ASLC Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson & Rev. Tanner Howard, guest theologians, Pastor Rebecca Thurman, Vicar John Swanson
This is a great preaching podcast from All Saints Lutheran Church, ELCA. Each week you will hear sermons that inspire you to Show Up, Do Good, and Be Kind. Pastors Jules Erickson and Tanner Howard will uplift your week and give you something to help make the world a better place.
In today's gospel Jesus offers everyday images that reveal to us the reign of God: a tree that becomes a sheltering home, yeast that penetrates and expands, a treasured pearl, a net that gains a great catch. Even as we seek the riches of God's reign, the great surprise is that God's grace finds us first!
Scripture Readings: Romans 8:26-39 ;Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
In today's first reading God invites all who are hungry or thirsty to receive food and drink without cost. Jesus feeds the hungry multitude and reveals the abundance of God. At the eucharistic table we remember all who are hungry or poor in our world today. As we share the bread of life, we are sent forth to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-21; Matthew 14:13-21
In today's gospel Jesus offers everyday images that reveal to us the reign of God: a tree that becomes a sheltering home, yeast that penetrates and expands, a treasured pearl, a net that gains a great catch. Even as we seek the riches of God's reign, the great surprise is that God's grace finds us first!
Scripture Readings: Romans 8:26-39 ;Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
God’s word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the sower who scatters seed indiscriminately. Our lives are like seeds sown in the earth. Even from what appears to be little, dormant, or dead, God promises a harvest. At the Lord’s table we are fed with the bread of life, that we may bear fruit in the world.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Introduction
God’s word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the sower who scatters seed indiscriminately. Our lives are like seeds sown in the earth. Even from what appears to be little, dormant, or dead, God promises a harvest. At the Lord’s table we are fed with the bread of life, that we may bear fruit in the world.
Readings: First Lesson: Isaiah 55:10-13, and Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Introduction
The welcome of baptism is for all God’s children. This baptismal gift sets us free from the power of sin and death. In today’s gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. From worship we are sent on our baptismal mission: to serve the little ones of this world and to be a sign of God’s merciful welcome.
Readings
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18, Romans 6:12-23 and Matthew 10:40-42
Introduction
God does not promise that the path of the disciple will be easy.
Jeremiah feels the pain of rejection from those who do not want to
hear what he has to say. Jesus declares that his words may bring stark
division. Even so, we need not be afraid for God accounts for each hair
on our heads. Though we may experience rejection, frustration,
division, and death, God’s grace and love make us a new creation each
day. Marked with the cross and filled with holy food, we are sent from
worship to witness to Christ in the world.
Readings:
Psalm: 69:7-18, Romans 6:1b-11, and Matthew 10:24-39
Introduction
Moses tells the Israelites that they are called to be a priestly kingdom and
a holy people. Jesus sends out the disciples as laborers into the harvest. In
baptism we too are anointed for ministry, sharing God’s compassion with
our needy world. From the Lord’s table we go forth to proclaim the good
news, to heal the sick, and to share our bread with the hungry
Readings:Second Reading: First Reading: Exodus 19:2-8a, Second Reading Romans 5:1-8 , Gospel: Matthew 9:35—10:8
Introduction:
Faith is guided by the Holy Spirit and illustrated in
Community. Today’s lessons highlight the faith of Abraham who
listened to God so left the known for the unknown, by Matthew the
Tax Collector who left a secure job to follow Jesus, by the leader
of a synagogue who for the love of his child sought Jesus, by a
woman suffering from an illness and shame, who reached out to
Jesus. Their stories are remembered and illustrated by
participants of the communities of All Saints and Zion Lutheran
Churches.
Readings:
Romans 4:13-25, New Living Translation and Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
Introduction
Though the word trinity is not found in the scriptures, today’s second
reading includes the apostolic greeting that begins the liturgy: The grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy
Spirit be with you all. In the gospel Jesus sends his disciples forth to
baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. More
than a doctrine, the Trinity expresses the heart of our faith: we have
experienced the God of creation made known in Jesus Christ and with us
always through the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the mystery of the Holy
Trinity in word and sacrament, as we profess the creed, and as we are sent
into the world to bear witness to our faith.
First Reading: For the Healing of Creation Liturgy
In lieu of reading the first creation story from Genesis 1, we will be singing a
song of prayer for creation.
Psalm 8, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 and Matthew 28:16-20
In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. In today’s gospel Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name. Amid religious, social, and economic divisions, we seek the unity that Jesus had with his Father. Made one in baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the world, eager for the unity that God intends for the whole human family.
Scripture Readings: Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11
Introduction
Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to
abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are
reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this
Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord’s table the
Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world.
Readings:
Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20 and John 14:15-21
As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today’s gospel
includes Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place for his
followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share
Jesus’ mission in the world. In words and deeds we bear witness to the
risen Christ—our way, our truth, our life.
Readings:
Acts 7:55-60, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 and John 14:1-14
Introduction
Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the
“gate” of the sheep in today’s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to
abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still
waters of our baptism. Each Sunday he spreads a feast before us amid the
world’s violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and
extend God’s tender care to all creation.
Readings
1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10
Introduction
Today’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus,
overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped
Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the
risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking
of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures
are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is
poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each
Lord’s day.
Readings: Acts 2:14a, 36-41, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 and Luke 24:13-35
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.
Scripture Readings: Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
Creator, you made all people of every land. It is our responsibility to give thanks and respect to those who first occupied this land we are upon. At All Saints we give thanks to the Wahpekute (Wah-peh-kue-teh) Dakota, the first people of this land. We offer our respect to those ancestors who may be interred in this land, and are thankful for the gifts of the People of the land. For all these things we give thanks. Amen.
Scripture Readings: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118; Matthew 28:1-10
We are reminded that we are stewards of Temple, our body and health; Time; Talents; Treasure; Testimony, our reputation and integrity; and Terra, care of the earth.
Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. 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.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 21:1-11
Introduction
In today’s gospel Jesus reveals his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. 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 that we might also be raised with him to new life. At the Easter Vigil we will welcome the newly baptized as we remember God’s unfailing promise in our baptism.
Scripture Readings: Psalm: 133; Romans 8:1-11; John 11:1-46
Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. 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.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
Jesus heals a man born blind, provoking a hostile reaction that he regards as spiritual blindness to the things of God.
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.
Scripture Readings: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 23; John 4:5-42
Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Matthew 6:21-24; Luke 16:11; 1 Timothy 6:10;1 Timothy 6:17
Introduction
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 a 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.
This is the Day that the Lord has made!
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Readings
Psalm: Psalm 121, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 and John 3:1-17
Introduction
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 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.
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 and Matthew 4:1-11
Our stewardship is also rooted in our time here on earth. What will we do with our time here on earth? How will we use the gifts God has given us to bear good fruit?
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Introduction
Today’s festival stands like a bright bridge between seasons. The joy of
Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany comes to its close, and the journey
toward Lent and Easter begins. On a high mountain, Jesus is revealed as
God’s beloved Son—echoing the promise spoken at his baptism. This
glimpse of glory does not remove the road ahead, but it gives strength for
it, sustaining Jesus as he turns toward Jerusalem and the cross.
In the days ahead, we will enter the season of Lent, beginning with Ash
Wednesday, and once again take up our baptismal journey from
repentance to renewal, from death to life. Some churches will set aside the alleluia at the end of today’s worship—
not because joy is gone, but because it is being held in trust. That word of
praise will return with even greater joy when Easter dawns.
This is the Day that the Lord has made!
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Scripture Readings: : Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21 and : Matthew 17:1-9
Introduction
Light shines in the darkness for the upright, the psalmist sings. Isaiah
declares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and share our bread
with the hungry, the light breaks forth like the dawn. 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.
This is the Day that the Lord has made!
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 58:1-9a, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 and Matthew 5:13-20
Who are the blessed ones of God? For Micah, they are those who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. For Jesus, they are the poor, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who mourn, and those who hunger for righteousness. In baptism we find our blessed identity and calling in this countercultural way of living and serving.
Scripture Readings: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus begins his public ministry by calling 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 sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 27:1, 4-9; Matthew 4:12-23
Jesus begins his public ministry shortly after John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod. He proclaims the nearness of God’s reign and calls four fishermen to be his first
Introduction
Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is
the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one
anointed 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.
Psalm 40:1-11
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Introduction
In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God.
Through this great epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes
the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations.
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.
Isaiah 42:1-9, Matthew 3:13-17
Introduction
The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas
season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of
Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all
nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to
Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are
claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be
beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to
all people.
Scripture Readings: Psalms 72:1-7, 10-14; Matthew 2:1-23
Lessons: Isaiah 9:2-7, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:8-16, Matthew 2:1-11 and John 1:1-14
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.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Luke 2:1-20
Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. 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.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7
A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, 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.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10; Matthew 11:2-11
John the Baptist expects the Messiah to bring God’s judgment upon the earth (Matt. 3:11-12). From a prison cell, he wonders whether Jesus is the one who will do this. Jesus’ response indicates that God’s reign is indeed being fulfilled already through healing and restoration.
Centering Song: Oh God We Call ACS 1075
O God, we call, O God, we call,
from deep inside we yearn,
from deep inside we yearn,
from deep inside we yearn for you.
Readings and Psalm
- Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 & Luke 1:39-55
Introduction
Jeremiah’s promise that God would bring “justice and
righteousness in the land” comes to its strange and wonderful
fulfillment in the cross of Jesus, the King of the Jews. It looks for
all the world like a royal disaster — a king on a cross beside
criminals. Yet in this seeming defeat, Jesus pulls off heaven’s
greatest surprise: through the gate of death, he swings open the
door to paradise.
The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the meantime. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle: “Do not be weary in doing what is right.”
Introduction
We worship on the first day of the week because Jesus was raised on that
day. Every Sunday is a little Easter. This Sunday feels more like Easter than
many as the appointed texts celebrate the reality of the resurrection. Live
it up this Lord’s day. Our God is the God of the living.
This is the day that the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it!
We worship on the first day of the week because our Savior was raised on that day. Every Sunday is a little Easter. This Sunday feels more like Easter than many as the appointed texts celebrate the reality of the resurrection. Live it up this Lord’s day. Our God is the God of the living..
Scripture Reading: Luke 20:27-38, Job 19:23-27, Psalm 17:1-9
Introduction
In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy
communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worship
today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.”
In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear
and to heed the admonitions of Jesus in today’s gospel. Sealed
by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we
live with joy as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.
During the opening hymn, we invite anyone who feels called to
come up and light a candle in memory of a loved one.
Introduction
Real repentance and fake holiness couldn’t be more different—
but God’s mercy covers us all. We’re made right not by
perfection but by Jesus’ stubborn grace. So we laugh, we sing,
and we give thanks—because God’s forgiveness is the real
feast.
Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is Christ’s encouragement in the
gospel today. Wrestle with the word. Remember your baptism again
and again. Come regularly to Christ’s table. Persistence in our every
encounter with the divine will be blessed.
Readings: Genesis 32:22-31, 2 Timothy 3:14—4:5 and Luke 18:1-8
Jesus’ mission includes making people clean again. Unexpectedly, a
Samaritan healed of leprosy becomes a model for those who would praise
and worship God and give thanks for God’s mercy.
Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c and Luke 17:11-19
A little faith goes a long way is Jesus’ point in the gospel. A mustard seed’s-worth of faith has miraculous potential. The patience, tenacity, and endurance required for the life of faith are the blessings received in holy baptism, holy communion, and the word read and proclaimed in this assembly. Anticipate them. Receive them with thanksgiving.
Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 37:1-9 and Luke 17:5-10
Consideration of and care for those in need—especially those “at our gate,” the folks we actually see and know about—isn’t just a nice add-on to stewardship, it’s the heart of it. Scripture reminds us that hoarding stuff doesn’t make us safe, it just makes our garages hard to walk through. In fact, sharing what we’ve been given is how we loosen wealth’s chokehold before it tightens like last year’s skinny jeans. And here’s the Good News: it’s not on us to muscle our way out of greed’s grip. The one whom death could not hold—Jesus, risen from the dead— meets us right in our clinging and frees us, so our hands can open, not just to drop our offerings in the plate, but to receive life, joy, and maybe even a casserole at the church potluck.
Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Psalm 146 and Luke 15:1-10
As we are invited today to consider what it means to be managers (rather than owners) of all that we have, it is crucial to recognize that we are bought with a price. “Christ Jesus, himself human, . . . gave himself a ransom for all.” Apart from the generosity of God we have nothing—we are nothing. By God’s gracious favor we have everything we need.
Readings: Exodus 32:7-14, Psalm 51 and Luke 15: 1-10,
The religious leaders grumbled: “This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Thanks be to God—because if Jesus only ate with the perfect, church potlucks would be very small. Our hope isn’t in being flawless, but in a God who keeps pulling up more chairs. As 1 Timothy says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Which means—he came for us. Thanks be to God.
Readings: Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 113 and Luke 16:1-13
Called to contemplate the cost of discipleship, we might be helped by translating Paul’s request to Philemon into our prayer of the day: Refresh my heart in Christ. Strengthened by the company and forgiveness of Christ in holy communion and recalling God’s grace in remembrance of baptism, we can be strengthened in this hour to “choose life”—to choose life in God as our own.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 1; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33
Invited and inviting—that’s the heartbeat of the church. God doesn’t hand out VIP passes to a select few; in holy baptism, everyone gets a seat at Christ’s big, messy, joyful banquet table. And let’s be honest: no one’s asked to bring a casserole to earn their place. When the Spirit stirs up humility and mutual love among us (instead of, say, squabbling over the thermostat or the hymnal selection), the church becomes even more inviting. Imagine a community where the welcome is as warm as the coffee and as wide as God’s grace—that’s the kind of table Jesus keeps setting.
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 25:6-7a; Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; Luke 14:1,7-14
The word of God is a refining fire—think of it like the church kitchen stove: it can boil things over if you’re not paying attention, but it mostly just gets the casserole to the perfect “golden and bubbly” stage. Jesus is the big turning point in human history—like the moment someone finally brought lutefisk to the potluck and no one ever forgot. He calls for our undivided attention, which in church terms means putting down the bulletin doodles and really tasting the grace. Today in worship, we’re surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses,” which is basically a heavenly potluck crowd—Aunt Mabel, Martin Luther, and maybe even a few apostles making sure there’s enough lefse for everyone. In the word and in holy communion, we’re invited once again to look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith—the one who not only started this feast but is also staying to do the dishes.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58:9b-14; Psalm 103; Luke 13:10-17
Introduction
The word of God is a refining fire. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today in worship we are surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in holy communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Jesus says, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It is God’s promise from the beginning—to Abraham, to the early church, and to the “little flock” of which we are a part in today’s assembly. Faith, God’s baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear.
Scripture Reading: Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16; Luke 12:32-40
Jesus encourages us to stick with prayer—not to earn God’s attention, but because we already have it. As people rooted and growing in Christ through baptism, prayer is how we stay connected to the source of our life and strength. God listens. God responds. And God keeps showing up with what we need. As the psalmist says, “When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.”
Scripture Reading: Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-19; Luke 11:1-13
Today’s readings are a welcome word for anyone who’s ever felt weighed down by the “unhappy business” of life—which, let’s be honest, is most of us at some point. Jesus lovingly reminds us to stay alert, especially when it comes to the sneaky ways greed can take hold of our hearts. But there’s good news (of course there is—this is church!): in baptism, we’ve already died and risen with Christ. That means our lives are now caught up in something bigger, brighter, and more hopeful than anything this world can throw at us. So, we turn our hearts and minds toward “the things that are above”—not floating in the clouds, but grounded in the grace of God that meets us right here. We’re fed at the Lord’s table, encouraged by God’s word, and reminded again and again that we don’t walk this life alone.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 49:1-12; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21
God is the source of our nourishment. Jesus’ invitation to “take and eat ... take and drink” is a repeated one. In holy communion, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.
Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1-18; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Today we celebrate two great figures of the early church, Peter and Paul, who represent the spread of the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles and, according to tradition, were martyred on this date. The witness of Peter and Paul inspires us as we seek ways to faithfully proclaim the gospel in our contemporary context.
Scripture Reading: Acts 12:1-11; Galatians 5:1,13-25; John 21:15-19
St. Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus who, with St. Paul, was an apostle to the gentiles. Originally named Joseph, the other apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which means "son of encouragement.” All possessions were held in common, so Barnabas sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. He became a leader of the Church in Jerusalem. When Paul, who had been a persecutor of Christians, was converted and wanted to join Jesus' followers, the disciples were understandably skeptical about Paul. It was Barnabas who advocated for him and encouraged others to forgive him. Barnabas is, therefore, the patron saint of second chances. While the exact details are disputed, tradition holds that he was martyred at Salamis in Cyprus. His feast day is celebrated on June 11.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 42:5-12; Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3; Matthew 10:7-16
The Uniqueness of the Trinity
Pr. Wes Kimball
0:16 10:03
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“O LORD our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Today we celebrate the holy Trinity. Paul writes that through Jesus we have peace with God, whose love pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, giving us lasting hope. We celebrate the gracious One-in-Three, eternal Three-in-One, as we worship in community; as we share water and word, bread and wine; and as we bring God’s love and hope to our neighbors.
