SJLC Sermons: Recent Episodes
SJLC
This episode reflects on Matthew 14 and the story of Peter walking on the sea, exploring how fear confronts disciples and what it reveals about our trust.
Through personal stories and scripture, the message encourages listeners to call out to Jesus in moments of doubt—"Lord, save me"—and to find courage and perseverance in faith.
This episode examines Jacob’s night-long struggle at the Jabbok River, using the biblical story to reflect on faith amid doubt, grief, and uncertainty. The preacher explores how wrestling with God can lead to new identity, blessing, and deeper trust.
The sermon emphasizes that God is present in the darkness, that wounds may remain yet be transformed into signs of grace, and that clinging to God through struggle reveals God’s steadfast hold on us.
A reading from Matthew 13 introduces Jesus' parables—the mustard seed, yeast, hidden treasure, the pearl, and the fishing net.
The preacher reflects on how the kingdom of heaven often appears in small, ordinary things and moments, urging listeners to notice God's presence in daily life, in the sacraments, and in relationships.
The episode closes with a prayer asking God to open our eyes to recognize the kingdom hidden in ordinary days.
This episode features the Gospel reading of Matthew 13 and Jesus' parable of the wheat and the weeds, followed by a sermon exploring its meaning. The preacher explains the symbols—Son of Man, the world, children of the kingdom, the weeds sown by the evil one—and addresses hard questions about evil, suffering, and judgment.
Using a folktale from Zen Shorts about an old farmer and the word "maybe," the sermon emphasizes patience, trust in God's timing, and the promise of a final harvest. Listeners are encouraged to live faithfully—sowing goodness and trusting that God, who owns the field, knows the outcome.
This sermon explores Jesus' parable of the sower, focusing less on soil types and more on the reckless generosity of the sower—God—who scatters grace, hope, and stories without counting the cost.
It invites listeners to receive these kingdom stories, to sow compassion and mercy without expecting visible results, and to trust that growth is ultimately God's work.
In this episode the Pastor Dan reads Matthew 11 and reflects on Jesus’ invitation to “take my yoke,” explaining how a well‑fitting yoke is gentle, tailor‑made, and shared. He shows how Christ’s humility and the cross transform symbols of subjugation into signs of rest, companionship, and salvation.
The sermon then connects that message to American history—Yorktown, the Declaration of Independence, and the founders’ mutual pledge—arguing that we are called to be yoked to one another and to God, bearing life together with Christ beside us.
Pastor James Demmel unpacks Jeremiah 28, recounting the dramatic clash between Jeremiah and Hananiah and the danger of prophets who promise easy peace. He contrasts false consolation with the truth of the cross, showing how God’s will often comes through suffering and patient trust.
The sermon emphasizes discernment in hearing Scripture, the call to submit to God’s timing, and the hope found in God’s promise to restore — even after hardship and exile.
This episode reflects on Matthew 10, where Jesus warns that following him may bring division, denial, and even death, while calling disciples to courageous faith and sacrifice.
Amid the hard truths, the sermon highlights repeated reassurances—"do not be afraid," the sparrows and counted hairs—affirming God’s care and the hope that makes the cost of discipleship worth it.
This episode reflects on Matthew 9 where Jesus heals, shows compassion for the crowds, and sends out the twelve disciples with a mission to proclaim the kingdom and heal the sick.
We connect the Gospel call to Vacation Bible School, describing VBS as a moment when the church equips and sends out "unfinished" disciples into an imperfect world, trusting the Spirit and the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.
In Mercy Makes Room, we explore how Jesus consistently chose mercy over exclusion and relationship over judgment. From sharing a table with Matthew and other outcasts, to restoring a forgotten woman and raising a little girl to life, Jesus reveals the heart of God—a mercy that welcomes, heals, and makes room for everyone. This message challenges us to see people as Jesus sees them, to move beyond labels and assumptions, and to discover that God's table is larger than our comfort zones. Ultimately, we are reminded that we all come to Christ's table not because we deserve a place, but because mercy has made room for us.
On Holy Trinity Sunday the sermon explores the mystery of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, drawing on Matthew 28 and Hebrews to show how the triune nature of God models perfect community and love.
