Midrash Nyc

It is easy to become absorbed in our own lives - asking how we will earn a living, where we will make our home, and how we will reach our goals. Yet faith calls us to look beyond individuality. Rev. Venida continues our Liberated Faith series, inviting us to honor our interdependence and connectedness, remembering that true liberation is found not in isolation but in community.

This fall season finds us contemplating a liberated faith. A faith that courageously calls us to look within ourselves and our communities and journey deliberately across territory which is far too often unchartered. It is a bold faith that continuously takes a U-turn from the road of white supremacy culture. It is a fearless faith that steers clear of perfectionism, one right way, power hoarding, a sense of urgency, and quantity over quality. Rev. Venida continues our exploration of Liberated Faith and helps us navigate a characteristic of white supremacy culture some may fear—Open Conflict.

What do Jesus, Ella Baker, and Zohran Mamdani have in common? Hint: it's related to building power. Preaching Bootcamper Denia preaches on the limitations and violence of power hoarding, how Jesus gives as a blueprint for power rooted in collective leadership, and how this blueprint has been used to make historic political gains during troubled times.

Pastor Angela explores our cultural habit of only honoring what is written. In doing so, we erase the wide range of ways we communicate with each other and all living things.

In contemporary society, success is often defined through quantifiable, outward-facing metrics like numbers, growth, expansion, and visibility. This framework, which measures worth through financial gain and social validation, is heavily influenced by capitalist culture, and the rise of digital technology has made this even more expansive.

Preaching Bootcamp Deacon, Keli continues our “Liberated Faith” sermon series with a timely invitation to throw off the shackles of false urgency. Despite the chaos that surrounds us, our faith demands that we slow down and put our trust in God, no matter how uncomfortable or unsatisfactory that may seem.

We continue our Liberated Faith sermon series with a look at how we can unlearn and break free from our alignment with white supremacy culture. Rev. Venida explores the role of perfectionism this week, and as we prepare to courageously weave our way through other critical topics in the following weeks.

Happy 13th Birthday to Forefront Church! We celebrate and give praise to God for each and every person, service, offering, prayer, hug, kind word, smile, tear, decision, sermon and song that have helped sustain this beautiful community for over a decade. Rev. Venida shares the Good News that the best is yet to come as we continue to liberate our faith and prepare the way for our next chapter.

Rev. Venida closes out the Book of Amos sermon series encouraging us to embrace A Defiant Hope.

Inspired by Amos, Kai Ngu gives a sermon on the age-old question, “Why do bad things happen?” Between the options of “chaos” (bad things just happen without a reason) or “purpose” (bad things happen for a reason), Kai proposes an additional way: mercy, or grace, as a good thing that happens without reason.

Rev. Venida continues the Book of Amos sermon series looking at how shifts and changes in our life can ultimately lead us where we are supposed to be as we use our God-given power to create change.

Jonathan Williams challenges our notion of Christianity. Is the way we worship really what God intends? Or are we complicit in a system of power that moves away from God and embraces an oppressive religious system?

Nytasha shares about how not only are our bodies created differently, but also our brains and personalities too -- and how seeing that our diversity in brains and personalities -- is a gift from God.

A panel of congregants — Zion, Nineesha, Viv, Kai — share their experiences and interests in exploring multiple traditions (e.g. faiths, cultures), alongside their progressive Christianity, including Hinduism, Haitian Vodou, Judaism, Buddhism, Chinese ancestral rites, as well as indigenous, animistic practices. Can we hold multiplicity? Why do we want to do so? What tensions, strengths, and questions emerge?

Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Marsha E. Williams continues our Lift Every Voice series taking a look at Scripture and sharing a theology we can use.

Sometimes we feel like we are strangers in our own home. Like we don’t belong. Sometimes we feel depleted and lack the strength to advocate for ourselves and others because of the dominant powers and systemic barriers all around us. Rev. Venida reminds us that we all belong and helps us consider how we can give Power to the People as we begin our Lift Every Voice sermon series.

The human experience is filled with moments that ask us to rise to the occasion and be exactly who we are divinely created to be… but it’s hard! In these moments, how do you muster the strength and courage to move on? How do you remember that you are uniquely made by the omnipotent source of creation? ENTER, THE HYPE SONG! Join me this Sunday as we explore how the Bible reminds us, exactly who we are, time and time again!

Rev. Venida celebrates Children's Day with a reading of When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner. This book reminds children that they are deeply loved, and that they each have been created with unique gifts that fit into God's divine plan.

Jonathan Williams asks us where we look to determine how well we're doing. Chances are, it's everywhere but inwardly. Someone is richer, happier, prettier, healthier, and ultimately, superior to you. And when you live in the land of “er” you absolutely believe that you should also be living in that land of “er.” You’re just not there yet. But Jesus offers another story. One that tells us we're fully and wholly loved regardless of our lot in this world. I know. That sounds trite. boring. Too easy. Well, maybe it is, but it could also change your life. Find out how.

Priscilla Alabi examines songs that've gotten her through moments of grief and despair.