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15
On Pentecost, we celebrate that we have been given an Advocate to accompany us. Poured out in wind and fire, water, wine, and bread, the Holy Spirit abides in and among us. We give thanks that God speaks to each of us, no matter our origins, language, or life path. Filled with the Spirit of truth, we go out from worship to proclaim the saving power of Christ’s love and the freedom of God’s grace with all the world.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-31
It is possible to hear in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Christ for his own throughout history—to our day—and beyond. Jesus prays for us. In holy baptism we become believers in God, have our robes washed in the flood of Christ’s forgiveness, and receive the gift of life forever with all the saints.
Scripture Reading: Acts 16:16-34; Psalm 97; John 17:20-26
Visions abound in the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter. Paul has a vision about what to do. John has a vision of what will be. Jesus provides visions of peace that surpasses human understanding and power beyond human imagination.
Scripture Reading: Acts 16:9-15; Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5; John 14:23-29
Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.
Scripture Reading: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; John 13:31-35
The gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas in Joppa. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision. It is true for us and for all the baptized: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Scripture Reading: Acts 9:36-43; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30
The disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Jesus. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter life to others
Scripture Reading: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; John 21:15-19
In spite of all we have heard and all we have seen, it is often hard to believe. Because it is hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Because it is hard to believe, John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus’ victory over death. Because it is hard to believe, the risen Jesus will return to us again and again in the mystery of holy communion, inviting us to touch and taste his presence, and offering us his peace. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Scripture Reading: Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 118:14-29; John 20:19-31
Today Christ is risen, and we gather together with astonishment and joy. Christ is risen, and we have been set free from the bonds of death. Christ is risen, and we are forgiven. Christ is risen, and with the women at the tomb and Peter, we are amazed.
Scripture Reaading:Isaiah 65:17-25; Acts 10:34-43; Luke 24:1-12
Introduction
This evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tonight we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.
Readings and Psalm
- Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14
The passover of the Lord - Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Ps. 116:13) - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes - John 13:1-17, 31b-35
The service of Christ: footwashing and meal
We have walked the Lenten pathway these forty days, each of us invited through baptism to “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” We enter this holy week accompanying Jesus to the cross with both grief and thanksgiving in our hearts, trusting in God’s redeeming love.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 21:1-17
The psalm sets the tone this day: “Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!” Happy are those who have “become the righteousness of God” in the merits of Christ Jesus. Happy are those for whom the forgiveness of God has “rolled away ... the disgrace” of former times. Happy is the father at the return of his prodigal son. Happy are we that our sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake. Rejoice!
Scripture Reading: Psalm 32; Luke 15: 1-32
The warnings are plentiful and blunt on the third Sunday in Lent. Cut it out or get cut down! The warnings are accompanied by God’s invitation to attentiveness: “Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.” The landowner’s ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener’s readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us. Thanks be to God!
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; Luke 13:1-9
These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues, to receive the gifts of God’s grace, to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus, and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us.
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; 91:1-2, 9-16; Luke 4:1-13
On Ash Wednesday we begin our 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 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 Lent to return 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.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus reflect that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see God’s glory in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by God’s Spirit.
Scripture Reading: Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Corinthians 3:12—4:2; Luke 9:28-43
Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Joseph lives it in Egypt. Jesus preaches it in the gospel. The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is fractured and divided. Such merciful living is the baptismal blessing of having put on Christ. It is the gift of the lifegiving Spirit. It is a reflection of God’s glory revealed in Christ.
Scripture Reading: Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Psalm 37:1-11,39-40; Luke 6:27-38
Blessings and curses abound on the sixth Sunday after Epiphany. We would do well to listen closely to whom the “blessed ares” and the “woe tos” are directed and to find our place in the crowd among those who desire to touch Jesus. The risen Christ stands among us in the mystery of the holy supper with an invitation to live in him, and offers power to heal us all.
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; Luke 6:17-26
The fifth Sunday after Epiphany continues to highlight unlikely instruments and circumstances appointed to reveal God’s glory. “Who will go for us?” God asks. A person of unclean lips, a former persecutor of the church of God, and three fishermen who couldn’t catch a thing. More surprising still, perhaps, is that we are also called.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 6:1-13; Psalm 138; Luke 5:1-11
The glory of God is often revealed when and where it is least expected. God uses our lips to declare that glory, inexperienced and hesitant though they may be. God uses our love to demonstrate that glory and so urges us to exercise it. God uses Jesus of Nazareth, water and the word, bread and wine, to reveal God’s glory where and when God chooses. Take heed, lest the glory of God slip through our midst unnoticed.
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-10; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 4:21-30
Introduction
God’s glory is revealed in the reading of scripture. People stand at attention. People weep. People prostrate themselves in prayer. The unity of the church is another reflection of God’s glory. Most gloriously, the promises of God are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Gather round. Listen up. Glimpse the glory of God.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Luke 4:14-21
The Sundays after Epiphany continue to celebrate the revelation of God’s glory to us as it was made known to the magi and to those on Jordan’s banks at Jesus’ baptism—today using wedding imagery. Our God rejoices over God’s people as those being married rejoice over one another. By the power of the Spirit there are gifts galore for everyone. In Christ Jesus the best wine is saved for last. Taste and see.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; John 2:1-11
Today’s festival rejoices in God’s blessings. We recall and celebrate our adoption as God’s children, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promised company of almighty God when we “pass through the waters . . . the rivers . . . fire.” On this day the heavens open again for this assembly, and we receive the gift of God’s Beloved, Jesus, in bread and wine.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Luke 3:15-22
Introduction
Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth.
On the first Sunday of Christmas we find the boy Samuel and the boy Jesus, both in the temple, both growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and humankind. We too have returned to the house of God “to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God,” who has gifted us with a savior. As the festival continues, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” It is Christmas, still.Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:18-20,26; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52
Introduction
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.
Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in holy communion—with high delight—“we proclaim the Lord’s death.”Scripture Reading: Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:39-45
Introduction
Christ’s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news—and cause for exultation—for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the thiScripture Reading: Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
Advent is about the “coming days.” God’s people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a “righteous Branch to spring up for David.” The Thessalonians awaited “the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints.” Jesus’ contemporaries hoped for the time “to stand before the Son of Man.” With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of Christ in word and supper.
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36
“[T]he solemnity of Christ the King was fairly recently established by Pope Pius the 11th in 1925 in response to the increasing threat of the rise of fascism in Europe leading up to World War II. At the time, authoritarian leaders of fascist regimes were being lifted up as all powerful demigods, and the Roman Catholic Church created this holy day in an attempt to reclaim power for the church. If this feast tells us anything, it’s this: Fascism is diametrically opposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Reign of Jesus Christ stands in strong opposition to the death-dealing policies of tyrants and fascists.” Rev. Elle Dowd
November begins with All Saints Day and ends in or near Advent, when we anticipate Christ’s coming again. It is fitting, then, that the readings today tell of the final resurrection and the end time. In the turmoil of hope, fear, and disbelief that these predictions provoke in us, Hebrews sounds a note of confident trust. Christ makes a way for us where there is no way, and we walk it confidently, our hearts and bodies washed in baptismal water, trusting the one who has promised forgiveness. The more we see the last day approaching, the more important it is to meet together to provoke one another to love.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-11
Widows are visible everywhere in today’s readings. Jesus denounces those scribes who pray impressive prayers but devour widows’ houses. He commends the poor widow who in his view gave far more than the major donors. Jesus doesn’t see her simply as an object of compassion or charity. She, like the widow of Zarephath who shares her last bit of food with Elijah, does something of great importance.
Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 17:8-16; Psalm 146; Mark 12:38-44
On All Saints Day we celebrate the victory won for all the faithful dead, but we grieve for our beloved dead as well, knowing that God honors our tears. We bring our grief to the table and find there a foretaste of Isaiah’s feast to come.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44
Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be RE-formed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this lifetransforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission.
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36
The rich man who comes to ask Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life is a good man, sincere in his asking. Mark’s gospel is alone in saying that Jesus looked on him and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life: sell all you own and give it to the poor. Our culture bombards us with the message that we will find life by consuming. Our assemblies counter this message with the invitation to find life by divesting for the sake of the other.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 90:12-17; 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31
Someone who isn’t part of Jesus’ own circle is casting out demons in Jesus’ name, and the disciples want him stopped. They appeal to Jesus, as Joshua did to Moses about the elders who prophesied without official authorization. Like Moses, Jesus refuses to see this as a threat. Jesus welcomes good being done in his name, even when it is not under his control. The circle we form around Jesus’ word must be able to value good being done in ways we wouldn’t do it, by people we can’t keep tabs on.
Scripture Reading: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; Psalm 19:7-14; Mark 9:38-50
Someone who isn’t part of Jesus’ own circle is casting out demons in Jesus’ name, and the disciples want him stopped. They appeal to Jesus, as Joshua did to Moses about the elders who prophesied without official authorization. Like Moses, Jesus refuses to see this as a threat. Jesus welcomes good being done in his name, even when it is not under his control. The circle we form around Jesus’ word must be able to value good being done in ways we wouldn’t do it, by people we can’t keep tabs on.
Scripture Reading: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; Psalm 19:7-14; Mark 9:38-50
Today we hear James warn against selfish ambition, while the disciples quarrel over which one of them is the greatest. Jesus tells them the way to be great is to serve. Then, to make it concrete, he puts in front of them a flesh-and-blood child. We are called to welcome the children God puts in front of us, to make room for them in daily interaction, and to give them a place of honor in the assembly.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 54; James 3:13—18; Mark 9:30-37
Three weeks ago we heard Peter’s confession of faith as told in John’s gospel. This week we hear Mark’s version, when Peter says, “You are the Messiah.” In John, the stumbling block is Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh, given for the life of the world. In Mark too the scandal has to do with Jesus’ words about his own coming death, and here Peter himself stumbles over Jesus’ words. But Jesus is anointed (the meaning of messiah) in Mark only on the way to the cross (14:3); so we are anointed in baptism with the sign of the cross.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38
James tells us to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in today’s gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don’t deserve the goods meant for God’s children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings a need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 146; James 2: 1-17; Mark 7:24-37
Jesus protests against human customs being given the weight of divine law, while the essence of God’s law is ignored. True uncleanness comes not from external things, but from the intentions of the human heart. Last week Jesus told us “the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63). Now James says God has given us birth by the word of truth. We who were washed in the word when we were born in the font return to it every Sunday to ask God to create in us clean hearts.
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9; Psalm 15; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
In today’s gospel many people take offense at Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh and drink his blood; even many of Jesus’ disciples peel off. This is the backdrop in John’s gospel for Peter’s confession of faith. “To whom can we go?” asks Peter, in words we sometimes sing just before the gospel is read. “You have the words of eternal life.” We pray in the Spirit that we might be bold ambassadors of the gospel.
Scripture Reading:Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18; Psalm 34:15-22; John 6:56-69
John 6:51-58 (13th Sunday of Pentecost, August 8 2024)
Rev. Dr. Jules Erickson
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Wisdom prepares a feast, sets her table, and invites all to come and eat her bread and drink her wine. The first chapter of John’s gospel owes much to the biblical tradition that imagined Wisdom as existing before anything was created and having a role in the work of creation. Christ, the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24), today invites us to eat his flesh and drink his blood. John’s gospel includes no account of the institution of the Lord’s supper, but here we can't help hearing Jesus’ words as an invitation to the meal of bread and wine we share. Jesus said: In every generation Wisdom enlightens holy souls, Making them friends of God. Making them prophets. For God loves nothing so much As the person who lives with Wisdom.
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58
Jesus says that the bread he gives for the life of the world is his flesh, and whoever eats this bread has eternal life now and will be raised on the last day. In Ephesians Paul tells us what this life Jesus gives us looks like, this life we live as those marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit in baptism. We live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. The whole purpose of life is giving yourself for the other.
Scripture Reading:1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:1-8; John 6:35, 41-51
Apparently not satisfied by Jesus’ feeding of thousands, some who were there press him for a sign of his power; perhaps it is daily manna they want. As always in John’s gospel when people want a sign, Jesus offers himself. He is the bread come from heaven to give life to the world. He calls us to come to him and believe in him, and through that relationship to know the one who sent him.
Scripture Reading:Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35
Today is the first of five Sundays with gospel readings from John 6, the first four of which focus on Jesus as bread of life. Today Jesus feeds thousands of people with five loaves and two fish. What we have, what we bring to Jesus’ table, seems like it is not nearly enough to meet all the needs we see around us. But it is not the adequacy of our supplies or our skills that finally makes the difference: it is the power of Jesus working in the littlest and least to transform this world into the world God desires, a world where all the hungry are satisfied.
Scripture Reading:2 Kings 4:42-44; 145:10-18; John 6:1-21
Mark’s gospel makes clear how great is the press of the crowd, with its countless needs to be met, on Jesus and his disciples. Yet in today’s gospel Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn’t think of ourselves at all; but Jesus also honors the caregivers’ need. We are sent from Christ’s table to care for others and for ourselves.
Scripture Reading:Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Jesus does great deeds of power and gives his disciples authority over demons. Yet none of this power is unilateral; it all must be received by faith. Jesus asks his disciples to go out without money or supplies, so that they will be dependent on how others receive them. When we are sent from the assembly to witness and to heal, we are asked to be vulnerable, to be dependent on the reception of others. The Spirit always operates in the “between”: between Jesus and his Abba, between Jesus and us, between you and me, between us and those to whom we are sent.
Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Crossing all boundaries that would separate us, the Spirit brings the wideness of God’s mercy to places we least expect it—to a crowd of strangers of different lands and tongues, to dry bones, to our weak hearts. Jesus promises his disciples that they will be accompanied by the Holy Spirit, and that this Spirit reveals the truth. We celebrate that we too have been visited with this same Spirit. Guided by the truth, we join together in worship, and then disperse to share the fullness of Christ’s love with the world.
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:22-27; John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Crossing all boundaries that would separate us, the Spirit brings the wideness of God’s mercy to places we least expect it—to a crowd of strangers of different lands and tongues, to dry bones, to our weak hearts. Jesus promises his disciples that they will be accompanied by the Holy Spirit, and that this Spirit reveals the truth. We celebrate that we too have been visited with this same Spirit. Guided by the truth, we join together in worship, and then disperse to share the fullness of Christ’s love with the world.
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:22-27; John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
The gospel for Easter’s seventh Sunday is always taken from the long prayer Jesus prays for his followers in John’s gospel on the night before his death, and always includes Jesus’ desire that his followers will be one as he and the Father are one. This oneness is not mere doctrinal agreement or institutional unity, but mutual abiding, interpenetrating life, mutual love, and joy. This oneness is the work of the Spirit whom we have received but also await. Come, Holy Spirit!
Scripture Reading: Psalm 1; Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; John 17:6-19
This Sunday’s image of the life the risen Christ shares with us is the image of friendship. We are called to serve others as Jesus came to serve; but for John’s gospel, the image of servanthood is too hierarchical, too distant, to capture the essence of life with Christ. Friendship captures the love, the joy, the deep mutuality of the relationship into which Christ invites us. The Greeks believed that true friends are willing to die for each other. This is the mutual love of Christian community commanded by Christ and enabled by the Spirit.
Scripture Reading: Acts 10:44-48; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17
This Sunday’s image of how the risen Christ shares his life with us is the image of the vine. Christ the vine and we the branches are alive in each other, in the mystery of mutual abiding described in the gospel and the first letter of John. Baptism makes us a part of Christ’s living and lifegiving self and makes us alive with Christ’s life. As the vine brings food to the branches, Christ feeds us at his table. We are sent out to bear fruit for the life of the world.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 22; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8
The image of the good shepherd shows us how the risen Christ brings us to life. It is the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, one of mutual knowledge and love, that gives the shepherd authority. The shepherd’s willingness to lay down his life for the sheep shows his love. First John illustrates what it The image of the good shepherd shows us how the risen Christ brings us to life. It is the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, one of mutual knowledge and love, that gives the shepherd authority. The shepherd’s willingness to lay down his life for the sheep shows his love. First John illustrates what it means to lay down our lives for one another by the example of sharing our wealth with any sibling in need.
Scripture Reading: Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18
Christ is risen! Jesus is alive, and God has swallowed up death forever. With Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, we may feel astonished and confused, unsure of what to make of the empty tomb. But this is why we gather: to proclaim, witness, praise, and affirm the liberating reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. In word and feast, we celebrate God’s unending love, and depart to share this good news with all the world. Alleluia!
Scripture Reading: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118; John 20:1-18
The Easter season is a week of weeks, seven Sundays when we play in the mystery of Christ’s presence, mostly through the glorious Gospel of John. Today we gather with the disciples on the first Easter, and Jesus breathes the Spirit on us. With Thomas we ask for a sign, and Jesus offers us his wounded self in the broken bread. From frightened individuals we are transformed into a community of open doors, peace, forgiveness, and material sharing such that no one among us is in need.
Scripture Reading: Acts 4:32-35; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31
This is the morning of salvation! Here on Easter, we gather with the rising sun, word, water, bread, and wine, we are proclaiming that God continuously brings life out of death. Christ is risen! Jesus is alive, and God has swallowed up death forever. We gather here at the Columbarium with the faith and confusion of Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, unsure of what to make of Christ’s empty tomb. But this is why we gather: to proclaim, witness, praise, and affirm the liberating reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. In word and feast, we celebrate God’s unending love, and depart to share this good news with all the world. Alleluia!
