In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Srikant Vasan, founder and managing partner of Avesta Fund, to explore early-stage investing focused on climate change and economic opportunity. Srikant shares his unique perspective shaped by his experience as a founder, operator, and investor, including lessons learned from Techstars and other venture ecosystems. The conversation delves into Avesta Fund’s investment approach, emphasizing portfolio construction, managing cognitive biases, and the importance of diverse expert input. Srikant also discusses the challenges and opportunities within climate tech sectors such as grid modernization, clean data centers, and sustainable transportation. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how Avesta balances impact with financial returns, collaborates with corporate partners, and navigates the complexities of investment horizons. Additionally, Srikant reflects on his eclectic career journey—from corporate consulting and startup success to philanthropic investing—and offers valuable leadership advice for entrepreneurs. This episode provides a thorough look at building a purpose-driven investment fund that aims to generate positive change while delivering solid returns. Learn more about Srikant's work at https://www.avesta.fund/ Connect with Srikant on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/srikantvasan/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…
Sermons from Christ Church in Oak Brook, Illinois. We are a vital non-denominational church where children, youth, and adults alike build life-changing relationships with God and one another. Each week, we offer you a variety of inspiring worship services, a rich range of spiritual growth resources, and a selection of service ministries aimed at changing the world for good.
Sermons from Christ Church in Oak Brook, Illinois. We are a vital non-denominational church where children, youth, and adults alike build life-changing relationships with God and one another. Each week, we offer you a variety of inspiring worship services, a rich range of spiritual growth resources, and a selection of service ministries aimed at changing the world for good.
Every human being is made in the image of God which means we all have unique characteristics that can reflect what God is truly like. It gets even better, one of the core beliefs of the Church is that God is a giver of good gifts and that He has these specific gifts in mind for every person. These are not gifts for status, but for service.…
Every human being is made in the image of God which means we all have unique characteristics that can reflect what God is truly like. It gets even better, one of the core beliefs of the Church is that God is a giver of good gifts and that He has these specific gifts in mind for every person. These are not gifts for status, but for service.…
Every human being is made in the image of God which means we all have unique characteristics that can reflect what God is truly like. It gets even better, one of the core beliefs of the Church is that God is a giver of good gifts and that He has these specific gifts in mind for every person. These are not gifts for status, but for service.…
Every human being is made in the image of God which means we all have unique characteristics that can reflect what God is truly like. It gets even better, one of the core beliefs of the Church is that God is a giver of good gifts and that He has these specific gifts in mind for every person. These are not gifts for status, but for service. Join us for a powerful 6-week series, Given To Be Given where we’ll unpack God’s movement throughout Scripture that will both help you and challenge you to discover, develop and deploy your God-given gifts for a purpose greater than yourself.…
Every human being is made in the image of God which means we all have unique characteristics that can reflect what God is truly like. It gets even better, one of the core beliefs of the Church is that God is a giver of good gifts and that He has these specific gifts in mind for every person. These are not gifts for status, but for service. Join us for a powerful 6-week series, Given To Be Given where we’ll unpack God’s movement throughout Scripture that will both help you and challenge you to discover, develop and deploy your God-given gifts for a purpose greater than yourself.…
If you had just one sermon left to give, what would you say? That’s the question posed to this year's Summer Lights speakers. This series is a cherished annual tradition at Christ Church, one where we invite nationally renowned guests to speak to our community, bringing their fresh perspectives and deep wisdom rooted in Scripture and overflowing with truth.…
If you had just one sermon left to give, what would you say? That’s the question posed to this year's Summer Lights speakers. This series is a cherished annual tradition at Christ Church, one where we invite nationally renowned guests to speak to our community, bringing their fresh perspectives and deep wisdom rooted in Scripture and overflowing with truth. Come hear from familiar voices and some that may be new, like Ashlee Eiland, Daniel Im and Mindy Caliguire. Each will shine a unique light—inviting us to listen, reflect and respond. Don’t miss this powerful series!…
If you had just one sermon left to give, what would you say? That’s the question posed to this year's Summer Lights speakers. This series is a cherished annual tradition at Christ Church, one where we invite nationally renowned guests to speak to our community, bringing their fresh perspectives and deep wisdom rooted in Scripture and overflowing with truth. Come hear from familiar voices and some that may be new, like Ashlee Eiland, Daniel Im and Mindy Caliguire. Each will shine a unique light—inviting us to listen, reflect and respond. Don’t miss this powerful series!…
