Advent tends to bring with it all sorts of expectations. In our readings for today, Intern Monica points out that expectations can be misleading, and that God calls us to be dreamers open to amazement.Today’s readings are Psalm 126 and Luke 1:57-66.
The Christmas season is about a lot of things....gift giving, decorations, sumptuous food, overly crowded airports and highways. The Gospel Reading from Luke 1:24-45 is the well-known Annunciation when the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would be the mother of the Son of God. What does Mary do right away after this amazing news? "Mary runs with haste to Elizabeth," no doubt for comfort and encouragement. We find joy in connections. Above all this season, celebrate the connections you have with family and friends.
The weeks before Christmas can be a busy and boisterous time for us. "Quiet" and "stillness" are not words that usually apply to these weeks. The beautiful Advent Season invites us to reflect on the coming of Jesus. Pastor Russ' message on the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth (Read Luke 1:5-23) reminds us that silence has a valued place in our lives.
At the end of Matthew 25, Jesus gives his famous teaching about sheep and goats, which also has elements of an “apocalyptic” story that deals with the revealing of God’s kingdom. You might not think that has anything to do with shopping carts, but Intern Monica does! Take a listen and find out how. Today’s reading is Matthew 25:31-46. You can also read the history of Christ the King Sunday here, or the article that Monica mentions.
Pastor Russ shares the "3 R's" in his sermon entitled "Bound Together...in Thankfulness on this Thanksgiving Sunday. He uses portions of all three Readings including the well-known story of the healing of the 10 lepers. Practical ideas are included with each of the 3 R's.
In Matthew 25, Jesus talks to his disciples about what life will be like while he isn’t with them. His Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids is a lesson in preparing for a long wait, and Intern Monica discusses how it is still a good reminder for us about why we do what we do, and how to make sure we’re able to keep going through the night. Today’s reading is Matthew 25:1-13.
We don't normally think of ourselves as 'saints'. We usually give that title to those people who performed unique and special ministry for the church long ago. It is our baptism into Christ that indeed allows us to be called saints. Pastor Russ shares stories of some unusual saints as well as insights into the Readings from Revelation 7 and I John 3 in his sermon: "Who Is This Host?"
For this Reformation season, Pastor Russ offers 6 vignettes on the life of Martin and Katie Luther. Martin as Believer, Reformer, Musician, and Husband & Father; Katherine Von Bora as Wife & Mother, and Homemaker & Businesswoman. Learning more about these two remarkable people helps us to appreciate the beginning of our Lutheran history and heritage.
Whose side are you on? Sometimes it seems like we’re constantly having to declare what we are for and what we are against. Intern Monica reminds us that when others confront us with fear and division, it’s ok to just let them have it! Today’s readings are Isaiah 45:1-7 and Matthew 22:15-22.
You may want to relax with Psalm 23 or Philippians 4 rather than hear the violent and challenging images Jesus relays in the parable of the Marriage Feast that almost wasn't in Matthew 22:1-14. What is the meaning of this rather strange story? And what does it have to do with the issues of today? Be brave and listen....
Many of us face discouraging moments in our life at some time. St. Paul was in prison when he wrote his most personal letter to the church at Philippi. Paul's faith in overcoming discouragement is found in chapter 3:4b-14 and can be a prescription when facing our own life's challenges. Today’s reading is Matthew 21:33-46.
Two vital characteristics of those who follow Jesus are integrity and humility. In the Matthew reading, Jesus' authority was challenged by the religious leaders. Jesus teaches them a lesson in integrity. St. Paul shares in the Philippians 2 reading that Jesus, by becoming one of us and one with us all the way to the cross, led the way of humility and love. For those of us who have any authority at home or in the community, humility and integrity are vital. Today’s reading is Philippians 2:1-13 and Matthew 21:23-32.
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard has been described as a conflict between what is “fair” and what is “right.” But what do those two things mean in the kingdom of God? Intern Monica talks about how this might look to the workers hired early, to those hired later, and to the landowner in the parable. Today’s reading is Matthew 20:1-16.
A topic as important as forgiveness can be difficult to talk about and even harder to explain. Maybe that’s why Jesus told a parable when Peter asked him about it. But why such a harsh and confusing parable? Intern Monica decided that in response, she would tell a story of her own and talk about what forgiveness has looked like to her. Today’s reading is Matthew 18:21-35.
The passage we’re reading today from Matthew is commonly framed as a “model for church discipline.” But should it? And if so, what does that look like? Intern Monica talks about the danger of removing these verses from the rest of Jesus’s lessons to his disciples in Matthew 18. Today’s readings are Psalm 119:33-40, Romans 13:8-14, and Matthew 18:15-20.
Every person is called by God for some reason, some purpose. The great story of Moses and the Burning Bush demonstrates that we too can be apprehensive about what God is asking of us and have the same resistance as Moses. Who is God calling you to talk to? Or what cause is God calling you to? The sub-title to Pastor Russ' message is: "When God Speaks, There Are No Excuses!" Today’s reading is Exodus 3-4.
What do you picture when you think of the people or “heroes” of the Bible? Intern Monica sums up her take on this summer’s sermon series with a look at some of the women mentioned by the Apostle Paul. Today’s readings are Acts 18:1-3, 24-28 and Romans 16:1-16.
Pastor Russ introduces us to "Susanna: A Courageous Woman of Faith Confronts Her Assaulters" in this next of the special Summer Sermons Series "Heroes of The Bible." In this Intertestamental Literature, Susanna bravely refuses to consent to the threats of two officials at the risk of her own life. 2200 years later, violence to women is still prevalent and the church is called to not be silent but to be a place of safety and voices of advocacy. Today’s reading is Susanna.
The Canaanite who Jesus encounters in today’s reading doesn’t seem like a likely choice as a “Hero of the Bible.” Yet as Intern Monica reminds us, this mother advocated for her daughter against perhaps the most daunting obstacle possible: Jesus himself. Today’s readings are Genesis 18:22-32 and Matthew 15:21-28.
