Receiving the Word
Today’s message reflects the gospel message for this Sunday from Matthew 13. In Matthew’s gospel, both Jesus and his disciples “sow the seed” of God’s word by proclaiming the good news that “the kingdom of...
The Foundation of Hope
July 9, 2023 Today’s lessons are invitations to find our hope in what God does for us, not in trying to go it alone, or by relying on the false promises of an idol. Hope...
To Whom Do We Belong?
July 2nd, 2023 WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP Prelude: Welcome and Announcements Gathering Hymn: “O Bread of Life From Heaven” Apostolic Greeting Hymn of Praise Prayer of the Day First Reading: Jeremiah 28:5-9 Second Reading: Romans...
Wounds That Heal
God’s love is not an enabling love that simply overlooks behavior that is harmful to self and others. Rather, divine love transforms our hearts such that we become servants. Jesus uses the metaphor of a...
The Gift of Faith
June 18, 2023 – The Fourth Sunday of Pentecost In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he explains that living in God’s grace means experiencing peace with God and hope that does not disappoint. The love...
The Healing Power of Faith
Today’s readings expand on the idea of the Christian faith as a healing power. In his letter to the Romans, Paul develops the idea that people are made right with God through faith rather than...
Shunning or Reconciliation
November 20th, 2022 – Christ the King Sunday Today’s sermon text is taken from Luke’s version of the passion story. The two criminals crucified next to Jesus react to their situation very differently. One is...
Rebirth
November 13th, 2022 – The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost Luke’s presentation of Jesus’ teaching about the last days emphasizes the necessity for responsible behavior in the time between Jesus’ ascension and the second coming. WE...
Looking Beyond Yourself
October 23rd, 2022 – The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable contrasting Pharisees, who were exceptionally religious, with tax collectors. Through this story, we learn about approaching God in humbleness....
The Struggle for Faith
October 16th, 2022 – The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP Prelude: “Austrian folksong and Rondo”, Beethoven, and “Serenade” Hyden Announcements Confession and Forgiveness Opening Hymn: “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation” Apostolic...