First Lutheran Sermons: Recent Episodes
First Lutheran Church
Pr. Katie & Pr. Craig talk about the unifying powers of the Christian Church from the book of Galatians the uniting power of Baptism as we've done a lot of them lately! And Bob Koenig gives an update on the schedule and budget of our ongoing renovations.
Pr. Craig teaches the Penn State football team how our losses shape our victory which is ultimately what Christ does by using the "loss" of the defeat on the cross to shape the victory of the empty tomb and new life.
Pr. Katie and Pr. Craig muse if kindness is a foreign tongue today and if so, how might it be our call to "speak in tongues" to the world around us spreading Christ's love and light.
Pr. Craig & Pr. Katie chat about practical steps we can take to follow Jesus' advice to build unity in order to inspire others while Dir. of Support Services Bob Koenig gives us an update on our construction now underway to renovate our building from bottom to top.
This Memorial Day weekend Pr. Katie asks us to think about those who served and sacrificed for our peaceful freedom but also to remember that our true peace that surpasses all understanding comes from above.
Spiritual Director Deborah Hansen shares the wisdom she's learned over a lifetime of listening to God and others as she prepares to say good-bye to First Lutheran while Pr. Katie breaks down the theology of what happens when people part, especially our graduates and their families.
FLC Member and first year teacher Kirsten Hermstad chats with Pr. Craig about creation, life, death, and the advancements coming in teaching science to the next generation.
Jesus reclaims Peter back into the fold by forgiving him the exact number of times Peter betrayed Jesus. Pr. Steve says this is a good example of how our stumbles along the way can have the biggest impact in our journey how God ultimately shapes our good news we share with others.
After Jesus' resurrection Thomas gives the strongest profession of faith in the entire Bible. So why do we stick him with the nickname "Doubting Thomas?" Pr. Craig tells Pr. Steve our entire experience in life depends how we spin it as we begin a new worship series with the focus "And Now the Good News."
As bad as things seem to be getting in our world, nevertheless the resurrection at Easter is about to change everything. Pr. Steve, Pr. Katie, and Pr. Craig ponder the mysteries of God at work in our world this Holy Week.
Pr. Steve describes step-by-step the passionate depths that God in Christ is willing to go for each of us over the next week starting on Palm Sunday while Pr. Craig looks into what other churches are doing to allow you to leave the phone on the hook and just simply send a text into the church.
Pr. Craig is floored how a contestant on the TV show Survivor is willing to risk a million dollars for a personal relationship. Perhaps just as wild as Mary dumping a year's salary worth of perfume on Jesus' feet to show her love for him. Discover what situation you feel it's ok to extravagantly spend money on someone in this week's Faith First podcast.
In the 100th episode of the Faith First podcast we talk with special guest Bishop Amy Current about the future of the church and Pr. Steve and Pr. Craig take you inside the numbers and count down your Top 10 favorite episodes so far.
How long do you let something good that is seemingly no good? Pr. Craig & Pr. Steve ponder what Jesus was trying to tell us about NOT cutting down a lifeless tree and how we might learn about God's grace for us and our call to have mercy on others.
Cedar Rapids Superintendent Dr. Tawana Grover chats with Pr. Craig about possibly renovating McKinley Middle School while Pr. Steve proposes a new way for us to wait for God to fulfill God's promises.
Do you know who studied with artist Grant Wood? FLC Members Tom Olmstead and Susan Padget's grandfather, that's who! Find out his connection to our church and learn how Jesus is able to avoid temptation as we begin to Hunger for God.
Nancy Scheumann talks about her call to bring light into the darkness to families dealing with child abuse while Pr. Steve wrestles with more challenging words from Jesus to us to "Do unto others as you would have them do to you."
Henry & Ellen Mueller share some exciting news they believe will help our church grow young while Pr. Craig lets you in on his his secret to how he always wins The Game of Life and how that might run opposite to how Jesus warns us to live in the scripture know as the Beatitudes.
FLC Member Marcia Ziemer shares how God is calling her at her job at TransAmerica while Jesus reaches beyond the chosen peoples' borders and Pr. Craig desperately seeks a sermon to call his own.
FLC Member Kristin Wolfe shares her story how she sees God moving in her life as a school teacher, Mom, and person of faith while Pr. Steve talks about proclaiming Christ to people in our midst.
