Links to past Sermons
*The sermons are written to begin a reflection and discussion about the text and not as a definitive explanation of the text.
*The sermons are written to begin a reflection and discussion about the text and not as a definitive explanation of the text.
Worship service for April 21st, 2024.
The Gospel reading for Good Shepherd Sunday (the Fourth Sunday of Easter) is John 10:11-18 where Jesus says that He is the Good Shepherd. He also says that He has the power to lay down His life and take it back up again, raising the question of whether Jesus manipulated the religious authorities and Pilate so that they would kill Him. This leads to the question of whether God is manipulative. The sermon, "Is God Manipulative" takes a look at this question and sees that God provides us opportunities to do God's will and follow God's ways. Other readings: Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23 and 1 John 3:16-24.
Click here to read the sermon text for April 21st.
The Gospel reading for Good Shepherd Sunday (the Fourth Sunday of Easter) is John 10:11-18 where Jesus says that He is the Good Shepherd. He also says that He has the power to lay down His life and take it back up again, raising the question of whether Jesus manipulated the religious authorities and Pilate so that they would kill Him. This leads to the question of whether God is manipulative. The sermon, "Is God Manipulative" takes a look at this question and sees that God provides us opportunities to do God's will and follow God's ways. Other readings: Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23 and 1 John 3:16-24.
Click here to read the sermon text for April 21st.
Worship service for April 14th, 2024.
The Gospel reading for the Third Sunday of Easter is Luke 24:36b-48, where Luke gives his version of the Great Commission. In understanding that verse 47 should read, "that repentance leading to the forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem" we see that our repentance of our sins involves both confessing our sins and professing a desire to turn back to God. This repentance leads us to receive the forgiveness for those sins in Jesus' name. Other readings: Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; and 1John 3:1-7.
Click here to read the sermon text for April 14th.
The Gospel reading for the Third Sunday of Easter is Luke 24:36b-48, where Luke gives his version of the Great Commission. In understanding that verse 47 should read, "that repentance leading to the forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem" we see that our repentance of our sins involves both confessing our sins and professing a desire to turn back to God. This repentance leads us to receive the forgiveness for those sins in Jesus' name. Other readings: Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; and 1John 3:1-7.
Click here to read the sermon text for April 14th.
Worship service for April 7th, 2024.
The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter (April 07, 2024) is John 20:19-31, the story of "Doubting Thomas." The sermon titled "Seeing the Risen Jesus" is more about trust than doubt. That we are to trust that Jesus is the Messiah and that through Jesus, we are promised eternal life with God. Other readings: Acts 432-35; Psalm 133; and 1 John 1:1-2:2.
Click here to read the sermon text for April 7th.
The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter (April 07, 2024) is John 20:19-31, the story of "Doubting Thomas." The sermon titled "Seeing the Risen Jesus" is more about trust than doubt. That we are to trust that Jesus is the Messiah and that through Jesus, we are promised eternal life with God. Other readings: Acts 432-35; Psalm 133; and 1 John 1:1-2:2.
Click here to read the sermon text for April 7th.
Sermon texts for the mid week Lenten services and Easter services: Wednesday February 14th, Wednesday February 21st, Wednesday February 28th, Wednesday March 6th, Wednesday March 13th, Wednesday March 20th, Good Friday March 29th and Easter Sunday March 31st.
Worship service for Palm Sunday, March 24th, 2024.
March 24, 2024 is Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday. The Palm Sunday Gospel is Mark 11:1-11 and the Passion Gospel is Mark 14:1-15:47. The sermon "Deliver Us" takes a look at the word "Hosanna" used in the Palm Sunday Gospel during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and why the religious authorities would be more than jealous of Jesus. The question is posed what do we mean when we ask Jesus to deliver us? Other readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 319-16; and Philippians 2:5-11.
Click here to read the sermon text for March 24th.
March 24, 2024 is Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday. The Palm Sunday Gospel is Mark 11:1-11 and the Passion Gospel is Mark 14:1-15:47. The sermon "Deliver Us" takes a look at the word "Hosanna" used in the Palm Sunday Gospel during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and why the religious authorities would be more than jealous of Jesus. The question is posed what do we mean when we ask Jesus to deliver us? Other readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 319-16; and Philippians 2:5-11.
Click here to read the sermon text for March 24th.
Worship service for March 17th, 2024.
The Gospel reading for the Fifth Sunday in Lent is John 12:20-33, where Jesus talks about losing and saving one's life. The sermon "A Proper Perspective" presents an alternate perspective on how to hear this verse. The different perspective enables one to live this life in love towards one another with the hope of the promise of eternal life with God. Other readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12; Hebrews 5:5-10.
Click here to read the sermon text for March 17th.
The Gospel reading for the Fifth Sunday in Lent is John 12:20-33, where Jesus talks about losing and saving one's life. The sermon "A Proper Perspective" presents an alternate perspective on how to hear this verse. The different perspective enables one to live this life in love towards one another with the hope of the promise of eternal life with God. Other readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12; Hebrews 5:5-10.
Click here to read the sermon text for March 17th.
Worship service for March 10th, 2024.
In perhaps the most famous quote from the Bible (John 3:16), Jesus tells us God's purpose for sending God's only Son to earth as a human. For the Fourth Sunday in Lent (March 10, 2024) the sermon "Up on a Stick" is based on the Gospel reading of John 3:14-21 which also refers to the first reading from Numbers 21:4-9 and tells of God's desire for humanity to be saved, not judged and condemned. Other readings: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 and Ephesians 2:1-10.
Click here to read the sermon text for March 10th.
In perhaps the most famous quote from the Bible (John 3:16), Jesus tells us God's purpose for sending God's only Son to earth as a human. For the Fourth Sunday in Lent (March 10, 2024) the sermon "Up on a Stick" is based on the Gospel reading of John 3:14-21 which also refers to the first reading from Numbers 21:4-9 and tells of God's desire for humanity to be saved, not judged and condemned. Other readings: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 and Ephesians 2:1-10.
Click here to read the sermon text for March 10th.
Worship service for March 3rd, 2024,
The Gospel reading for the Third Sunday in Lent is John 2:13-22 where Jesus cleanses the Temple for the first time, drawing the attention of the religious authorities. In the sermon "Fulfilling the Covenants" we see how the Gospel writers show how Jesus fulfills the covenants God made with the people in the Hebrew Scriptures. Other readings: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19 and 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
Click here to read the sermon text for March 3rd.
The Gospel reading for the Third Sunday in Lent is John 2:13-22 where Jesus cleanses the Temple for the first time, drawing the attention of the religious authorities. In the sermon "Fulfilling the Covenants" we see how the Gospel writers show how Jesus fulfills the covenants God made with the people in the Hebrew Scriptures. Other readings: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19 and 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
Click here to read the sermon text for March 3rd.
Worship service for February 25th, 2024.
The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday in Lent is from Mark 9:31-28 where Jesus tells the disciples how He must die and tells the people that in order to follow Jesus, they must pick up their cross and follow Him. The sermon "Bearing One's Cross" takes a look at what it means to take up one's cross. Other readings: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31 and Romans 4:13-25.
Click here to read the sermon text for February 25th.
The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday in Lent is from Mark 9:31-28 where Jesus tells the disciples how He must die and tells the people that in order to follow Jesus, they must pick up their cross and follow Him. The sermon "Bearing One's Cross" takes a look at what it means to take up one's cross. Other readings: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31 and Romans 4:13-25.