Scripture Reading: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118; John 20:1-18
Christ is risen! Jesus is alive, and God has swallowed up death forever. With Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, we may feel astonished and confused, unsure of what to make of the empty tomb. But this is why we gather: to proclaim, witness, praise, and affirm the liberating reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. In word and feast, we celebrate God’s unending love, and depart to share this good news with all the world. Alleluia!
Scripture Reading: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118; John 20:1-18
This week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusalem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, abandoned by even his closest friends. Mark’s gospel presents Jesus in his complete human vulnerability: agitated, grieved, scared, forsaken. Though we lament Christ’s suffering and all human suffering, we also expect God’s salvation: in the wine and bread, Jesus promises that his death will mark a new covenant with all people. We enter this holy week thirsty for the completion of God’s astonishing work.
Scripture Reading: Mark 11:1-11;Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 14:1-9
God promises Jeremiah that a “new covenant” will be made in the future: a covenant that will allow all the people to know God by within their heart. The church sees this promise fulfilled in Christ, who draws all people to himself when he is lifted up on the cross. Our baptismal covenant draws us to God’s heart through Christ and draws God’s love and truth into our hearts. We join together in worship, sharing in word, song, and meal, and leave strengthened to share God’s love with all the world.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 51; Jeremiah 31:31-34; St. John 12:20-33
God promises Jeremiah that a “new covenant” will be made in the future: a covenant that will allow all the people to know God by within their heart. The church sees this promise fulfilled in Christ, who draws all people to himself when he is lifted up on the cross. Our baptismal covenant draws us to God’s heart through Christ and draws God’s love and truth into our hearts. We join together in worship, sharing in word, song, and meal, and leave strengthened to share God’s love with all the world.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 51; Jeremiah 31:31-34; St. John 12:20-33
The fourth of the Old Testament promises providing a baptismal lens this Lent is the promise God makes to Moses: those who look on the bronze serpent will live. In today’s gospel Jesus says he will be lifted up on the cross like the serpent, so that those who look to him in faith will live. When we receive the sign of the cross in baptism, that cross becomes the sign we can look to in faith for healing, for restored relationship to God, for hope when we are dying.
Scripture Reading: Numbers 21:4-9; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21
We have Christ with us always, giving us strength to make it through each day.
Scripture Reading: Exodus 20:1-17; John 2:18-21
The third covenant in this year’s Lenten readings is the central one of Israel’s history: the gif of the law to those God freed from slavery. The commandments begin with the statement that because God alone has freed us from the powers that oppressed us, we are to let nothing else claim first place in our lives. When Jesus throws the merchants out of the temple, he is defending the worship of God alone and rejecting the ways commerce and profit-making can become our gods. The Ten Commandments are essential to our baptismal call: centered first in God’s liberating love, we strive to live out justice and mercy in our communities and the world.
Scripture Reading: Exodus 20:1-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22
The second covenant in this year’s Lenten readings is the one made with Abraham and Sarah: God’s promise to make them the ancestors of many, with whom God will remain in everlasting covenant. Paul says this promise comes to all who share Abraham’s faith in the God who brings life into being where there was no life. We receive this baptismal promise of resurrection life in faith. Sarah and Abraham receive new names as a sign of the covenant, and we too get new identities in baptism, as we put on Christ.
Scripture Reading: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38
The second covenant in this year’s Lenten readings is the one made with Abraham and Sarah: God’s promise to make them the ancestors of many, with whom God will remain in everlasting covenant. Paul says this promise comes to all who share Abraham’s faith in the God who brings life into being where there was no life. We receive this baptismal promise of resurrection life in faith. Sarah and Abraham receive new names as a sign of the covenant, and we too get new identities in baptism, as we put on Christ.
Scripture Reading: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38
On Ash Wednesday the church began its journey toward baptismal immersion in the death and resurrection of christ. This year, the sundays in Lent lead us to focus on five covenants God makes in the hebrew scriptures and to use them as lenses through which to view baptism. First Peter connects the way God saved Noah’s family 1 in the flood with the way God saves us through the water of baptism. The baptismal covenant is made with us individually, but the new life we are given in baptism is for the sake of the whole world.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 25; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
On Ash Wednesday we begin our 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 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.
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
The Sundays after Epiphany began with Jesus’ baptism and end with three disciples’ vision of his transfiguration. In Mark’s story of Jesus’ baptism, apparently only Jesus sees the Spirit descending and hears the words from heaven. But now Jesus’ three closest friends hear the same words naming him God’s Beloved. As believers, Paul writes, we are enabled to see the God-light in Jesus’ face, because the same God who created light in the first place has shone in our hearts to give us that vision. The light of God’s glory in Jesus has enlightened us through baptism and shines in us also for others to see.
Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-12; 2 Corinthians 4:1-7; Mark 9:2-9
In Isaiah the one God who sits above the earth and numbers the stars also strengthens the powerless. So in Jesus’ healing work we see the hand of the creator God, lifting up the sick woman to health and service (diakonia). Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we are lifted up and healed to serve. Following Jesus, we strengthen the powerless; like Jesus, we seek to renew our own strength in quiet times of prayer.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31; Mark 1:29-39
In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, who will speak for God; in Psalm 111 God shows the people the power of God’s works. For the church these are ways of pointing to the unique authority people sensed in Jesus’ actions and words. We encounter that authority in God’s word, around which we gather, the word that prevails over any lesser spirit that would claim power over us, freeing us to follow Jesus.
Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; Mark 1:21-28
As we continue through the time after Epiphany, stories of the call to discipleship show us the implications of our baptismal calling to show Christ to the world. Jesus begins proclaiming the good news and calling people to repentance right after John the Baptist is arrested for preaching in a similar way. Knowing that John was later executed, we see at the very outset the cost of discipleship. Still, the two sets of brothers leave everything they have known and worked for all their lives to follow Jesus and fish for people.
Scripture Readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 62:5-12; Mark 1:14-20
In Isaiah the one God who sits above the earth and numbers the stars also strengthens the powerless. So in Jesus’ healing work we see the hand of the creator God, lifting up the sick woman to health and service (diakonia). Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we are lifted up and healed to serve. Following Jesus, we strengthen the powerless; like Jesus, we seek to renew our own strength in quiet times of prayer.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 40:21-v31; Mark 1:29-39
Our re-creation in baptism is an image of the Genesis creation, where the Spirit of God moved over the waters. Both Mark’s gospel and the story in Acts make clear that it is the Spirit’s movement that distinguishes Jesus’ baptism from John’s. The Spirit has come upon us calling us God’s beloved children and setting us on Jesus’ mission to re-create the world in the image of God’s vision of justice and peace.
Scripture Readings:Genesis 1:1-5; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:1-11
The psalmist calls on the natural world, celestial bodies, fire and earth, creatures, and all humanity, to praise God. The voices of Simeon and 84-year-old Anna join the chorus today, recognizing what God is doing in Jesus. Simeon’s song is often sung after communion, for we have seen God’s salvation in the assembled community and have held Jesus in our hands in the bread. Then, like the prophet Anna, we tell of Jesus to all who look for the healing of the world.
Scripture Readings: Galatians 4:4-7; Psalm 148:1-6; Luke 2:22-40
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.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Luke 2:1-14
“Rejoice always,” begins the reading from 1 Thessalonians. Isaiah and the psalmist make clear that God is turning our mourning into laughter and shouts of joy. “All God’s children got a robe,” go the words of a spiritual. It is not so much a stately, formal, pressed outfit as it is a set of party clothes, clothes we are happy to wear. We receive that robe in baptism, and in worship we gather for a foretaste of God’s party.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 61:1-4; Luke 1:46b-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28
Stir up your power, and come! The psalmist’s plea in Psalm 80:2 has become familiar to us in the Advent prayers. Isaiah wants God to rip the heavens open. Both cry out for an apparently distant, angry God to show up, to save, to restore. When we hear Jesus describing the coming of the Son of Man with stars falling from heaven, it can sound dire and horrible, not like anything we would ever hope for. But when we really look at the suffering of people God loves, we can share the hope that God would tear open the heavens and come.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Mark 13:24-37
On this final Sunday of the liturgical church year, our gospel is Jesus’ great story of judgment. In the end, the faithful are those who served Christ by ministering to those who are poor, hungry, naked, sick, or estranged. In the first reading God is the shepherd who seeks the lost, weak, and injured and feeds them with justice. We gather this day to celebrate the reign of Christ and his victory over death, yet we await the consummation of all things yet to come. Acknowledging Christ as our merciful ruler, we go forth that his reign may be known in our loving words and deeds.
Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 95:1-7a; Matthew 25:31-46
Today Paul urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Surrounded by the faithful of every time and place, we celebrate Christ’s coming in our midst in the word of life and the feast of victory—the marriage feast of the lamb.
Scripture Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Psalm 70; Matthew 25:1-13
Today Paul urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Surrounded by the faithful of every time and place, we celebrate Christ’s coming in our midst in the word of life and the feast of victory—the marriage feast of the lamb.
Scripture Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Psalm 70; Matthew 25:1-13
All Saints Sunday celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord’s table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away in the new Jerusalem.
Scripture Readings: 1 John 3:1-3; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; Matthew 5:1-12
Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an everchanging world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28
In Isaiah we are given a vision of the great feast to come, when God will wipe away death forever. In our liturgy God spreads a table before us. Even amid anxiety and hardship we rejoice in the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. With great joy we feast at the table of the Lord, and we go forth to share the wonderful invitation with others hungering and thirsting for the abundant life of God.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:1-9
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells a vineyard parable, which serves as an image of Israel, the prophets’ mission, and Christ’s death. For Christians, the vineyard also speaks of God’s love poured out in the blood of Christ, given to us for the forgiveness of sin. Grafted onto Christ the vine at baptism, we are nourished with wine and bread so that we may share Christ’s sufferings and know the power of his resurrection.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:7-15; Matthew 21:33-46
Jesus’ parable about two sons who don’t do what they say reveals surprises in the reign of God. Paul urges us to look to Christ as a model of humility, putting the interests of others above our own. Nourished by the broken bread and shared cup, we offer our lives for the sake of our needy world.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32
Matthew narrates one of Jesus’ controversial parables in which Jesus says that the reign of God is like that of a landowner who pays his workers the same wage no matter what time of day they began to work. When God changes God’s mind about punishing Nineveh for their evil ways, Jonah is angry. Yet God is gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love. In baptism we receive the grace of God that is freely given to all. As Martin Luther wrote, in the presence of God’s mercy we are all beggars.
Scripture Readings: Jonah 3:10--4:11; Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16
In today’s first reading, Joseph’s brothers ask for his forgiveness for their cruel acts. Joseph forgives them, telling them that God used those cruel actions as an opportunity to do good and save many lives. Jesus’ challenge that we forgive seventy-seven times reveals God’s boundless mercy. When we hear the words of forgiveness in worship and sign ourselves with the cross, we are renewed in baptism to be signs of reconciliation in the world.
Scripture Readings: Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:8-13; Matthew 18:21-35
Conflict is a part of relationships and life in community. Jesus’ words in today's gospel are often used in situations having to do with church discipline. The prophet Ezekiel tells of warning the wicked to turn from their ways, and Paul reminds us that love is the fulfilling of the law. We gather in the name of Christ, assured that he is present among us with gifts of peace and reconciliation.
Scripture Readings:Psalm 119:33-40, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20
Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of God's presence to others.
Scripture Readings: 1 Kings 19:9-18: Psalm 85:8-13: Matthew 14:22-33
In today’s first reading God invites all who are hungry or thirsty to receive food and drink without cost. Jesus feeds the hungry multitude and reveals the abundance of God. At the eucharistic table we remember all who are hungry or poor in our world today. As we share the bread of life, we are sent forth to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Matthew 14:13-21
Romans reminds us that One man died for all. All means All. All that have gone before us. All that are here in the present moment. And, All those who are yet to be born. It is a promise to us that we are beloved and precious children of God. In today’s gospel Jesus offers everyday images that reveal to us the reign of God: a tree that becomes a sheltering home, yeast that penetrates and expands, a treasured pearl, a net that gains a great catch. Even as we seek the riches of God’s reign, the great surprise is that God’s grace finds us first!
Scripture Readings: Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
God’s word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the sower who scatters seed indiscriminately. Our lives are like seeds sown in the earth. Even from what appears to be little, dormant, or dead, God promises a harvest. At the Lord’s table we are fed with the bread of life, that we may bear fruit in the world.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65:1-13; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
The mystery of Gods ways is sometimes hidden from the wise and intelligent. Jesus associates with those often excluded from the religious community. Like Paul, we struggle with our own selfish desires and seek Gods mercy and forgiveness. We gather to be refreshed by Christs invitation: Come to me, all you that are weary. Gathered around word, water, and meal, we find rest for our souls.
Scripture Readings: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
The welcome of baptism is for all God’s children. This baptismal gift sets us free from the power of sin and death. In today’s gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. From worship we are sent on our baptismal mission: to serve the little ones of this world and to be a sign of God’s merciful welcome.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Matthew 10:40-42
God does not promise that the path of the disciple will be easy. The Psalm is a lament for when we feel rejected because of what we believe. Jesus declares that his words may bring stark division. Even so, we need not be afraid for God accounts for each hair on our heads. Though we may experience rejection, frustration, division, and death, God’s grace and love make us a new creation each day. Marked with the cross and filled with holy food, we are sent from worship to witness to Christ in the world.
Scripture Readings: Romans 6:1b-11; Psalm 69:7-18; Matthew 10:24-39
Jesus sends out the disciples as laborers into the harvest. Saved by God’s grace through our faith, in baptism we too are anointed for ministry, sharing God’s compassion with our needy world. From the Lord’s table we go forth to proclaim the good news, to heal the sick, and to share our bread with the hungry.
Scripture Readings: Romans 5:1-8; Psalm 100; Matthew 9:35—10:8 [9-23]
Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord’s table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 66:8-20; 1Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21
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. 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.
Scripture Readings: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2; Matthew 17:1-9
For Jesus, salt and light came out of a long tradition of biblical teaching: salt and light were images for the law of God. Salt and light must take us back to the fullness of the law and the prophets, and the fullness of Jesus’ radical teaching in this Sermon on the Mount. The prophets plead for fullness of life: freedom from oppression, bread for the hungry, homes for those who have none, clothing for the naked. Is this not what it means to be the salt of the earth, to keep this prophetic word alive in the midst of our world? If we lose this vision, if we give in to other values, if we forget God’s longing for justice, our salt has lost its taste.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 112:1-10; Matthew 5:13-20
n the days after the Epiphany of Our Lord we commemorate not only Paul’s seeing the light but his saintly effort thereafter at being the light. Having our eyes opened by the Spirit of God in holy baptism, having been enlightened by the word read and proclaimed in the assembly, and having regained our strength in the Lord’s supper, we too are converted—turned again to follow in God’s way.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 67; Galatians 1:11-24; Acts 9:1-22
Jesus begins his public ministry by calling 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 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.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; Matthew 4:12-23
Peter's confession, that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” is rock solid. Jesus is the stone rejected by the builders that has become the cornerstone. The psalmist celebrates God as “my rock in whom I put my trust.” Paul refers to Christ as the “spiritual rock” that followed the children of Israel in the wilderness. Even the Greek petros, from which Peter’s name comes, means stone. The assembly gathers again today to honor the Son of the living God and longs to be recognized as companions of Jesus.
The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. That glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-23; Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43
Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears utterly contradictory that a king should be crucified with a criminal. This victory appears for all the world as humiliating defeat. Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43
The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the meantime. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament.
Scripture Readings: Malachi 41-6; Psalm 98; Luke 19:1-10
Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. “God loves us all, both big and small,” a child’s verse declares. The sins of the world are covered. We are able to stand tall before God our righteous judge because in the person of Jesus “salvation has come to this house”—to our house today. In Christ Jesus God seeks us out to save us.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; Luke 19:1-10
It’s a miracle! Multiple miracles! The waters of holy baptism have healed us. The body and blood of Jesus in holy communion have made us clean. We have died with Christ and been raised with him. For all this we have returned to offer thanks. From this place we are sent on our way rejoicing to share the good news.
Scripture Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-3,7-15c; Psalm 111; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19
A little faith goes a long way is Jesus’ point in the gospel. A mustard seed’s-worth of faith has miraculous potential. The patience, tenacity, and endurance required for the life of faith are the blessings received in holy baptism, holy communion, and the word read and proclaimed in this assembly. Anticipate them. Receive them with thanksgiving.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 37:1-9; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10
As we are invited today to consider what it means to be managers (rather than owners) of all that we have, it is crucial to recognize that we are bought with a price. “Christ Jesus, himself human, . . . gave himself a ransom for all.” Apart from the generosity of God we have nothing—we are nothing. By God’s gracious favor we have everything we need.
Scripture Readings: Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 113, Luke 16:1-13
The grumbling of the religious leaders in today’s gospel is actually our holy hope: This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. That our God seeks and saves the lost is not only a holy hope, it is our only hope. As the writer of 1 Timothy reminds us, “The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Thanks be to God.
Scripture Readings: Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 51:1-10; Luke 15:1-10
Join Pastors Tanner and Rebecca for conversation around the texts for this week!
Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33
Please join Vicar Michael as we take a look at the Apocrypha, Prayer of Manasseh and Psalm 151.
Join Vicar Michael for Bible Study of the Apocrypha: The Letter of Jeremiah and the Prayer of Azariah.
Jesus says, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It is God’s promise from the beginning—to Abraham, to the early church, and to the “little flock” of which we are a part in today’s assembly. Faith, God’s baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear.
Scripture Readings: Genesis 15:1-6, Psalm 33:12-22, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40
Today’s texts offer instruction and encouragement for all who are occasionally overwhelmed by the “unhappy business” of life. Jesus urges us to take care and be on guard against all kinds of greed. We who have died with Christ in holy baptism have also been raised with him and are encouraged to elevate our thinking, seeking the “things that are above.” To that end we seek the sustenance of the Lord’s supper and the encouragement of God’s word.
Scripture Readings: 2:18-23, Psalm 49:1-12, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21
Join Pastor Jules, Pastor Rebeca and Vicar Michael for conversation around the texts for this week. Today’s texts offer instruction and encouragement for all who are occasionally overwhelmed by the “unhappy business” of life. Jesus urges us to take care and be on guard against all kinds of greed. We who have died with Christ in holy baptism have also been raised with him and are encouraged to elevate our thinking, seeking the “things that are above.” To that end we seek the sustenance of the Lord’s supper and the encouragement of God’s word.
Scripture Readings: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23, Psalm 49:1-12, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21
Persistence in prayer is encouraged by Jesus and wins the attention of God when Abraham intercedes for Sodom. The life of the baptized—to be rooted and built up in Christ Jesus—is to be nurtured with prayer. God hears and answers prayer and so strengthens God’s own. “When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.”
Scripture Readings: Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-15,16-19; Luke11:1-13
Persistence in prayer is encouraged by Jesus and wins the attention of God when Abraham intercedes for Sodom. The life of the baptized—to be rooted and built up in Christ Jesus—is to be nurtured with prayer. God hears and answers prayer and so strengthens God’s own. “When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.”
Scripture Readings: Genesis 18:20-32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-15,16-19; Luke11:1-13
Perhaps the church, at its best, is “all ears.” God urges the faithful, again and again, to “listen up!”—to heed the word that gives life. So it was with Abraham and Sarah, Mary and Martha, and the early church at Colossae. So it is today as we join the assembly to hear the word of God, the word of life.
Scripture Readings: Genesis 18:1-10A, Psalm15 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42
Join Pastor Rebecca and Vicar Michael for conversations around the texts for this week.
Scripture Readings: Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:15-28; Luke 10:38-42
To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind is to reflect God’s mercy in responding to one’s neighbor. That mercy found its most profound expression in the “gospel that has come to you”—namely the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That gospel mercy comes to us again today: at the font, at the table, and from the pulpit. It is very near to you.
Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Psalm 25:1-10; Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37
To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind is to reflect God’s mercy in responding to one’s neighbor. That mercy found its most profound expression in the “gospel that has come to you”—namely the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That gospel mercy comes to us again today: at the font, at the table, and from the pulpit. It is very near to you.
Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Psalm 25:1-10; Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37
God is the source of our nourishment. Jesus’ invitation to “take and eat . . . take and drink” is a repeated one. In Holy Communion, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 66:10-14 Psalm 66:1-9 (4) Galatians 6:[1-6] 7-16 Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
God is the source of our nourishment. Jesus’ invitation to “take and eat . . . take and drink” is a repeated one. In Holy Communion, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 66:10-14 Psalm 66:1-9 (4) Galatians 6:[1-6] 7-16 Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
We have no good apart from God. That makes Jesus ’call to follow him an invitation to freedom. This is freedom to revel in the Spirit’s fruit: love, joy, peace, and patience. This is freedom to not be imprisoned by anything that would keep us from the fullness of the life God has given us. This is the path of life.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 16; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62
Join Pastors Jules, Rebecca, and Vicar Michael for conversations around the texts for this week.
Scripture Readings: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15
This Sunday’s texts portray powerful pictures of our Lord’s inclusion of all peoples, a unity particularly evident in the celebration of holy communion in which we commemorate and participate with all people in the body of Jesus.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 22:19-28; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39
Join Pastors Jules, Rebecca, and Vicar Michael for conversation around the texts for this week.
Scripture Readings: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15
“O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Today we celebrate the holy Trinity. Paul writes that through Jesus we have peace with God, whose love pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, giving us lasting hope. We celebrate the gracious One-in-Three, eternal Three-in-One, as we worship in community; as we share water and word, bread and wine; and as we bring God’s love and hope to our neighbors.
Scripture Readings: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15
Join Pastor Jules and Vicar Michael for conversation around the texts for this week.
Scripture Readings: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 9; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15
On Pentecost, we celebrate that we have been given an Advocate to accompany us. Poured out in wind and fire, water, wine, and bread, the Holy Spirit abides in and among us. We give thanks that God speaks to each of us, no matter our origins, language, or life path. Filled with the Spirit of truth, we go out from worship to proclaim the saving power of Christ’s love and the freedom of God’s grace with all the world..
Scripture Readings: Genesis 11:1-9; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Acts 2:1-21; John 14:25-27
Join Pastors Jules and Rebecca for conversations around the texts this week.
Scripture Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Luke 24:44-53
Visions abound in the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter. Paul has a vision about what to do. John has a vision of what will be. Jesus provides visions of peace that surpasses human understanding and power beyond human imagination.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:18-31
Join Pastors Tanner, Rebecca, Jules, and Vicar Michael for conversation around the texts for this Sunday.
Scripture Readings: Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:18-31
Visions abound in the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter. Paul has a vision about what to do. John has a vision of what will be. Jesus provides visions of peace that surpasses human understanding and power beyond human imagination.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:18-31
Join Pastors Tanner, Rebecca, Jules, and Vicar Michael for conversation around the texts for this Sunday.
Scripture Readings: Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:18-31
Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.
Scripture Readings: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; John 13:31-35
Join Pastors Tanner, Rebecca, Jules, and Vicar Michael for conversation around the texts for this Sunday
Scripture Readings: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 13:31-35
The gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas in Joppa. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision. It is true for us and for all the baptized: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Scripture Readings: Acts 9:36-43; Psalm 23; John 10:22-30
Check out our website for more information on our Lenten worship, and other events at All Saints: www.AllSaintsCG.org
Scripture Readings: Acts 9:36-43; Psalm 23; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30
The disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Jesus. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly encounter with the risen Christ. And Jesus invites us, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter life to others.
Scripture Readings: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; John 21:1-14
Join Pastors Tanner, Rebecca, Jules, and Vicar Michael for conversation around the texts for this Sunday
Scripture Readings: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-14
In spite of all we have heard and all we have seen, it is often hard to believe. Because it is hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Because it is hard to believe, John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus’ victory over death. Because it is hard to believe, the risen Jesus will return to us again and again in the mystery of Holy Communion, inviting us to touch and taste his presence, and offering us his peace.
Scripture Readings: Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 118:14-29 | Psalm 150; Revelation 1:4-8; John 20:19-31
Join Pastors Jules, Tanner Rebecca, and Vicar Michael for conversation around the texts for this week.
Scripture Readings: Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 118:14-29 | Psalm 150; Revelation 1:4-8; John 20:19-31
Our God makes all things new. In the first reading God promises it. In the gospel Mary anticipates it, anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume in preparation for the day of his burial. In baptism, God’s new person (you!) rises daily from the deadly mire of trespasses and sins.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; John 12:1-8
This evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tonight we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 116: 1-2, 12-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35; Psalm 22
This evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tonight we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 116: 1-2, 12-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35; Psalm 22
Join Pastors Jules, Rebecca, and Vicar Michael for conversations around the texts and Holy Week.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 65:17-25; Luke 24:1-12
Today we follow Christ from triumphal entry to the cross. We have walked the Lenten pathway these forty days, each of us invited through baptism to “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” We enter this holy week accompanying Jesus to the cross with both grief and thanksgiving in our hearts, trusting in God’s redeeming love.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:1-11; Luke 19:28-40
Join Pastors Jules, Rebecca, and Vicar Michael for conversation around texts for this week’s Scripture.
Readings: Isaiah 50: 4-9b; Psalm 31: 9-16; Phil. 2: 5-11; Luke 19:28-40
Our God makes all things new. In the first reading God promises it. In the gospel Mary anticipates it, anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume in preparation for the day of his burial. In baptism, God’s new person (you!) rises daily from the deadly mire of trespasses and sins.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; John 12:1-8
The psalm sets the tone this day: “Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!” Happy are those who have “become the righteousness of God” in the merits of Christ Jesus. Happy are those for whom the forgiveness of God has “rolled away . . . the disgrace” of former times. Happy is the father at the return of his prodigal son. Happy are we that our sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake. Rejoice!
Scripture Readings: 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Join Pastors Tanner, Jules, Rebecca, and Vicar Michael for a conversation around the texts for this week.
Scripture Readings: Joshua 5:9-12; Psalms 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
The warnings are plentiful and blunt on the third Sunday in Lent. Cut it out or get cut down! The warnings are accompanied by God’s invitation to attentiveness: “Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.” The landowner’s ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener’s readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us. Thanks be to God!
Scripture Readings: Psalm 63:1-8; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9
The warnings are plentiful and blunt on the third Sunday in Lent. Cut it out or get cut down! The warnings are accompanied by God’s invitation to attentiveness: “Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.” The landowner’s ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener’s readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us. Thanks be to God!
READINGS AND PSALM: ISAIAH 55:1-9, PSALM 63:1-8, 1 CORINTHIANS 10:1-13, LUKE 13:1-9
Though we sometimes doubt and often resist God’s desire to protect and save us, our God persists. In holy baptism, God’s people have been called and gathered into a God-initiated relationship that will endure. Lent provides the church with a time and a tradition in which to seek God’s face again. Lent provides another occasion to behold the God of our salvation in the face of the Blessed One who “comes in the name of the Lord.”
Scripture Readings: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Luke 13:31-35
Though we sometimes doubt and often resist God’s desire to protect and save us, our God persists. In holy baptism, God’s people have been called and gathered into a God-initiated relationship that will endure. Lent provides the church with a time and a tradition in which to seek God’s face again. Lent provides another occasion to behold the God of our salvation in the face of the Blessed One who “comes in the name of the Lord.”
Scripture Readings: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17--4:1; Luke 13:31-3
These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues, to receive the gifts of God’s grace, to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus, and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us.
Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Luke 4:1-13
These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues, to receive the gifts of God’s grace, to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus, and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us.
Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Luke 4:1-13
Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus reflect that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see God’s glory in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by God’s Spirit.
Scripture Readings: Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2; Luke 9:28-43a
Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus reflect that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see God’s glory in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by God’s Spirit.
Scripture Readings: Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2; Luke 9:28-43a
Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Joseph lives it in Egypt. Jesus preaches it in the gospel. The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is fractured and divided. Such merciful living is the baptismal blessing of having put on Christ. It is the gift of the life-giving Spirit. It is a reflection of God’s glory revealed in Christ.
Scripture Readings: Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40; Luke 6:27-38
Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Joseph lives it in Egypt. Jesus preaches it in the gospel. The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is fractured and divided. Such merciful living is the baptismal blessing of having put on Christ. It is the gift of the life-giving Spirit. It is a reflection of God’s glory revealed in Christ.
Scripture Readings: Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40; Luke 6:27-38
Blessings and curses abound on the sixth Sunday after Epiphany. We would do well to listen closely to whom the “blessed ares” and the “woe tos” are directed and to find our place in the crowd among those who desire to touch Jesus. The risen Christ stands among us in the mystery of the holy supper with an invitation to live in him, and offers power to heal us all.
Readings and Psalm
- Jeremiah 17:5-10
Blessed are those who trust the Lord, they are like trees by water - Psalm 1
They are like trees planted by streams of water. (Ps. 1:3) - 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Christ has been raised, the first fruits of those who have died - Luke 6:17-26
Jesus speaks blessings on the poor and hungry; woes on the rich and full
Blessings and curses abound on the sixth Sunday after Epiphany. We would do well to listen closely to whom the “blessed ares” and the “woe tos” are directed and to find our place in the crowd among those who desire to touch Jesus. The risen Christ stands among us in the mystery of the holy supper with an invitation to live in him, and offers power to heal us all.
Readings and Psalm
- Jeremiah 17:5-10
Blessed are those who trust the Lord, they are like trees by water - Psalm 1
They are like trees planted by streams of water. (Ps. 1:3) - 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Christ has been raised, the first fruits of those who have died - Luke 6:17-26
Jesus speaks blessings on the poor and hungry; woes on the rich and full
The fifth Sunday after Epiphany continues to highlight unlikely instruments and circumstances appointed to reveal God’s glory. “Who will go for us?” God asks. A person of unclean lips, a former persecutor of the church of God, and three fishermen who couldn’t catch a thing. More surprising still, perhaps, is that we are also called.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11
The fifth Sunday after Epiphany continues to highlight unlikely instruments and circumstances appointed to reveal God’s glory. “Who will go for us?” God asks. A person of unclean lips, a former persecutor of the church of God, and three fishermen who couldn’t catch a thing. More surprising still, perhaps, is that we are also called.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11
The glory of God is often revealed when and where it is least expected. God uses our lips to declare that glory, inexperienced and hesitant though they may be. God uses our love to demonstrate that glory and so urges us to exercise it. God uses Jesus of Nazareth, water and the word, bread and wine, to reveal God’s glory where and when God chooses. Take heed, lest the glory of God slip through our midst unnoticed.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 71:1-6; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 4:21-30
The glory of God is often revealed when and where it is least expected. God uses our lips to declare that glory, inexperienced and hesitant though they may be. God uses our love to demonstrate that glory and so urges us to exercise it. God uses Jesus of Nazareth, water and the word, bread and wine, to reveal God’s glory where and when God chooses. Take heed, lest the glory of God slip through our midst unnoticed.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 71:1-6; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 4:21-30
God’s glory is revealed in the reading of scripture. People stand at attention. People weep. People prostrate themselves in prayer. The unity of the church is another reflection of God’s glory. Most gloriously, the promises of God are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Gather round. Listen up. Glimpse the glory of God.
Scripture Readings: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19; Luke 4:14-21
God’s glory is revealed in the reading of scripture. People stand at attention. People weep. People prostrate themselves in prayer. The unity of the church is another reflection of God’s glory. Most gloriously, the promises of God are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Gather round. Listen up. Glimpse the glory of God.
Scripture Readings: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19; Luke 4:14-21
The Sundays after Epiphany continue to celebrate the revelation of God’s glory to us as it was made known to the magi and to those on Jordan’s banks at Jesus’ baptism—today using wedding imagery. Our God rejoices over God’s people as those being married rejoice over one another. By the power of the Spirit there are gifts galore for everyone. In Christ Jesus the best wine is saved for last. Taste and see.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
The Sundays after Epiphany continue to celebrate the revelation of God’s glory to us as it was made known to the magi and to those on Jordan’s banks at Jesus’ baptism—today using wedding imagery. Our God rejoices over God’s people as those being married rejoice over one another. By the power of the Spirit there are gifts galore for everyone. In Christ Jesus the best wine is saved for last. Taste and see.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Today’s festival rejoices in God’s blessings. We recall and celebrate our adoption as God’s children, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promised company of almighty God when we “pass through the waters . . . the rivers . . . fire.” On this day the heavens open again for this assembly, and we receive the gift of God’s Beloved, Jesus, in bread and wine.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 43:1-7; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Today’s festival rejoices in God’s blessings. We recall and celebrate our adoption as God’s children, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promised company of almighty God when we “pass through the waters . . . the rivers . . . fire.” On this day the heavens open again for this assembly, and we receive the gift of God’s Beloved, Jesus, in bread and wine.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 43:1-7; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; John 1:1-18
Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; John 1:1-18
A service of Lessons and Carols for Christmas, 20221.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 8; Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-5, Luke 2:1-20
Join Pastors Jules, Rebecca, Tanner, and Vicar Michal for conversation around the texts for Christmas Eve!
Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary's magnificent song of praise, the letter to Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ's Advent is for the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in Holy Communion. With high delight we proclaim the Lord's death.
Scripture Readings: Micah 5:2-5; Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45
Christ’s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news—and cause for exultation—for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.
Scripture Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18
Christ’s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news—and cause for exultation—for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.
Scripture Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18
Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the baptizer’s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi’s prophecy could as easily herald the coming Christ as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of Jesus and assist all people in capturing a vision of the “salvation of God.”
Scripture Readings: Malachi 3:1-4, Baruch 5:1-9, Luke 1:68-79, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6
Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the baptizer’s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi’s prophecy could as easily herald the coming Christ as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of Jesus and assist all people in capturing a vision of the “salvation of God.”
Scripture Readings: Malachi 3:1-4, Baruch 5:1-9, Luke 1:68-79, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6
Advent is about the “coming days.” God’s people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a “righteous Branch to spring up for David.” The Thessalonians awaited “the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints.” Jesus’ contemporaries hoped for the time “to stand before the Son of Man.” With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of Christ in word and supper.