If you had just one sermon left to give, what would you say? That’s the question posed to this year's Summer Lights speakers. This series is a cherished annual tradition at Christ Church, one where we invite nationally renowned guests to speak to our community, bringing their fresh perspectives and deep wisdom rooted in Scripture and overflowing with truth. Come hear from familiar voices and some that may be new, like Ashlee Eiland, Daniel Im and Mindy Caliguire. Each will shine a unique light—inviting us to listen, reflect and respond. Don’t miss this powerful series!…
If you had just one sermon left to give, what would you say? That’s the question posed to this year's Summer Lights speakers. This series is a cherished annual tradition at Christ Church, one where we invite nationally renowned guests to speak to our community, bringing their fresh perspectives and deep wisdom rooted in Scripture and overflowing with truth. Come hear from familiar voices and some that may be new, like Ashlee Eiland, Daniel Im and Mindy Caliguire. Each will shine a unique light—inviting us to listen, reflect and respond. Don’t miss this powerful series!…
As we approach the Fourth of July, we invite you to join us for a special service centered not on one nation’s independence, but rather on God’s sovereign hand throughout history. With worship, prayer and a message from Rev. Steve Carter, we’ll open our Bibles to the book of Isaiah and unpack the story of King Cyrus—a ruler used by God to free His people and restore their place of worship. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to live under God’s reign today, seeking lives shaped by Scripture, humility and the call to grow more fully in Christ.…
Rev. Charlie Browning and Rev. Steve Carter, we’ll explore the book of Philemon and unpack what it means to bear witness to the work God is already doing in the world, and break down worldly barriers of division. Together, we’ll consider how the Spirit actively invites us toward reconciliation, justice and the heart of Jesus, even in a world plagued with division.…
Join us this Sunday as we worship our Heavenly Father and celebrate the men God has placed in our lives—those who have led with strength, loved with gentleness, and been our fathers, mentors and spiritual guides. In all worship services, we’ll hold space for those for whom this day brings grief and complicated emotions—whether from loss, absence, longing or painful memories.…
We're all hooked on something. Whether it's control, approval, distraction, or success, every one of us carries a form of addiction. During this series we’ll explore how a process born out of deep desperation can lead to profound spiritual renewal and life transformation. We’ll explore a path not of rules, but of radical surrender, trust and deep connections. John Ortberg, pastor, author and speaker, kicks off our series from his new book, Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough. Inspired by the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, These steps were not born in the boardroom but came from rock bottom–forged in the fires of desperation. This isn’t about behavior management. It’s about surrender. It's about learning to live free.…
We're all hooked on something. Whether it's control, approval, distraction, or success, every one of us carries a form of addiction. During this series we’ll explore how a process born out of deep desperation can lead to profound spiritual renewal and life transformation. We’ll explore a path not of rules, but of radical surrender, trust and deep connections. John Ortberg, pastor, author and speaker, kicks off our series from his new book, Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough. Inspired by the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, These steps were not born in the boardroom but came from rock bottom–forged in the fires of desperation. This isn’t about behavior management. It’s about surrender. It's about learning to live free.…
We're all hooked on something. Whether it's control, approval, distraction, or success, every one of us carries a form of addiction. During this series we’ll explore how a process born out of deep desperation can lead to profound spiritual renewal and life transformation. We’ll explore a path not of rules, but of radical surrender, trust and deep connections. John Ortberg, pastor, author and speaker, kicks off our series from his new book, Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough. Inspired by the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, These steps were not born in the boardroom but came from rock bottom–forged in the fires of desperation. This isn’t about behavior management. It’s about surrender. It's about learning to live free.…
We're all hooked on something. Whether it's control, approval, distraction, or success, every one of us carries a form of addiction. During this series we’ll explore how a process born out of deep desperation can lead to profound spiritual renewal and life transformation. We’ll explore a path not of rules, but of radical surrender, trust and deep connections. John Ortberg, pastor, author and speaker, kicks off our series from his new book, Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough. Inspired by the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, These steps were not born in the boardroom but came from rock bottom–forged in the fires of desperation. This isn’t about behavior management. It’s about surrender. It's about learning to live free.…
