 22, 2024

Select music provided by https://www.soundstripe.com Building Legacies - Cody Martin: ZJ7BYITH9PVH2XCQ

We may know perfection is impossible, but we keep trying. We keep seeking solutions in things around us, like our jobs, our social lives, or our families, but none of it works. This week, Pastor Jon Thompson delivers the good news of Jesus's ultimate gift to us: complete atonement, redemption, and true liberation. 

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: November 6, 2022

What is it that we truly need to be good? Money? Education? Time? Pastor Jon Thompson discusses the uncomfortable truth of the fundamental brokenness of all humans and the perfect salvation we can only find through Jesus. 

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: October 30, 2022

Sometimes it can feel like every day is a battle. And when we feel defeated, we turn to quick fixes and distractions to escape. But they never work for long. Instead, as Pastor Jon Thompson reminds us, Jesus has offered us a persistent joy that even on our darkest most difficult days offers us rejoicing freedom. Speaker: Jon Thompson Verse: Philippians Publication: October 23, 2022

Where are you in relation to the church, today? Have you considered how your gifts or resources might contribute to the rebuilding of God’s house? Pastor Jon Thompson offers a challenge to Sanctus church members to examine priorities during this rebuilding moment. 

Speaker: Jon Thompson Verses: Ezra Publication: October 16, 2022

Do you feel the pull of busy-ness, of anxiety, of fear, drawing you away from church? How do we keep up our discipline of evangelism when it's just easier and seemingly safer to keep our faith hidden. Pastor Jon Thompson pushes us to explore some of our faith-centred questions through the video series, Alpha. Watch or listen as we hear how Alpha can help you refocus on your church community, and give you an opportunity to invite others to hear and understand the incredible good news of the Gospel. 

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: October 9, 2022

It's easy to look around and judge others -- and ourselves -- by superficial standards, and think we're doing alright and don't need God. Even for those who call themselves Christians. But when we don't look deeper, we risk pasting a fake veneer of proper living over a whole pile of spiritual junk. We end up self-congratulating and self-satisfied. Pastor Sam Mills illuminates how a genuine love and desire for God prompts us to clean out the spiritual junk of pride and hypocrisy that keeps us from walking in humility and compassion. 

Speaker: Sam Mills Verse: Romans 2-17:29 Publication: October 2, 2022

What could "good enough" possibly mean when measured against perfection? Pastor Jon Thompson guides us through Paul's words in Roman on humanity's crisis of sinfulness and how we cannot stand up to God's absolute goodness. Join as he discusses the unbound importance of repentance and the incredible gift of God's grace and mercy.

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: September 25, 2022

The word "Good" is only four letters long and is still an enormous word, far too big for humans. We all fail to be good and break away from the perfection that was designed by our Creator. This week, Pastor Jon Thompson continues through Romans to learn about how we humans fail but also how God had a plan to heal our broken relationship with Him through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. 

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: September 18, 2022

We all need a refreshing season, one that builds back our hopes and renews our energies. For Sanctus, the word that sums up the next season for us is resurrection. Join Pastor Jon Thompson as we begin a study of the Book of Romans, one of the best books to resurrect, to bring back the essence, the beauty, the power, the hope, and the ongoing day-in and day-out life changes promised in Jesus.

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: September 11, 2022

Have you ever felt that life is unfair? We are currently living in a time of failing leadership, economic uncertainty, and governmental instability. All the while we see good people going through unfair hardships and bad people using unethical means and methods to prosper without any consequence. How could life be this unfair? This morning we want to dive into Psalm 73 for some answers.

Verse: Psalm 73 Speaker: Samuel Mills Published: August 28, 2022

Building on last week's description of our current time as a hinge moment for Sanctus Church, Pastor Jon furthers the illustration to explore how we need to trust Jesus to use us as He wills. 

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: September 15, 2024

Unlike the many other meals we listened to this summer, this last meal is the one where Jesus does not invite someone to get to know him, or invite them to see his true identity but to rebuild and restore someone that already knows him more than most. Again Jesus is going to help this person, midpoint in the journey, keep going. This is where Jesus restores Peter.

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication Date: August 21, 2022

Have you ever had an awkward moment? Having an awkward moment can feel like one of the most uncomfortable human experiences here on earth. But, did you know Jesus had them too? Lorie Hartshorn unpacks for us several awkward moments in the bible, as well as one particularly awkward party guest. She unveils that when God calls us out when we do wrong, our response shouldn’t be to walk away in shame but to draw near to Him in humility. He wants us at His party. So if God is inviting us all to the party, would you accept the invitation? 

Verse: Luke 14:1-24 Speaker: Lorie Hartshorn Publication: August 12, 2022

Are you a "pretty good person"? What if "pretty good" isn't good enough? Or what if you're not a "good person"? Then there's some news you need to hear: you're a sinner just like everyone else. And sinners are exactly to whom Jesus extends His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love. We all -- every last one of us -- needs Him than anything else in this life. We just need to recognize it and run to Jesus.

Verse: Luke 7:36-47  Speaker: Samuel Mills Publication: August 7, 2022

There's nothing so radical, so counter-cultural, or so important as love. How do we shut down the worldly distractions that drag us away from focussing on Jesus's love for us? Joel Penney looks at the incredible upside-down lessons of Christ's visit with Mary and Martha. Jesus's wisdom in pointing to the eternal matters and away from the worldly ones challenges our daily assumptions about what our responsibilities are. How can we avoid the worried, upset, and distracted life for one of calm, content focus on Jesus?

