Simply the Sermon for April 12, 2026: Second Sunday of Easter "Holy Humor Sunday"

Our readings for April 12, the second Sunday in Easter, are: Acts 2:14a, 22-32;
Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31. It was Holy Humor Sunday so our liturgy was a bit wackier than usual. You might enjoy reading through the bulletin to experience it. We used noise makers and percussion instruments to share our joy at God's incredible gifts of love and laughter. Our sermon was shared by video by Bishop Brenda Bos. We hope you enjoy it.

In today’s gospel the risen Christ appears to the disciples and offers them the gift of peace. Even amid doubts and questions, we experience the resurrection in our Sunday gathering around word and meal, and in our everyday lives. Throughout the coming Sundays of Easter the first two readings will be from the Acts of the Apostles and the first letter of Peter. Even as the early Christians proclaimed the resurrection, we rejoice in the new birth and living hope we receive in baptism.

Simply the Sermon for April 5, 2026: Easter Sunday

Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! 

Our readings for this glorious Easter day are: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10

This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love.

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Simply the Sermon for April 3, 2026: Good Friday

Our readings for Good Friday are Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25; and John 18:1—19:42. 

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil.

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Simply the Sermon for March 29, 2026: Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday, March 29, is a little different kind of a day. It is a day when we begin by joining in with the excited throng who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem and begged him to save them and it is the day when we hear much of the rest of the story. It is an emotionally hard day, a long day. We begin by hearing the the story of Jesus's triumphal entry in Matthew 21:1-11. Unfortunately we didn't get a recording of that.

Then we hear readings from Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; and finally Matthew 26:14—27:66. It is a long reading which we were able to break up a bit by singing verses of the beautifully haunting hymn Were You There. A hard story, yes, but a story that shows the depth of love that our Savior has for us.

Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is both glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.

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Simply the Sermon for March 22, 2026: Fifth Sunday in Lent

Our Bible texts for Sunday, March 22, the 5th Sunday in Lent are: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 8:6-11; and John 11:1-45.

In today’s gospel Jesus reveals his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones. To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promise of resurrection. In baptism we die with Christ in order that we will also be raised with him to new life. And that life is found, here and now, in community with all the people of God.

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Simply the Sermon for March 15, 2026: Fourth Sunday in Lent

Our readings for Sunday, March 17, the 4th Sunday in Lent are: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41. This Sunday is called Laetare Sunday or Rose Sunday. It is the halfway point in Lent. Traditionally, this Sunday is a day of celebration within the more solemn period of Lent. It is a day specifically appointed to rejoice!

The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. “I was blind, now I see,” declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God’s beloved children. As David was anointed king of Israel, in baptism God anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives. We are recreated from dirt to mudpies to disciples.

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Simply the Sermon for March 8, 2026: Third Sunday in Lent

Our texts for March 8, 2026 are: Exodus 17:1-7; Romans 5:1-11;  and John 4:5-42.

In today’s gospel the Samaritan woman asks Jesus for water, an image of our thirst for God. Jesus offers living water, a sign of God’s grace flowing from the waters of baptism. The early church used this gospel and those of the next two Sundays to deepen baptismal reflection during the final days of preparation before baptism at Easter. As we journey to the resurrection feast, Christ comes among us in word, bath, and meal—offering us the life-giving water of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

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Simply the Sermon for March 1, 2026: Second Sunday in Lent

Our readings for the second Sunday in Lent, March 1, 2026 are Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17.

During Lent we journey with all those around the world who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil. In today’s gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born of water and Spirit. At the font we are given a new birth as children of God. As God made a covenant with Abraham, in baptism God promises to raise us up with Christ to new life. From worship we are sent forth to proclaim God’s love for all the world.

Here at Bethel we talked about the apostle Paul, both his quirkiness and his  passion for the gospel. How he informed the Christians in Rome that we rely not on our own faith but on the faith of Jesus which has been shared with us. And that passion for that faith, that gospel, can propel us out into the world to share the good news of hope to all people.

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Simply the Sermon for February 22, 2026: First Sunday in Lent

Our Bible texts for Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 are: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; and Matthew 4:1-11.

Today's gospel tells of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. His forty-day fast becomes the basis of our Lenten pilgrimage. In the early church Lent was a time of intense preparation for those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. This catechetical (Christian education) focus on the meaning of faith is at the heart of our Lenten journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. Hungry for God’s mercy, we receive the bread of life to nourish us for the days ahead.

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Simply the Sermon for February 18, 2026: Ash Wednesday

Our Bible texts for Feb. 18, 2026, Ash Wednesday are: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21.

