St. Mark Lutheran Church: Recent Episodes
St. Mark Lutheran Church
Joy To The World - Romans 15:4-13
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come, Let earth receive her King.” It’s easy to have Joy AFTER we receive. But why do we sing this song BEFORE Jesus arrives? God knows how badly our hearts need hope, and advent is a reminder that hope is always on the way.
This is a part of our sermon series "The Songs of Christmas: Timeless Truth From Your Favorite Carols."
Go Tell It on the Mountain – Psalm 146
“Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.” The message of Christmas is all around us – family, fun, and connection. Our world, however, is desperate for real hope. Who among us needs to hear the truth: that behind all the tradition is an unshakable hope in a shaky world?
This is a part of our sermon series "The Songs of Christmas: Timeless Truth From Your Favorite Carols."
O Little Town Of Bethlehem – Luke 1:46b-55
“No ear may hear his coming but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.” Mary readies herself to meet both her child and her savior with a simple prayer of humility. As we approach Christmas, we must consider how ready our hearts are to let God speak to us.
This is a part of our sermon series "The Songs of Christmas: Timeless Truth From Your Favorite Carols"
"O Come O Come Emmanuel" – Isaiah 2:1-5
"Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel." These words feel so different than the cold, dark season of winter. The promise, however, is clear: God is on the move. Our advent journey leads us to a place of preparation to see what God will do next.
Philippi: More Like Christ – Philippians 2:1-11
Paul is overjoyed to write to the Philippians, and his happiness shows through. He is encouraging them not to lose focus on what has brought them to this place: a life shaped like Jesus. We too need to be fed spiritually throughout our lives.
Galatia: Forgetting The Truth – Galatians 3:1-14
When Paul is frustrated, everyone knows it. He starts with “you foolish Galatians” and it goes downhill from there. The thing that makes Paul so mad is something that can fool us today – namely that the Galatians have taken salvation into their own hands. Paul emphatically tells them what can happen if they know the truth about Jesus
"Ephesus: What God Can Do" – Ephesians 3:14-21
Paul needed the Ephesians to see something important – that what they were faced with wasn’t too much for them. As he prays for his readers, we are reminded of how much more God can do through us than we ever could have imagined.
"Corinth: Remember Your Neighbor" – 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
The Corinthians were incredibly blessed – with a large community, plenty to eat and plenty to share. They were, however, forgetful of what it means to bless others. Paul reminds us – when we see the generosity of our neighbor, it is a call to generosity for ourselves.
This is part of our "Connecting in Faith: Paul's Letters to the Church" series.
"Colossae: Jesus At The Center" – Colossians 1:3-14
Paul writes to the Colossians to encourage them in their faith. Over the years Jesus had become one of many Gods they worshiped, but Paul implores them to learn and grow in their faith. We, too, are compelled to share our faith, ESPECIALLY with the generation behind us
This is part of our "Connecting in Faith: Paul's Letters to the Church" series.
Acts 28:1-6
Paul’s early life is ordered in obeying the rules, gaining an identity, and then being God’s child. But by the end of Acts, he has learned something – when God gives him an identity and he obeys from that, he is not swayed by the opinions of others. We are meant to have an unshakable understanding of who we are and what God has for us.
Matthew 16:13-19
When God gives us an identity, we are given a purpose. For Peter, that purpose is to strengthen the faith of everyone around him. When you hear your name from God, how does that shape the purpose God has given you?
Mark 2:13-17
Levi (AKA Matthew) has a name that tells him who he is – a servant of God. But he is living in a way that doesn’t care for the people. When we ignore the one who gives us identity, we can forget who we are.
Numbers 13:4-16
When Moses changes Joshua’s name, he is signaling a change in the people – from hoping for freedom to receiving it. In baptism, God changes us from slaves to ourselves to become God’s free people, living in the world.
Genesis 32:22-30
Jacob is the “trickster,” and tries to pull a trick on God, wrestling for a blessing. God shows him the truth – both that the blessing is meant for him, and that it is difficult to bear. Our blessings come from hearing that we have a heavenly father, and that God offers blessing to us.
What’s In a Name? - Genesis 17:1-8, 15-16
Abram and Sarai simply cannot believe the promise that they would be the parents of a great nation. God gives them a new identity and a new name, reminding them that they carry God’s image forever.