Fireplace Installer Jason Shire shares the ways God has called him and continues to work through him as a dad, a business owner, and a person of faith while Pr. Katie shares the faith in the everyday of a house blessing and a wedding party as we continue to study what it means to follow Jesus everywhere.
Pr. Craig opens up about his struggles to see God's purpose for his life as a news reporter as we all ponder where God may be guiding us professionally. Plus Daniel Luepke stops by with an update on his pastor training and a listener shares an inspirational Christmas story.
Did God call you to do your current job? Pr. Craigponders the question with special guest Dr. Craig Nessan as Pr. Steveintroduces us to our new worship series “Follow Jesus Everywhere.”
Pr. Steve shares deeper insights into his Christmas Eve message while FLC Member Stephanie Phelps tells us what's it's like to play elf to 150 kids in need.
Pr. Craig teaches us about how John the Baptist's parents spoke truth into his life at a young age and how that might have given him courage to pave the way for Christ while FLC Member Doug Pauls describes the method to his madness of creating 1,500 Jesse Tree blocks.
Pr. Katie ponders God's choosing of David, a young boy who shepherds sheep, to rise to greatness.. He falters but God still uses the imperfect person to guide God's people, eventually giving us the line that produces Christ, the savior of the world.
We examine what Joseph and the Colorful Coat can teach us in an era of football brawls, family division, and political retribution.
Pr. Katie describes the first story of "The Jesse Tree" and the hope we find in creation and we hear from you what you all are thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Pr. Steve describes the hope we have in Jesus who sprouts forth from a seemingly hopeless situation while Will Mittelsteadt runs down the plethora of opportunities for us to bask in the birth of our savior.
On this episode our Pastors dig into what it means to be "Salt and Light" on earth today; bringing a zest and vibrancy as we welcome people like Christ.
Pr. Craig asks for help from Pr. Steve & Pr. Katie to take a closer look at his favorite scripture, the Prodigal Son. How big can God's welcome get for us? The three take a deep dive into the answer.
Pr. Steve, Marita, & Pr. Craig all describe what All Hollow's Eve (Halloween) and All Saints Day mean for eternally for each of us to experience God's Welcome in Christ and how we can live out that call to welcome others with the same confidence that Christ welcomes us.
Visitation Chaplain Sheila Anderson shares some inspiring stories of home visits during a massive home communion effort while Pr. Steve talks about the Holy Spirit's work in our 9th graders affirming their Baptism this coming weekend.
Are there any bad chairs that don't belong at Christ's Holy Communion table? Pr. Craig talks about a failed attempt to save chairs from the landfill as we ponder our role in the mission to Build a Bigger Table where all have a seat. Also Deb Hansen invites you to pray for for peace for our upcoming Presidential election at a brand new style of prayer service on Oct. 31.
Is there a wrong way for a church to do Communion? Pr. Katie & Pr. Craig ponder Paul's harsh words to a church for not partaking in Communion in a God-honoring way. Find out how they messed up and what we can do to get it right on this week's episode.
Why do we say the Lord's Prayer before every time we gather for communion when Jesus likely didn't say it before his Last Supper with his friends? Pr. Craig & Pr. Steve ponder giving thanks before we eat and the forgiveness it brings while Jasmine Wu announces a special distinction for First Lutheran Church as we get ready to battle hunger with another great CROP walk.
Does God loves us DESPITE us? Pr. Steve & Pr. Craig ponder the question of what God gives us in Holy Communion in exchange for our own death and sinfulness.
If Christ is in heaven seated at the right hand of the Father as scripture tells us, how can he be in the bread, let alone live in our hearts? Pr. Craig & Pr. Katie answer the question "Where is Jesus" when we take Holy Communion today.
Pr. Steve and Pr. Craig talk about how unworthy all of the disciples were to receive the very first Holy Communion, yet Christ still showed them grace and fed them. How much more will Christ welcome us?
Pr. Steve teaches us how Jesus models giving thanks to God and then encourages us to give our thanks away to people in need while Tonya Trudo addresses the reason for a burst of applause at the end of a worship service this week.
Tanya Rosenkranz Malloy & Pr. Katie talk about the reasoning behind the decision to shake up our Wednesday night schedule to better spiritually serve families in our ever changing world, then Pr. Katie chats with Pr. Craig about our final message in our Turning Points series, one of the most dramatic turning points in the Bible.
