The Redheaded Preacher: Recent Episodes
Richard Lanford
Thank you so much to everyone who's listened to our Podcast over the last several years - this will be our final edition of the Redheaded Preacher as Pastor Lanford has retired. It's been such a wonderful experience, finding our podcast was listened to so many people around the globe. Thank you so much. We leave you with these final words, spoken by Pastor so many times:Go in PeaceKeep the FaithLove one anotherServe the Lord!
This Sunday is Pride Sunday observed, and this guided both the Scriptures chosen and the sermon written. The passages are Genesis 18 on hospitality, Acts 8:4-8, 26-40 about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, and Luke 10 with the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The fearless and barrier-breaking acts of welcome and grace we see in those men towards “the other” or even “the enemy” remind us of what we need to do to save our humanity in these divided and often heartless times. “Go and do likewise!”Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
This homily is guided not by the fact this Sunday is Father’s Day, but by the choice of Rev. Lanford to offer the Service of Healing within the worship time on more time before he retires on June 30th. Thus, he explores the halting healing of Mark 8:22-36 within its narrative context, as well as briefly touching on why Jesus used saliva as something to put on a man’s eye. The key Scripture is Mark 8, but listeners will also hear the healing in Mark 2:1ff., and Acts 3:1-10 at the Beautiful Gate at the Temple. Our apologies to fathers hoping for a message intended for them!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
This homily is inspired in part by the fact that we are celebrating an infant baptism in between the Scriptures and the homily, and by the readings. Those are Psalm 138, Mark 4:30-34, and Philippians 1:3-11. There is a theme within them of God’s purposes and them being fulfilled (by God). Yet do we not also have a role in them being fulfilled, as in by cooperating with God? And what neat thing can the mustard seed parable tell us about God’s purposes and our lives? Tune in and be encouraged!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Jesus faced a lot of opposition from the Jewish religious establishment in Jerusalem, and here they clash verbally over Sabbath law interpretations in the field, and Jesus tries to take them to school over the same subject while preparing to heal a man’s withered hand in a synagogue. That was also on a Sabbath, perhaps the same day as in the field! Rev. Lanford lifts up at the end how the opposition faced by Jesus has a parallel in our discipleship through the world making it hard to be a person devoted to agape love, forgiveness, justice and compassion. The Spirit in Jesus taking on the Pharisees lives on in His followers facing hardship, thanks to God. Listen in!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
This is Trinity Sunday and the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend in the U.S. Our Scriptures are mostly from the lectionary: John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, and John 15:12-17. Rev. Richard Lanford focuses on Romans primarily, after asking what spirit leads our lives, reports that Paul expects Christ-followers to have received the Spirit of God, making us children of God, belonging to God and God’s family. Moreover this means we have the Spirit of God’s love in and around us, leading us how to live, including love’s frequent consequence, sacrifice and even suffering, for the good of the beloved. Can we be so led as Jesus was? Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Today we celebrate the Day of Pentecost. Our Scriptures are from Ezekiel 37:1-14, selected verses from John 15 and 16, and, of course, Acts 2:1-21. Rev. Lanford gives an overview of the baptism of the Spirit and what happened in the streets as the once-fearful disciples brought the good news to Jewish pilgrims in languages they could understand. What are some ways the Church might try to talk people’s language today? How about the challenge that lots of people don’t have the desire or the time for church, let alone be able to intentionally form communities of caring? We hope you find this message both challenging and encouraging!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
The Redheaded Preacher departs from the Revised Common Lectionary for Mother’s Day by picking only Isaiah 66:10 -14 from its suggested readings; he went to passages from First Samuel 1 and 2, and Mark 10:13-16 for other aspects of motherhood, children, and characteristics befitting the Body of Christ on earth as we relate to children. Hannah giving up her son Samuel to the priesthood offers a different perspective to moms who think their children belong to the parents and not also to the Lord; Jesus shows us warm compassion to kids and points us to what a ‘mothering’ church can look like today.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