It emphasizes that Christian discipleship, sanctification, and communal life flow from this triune pattern — calling believers to faith, hope, and love and urging them not to neglect meeting together.
This episode reflects on John 20 and Acts 2, contrasting the quiet, tender resurrection appearance with the explosive, world-changing events of Pentecost. A pastor’s personal anecdote about a baby named Peter frames a deeper look at Apostle Peter’s dramatic transformation from an ordinary fisherman into a bold preacher filled with the Holy Spirit.
Through the story of Pentecost, the message highlights how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to speak truth, unite diverse peoples, and begin the birth of the church, inviting listeners to be open to that same Spirit in their own lives.
This episode covers a Graduation Sunday service at St. John’s featuring the Gospel reading from John 17 and a closing reflection on Acts about spreading the gospel. The pastor encourages the congregation to be authentic and pass faith to the next generation.
Three graduating seniors then deliver brief sermons: Connor reflects on choices, success, and finding God’s calling; Meredith shares about trusting God amid anxiety and unexpected detours; and Cora celebrates relationships, belonging, and the church community that shaped her faith.
Dr. Katherine Shaner of Wake Forest School of Divinity is our guest pastor. She begins our study into the Book of Revelations.
Full worship service to celebrate the retirement of Janie Rollins and Deacon Rob Durocher.
In this episode, we explore the power of transformation and resurrection as paralleled in the story of Jesus's resurrection and the transformation of caterpillars into butterflies. Using the biblical narration about the resurrection of Jesus as the foundational base, the lessons reach out to the wider context of life's constantly faced struggles and adversities.
Mary Magdalene's visit to the tomb reveals a rolled stone and an empty tomb that sets off a series of events of disbelief. As the narration moves on with Mary's encounters with the believed gardener whom she eventually identifies as Jesus, an intense exploration into the concept of resurrection is undertaken.
Drawing a parallel with the miraculous change from an earth-bound caterpillar into a beautiful, free-flying butterfly, we delve into the symbology of resurrection. This transformation from a restrictive existence to an enlightened and ascended state resonates with the biblical telling of Jesus's resurrection.
The episode also emphasizes the human resistance to change and the disbelief often associated with miraculous transformations, just as disbelieving caterpillars might question the possibility of being reborn as a butterfly. Drawing many such parallels, the podcast inspires listeners to see, believe, and embrace the transformative powers that exist within the realms of faith and religion.
In the backdrop of conflicts, wars, sickness, and hardships, this episode instills faith and hope by reciting a poem etched on the walls of a cellar in Cologne, Germany during World War II. The poetic lines - "I believe in the sun, even when it isn't shining. I believe in love, even when I do not feel it. I believe in God, even when God is silent" - reverberate with the theme of unyielding belief and faith, even in the face of adversities.
With stories, parallels, biblical references, and even scientific exploration into the transformative journey of a caterpillar into a butterfly, this episode leaves the listener with deep reflections about the miraculous powers of transformation and resurrection that lie embedded within God's creation.
This Easter episode is a heartfelt reminder of the enduring power of faith and the miraculous possibilities it holds. It not only uplifts the spirit but also affirms faith, providing a fitting tribute in observance of the resurrection of Christ.
In this powerful sermon, we talk about faith and the redemption of mankind through Jesus as highlighted in the Gospel. When Jesus proclaimed "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up...," he was emphasizing the salvation of humanity. This sermon transcends from Jesus's teachings to a real life illustration that shows how easily we are plunged into the abyss of life, leaving us under the mercy of our faith, and bringing the critical question, "Am I going to be okay?" to bare.
Much akin to life's precipices, this sermon delves into our human vulnerability, fear and existential anxiety. It accentuates the never-ending challenges of life and the uncontrollability of our world. Our world and our lives are often marked by suffering and brokenness, warped by the influence and power of sin. However, hearteningly enough, the sermon throws light on how struggle is only the start; redemption awaits beyond.
While we might be dead through our trespasses and sins, as Paul affirms in his epistles, God in his rich mercy, renews us, breathing life into us through Christ. As we tread along with Christ during the season of Lent, contemplating his trials and sufferings, we start understanding our brokenness and the redemption awaiting us through Christ's resurrection. This sermon sheds light on how Jesus, through his love, healing, and sacrifice on the cross, restores not only us but our world.