New Members Pat Young and Connie Robertson give us some tips on how to help those navigating our church for the first time and Pr. Steve focuses us on what's important as we prepare to gather for a Big Tent Celebration this weekend.
Find out why New York Times Best Selling Author Daniel Kraus calls his new book Whalefall "the most spiritual and meaningful book I've ever written," how it ties into the book of Jonah, and how the story might just give you hope in a dark time.
Pr. Craig describes how his childhood friend and New York Times Best Selling Author Daniel Kraus's book, Whalefall, is connected to the story of God guiding Jonah and to the story of God guiding us.
Pr. Katie talks about the destruction of the first temple and God turning what should have been the end of the story to the beginning. The people of God no longer hold sacred a building, but a savior.
Pr. Steve, Pr. Katie, & Pr. Craig describe thecontroversy of deception and stealing happening in the church in 1 Samuel thatled God to call upon a youth to lead the church back to good standing on thisweek’s Faith First podcast.
Special Guest Pr. Trish Decker of Gloria Dei Lutheran engages in a heartfelt conversation with Pr. Craig about the current challenging climate we live in and the courageous choice Ruth made to not only listen but to follow a person with different ideology than hers. Plus Young Adult William Wicks introduces us to some international friends who are teaching our children this week.
Pr. Katie dives into the story of Lydia, a faithful leader of a different kind in the Bible while she and Michael Beckmann guide our children and youth to special faith experiences to shape their hearts and minds towards Christ developing them as leaders of today's ever-changing church.
Pr. Craig muses with Pr. Steve why God would go to such great lengths such as parting an entire sea to deliver God's people into freedom and create a new nation on the weekend we celebrate the birth of our own nation and gift of freedom in America.
Pr. Steve describes Moses meeting God in a burning bush as entering a razor thin area between heaven and earth known as a "liminal space" and says we can have those encounters too while Suah Borsay talks about clothing 593 babies at a time halfway across the world with your help.
Pr. Katie describes a wrestling match Jacob has with God and how such divine encounters can turn our humiliation into humbleness.
Pr. Steve & Pr. Craig talk about Fatherhood through the lens of the "father of many nations," Abraham while Pr. Katie shares great news about kids finding Jesus.
Brett & Marita Wolgast open up about their relationship as they prepare to mark their 40th anniversary this summer while Pr. Steve and Bruce Lindholm prepare the congregation for a pivotal vote on the building project.
Cedar Rapids Mayor and FLC Member Tiffany O'Donnell gives her church the inside scoop as to what the city is doing to replace First Ave. Hy-Vee and Pr. Steve & Pr. Craig discuss our new worship series "Turning Points."
Pr. Steve ponders if Jesus was just a human like us with comic book superpowers...or was their possible more to him? Meanwhile, High School Senior Maya Carstensen gives her thoughts on graduation, the state of the church, and a recent touching experience in worship.
Pr. Steve, Pr. Craig & Deborah Hansen discuss leadership and how the Spirit guides both our actions as a church and our individual futures as people.
Pr. Craig & Pr. Steve talk about the significance of Christ choosing a person outside of his circle to reveal himself to the world and what effect that has on you and me to be the best neighbors to people who don't look like us or act like us. Plus Brett & Marita Wolgast gear up the choir for Jolly Old England.
Pr. Katie chats about the story of Jesus calling the children to him and our call to prioritize youth and young families everywhere in the church while Maddy gives us an opportunity to spring forward in our faith.
Deborah & Pr. Craig reflect on our massive meal packing event and talk about growing young to fuel a warm community welcome to people of all ages.
Pr. Katie describes why it's important to our youth that our church take Jesus' message seriously as Deb & Pr. Craig take stock in what our church is getting right.
Lexi Kline describes growing up in the church today while Pr. Steve gives us his take on empathizing with today's youth.
Ruby kicks off our week of youth-led pray-ers while Pr. Steve and Pr. Craig begin our 6-week look at how we can become a church that is Growing Young. Jesus passes the keys to Peter in today's story as we're challenged to share the keys of our church with our capable youth.
Pr. Steve and Pr. Craig walk us down the road Jesus journeyed through worship from Palm Sunday to Easter known as Holy Week while Maddy Newhouse talks about the massive volunteer effort it takes to make it all happen.