Even after Israel had experienced the vagaries of kings, the people still longed for a true king to set things right. He would have the king’s title of Anointed One (Messiah); he would be the “one like a human being” (Son of Man) given dominion in Daniel’s vision. Jesus is given these titles, even though he is nothing like an earthly king. His authority comes from the truth to which he bears witness, and those who recognize the truth voluntarily listen to him. We look forward to the day he is given dominion, knowing his victory will be the nonviolent victory of love.
Scripture Readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Psalm 93, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37
Even after Israel had experienced the vagaries of kings, the people still longed for a true king to set things right. He would have the king’s title of Anointed One (Messiah); he would be the “one like a human being” (Son of Man) given dominion in Daniel’s vision. Jesus is given these titles, even though he is nothing like an earthly king. His authority comes from the truth to which he bears witness, and those who recognize the truth voluntarily listen to him. We look forward to the day he is given dominion, knowing his victory will be the nonviolent victory of love.
Scripture Readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Psalm 93, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37
November begins with All Saints Day and ends in or near Advent, when we anticipate Christ’s coming again. It is fitting, then, that the readings today tell of the final resurrection and the end time. In the turmoil of hope, fear, and disbelief that these predictions provoke in us, Hebrews sounds a note of confident trust. Christ makes a way for us where there is no way, and we walk it confidently, our hearts and bodies washed in baptismal water, trusting the one who has promised forgiveness. The more we see the last day approaching, the more important it is to meet together to provoke one another to love.
Scripture Readings: Daniel 12:1-3, Psalm 16, Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25, Mark 13:1-8
November begins with All Saints Day and ends in or near Advent, when we anticipate Christ’s coming again. It is fitting, then, that the readings today tell of the final resurrection and the end time. In the turmoil of hope, fear, and disbelief that these predictions provoke in us, Hebrews sounds a note of confident trust. Christ makes a way for us where there is no way, and we walk it confidently, our hearts and bodies washed in baptismal water, trusting the one who has promised forgiveness. The more we see the last day approaching, the more important it is to meet together to provoke one another to love.
Scripture Readings: Daniel 12:1-3, Psalm 16, Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25, Mark 13:1-8
November begins with All Saints Day and ends in or near Advent, when we anticipate Christ’s coming again. It is fitting, then, that the readings today tell of the final resurrection and the end time. In the turmoil of hope, fear, and disbelief that these predictions provoke in us, Hebrews sounds a note of confident trust. Christ makes a way for us where there is no way, and we walk it confidently, our hearts and bodies washed in baptismal water, trusting the one who has promised forgiveness. The more we see the last day approaching, the more important it is to meet together to provoke one another to love.
Scripture Readings: Daniel 12:1-3, Psalm 16, Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25, Mark 13:1-8
Of all three years of the lectionary cycle, this year’s All Saints readings have the most tears. Isaiah and Revelation look forward to the day when God will wipe away all tears; in John’s gospel, Jesus weeps along with Mary and all the gathered mourners before he demonstrates his power over death. On All Saints Day we celebrate the victory won for all the faithful dead, but we grieve for our beloved dead as well, knowing that God honors our tears. We bring our grief to the table and find there a foretaste of Isaiah’s feast to come.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 24; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44
Of all three years of the lectionary cycle, this year’s All Saints readings have the most tears. Isaiah and Revelation look forward to the day when God will wipe away all tears; in John’s gospel, Jesus weeps along with Mary and all the gathered mourners before he demonstrates his power over death. On All Saints Day we celebrate the victory won for all the faithful dead, but we grieve for our beloved dead as well, knowing that God honors our tears. We bring our grief to the table and find there a foretaste of Isaiah’s feast to come.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 24; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44
Paul’s words stand at the heart of the preaching of Martin Luther and other Reformation leaders. No human beings make themselves right with God through works of the law. We are brought into a right relationship with God through the divine activity centered in Christ’s death. This act is a gift of grace that liberates us from sin and empowers our faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 46, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36
Paul’s words stand at the heart of the preaching of Martin Luther and other Reformation leaders. No human beings make themselves right with God through works of the law. We are brought into a right relationship with God through the divine activity centered in Christ’s death. This act is a gift of grace that liberates us from sin and empowers our faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 46, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36
Can we pray the way Bartimaeus prays? People try to hush him up because by addressing Jesus as “Son of David” he is making a politically dangerous claim that Jesus is the rightful king. Could our prayers ever be heard as a threat to unjust powers that be? Bartimaeus won’t give up or go away quietly, but repeats his call for help more loudly. Do we ask so boldly? And are our prayers an honest answer to Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Scripture Readings And Psalm: Jeremiah 31:7-9, Psalm 126, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52
Can we pray the way Bartimaeus prays? People try to hush him up because by addressing Jesus as “Son of David” he is making a politically dangerous claim that Jesus is the rightful king. Could our prayers ever be heard as a threat to unjust powers that be? Bartimaeus won’t give up or go away quietly, but repeats his call for help more loudly. Do we ask so boldly? And are our prayers an honest answer to Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Scripture Readings And Psalm: Jeremiah 31:7-9, Psalm 126, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52
Today’s gospel starts with disciples obsessing over who will be closest to Jesus, leading to Jesus teaching his followers about God’s take on importance and power. Here Jesus makes it explicit that the reversal of values in God’s community is a direct challenge to the values of the dominant culture, where wielding power over others is what makes you great. When we pray “your kingdom come” we are praying for an end to tyranny and oppression. We pray this gathered around the cross, a sign of great shame transformed to be the sign of great honor and service.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 53:4-12, Psalm 91:9-16, Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45
Today’s gospel starts with disciples obsessing over who will be closest to Jesus, leading to Jesus teaching his followers about God’s take on importance and power. Here Jesus makes it explicit that the reversal of values in God’s community is a direct challenge to the values of the dominant culture, where wielding power over others is what makes you great. When we pray “your kingdom come” we are praying for an end to tyranny and oppression. We pray this gathered around the cross, a sign of great shame transformed to be the sign of great honor and service.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 53:4-12, Psalm 91:9-16, Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45
The rich man who comes to ask Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life is a good man, sincere in his asking. Mark’s gospel is alone in saying that Jesus looked on him and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life: sell all you own and give it to the poor. Our culture bombards us with the message that we will find life by consuming. Our assemblies counter this message with the invitation to find life by divesting for the sake of the other.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 90:12-17; Hebrews 4:12-16; Gospel: Mark 10:17-31
The rich man who comes to ask Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life is a good man, sincere in his asking. Mark’s gospel is alone in saying that Jesus looked on him and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life: sell all you own and give it to the poor. Our culture bombards us with the message that we will find life by consuming. Our assemblies counter this message with the invitation to find life by divesting for the sake of the other.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 90:12-17; Hebrews 4:12-16; Gospel: Mark 10:17-31
Today’s gospel combines a saying that makes many of us uncomfortable with a story we find comforting. Jesus’ saying on divorce is another of his rejections of human legislation in favor of the original intent of God’s law. Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples who are fending off the children should challenge us as well. What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God as a child does?
Scripture Readings: Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12; Psalm 8; Gospel: Mark 10:2-16
Today’s gospel combines a saying that makes many of us uncomfortable with a story we find comforting. Jesus’ saying on divorce is another of his rejections of human legislation in favor of the original intent of God’s law. Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples who are fending off the children should challenge us as well. What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God as a child does?
Scripture Readings: Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12; Psalm 8; Gospel: Mark 10:2-16
Someone who isn’t part of Jesus’ own circle is casting out demons in Jesus’ name, and the disciples want him stopped. They appeal to Jesus, as Joshua did to Moses about the elders who prophesied without official authorization. Like Moses, Jesus refuses to see this as a threat. Jesus welcomes good being done in his name, even when it is not under his control. The circle we form around Jesus’ word must be able to value good being done in ways we wouldn’t do it, by people we can’t keep tabs on.
Scripture Readings: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29, Psalm 19:7-14, James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50
Someone who isn’t part of Jesus’ own circle is casting out demons in Jesus’ name, and the disciples want him stopped. They appeal to Jesus, as Joshua did to Moses about the elders who prophesied without official authorization. Like Moses, Jesus refuses to see this as a threat. Jesus welcomes good being done in his name, even when it is not under his control. The circle we form around Jesus’ word must be able to value good being done in ways we wouldn’t do it, by people we can’t keep tabs on.
Scripture Readings: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29, Psalm 19:7-14, James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50
Today we hear James warn against selfish ambition, while the disciples quarrel over which one of them is the greatest. Jesus tells them the way to be great is to serve. Then, to make it concrete, he puts in front of them a flesh-and-blood child. We are called to welcome the children God puts in front of us, to make room for them in daily interaction, and to give them a place of honor in the assembly.
Scripture Readings: James 3:13–4:3; Psalm 54; Gospel: Mark 9:30-37
Today we hear James warn against selfish ambition, while the disciples quarrel over which one of them is the greatest. Jesus tells them the way to be great is to serve. Then, to make it concrete, he puts in front of them a flesh-and-blood child. We are called to welcome the children God puts in front of us, to make room for them in daily interaction, and to give them a place of honor in the assembly.
Scripture Readings: James 3:13–4:3; Psalm 54; Gospel: Mark 9:30-37
Three weeks ago we heard Peter’s confession of faith as told in John’s gospel. This week we hear Mark’s version, when Peter says, “You are the Messiah.” In John, the stumbling block is Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh, given for the life of the world. In Mark too the scandal has to do with Jesus’ words about his own coming death, and here Peter himself stumbles over Jesus’ words. But Jesus is anointed (the meaning of messiah) in Mark only on the way to the cross (14:3); so we are anointed in baptism with the sign of the cross.
Scripture Readings: James 3:1-12; 116:1-9; Gospel: Mark 8:27-38
Throughout the Bible we are reminded to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in today’s gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don’t deserve the goods meant for God’s children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings a need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 69: 1-3, 13-18; Gospel: Mark 7:24-37
Jesus protests against about human customs being given to the weight of divine law while the essence of God's law is ignored. True uncleanliness comes not from external things but from the intentions of the human heart. Last week Jesus told us "the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and light". Now James says God has given us birth by the word of truth. We were washed in the word when we were born in the font, return to it every Sunday to ask God to create in us a clean heart, oh, God, and renew a right spirit within us.
Scripture Readings: James 1:17-27; Psalm 15; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
James tells us to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in today’s gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don’t deserve the goods meant for God’s children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings a need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir.
Throughout the Bible we are reminded to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in today’s gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don’t deserve the goods meant for God’s children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings a need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 69: 1-3, 13-18; Gospel: Mark 7:24-37
Jesus protests against about human customs being given to the weight of divine law while the essence of God's law is ignored. True uncleanliness comes not from external things but from the intentions of the human heart. Last week Jesus told us "the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and light". Now James says God has given us birth by the word of truth. We were washed in the word when we were born in the font, return to it every Sunday to ask God to create in us a clean heart, oh, God, and renew a right spirit within us.
Scripture Readings: James 1:17-27; Psalm 15; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
In today’s gospel many people take offense at Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh and drink his blood; even many of Jesus’ disciples peel off. This is the backdrop in John’s gospel for Peter’s confession of faith. “To whom can we go?” asks Peter, in words we sometimes sing just before the gospel is read. “You have the words of eternal life.” In order to take such a stand, as Peter and Joshua did, Paul tells us to arm ourselves with the word of God. We pray in the Spirit that we might be bold ambassadors of the gospel.
Scripture Readings: Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18; Psalm 34:15-22; John 6:56-69
In today’s gospel many people take offense at Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh and drink his blood; even many of Jesus’ disciples peel off. This is the backdrop in John’s gospel for Peter’s confession of faith. “To whom can we go?” asks Peter, in words we sometimes sing just before the gospel is read. “You have the words of eternal life.” In order to take such a stand, as Peter and Joshua did, Paul tells us to arm ourselves with the word of God. We pray in the Spirit that we might be bold ambassadors of the gospel.
Scripture Readings: Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18; Psalm 34:15-22; John 6:56-69
Wisdom prepares a feast, sets her table and invites all to come and eat her bread and drink her wine. The first chapter of John's gospel owes much to the biblical tradition that imagined Wisdom as existing before anything was created and having a role in the work of creation. John's gospel includes no account of the institution of the Lord's Supper but here we can't help hearing Jesus' words as an invitation to the meal of bread and wine we share.
Scripture Readings: Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34:9-14; John 6:51-58
Wisdom prepares a feast, sets her table and invites all to come and eat her bread and drink her wine. The first chapter of John's gospel owes much to the biblical tradition that imagined Wisdom as existing before anything was created and having a role in the work of creation. John's gospel includes no account of the institution of the Lord's Supper but here we can't help hearing Jesus' words as an invitation to the meal of bread and wine we share.
Scripture Readings: Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34:9-14; John 6:51-58
Jesus says that the bread he gives for the life of the world is his flesh, and whoever eats this bread has eternal life now and will be raised on the last day. In 1 Kings we are reminded that on our worst days, God is still with us, perhaps more powerfully than ever before. We live in love. As Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, our purpose in life is giving of ourselves for others as Jesus did.
Scripture Readings: 1 Kings 19:4-15, 18; Psalm 34:1-8; John 6:35, 41-51
Jesus says that the bread he gives for the life of the world is his flesh, and whoever eats this bread has eternal life now and will be raised on the last day. In 1 Kings we are reminded that on our worst days, God is still with us, perhaps more powerfully than ever before. We live in love. As Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, our purpose in life is giving of ourselves for others as Jesus did.
Scripture Readings: 1 Kings 19:4-15, 18; Psalm 34:1-8; John 6:35, 41-51
Apparently not satisfied by Jesus’ feeding of thousands, some who were there press him for a sign of his power; perhaps it is daily manna they want. As always in John’s gospel when people want a sign, Jesus offers himself. He is the bread come from heaven to give life to the world. He calls us to come to him and believe in him, and through that relationship to know the one who sent him.
Scripture Readings: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15; Psalm 78:23-29; John 6:24-35
Apparently not satisfied by Jesus’ feeding of thousands, some who were there press him for a sign of his power; perhaps it is daily manna they want. As always in John’s gospel when people want a sign, Jesus offers himself. He is the bread come from heaven to give life to the world. He calls us to come to him and believe in him, and through that relationship to know the one who sent him.
Scripture Readings: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15; Psalm 78:23-29; John 6:24-35
Merry Christmas…in July! Welcome to worship at All Saints Lutheran Church. Today we gather to hear again the promises of God fulfilled in the coming of the Christ Child. Join our festive worship as we sing carols, hear the story of Jesus’ birth, and lift our prayers of hope to God, whose promises never fail.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Luke 2:1-20
Merry Christmas…in July! Welcome to worship at All Saints Lutheran Church. Today we gather to hear again the promises of God fulfilled in the coming of the Christ Child. Join our festive worship as we sing carols, hear the story of Jesus’ birth, and lift our prayers of hope to God, whose promises never fail.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Luke 2:1-20
Mark’s gospel makes clear how great is the press of the crowd, with its countless needs to be met, on Jesus and his disciples. Yet in today’s gospel Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn’t think of ourselves at all; but Jesus also honors the caregivers’ need. We are sent from Christ’s table to care for others and for ourselves.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Mark’s gospel makes clear how great is the press of the crowd, with its countless needs to be met, on Jesus and his disciples. Yet in today’s gospel Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn’t think of ourselves at all; but Jesus also honors the caregivers’ need. We are sent from Christ’s table to care for others and for ourselves.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
John the Baptist speaks truth to power, and Herod has him killed. In Herod’s fear that Jesus is John returned from the dead, we may hear hope for the oppressed: all the prophets killed through the ages are alive in Jesus. We are called to witness to justice in company with them, and to proclaim God’s saving love. We are called to live an abundant life, even in the midst of life’s shadows, a life that is filled with a praising and glorious life.
Scripture Readings: Ephesians 1:3-14; Psalm 85:8-13; Mark 6:14-29
John the Baptist speaks truth to power, and Herod has him killed. In Herod’s fear that Jesus is John returned from the dead, we may hear hope for the oppressed: all the prophets killed through the ages are alive in Jesus. We are called to witness to justice in company with them, and to proclaim God’s saving love. We are called to live an abundant life, even in the midst of life’s shadows, a life that is filled with a praising and glorious life.
Scripture Readings: Ephesians 1:3-14; Psalm 85:8-13; Mark 6:14-29
Jesus does great deeds of power and gives his disciples authority over demons. Yet none of this power is unilateral; it all must be received by faith. Jesus asks his disciples to go out without money or supplies, so that they will be dependent on how others receive them. When we are sent from the assembly to witness and to heal, we are asked to be vulnerable, to be dependent on the reception of others. The Spirit always operates in the “between”: between Jesus and his Abba, between Jesus and us, between you and me, between us and those to whom we are sent.
Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 2:1-5; Psalm 123; Mark 6:1-13
Jesus does great deeds of power and gives his disciples authority over demons. Yet none of this power is unilateral; it all must be received by faith. Jesus asks his disciples to go out without money or supplies, so that they will be dependent on how others receive them. When we are sent from the assembly to witness and to heal, we are asked to be vulnerable, to be dependent on the reception of others. The Spirit always operates in the “between”: between Jesus and his Abba, between Jesus and us, between you and me, between us and those to whom we are sent.
Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 2:1-5; Psalm 123; Mark 6:1-13
A woman finds healing by touching Jesus’ cloak, and a girl is restored to life when he takes her by the hand. In both cases a boundary is crossed: in Jesus’ time the hemorrhaging woman was considered ritually unclean, polluting others by her touch, and anyone who touched a corpse also became unclean. In Mark’s gospel Jesus breaks down barriers, from his first meal at a tax collector’s house to his last breath on the cross as the temple curtain is torn in two. We dare to touch Jesus in our “uncleanness” and to live as a community that defines no one as an outsider.
Scripture Readings: Lamentations 3:22-33; Psalm 30, 23-32; Mark 5:21-43
A woman finds healing by touching Jesus’ cloak, and a girl is restored to life when he takes her by the hand. In both cases a boundary is crossed: in Jesus’ time the hemorrhaging woman was considered ritually unclean, polluting others by her touch, and anyone who touched a corpse also became unclean. In Mark’s gospel Jesus breaks down barriers, from his first meal at a tax collector’s house to his last breath on the cross as the temple curtain is torn in two. We dare to touch Jesus in our “uncleanness” and to live as a community that defines no one as an outsider.
Scripture Readings: Lamentations 3:22-33; Psalm 30, 23-32; Mark 5:21-43
Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation! Now we are in the storm, the boat almost swamped; but Jesus is here now, and when we call him, he will calm the storm. Even the wind and waves listen to him as they would to their creator. We also listen to him and are called to believe in the power of God’s word in him, a power greater than all that we fear.
Scripture Readings: Job 38:1-11; Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32; Mark 4:35-41
Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation! Now we are in the storm, the boat almost swamped; but Jesus is here now, and when we call him, he will calm the storm. Even the wind and waves listen to him as they would to their creator. We also listen to him and are called to believe in the power of God’s word in him, a power greater than all that we fear.
Scripture Readings: Job 38:1-11; Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32; Mark 4:35-41
God sows many seeds of which we are unaware and brings hope to their growth beyond our expectations. Jesus finds the power of God in unexpected seeds even in very tiny ones which may not appear impressive, but which can grow with power beyond our understanding.
Scripture Readings: 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17; Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15; Mark 4:26-34
God sows many seeds of which we are unaware and brings hope to their growth beyond our expectations. Jesus finds the power of God in unexpected seeds even in very tiny ones which may not appear impressive, but which can grow with power beyond our understanding.
Scripture Readings: 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17; Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15; Mark 4:26-34
A house divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus makes this observation in light of charges that he is possessed. He is not possessed by a demon, but is filled with the Holy Spirit. We who have received the Holy Spirit through baptism have been joined to Christ’s death and resurrection and knit together in the body of Christ. Those with whom we sing and pray this day are Jesus’ family. With them we go forth in peace to do the will of God.
Scripture Readings: Genesis 3:1-19; Psalm 130; Mark 3:20-3
A house divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus makes this observation in light of charges that he is possessed. He is not possessed by a demon, but is filled with the Holy Spirit. We who have received the Holy Spirit through baptism have been joined to Christ’s death and resurrection and knit together in the body of Christ. Those with whom we sing and pray this day are Jesus’ family. With them we go forth in peace to do the will of God.
Readings: Genesis 3:1-19; Psalm 130; Mark 3:20-35
When we say God is the triune God, we are saying something about who God is beyond, before, and after the universe: that there is community within God. Our experience of this is reflected in Paul’s words today. When we pray to God as Jesus prayed to his Abba (an everyday, intimate parental address), the Spirit prays within us, creating between us and God the same relationship Jesus has with the one who sent him.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8; Romans8:12-17; Mark 1:1-12
When we say God is the triune God, we are saying something about who God is beyond, before, and after the universe: that there is community within God. Our experience of this is reflected in Paul’s words today. When we pray to God as Jesus prayed to his Abba (an everyday, intimate parental address), the Spirit prays within us, creating between us and God the same relationship Jesus has with the one who sent him.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8; Romans8:12-17; Mark 1:1-12a
Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Crossing all boundaries that would separate us, the Spirit brings the wideness of God’s mercy to places we least expect it—to a crowd of strangers of different lands and tongues, to dry bones, to our weak hearts. Jesus promises his disciples that they will be accompanied by the Holy Spirit, and that this Spirit reveals the truth. We celebrate that we too have been visited with this same Spirit. Guided by the truth, we join together in worship, and then disperse to share the fullness of Christ’s love with the world.
Scripture Readings: Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15
Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Crossing all boundaries that would separate us, the Spirit brings the wideness of God’s mercy to places we least expect it—to a crowd of strangers of different lands and tongues, to dry bones, to our weak hearts. Jesus promises his disciples that they will be accompanied by the Holy Spirit, and that this Spirit reveals the truth. We celebrate that we too have been visited with this same Spirit. Guided by the truth, we join together in worship, and then disperse to share the fullness of Christ’s love with the world.
Scripture Readings: Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15
The gospel for Easter’s seventh Sunday is always taken from the long prayer Jesus prays for his followers in John’s gospel on the night before his death, and always includes Jesus’ desire that his followers will be one as he and the Father are one. This oneness is not mere doctrinal agreement or institutional unity, but mutual abiding, interpenetrating life, mutual love, and joy. This oneness is the work of the Spirit whom we have received but also await. Come, Holy Spirit!
Scripture Readings: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; John 17:6-19
The gospel for Easter’s seventh Sunday is always taken from the long prayer Jesus prays for his followers in John’s gospel on the night before his death, and always includes Jesus’ desire that his followers will be one as he and the Father are one. This oneness is not mere doctrinal agreement or institutional unity, but mutual abiding, interpenetrating life, mutual love, and joy. This oneness is the work of the Spirit whom we have received but also await. Come, Holy Spirit!
Scripture Readings: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; John 17:6-19
This Sunday’s image of the life the risen Christ shares with us is the image of friendship. We are called to serve others as Jesus came to serve; but for John’s gospel, the image of servanthood is too hierarchical, too distant, to capture the essence of life with Christ. Friendship captures the love, the joy, the deep mutuality of the relationship into which Christ invites us. The Greeks believed that true friends are willing to die for each other. This is the mutual love of Christian community commanded by Christ and enabled by the Spirit.
Scripture Readings: 1 John 5:1-6; Psalm 98; John 15:9-17
This Sunday’s image of the life the risen Christ shares with us is the image of friendship. We are called to serve others as Jesus came to serve; but for John’s gospel, the image of servanthood is too hierarchical, too distant, to capture the essence of life with Christ. Friendship captures the love, the joy, the deep mutuality of the relationship into which Christ invites us. The Greeks believed that true friends are willing to die for each other. This is the mutual love of Christian community commanded by Christ and enabled by the Spirit.
Scripture Readings: 1 John 5:1-6; Psalm 98; John 15:9-17
This Sunday’s image of how the risen Christ shares his life with us is the image of the vine. Christ the vine and we the branches are alive in each other, in the mystery of mutual abiding described in the gospel and the first letter of John. Baptism makes us a part of Christ’s living and life-giving self and makes us alive with Christ’s life. As the vine brings food to the branches, Christ feeds us at his table. We are sent out to bear fruit for the life of the world.
Scripture Readings: 1 John 4:7-2; Psalm 22:25-31; John 15:1-8
This Sunday’s image of how the risen Christ shares his life with us is the image of the vine. Christ the vine and we the branches are alive in each other, in the mystery of mutual abiding described in the gospel and the first letter of John. Baptism makes us a part of Christ’s living and life-giving self and makes us alive with Christ’s life. As the vine brings food to the branches, Christ feeds us at his table. We are sent out to bear fruit for the life of the world.
Scripture Readings: 1 John 4:7-2; Psalm 22:25-31; John 15:1-8
The image of the good shepherd shows us how the risen Christ brings us to life. It is the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, one of mutual knowledge and love, that gives the shepherd authority. The shepherd’s willingness to lay down his life for the sheep shows his love. First John illustrates what it means to lay down our lives for one another by the example of sharing our wealth with any sibling in need.
Scripture Readings: 1 John 3:16-24; Psalm 23; John 10:11-18
The gospel for the third Sunday of Easter is always one in which the risen Christ shares food with the disciples, meals that are the Easter template for the meal we share each Sunday. In today’s gospel, Jesus, the Incarnate One, both shares the disciples’ food and shows them the meaning of his suffering, death, and resurrection through the scriptures, the two main elements of our Sunday worship.
Scripture Readings: Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; Luke 24:36b-48
The gospel for the third Sunday of Easter is always one in which the risen Christ shares food with the disciples, meals that are the Easter template for the meal we share each Sunday. In today’s gospel, Jesus, the Incarnate One, both shares the disciples’ food and shows them the meaning of his suffering, death, and resurrection through the scriptures, the two main elements of our Sunday worship.
Readings: Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; Luke 24:36b-48
The Easter season is a week of weeks, seven Sundays when we play in the mystery of Christ’s presence, mostly through the glorious Gospel of John. Today we gather with the disciples on the first Easter, and Jesus breathes the Spirit on us. With Thomas we ask for a sign, and Jesus offers us his wounded self in the broken bread. From frightened individuals we are transformed into a community of open doors, peace, forgiveness, and material sharing such that no one among us is in need.
Scripture Readings: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; John 20:19-31
The Easter season is a week of weeks, seven Sundays when we play in the mystery of Christ’s presence, mostly through the glorious Gospel of John. Today we gather with the disciples on the first Easter, and Jesus breathes the Spirit on us. With Thomas we ask for a sign, and Jesus offers us his wounded self in the broken bread. From frightened individuals we are transformed into a community of open doors, peace, forgiveness, and material sharing such that no one among us is in need.
Readings: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; John 20:19-31
Christ is risen! Jesus is alive, and God has swallowed up death forever. With Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, we may feel astonished and confused, unsure of what to make of the empty tomb. But this is why we gather: to proclaim, witness, praise, and affirm the liberating reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. In word and feast, we celebrate God’s unending love, and depart to share this good news with all the world. Alleluia!
Scripture Reading: : 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Mark 16:1-8
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.
Scripture Reading: : Hebrews 10:16-25;John 18:1-19:42
Christ is risen! Jesus is alive, and God has swallowed up death forever. With Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, we may feel astonished and confused, unsure of what to make of the empty tomb. But this is why we gather: to proclaim, witness, praise, and affirm the liberating reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. In word and feast, we celebrate God’s unending love, and depart to share this good news with all the world. Alleluia!
Scripture Reading: : 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Mark 16:1-8
This evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tonight we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. In the midst of this night, we will hear from Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and Jesus, as co-creators of new life, a life for all people. As we recall Palm Sunday and Jesus emptying himself in service to all, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body, a new creation in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Finally, tonight we are introducing a new way of understanding Christ’s deep love for us during the striping of the altar. Following the Contemplative leaders of our time, will hear the promises Jesus gave to us at the closing of tonight’s worship service.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 22:39-45
Join us each throughout the season of Lent for Psalms of Hope! This year we are excited to welcome several guest preachers to share reflections on their favorite psalms. Come, let us worship!
Scripture Readings: Psalm 63
This week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusalem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, abandoned by even his closest friends, but not all of them, Mary Magdalene remains. Today we are reminded that Jesus has poured himself out to us and all of humanity. This is kenosis, this is a love that is stronger than death. And, now, we raise our hands and our palms in the air as we hear the Gospel for this Palm Sunday.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; John 12:12-16
This week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusalem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, abandoned by even his closest friends, but not all of them, Mary Magdalene remains. Today we are reminded that Jesus has poured himself out to us and all of humanity. This is kenosis, this is a love that is stronger than death. And, now, we raise our hands and our palms in the air as we hear the Gospel for this Palm Sunday.
Readings: John 12:12-16; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11
Join us each throughout the season of Lent for Psalms of Hope! This year we are excited to welcome several guest preachers to share reflections on their favorite psalms. Come, let us worship!
Scripture Readings: Psalm 95
God promises Jeremiah that a “new covenant” will be made in the future: a covenant that will allow all the people to know God by heart. The church sees this promise fulfilled in Christ, who draws all people to himself when he is lifted up on the cross. Our baptismal covenant draws us to God’s heart through Christ and draws God’s love and truth into our hearts. We join together in worship, sharing in word, song, and meal, and leave strengthened to share God’s love with all the world.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12; John 12:20-33
God promises Jeremiah that a “new covenant” will be made in the future: a covenant that will allow all the people to know God by heart. The church sees this promise fulfilled in Christ, who draws all people to himself when he is lifted up on the cross. Our baptismal covenant draws us to God’s heart through Christ and draws God’s love and truth into our hearts. We join together in worship, sharing in word, song, and meal, and leave strengthened to share God’s love with all the world.
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12; John 12:20-33
Join us each throughout the season of Lent for Psalms of Hope! This year we are excited to welcome several guest preachers to share reflections on their favorite psalms. Come, let us worship!
Scripture Readings: Psalm 4
The fourth of the Old Testament promises providing a baptismal lens this Lent is the promise God makes to Moses: those who look on the bronze serpent will live. In today’s gospel Jesus says he will be lifted up on the cross like the serpent, so that those who look to him in faith will live. When we receive the sign of the cross in baptism, that cross becomes the sign we can look to in faith for healing, for restored relationship to God, for hope when we are dying.
Scripture Readings: Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; John 3:14-21
The fourth of the Old Testament promises providing a baptismal lens this Lent is the promise God makes to Moses: those who look on the bronze serpent will live. In today’s gospel Jesus says he will be lifted up on the cross like the serpent, so that those who look to him in faith will live. When we receive the sign of the cross in baptism, that cross becomes the sign we can look to in faith for healing, for restored relationship to God, for hope when we are dying.
Readings: Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; John 3:14-21
Join us each throughout the season of Lent for Psalms of Hope! Tonight Pastor Rebecca Thurman will lead us in Psalm 139. Come, let us worship!
The third covenant in this year’s Lenten readings is the central one of Israel’s history: the gift of the law to those God freed from slavery. The commandments begin with the statement that because God alone has freed us from the powers that oppressed us, we are to let nothing else claim first place in our lives. When Jesus throws the merchants out of the temple, he is defending the worship of God alone and rejecting the ways commerce and profit-making can become our gods. This is a text about a Holy Dismantling of that which was corrupt, unjust, and appalling. In the Older Testament, The Ten Commandments are essential to our baptismal call: centered first in God’s liberating love, we strive to live out justice and mercy in our communities and the world.
Scripture Readings: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; John 2:13-22
The third covenant in this year’s Lenten readings is the central one of Israel’s history: the gift of the law to those God freed from slavery. The commandments begin with the statement that because God alone has freed us from the powers that oppressed us, we are to let nothing else claim first place in our lives. When Jesus throws the merchants out of the temple, he is defending the worship of God alone and rejecting the ways commerce and profit-making can become our gods. This is a text about a Holy Dismantling of that which was corrupt, unjust, and appalling. In the Older Testament, The Ten Commandments are essential to our baptismal call: centered first in God’s liberating love, we strive to live out justice and mercy in our communities and the world.
Readings: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; John 2:13-22
Join us each Wednesday throughout the season of Lent for Psalms of Hope! Tonight, Shawna Day will lead us in Psalm 26. Come, let us worship!
Scripture Reading: Psalm 26
The second covenant in this year’s Lenten readings is the one made with Abraham and Sarah: God’s promise to make them the ancestors of many, with whom God will remain in everlasting covenant. Paul says this promise comes to all who share Abraham’s faith in the God who brings life into being where there was no life. We receive this baptismal promise of resurrection life in faith. Sarah and Abraham receive new names as a sign of the covenant, and we too get new identities in baptism, as we put on Christ.
Scripture Readings: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Mark 8:31-38
The second covenant in this year’s Lenten readings is the one made with Abraham and Sarah: God’s promise to make them the ancestors of many, with whom God will remain in everlasting covenant. Paul says this promise comes to all who share Abraham’s faith in the God who brings life into being where there was no life. We receive this baptismal promise of resurrection life in faith. Sarah and Abraham receive new names as a sign of the covenant, and we too get new identities in baptism, as we put on Christ.
Scripture Readings: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Mark 8:31-38
Join us each Wednesday at 6:00 throughout the season of Lent for Psalms of Hope! Couched within the service of Holden Evening Prayer, we will gather virtually to hear the scriptures, sing songs of praise, and let our prayers rise like incense. This year we are excited to welcome several guest preachers to share reflections on their favorite psalms. Come, let us worship!
Scripture Readings: Psalm 42
On Ash Wednesday the church began its journey toward baptismal immersion in the death and resurrection of Christ. This year, the Sundays in Lent lead us to focus on five covenants God makes in the Hebrew Scriptures and to use them as lenses through which to view baptism. First Peter connects the way God saved Noah’s family in the flood with the way God saves us through the water of baptism. The baptismal covenant is made with us individually, but the new life we are given in baptism is for the sake of the whole world.
Scripture Readings: Mark 1:29-39; Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10
On Ash Wednesday the church began its journey toward baptismal immersion in the death and resurrection of Christ. This year, the Sundays in Lent lead us to focus on five covenants God makes in the Hebrew Scriptures and to use them as lenses through which to view baptism. First Peter connects the way God saved Noah’s family in the flood with the way God saves us through the water of baptism. The baptismal covenant is made with us individually, but the new life we are given in baptism is for the sake of the whole world.