Throughout our journey of faith, we learn to put our trust in Jesus, the one who breathes life into us when we are entrapped in sin. Through this sermon, we embrace the divine conjunction of the cross and resurrection, understanding their significance in fostering our faith. Our faith saves us, providing a firm foundation against life's tribulations, and reveals the true and present reality of Jesus's resurrection.
In this sermon, may you find peace, faith, and hope. Know that you are not alone in this journey. In all our life's precipices, let us look up to Jesus, who ushers in redemption when we are on the edge.
The proximity of the Passover pushed Jesus to journey to Jerusalem and upon his arrival, he discovered a bustling marketplace within the temple. Outraged by the degradation of his Father's house, Jesus took stern action against the merchants and money changers, evicting them from the sacred space. The Jews questioned Jesus’s authority to conduct as such, to which he cryptically suggested that they destroy the temple, and he would rebuild it in three days. He was alluding to the resurrection of his body, a truth that the disciples would only grasp after his miraculous return from the dead.
Jesus, time and time again, entered this temple, especially during the Passover. The sight of livestock pens filled with cattle, sheep, and birds, alongside money changers, had become familiar. All these rituals followed religious mandates, including the first commandment of not making an idol or a graven image. However, this day felt different. Despite everything seemingly in place as per usual, Jesus experienced a powerful urge to expel all beings and activities from the temple. He could sense something wrong, a glitch in the system. He was not merely challenging minor financial malpractices or money changers extracting a small profit; his grievance was much deeper. He advocated for a disintegration of the entire temple system because it had outlived its purpose. He proclaimed himself as the new embodiment of the temple where divinity and humanity coexisted. He foretold his death and subsequent resurrection, a move so bold that it would bring a paradigm shift in the cosmos.
Through his confrontational actions and forewarning about his resurrection, Jesus called out the inflexible religious system and encouraged a new perspective of the world. His unique and audacious claim, supported by his resurrection, had the power to change the world. Yet, the world today still grapples with many of the same sins and shortcomings. Therefore, Jesus’s challenge to religious intransigence serves as a reminder for us to view the world differently – from the foot of the cross and the empty tomb.
The story about Paul Brand, a surgeon serving leprosy patients in India, offers a glimpse of this new perspective. In his address to the leprosy-stricken community, Dr. Brand drew a parallel between the deformed hands of the patients and Jesus's scarred hands, marking a shift in their perception of themselves. They were no longer outcasts but became part of Christ's crucified and resurrected body. Thus, it is evident that awareness of Jesus's sacrifice can fundamentally alter the world's view and influence individuals to challenge the status quo. May this revelation continue to inspire disciples to embrace the world with a renewed vision and change their habitual patterns towards a new, dignified existence.
In this sermon, Jesus teaches his disciples about the inevitable suffering He must endure, the rejection He will face from the elders, and His eventual death. He prophesies His resurrection, which will occur three days after His death. These revelations shock Peter, who rebukes Jesus for His bleak depiction of the Messiah's fate. However, Jesus corrects Peter, admonishing him for his human-centric outlook, and teaches the crowd about the path to salvation.
Jesus's declarations challenge the disciples' notion of who the Messiah is supposed to be. Peter, like other disciples, expected a Messiah who would triumphantly overthrow the Roman Empire. The prospect of a suffering, sacrificial Messiah aligned more with Isaiah's prophecy but contradicted Peter's expectations. In rebuking Peter, Jesus emphasized the need to focus on divine matters and offered insight into what it truly means to follow Him.
In the sermon, the paradoxes of Lutheran theology illuminate the paradox central to the Christian faith: To truly live, one must first die. This concept suggests that old beliefs and traditions must perish to make way for the new life promised by the Messiah. Jesus underscores this paradox by explaining that His death and resurrection are imminent and necessary aspects of His divine mission.
The sermon concludes by challenging the listener's preconceived notions of Jesus as the Messiah. Just as Peter wrestled with the reality of a suffering Messiah, many modern Christians also face struggles reconciling their personal perceptions of Jesus with the Biblical portrayal. However, understanding and accepting the true nature of Jesus as a sacrificial Savior, a suffering servant, and a resurrected Redeemer, helps individuals transition from followers with misguided ideas to true disciples.