Click here to read the sermon text for February 25th.
Worship service for February 18th, 2024.
For the First Sunday in Lent, we hear of temptation of Jesus from Mark's Gospel account (Mk 1:9-15). In this story, we hear echoes of other Biblical stories about temptation - Adam and Eve, Cain, the Israelites during the Exodus; as well as other connections to other Old Testament stories. We see how Jesus was different in that He resisted these temptations. Other readings: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; and 1 Peter 3:18-22.
Click here to read the sermon text for February 18th.
For the First Sunday in Lent, we hear of temptation of Jesus from Mark's Gospel account (Mk 1:9-15). In this story, we hear echoes of other Biblical stories about temptation - Adam and Eve, Cain, the Israelites during the Exodus; as well as other connections to other Old Testament stories. We see how Jesus was different in that He resisted these temptations. Other readings: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; and 1 Peter 3:18-22.
Click here to read the sermon text for February 18th.
Worship service for February 11th, 2024.
For the Transfiguration of our Lord (February 11, 2024), the Gospel reading is Mark 9:2-9. The sermon "An Ending and a Beginning" shows how the Transfiguration of Jesus was as much for our sake as it was for Jesus. Other readings: 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; and 2 Corinthians 4:3-6.
Click here to read the sermon text for February 11th.
For the Transfiguration of our Lord (February 11, 2024), the Gospel reading is Mark 9:2-9. The sermon "An Ending and a Beginning" shows how the Transfiguration of Jesus was as much for our sake as it was for Jesus. Other readings: 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; and 2 Corinthians 4:3-6.
Click here to read the sermon text for February 11th.
Worship service for February 4th, 2024.
For the 5th Sunday after Epiphany, the Gospel reading is Mark 1:29-29, where Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law and begins His journey throughout the region. The sermon "Not Really a Chameleon" focuses on the second reading, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 and on how Paul says that he had become all things to all people. This sermon takes a look at what he really means and what it means for us. Other readings for the day: Isaiah 40:21-31 and Psalm 141:1-11, 20c.
Read the sermon text for February 4th by clicking here.
For the 5th Sunday after Epiphany, the Gospel reading is Mark 1:29-29, where Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law and begins His journey throughout the region. The sermon "Not Really a Chameleon" focuses on the second reading, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 and on how Paul says that he had become all things to all people. This sermon takes a look at what he really means and what it means for us. Other readings for the day: Isaiah 40:21-31 and Psalm 141:1-11, 20c.
Read the sermon text for February 4th by clicking here.
Worship service for January 28th, 2024.
The Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (January 28, 2024) is Mark 1:21-28 where Jesus teaches in a synagogue in Capernaum for the first time and drives out an unclean spirit from a man. The sermon, mostly based on Psalm 111 is titled "The Fear of the Lord" and looks at the meaning of that phrase. Too often we think it means only one thing - either being afraid of God or in awe of God. By hearing it as the Hebrews would have heard it - not as an either/or but as a both/and concept, we hear that God is sovereign and wants to give us more than we can achieve on our own. Other readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 and 1 Corinthians 8:1-13.
Read the sermon text for January 28th by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (January 28, 2024) is Mark 1:21-28 where Jesus teaches in a synagogue in Capernaum for the first time and drives out an unclean spirit from a man. The sermon, mostly based on Psalm 111 is titled "The Fear of the Lord" and looks at the meaning of that phrase. Too often we think it means only one thing - either being afraid of God or in awe of God. By hearing it as the Hebrews would have heard it - not as an either/or but as a both/and concept, we hear that God is sovereign and wants to give us more than we can achieve on our own. Other readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 and 1 Corinthians 8:1-13.
Read the sermon text for January 28th by clicking here.*
Worship service for January 21st, 2024.
The Gospel reading for the Third Sunday after Epiphany is Mark 1:14-20 and tells of Jesus calling His first apostles. In the sermon titled "Getting the Call" we see that God calls everyone and may have something for each one of us to do that only we can do. In the revealing of the identity of Jesus, we see that God's Kingdom will come and God's will is going to be done regardless of what we do. Jesus calls us to embrace God's call and to follow Him. Other readings: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12 and 1 Corinthians 7:29-31.
Read the sermon text for January 21st by clicking here.
The Gospel reading for the Third Sunday after Epiphany is Mark 1:14-20 and tells of Jesus calling His first apostles. In the sermon titled "Getting the Call" we see that God calls everyone and may have something for each one of us to do that only we can do. In the revealing of the identity of Jesus, we see that God's Kingdom will come and God's will is going to be done regardless of what we do. Jesus calls us to embrace God's call and to follow Him. Other readings: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12 and 1 Corinthians 7:29-31.
Read the sermon text for January 21st by clicking here.
Worship service for January 14th, 2024.
For the Second Sunday after Epiphany, the readings from 1 Samuel 3:1-20 and John 1:43-51 tell of call narratives for the prophet Samuel and some of the first disciples of Jesus. In the sermon titled "The Call as a Journey" we see how call narratives are actually journeys of those whom God calls. Most of the call narratives in the Bible mirror our own call narrative journey, giving us the assurance that though we may be hesitant to accept a call from God, God will not let us fail. Other readings: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 and 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.
Read the sermon text for January 14th by clicking here.*
For the Second Sunday after Epiphany, the readings from 1 Samuel 3:1-20 and John 1:43-51 tell of call narratives for the prophet Samuel and some of the first disciples of Jesus. In the sermon titled "The Call as a Journey" we see how call narratives are actually journeys of those whom God calls. Most of the call narratives in the Bible mirror our own call narrative journey, giving us the assurance that though we may be hesitant to accept a call from God, God will not let us fail. Other readings: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 and 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.
Read the sermon text for January 14th by clicking here.*
Worship service for January 7th, 2024.
January 7, 2024 commemorates the Baptism of our Lord. The Gospel reading is Mark 1:4-11 and recounts Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist at the Jordan River before Jesus began His public ministry. The sermon, titled "Ripping the Heavens Open," looks at what it means for us that the Spirit of God descended into Jesus at the baptism and the implications of a new creation through Jesus as shown by the heavens being torn apart, thus letting God loose in the world. Other readings: Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7.
Read the sermon text for January 7th by clicking here.*
January 7, 2024 commemorates the Baptism of our Lord. The Gospel reading is Mark 1:4-11 and recounts Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist at the Jordan River before Jesus began His public ministry. The sermon, titled "Ripping the Heavens Open," looks at what it means for us that the Spirit of God descended into Jesus at the baptism and the implications of a new creation through Jesus as shown by the heavens being torn apart, thus letting God loose in the world. Other readings: Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7.
Read the sermon text for January 7th by clicking here.*
Worship service for December 31st, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Christmas (December 31, 2023) tells of Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem to fulfill the requirements of Jewish law. While there, they are visited by Simeon and Anna and bless the child while giving a warning to Mary. (Luke 2:22-40). The sermon, "Leftovers from Christmas" looks at how God uses the 'leftovers of society' to achieve God's goal of saving the world. Other readings: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7.
Read the sermon text for December 31st by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Christmas (December 31, 2023) tells of Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem to fulfill the requirements of Jewish law. While there, they are visited by Simeon and Anna and bless the child while giving a warning to Mary. (Luke 2:22-40). The sermon, "Leftovers from Christmas" looks at how God uses the 'leftovers of society' to achieve God's goal of saving the world. Other readings: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7.
Read the sermon text for December 31st by clicking here.*
Worship service for Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th, 2023.