St. Peter's UCC in Skokie turns 157 today (5/5/24)!Our Scriptures undergird the message of God’s blessings and guidance, from Isaiah 51:1-3 to Matthew 16:13-23 to First John 5:1-6. Rev. Lanford touches on them all as he lifts up how God has blessed this congregation turning 157 years this day, and how, as we head into a post-pastoral-retirement future this summer, we will stay blessed and also stay able to give back to God and to our neighbors. The blessings are both from God to us, and from us to God and others.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Drawing on Biblical historical context for how to interpret First John 4, using an end-of-sermon true story from psychology to emphasize abiding in Christ through community, and leading us through a discussion of pruning, abiding, and bearing good fruit before that, our Redheaded Preacher has what we trust is an interesting, and little-bit-different-than-usual sermon for the listener! Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
This Sunday is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday” since the readings include the 23rd Psalm and some of John 10. That’s the chapter where Jesus says of himself, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” He talks more about that, and the sermon spends time with his laying his life down for the flock, and also his taking it up again! With a wee bit of a deep dive into the laying down and taking his life up again, we spend time with both the Gospel and First John 3, the epistle reading which adjures believers to lay down their lives for their brothers and sisters following the pattern of their shepherd. We end with an image of resurrection!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
This morning’s sermon is guided first by a question of Jesus in today’s Gospel of Luke (24:36-38) and later by the opening verses of the First Letter of John, Chapter 3. The Redheaded Preacher thus starts out talking about why we might have doubts about our God or our faith, how we are children of God by grace, and not only the ‘now’ but the ‘not yet’ future. Those who do the right things, John says, are the righteous, and that is the final point of hope in dealing with doubt.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Come/To/BelieveThe Redheaded Preacher chose to preach out of the ending of John’s Gospel, about coming to believe, but breaks it down into those three words almost as three stages: coming, coming to, and coming to believe in someone’s journey of faith. The Church plays a key role! It’s a briefer homily because St. Peter’s U.C.C., Skokie, celebrated Communion that Sunday.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
The Lord has Risen indeed, Alleluia! Happy Easter friends, thanks for tuning in for Pastor Lanford's message on this the most important day in Christianity. We hope everyone knows that God loves them, and your sins are forgiven thanks to Jesus's sacrifices!Basing his message primarily on First Corinthians 15:1-11, “What We Hand On” explores how, after realizing how we have received so much from others, we hand things on to others too. What are the truly significant things we pass on to, say, the next generation? Integrity, good stewardship, compassion, and others, but what are of first importance? The Redheaded Preacher argues with Paul that of first importance to hand on is the good news of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The message goes on about how many ways it is the grounding of the measure of our whole lives.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Our sermon digs deep into the historic symbolism and nationalism of the original ‘triumphal entry,’ with an opening acknowledgement to similar strains trying to co-opt the current church. The sermon then takes a good look at how Jesus chose to enter His capital in the face of such victorious, messianic acclaim. The Rev. Lanford makes use of Philippians 2:5-11 as well as John 12:12-16, the main Scriptures for the service along with Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
There were some Greeks in Jerusalem at Passover who wanted to engage with Jesus, but their timing was bad and He had to follow higher priorities – although their seeking did give Him a frame of reference for His last words at the end of our passage (John 12:20-33)! Do we seek Jesus, and out of what circumstances? How might we experience Him within the Body of Christ the Church? How might the Church be an obstacle to seekers finding Him amongst them? May we not presume our church is always a place where He can be seen!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
We begin with a story about a way of life in the South in the ‘50s, and from there find ourselves exploring our way of life as new life in Christ governs it. We’ll hear John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:1-10, both of which refer to this new way of life as followers of Jesus. We’ll delve deep into the basis, and some details, of the way of living God created beforehand for us to have. Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Our passages are Psalm 19 and John 2:13-22 (John’s version of Jesus ‘cleansing’ the Temple). Our preacher starts with the Psalm, though, and finds both it and John are “speaking of God” in ways that draw us nearer to, and then an encounter with, the Lord.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
We’re here in the 2nd Sunday in Lent, and the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 8:31-38 is the Scripture behind the sermon, “In Return for our Life.” What can it mean to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus? First borrowing from some examples found in Black History, our preacher friend then goes on to talk about turning our often self-focused will over into the loving will of a loving God. What we give (to Jesus) in return for our life is, of course, our life. He gave His life for us. This is spiritual growth, and examples are given.