To follow Christ authentically means to accept His path of suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate salvation. This understanding is integral to our Lenten pilgrimage, allowing us space to relinquish misguided notions and thereby connect truly with the Christ who leads us to Easter morning's celebration. Thanks be to God. Amen.
In this sermon, we embark on a journey through the wilderness, understanding a period majorly characterized as a time of emptiness, which can relate to our feelings of isolation. Reflecting on the scripture from Mark's Gospel, we hear how Jesus Himself spent 40 days in the wilderness, challenged by Satan, yet never alone as attended by angels and His eternal faith in God.
We draw parallels to the Greek definitions of wilderness, 'eremos' and 'topos', connoting an empty place; a place empty of life, water, food, and people. The vacuum-like feel that conveys an eerie sense of being alone, something corroborated by Aristotle's philosophy that nature abhors a vacuum. His belief is that an empty space, inevitably, gets filled with something. It applies to our personal lives, experiences in ministry, and spiritual journey through Lent as well.
Historical and modern human experiences bear testament to our many encounters with empty-place moments and our instinctive quest to fill the void with something. Devil offers temptations to fill our emptiness with ungodly distractions, mirroring the legend of Robert Johnson, the Mississippi blues musician's alleged trade of his soul for unparalleled talent at the crossroads in the wilderness.
We often find ourselves confronted by fears, fears that make us feel alone, fears that drive us to give in to temptation, fears that make us doubt our faith. But the ironic part is there's no space truly empty, because we are never alone - a lesson directly from Jesus's journey in the wilderness. Our shared faith, collective worship, and the sacrament of Holy Communion all affirm this. Ultimately, it's understanding that Jesus's presence fills every empty place in our lives with His divine love, grace, forgiveness, and peace that allow us to journey faithfully through the wilderness of Lent and life.
Together in faith, we overcome fears, filling our emptiness not with worldly power or self-importance but with Jesus. That's the true power of belief - the answer to our existential questions, enabling us to journey through this world faithfully. Hence, we must always bear in mind - we are never alone. To this truth, we thank God. Amen.
In this powerful sermon, we delve into the significance of mountaintop experiences in Scripture, focusing on the extraordinary transfiguration of Jesus. We journey to a moment when Jesus was transfigured before the eyes of his disciples, Peter, James, and John on a high mountain, unveiling his divine glory through an immense glow from his clothes, conversations with Moses and Elijah, and the audible affirmation of His divine sonship by God Himself. This episode explores how mountaintop experiences were not just moments of divine revelation, but also a preparation guide for significant missions. From Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt to Jesus propelling His disciples into a mission of redemption, each encounter provided divine direction and equipped leaders for their upcoming tasks. We examine the influences of these moments, revealing the essence of divine presence and mission field that they encapsulate. This sermon concludes with an assuring message for the future, emphasizing that no matter what uncertainties lie ahead, we can trust that Jesus walks with us down the mountain and into the future.
In this episode, we follow Jesus and his disciples as they navigate their spiritual journey, witnessing miracles and confronting pressures of the world along the way. This compelling narrative begins with Jesus leaving the synagogue to enter the house of Simon and Andrew. Here, we find Simon's mother-in-law, ill with fever. In a striking act of kindness, Jesus takes her by the hand, lifts her up, and the fever departs from her, illustrating the power of faith and the transforming love of God.
As the evening approaches, the scene shifts as the whole city gathers around, each person beset with illness or afflicted by demons. Undeterred by the tumult, Jesus extends his healing powers, curing many of their diseases, and exorcising demons. In these remarkable acts, we see Jesus's compassion and the divine powers entrusted upon him. Yet amidst the miracles, an important message resonates, reminding us of the true essence of the gospel.
Following the tumultuous events, Jesus retreats to a deserted place to seek solace and to pray, which links to the contemporary concept of 'forest bathing'. Similar to this mindful practice amidst nature, Jesus's retreat into the wilderness is viewed as a means to reconnect with God and restore spiritual equilibrium. Herein, we uncover the age-old wisdom about seeking spiritual restoration amidst nature, away from the sensory overstimulation that typically engulfs human civilization.