The Christmas Eve Gospel is Luke 2:1-20, the birth of Jesus and the announcement to the shepherds of this birth. The sermon, "And Mary Ponders" looks at the reaction of Mary to all the things that have happened to her - she ponders these things. We should take the time in this season of Christmas to ponder what it means to have God act for us, giving us the ultimate gift. Other readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14.
Read the sermon text for Christmas Eve by clicking here.*
The Christmas Eve Gospel is Luke 2:1-20, the birth of Jesus and the announcement to the shepherds of this birth. The sermon, "And Mary Ponders" looks at the reaction of Mary to all the things that have happened to her - she ponders these things. We should take the time in this season of Christmas to ponder what it means to have God act for us, giving us the ultimate gift. Other readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14.
Read the sermon text for Christmas Eve by clicking here.*
Worship service for December 24th, 2023.
For the 4th Sunday of Advent, the Gospel reading is Luke 1:26-38, the annunciation to Mary that she has been selected by God to bring God's Son into the world. In the sermon, "God Is Involved" we see that this is more about God's involvement in the world than it is about Mary and that God does fulfill God's promises to us. Other Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55; Romans 16:25-27.
Read the sermon text for December 24th by clicking here.*
For the 4th Sunday of Advent, the Gospel reading is Luke 1:26-38, the annunciation to Mary that she has been selected by God to bring God's Son into the world. In the sermon, "God Is Involved" we see that this is more about God's involvement in the world than it is about Mary and that God does fulfill God's promises to us. Other Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55; Romans 16:25-27.
Read the sermon text for December 24th by clicking here.*
Worship service for December 17th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the 3rd Sunday of Advent (December 17, 2023) is from John 1:6-8, 19-28 and tells of John the Baptist's encounter with the religious authorities from Jerusalem. He points the way to Jesus, the Son of God, just as the prophets pointed to God. The sermon "Pointing" looks at how John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as well as some of the ways in which point and how other voices are pointing away from God. Other readings: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; 1Thessalonians 5:16-24.
Read the sermon text for December 17th by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the 3rd Sunday of Advent (December 17, 2023) is from John 1:6-8, 19-28 and tells of John the Baptist's encounter with the religious authorities from Jerusalem. He points the way to Jesus, the Son of God, just as the prophets pointed to God. The sermon "Pointing" looks at how John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as well as some of the ways in which point and how other voices are pointing away from God. Other readings: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; 1Thessalonians 5:16-24.
Read the sermon text for December 17th by clicking here.*
Worship service for December 10th, 2023.
For the Second Sunday in Advent, December 10, 2023, the Gospel reading is from Mark 1:1-8. The sermon "In the Beginning" takes a look at these introductory verses to Mark's Gospel account and sees that there is deep meaning packed into these 8 verses. As John the Baptist called his fellow Jews to repent of their sins, so too are we called to repent and turn our hearts towards God, becoming ready to have the Word of God planted in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Other readings: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 and 2 Peter 3:8-15a.
Read the sermon text for December 10th by clicking here.*
For the Second Sunday in Advent, December 10, 2023, the Gospel reading is from Mark 1:1-8. The sermon "In the Beginning" takes a look at these introductory verses to Mark's Gospel account and sees that there is deep meaning packed into these 8 verses. As John the Baptist called his fellow Jews to repent of their sins, so too are we called to repent and turn our hearts towards God, becoming ready to have the Word of God planted in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Other readings: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 and 2 Peter 3:8-15a.
Read the sermon text for December 10th by clicking here.*
Worship Service for November 26th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for Christ the King Sunday, November 26, 2023 is from Matthew 25:31-46 where Jesus tells about the Judgement Day by the Parable of the Sheep and Goats. The sermon "The King is Coming" looks at this parable from a different point of view. Drawing in the images presented in Paul's "Love Chapter" of 1 Cor 13, we hear that our actions should be motivated out of love for others and in so doing, we are doing these acts of mercy for Jesus. Other readings for the day are: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 95:1-7a and Ephesians 1:15-23.
Read the sermon text for November 26th, 2023 by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for Christ the King Sunday, November 26, 2023 is from Matthew 25:31-46 where Jesus tells about the Judgement Day by the Parable of the Sheep and Goats. The sermon "The King is Coming" looks at this parable from a different point of view. Drawing in the images presented in Paul's "Love Chapter" of 1 Cor 13, we hear that our actions should be motivated out of love for others and in so doing, we are doing these acts of mercy for Jesus. Other readings for the day are: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 95:1-7a and Ephesians 1:15-23.
Read the sermon text for November 26th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for November 12th, 2023.
For the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, the Gospel reading is Matthew 25:1-13, the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids. The sermon "Watching and Waiting" shows that when we look at this parable from a 'bird's eye viewpoint' we are to wait and watch for Jesus' Second Coming. Other readings for the day: Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Read the sermon text for November 12th, 2023 by clicking here.*
For the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, the Gospel reading is Matthew 25:1-13, the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids. The sermon "Watching and Waiting" shows that when we look at this parable from a 'bird's eye viewpoint' we are to wait and watch for Jesus' Second Coming. Other readings for the day: Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Read the sermon text for November 12th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for November 5th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for All Saints Sunday, November 5, 2023, is Matthew 5:1-12. In the sermon "Remembering the Saints" we take a look at what makes a saint, what makes one holy and see that it is the presence of God and the belief that Jesus died for our sins that accomplishes that. Other readings are Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22 and 1 John 3:1-3
Read the sermon text for November 5th, 2023 by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for All Saints Sunday, November 5, 2023, is Matthew 5:1-12. In the sermon "Remembering the Saints" we take a look at what makes a saint, what makes one holy and see that it is the presence of God and the belief that Jesus died for our sins that accomplishes that. Other readings are Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22 and 1 John 3:1-3
Read the sermon text for November 5th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for for October 22nd, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the 21st Sunday after Pentecost is Matthew 22:15-22 where Jesus is asked about paying taxes. In the sermon "In Whose Image?" we find that Jesus answers not about paying taxes, but it is a question of possession - whose are we and in whose image are we made.
The other readings for the day are Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96; and 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Read the sermon text for October 22nd, 2023 by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the 21st Sunday after Pentecost is Matthew 22:15-22 where Jesus is asked about paying taxes. In the sermon "In Whose Image?" we find that Jesus answers not about paying taxes, but it is a question of possession - whose are we and in whose image are we made.
The other readings for the day are Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96; and 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Read the sermon text for October 22nd, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for October 15th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost is Mt: 22:1-14, the parable of the wedding banquet. In a sermon titled "We are Going to a Party" we see that when we look beyond the allegorical interpretation of the parable, we see a God who wants to invite everyone to His heavenly feast.
Read the sermon text for October 15th, 2023 by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost is Mt: 22:1-14, the parable of the wedding banquet. In a sermon titled "We are Going to a Party" we see that when we look beyond the allegorical interpretation of the parable, we see a God who wants to invite everyone to His heavenly feast.
Read the sermon text for October 15th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for October 8th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost is Matthew 21:33-46 where Jesus gives us the Parable of the Wicked Tenants. The sermon, "A Different Perspective" looks at this parable from a little different perspective rather than the typical allegorical understanding. By doing so, we see a deeper implication to our world that simply a tale God's reaction to how people reacted to Jesus.