We’re here in the First Sunday in Lent, and the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 1:9-15, is jammed with events that show us Jesus has more than enough ‘juice’ to persuade us to listen to what He says in His first sermon. The RedHeaded Preacher does some teaching to open up some of the background in Jewish thought and Scriptures which evidently illumine what was going on at His baptism, which preceded the temptations.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
In this Ash Wednesday homily, Rev. Richard Lanford proposes that we consider our reaction to being called out on our sin and taking responsibility for them as akin to going through the 5 stages of Death and Dying as laid out in Elisabeth Kubler-Ross' book by the same name. He gets to read the Scriptures as well for a change! The title of the homily is "Happy Ashes?"Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
It’s Transfiguration Sunday, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, and Mark’s version of the story (Chapter 9:2-9) gets the focus of the sermon, “Mountaintop Memo, Mountaintop Models.” The other Bible reading is from 2nd Corinthians 4, and both passages are within the message. What was the memo? Who are the models? The story’s reference to Elijah and Moses takes our Redheaded Preacher to lift up prophetic voices a la Black History Month.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Where do we get charged up when we are weary and even powerless? The God who created the heavens and named the stars is the One who gives power to the faint and enables the drop-dead tired to rise and run. That is, those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength (from God) – what does it mean to ‘wait for the Lord’? What did it mean for Israel, when Isaiah spoke? Lastly the RedHeaded Preacher makes one small suggestion to make it more natural for us to wait on the Lord with trust and hope. The homily is based on Isaiah 40:21-31.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
The Scriptures undergirding the sermon this morning are Mark 1:21-28 and I Corinthians 8:1-13. One is about Christian love trumping the haughtiness of Christian knowledge before less-mature Christians. The other tells the story of Jesus in a synagogue casting out an unclean spirit who disrupts the teaching. Both have lessons which apply to today in our own ways in the sermon called “The Loving Thing to Do.”
New Members Join!The theme of the sermon follows the New Testament Scriptures, which are about how to answer the call of Jesus to follow. Mark has the call story of the four fishermen, and 1st Corinthians talks about how we ought to have detachment from the siren calls of the world. The sermon is called “Of Nets, Garments, and Following Jesus.” It’s not as simplistic as it sounds; tune in and enjoy!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
The Redheaded Preacher is guided by both the Scriptures and the Martin Luther King, Jr., this morning. Both First Samuel 3 and Romans 12 inspired him to bring a message called “Listen, Servants: Love is Calling.” Aspects of this agape love we have been given through Jesus and which we are called to share can be seen in our interpersonal relationships and in our interactions working for a more just, compassionate society – radical, fearless love is a main theme of the King speech which the Redheaded Preacher quotes. Mark Loach is our Lector on a very, very cold morning.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Epiphany Observed and the Baptism of ChristAs you might guess from the title, this homily takes a look at the magi’s journeys and finds inspiration from their example to bring us lessons for our own spiritual journeys. One example is to accept inconvenience for the sake of the Christ; another is be willing to ask for help! Tune in to find out more of what it’d be like to be “on the road with the magi”!
The meditation is called “Like Mary: Treasuring, Pondering, Following,” inspired by how Mary famously reacted to the news from the shepherds. How do we treasure and ponder the good news, the birth of Jesus, and its ramifications (think Magnificat, in part). What can following the Son look like today? Pastor will quote from Henry Van Dyke (different from the 10 AM) and Sojourners’ Adam R. Taylor. Blessed Christmas!