The frantic quest of the disciples to find Jesus in the wilderness captures the worldly temptation of busyness that often distracts us from the peace and wholeness offered by God. This episode calls out the perils of being bound to the pressures of worldly gains, material possessions, and social status while losing sight of spiritual well-being.
In the end, the narrative returns to an image of selfless service, distinguishing it from work—a profound distinction that stems from one's connection with God. The gospel concludes with a beautiful image of restoration and resurrection, which allows Peter's mother-in-law to serve selflessly. This transformation into a life of service, which bears witness to the gospel, is what every encounter with Jesus invites us to.
Ultimately, the message implores us to seek wholeness and restoration in God and resist the world's temptations to busyness and distraction. By carving out moments of silence, by taking a restful walk in the wilderness, or by experiencing the healing wonders of 'forest bathing', we can open our heart to God's love, embrace the message of resurrection, and transform our lives into a meaningful service of others.
Today we celebrate Christmas Eve with the re-telling of the Christmas story for our 11:00 am family service. Join us as our children gather around the steps for the re-telling of this beautiful story.
Today our special guest is Hannah Nadeau Girón from GRACES. To learn more about GRACEs please visit their website www.wearegraces.org
This week we have a special speaker. Please take some time to listen to Emmette Thompson and his ministry with Mission of Hope. For more information please visit www.missionofhope.org
Our first Sunday with Interim Senior Pastor Greg Williams takes us into a study of the book of Habakkuk.
Blessing of Backpacks and Installation of the new Child Development Center Executive Director.
Today we confirm seven confirmands at St. John's. Enjoy the story of their journey with God in today's broadcast.
Rev. Dr. Mary Shore of LTSS joins us this week as we continue our study in Acts and also celebrate new members joining the church!
Thank you for joining us in this years Easter Service. Our Gospel this week is John 20:1-18.
Christ is Risen Alleluia!
This week we are celebrate the installation of our two new Pastor Lori Carter and James Demmel. In Pastor Rhodes sermon we dive into John 12 learning that Judas willfully misinterprets as waste Mary’s extravagant act of anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume. Jesus recognizes that her lavish gift is both an expression of love and an anticipation of his burial.
This week Pastor Lori Carter shares with us her very first sermon as a Pastor at St. John's. Pastor Lori continues would lenten walk through the book of Luke.
Pastor James Demmel shares with us his first sermon on staff at St. John's. We continue our journey through Luke this advent season with today's Gospel reading Luke 13:1-9.
Today Pastor Rhodes continues our journey through the book of Luke referencing a feeling of "nostalgia".
Guest Speaker Debbie Martin Purpur joins us today and talks about the many gifts God has given us.
All Earth is Hopeful
Summary: November 28 is the first Sunday Advent, which means it’s also the first Sunday of the church year. It’s also the day we’ll begin our year-long study of the Gospel of Luke, beginning — surprise — with the first verse of the first chapter which talks about the “first” witnesses to the Gospel. What are you hoping during this season of “firsts”? The story of Zechariah may well help you out.
Today is Reformation Sunday! Pastor Rhodes talks with us about some people (including Martin Luther) who have changed the world.
Join us this week as Former Bishop of the North Carolina ELCA Rev. Dr. Leonard Bolick shares with us the story of Bartimaeus receiving his sight.
This week Pastor Rhodes uses text from Matthew 10:35-45 to discuss... who are you Adam 1 or Adam 2?
This week our guest speaker Marvin Moore. Marvin is the Principal of Salisbury High School and talks with us about "the least of these".
"The disciples are arguing again." What is it that causes such argument among Christians? Pastor Rhodes walks through chapter 9 of Mark's gospel as we wrestle with that very question.
Please join us this week as we say goodbye to Pastor Laura Henrik. Pastor Laura speaks on Romans 8.
Confirmation Service 2021. We Celebrate with 15 confirmands this week as they share their faith statements with us.
Confirmation Service 2021. We Celebrate with 15 confirmands this week as they share their faith statements with us.