Matthew 17:1-8 – The Transfiguration
“It is good for us to be here.” Peter starts to envision a temple built in this place, a gathering point where the disciples could see God’s glory. But Jesus teaches him, and us, something: The glory of God is with Jesus, and will move throughout the world. Where can we see the glory of God today?
Luke 9:18-27 – Knowing and Following Jesus
Peter gets the words out – “you are the Christ.” It is here they understand who they are with. What a mountaintop. But the reality in this life of following Jesus will be different then they imagined. The question for us is simple – is Jesus himself enough for us?
Mark 8:14-21 – The Yeast of the Pharisees
When we get worried, we start to try to find something we can trust. The disciples are always tempted to trust the Pharisees and their promise that holiness could save them, or the Herodians and their promise that a king could save them. When we see what Jesus offers us, we are ready to put our trust in the spirit instead.
The Story of Zaccheus - Luke 19:1-9
The story of Zaccheus pushes us to wrestle with what it means to see one another and to be seen. Though Jesus is on a journey, an important one at that, he takes the time to see the people on the edges (or in the trees). And though it might seem like a small gesture to see or be seen moments like this can be incredibly transformative.
Anchored in Hope - Matthew 16:13-20
This is VBS week. Kids are talking about what it means to be anchored in the hope. In this text- Peter famously says, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” So much of ministry/life is discipling and being discipled to the belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Claiming this truth is the foundation of our faith, it is the anchor on our best and worst of days.
Jesus Walks on Water - Matthew 14:22-33
What gets your focus? Is it the waves? The water? The storm? The chaos? Or, do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus? Peter tries both with incredibly different results. Where can you focus your eyes first on Jesus rather than the storm around you?
Passing the Torch - Mark 6:14-29
The gospels start with a movement around John the Baptist. This disturbing story reminds us that our value is not in who we are – but who we point to. John meets his end, but he does so glorifying God and pointing people to Jesus. Even when we wonder if we’re making a difference – we too can do this!
Casting Out the Demon - Matthew 8:28-34
One of the biggest debates swirling around Jesus is the question of “who is he?” Nobody is quite sure what to make of him – prophet, healer, magician, fraud? We’re surprised to find that the demons see clearly what no human can, and they obey his commands. We are called to see that Jesus’ power extends from what we can see to what we cannot.
Jesus Calms the Storm - Matthew 8:23-27
Tossed by the waves, the disciples cannot fathom finding steady ground. They are controlled by their circumstances. In Jesus, they find something that gives them a sense of calm. How would our walk with Jesus change if we were passionate about focusing on Jesus?
Mustard-Seed Faith - Mark 4:26-34
What difference can faith make? Overwhelmed by the world’s problems, we ask ourselves this simple question. Jesus articulates the difference faith makes by explaining how powerful leaning on the Holy Spirit can be.
The Parable of the Sower - Mark 4:1-9, 13-20
What is the church? It's a basic question, but one that can be hard to define. Jesus tells a story that scares how the people of God share God’s good news.
Raising of the Widow’s Son - Luke 7:11-17
Jesus meets a Widow who is grieving the loss of a son. The amount of grief that might cause feels overwhelming. Jesus brings profound hope – hope that overwhelms understanding and reminds us that the world isn’t in our control.
"The Faith of the Centurion" - Luke 7:1-10
Join our guest preacher, Rev. Erika Uthe, Director of Evangelical Mission for the Southeastern Iowa Synod.
"More Than We Can See" - Mark 3:20-35
As modern believers, it's easy to think we can only trust what we can see, measure, or repeat. We are reminded that a spiritual world exists far beyond the obvious, and in Jesus we can engage it with confidence that God is with us.
Matthew 7:24-27 – Location, Location, Location
Jesus offers a picture of two contrasting lifestyles: one based on self-sufficiency, the other with God at the center. We are asked to consider – what does it mean that God is our foundation?
What Jesus does in Mary’s life is stunning. He invites her in. He teaches and cares for her. He brings her brother back to life. When we have seen what Jesus does for us, we have the opportunity to give thanks through our actions back to God.
Matthew 7:13-23 – Many Paths To One God?
In Jesus world, the idea that there is just one God was offensive. It meant there might be one way and one truth. Yet Jesus teaches as though there are paths that will lead us away from God – both that we create and others offer us. Jesus’ toughest claims to bear are those that say that He IS God – because it means we are stuck with what he says.