Read the sermon text for October 8th, 2023 by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost is Matthew 21:33-46 where Jesus gives us the Parable of the Wicked Tenants. The sermon, "A Different Perspective" looks at this parable from a little different perspective rather than the typical allegorical understanding. By doing so, we see a deeper implication to our world that simply a tale God's reaction to how people reacted to Jesus.
Read the sermon text for October 8th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for October 1st, 2023.
In the events during Holy Week, the chief priests and elders question the authority of Jesus. For the 18th Sunday after Pentecost (October 01, 2023) the Gospel reading of Matthew 21:23-32 relates of this questioning as well as Jesus' reply to it and the Parable of the Sons. In a sermon titled "Authority and Obedience" a look is taken at this issue of authority and what does true obedience looks like.
First Reading is Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-35; Psalmody is Psalm 25:1-9 and the second reading is Philippians 2:1-13.
Read the sermon text for October 1st, 2023 by clicking here.*
In the events during Holy Week, the chief priests and elders question the authority of Jesus. For the 18th Sunday after Pentecost (October 01, 2023) the Gospel reading of Matthew 21:23-32 relates of this questioning as well as Jesus' reply to it and the Parable of the Sons. In a sermon titled "Authority and Obedience" a look is taken at this issue of authority and what does true obedience looks like.
First Reading is Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-35; Psalmody is Psalm 25:1-9 and the second reading is Philippians 2:1-13.
Read the sermon text for October 1st, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for September 24th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost (September 24, 20323) is Matthew 20:1-16, The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. The sermon, "Is God Fair or Just?" encourages us to see this parable as a glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven and to see if from God's perspective - that there is enough grace and mercy for everyone. The other readings are: Jonah 3:10-4:11; Psalm 145:1-8 and Philippians 1:21-30.
Read the sermon text for September 24th by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost (September 24, 20323) is Matthew 20:1-16, The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. The sermon, "Is God Fair or Just?" encourages us to see this parable as a glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven and to see if from God's perspective - that there is enough grace and mercy for everyone. The other readings are: Jonah 3:10-4:11; Psalm 145:1-8 and Philippians 1:21-30.
Read the sermon text for September 24th by clicking here.*
Worship service for September 17th, 2023.
Jesus continues to teach us about forgiveness and the need to practice forgiving each other until we can forgive from our heart in the Gospel reading from Matthew 18:21-35 for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (September 17, 2023). The sermon titled "Restoration and Recovery" looks at this theme of forgiveness from the heart and that it is through forgiveness that restoration to the community of faith is achieved. The other readings for this Sunday are Genesis 50:15-21, Psalm 103:1-13 and Romans 14:1-12.
Read the sermon text for September 17th by clicking here.*
Jesus continues to teach us about forgiveness and the need to practice forgiving each other until we can forgive from our heart in the Gospel reading from Matthew 18:21-35 for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (September 17, 2023). The sermon titled "Restoration and Recovery" looks at this theme of forgiveness from the heart and that it is through forgiveness that restoration to the community of faith is achieved. The other readings for this Sunday are Genesis 50:15-21, Psalm 103:1-13 and Romans 14:1-12.
Read the sermon text for September 17th by clicking here.*
Worship service for September 3rd, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost is Matthew 16:21-28 where Jesus rebukes Peter after telling the disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and be killed by the authorities. The sermon, "The Rock Sinks, Again" looks at how we are like Peter and despite our faith, we may sometimes 'sink' when we think we know what God is going to do or we tell God what to do.
Read the sermon text for September 3rd by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost is Matthew 16:21-28 where Jesus rebukes Peter after telling the disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and be killed by the authorities. The sermon, "The Rock Sinks, Again" looks at how we are like Peter and despite our faith, we may sometimes 'sink' when we think we know what God is going to do or we tell God what to do.
Read the sermon text for September 3rd by clicking here.*
Worship service for August 27th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost (August 27, 2023) is Matthew 16:13-20 in which Jesus asks the questions "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" and "Who do you say that I am?" to which Peter confesses Jesus to be "the Messiah, the Son of the living God." The sermon titled "The Question Behind the Question" takes a look at some of the questions that are behind Jesus' questions and what this text means for us.
Read the sermon text for August 27th by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost (August 27, 2023) is Matthew 16:13-20 in which Jesus asks the questions "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" and "Who do you say that I am?" to which Peter confesses Jesus to be "the Messiah, the Son of the living God." The sermon titled "The Question Behind the Question" takes a look at some of the questions that are behind Jesus' questions and what this text means for us.
Read the sermon text for August 27th by clicking here.*
Worship service for August 20th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost (August 20, 2023) is Matthew 15:10-20 where Jesus talks about what defiles a person and encounters a Canaanite woman who wants Jesus to heal her daughter. The sermon, "What Is Jesus Up To?" looks at these exchanges between Jesus and Peter and Jesus and the Canaanite woman to see that Jesus is actually showing us the breadth of the Kingdom of God by showing compassion to the Canaanite woman.
Read the sermon text for August 20th by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost (August 20, 2023) is Matthew 15:10-20 where Jesus talks about what defiles a person and encounters a Canaanite woman who wants Jesus to heal her daughter. The sermon, "What Is Jesus Up To?" looks at these exchanges between Jesus and Peter and Jesus and the Canaanite woman to see that Jesus is actually showing us the breadth of the Kingdom of God by showing compassion to the Canaanite woman.
Read the sermon text for August 20th by clicking here.*
Worship service for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, August 13th, 2023.
In the stories of Jesus walking on the water (Mt 14:22-33) and of Elijah seeing God in the sheer silence (1Kings 19:9-18) we see how both Peter and Elijah responded to the storms of doubt that surrounded them. The sermon titled "The Storm of Doubt" for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost (August 13, 2023) looks at how these responses to doubt can lead us how to react to those times when we are faced with storms of doubt.
Read the sermon text for August 13th by clicking here.*
In the stories of Jesus walking on the water (Mt 14:22-33) and of Elijah seeing God in the sheer silence (1Kings 19:9-18) we see how both Peter and Elijah responded to the storms of doubt that surrounded them. The sermon titled "The Storm of Doubt" for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost (August 13, 2023) looks at how these responses to doubt can lead us how to react to those times when we are faced with storms of doubt.
Read the sermon text for August 13th by clicking here.*
Worship service for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, August 6th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost (August 06, 2023) is Matthew 14:13-21 and relates the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. The sermon, "The Making of a Miracle" sees how Matthew had crafted his account for people to make connections with other feedings in the Bible and to make comparisons. We see the necessity of God to be present in the miracle, even if we know how it happened.
Read the sermon text for August 6th by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost (August 06, 2023) is Matthew 14:13-21 and relates the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. The sermon, "The Making of a Miracle" sees how Matthew had crafted his account for people to make connections with other feedings in the Bible and to make comparisons. We see the necessity of God to be present in the miracle, even if we know how it happened.
Read the sermon text for August 6th by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, July 30th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost (July 30th, 2023) is Mt 13:31-33, 44-53 where Jesus uses several parables to describe the Kingdom of God. The sermon titled "Having Ears to Hear" shows the richness of the parables of Jesus and how they can be understood on different levels, giving us an understanding, a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God looks like and what it means for us.
Read the sermon text for July 30th by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost (July 30th, 2023) is Mt 13:31-33, 44-53 where Jesus uses several parables to describe the Kingdom of God. The sermon titled "Having Ears to Hear" shows the richness of the parables of Jesus and how they can be understood on different levels, giving us an understanding, a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God looks like and what it means for us.