Deborah Hansen and Pr. Craig Brown plan to switch things up with an interactive look at Christ's passion story and Pr. Ryan Roth-Klinck challenges us to grow our passion for the poor.
Pr. Steve teaches us about Jesus' challenge to us to love our uncomfortable neighbor as we look for your feedback about possibly building a new front door of the church open to all our neighbors.
Pr. Leroy Bradway teaches us the first step to being in a relationship with others in the church is learning to trust as Jesus trusts us and Michelle Kline tells us a way we can help others by packing Meals from the Heartland.
Meet New Ministry Engagement Coordinator Maddy Newhouse and be inspired by the powerful personal testimony of Aaron Amundson from Willis Dady as we learn what it means to be the body of Christ.
Deborah Hanson stops by to discuss how grieving can be healthy for us while Pr. Steve talks about worshipping God with your whole soul.
Laura Draeger shares the meaning behind filling cups for communion while Pr. Katie & Pr. Steve discuss how God will fill our cup with God's love this Lent.
Pr. Craig explains Christ teaches us how spouses should love each other sacrificially while Deborah Hansen talks about the importance of prayer in all relationships.
Pr. Steve Knudson and Bob Koenig break down the numbers and the story behind the story of the past year and calculate what that might mean for God's mission for all of us in an exciting year ahead.
Pr. Anna Peck and Jean Kvach drop their well-earned wisdom on us about our active senior ministry while Pr. Steve delivers his wit on the ups and downs of faith.
What does God's voice sound like to you? Pr. Steve ponders the question and Pr. Craig updates on his mom as life returns to FLC after a week of snow and cold.
Michael Beckmann talks about a workshop to learn your Enneagram number while Pr. Katie invites us to take a pause as did the magi when they saw a sign from God.
Deborah Hansen celebrates the Swiss New Year, she and Pr. Craig share their "one word" for 2024, and Pr. Steve and Daniel Luepke talk about the wisdom of Simeon and Anna.
Pr. Craig tells us why we as Christians always come back to where it all started at Christmas and Pr. Steve gives a sneak peek at our leadership goals for 2024.
Young Adult Hannah Beckmann talks about what's important about the faith to young people today while Pr. Craig encourages us to share authority especially our young people.
Pr. Steve teaches us how Christ brings peace at Christmas while podcast favorite Deb Hansen chats about how we care for people for who the season isn't always peaceful.
Stephen Ministers Char Wueve and Chris Maakestad discus waiting with people going through challenges while Pr. Jonathan Heifner teaches us how Christ's message about our wait can help lower our anxiety about our situation.
Ruth Ehrhardt, Diane Selk, and Pr. Steve dish about their favorite Thanksgiving foods and talk about our call to feed the hungry on this special holiday episode.
Pr. Steve unlocks a key parable for us. Hint: it's all about our attitude! Also seminarian Daniel Luepke talks about the future of the church.
Jason Shire, Andy Osterkamp rap with Pr. Craig about one of the hardest demographics to reach in the church today while Pr. Steve talks about the modern miracle of God multiplying what we have to offer.
Church Members share their excitement around our $100 bill challenge while Pr. Steve opens up about grief and shares a deeper meaning to the word "good-bye."
Pr. Craig quizzes Pr. Steve on texting shorthand and the two discuss how Baptism calls us to ABR...Always Be Reforming while Will Mittelsteadt talks about an upcoming art show to help a family in our church.
Deborah Hansen and Pr. Craig discuss what should be our response as baptized Christians to what we are witnessing in the Holy Land and what our church specifically is doing to follow the call of Christ.
Tanzanian Pr. Elineema Mndeme teaches us to let our light shine in Baptism as Dr. Brett Wolgast talks about an upcoming concert at FLC by a national organist he shares the same award with.
Pr. Katie & Pr. Craig riff about the strangest baptisms they've taken part in while Pr. Steve gets us excited for our guests coming from halfway around the world.
Pr. Steve teaches how the Holy Spirit (sometimes known as the shy person of our Triune God) seals the deal at our baptism.
Pr. Craig talks about the powerful words we confess every time there is a Baptism and how our fate is cemented to Christ for all time while Deborah Hansen chats about the Life of the Beloved.