Scripture Readings: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; Mark 1:29-39
Ash Wednesday is a solemn day of prayer that begins the season of Lent. On this day we confess our sins in a litany of repentance. We will receive the sign of ashes, an ancient symbol that reminds us of our own mortality. We will partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion, God’s mercy and grace which come to us in bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ. Marked with the cross of Christ we make our way through Lent, longing for the baptismal waters of Easter and our spiritual rebirth, caring for our neighbor and living lives of grace centered on the cross.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 6:1-21; Isaiah 58:1-12
The Sundays after Epiphany began with Jesus’ baptism and end with three disciples’ vision of his transfiguration. In Mark’s story of Jesus’ baptism, apparently only Jesus sees the Spirit descending and hears the words from heaven. But now Jesus’ three closest friends hear the same words naming him God’s Beloved. As believers, Paul writes, we are enabled to see the God-light in Jesus’ face, because the same God who created light in the first place has shone in our hearts to give us that vision. The light of God’s glory in Jesus has enlightened us through baptism and shines in us also for others to see.
Scripture Readings: 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; Mark 9:2-9
In Isaiah the one God who sits above the earth and numbers the stars also strengthens the powerless. So in Jesus’ healing work we see the hand of the creator God, lifting up the sick woman to health and service (diakonia). Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we are lifted up and healed to serve. Following Jesus, we strengthen the powerless; like Jesus, we seek to renew our own strength in quiet times of prayer.
Scripture Readings: Mark 1:29-39; Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
In Isaiah the one God who sits above the earth and numbers the stars also strengthens the powerless. So in Jesus’ healing work we see the hand of the creator God, lifting up the sick woman to health and service (diakonia). Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we are lifted up and healed to serve. Following Jesus, we strengthen the powerless; like Jesus, we seek to renew our own strength in quiet times of prayer..
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; Mark 1:29-39
Words carry power. For the church these are ways of pointing to the unique authority people sensed in Jesus’ actions and words. We encounter that authority in God’s word, around which we gather, the word that prevails over any lesser spirit that would claim power over us, freeing us to follow Jesus.
Scripture Readings: Mark 1:21-28; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Psalm 111
Words carry power. For the church these are ways of pointing to the unique authority people sensed in Jesus’ actions and words. We encounter that authority in God’s word, around which we gather, the word that prevails over any lesser spirit that would claim power over us, freeing us to follow Jesus.
Scripture Readings: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Psalm 111; Mark 1:21-28
As we continue through the time after Epiphany, stories of the call to discipleship show us the implications of our baptismal calling to show Christ to the world. Jesus begins proclaiming the good news and calling people to repentance right after John the Baptist is arrested for preaching in a similar way. Knowing that John was later executed, we see at the very outset the cost of discipleship. Still, the two sets of brothers leave everything they have known and worked for all their lives to follow Jesus and fish for people.
Scripture Readings: Mark 1:14-20; Jonah 3:1-5,10; Psalm 62:5-12
As we continue through the time after Epiphany, stories of the call to discipleship show us the implications of our baptismal calling to show Christ to the world. Jesus begins proclaiming the good news and calling people to repentance right after John the Baptist is arrested for preaching in a similar way. Knowing that John was later executed, we see at the very outset the cost of discipleship. Still, the two sets of brothers leave everything they have known and worked for all their lives to follow Jesus and fish for people.
Readings: Jonah 3:1-5,10; Psalm 62:5-12; Mark 1:14-20
All the baptized have a calling in God’s world. God calls not just pastors and deacons but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn’t important; it’s where—or rather whom—we come to. Jesus refers to Jacob, who had a vision in a place he called “the house of God, and . . . the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God.
Readings: John 1:43-51; 1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
All the baptized have a calling in God’s world. God calls not just pastors and deacons but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn’t important; it’s where—or rather whom—we come to. Jesus refers to Jacob, who had a vision in a place he called “the house of God, and . . . the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God.
Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; John 1:43-51
Our re-creation in baptism is an image of the Genesis creation, where the Spirit of God moved over the waters. Both Mark’s gospel and the story in Acts make clear that it is the Spirit’s movement that distinguishes Jesus’ baptism from John’s. The Spirit has come upon us as upon Jesus and the Ephesians, calling us God’s beloved children and setting us on Jesus’ mission to re-create the world in the image of God’s vision of justice and peace.
Readings: Mark 1:4-11; Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29
Join Pastor Jules, Vicar John, and Pastor Tanner for conversation around the texts for Sunday, January 10, 2021
Readings: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Mark 1:4-11
The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) is a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people.
Readings: ; Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Matthew 2:1-12
The psalmist calls on the natural world, celestial bodies, fire and earth, creatures, and all humanity, to praise God. The voices of Simeon and 84-year-old Anna join the chorus today, recognizing what God is doing in Jesus. Simeon’s song is often sung after communion, for we have seen God’s salvation in the assembled community and have held Jesus in our hands in the bread. Then, like the prophet Anna, we tell of Jesus to all who look for the healing of the world.
Readings: Isaiah 61:10–62:3, 16; Psalm 148; Luke 2:22-40
Tonight, we gather to Worship. To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory forever and ever.
Scripture Readings: Luke 1:26-55
God keeps the promise made to David to give him an everlasting throne. The angel tells Mary that God will give David’s throne to her son Jesus. She is perplexed by Gabriel’s greeting and by the news of her coming pregnancy, but she is able still to say, “Count me in.” We who know that Jesus is called king only as he is executed still find it a mystery hard to fathom, but with Mary today we hear the news of what God is up to and say, “Count us in.”
Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55; Luke 1:26-38
Tonight, we gather to Wonder. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 61:1-3; 10-11
“Rejoice always,” begins the reading from 1 Thessalonians. Isaiah and the psalmist make clear that God is turning our mourning into laughter and shouts of joy. “All God’s children got a robe,” go the words of a spiritual. It is not so much a stately, formal, pressed outfit as it is a set of party clothes, clothes we are happy to wear. We receive that robe in baptism, and in worship we gather for a foretaste of God’s party.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; John 1:6-8, 19-28
Tonight, we gather to Wait. The voice of one crying in the wilderness says: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight.”
Scripture Readings: 2 Peter 3:8-15a
John calls people to repent, to clear the decks, to completely reorder their lives so that nothing gets in the way of the Lord’s coming. The reading from Isaiah gives the context for this radical call: the assurance of forgiveness that encourages us to repent; the promise that the coming one will be gentle with the little ones. Isaiah calls us all to be heralds with John, to lift up our voices fearlessly and say, “See, your God is coming!” We say it to one another in worship, in order to say it with our lives in a world in need of justice and peace.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; Mark 1:1-8
For now, it is time for us to wake from sleep; for the night is spent, and the light of Christ draws near. Come! Let us worship!
Scripture Readings: Mark 13:33-37
Stir up your power, and come! The psalmist’s plea in Psalm 80:2 has become familiar to us in the Advent prayers. Isaiah wants God to rip the heavens open. Both cry out for an apparently distant, angry God to show up, to save, to restore. When we hear Jesus describing the coming of the Son of Man with stars falling from heaven, it can sound dire and horrible, not like anything we would ever hope for. But when we really look at the suffering of people God loves, we can share the hope that God would tear open the heavens and come.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Mark 13:24-37
The two disciples were walking to Emmaus completely down, for Jesus had been killed a couple of days ago. In their funk a third person joined their walking and asked them questions and explained that Jesus would need to suffer to be glorified. In Emmaus they recognized that Jesus was who they were talking to. When they recognized him, they returned to Jerusalem giving thanks, for their hearts were lifted when they looked to Jesus.
Scripture Readings: Luke 24:13-35
On this final Sunday of the church year our gospel is Jesus ’great story of judgment. In the end, the faithful are those who served Christ by ministering to those who are poor, hungry, naked, sick, or estranged. In the first reading God is the shepherd who seeks the lost, weak, and injured and feeds them with justice. We gather this day to celebrate the reign of Christ and his victory over death, yet we await the joy of all things yet to come. Acknowledging Christ as our merciful ruler, we go forth that his reign may be known in our loving words and deeds. In other words, show up, do good, and be kind - no matter what.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 25:31-46; Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 95:1-7a
Our readings during November speak of the end times. Zephaniah proclaims that the coming day of the LORD will be filled with wrath and distress. Paul says it will come like a thief in the night and urges us to be awake and sober. Jesus tells the parable of the talents, calling us to use our gifts, while we still have time, for the greater and common good. In a world filled with violence and despair, we gather around signs of hope—word, water, bread, and wine—eager to welcome.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Psalm 90:1-8 [9-11] 12
Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Surrounded by the faithful of every time and place, we celebrate Christ’s coming in our midst in the word of life and the feast of victory—the marriage feast of the lamb.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 70; Matthew 25:1-13
All Saints celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord’s table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away in the new Jerusalem.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 5:1-12; Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3
Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work, especially in the lives of our young people. Today we celebrate our confirmation students as they affirm their baptismal promises. Trusting in the freedom given to all of us in baptism, we give thanks to God for the reforming work that the Spirit continues to inspire us to today.
Scripture Readings: John 8:31-36; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46
In today’s first reading God uses the Gentile ruler Cyrus to accomplish divine purposes. When the Pharisees try to trap Jesus, he tells them to give the emperor what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God. To gather for worship reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to God rather than to any earthly authority. Created in the image of God, we offer our entire selves in the service of God and for the sake of the world.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 22:15-22; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Psalm 96:1-9
In Isaiah we are given a vision of the great feast to come, when God will wipe away death forever. In Jesus’ parable about a great banquet, those invited do not come, so the invitation is extended to others. In our liturgy God spreads a table before us. Even amid anxiety and hardship we rejoice in the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. With great joy we feast at the table of the Lord, and we go forth
Scripture Readings: Matthew 22:1-14; Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23
Matthew narrates one of Jesus’ controversial parables in which Jesus says that the reign of God is like that of a landowner who pays his workers the same wage no matter what time of day they began to work. God is gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love. In baptism we receive the grace of God that is freely given to all. As Martin Luther wrote, in the presence of God’s mercy we are all beggars. Scripture Readings: Matthew 20:1-16; Philippians 1:21-30; Psalm 145:1-8
Jesus’ parable about two sons who don’t do what they say reveals surprises in the reign of God. In the reading from Paul, we are urged us to look to Christ as a model of humility, putting the interests of others above our own. Nourished by the broken bread and shared cup, we offer our lives for the sake of our needy world. Scripture Readings: Matthew 21:23-32; Philippians 2:1-13; Psalm 25: 1-9
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells a vineyard parable, which serves as an image of Israel, the prophets’ mission, and Christ’s death. For Christians, the vineyard also speaks of God’s love poured out in the blood of Christ, given to us for the forgiveness of sin. Grafted onto Christ the vine at baptism, we are nourished with wine and bread so that we may share Christ’s sufferings and know the power of his resurrection.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 21:33-46; Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:7-15
In today’s second reading Paul questions why we judge one another, since we all stand before the judgment of God. Yet we do sin against one another, and Jesus’ challenge that we forgive seventy-seven times reveals God’s boundless mercy. When we hear the words of forgiveness in worship and sign ourselves with the cross, we are renewed in baptism to be signs of reconciliation in the world.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 18:21-35; Romans 14:1-12; Psalm 103:1-13
Conflict is a part of relationships and life in community. Jesus’ words in today's gospel are often used in situations having to do with church discipline. Paul reminds us that love is the fulfilling of the law.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 13:8-14; Psalm 119:33-40
The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the incurable wound of his suffering yet finds in God’s words the delight of his heart. When Peter doesn’t grasp Jesus’ words about suffering, Jesus tells the disciples they will find their lives in losing them. Such sacrificial love is described by Paul when he urges us to associate with the lowly and not repay evil with evil. In worship we gather as a community that we might offer ourselves for the sake of our suffering world.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 16:21-28; Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8
Jesus declares that the church will be built on the rock of Peter’s bold confession of faith. God’s word of reconciliation and God’s mercy are keys to the church’s mission. Paul urges us to not be conformed to this world but to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, using our individual gifts to build up the body of Christ. From the table we go forth to offer our spiritual worship through word and deed.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 16:13-20; Romans 12:1-8; Psalm 138
In Isaiah we hear that God’s house shall be a house of prayer for all people and that God will gather the outcasts of Israel. The Canaanite woman in today’s gospel is a Gentile, an outsider, who is unflinching in her request that Jesus heal her daughter. As Jesus commends her bold faith, how might our church extend its mission to those on the margins of society? In our gathering around word and meal we receive strength to be signs of comfort, healing, and justice for those in need.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 15:10-28; Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21
In the Romans text we are reminded to place our trust in God. God hears us. We are not alone. In Matthew, when the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of God’s presence to others. Scripture Readings: Matthew 14:22-33; Romans 10:5-15; Psalm 85:8-13
In today’s first reading God invites all who are hungry or thirsty to receive food and drink without cost. Jesus feeds the hungry multitude and reveals the abundance of God. At the eucharistic table we remember all who are hungry or poor in our world today. As we share the bread of life, we are sent forth to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry. Scripture Readings: Matthew 14:13-21; Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21
Merry Christmas…in July! Welcome to worship at All Saints Lutheran Church. Today we gather in this unusual time to hear again the promises of God fulfilled in the coming of the Christ Child. Join our festive worship as we sing carols, hear the story of Jesus’ birth, and lift our prayers of hope to God, whose promises never fail.
Scripture Readings: Luke 2:[1-7], 8-20, 25-30; Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97
It is an age-old question: why is there evil in the world? In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bondage and suffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope in the promises of God, and from the Lord’s table we go forth to bear the fruit of justice and mercy.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, 25-30; Romans 8:12-25; Psalm 86:11-17
God’s word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the sower who scatters seed indiscriminately. Our lives are like seeds sown in the earth. Even from what appears to be little, dormant, or dead, God promises a harvest. At the Lord’s table we are fed with the bread of life, that we may bear fruit in the world.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65:1-13
The mystery of God’s ways is sometimes hidden from the wise and intelligent. Jesus associates with those often excluded from the religious community. Like Paul, we struggle with our own selfish desires and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. We gather to be refreshed by Christ’s invitation: “Come to me, all you that are weary.” Gathered around word, water, and meal, we find rest for our souls.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30; Romans 7:15-25a; Psalm 145:8-14
The welcome of baptism is for all God’s children. This baptismal gift sets us free from the power of sin and death. In today’s gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. From worship we are sent on our baptismal mission: to serve the little ones of this world and to be a sign of God’s merciful welcome.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 10:40-42; Romans 6:12-23; Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
God does not promise that the path of the disciple will be easy. Hagar is cast out and left to die with her son. Jesus declares that his words may bring stark division. Even so, we need not be afraid for God accounts for each hair on our heads. Though we may experience rejection, frustration, division, and death, God’s grace and love make us a new creation each day. Marked with the cross and filled with holy food, we are sent from worship to witness to Christ in the world.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 10:24-39; Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17
Moses tells the Israelites that they are called to be a priestly kingdom and a holy people. Jesus sends out the disciples as laborers into the harvest. In baptism we too are anointed for ministry, sharing God’s compassion with our needy world. From the Lord’s table we go forth to proclaim the good news, to heal the sick, and to share our bread with the hungry. Scripture Readings: Matthew 9:35-10:23; Exodus 19:2-8a; Psalm 100
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has recorded a sermon which congregations and synods can include in their worship services on Sunday, June 7, The Holy Trinity. Bishop Eaton reads the gospel appointed for this day prior to the sermon.
Though the word trinity is not found in the scriptures, today’s assigned reading includes the apostolic greeting that begins the liturgy: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Today, Pastor Jules chose to go with 1 Cor. 13 where the emphasis is on what we are called to be and do, namely, to love one another. In the gospel Jesus sends his disciples forth to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. More than a doctrine, the Trinity expresses the heart of our faith: we have experienced the God of creation made known in Jesus Christ and with us always through the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity in word and sacrament, as we profess the creed, and as we are sent into the world to bear witness to our faith.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 28:16-20; 1 Corinthians 13; Psalm 8
Pentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the Holy Spirit as God’s presence within and among us. In Acts the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God’s presence to all people. Paul reminds us that though we each have different capacities, we are unified in the Spirit that equips us with these gifts. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples, empowering them to forgive sin. We celebrate that we too are given the breath of the Holy Spirit and sent out to proclaim God’s redeeming love to all the world.
Scripture Readings: John 20:19-23; Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
In today’s readings the risen Christ ascends into heaven and his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth. The disciples were told to not gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus (Acts 1:11); we find his presence among us as we proclaim the word and share the Easter feast. We too long for the Spirit to enliven our faith and invigorate our mission.
Scripture Readings: Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:1-11 ; Psalm 47
Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord’s table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world.
Scripture Readings: John 14:15-21; 1 Peter 3:13-22; Psalm 66:8-20
As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today’s gospel includes Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus’ mission in the world. As 1 Peter reminds us, we are a holy people, called to proclaim the one who called us out of darkness into light. In words and deeds we bear witness to the risen Christ—our way, our truth, our life.
Scripture Readings: John 14:1-14; 1 Peter 2:2-10; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheep in today’s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism. Each Sunday he spreads a feast before us amid the world’s violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God’s tender care to all creation.
Scripture Readings: John 10:1-10; 1 Peter 2:19-25; Psalm 23
Today’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day.
