The Shepherd Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rev. John Asher
Weekly sermons from Rev. John Asher and others, from Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Puyallup, WA.
Greetings! We've discovered that most people enjoy watching our service videos, and therefore the audio-only versions of the sermon are not being used often. Therefore, we are pausing this service indefinitely. If you'd like it to return, please email office@sothpres.com. In the meantime, you can find our video services on our website (sothpres.com) or in our mobile app.
We talk about the unique care of Jesus, which shows us in ways we don't expect. Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: John 21:1-19
We consider how the Peace of Christ is a constant, a calling, and sometimes a choice. Scripture: John 20:19-31 Preacher: Rev. John Asher
We consider what was created Easter morning, for us and in us. Scripture: Luke 24:1–12 Preacher: Rev. John Asher
We learn how definitions shape our world and our praise. Scripture: Luke 19:28-40. Preacher: Rev. John Asher
We consider how judgment can get in the way of God's blessings. Scripture: John 12:1-8 Preacher: Rev. John Asher
We consider what forgiveness looks like in the midst of tragedy. Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 Preacher: Rev. John Asher
In the wake of the loss of our member Dom Calata, we celebrate his service to others while asking the one question suffering brings. Scripture: Psalm 91 Preacher: Rev. John Asher
We consider the battle of "wills" in the world and within ourselves. Scripture: Luke 13:31-35 Preacher: Rev. John Asher
We start our new series Cultivating and Letting Go, and start by considering the distractions in our lives. Scripture: Luke 4:1-3 Preacher: Rev. John Asher
Sermon material from: A Sanctified Art
We wrap up the series on half truths. Scripture: Ephesians 4:22-24 Preacher: Rev. John Asher
In our second to last sermon in the series Half Truths, we explore the common saying "We are all God's Children" in light of what Jesus taught.
We continue our series based on the work of Adam Hamilton entitled Half Truths. This time, we consider the popular saying of our faith "Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin". Preacher: Rev. John Asher
Pastor John continues the series based on Adam Hamilton's book Half-Truths. This week, we consider the truth and the untruth in a popular statement often used to end debates!
We continue our Half-Truth series and consider if we turn into angels when we pass away. Preacher: John Asher
We explore if God really does help those who help themselves. Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3 Preacher: Rev. John Asher
We consider if God really only does give us what we can handle, using the book Half Truths by Adam Hamiton. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13. Preacher: John Asher
We are led in worship by our choir, as led by Erin Calata.
Readers Pastor John Asher Anne Bennett Roxanne Johnson
Choir Director Erin Calata
Soprano Helen Carpenter Nancy Doty Janice Duvall Heather James Lindsay Martin Lisa Martin
Alto Sandy Cannon Teresa Noll Jane Von Heeder Jan Williams Betty Young
Tenor Dom Calata Bruce Carpenter Jim Doty John Stevens Bill Von Heeder
Bass Don Bennett Paul Cascio Ken Emly Mark Severin Dave Williams
Instrumentalists Kelly Marsh - violin Alonso Tirado - violin Daniel Kolb - viola Katie Noll - viola Petra Tabor - cello Kristi Long - flute Carson Noll - bassoon Sheri Martin - piano
Dave Williams shares with us Christmas memories, and the importance of believing in Christ.
In a world that talks of earning and owning, we find what Jesus has to say about our finances. Scripture: Matthew 25:14-27 Preacher: Rev. John Asher
We consider where to find the wisdom of God, for the big decisions and the daily ones. Scripture: Judges 4 Preacher: Rev. John Asher
We consider when no is the right answer, drawing inspiration from God's Word. Scripture: Esther 1:10-22. Preacher: Rev. John Asher
For World Communion Sunday, we hear how a thief discovered how the seemingly impossible is possible through Jesus. Scripture: Luke 23:32–43. Preacher: Rev. John Asher
We start a new series "Faces of Our Faith", and consider how God did something new at the start of creation. Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: Genesis 2:4-25
We end our series "Grace that Moves", and tackle the complex emotion of anger. Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: Ephesians 24:25-32
We discuss how grace helps us move forward when the path is unclear. Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: John 20:1-18
We start a new conversation about how God's grace helps us move forward when we feel paralyzed by grief. Included at the end of the sermon is a German song sung by Erin Calata, with Sheri Martin on piano, titled "Bist du bei mir". Preacher: Rev. John Asher. Scripture: John 11:1-45
We discover God is closer than a galaxy far, far away. Pastor John used the book "Star Wars Redeemed" by Bradley Hagan as a jumping-off point for the message. Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-14.
Could you, would you listen in as we consider the Green Eggs and Ham of our faith? The audio is of lower quality as we tried recording in a new way. We expect the audio quality to improve in future weeks. Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: Ezekiel 2:1 - 3:3
Guest Preacher Anne Bennett encourages us to consider the life and lessons of Mr. Rogers, and how they help us share God's love in the neighborhood.