On Ash Wednesday we begin the forty-day journey toward Easter with a day of fasting and repentance. Marking our foreheads with dust, we acknowledge that we die and return to the earth. At the same time, the dust re-traces the life-giving cross indelibly marked on our foreheads at baptism. While we journey through Lent to return to God, we have already been reconciled to God through Christ. We humbly pray for God to make our hearts clean while we rejoice that “now is the day of salvation.” Returning to our baptismal call, we more intentionally bear the fruits of mercy and justice in the world.

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Simply the Sermon for February 15, 2026: Transfiguration of Our Lord

Our Readings for Transfiguration Sunday, February 15 are: Psalm 2 (used as our call to worship); Exodus 24:12-18; 2 Peter 1:16-21; and Matthew 17:1-9.

Today’s festival is a bridge between the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle that comes to a close today and the Lent-Easter cycle that begins in several days. On a high mountain, Jesus is revealed as God’s beloved Son, echoing the words at his baptism. This vision of glory sustains us as Jesus faces his impending death in Jerusalem. From this perspective, we know so much more than the disciples but still so little about who and what God is. It is a Mystery that we continue to explore even as we have faith in God, trusting God's word. 

We turn this week to Ash Wednesday and our yearly baptismal journey from Lent to Easter. Some churches put aside the alleluia at the conclusion of today’s liturgy. This word of joy will be omitted during the penitential season of Lent and will be sung again at Easter.

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Simply the Sermon for February 8, 2026: Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

Our texts for Sunday, Feb. 8, the 5th Sunday after Epiphany are: Isaiah 58:1-12; 1 Corinthians 2:1-12; and Matthew 5:13-20.

Isaiah declares that when we loosen the bonds of injustice and share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like the dawn. We all know folks who live that spirit of grace for our siblings in need. We are called to join them. In another passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, the light of the world, calls his followers to let the light of their good works shine before others. Through baptism we are sent into the world to shine with the light of Christ.

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Simply the Sermon for February 1, 2026: Fourth Sunday After Epiphany

The Gospel reading today is The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), the familiar blessings shared by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. Guest Pastor Ellen Ayres gives us a fresh experience on this passage by reading it from the "First Nations Version New Testament," a Native American translation. The term "Creator" is used to refer to Jesus. For example, here is verse 3: "Creator's blessing rests on the poor, the ones with broken spirits. The good road from above is theirs to walk." Jesus, God with us, blesses the unlikeliest ones - and that  includes us.

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Simply the Sermon for January 25, 2026: Third Sunday After Epiphany

Our readings for Sunday, January 25  are Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23.

Upon hearing of his cousin John's arrest, Jesus moves his residence into the land of Herod and begins his public ministry by repeating and amplifying John's call to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near!" He then calls fishers to leave their nets and follow him. 

In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by oppression, sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then sent to share the good news that others may be “caught” in the net of God’s grace and mercy.

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Simply the Sermon for January 18, 2026: Second Sunday of Epiphany

Our texts for Sunday, January 18, the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany are Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; and John 1:29-42

Today’s gospel opens with a reflection on Jesus’ baptism; there isn't actually a baptismal scene in this gospel rather, John discusses his memory of Jesus' baptism. John relates that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed and indwelt by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us.

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Simply the Sermon for January 11, 2026: Baptism of Our Lord

Our Bible texts for Sunday, January 11, the Baptism of our Lord, are Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-43; and Matthew 3:13-17 

In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this great epiphany (AKA revelation or sudden insight), Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. In our reading from Acts, we see the Holy Spirit acting in the lives of Gentile new converts even before they can be physically baptised. In the waters of baptism we too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God’s beloved children. Our baptismal mission is to proclaim good news to all who are oppressed or in need of God’s healing.

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Simply the Sermon for December 28, 2025: First Sunday of Christmas

This weeks readings are Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18 and Matthew 2:13-23

Where is Jesus Emanuel in grief and times of fear? Does he really understand? Matthew’s Gospel answers that question starting from the first words all the way to the ending.

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Simply the Sermon for December 24, 2025: Christmas Eve

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

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Simply the Sermon for December 21, 2025: Fourth Sunday of Advent

Our texts for Sunday, December 21, the 4th Sunday of Advent are: Isaiah 7:10-16;  Romans 1:1-7; and Matthew 1:18-25.

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. Today's gospel reading is Matthew’s account of the annunciation (how Joseph was told the back story of Mary's surprising and completely faithful pregnancy) and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.

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Simply the Sermon for December 14, 2025: Third Sunday of Advent

Our texts for Sunday, December 14 are: Isaiah 35:1-10; 
Psalmody - Luke 1:46b-55; James 5:7-10; and Matthew 11:2-11. 

A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, Mary's Magnificat prophecies a societal upending, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us even as we contemplate what kind of Savior we are expecting.

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