"Ode to the Tongue" is the title of Pastor Russ' message as he explores James 3:1-12 which reminds us how our words can be like a devastating fire or can be used for good. How can we keep better control over what we say? Listen and learn. A helpful outline accompanies the sermon. Contact the office if you would like one.
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"Love your neighbor as yourself" is the golden rule, the Letter of James reminds us. Some 'neighbors' are easier to love than others. And yet, because God shows no partiality and loves everyone, no matter who they are, we are to do the same. Jesus is the supreme example traveling all the way to Tyre to heal a Gentile woman's sick daughter, dispelling the prejudicial beliefs of his day.
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At first, in the Gospel story from Mark 7, it appears Jesus is against washing hands before one eats. Not so. What Jesus was saying to the leaders of his day was sometimes we can place religious habits and rituals ahead of what is in a person's heart.
Is our life of faith only about trying to always do the right thing? Or is it more than that? Listen to Pastor Russ' sermon entitled "Creeds or Deeds?"
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"Be Strong in the Lord" is the title of Pastor Russ' message, taken from the reading from Ephesians 6:10-20 where St. Paul compares the Christian stance to the uniform a typical Roman soldier would wear. We do battle too, St. Paul reminds us, with powers and principalities, with evil and darkness. And we combat these with respect, honor, kindness and love.
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We continue with our readings from John 6 with Pastor Russ' sermon entitled: "The Eternal Food." What is eternal except love and hope and mercy. Pastor Russ shares the meaning of Holy Communion as the strength for our journey in life.
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In John 6, we hear Jesus' intriguing words about being "manna from heaven". In our life, especially during challenging times, do we not need God's guidance and help? Pastor Russ' sermon is entitled: "Food for the Journey".
Guest Pastor Richard Rollefson preaches from the Gospel of John, chapter 6
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On the 137th anniversary of Bethel's founding, hear Pastor Amy describe the features of faith in the American West. All those cowboys and renegades and explorers left their mark on churches like ours.
Just like our very busy lives at times, the disciples were no doubt overwhelmed with the demands of the crowds who flocked to Jesus. We can read into Jesus' invitation to the disciples to "get away", our need for rest as well. But Jesus also didn't turn his back on the needs of the crowds. Even though exhausted, Jesus continued to heal and teach. And so, we too are called to focus on the needs of our neighbors.
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Are we willing to stand up for the truth and for what is right even if it comes at a cost? Where do we find the courage to do so? John the Baptist and many others throughout history have provided examples for us of being faithful in the face of injustice. Pastor Russ' sermon is based on the rather gruesome story of John's beheading by King Herod in Mark 6:14-29 and is entitled "If Truth Be Told..."
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We may think of our weaknesses as just that...deficiencies, burdens, hinderances, embarrassments. St. Paul certainly could have thought that with his "thorn in the flesh." But instead, he realized that God could, by God's grace, turn his weaknesses into strengths...for the sake of the Gospel. Read II Corinthians 12:2-10 and then listen to Pastor Russ' sermon entitled, "Olympic Weakness; Sufficient Grace."
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The Gospel Reading for June 30th (The 6th Sunday after Pentecost) from Mark 5:21-43 tells of two healing miracles in one story...healing of two people of vastly different social strata. Jesus is displaying what a new caring community of faith is to look like by breaking societal prejudices and barriers.
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From Mark 4:35-41, we read the familiar story of Jesus calming the storm. Many "storms" can arise in our life...suddenly and some with great fury. What does it mean to have Jesus in our boat? Pastor Russ offers insights to this story that may help us in our life today.
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Sometimes we may wonder "what good can I do?" "I really don't have much influence". Well, maybe many of us think that we are "small potatoes"...but even small acts of kindness and charity can make a huge difference in someone's life. Pastor Russ reviews two parables where Jesus reminds us that with God's blessing, small things can have a large impact in his sermon "We Walk By Faith."
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One of the most skillfully crafted stories in all the Bible is found in chapter 3 of Genesis, when Adam and Eve ate of the fruit of the tree in the Garden of Eden, symbolizing "The Fall" of humankind. Does this old story still hold meaning for us today in this modern world? Or is God still speaking to us...and searching for us? The title of Pastor Russ' sermon is: "Where Are You?"
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Do you have a busy life? Do you feel that expectations of you are growing and growing? Do you feel some pressure to be more, to do more, to have more? Well, perhaps the 3rd Commandment, "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy" is meant for you. God ordained for us to rest. "Keeping the Sabbath" is the title of Pastor Russ' sermon for Sunday, June 2, 2024.
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Talking about the Holy Trinity doesn't sound too exciting...but this doctrine has been a critical teaching in the church practically from the beginning. Pastor Russ shares insights from the Nicodemus story in John 3 to highlight each 'person' of the Trinity.
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It’s Pentecost celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus, transforming them into bold apostles proclaiming the love of God for all. Pastor Russ’ message is “Many Languages…One Mission” as we reclaim our Pentecost purpose.
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After Jesus shares his last meal with his disciples, he prays to God. An amazing part of the prayer is that he thanks God for giving the disciples to him. They were a gift, a gift to Jesus. It is true that our companionship with Jesus is also a gift to him!
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On the night before his death, as Jesus teaches his disciples to "love one another, as I have loved you," he goes on to say: "I call you friends." Together, these two teachings suggest a foundation for Christian ethics not grounded in fear of punishment or following rules, but in the ways of gratitude and friendship.
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