Preacher: Anne Bennett Scripture: Luke 10:25-29
Who tells your story? We reflect on the musical Hamilton, how reputation can define us, and how God offers us something more. Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, 12-18
In our first in-person worship service in seventeen months, we explore our definition of worship and how it's evolved.
Where we find our identity matters. Listen in as we explore the themes of the Disney film The Lion King, and reflect on how they fit or do not fit with God's Word. During the sermon you will hear "The Circle of Life", in which Simba is lifted up in celebration after his birth. Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14
We discuss strength and sacrifice in the light of Jesus. This sermon contains two video clips that aren't visible through a podcast. You can find the full video version on our website: sothpres.com.
The audio of the clips are property of Marvel Studios. Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: Acts 16, Romans 5:5-11
Join us as we explore the idea of temptation through the lens of Harry Potter, and ultimately, Scripture.
Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11
We look at the story of Pixar's "Inside Out" and how it reflects God's love for all of us, and where complete joy is found. A video clip is played in the sermon which has been removed from the podcast. You can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2CJ46XkwxA. Alternatively, you can search "Sadness Saves Riley" on YouTube.
Preacher: John Asher Scripture: Psalm 30, John 15:11
We learn how Jesus used stories to bring about revelations. Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: Matthew 13:10-17
God calls us to a connection that is beyond physical presence.
Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-26
It's not just about what, but also about how. We learn how we can connect to others through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: Select Verses from Acts 2
How does God redeem our regret? We look through Scripture to see how our regret can propel us forward in love.
Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14, 1 Timothy 1:15, 2 Peter 1:3-9, Daniel 9
We explore how brokenness connects us through grace.
Preacher: Rev. John Asher Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:6-15
Learn how Jesus sees, and how we are invited to see like him. We are blessed with a testimonial by Jim Ritter, as he shares how he learned to see differently.
Where has curiosity led you? We explore our calling to ask questions before giving answers.
Again and again, new life rises. Listen in as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and our lives.
We join the crowd that declares Jesus as King. Through hearing the Word, we celebrate our Savior while being reminded of the courage he demonstrated.
Letting go can be an invitation to something more. Listen in as we explore how through the Spirit, we are reformed again and again.
We are reminded of how God shows us the way when we are lost, and end our sermon with a song from our virtual choir
Music Attribution: “Lead Me, Guide Me” #92251 Tune: Harm. by Richard Smallwood; © 1953, Doris M. Akers. All rights administered by Unichappell Music, Inc. Text: © 1953, Chappell & Co. - represented by Hal Leonard Corporation Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-729350. All rights reserved.
CCLI Streaming License #20581555
We consider our mistakes in light of the Kingdom of Heaven. The song at the end of the sermon is from the Common Hymnal. Find their video and more information here: https://commonhymnal.com/songs/the-kingdom-is-yours
Rev. Riley Pickett, the Re-Entry Pastor for Hagar's Community Church, shares with us how Jesus sees people across cultural lines and invites us to do the same.
As we look at the mission of our church, we are invited to be ambassadors for Christ. The authors mentioned in the sermon are Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson, who wrote the book BLESS: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World.
The podcast contains the full audio from our 2020 Cantata worship service. We hear the story of Jesus' birth through the music of the past and present. We are grateful to the dozens of people who contributed to the program. A special thanks to Erin Calata, who coordinated all the music you will hear.
There are visuals that are available in the video version, which is available at sothpres.com.
Credits and Music Licensing:
Opening Prayer: Adapted from the Song of Faith from the United Church of Canada (www.united-church.ca/beliefs/statements/songfaith
Pictures sent from the Shepherd Community and gathered from Unsplash.com
“Breath of Heaven” CCLI Song # 1128784 Amy Grant | Chris Eaton © 1992 Clouseau Music Ltd (Admin. by BMG Chrysalis US) Age To Age Music, Inc. (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Riverstone Music, Inc. (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 1452675
“Joseph’s Song” CCLI Song # 70871 Michael Card © 1982 Mole End Music (Admin. by CURB | Word Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 1452675 “Still, Still, Still” #86043 Contributors: George Evans Text: George Evans, © 1963, 1980, Walton Music Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-729350. All rights reserved.
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” CCLI Song # 27879 Lewis Henry Redner | Phillips Brooks © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 1452675
“They Shall Go Out Weeping” CCLI Song # 198258 Bill George | Billy Smiley | Gloria Gaither | William J. Gaither © 1983 New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Yellow House Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) William J. Gaither, Inc. (Admin. by Gaither Copyright Management) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 1452675
“Of the Father’s Love Begotten” CCLI Song # 5533691 Aurelius Clemens Prudentius | Henry Williams Baker | John Mason Neale | Keith Wilbanks © 2009 Van Ness Press, Inc. (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 1452675
“What Child Is This?” CCLI Song # 30983 Unknown | William Chatterton Dix © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 1452675
CCLI Streaming License #20581555
We are encouraged to share joy through the Holy Spirit, by learning about the path of proclamation.