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" - Matthew 6:25-34
Join Intern Pastor Jess in another installment of our Sermon on the Mount series.
"It's Not About You" - Matthew 6:1-15
It's easy to look up to those who are following God, and we see those in the gospels who make a show of getting close to Jesus. When we draw attention to ourselves, we miss the point – that we can point first to God so people know who to worship.
Matthew 5:21-26 – "You Have Heard It Was Said"
From his childhood, Jesus had heard the temple priests explain God’s law. Jesus knows God’s heart. Over and over, he clarifies our picture of who is father is by reminding us – God is better than than what we picture.
"Salt and Light" - Matthew 5:13-16
Because God sees a better world, Jesus followers are meant to work to create that better world. By being salt and light, we bring the good news of Jesus to those who might need to hear.
"What To Do With The Sabbath?" - Luke 6:1-11
Jesus and his disciples make waves with the things they do on the Sabbath. Jesus calls us to use the Sabbath to renew – ourselves, others, and the world.
"Calling the First Disciples" – Matthew 4:18-22
Who will carry on the work when I’m gone? Jesus knew his message needed to continue long past his life, so he begins to invite others to bring this hope to the world. How is Jesus calling us, and what does it mean to learn to bring this good news?
"Jesus and the Samaritan Woman" – John 4:1-14 Talking about our faith is easier when we know people agree with us. But what happens when we talk about God with people who don’t see things the way we do? Jesus shows us how bravery in sharing God’s good news is a better path than we could imagine.
"Jesus and Nicodemus" – John 3:1-21
We welcome a guest this week, Chris Dahl, Executive Director of Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp.
"The Wedding at Cana" – John 2:1-11
When we think of God’s coming into the world, it’s natural to think it will be frightening. Creation is surely not living up to the creator, right? But here we see that not only does Jesus enter the celebration of people – he increases their joy in celebration!
"The Temptation of Jesus" – Luke 4:1-13
When Jesus becomes human, he faces all the trouble of humanity – struggle, need, and temptation. In doing so, Jesus shows us how to sustain our hope (and why we can put our hope in him when we can’t overcome).
"The Baptism of Jesus" – Matthew 3:13-17
When John and Jesus meet at the river, we find two men at different points in their journey. For John, this is the end – he meets who he has been pointing to. For Jesus this is the beginning, from here he takes his message public. In the same way, our baptism isn’t an end. Life with God starts in the baptismal waters for each of us.
"John the Baptist" – Mark 1:1-8
The story of Jesus doesn’t start with Jesus. Rather, we meet John who is “preparing the way of the Lord” through baptism. That’s what baptism does – it prepares us to hear, experience, and be changed by Christ’s good news.
"Transformed" - Acts 9:1-15 "New Year, New Me" People feel strongly about new year's resolutions, one way or the other. At the root of these resolutions is a deep desire for transformation. The story of Saul to Paul reminds us that God is a transformational God. Both Paul and Ananias discover God in a new way and through that they are transformed. In the coming year let us seek God and await God’s transformational power.
"A Weary World Rejoices" – Luke 2:1-20
Mary and Joseph exhausted from their journey. The people of Bethlehem weighed down by Rome. All of Israel waiting for God to come through. By the time everyone gets to the manger, the crowd is weary. And we're there too. What can restore joy? God comes out of heaven to be in our midst, reminding us that we aren't in this alone. Your savior has come to you.
"The Gifts of Advent: The Gift of Family" - Matthew 1:1-17
The Gospel of Matthew begins with a family tree from Abraham to Jesus. Between the recitation of names, we also hear the story of God at work in our world from generation to generation. The Advent and Christmas seasons highlight the significance of family and friends in our lives. We witness Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zechariah, and the shepherds together tending their flocks. As God's children, we become part of the family tree.
"The Gifts of Advent: The Gift of Hope" – Luke 1:67-79
Hope is a word on which our future rests. We cannot know what will come, but with faith we place our hope in Christ. Like Zechariah, we hope for the tender mercy of our God, light in the midst of darkness and death, and the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of our sins.
"The Gifts of Advent: The Gifts of Speech and Silence" – Luke 1:22-23, 57-66
Encountering the angel of the Lord, Zechariah was struck speechless. His imposed silence became a time to reflect on the wonders of God. Like Zechariah, we are called at times to be silent and listen, at other times to shout with joy.