Read the sermon text for July 30th by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, July 23rd, 2023.
The Gospel reading from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (July 23rd, 2023) is the "Parable of the Weeds among the Wheat." The sermon, "Wheat, Weeds and Weeder" looks at how this parable is connected to the Parable of the Sower and helps to explain why there is evil among the good in this world. We are given the assurance that despite the appearance that God does not know what is happening in God's creation, God is aware of all that is happening and will deal with it at the right time.
Read the sermon text for July 23rd, 2023 by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (July 23rd, 2023) is the "Parable of the Weeds among the Wheat." The sermon, "Wheat, Weeds and Weeder" looks at how this parable is connected to the Parable of the Sower and helps to explain why there is evil among the good in this world. We are given the assurance that despite the appearance that God does not know what is happening in God's creation, God is aware of all that is happening and will deal with it at the right time.
Read the sermon text for July 23rd, 2023 by clicking here.*
Gospel and Sermon for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 16th, 2023.
In the "Parable of the Sower" for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (July 16th, 2023), Jesus begins teaching about the Kingdom of God through the use of parables. In a sermon titled "Hearing the Parables" we see that for this parable, we need to take a look at the wider picture to see what God is up to in the text - sowing God's grace, mercy and blessings everywhere without any kind of discrimination. In connection with the reading from Isaiah 55:10-13 we are assured that God does know what God is doing and despite it looking like God doesn't know how to sow seed to maximize the harvest, there are other purposes for the seed sown in other soils.
Read the sermon text for July 16th, 2023 by clicking here.*
In the "Parable of the Sower" for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (July 16th, 2023), Jesus begins teaching about the Kingdom of God through the use of parables. In a sermon titled "Hearing the Parables" we see that for this parable, we need to take a look at the wider picture to see what God is up to in the text - sowing God's grace, mercy and blessings everywhere without any kind of discrimination. In connection with the reading from Isaiah 55:10-13 we are assured that God does know what God is doing and despite it looking like God doesn't know how to sow seed to maximize the harvest, there are other purposes for the seed sown in other soils.
Read the sermon text for July 16th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 9th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 9, 2023 is Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. The sermon, "Life is not Fair" looks at the first verses of this reading and detects a hint of life not being fair proclaimed by the 'children,' as Jesus describes them. Instead of showing that life's unfairness proving that there is no God, it shows us that there is a God who, on God's terms will make sure that everything will be fair in the end.
Read the sermon text for July 9th by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 9, 2023 is Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. The sermon, "Life is not Fair" looks at the first verses of this reading and detects a hint of life not being fair proclaimed by the 'children,' as Jesus describes them. Instead of showing that life's unfairness proving that there is no God, it shows us that there is a God who, on God's terms will make sure that everything will be fair in the end.
Read the sermon text for July 9th by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 2nd, 2023.
In the readings from Jeremiah 28:5-9 and Matthew 10:40-42 for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 2nd, 2023, we hear about prophetic voices, voices speaking God's words. The sermon "The Prophetic Voice" looks at the need to decipher if the voice is really a prophetic voice calling for repentance and turning back to God's ways. Prophetic voices can still be heard today and we must see if they are consistent with Jesus' teachings and the Biblical tradition before we accept them as really prophetic words.
Read the sermon text for July 2nd by clicking here.*
In the readings from Jeremiah 28:5-9 and Matthew 10:40-42 for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 2nd, 2023, we hear about prophetic voices, voices speaking God's words. The sermon "The Prophetic Voice" looks at the need to decipher if the voice is really a prophetic voice calling for repentance and turning back to God's ways. Prophetic voices can still be heard today and we must see if they are consistent with Jesus' teachings and the Biblical tradition before we accept them as really prophetic words.
Read the sermon text for July 2nd by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 18th, 2023.
In the Gospel reading, Matthew 9:35-10:8, for the Third Sunday after Pentecost June 18th, 2023, Jesus sends the disciples out on their first 'mission trip' to heal the sick, cast out demons and proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God. The sermon "Being Sent Out" explores that the apostles are not only to do those things that Jesus did, but also to have the mindset of Jesus, one of compassion for others; and to see how that compassion looks today.
Read the sermon text for June 18th by clicking here.*
In the Gospel reading, Matthew 9:35-10:8, for the Third Sunday after Pentecost June 18th, 2023, Jesus sends the disciples out on their first 'mission trip' to heal the sick, cast out demons and proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God. The sermon "Being Sent Out" explores that the apostles are not only to do those things that Jesus did, but also to have the mindset of Jesus, one of compassion for others; and to see how that compassion looks today.
Read the sermon text for June 18th by clicking here.*
Gospel and sermon for the Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 11th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday after Pentecost June 11th, 2023 is Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 where Jesus eats with sinners and tax collectors. By doing so, Jesus 'drags' His followers into the new reality that is the Kingdom of God, a reality that is radically different from the reality of the world. The sermon "Jesus Drags Us Along" looks at how Jesus takes us into this better reality.
Read the sermon text for June 11th by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday after Pentecost June 11th, 2023 is Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 where Jesus eats with sinners and tax collectors. By doing so, Jesus 'drags' His followers into the new reality that is the Kingdom of God, a reality that is radically different from the reality of the world. The sermon "Jesus Drags Us Along" looks at how Jesus takes us into this better reality.
Read the sermon text for June 11th by clicking here.*
Worship service for Trinity Sunday, June 4th, 2023.
The Gospel reading for Trinity Sunday, June 04th, 2023 is Matthew 28:16-20 where Jesus instructs His followers to baptize others in the name of the Triune God. The sermon "Needing the Trinity" looks at why we need to have the Trinity even though we cannot always adequately explain it.
Read the sermon text for June 4th by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for Trinity Sunday, June 04th, 2023 is Matthew 28:16-20 where Jesus instructs His followers to baptize others in the name of the Triune God. The sermon "Needing the Trinity" looks at why we need to have the Trinity even though we cannot always adequately explain it.
Read the sermon text for June 4th by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 28th, 2023.
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to the disciples hidden in a locked room the ability to go out and proclaim the Good News of Jesus to all in Jerusalem. The sermon, "A Story of Reversal and the Power of Forgiveness" looks at this text from Acts 2:1-21 and the Gospel reading of John 20:19-23 takes a new look at what it means to forgive sins and how Jesus reverses what humanity has done to go away from God, restoring right relationships.
Read the sermon text for May 28th by clicking here.*
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to the disciples hidden in a locked room the ability to go out and proclaim the Good News of Jesus to all in Jerusalem. The sermon, "A Story of Reversal and the Power of Forgiveness" looks at this text from Acts 2:1-21 and the Gospel reading of John 20:19-23 takes a new look at what it means to forgive sins and how Jesus reverses what humanity has done to go away from God, restoring right relationships.
Read the sermon text for May 28th by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 21st, 2023.
For the Seventh Sunday in Easter, we hear Jesus' prayer to the Father on Maundy Thursday in the Gospel reading (John 17:1-11) where He prays for His followers. In Acts 1 at Jesus' Ascension into Heaven, He commissions His followers to be His witnesses to the 'ends of the earth.' The sermon, "To the Ends of the Earth" takes a look at what this phrase means for us.