The Scriptures are about God’s covenant with King David, both in 2nd Samuel 11 and in the Annunciation to Mary. The sermon is called “Throne of David, Throne of Jesus,” which is part history lesson, part contrast, expanding our understanding of why the memory of David is part of the Messiah’s nativity. It is meant to encourage us servants to find meaning and joy in serving the Lord Jesus on His throne (which throne includes Calvary). Pastor quotes an excerpt of Henry Van Dyke’s “Keeping Christmas.”
Whose opinions have made a big impact on your own? Whose tastes have influenced yours? Whose testimony about this product or that band or book made you a follower or a fan? John the Baptist bore witness, too, and Isaiah 61 had some things to say about the One to whom John was bearing witness. What about you and me? Are we witnesses? How do we bear witness? Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
The road that is under construction, inspired by Isaiah 40, is both for God’s arrival in Christ, and for us in our getting ready to receive and follow Jesus Christ. We hear about repentance as a return to God, a second chance offered from God’s heart, which we begin with self-reflection and wanting to come back to our loving God. The repentance is our own road under construction, making us, our churches, and we hope, our society, more reflective of, and thus more receptive to, the reign of God which Christ brings to us on His own highway. Talking of equity in the world ends the sermon as an application to making the highway for God even, not uneven; lowering the hills and lifting up the valleys.
This teaching homily is prepared for and preached on the First Sunday of Advent 2023. The Redheaded Preacher Richard Lanford, inspired by a conversation and the lectionary reading from Mark 13:24-37, gives us an introductory lesson in basic eschatology, both Old Testament and New. The focus, of course, remains on what is in Mark 13, selected verses. What does the word ‘apocalypse’ really mean? What is the eschaton? How might Old Testament eschatology and its images help us interpret some of what Jesus said? And more. Tune in!
“What’s it all About? / The Answer’s at the End” This sermon is prepared for our Totenfest Sunday, when we remember our church members who died in the past year since last Totenfest. One was a member; one grew up in the church and through his brother kept close ties. So this is about what happens after life, based on how we lived our lives. Most of the message thus grows out of the sermon title, and in exploration of both Revelation 20:11-21:7 and Matthew 25:31-46. Psalm 25, most verses, is also recorded.
This is the second of two Stewardship Sundays at St. Peter’s, this one focusing on the community aspect of Christian stewardship. The Scriptures chosen are from Deuteronomy 26; I Corinthians 12, and Luke 9. We know we think of our individual selves as stewards and managers; do we realize that our communities of faith are also stewards? There are community aspects to stewardship, to which our Redheaded Preacher seeks to point and illuminate. It even includes reminders to ask for help, to offer help, and how do that last one gently.
This is the first of two Stewardship Sundays at St. Peter’s, each one focusing on different aspects of Christian stewardship. The Scriptures chosen are from Deuteronomy 26, First Timothy 6, and Matthew 25:13ff. The RedHeaded Preacher gleans some lessons from these passages that might give us new approaches to how we manage our monies, our resources, talents, and our priorities. It’s called “Stewardship Lessons.”
Before the homily, our Redheaded Preacher will have baptized a baby boy and we also remember Reformation Sunday throughout the service, so there are references to both in the message. We’ll hear how God has done new things (Isaiah 43 now in the past; lifted up the status of children, Mark 10); and made us righteous by grace through faith (Romans). It ends with asking how God, who is still doing new things (the baptism), may be doing new things in the lives of the people and the congregation there gathered.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
We all have priorities starting at the dawn of each day; as people of the Book, how do we really follow the First Commandment and keep God our top priority? We have so many distractions, but maybe they are part of serving God, too. Is it about how we live? Is it following the priorities Jesus seemed to have? To explore some of these questions, you’ll want to tune in! Today the Redheaded Preacher’s sermon is guided by our Scriptures for the day: Exodus 20:1-17; Colossians 3:12-17; and Matthew 6:25-33. Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Resentment is an insidious spoiler of our relationship with God and with others. Yet, nursing anger seems natural to us, and some even enjoy holding grudges (which are resentments). What is resentment? What do they do to us, and how can we deal with them as people of the Cross and Resurrection? Rev. Lanford draws upon the story of Cain and Abel among other Scriptures (James 1, Luke 9) for guidance and teaching, pointing us to the freedom which comes from letting them go.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Our Redheaded Preacher once again tackles a tough subject but something we are all too familiar with, dealing with anger as people of faith. The Scriptures called upon include Proverbs 16 and 17, Ephesians 4 and the closing verses of Matthew 5. Rev. Lanford also draws on basic neuroscience of the brain in helping us understand anger and how our faith can enhance its work to calm ourselves down sooner before things get out of hand.