Summary: During the Olympics this past week, we were unexpectedly forced to deal with some pretty serious issues of mental health, an issue that has been tucked in the closet for far too long. This week we encounter the prophet Elijah’s struggle with mental health and God’s gentle but profound way of helping him deal with it.
There’s no doubt the stories of the Bible can sometimes feel like a soap opera. That’s definitely the case this week, as Herod and his niece-wife -- upset about their spat with John the Baptist over marital fidelity -- demand that his head be brought to their party guests on a silver platter. How are we to manage conflict and disagreement with one another? Even today, how are we to remain faithful and focused amidst such prideful, crazy drama?
Join us in our Celebration of Liberty worship this week as Pastor Rhodes focuses on what it means to be free.
Here’s the brief summary: After a season of disappointment and despair, Pastor Rhodes reminds us of God’s promise, wrapped up in Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may endure with the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
Pastor Laura continues our study through the Gospel of Mark with the story of Jesus calming the storm.
Pastor Laura preaches from Mark 3:19b-30 as Jesus comes under pressure early in his ministry.
For the final week of Easter, Pastor Laura takes a look at part of Jesus’ prayer in the garden.
"I am the vine, you are the branches." Pastor Rhodes explores this text with us this week.
This week's theme is "Just keep swimming" as we join the St. John's Youth in their leading of worship.
Peter thought his story ended with an empty net. Jesus had so much more in store for him ... and for you.
This week we join with millions of believers around the world in celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Christ is risen! he is risen indeed! Alleluia!
This week Pastor Rhodes wraps up our five week series on Essential Practices of the Christian life. We dive into the gospel of Matthew and learn about sharing.
Pastor Laura looks at the faithful curiosity of Nicodemus to help encourage us in our own faith journey.
In today’s sermon, Pastor Rhodes tackles the 2nd of 5 essential practices of a Christian: Serving.
Pastor Laura explores Matthew 4:1-11 and what the temptation of Jesus has to tell us about our life of worship.
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Rhodes continues our study of the first chapter of Mark, where we uncover those things that are most important to Jesus — his priorities, values, and deep concerns. As we learn to follow Jesus, it makes sense to care about the things he cared about most. “Be like … Jesus!”
Continuing in our study of Mark 1, Pastor Rhodes talks about authority in our lives. Who do you want to have authority in your life?
This week Pastor Laura continue our study through Mark and talks with us about discipleship.
In the 1st chapter of Mark’s gospel, the Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness. Odd, isn’t it? … unless you consider all that we can learn from Jesus about life in the wilderness. Is it only a place of despair, or can it be preparation for new life?
It feels like we need a reset button. As we begin this new year, Pastor Rhodes reconnects us with the foundational principles of our faith, upon which our hope is built. Our readings: Isaiah 40:28-31 and Mark 1:9-11.
As we continue the in the Season of Christmas, Pastor Laura walks with us through John chapter 1.
{astor Rhodes and Pastor Laura talk with us about the meaning and history of Chrismons and some of the favorites.
Pastor Laura preaches on Luke 1:39-56 and the beautiful relationship of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her cousin, Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.
“Joseph was a righteous man” (Matthew 1:19). There’s so little we know about Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. But this one verse — this one word — might be all we need to know. How might Joseph be a model for our journey to Bethlehem? That’s what Pastor Rhodes unpacks in this week’s sermon.
It seems odd to preach a sermon about John the Baptist 3 weeks before Christmas. He wasn’t even there that first Christmas night! But John’s message invites us into a different way of preparing for Christmas. “Prepare the way for the Lord. Make your hearts ready for him. Straighten the crooked paths of this world, loose the bonds that hold people back, proclaim the Good News far and wide.” In this week’s sermon, Pastor Rhodes reminds us to prepare our hearts with the same urgency that we prepare our homes.
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Rhodes lifts up St. Paul’s call for us to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). It’s interesting that he doesn’t say “rejoice when you have something to rejoice” but to “rejoice … always.” Is that possible? That’s what we’ll be focusing on this Thanksgiving Sunday.
In this Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Rhodes tackles the Parable of the Talents. You might be surprised at how valuable a single talent is … but you should never be surprised at the incredible value of God’s great gift of grace.
Pastor Laura explores what faithful and active readiness means as we await God’s kingdom.