Read the sermon text for May 21st by clicking here.*
For the Seventh Sunday in Easter, we hear Jesus' prayer to the Father on Maundy Thursday in the Gospel reading (John 17:1-11) where He prays for His followers. In Acts 1 at Jesus' Ascension into Heaven, He commissions His followers to be His witnesses to the 'ends of the earth.' The sermon, "To the Ends of the Earth" takes a look at what this phrase means for us.
Read the sermon text for May 21st by clicking here.*
Worship service for the sixth Sunday of Easter, May 14th, 2023.
For the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 14, 2023, the Gospel reading is from John 14:15-21 where Jesus tells us "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." The sermon titled "Loving Like Jesus" takes a look at what this means, of how we are to love like Jesus.
Read the sermon text for May 14th by clicking here.*
For the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 14, 2023, the Gospel reading is from John 14:15-21 where Jesus tells us "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." The sermon titled "Loving Like Jesus" takes a look at what this means, of how we are to love like Jesus.
Read the sermon text for May 14th by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 7th, 2023.
The Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Easter is John 14:1-4 where Jesus says that He is "the Way, the Truth and the Life." The sermon titled "What is Jesus On?" looks at some of the audacious claims that Jesus makes in this text.
Read the sermon text for May 7th, by clicking here.*
The Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Easter is John 14:1-4 where Jesus says that He is "the Way, the Truth and the Life." The sermon titled "What is Jesus On?" looks at some of the audacious claims that Jesus makes in this text.
Read the sermon text for May 7th, by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 30th, 2023.
On this "Good Shepherd Sunday", the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is put forth in the Gospel reading of John 10:1-10. We are also given a subtle warning not to follow those who try to steal from the sheepfold for their own benefit.
Read the sermon text for April 30th, by clicking here.*
On this "Good Shepherd Sunday", the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is put forth in the Gospel reading of John 10:1-10. We are also given a subtle warning not to follow those who try to steal from the sheepfold for their own benefit.
Read the sermon text for April 30th, by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Third Sunday of Easter, April 23rd, 2023.
I the Gospel reading from Luke 24:13-35, we hear the story of Jesus meeting two of His disciples on the road to Emmaus.
In a sermon titled "Jesus Meets Us" we see that Jesus met those disciples where they were and opened their eyes to who He is. On our own 'walks to Emmaus' we also encountered the risen Jesus who guides us to where we need to go.
Read the sermon text for April 23rd, by clicking here.*
I the Gospel reading from Luke 24:13-35, we hear the story of Jesus meeting two of His disciples on the road to Emmaus.
In a sermon titled "Jesus Meets Us" we see that Jesus met those disciples where they were and opened their eyes to who He is. On our own 'walks to Emmaus' we also encountered the risen Jesus who guides us to where we need to go.
Read the sermon text for April 23rd, by clicking here.*
Worship service for Sunday, April 16th, 2023.
In the John 20:19-31, we hear the familiar story of Thomas doubting the other apostles' report of seeing the risen Jesus.
A sermon titled "How to Respond to Doubt" looks at different ways to respond to doubt, that doubt, in and of itself is neither good nor bad, can lead to a strengthening and deepening of our faith.
Read the sermon text for April 16th, 2023 by clicking here.*
In the John 20:19-31, we hear the familiar story of Thomas doubting the other apostles' report of seeing the risen Jesus.
A sermon titled "How to Respond to Doubt" looks at different ways to respond to doubt, that doubt, in and of itself is neither good nor bad, can lead to a strengthening and deepening of our faith.
Read the sermon text for April 16th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for Easter Sunday, April 9th, 2023.
The Easter Gospel of Matthew 28:1-10 tells us of the risen Jesus. In the sermon titled "Getting More than We Asked" we hear that God gave us more than what the Israelites wanted when they shouted "Hosanna" "Save us" the week before. Because of the cross and empty tomb, life and death now have new meanings through Jesus Christ.
Read the sermon text for April 9th, 2023 by clicking here.*
The Easter Gospel of Matthew 28:1-10 tells us of the risen Jesus. In the sermon titled "Getting More than We Asked" we hear that God gave us more than what the Israelites wanted when they shouted "Hosanna" "Save us" the week before. Because of the cross and empty tomb, life and death now have new meanings through Jesus Christ.
Read the sermon text for April 9th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for Palm Sunday, April 2nd, 2023.
On Palm Sunday, April 02, 2023, we recall that Jesus' entry into Jerusalem caused the priests in Jerusalem much concern in Matthew's Gospel account (21:1-11). Not recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, the priests had to silence this itinerant preacher in order to keep the Romans from tightening their rule over the Jewish people. In a sermon titled, "An Unexpected Way" looks at how and why God comes to us in unexpected ways.
Read the sermon text for April 2nd, 2023 by clicking here.*
On Palm Sunday, April 02, 2023, we recall that Jesus' entry into Jerusalem caused the priests in Jerusalem much concern in Matthew's Gospel account (21:1-11). Not recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, the priests had to silence this itinerant preacher in order to keep the Romans from tightening their rule over the Jewish people. In a sermon titled, "An Unexpected Way" looks at how and why God comes to us in unexpected ways.
Read the sermon text for April 2nd, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 26th, 2023.
In the sermon titled "Being Made Uncomfortable" the question is asked how is God making us uncomfortable in our lives, disrupting our comfortable lives and challenging us to something new as Jesus challenged Lazarus to something new by raising him from the dead and challenging the blind man from John 9 (last week's Gospel reading) by giving him his sight.
Read the sermon text for March 26th, 2023 by clicking here.*
In the sermon titled "Being Made Uncomfortable" the question is asked how is God making us uncomfortable in our lives, disrupting our comfortable lives and challenging us to something new as Jesus challenged Lazarus to something new by raising him from the dead and challenging the blind man from John 9 (last week's Gospel reading) by giving him his sight.
Read the sermon text for March 26th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 19, 2023.
In a sermon titled "I Think I See, Therefore I See, Right?" takes a look at this spiritual blindness and sees how Jesus comes to us as we need Him, just as He came to Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman at the well and the man born blind.
Read the sermon text for March 19th, 2023 by clicking here.*
In a sermon titled "I Think I See, Therefore I See, Right?" takes a look at this spiritual blindness and sees how Jesus comes to us as we need Him, just as He came to Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman at the well and the man born blind.
Read the sermon text for March 19th, 2023 by clicking here.*
In His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus declares that He gives us living water. For the Third Sunday in Lent, March 12, 2023 the sermon titled "Well, Well, Well" looks at the importance of water in our lives and what this Living Water from Jesus does for us.
Read the sermon text for March 12th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Read the sermon text for March 12th, 2023 by clicking here.*
In possibly the most well-known verse in the Bible, Jesus assures us that God's intention is to save the world and give us eternal life. For the Second Sunday in Lent, March 5th, 2023, the sermon titled "The Verse After" looks at what this means for us with a caution of not interpreting the wrong way.
Read the sermon text for March 5th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Read the sermon text for March 5th, 2023 by clicking here.*
For the First Sunday in Lent, February 26, 2023, we hear the temptation story of Jesus in the Gospel reading from Matthew 4:1-11. In a sermon titled "Getting Tempted" we take a look at how Satan tempts us and some of the different ways in which we are tempted.
Read the sermon text for February 26th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Read the sermon text for February 26th, 2023 by clicking here.*
The sermon, titled "More Than Dust," reflects on this guidance and what it might look like for us.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 day Lenten journey of repentance and renewal. In the words of the prophet Joel (2:1-2, 12-17), the Psalmist (Psalm 51:1-17), Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians (5:20-6:10) and in Jesus words from the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 6:1-6, 16-21) we are given guidance of how our repentance as individuals and as a community of faith should be.