Scripture Readings: Luke 24:13-35; Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
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 reading will be from the Acts of the Apostles. Continue to read through Acts, along with the Facebook Devotional each day. Even as the early Christians proclaimed the resurrection, we rejoice in the new birth and living hope we receive in baptism.
Scripture Readings: John 20:19-31; Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16
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.
Scripture Readings: John 20:1-18
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.
Scripture Readings: John 18:1-19:42; Hebrews 10:16-25
This evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tonight, we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days .
Scripture Readings: John 13:1-17, 31b-35; Exodus 12:1-14
Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is 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 out poured 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. Scripture Readings: Matthew 21:1-11; Psalm 118
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 that we might also be raised with him to new life. At the Easter Vigil we will welcome the newly baptized as we remember God’s unfailing promise in our baptism.
Scripture Readings: John 11:1-45: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130
Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. 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.
Scripture Readings: John 9:1-41: Ephesians 5:8-14; Psalm 23
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 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. Scripture Readings: John 4:5-42; Psalm 95
Along with generations of the faithful, Pádraig Ó Tuama encourages us to engage in the practice of daily prayer and immersion in the scriptures. The Revised Common Lectionary, which guides our readings in worship each Sunday, also provides a list of daily scriptures meant to help us reflect on the previous Sunday, and prepare for the next. This week, each day, find 10 minutes to open your bible and read the assigned texts. Pause and breathe. Reflect and pray for yourself and the needs of those around you. Jot down the words or phrases from the readings that stick out to you and keep them with you as a reminder throughout the day. Consider where the Spirit is pulling you today.
Writings and podcasts from Pádraig Ó Tuama and others can be found at onbeing.org
Scripture Readings: John 7:53-8:11; Ezekiel 36:22-32, Psalm 128
This Lent we are going to be highlighting some Spiritual Practices through In today’s gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born of water and Spirit. At the font we are a given a new birth as children of God. On March 10, both Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth are commemorated for their work for freedom and justice for all. As John 3:17 reminds us, "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Jesus.” From worship we are sent forth to proclaim God’s love for all the world.
Scripture Readings: John 3:1-17; Psalm 121
This Lent we are going to be highlighting some Spiritual Practices through the lens of contemporary and ancient Saints. From Ignatius to Mary Oliver, we will lean further in to opportunities to enhance our personal and communal spirituality.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 46:10
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 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. Scripture Readings: Matthew 4:1-11; Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
Ash Wednesday is a solemn day of prayer that begins the season of Lent. On this day we confess our sins in a litany of repentance. We will receive the sign of ashes, an ancient symbol that reminds us of our own mortality. We will partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion, God’s mercy and grace which come to us in bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ. Marked with the cross of Christ we make our way through Lent, longing for the baptismal waters of Easter and our spiritual rebirth, caring for our neighbor and living lives of grace centered on the cross. Scripture Readings: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, ; Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 51
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. 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. Scripture Readings: Matthew 17:1-9; Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 99
In today’s reading from Deuteronomy we are called to choose life by loving and obeying God. Much of today’s gospel reading echoes portions of the Ten Commandments. Jesus’ instructions to the crowd reveal a pattern of behavior that honors both God and the neighbor, resulting in life and health for the whole community. We too are invited to embrace these commandments, not out of fear of retribution, but because God has promised that to do so means life for us.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 5:21-37; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8
Light shines in the darkness for the upright, the psalmist sings. Isaiah declares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like the dawn. 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.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 5:13-20; Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 112:1-10
Who are the blessed ones of God? For Micah, they are those who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. For Paul, they are the ones who find wisdom in the weakness of the cross. For Jesus, they are the poor, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who mourn, and those who hunger for righteousness. In baptism we find our blessed identity and calling in this countercultural way of living and serving.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus begins his public ministry by calling 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 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. Scripture Reading: John 1:29-42, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalms 27:1, 4-9
Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed 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.
Scripture Reading: John 1:29-42, Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalms 40:1-11
The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalms 72:1-7, 10-14
Referenced is the painting Scene of the Massacre of Innocents by Léon Cogniet
Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth. Scripture Reading: John :1-14, Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalms 98
This is the first day of Christmas, where we can celebrate the joy that God has given us. Our savior is born as the child of Mary. Almighty God is present as a weak, squalling infant. We can come before him, humble ourselves, for Jesus knows what we go through. Scripture Reading: John :1-14, Isaiah 52:7-19
Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation 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. Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, 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. Scripture Reading: Luke 1:45b-55, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146:5-10
At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases, we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:1-12, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122
Christ the King’s pardon is for us. We begin our worship acknowledging our sin and hearing the news that God has forgiven us. The Ruler’s welcome is ours as well. We come to the table, received by Christ himself. Today we join him, the thief on the cross, and all the saints in a foretaste of the paradise to come. The Spirit sends us into the week ahead renewed in the knowledge that we are citizens of the reign of God and that our true Ruler is the one who welcomes and pardons: the crucified and risen Christ.
Scripture Reading: Luke 23:33-43, Colossians 1:11-20, Psalm 46
NPR’s “All Things Considered” reference: https://www.npr.org/2019/11/23/781166797/tom-hanks-plays-mister-rogers-sharing-joy-is-the-natural-state-of-things
WPBS TV, Fred Rogers 50th anniversary introduction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTevoLkcFdI
The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the “meantimes.” The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle: “Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.”
Scripture Reading: Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 98
We worship on the first day of the week because our Savior was raised on that day. Every Sunday is a little Easter. This Sunday feels more like Easter than many as the appointed texts celebrate the reality of the resurrection. Live it up this Lord’s day. Our God is the God of the living.
Scripture Reading: Luke 20:27-38, Job 19:23-27, Psalm 17:1-9
In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In the assembly today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest,” who have fought the good fight, who have gained the crown. In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of the Lord Jesus in today’s gospel. Recalling that we have been sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we keep on keeping on as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:20-31, Ephesians 1:11-23, Psalm 149
On this day we celebrate the heart of our faith: the gospel of Christ— the good news— that makes us free! We pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to unite the church today in its proclamation and witness to the world. In the waters of baptism we are made one body; we pray for the day that all Christians will also be one at the Lord’s table.
Scripture Reading: John 8:31-36, Romans 3:19-28, Jeremiah 31:31-34
Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is the encouragement of the Christ of the gospel today. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed. Wrestle with the word. Remember your baptism again and again. Come regularly to Christ’s table. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed.
Scripture Reading: Luke 18:1-8, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121
It's a miracle! Multiple miracles! The waters of holy baptism have healed us. The body and blood of Jesus in holy communion have made us clean. We have died with Christ and been raised with him. For all this we have returned to offer thanks. From this place we are sent on our way rejoicing to share the good news.
Scripture Readings:Luke 17:11-19, 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c, Psalm 111.
A little faith goes a long way is our Lord’s point in the gospel. A mustard seed’s-worth has miraculous potential. The patience, tenacity, and endurance required for the life of faith are the blessings received in water and the word (holy baptism), bread and wine (holy communion), the word read and proclaimed in this assembly. Anticipate them. Receive them with thanksgiving.
Scripture Reading: Luke 17:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Psalm 37:1-9
The archangel Michael is pictured as a prince and a general of the heavenly army, defeating the dragon (the ancient serpent, the devil, Satan). It is important, though, to see in Revelation 12:11 that God’s victory ultimately comes by Jesus’ death and the testimony of his followers. The power of God’s truth gives us confidence in the face of evil on earth, even in the face of our own death. Today you are invited to experience the power of God at a healing station during communion. Come for prayer and anointing with oil during the meal.
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:17-20, Revelation 12:7-12, Psalm 103:1-5, 20-22
Walk With You clip by Della Reese & The Verity All-Stars, Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
As we are invited today to consider what it means to be managers (rather than owners) of all that we have, it is crucial to recall that we are bought with a price. “Christ Jesus, himself human, . . . gave himself a ransom for all.” Apart from the generosity of God we have nothing—we are nothing. By God’s gracious favor we have everything we need.
Scripture Reading: Luke 16:1-13, Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 113
The grumbling of the Pharisees and the scribes in today’s gospel is actually our holy hope: This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. That our God wills to seek and to save the lost is not only a holy hope, it is our only hope. As Paul’s first letter to Timothy reminds us, “The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Thanks be to God.
Scripture Reading: Luke 14:25-33, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Psalm 51:1-12
Called to the contemplate the joy of discipleship today, we might be helped by our prayer of the day: Strengthened by the company and forgiveness of the Christ in the blessed sacrament and recalling God’s grace in remembrance of baptism, we can be strengthened in this hour to “choose life” – to choose life in God as our own. Refresh my heart in Christ.
Scripture Reading: Luke 14:25-33, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 1
Invited and inviting - that is the nature of the church. By God's grace in holy baptism we have a place at the banquet table of the Lord. When, by the power of that same Spirit, humility and mutual love continue among us, the church can be more inviting still.
Scripture Readings: Psalm 81:1, 10-16;Jeremiah 2:4-13;Luke 14:1,7-14
Remember the sabbath day. Call the sabbath a delight. This is the Lord’s day, and the Lord will do for us what the Lord does: feed us, forgive us, help and heal us. Rejoice at all the wonderful things God is doing.
Scripture Reading: Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 103-1-8
The word of God is a refining fire. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today, in the assembly, we are surrounded by “so great a cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in the holy communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Scripture Reading: Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29-12:2, 8-16, Psalm 82
Jesus says, "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." It is God's promise from the beginning - to Abraham, to the early church, and to the "little flock" of which we are a part today in assembly. Faith, God's baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear.
Scripture Reading: Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Psalm 33:12-22
Persistence in prayer evoked the admiration of Jesus and wins the attention of the Lord when Abraham intercedes for Sodom. The life of the baptized – to be rooted and built up in Christ Jesus the Lord – is to be rooted in prayer. God hears and answers prayer and so strengthens God’s own. “When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.”
Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1-13, Colossians 2:56-9, Psalm 138
To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind is to reflect God’s mercy in responding to one’s neighbor. That mercy found its most profound expression in the “gospel that has come to you” - namely the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That gospel mercy comes to us again today: at the font, at the altar, and from the pulpit. It is very near to you.
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-37, Deuteronomy 30:9-20, Psalm 25:1-10
God is the source of our nourishment. Our Lord’s invitation to “take and eat… take and drink” is a repeated one. In the Holy Eucharist, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Galatians 6:1-16, Psalm 66:1-9
Verstehen: to step so deeply into another person's understanding that you can meet them where they are at and empathize with them at the deepest possible level.
A link to the Today, Explained podcast: Deeyan Kahn’ s ”Know Your Enemy (Part I)”
A link to Jan Richardson’s "the Painted Prayerbook", "A Blessing in the Dust"
We have no good apart from God. That makes our Lord’s call to follow him an invitation to freedom. This is freedom to revel in the Spirit’s fruits: love, joy, peace, patience, and the like. This is the path of life.
Scripture Reading: Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
“O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Today we celebrate the name of God: holy blessed Trinity. There is no other day quite like this one in the church’s year. There is no other god like ours. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Scripture Reading: Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29, Psalm 22:19-29
“O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Today we celebrate the name of God: holy blessed Trinity. There is no other day quite like this one in the church’s year. There is no other god like ours. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Scripture Reading: John 16:12-15, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8
Pentecost is a day of promises fulfilled. The promised Spirit of God is poured out. The baptized have become “children of God” and “joint heirs with Christ.” In the spirit of Pentecost, our worship service today will include liturgy from a variety of voices encompassing the whole church. In the great diversity that is the church, we find our unity as God’s people - called together by the Holy Spirit, and sent to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Scripture Reading: John 14:15-20, 25-27, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
It is possible to hear in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Lord for his own throughout history - to our day - and beyond. Jesus prays for us.In holy baptism we become believers in God, have our robes washed in the flood of Christ’s forgiveness, and receive the gift of life forever with all the saints.
Scripture Reading: John 17:20-26, Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97
Visions abound in the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter. Paul has a vision about what to do. John has a vision of what will be. The risen Lord Jesus provides visions of peace that passes human understanding and power beyond human imagination.
Scripture Reading: John 14:23-29, Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5, Psalm 67
The gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas in Joppa. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision. It is true for us and for all the baptized: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Scripture Reading: John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-18, Psalm 148:1-10
The gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas in Joppa. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision. It is true for us and for all the baptized: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Scripture Reading: John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43
The disciples make a big splash and breakfast with the risen Jesus in the gospel. Wading in the water (remembering our baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating the holy communion) is our weekly encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us, with Peter, again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter life to others.
Scripture Reading: John 21:1-19, Acts 9:1-20
Many American churches, including All Saints Lutheran Church, have resurrected an old Easter custom begun by the Greeks in the early centuries of Christianity - “Holy Humor Sunday” celebrations of Jesus’ resurrection on the Sunday after Easter. The custom was rooted in the musings of early church theologians (like Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa, and John Chrysostom) that God played a practical joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead… “Risus paschalis - the Easter laugh!” Today, our church service is a mixture of tradition and frivolity, a time for celebration and humor where we hear about Thomas. We’re glad you are here!
Scripture Reading: John 20:19-31, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. God has indeed raised from the dead the one who was put to death “by hanging him on a tree.” Alleluia! God allows Jesus to appear “to us who were chosen by God as witnesses” in holy baptism and invites us to eat and drink at the table of the risen Christ. Alleluia!
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:1-12, Isaiah 65:17-25
At the heart of the Good Friday liturgy is the passion according to John, which proclaims Jesus as a triumphant king who reigns from the cross. The ancient title for this day - the trump of the cross - reminds us that the church gathers not to mourn this day but to celebrate Christ’s life-giving passion and to find strength and hope in the tree of life. In the ancient bidding prayer we offer petitions for all the world for whom Christ died.
Scripture Reading: John 18:1-19:42, Hebrews 10:16-25
With nightfall our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. At the heart of the Maundy Thursday liturgy is Jesus’ commandment to love one another. As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, we are called to follow his examples as we humbly care for one another, especially the poor and the unloved. At the Lord’s table we remember Jesus’ sacrifice of his life, even as we are called to offer ourselves in love for the life of the world.
Scripture Reading: John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-14
The voice of the suffering savior, Jesus, can be heard in the prophet Isaiah’s words and the pleading of the psalm. We are invited into the agony of our Lord in the extended reading of the story of Jesus’ passion. In the second reading, we who have put on Christ in holy baptism are urged to let the mind of Christ be our own. Lent leads us to this holy moment. Embrace it.
Scripture Reading: Luke 19:28-40; Philippians 2:5-11
The Lord our God makes all things new. In the first reading God promises it. In the gospel Mary anticipates it, anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume in preparation for the day of his burial. In the second reading we recall the transformation of Saul, the persecutor, into Paul, the apostle. In baptism, God’s new person (you!) rises daily from the deadly mire of trespasses and sins.
Scripture Reading: John 12:1-8; Isaiah 43:16-21
Scripture Reading:Matthew 25:34-46
(In case you want to hear about the Hurricane Harvey project, here is a link to Brene’ Brown’s Facebook page where she talks about it.)
The psalm sets the tone this day: “Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!” Happy are those who have “become the righteousness of God” in the merits of Christ Jesus. Happy are those for whom the forgiveness of God has “rolled away . . . the disgrace” of former times. Happy is the father at the return of his prodigal son. Happy are we that our sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake. Rejoice!
Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-3,11-32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
The warnings are plentiful and blunt on the third Sunday in Lent. Lent is a season of repentance. Cut it out or get cut down! The warnings are accompanied by God’s invitation to attentiveness: “Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.” The landowner’s ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener’s readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us. Thanks be to God!
Scripture Reading: Luke 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:1-9
Though we sometimes doubt and often resist God’s desire to protect and save us, our God persists. In holy baptism, God’s people have been called and gathered into a God- initiated relationship that will endure. Lent provides the church with a time and a tradition in which to seek the face of the Lord again. Lent provides another occasion to behold the God of our salvation in the face of the Blessed One who “comes in the name of the Lord.”
Scripture Reading: Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17-4:1
These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues; to receive the gifts of God’s grace; to believe with the whole heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus; and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us.
Scripture Reading: Luke 4:1-13, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Ash Wednesday is a solemn day of prayer that begins the season of Lent. On this day we confess our sins in a litany of repentance. We will receive the sign of ashes, an ancient symbol that reminds us of our own mortality. We will partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion, God’s mercy and grace which come to us in bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ. Marked with the cross of Christ we make our way through Lent, longing for the baptismal waters of Easter and our spiritual rebirth, caring for our neighbor and living lives of grace centered on the cross.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-12
Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus will be unable to avoid reflecting that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see the glory of the Lord in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by the Spirit of God.
Scripture Reading: Luke 9:28-43, Exodus 34:29-35
Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Joseph lives it in Egypt. Jesus preaches it in the gospel. The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is fractured and divided. Such merciful living is the baptismal blessing of having put on Christ. It is the gift of the life-giving Spirit. It is a reflection of the glory of God revealed in the Christ.
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:27-38, Genesis 45: 3-11, 15
Blessings and curses abound on the sixth Sunday after Epiphany. We would do well to listen closely to whom the “blessed are”s and the “woe to”s are directed and to find our place in the crowd among those who desire to touch Jesus. The risen Christ stands among us in the mystery of the holy supper with an invitation to live in him and the power to heal us all.
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20