We're all hooked on something. Whether it's control, approval, distraction, or success, every one of us carries a form of addiction. During this series we’ll explore how a process born out of deep desperation can lead to profound spiritual renewal and life transformation. We’ll explore a path not of rules, but of radical surrender, trust and deep connections. John Ortberg, pastor, author and speaker, kicks off our series from his new book, Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough. Inspired by the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, These steps were not born in the boardroom but came from rock bottom–forged in the fires of desperation. This isn’t about behavior management. It’s about surrender. It's about learning to live free.…
We’re celebrating the amazing women God has placed in our lives—those who have carried us in their bodies, in their hearts and their minds! During our morning gatherings we will thank and worship God for the goodness, grace, beauty, truth and love we’ve experienced through the women who have mothered us. We will offer a blessing and prayers for those among us who have sacrificed, suffered and lamented over those they have mothered; for those who want to be mothers and for those to whom we’ve said goodbye.…
Easter brings joy, hope and resurrection power, but what happens next? How do we carry that hope into the rest of our lives? In the final chapters of John’s Gospel, Jesus meets His disciples in their fear, doubt and uncertainty and speaks four simple but life-changing words: “Peace be with you.” In this two-week sermon series, we’ll see how Jesus appeared to His followers, calling His disciples to live on mission, and offering them (and us) a peace that lasts beyond Easter Sunday. Jesus' resurrection isn't just an event to celebrate. It’s an invitation to live with a deep, abiding peace all year long.…
Easter brings joy, hope and resurrection power, but what happens next? How do we carry that hope into the rest of our lives? In the final chapters of John’s Gospel, Jesus meets His disciples in their fear, doubt, and uncertainty, speaking four simple but life-changing words: “Peace be with you.” In this two-week sermon series, we’ll see how Jesus appeared to His followers, calling His disciples to live on mission and offering them (and us) a peace that lasts beyond Easter Sunday. Jesus' resurrection isn't just an event to celebrate. It’s an invitation to live with a deep, abiding peace all year long.…
Join us on Palm Sunday, the day that marks the beginning of Holy Week, the days leading up to Jesus' last supper on Maundy Thursday, the crucifixion on Good Friday, and the resurrection on Easter. We will continue our series The Final Days | A Lenten Journey. Lead Pastor Steve Carter will bring us a stirring sermon drawing us closer to Jesus. In our Classic worship service we will welcome singer, song-writer and pianist Ken Medema. The Contemporary service at our Oak Brook and Butterfield campuses will be led by our gifted worship team.…
What if you could walk alongside Jesus in His final days—feel the tension, witness the sacrifice and experience the love that changed everything? This Lent, join us for The Final Days sermon series, a six-week deep dive into the Gospel of John, where we’ll step into the moments leading up to the cross. From the plot to kill Jesus, to His triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, to the night He washed His disciples’ feet and the promise of the Holy Spirit—each week will bring us closer to the heart of His mission here on earth. For centuries, millions of Christians have practiced the season of Lent. This sacred, 40-day journey begins on Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes, builds through Good Friday and prepares us for Easter as we reflect, wrestle and rejoice in the hope of what is to come. Bring your Bible and gather with us as we make our way together through this reflective season of Lent.…
What if you could walk alongside Jesus in His final days—feel the tension, witness the sacrifice and experience the love that changed everything? This Lent, join us for The Final Days sermon series, a six-week deep dive into the Gospel of John, where we’ll step into the moments leading up to the cross. From the plot to kill Jesus, to His triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, to the night He washed His disciples’ feet and the promise of the Holy Spirit—each week will bring us closer to the heart of His mission here on earth. For centuries, millions of Christians have practiced the season of Lent. This sacred, 40-day journey begins on Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes, builds through Good Friday and prepares us for Easter as we reflect, wrestle and rejoice in the hope of what is to come. Bring your Bible and gather with us as we make our way together through this reflective season of Lent.…
What if you could walk alongside Jesus in His final days—feel the tension, witness the sacrifice and experience the love that changed everything? This Lent, join us for The Final Days sermon series, a six-week deep dive into the Gospel of John, where we’ll step into the moments leading up to the cross. From the plot to kill Jesus, to His triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, to the night He washed His disciples’ feet and the promise of the Holy Spirit—each week will bring us closer to the heart of His mission here on earth.…
What if you could walk alongside Jesus in His final days—feel the tension, witness the sacrifice and experience the love that changed everything? This Lent, join us for The Final Days sermon series, a six-week deep dive into the Gospel of John, where we’ll step into the moments leading up to the cross. From the plot to kill Jesus, to His triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, to the night He washed His disciples’ feet and the promise of the Holy Spirit—each week will bring us closer to the heart of His mission here on earth.…