Tanzania Travelers Julie and Lou Banker talk about their faith-expanding adventure overseas to reconnect with our siblings in Christ while Seminarian Daniel Luepke preaches about the promises we all make in Baptism.
As we dip our toes into the waters of our Baptism Pr. Craig has us ponder the deep ocean of possibilities before us while Pr. Katie shares ways we can jump in as we start a new worship series and all-church study.
Susan Padget and Karen Seavy describe how FLC provides comfort to people in need all across the world while Pr. Steve wrestles with Christ's challenge to Peter and us of what it means to follow him.
Pr. Craig opens up about the heavy weight of the call to be a pastor and all of our shared responsibilities holding Christ's keys to forgiveness while Pr. Steve lays out a road map for a new mission statement.
Special Guest Pr. Trish Decker chats with Pr. Craig about a surprise twist ending in scripture while Doug Pauls lays out where we might be heading as a church.
Does trusting in God sometimes mean us just staying in the boat? Or do we get out there and take matters into our own hands? Pr. Steve ponders as he preps for his latest sermon while Pr. Craig and Deborah prepare for us to "Jump In" to life together this fall.
The RAGBRAI community comes to the aid of a fallen rider and Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell discusses our call to help the least of these in our city.
Look up! Pr. Craig tells us where to spot our giant FLC billboard this summer and riffs with Pr. Katie about the Jesus' many kingdom analogies.
Jake Stigers and Jenny Bosking share a few laughs with Pr. Craig about their joy and call to hand out toiletries to people in need while Dr. Troy Troftgruben talks about the historical significance of Martin Luther translating the Bible into the people's language.
Cindy Shadrick talks about meeting Dolly Parton, teaching people to sing, and her call to share the faith through her amazing voice at FLC. Pr. Katie sows some seeds of scripture and Deborah Hansen prays for you.
Dir. of Spiritual Formation Deborah Hansen chats about what's in the works for this fall and Pr. Steve and Pr. Craig wrestle with a person's deep question of spirituality.
Pr. Katie describes her best week ever as Pr. Steve dig's in to God's word for our daily lives.
Pr. Katie talks about getting to the other side of conflict while Dr. Jorie and Bob Koenig dream about Renewing God's House again.
Pr. Steve talks about one of his greatest mentors this Father's Day while Michael Beckman gives us the skinny on our once-a-month summer Wednesday night worship services.
Pr. Steve mulls over Jesus' challenge to truly welcome all people and give them each what they need while Brett & Marita Wolgast give us the scoop about our upcoming summer concerts.
Wellington Heights Community Church Pr. Keeyon Carter and FLC Council Member Tonya Trudo discuss what we are doing together as people of faith to promote racial justice in our community.
Worship Artists Dee Anderson, Dawn Hysler, & Will Mittelsteadt marvel at how art can bring people to faith while Pr. Steve chats about Israel and the Word of God.
Martha Bonte and Nancy Pugh talk about their life-altering trip to the Holy Land, Michael Beckmann reflects on graduation, Pr. Katie prays for you, and Pr. Craig takes your questions.
Tanya Rosenkranz-Malloy describes the magic of reaching little kids’ hearts through music and Spiritual Director Deborah Hansen chats with Pr. Craig about the Engagement Task Force.
Special guest Pr. Katie Lowe Lancaster talks about her return to First Lutheran in Cedar Rapids, the challenges of children's ministry coming out of Covid, and busy parents being present with Jesus. Will Mittelsteadt joins Pr. Craig to talk about our engagement initiatives, and we answer your question, "What happens to all those Offering of Gratitude cards?!" Episode One of the Faith First Podcast is here!
Learn about Faith First: a podcast about faith and life created for you by First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Full worship service from Memorial Day Weekend, May 24, 2020.
In the sermon today, Pastor Craig Brown reminds us that God saves us all- even if we feel like a bent, rusty nail. God has a plan for each of us.
Sermon begins at 11:40
Complete Sunday Worship Service from May 17, 2020
Preaching Intern Kirsten Wee "When Things Don't Go as Planned"
Intern Kirsten has a special message for our graduating High School Seniors, for whom their senior year and all the related festivities and goodbyes has not gone as planned. As a High School student in New Orleans, hurricane Katrina had a similar, major impact on intern Kirsten's life; so she can relate to our seniors and God's promise found in the Gospel.
