One thing have I desired of the Lord... that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life...Psalm 27:4
The Readings from I Kings 17 and Mark 12 each share a story about the faithfulness of a widow. They each had very little to offer and yet, their faithfulness turned into a moving story that still teaches us much, even 2,000 years later! Pastor Russ' sermon is "A Little Goes A Long Way."
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In the Gospel Reading from Mark 12:28-34, Jesus reminds us of the two greatest commandments: Love for God and love for neighbor. It is almost like they are woven together as one commandment, for Jesus elsewhere reminds us that you cannot do one without the other. Pastor Russ' sermon is entitled "Soli Deo Gloria".
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Why tears? The three Readings for this All Saints Sunday each mention tears...but tears that will be wiped away by God himself as we are invited to a great feast prepared by God. Even Jesus shed tears as he stood before the grave of his friend Lazarus. But God has the last word...and even death is defeated. Pastor Russ' sermon: "Tears in Heaven"
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Knowing our Lutheran history and heritage is important as it reveals our beginnings as well as our current mission and ministry. Pastor Russ shares 6 vignettes on the life of Martin Luther and Katherine Von Bora, central figures in the Reformation movement of the 1500's.
This seemingly simple healing story of a blind man contains several life lessons for us...to help us with better insight when obstacles are in life's way, when we may not think too well of ourselves, and when our worries and stresses overwhelm us. Pastor Russ' sermon from Mark 10:46-52 is entitled "What Would You Have Me Do For You?".
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Do you think Jesus was a little harsh on the rich man? Telling him to sell all he had and give it to the poor? Are we supposed to do the same thing? Jesus actually offers 3 priceless gifts to the rich man even before asking him to do the 'the impossible.'
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As common as it is these days, divorce is still a very emotional and difficult reality for many people. And what Jesus seems to say doesn't, at first, appear to make things any easier. What does Jesus say about divorce? And how are we, as a Christian community, to respond to those who are going through such painful times? Pastor Russ discusses these questions in his message.
All three scripture readings have a common theme which helps us to know what the people of God are called to do and to be. Pastor Russ finds in these readings three qualities of Bethel Lutheran in his sermon entitled "We Are Not Meant to Go It Alone."
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Sometimes, we might feel overwhelmed by all that is going on in our lives and/or in the world. Oh, to be young and innocent once again. Jesus reminded us to welcome the child when he took children into his arms to bless them. We are called to have the faith of a child.
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"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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