Read the sermon text for Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 by clicking here.*
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 day Lenten journey of repentance and renewal. In the words of the prophet Joel (2:1-2, 12-17), the Psalmist (Psalm 51:1-17), Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians (5:20-6:10) and in Jesus words from the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 6:1-6, 16-21) we are given guidance of how our repentance as individuals and as a community of faith should be.
Read the sermon text for Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading for the Transfiguration of our Lord (February 19, 2023) is from the Gospel of Matthew 17:1-9.
The sermon titled, "Not Just What But Also How" looks at how God might have said "Listen to Him" to Peter.
Read the sermon text for February 19th, 2023 by clicking here.*
The sermon titled, "Not Just What But Also How" looks at how God might have said "Listen to Him" to Peter.
Read the sermon text for February 19th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Sixth Sunday after Epiphany, February 12th, 2023.
The Gospel reading continues with the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:21-37). In the sermon "Breaking the Bars" we see that Jesus does not really raise the bar of behavior, but breaks the bars that keep us from having the relationships which God intended us to have.
Read the sermon text for February 12th, 2023 by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading continues with the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:21-37). In the sermon "Breaking the Bars" we see that Jesus does not really raise the bar of behavior, but breaks the bars that keep us from having the relationships which God intended us to have.
Read the sermon text for February 12th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, February 5th, 2023.
The Gospel reading is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:12-20. The sermon titled "Saltshakers, Light and Bars" looks at how the first hearers of these words from Jesus would have heard them and what they mean for us.
Read the sermon text for February 5th, 2023 by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:12-20. The sermon titled "Saltshakers, Light and Bars" looks at how the first hearers of these words from Jesus would have heard them and what they mean for us.
Read the sermon text for February 5th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, January 29, 2023.
The prophet Micah tells the people what God requires of them and that is to "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8) in the sermon, titled "To Walk Humbly with God".
Read the sermon text for January 29th, 2023 by clicking here.*
The prophet Micah tells the people what God requires of them and that is to "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8) in the sermon, titled "To Walk Humbly with God".
Read the sermon text for January 29th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Third Sunday after Epiphany, January 22, 2023.
A sermon titled "More than Agreeing to Disagree" takes a look at what this means for believers.
Read the sermon text for January 22nd, 2023 by clicking here.*
A sermon titled "More than Agreeing to Disagree" takes a look at what this means for believers.
Read the sermon text for January 22nd, 2023 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Second Sunday after Epiphany, January 15, 2023.
In the Gospel reading, John the Baptist declares that Jesus is the "Lamb of God." In the sermon titled "Titles that We Bear" the use of titles to describe people is looked at and what the title "Lamb of God" meant for those who heard John say this about Jesus and what it might mean for us today.
Read the sermon text for January 15th, 2023 by clicking here.*
In the Gospel reading, John the Baptist declares that Jesus is the "Lamb of God." In the sermon titled "Titles that We Bear" the use of titles to describe people is looked at and what the title "Lamb of God" meant for those who heard John say this about Jesus and what it might mean for us today.
Read the sermon text for January 15th, 2023 by clicking here.*
In Matthew 3: 13-17, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist. In a sermon titled "Baptized to Begin" the need for Jesus to be baptized is examined and the meaning for us of what God has done through this is explored.
Read the sermon text for January 8th, 2023 by clicking here.*
Read the sermon text for January 8th, 2023 by clicking here.*
In the Gospel reading of Matthew 2:13-23 for the First Sunday of Christmas and a sermon titled "Sounding Similar" we explore these similarities and differences.
Read the sermon text for January 1st, 2023 by clicking here.*
Read the sermon text for January 1st, 2023 by clicking here.*
Sermon from Luke 2:1-20 titled "The Coming of the Light" how the light of Jesus differs from the other lights in the world is explored.
Read the sermon text for December 24th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Read the sermon text for December 24th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for December 18th, 2022, the fourth Sunday of Advent.
The Gospel reading is from Matthew 1:18-25 and the sermon titled "Obedience of Trust" a story is told to show how trust is something that evolves and grows with time.
Read the sermon text for December 18th, 2022 by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading is from Matthew 1:18-25 and the sermon titled "Obedience of Trust" a story is told to show how trust is something that evolves and grows with time.
Read the sermon text for December 18th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for December 11th, 2022, the third Sunday of Advent.
The Gospel reading is from Matthew 11:2-11 and the sermon is titled "Literal Expectations".
Read the sermon text for December 11th, 2022 by clicking here.*
The Gospel reading is from Matthew 11:2-11 and the sermon is titled "Literal Expectations".
Read the sermon text for December 11th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 04, 2022.
John the Baptist's call to repentance is followed with a warning of the judgement that Jesus will bring. In addition to this judgement of 'good' versus 'bad' people, we can also see this judgement as Jesus ridding each individual of those things that the individual does not need for eternal life. This theme is explored in the sermon titled "Bearing Fruit and Burning the Chaff".
Read the sermon text for December 4th, 2022 by clicking here.*
John the Baptist's call to repentance is followed with a warning of the judgement that Jesus will bring. In addition to this judgement of 'good' versus 'bad' people, we can also see this judgement as Jesus ridding each individual of those things that the individual does not need for eternal life. This theme is explored in the sermon titled "Bearing Fruit and Burning the Chaff".
Read the sermon text for December 4th, 2022 by clicking here.*
For the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2022, Jesus reminds us not to worry too much about when He will be coming again, that it is more important to prepare ourselves for His coming.
The sermon titled "Knowing When the End Is" takes a look at how to prepare ourselves.
The sermon titled "Knowing When the End Is" takes a look at how to prepare ourselves.
On Christ the King Sunday, November 20th, we proclaim Jesus to be King of kings from the throne of the cross.
Based on the Gospel reading from Luke 23, 33-43, the sermon titled, "An Odd Kind of Throne," looks at the power of Jesus' throne to forgive.
Read the sermon text for November 20th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Read the text from the Thanksgiving service here.
Based on the Gospel reading from Luke 23, 33-43, the sermon titled, "An Odd Kind of Throne," looks at the power of Jesus' throne to forgive.
Read the sermon text for November 20th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Read the text from the Thanksgiving service here.
Worship service for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, November 13, 2022.
The sermon titled "When Will It End?" takes a look at the end of times and what we should be doing, the Gospel reading from Luke 21:5-19 is part of the 'little apocalypse' from Jesus.
Read the sermon text for November 13th, 2022 by clicking here.*
The sermon titled "When Will It End?" takes a look at the end of times and what we should be doing, the Gospel reading from Luke 21:5-19 is part of the 'little apocalypse' from Jesus.
Read the sermon text for November 13th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for All Saints' Sunday, November 6, 2022.
The sermon titled "What Is a Saint?" looks at what it means to be a saint and who is a saint based on the Gospel reading of Luke 6:20-31.
Read the sermon text for November 6th, 2022 by clicking here.*
The sermon titled "What Is a Saint?" looks at what it means to be a saint and who is a saint based on the Gospel reading of Luke 6:20-31.
Read the sermon text for November 6th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for Reformation Sunday, October 30, 2022.
As we commemorate Reformation Sunday, we hear the words from John 8:31-36 with the ears of re-formers, refocusing on the Gospel and Jesus' call to obey Him in a sermon titled "Always Reforming".