Sermon Begins at 11:11
After the crucifixion, Jesus' followers were feeling worn and dismayed, not sure what would come next; and not unlike we feel in this pandemic.
But, for two of those disciples, Jesus appeared to them as the walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus, and cared for their souls. Jesus can still come into our lives and care for our souls in much the same way today.
1 Peter 2:22-25; John 10:1-10
Jesus said he is the gatekeeper to the father. This pandemic has acted like a funneling through a gate to our lives; narrowing our focus to what matters most.
In these challenging times, may are questioning faith. Is there a higher power, and if so where? He's on the other side of the gate. a shepherd calling to us, his followers.
And, Jesus, the Good Shepherd is right with us through everything calling on us to "come on in".
Theme: God’s Life is for All
1st Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-7. Gospel: John 20:19-31
God’s life is for all. Thomas, one of the disciples, misses out on the Easter resurrection, because he was absent from the disciples. Thomas then expresses doubt at the possibility of new life. The next week Jesus returns, and Thomas finds himself in the embrace of resurrection life. God’s offer of abundant life breaks through our barriers of doubt, wonder, and estrangement.
Jesus, through the raising of Lazarus from the dead is calling us to new life with him. Jesus is calling us to let our bad habits that bring us away from him to die so that we may be able to live a new life that is in deeper relationship with God.
Scriptures: Ezekiel 37:1-14 ; John 11:1-45
God’s restoring work happens through this 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 outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine.
Theme: God’s Life is for All
1st Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-7. Gospel: John 20:19-31
God’s life is for all. Thomas, one of the disciples, misses out on the Easter resurrection, because he was absent from the disciples. Thomas then expresses doubt at the possibility of new life. The next week Jesus returns, and Thomas finds himself in the embrace of resurrection life. God’s offer of abundant life breaks through our barriers of doubt, wonder, and estrangement.
This was our first week of Live streaming and not having a congregation in the church for worship.
Just a note to say our apologies on the audio quality issues; we accidentally sent two signals into the recorder with a slight delay.
Note Sorry we missed an episode! We had technical difficulties with the new audio system and did not get a good recording.
Today’s Gospel recounts Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisee, Nicodemus. Intern Kirsten delves into his background and his mindset; he was not unlike many of ours. She reminds us that God is here for us, seeking us out, ready to give us His boundless love.
Today we say goodbye to FLC’s Director of Spiritual Transformation, Marcie Watson. Pastor Steve reminds us of the key lesson found in the Transfiguration story: the voice of God saying, “Listen to him”. When life moves too fast or times get tough, and we are left waiting in the balance - we need remember to listen and follow Jesus, The Light of God.
After 10 months, we are back in the FLC sanctuary! Pastor Steve KNOWS we will be looking around and not at him. His solution: a guided tour of the new sanctuary that ties in with today’s scripture readings.
Intern Kirsten loves Gumbo from her home town of New Orleans. One essential seasoning: salt. She uses it as a metaphor to remind us that as Jesus said in today’s Gospel taken from the Sermon on the Mount, we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We are charged, out of love for fellow human beings, to open our hearts and minds in service to one another.
Six-year-old Brock Brown probably didn’t realize he was just what a grieving woman needed on flight from Florida to Iowa. Pastor Craig uses this story of his son, supplements it with today’s Gospel and makes these points: we’re a community in Christ, we all have a purpose, and we never know when we’ll be just what someone needs.
Today’s Gospel documents the closing of a dark time In Galilee: the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry as He calls His disciples. Intern Kirsten draws from this a potentially-dark period of her life to make a point: Even in our own dark times, God sees the light within us and calls us – just as we are, despite our many flaws and shortcomings.
Watch the video of this sermon at Youtube.com/firstlutherancr.
Pastor Steve observes that the Big Questions of our lives and our faith don’t change – the answers change. He notes the best way to get those ever-changing answers is with fellow believers, and in prayer and communion. Come. See. Remain.
Today we celebrate Epiphany, when the Magi visited baby Jesus. Intern Kirsten describes exactly who these three men were, how they represented all humankind, and how we, like they, are only human. They needed guidance and so do we, and we always have it.
Pastor Craig tells us Jesus doesn’t ask us to do anything He didn’t do first. Today we celebrate Jesus’ baptism, one of the things He did before we did -- for us, our children and all humankind. When any of us falters in our faith, He will be with us. He’s been there.