"The Gifts of Advent: The Gift of Patience" – Mark 13:24-37
Waiting is hard. We eagerly anticipate the desires of our hearts and want them to come soon. We wait for the first day of school or the first snowfall. We wait to see a loved one or to hear a doctor's news. Just as the farmer waits for crops or the fig tree waits for summer, we are reminded to be patient until the coming of the Lord.
"ThankFULL" – John 12:1-11
What Jesus does in Mary’s life is stunning. He invites her in. He teaches and cares for her. He brings her brother back to life. When we have seen what Jesus does for us, we have the opportunity to give thanks through our actions back to God.
"ThankFULL" – John 6:22-29
When the crowd comes, Jesus asks them why they’ve arrived. He knows they want more to eat, but instead they are given a command: believe! Thankfulness is a call to action – to living like we believe God is providing for us.
Thank you for joining us for worship! To find out more about events at St. Mark or take your next steps, visit https://stmarkwdm.churchcenter.com
Join us for the first installment in our series "ThankFULL" – John 6:1-15
How have you been blessed? This time of year, we often stop to remember what we can be thankful for. When Jesus is with the crowd – he offers teaching, food, and blessing – incredible gifts. How are you recognizing God’s work in your life?
Thank you for joining us for worship! To find out more about events at St. Mark or take your next steps, visit https://stmarkwdm.churchcenter.com
Join us this weekend as we celebrate Baptism. When we create community, we create a group of people we can lean on for care, support, and community. Who are the people you rely on, and how can having a community be the best way for you to be supported in your life in faith? This week's lesson is Matthew 28:16-20.
Thank you for joining us for worship! To find out more about events at St. Mark or take your next steps, visit https://stmarkwdm.churchcenter.com
Join us this week for the final installment in our series "We Are Better Together." This week's lesson is 1 Corinthians 11:17-22, 33-34.
Paul’s calls out the miss use of communion. While there is a message about honoring the lords supper, this is also an encouragement to be Christ like- self-giving, servant hearted and loving. When we have this posture our community becomes a welcoming and thriving one.
Thank you for joining us for worship! To find out more about events at St. Mark or take your next steps, visit https://stmarkwdm.churchcenter.com
Join us this week for the fourth installment in our series "We Are Better Together." This week 's lesson is Acts 16:25-34.
When Paul and Silas’ work gets them in trouble with the authorities, they cling to each other and encourage each other to worship. In sticking together, they are given opportunities to free a young girl and share the gospel with their jailer, all while encouraging each other with the hope of Jesus.
Thank you for joining us for worship! To find out more about events at St. Mark or take your next steps, visit https://stmarkwdm.churchcenter.com
Join us this week for the third installment in our series "We Are Better Together." The lesson is Acts 16:11-15.
“They’ll never care how much you know until they know how much you care.” When Paul goes to Philippi, he finds himself looking for people to befriend. When he meets Lydia, he meets a kindred spirit, one who celebrates God. In sharing the good news, he makes a life-long friend who both cares for him and shares the good news in her community.
Thank you for joining us for worship! To find out more about events at St. Mark or take your next steps, visit https://stmarkwdm.churchcenter.com
Join us this week for the second installment in our series "We Are Better Together." This week is "Off the Deep End" - Acts 15:1-5, 22-29
God doesn’t speak just to us, but to a community. Peter, Paul, James, and others needed one another to ask – how is God working around us? When we create friendships, they can help us discern together how God is working all around us.
Thank you for joining us for worship! To find out more about events at St. Mark or take your next steps, visit https://stmarkwdm.churchcenter.com
Join us this week for the first in our series "We Are Better Together." This week is "Who Are Your People?" - Acts 2:37-47
When we create community, we create a group of people we can lean on for care, support, and community. Who are the people you rely on, and how can having a community be the best way for you to be supported in your life in faith? Thank you for joining us for worship!
To find out more about events at St. Mark or take your next steps, visit https://stmarkwdm.churchcenter.com
Join us this weekend for the last in our series of "Three Things Young People Need to Hear from Adults." This week is "You Are with Me" – Luke 9:1-6, 10-11.
"You don’t know what you don’t know." Every phase of life helps us understand more what those before us tackled. But mature Jesus followers of every age need a guide. What tools can we offer young people so they can take the church further than we could have imagined.
Thank you for joining us for worship! To find out more about events at St. Mark or take your next steps, visit https://stmarkwdm.churchcenter.com