Leaning on Scriptures from Isaiah 43, First Peter 3 and Matthew 14, as well as from other written sources, our Rev. Lanford lifts up the prevalence and power of fear, and how early believers were advised to overcome it bravely. And us? Simon Peter shows by his bold example how sometimes we can face our fear as an opportunity for spiritual growth and positive change. What do we need to have or know in order to do that, too?Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
The message could also be called “dealing with persons with difficult behaviors.” It is dangerous and maybe counter-productive to label people. Using 2nd Samuel 12, Romans 12 and John 10, the Redheaded Preacher looks at the prep work we need to do when we engage with difficult persons, including looking into ourselves in more ways than one. He also lifts up some Scriptural practices we can use from Romans and the Old Testament passage with David and the prophet Nathan.
The theme for this Sunday’s Scriptures and our Redheaded Preacher's sermon is hanging on. How do we keep hanging on? What resources does our faith give us? Should we always persevere no matter what? Our Scriptures are from Isaiah 40, Hebrews 10, and Matthew 24. If you’re barely hanging in there, this may be the service for you!
Sunday School starts today, an inspiration for the sermon “On Christian Education.” Our Scriptures are from Deuteronomy 6; 2nd Timothy 3; and Matthew 7. The sermon looks at the root of the word ‘education’ and how the meaning of education has implications for our teaching Christ today for the future.
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The RedHeaded Preacher takes the holiday weekend as an opportunity to bring a message about work, or labor; and what some parts of the Bible say about it. There are words about spiritual labor in our own growth, about when not-working is the ‘better part,’ and what Torah says about how all laborers ought to be treated by God’s people. This is a homily, so it will be shorter than a regular sermon. Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
This Sunday is when our worship is in Skokie’s Lorel Park, not far from our building. We worship there on the last Sunday in August because access to our building (primarily parking) is negatively affected by the Village’s Back Lot Bash. The sermon is on Prayer, as found in parts of the Bible and also reflected in some of our prayers; yet there are also things to learn from those Biblical prayers and passages about prayer!
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“What IS Justice?” That is the sermon title for this August Sunday, addressed in part by our Scriptures for the day (Ps. 82:14; Exodus 21:22-25; Proverbs 31:8, 9) and Luke 4:16-30. What do these teachings say for us today, facing a whole bunch of categories of justice that people are now involved in? We cannot engage them all, but all the same, let’s join the Pastor in exploring what we think God believes justice is, and for our day and age. Olivia Altmayer is our Lector.
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Our homily is about aspects of healing, which can apply either to our internal need for healing and mending, our physical-medical need for healing, or maybe both! The Scriptures are Isaiah 53, James 5:13-18, and John 20:19-23. The homily follows the pastoral prayer, during which time folks in the service can come up voluntarily to receive the anointing with oil and the laying on of the Redheaded Preacher’s hands with prayer.
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Our Scriptures give our preacher plenty of material to explore being rich towards God. He starts out with the 2 verses chosen from Proverbs about honoring God by kindness to the poor, visits Paul writing the Corinthians about the inspiration of very poor churches demanding to be among those giving to a big offering going on, and spends a bit of time with Jesus’ parable of the rich fool who was selfish to the core. What about fear of having enough if we are very generous? What role does grace play? You’ve got to listen!