Speaker: Joel Penney Publication: July 31, 2022

An anonymous boy gave his lunch: 5 loaves, 2 fish, and Jesus multiplied it to feed 5000. Can Jesus do the same with whatever is in your basket? Pastor Sam Mills takes us through the multiplicative miracle of Jesus feeding 5000 men with the anonymous donation of two loaves and five fishes from a boy in the crowd. It's a reminder that God has a purpose to be accomplished and created each of us with specific talents/gifts/abilities so that when we invest our time and resources, God will increase the return on that investment in abundance.

Speaker: Sam Mills Publication: July 24, 2022 Verses: Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:31-44; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:1-14

Join guest speaker Pastor Anne Miranda as she takes us through the transformation that happens when people are sitting at the table with Jesus.

Speaker: Anne Miranda Publication: July 17, 2022

Today, Lucas Prado talks about a time when Jesus shared not only a meal with the lost sinners of his time but also parables about lostness and discovery. Through them, Jesus tells us that even though we are surrounded by loss and immersed in lostness, His love offers a path of repentance and a joyous homecoming. 

Speaker: Lucas Prado Publication date: July 10, 2022 Verse: Luke 15

In a quiet nighttime conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus shares some Earth-shattering truths. Hear what He has to say about the difference between traditional religion and the real regeneration and relationship possible with and through the Son of Man.

Verse: John 3

Publish date: July 3, 2022

Speaker: Jon Thompson

This week we start a new series reflecting on how we can be encouraged to gather each week as a Jesus people. As we do so, we seek a fresh vision around the need for and power of hospitality by examining meals that Jesus shared with others.

Publication date: June 26, 2022 Speaker name: Jon Thompson Scripture: Mark 2:1-14

Pastor Sam and Pastor Jon take some time to talk about what rebuilding and regrouping really look like on the ground in the coming year. In a post-pandemic world, so much is up in the air. What will the church look like in this new digital-physical space? Though we don’t have all the answers, there are some key steps to move forward as a church in this new world.

Publication Date: June 19, 2022

Speakers: Samuel Mills and Jon Thompson

Welcome to the start of our ministry year! Join Pastor Jon as he refreshes our understanding of the vision for Sanctus Church for the fall of 2024.

Speaker: Jon Thompson Publication: September 8, 2024

Select music provided by https://www.soundstripe.com Building Legacies - Cody Martin: ZJ7BYITH9PVH2XCQ

Why does Sanctus Church exist? Why do all we do? We need to be vividly reminded of Jesus's direction for us as we consider what we are and what we want our future to still look like.

Publication date: June 12, 2022 Speaker name: Jon Thompson

The time between Resurrection and Pentecost is full of questions, transitions, hope, rebuilding and redefinition. Sound familiar? Join us as we begin a 3-week vision mini-series on what's next for us as a local church.

How does Jesus respond when we doubt Him, walk away, or completely abandon Him? Walk with us through John 21, where we see Jesus "reconstruct" Peter for commission and ministry.

Speaker: Joel Penney

Scripture: John 21:15-25

Date: 05/29/22

Speaker: Jon Thompson Date: 05/22/22

Conspiracy theories abound about Jesus' death and resurrection. Was the idea of physical resurrection borrowed from other myths? Maybe Jesus was only in a coma? Maybe someone stole the body, or it was the wrong tomb, or the authors just made the whole thing up. Join us as Pastor Jon analyzes and debunks each theory.

Speaker: Jon Thompson

Date: 05/15/22

Can a rational, intellectual, and logical person really believe the fundamental claims of the Christian faith? Did Jesus exist, did Jesus really die, and did He really rise from the dead? Does anyone else beyond the Bible talk about this? Can it be proven? And even if it's true ...is it helpful?

Speaker: Jon Thompson

Date: 05/08/22

Speaker: Jon Thompson Scripture: John 20:24-29 Date: 05/01/22

Speaker: Jon Thompson

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Date: 04/24/22

Loss and fear are real experiences that can either sidetrack or move us closer in faith. How did Jesus' followers move from this to hope on the first Easter?

Speaker: Jon Thompson Scripture: Luke 24:1-12, Luke 24:36-49 Date: 04/17/22

Good Friday

Speaker: Samuel Mills Date: 04/15/22

Have you ever looked back over your life to pinpoint the one small change in the flow of your experiences that was the beginning of your current circumstances? This week, Pastor Sam uses the parable of the mustard seed to expose how small acts of obedience to Christ can multiply the kingdom beyond any measure you could possibly anticipate. 

Speaker: Samuel Mills Publication: September 1, 2024

Using the story of the crowd calling to stone the adulterous woman in John 7, Pastor Jon outlines 4 wrong turns that — if taken — will land you in the wrong place. Speaker: Jon Thompson Scripture: John 7:53-8:11 Date: 04/10/22

Many of us are in different places in our faith: trying to navigate doubt, unbelief, skepticism, deconstruction. Others haven't crossed the line of faith yet, but still struggle with the same questions from a different vantage point. What does the story of Jesus' temptation show us about how to "journey well" and not get lost on the way? Speaker: Jon Thompson Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11 Date: 04/03/22

Christmas at Sanctus - Week 3

The Wisemen

Speaker:

Jon Thompson

Scripture:

Matthew 2