Read the sermon text for October 230th, 2022 by clicking here.*
As we commemorate Reformation Sunday, we hear the words from John 8:31-36 with the ears of re-formers, refocusing on the Gospel and Jesus' call to obey Him in a sermon titled "Always Reforming".
Read the sermon text for October 230th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost, October 16, 2022.
The sermon titled, "Persistent Wrestling" is based on Genesis 32:22-31 and Luke 18:1-8.
Read the sermon text for October 16th, 2022 by clicking here.*
The sermon titled, "Persistent Wrestling" is based on Genesis 32:22-31 and Luke 18:1-8.
Read the sermon text for October 16th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, October 09, 2022.
The sermon titled "Living In-Between," looks at the living at those in-between times when Jesus comes to us as Jesus came to the 10 lepers in Luke 17: 11-19.
Read the sermon text for October 9th, 2022 by clicking here.*
The sermon titled "Living In-Between," looks at the living at those in-between times when Jesus comes to us as Jesus came to the 10 lepers in Luke 17: 11-19.
Read the sermon text for October 9th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, October 02, 2022.
The sermon titled "The Quantity of Faith" is based on the Gospel reading from Luke 17:1-10.
Read the sermon text for October 2nd, 2022 by clicking here.*
The sermon titled "The Quantity of Faith" is based on the Gospel reading from Luke 17:1-10.
Read the sermon text for October 2nd, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, September 25, 2022.
A sermon titled "Isolation" looks at the importance of not isolating a Biblical text from its context or from the Biblical story. It is based on Luke 16:19-31.
Read the sermon text for September 25th, 2022 by clicking here.*
A sermon titled "Isolation" looks at the importance of not isolating a Biblical text from its context or from the Biblical story. It is based on Luke 16:19-31.
Read the sermon text for September 25th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 18, 2022.
The sermon titled "What's It About?" is based on the Gospel reading of Luke 16:1-13.
Read the sermon text for September 18th, 2022 by clicking here.*
The sermon titled "What's It About?" is based on the Gospel reading of Luke 16:1-13.
Read the sermon text for September 18th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 11, 2022.
Righteousness and self-righteousness are compared in a sermon titled "Who Is the Lost?" based on Luke 15:1-10.
Read the sermon text for September 11th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Righteousness and self-righteousness are compared in a sermon titled "Who Is the Lost?" based on Luke 15:1-10.
Read the sermon text for September 11th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, August 28th, 2022.
Today's sermon "Not Just About Banquets" looks to extend Jesus' comments about who sits where at a banquet in Luke 14:1, 7-14 to a more general application, comparing humility and entitlement.
Read the sermon text for August 28th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Today's sermon "Not Just About Banquets" looks to extend Jesus' comments about who sits where at a banquet in Luke 14:1, 7-14 to a more general application, comparing humility and entitlement.
Read the sermon text for August 28th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Gospel reading and sermon for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, August 21, 2022.
Are we too tied to legalism, those things that tell us what to do instead of doing those things that we should do?
The sermon titled "Law or Legalism" takes a look at this question. It is based on Luke 13: 10-17.
Read the sermon text for August 21st, 2022 by clicking here.*
Are we too tied to legalism, those things that tell us what to do instead of doing those things that we should do?
The sermon titled "Law or Legalism" takes a look at this question. It is based on Luke 13: 10-17.
Read the sermon text for August 21st, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 14, 2022.
Today's sermon, "Use Your Brain" looks at Luke 12:49-56 to see how Jesus is not a cult leader, how He encourages us to use our brains to see the signs given us and to think for ourselves.
Read the sermon text for August 14th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Today's sermon, "Use Your Brain" looks at Luke 12:49-56 to see how Jesus is not a cult leader, how He encourages us to use our brains to see the signs given us and to think for ourselves.
Read the sermon text for August 14th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, August 07, 2022.
A sermon titled, "Like a Thief in the Night," based on Luke 12:32-40 .
Read the sermon text for August 7th, 2022 by clicking here.*
A sermon titled, "Like a Thief in the Night," based on Luke 12:32-40 .
Read the sermon text for August 7th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, July 31, 2022.
Sermon titled "Finding Meaning" is based on the Gospel reading from Luke 12:13-21.
Read the sermon text for July 31st, 2022 by clicking here.*
Sermon titled "Finding Meaning" is based on the Gospel reading from Luke 12:13-21.
Read the sermon text for July 31st, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 24, 2022.
Sermon titled "A Prayer of Submission" is based on the Gospel reading from Luke 11:1-13.
Read the sermon text for July 24th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Sermon titled "A Prayer of Submission" is based on the Gospel reading from Luke 11:1-13.
Read the sermon text for July 24th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Gospel reading of Luke 10:38-42.
Sermon titled "Needing and Being Both Martha and Mary for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 17, 2022.
Read the sermon text for July 17th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Sermon titled "Needing and Being Both Martha and Mary for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 17, 2022.
Read the sermon text for July 17th, 2022 by clicking here.*
Worship service for Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, July 03, 2022.
Sermon titled "Being Sent Out" is based on the Gospel reading from Luke 10:1-11, 16-20.
Read the sermon text by clicking here.*
Sermon titled "Being Sent Out" is based on the Gospel reading from Luke 10:1-11, 16-20.
Read the sermon text by clicking here.*
Worship service for Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 19, 2022.
Sermon titled "Responding to Fear" is based on the Gospel reading from Luke 8:26-39
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Sermon titled "Responding to Fear" is based on the Gospel reading from Luke 8:26-39
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Worship service for Trinity Sunday, June 12, 2022.
Sermon titled "The Holy Trinity" is based on the Gospel reading from John 16:12-15
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Sermon titled "The Holy Trinity" is based on the Gospel reading from John 16:12-15
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Worship service for the Day of Pentecost, June 05, 2022.
Sermon titled "The Real Miracle of Pentecost" is based on the first reading of Acts 2:1-21.
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Sermon titled "The Real Miracle of Pentecost" is based on the first reading of Acts 2:1-21.
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Worship service for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 29, 2022.
Sermon titled "A Different Kind of Unity" is based on the Gospel reading from John 17:20-26.
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Sermon titled "A Different Kind of Unity" is based on the Gospel reading from John 17:20-26.
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Worship service for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 22, 2022.
Sermon titled "The Peace of the Lord" is based on the Gospel reading from John 14:23-29.
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Sermon titled "The Peace of the Lord" is based on the Gospel reading from John 14:23-29.
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Worship service for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 15, 2022.
Sermon titled "For Whom to Live and Die" is based on the Gospel reading from John 13:31-35.
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Sermon titled "For Whom to Live and Die" is based on the Gospel reading from John 13:31-35.
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Worship service for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 08, 2022.
Sermon titled "The Calling of the Sheep" is based on the Gospel reading from John 10:22-30.
Sermon titled "The Calling of the Sheep" is based on the Gospel reading from John 10:22-30.
Worship service for the Third Sunday of Easter, May 01, 2022.
Sermon titled "The Commissioning of Peter" is based on the Gospel reading from John 21:1-19.
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Sermon titled "The Commissioning of Peter" is based on the Gospel reading from John 21:1-19.
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Worship service for the Second Sunday of Easter, April 24, 2022.
Sermon titled "In Whom Do We Trust" is based on the Gospel reading from John 20:19-31.
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.
Sermon titled "In Whom Do We Trust" is based on the Gospel reading from John 20:19-31.
Read the sermon text by clicking here*.