“Open Your Hands” | Shawn Williams

"I want to be happy, but ___." We’ve all faced moments when life's challenges—like difficult relationships, health struggles, or career setbacks—leave us longing for happiness. But true happiness doesn’t come from our circumstances. Proverbs 3:13-14 shows us that happiness is found in wisdom, far more valuable than material wealth. Wisdom helps us navigate life’s complexities and empowers us to choose our responses to challenges. In this message, Pastor Shawn Williams explores how God’s wisdom leads to lasting happiness—through joy, purpose, and satisfaction—transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth and gratitude.

Have you ever tried talking about math with parents of elementary or middle school kids? You’ll likely hear things like, “It’s like a foreign language!” It’s funny, but also kind of frustrating. The truth is, math hasn’t really changed—one plus one is still two. Similarly, have we overcomplicated the Gospel? Pastor Shawn Williams and our creative team keep it simple and celebrate the Good News: God → Sin → Love → Grace → Life. The tomb is empty, death is defeated, and new life is available to everyone who chooses it!

It’s easy to get caught up in the culture of “Me, Myself, and I,” where self-help and self-care often take center stage. But for followers of Jesus, this self-centered mindset isn’t the answer—He calls us to humility and service. When we shift our focus from ourselves to others, using our gifts to serve and bless those around us, we live out the love of Jesus and reflect God’s heart of generosity. In this message, Megan Marshman looks to 1 Peter 4:10-11 to encourage us to move from selfishness to selflessness, living a life that honors God and makes a difference in the lives of others!

Loneliness is something we all experience, but true hospitality—offering warmth and genuine presence—can help create a place of connection. When we create spaces like this, our church and community becomes a place where no one is left feeling alone, and real, meaningful relationships can flourish!

When you scroll through social media or watch the news, it's easy to be overwhelmed by the negativity and hate around you—whether it's the latest conflict, violence, or tragedy. It’s a reminder that our world is often shaped by personal feelings of powerlessness, mistreatment, or fear. But there’s hope! Pastor Dave Dummitt highlights Peter’s antidote to hate: the power of the resurrection, which calls us to love one another in radical, transformative ways. In 1 Peter 4:8, we're encouraged to love deeply, as love has the power to heal, break down barriers, and unite us, just as Jesus loves us. In John 13:34-35, Jesus said, “Love one another... By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” It’s through this love that we can make a true difference!

Dave Dummitt, Willow's Elders, and Shawn Williams share an update on our senior pastor transition. You can learn more at https://www.willowcreek.org/updates/

Imagine the moments leading up to the feeding of the 5,000. Why was the boy so close to Jesus with five loaves and two fish when no one else had food? In our own lives, we often face moments where we can choose to give what little we have, and watch God multiply it in miraculous ways. In this story from John 6:1-15, Pastor Shawn Williams explores the amazing story of the feeding of the 5,000 and how we, as carriers of hope, have a part to play! Just like the little boy who offered his small lunch, we see that no act is too small for God to multiply into something miraculous. Whether it’s a little or a lot, we all have a role in spreading hope and making a difference in the world!

Stories help us make sense of the world around us. But in doing so, we often make assumptions—about people, situations, or circumstances—only to realize later that we were completely misguided. Pastor Dave Dummitt explores how hope gets curious, shatters assumptions, and breaks down barriers to restore what’s broken! The story of the blind man in John 9 challenges our misconceptions and shows how curiosity leads to powerful physical and spiritual healing. As Jesus brings hope, His light spreads, transforming not just the blind man’s life, but everyone around him. And we’ll also see how this ripple effect of hope is making a real impact through our global partners, bringing healing, dignity, and restoration in ways only Jesus can!

What was it like to be the leper in Matthew 8? How long had he suffered, isolated from others? What gave him the courage to approach Jesus? We explore the powerful story of the leper from Matthew 8:1-4 and Mark 1:40-45, where Jesus shows us that He is our source of hope—expressed in tangible, personal ways. Just as Jesus reached out to heal the leper, He brings us hope through compassion and tangible acts of healing.As we kick off Celebration of Hope, we’re reminded that Jesus draws near to the broken and outcast. He continues to transform lives today, and we are called to bring that same hope to others. Let’s open our hearts, understand their stories, and partner with God in His work!

Life stages are inevitable as we age and make our way closer to eternity. We come into the world needing those around us to care for, nurture, lead, teach, and love us. As we near the end of life, we often find we need similar things: care, nurturing, guidance, and love as our minds and bodies decline. The full-circle nature of life is inevitable. Pastor Dave Dummitt teaches from Exodus 20:12, Matthew 18:1–5, and Colossians 3:18–25 to show what God says about parenthood and childhood—reminding us how we will always retain our childhood as God’s kids.