“Present.” During the All Saints Litany, names will be read of those St. John’s members who have died since last All Saints Day. As each name is read, the congregation whispers “present.” The tradition dates to Nicaragua in the 1980s when the political revolution led to the deaths of many Christians. In worship the names of the dead would be voiced and the congregation would say with one voice, “present.” The statement was a way for these grieving Christians to say that their loved ones were still present with them. Indeed, as we whisper “present” we proclaim the reality of the Communion of Saints.
Pastor Rhodes speaks on Martin Luther and the Reformation, but also challenges us to be giants in our own circles.
Guest Pastor Emily Norris explores Matthew 22:15-22 and the idea of being citizens of the world and of God’s kingdom.
This consecration Sunday we welcome Bishop Tim Smith. Bishop Smith grew up in St. John's and is currently the Bishop of the North Carolina Synod of the ELCA.
Bishop Smith preaches from Matthew 22:1-14 and talks to us about how do we respond? In our stubborn corkiness or rejoicing in joyful effervescence.
This Sunday, we took a dive into one of those Jesus-stories that’s just, well, doggone tricky. It’s often called the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (from Matthew 21), but Pastor Rhodes renames it the Parable of Me, a Laborer in the Vineyard. In this sermon, we uncover some core truths about God and about ourselves.
Sometimes our priorities get messed up in the hustle and bustle of life. This week, Pastor Laura will use Jesus’ encounter with the money changers in the Temple to ask the question, “How do we prioritize and make room for God in our lives?”
What are three of the most-used words in the English language? “I love you”? Maybe … but probably, “That’s not fair!” This Sunday, Pastor Rhodes takes an honest look at how fairness is addressed in the Bible and the devastating affect it can have on our relationships if we’re not careful. Join us this Sunday for powerful worship, beautiful music, and an abundance of God’s amazing grace.
We celebrate the First Communion of ten this Sunday. Pastor Laura will focus on meals that Jesus shared during his life and ministry as we meet Jesus through the simplicity of bread and wine.
“And a little child will lead them.” It’s as beautiful a phrase as there is in scripture ... but are we ready to turn it all over to children? What might Jesus mean? Come to worship this Sunday for an inspiring message, encouraging music, and a time to pray for all of God’s creation. Join us! +Pastor Rhodes
After a week of stress and challenge, we’re eager to share with you a message of hope. Join us in worship this week as we do just that — with special music from Hannah Adair, a powerful reading from Roger Alexander, and a sermon that looks carefully at what it means to be a ROCK, not a stumbling block. Join us! +Pastor Rhodes
We have all been given a name, and throughout our lives, we are given a couple more. Why are names so important? This week, Pastor Laura looks at Matthew 16:13-20 to explore what Jesus’ name and identity mean to us today.
It’s training camp season for football and for disciples. And the first place Jesus takes them is ...... enemy territory. What’s up with that? Join us this Sunday for inspiring worship, beautiful music, and a message that will bring you hope and courage. +Pastor Rhodes
Have you ever been knocked to the ground? Sure you have. What gave you the courage to stand up again? This week in worship, we hear the story of Peter who collapsed into the stormy waters faithlessness. What gave him the courage to stand up again? Join us this Sunday for inspiring music, powerful prayer, and a story that will give you reason to hope again. +Pastor Rhodes
This Sunday, we honor our high school Class of 2020 with song, prayer, and one of the most familiar stories in scripture: when Jesus feeds 5000 with five loaves and two fish. What seems so little becomes so much. Hmmm, I wonder what our grads — and all of us — can learn from that beautiful lesson? Hope you’ll join us! +Pastor Rhodes
What is the kingdom of God like? This week, we will discover new words for the way God is at work in the world ... and it might just look like a post-it note! This week Pastor Danielle DeNise will be returning as our guest preaching pastor.
This Sunday, join Pastor Danielle DeNise, as we explore the reality that weeds grow – why can’t God give us a garden without them? What are the weeds in your life that are choking out God’s abundant life? Where is life thriving?
This Sunday, Pastor Rhodes explores a very familiar parable of a sower and the seed (Matthew 13). There’s a critical problem with the story, unfortunately — a problem that might help us face the challenges of today. Join us online or live for this timely message.