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After unexpectedly missing last Sunday July 9th due to illness, the Redheaded Preacher Rev. Lanford returns to our Podcast with a message about Patience – God’s, and ours. Our patience, for ourselves, for God, and for others. How do we get better at it? What about when we’re impatient with God on major issues? Lector Andre undergirds the sermon with Scriptures from Habakkuk, Luke, I Corinthians and 1 Timothy. Be blessed!
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Our Scriptures read by David Iannotti are about people of God resisting unjust laws, religious practices or government-sanctioned idolatry. Jesus throws the money-changers and animal-sellers out of the Temple during Passover, too. These are all rebellions in our heritage as people of the Book, and on Independence Day weekend, we are also reminded of our heritage of rebellion in these United States. What are we looking for in those, and these, times?
Hi, please remind me, do you want me to drop the homily title and the date? Somewhere along the line I added it because I gave a message a title after we left it blank in the bulletin. Pastor
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The RedHeaded Preacher brings a message affirming God’s love for, our church’s love for, and how our churches can act in affirming, inclusive, non-othering ways to truly be welcoming and affirming. He preaches out of several texts, like Ezekiel 34, I Corinthians 12, John 3 and I John 4.
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The first in a 2 part series on what it means to be "Open and Affirming" here at St. Peter's UCC.
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Our Scriptures are about faith this morning, so why not preach on it? Based on Genesis 12:1-9 (the call of Abraham) and Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, the sermon is called “Amazing Faith.” We look at the barrenness of Abram and Sarai’s conditions at the time, making the faith to depart that a life-giving faith. A faith that blesses countless others. We also consider the woman who’s been hemorrhaging for 12 years and the leader whose daughter is dead or dying yet in faith they come to Jesus. There are things in these stories for us!
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Trinity / Communion Sunday, June 4, 2023Contemplating the majesty and omnipresence of God to begin, the Redheaded Preacher looks to Psalm 8 to supplement this psalm praising God the Maker, where the Psalmist says God also cares for we humans, crowing us with glory and honor. From here the Reverend takes us to where God sees humans with dignity and respect, and therefore so should we. Other readings are from 2nd Corinthians 13 and Matthew 28, which he also draws upon as he contemplates our weary, overwhelmed bodies and spirits communing with this Triune, dignity-giving God of love, power, and presence.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Today, we remember both Memorial Day and Pentecost Sunday. That’s when both our armed forces in wartime and our faith’s original disciples were sent out, and sent out of their comfort zones. The RedHeaded Preacher’s sermon calls us to reaffirm that God’s mission is our mission. We are sent out of our own zones of security, equipped by the Spirit who calls us, to share the good news of God in ways others will experience as their own language. Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
In the service, there are two readings. The reading from Acts features Jesus’ parting words as He ascended (Acts 1:6-14). He referred to His upcoming departure and rejoining the Father in the opening of His prayer before His arrest in John 17 (vv. 1-11). Taking from each of these, Rev. Richard Lanford’s sermon looks at some of our own parting or final last words, sad ones but also not sad ones, and then turns our focus to Jesus and His last words to the disciples. That’s just part of it!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
It's Mother's Day Sunday at St. Peter's UCC. The Bible passages chosen for today are Genesis 21:14-21 and 2nd Timothy 1:1-7, plus the Gospel is from the lectionary, John 14:15-21, where Jesus tells the disciples that if they love Him, they’ll keep His commandments. The sermon is called “God, Moms, Kids and Us,” exploring why we shift from resistance to rules or orders in the family (moms) to following them without resentment. Then this line of exploration and explanation goes to our resistance to following God, and God’s commandments.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Saint Peter’s U.C.C. in Skokie celebrates its 156th birthday this morning! The homily, called “At 156 Years: In Praise of God and Affirming our Purpose(s),” is based on that event plus the 2 Scriptures, Psalm 103 and Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21. There are references to events in the church’s and country’s past. For the first part, with the Psalm, the RedHeaded Preacher encourages the church to really feel and express our praise for God without reserve. Happy Birthday, St. Peter’s UCC!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Today’s homily is inspired by St. Peter’s U.C.C., Skokie, celebrating the baptism of a baby in one of our member families. The Scriptures are Psalm 23 and John 10:1-10, plenty of words about shepherds, sheep, and gates! The Pastor weaves them all together in preaching on baptism, and what it means for our lives and churches in Christian community.