What if you could walk alongside Jesus in His final days—feel the tension, witness the sacrifice and experience the love that changed everything? This Lent, join us for The Final Days sermon series, a six-week deep dive into the Gospel of John, where we’ll step into the moments leading up to the cross. From the plot to kill Jesus, to His triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, to the night He washed His disciples’ feet and the promise of the Holy Spirit—each week will bring us closer to the heart of His mission here on earth.…
Life is hard. People are messy. So, how do we choose to live a life full of grace? How do we live in a way that helps others see and experience God’s grace? What marks us as a community that extends His grace in a way that people will encounter the Divine? Each week will unpack the Book of John, relying on its wisdom to guide us in following Jesus in a complex world. We encourage you to read the passage that we'll be studying prior to each Sunday.…
Life is hard. People are messy. So, how do we choose to live a life full of grace? How do we live in a way that helps others see and experience God’s grace? What marks us as a community that extends His grace in a way that people will encounter the Divine? Each week will unpack the Book of John, relying on its wisdom to guide us in following Jesus in a complex world. We encourage you to read the passage that we'll be studying prior to each Sunday.…
Life is hard. People are messy. So, how do we choose to live a life full of grace? How do we live in a way that helps others see and experience God’s grace? What marks us as a community that extends His grace in a way that people will encounter the Divine? Each week will unpack the Book of John, relying on its wisdom to guide us in following Jesus in a complex world. We encourage you to read the passage that we'll be studying prior to each Sunday.…
Life is hard. People are messy. So, how do we choose to live a life full of grace? How do we live in a way that helps others see and experience God’s grace? What marks us as a community that extends His grace in a way that people will encounter the Divine? Each week will unpack the Book of John, relying on its wisdom to guide us in following Jesus in a complex world. We encourage you to read the passage that we'll be studying prior to each Sunday.…
Life is hard. People are messy. So, how do we choose to live a life full of grace? How do we live in a way that helps others see and experience God’s grace? What marks us as a community that extends His grace in a way that people will encounter the Divine? Each week will unpack the Book of John, relying on its wisdom to guide us in following Jesus in a complex world. We encourage you to read the passage that we'll be studying prior to each Sunday.…
Life is hard. People are messy. So, how do we choose to live a life full of grace? How do we live in a way that helps others see and experience God’s grace? What marks us as a community that extends His grace in a way that people will encounter the Divine? Each week will unpack the Book of John, relying on its wisdom to guide us in following Jesus in a complex world. We encourage you to read the passage that we'll be studying prior to each Sunday.…
Life is hard. People are messy. So, how do we choose to live a life full of grace? How do we live in a way that helps others see and experience God’s grace? What marks us as a community that extends His grace in a way that people will encounter the Divine? Each week will unpack the Book of John, relying on its wisdom to guide us in following Jesus in a complex world. We encourage you to read the passage that we'll be studying prior to each Sunday.…
Life is hard. People are messy. So, how do we choose to live a life full of grace? How do we live in a way that helps others see and experience God’s grace? What marks us as a community that extends His grace in a way that people will encounter the Divine? Each week will unpack the Book of John, relying on its wisdom to guide us in following Jesus in a complex world. We encourage you to read the passage that we'll be studying prior to each Sunday.…
Sometimes, people we love and who love us, leave a note at our door. It could be a long letter, a Post-It-Note, or maybe a simple card. The contents may be an invitation, or a reminder, or a word of thanks, encouragement or warning. More often than not, these missives matter. They are the gift of someone who knew we would come to that door and therefore leaves their message there hopeful that we will read it, and take it in, and perhaps be blessed by it. As someone who loves YOU, and who has felt your love too, I want to leave for you some NOTES AT THE DOOR as I depart and you enter in to what I pray will be another wonderful season of God’s life-lifting grace. Please join us for this significant series. —Rev. Dr. Dan Meyer, Lead Pastor…
Join us on Sunday, as we raise our voices in praise to our faithful Father. It is time to LIFT our eyes to the heavens and thank God for His grace. A grace that is greater than the gravity of life!
Have you ever found yourself in a season of waiting? Or wondered why God’s timing doesn’t always line up with your desired timing? Here’s the reality: Life is full of waiting . No matter how organized, punctual, or controlling we are over our daily lives, waiting is inevitable. We’re constantly stuck waiting in traffic. We’re waiting for that elusive job promotion or college admissions response. We’re waiting for a family relationship to reconcile or waiting for the results of significant medical tests. Waiting, waiting, waiting . And yet, as we read the Bible, we see that waiting is a very normal and welcomed part of life for God’s people. In fact, it’s in the seasons of waiting that God often makes Himself most known and accessible to us. We hope that you’ll join us this Advent as we explore the Christmas story through the eyes of those who were waiting and uncover how God meets us in seasons when life seems stuck in neutral.…