Jesus makes a two part invitation in Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 to a fuller life in Christ. This Sunday, Pastor Laura will help breakdown the familiar verse so that we can follow Jesus more fully.
Join us for our online Celebration of Liberty service this Sunday at 11 am. You’ll enjoy dramatic readings, special music by Alex Yost, a team of vocalists guiding us through some of our favorite hymns, and a special message by Pastor Rhodes titled, “What does it really mean to be free?”
From the moment we are born, we learn to fear the world around us. Fear becomes the driving force of many of our decisions, our economy, and our politics. How do we live into Jesus‘ command to “have no fear“? Join us this Sunday, as we dive into that very question. +Pastor Rhodes
Is the glass half empty or half full? Sometimes, we get stuck in the negative. Jesus has a different idea for us. This Sunday, we will take a look at Matthew 9:35-10:8, focusing in on the harvest. Come hear the Good News of God’s kingdom and change the way you look at the world.
This Sunday in worship, we join together with a variety of community leaders and our own presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, in praying for peace and God’s presence in these challenging times. We know you will be encouraged and blessed as we lean into God, our hope and our strength. Join us. Pastor Rhodes
We began this week with unsettling images of police violence and reactive protests around the country. The story of Pentecost is unsettling, too, as an unexpected and mighty wind blew through Jerusalem. Pastor Rhodes explores how this 2000-year-old story powerfully impacts us even now.
Our reading this Sunday is particularly interesting, as Peter asks “Now what? What does it look like to live the life of Christ?” The disciples stood on the mountain that day gazing into heaven, surely wondering “Now what?” Do you wonder the same thing every now and then? I do. Let’s explore that question together in worship this Sunday.
This Sunday, our sermon continues our look at 1 Peter 3:8-22. What gives us the strength to continue to live a holy life even in the midst of suffering and adversity? How can we live up to the sometimes unreachable standard that Jesus laid out for us? Hint: It has to do with water and babies. Come hear how our baptism is foundational for our life in Christ, even those unreachable standard!
This week we’ll continue our journey through 1 Peter, focusing on the phrase, ”let yourselves be built into a spiritual house.” How can we take advantage of this unusual time period? One idea: focus on the things that matter. It just might end up being the most important time of your life. .
Cabin fever. You know what I mean by that, right? Over the next four weeks, we are going to dive into 1 Peter, a brilliant, short letter written to people who were struggling for one reason or another. The question they ask is one that’s perfect for us, as well: How can we be holy people despite our suffering?
“But we had hoped...” The Easter season brings with it raw and real stories of people just like you and me trying to make sense of what a resurrected Jesus means for the world. We learn this week in our Gospel that a resurrected Jesus means we do not walk alone. It makes us ask the questions, “Are we able to recognize Jesus beside of us?”
This week we encounter the story of Thomas who, a week after Jesus resurrection, was still doubtful that it ever happened. The exchange between the two is fascinating … and does it make us think that maybe Jesus doesn’t see doubt as a distraction, but as an essential part of our faith journey.
This Easter Sunday Morning, We join Pastor Rhodes in celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Our Gospel reading comes from John 20:1-18.
Pastor Rhodes and Pastor Laura lead us through Palm Sunday in this Narrative based worship service. This week is special because we are featuring the full service and not just the sermon. Enjoy our walk through the streets of Jerusalem as we enter Holy Week.
Pastor Rhodes addresses the toughest “forgiveness story” of them all: when Jesus is on the cross and says, “Father, forgive them.” How are we to imitate such an extreme act of forgiveness?
Pastor Laura continues our lenten sermon series on "forgiveness". This week we focus in on Jesus' sayings about loving and praying for your enemy.
Pastor Rhodes continues our series titled Forgiveness: the most beautiful word. Using a classic text from 2 Corinthians 5, he explores the distinction between reconciliation and forgiveness, and why understanding both can make all the difference in the world.
Slapped across our identity is the word “forgiven.” Think about that for a moment. “Forgiven” isn’t something you earn; it’s something you are. Pastor Rhodes explores how our identify as God’s forgiven children compels us to respond in our daily lives. Matthew 18:21-35