The sermon is largely based on the Gospel reading of Luke 24:13-35. Rev. Richard Lanford talks about the two depressed, hopes-dashed disciples of Jesus going to Emmaus on Easter night, and how Jesus came to accompany them without being perceived. In our country, we’ve often had hopes dashed, gotten angry and more with the accumulated decades of gun violence and mass killings in America. He opines that we have a spiritual sickness in this country behind this chronic phenomena, and connects our journey of sadness and confusion with that of the Emmaus two – Jesus accompanies us, too. That’s where the sermon begins lift-off. Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Today's sermon is based on the epistle, First Peter 1:3-9, and we are asked to re-think what it means here to “be born into” something. Our Redheaded Preacher Richard Lanford unpacks what sort of hope we’re born into after the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The other Scriptures are Psalm 16 and John 20:19-31.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Happy Easter Friends!! We hope you had a blessed one.Our Redheaded Preacher Richard Lanford lifts up how Jesus Resurrected was not recognized at first, from Mary Magdalene to others of His flock. What about us? Do we recognize resurrection at work around us, within others, and can we participate in it? Let’s learn to recognize the resurrections God sends our way, and celebrate them in hope!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
In laying out interesting aspects of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before Passover, Rev. Lanford also talks about how this was a processional, how that is different from a parade, and then how this set-of-events which the processional began includes the quaking that went on in the city upon Jesus’ ‘messiah on a donkey’ manifestation. What does that mean for us?**Please note our original scripture reading wasn't recorded, so while Pastor mentions her reading in his sermon, he did rerecord those scriptures himself.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
This morning’s message is a little different take on the displays of God’s might found in Ezekiel 37:1-14 and John 11:1-45. Those passages tell the story of what happens to the Valley of Dry Bones, and when Jesus calls for the dead Lazarus to come out of his tomb. Our RedHeaded Preacher sees God’s divine power at work, with a serious agenda we’d almost miss.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
The fact that 2 children were baptized in service sets the tone for the Meditation, which is more brief than a homily, and it builds primarily off of Ephesians 5:8-11, 13-14. Lector David Iannotti also reads from First Samuel. Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
“Never Underestimate the Power of a Question” soon finds us rejoicing in how the conversation in John 4:5-42, which began with an exchange of questions between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, gradually became not only a deep conversation, but ultimately led to the conversion of most of her village to faith in Christ! We should be sacredly alert to the power of questions we ask, and receive (along with our replies), for the realm of the Kingdom.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!
Our passages behind the homily (which is untitled) are Genesis 12:1-4a and John 3:1-17; two great passages with God’s call to Abram and Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus and the powerful teaching about God’s grace for the world which follows. Rev. Lanford focuses on both God’s call to us, and on God’s love for the world; then wraps up connecting that Love with our following this call. Enjoy!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Reconciliation is the returning theme of this final installment in a 3-part sermon series. How do you, I and the church try to reconcile with others? The sermon looks at God’s reconciliation with us through Jesus first, and then explores some of our own possible ways to reconcile with others. Do restitution and reparations play a role? Our Lector Jenn Schneider reads the sermon-guiding passages from Exodus 22 & 23; 2nd Corinthians 5; and Matthew 18. Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
We welcome you along our Lenten journey, beginning with Ash Wednesday! Pastor talks about expectations and ourselves. Thank you so much for being a loyal listener!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Our 3-part sermon series on Reconciliation hits its mid-point with a message about whom we should pursue reconciliation with, and to a lesser extent, when to approach reconciliation. Relying a little on last Sunday’s words for a refresher, this sermon then looks to the stories from Genesis 45, Genesis 1, and at the end, Ephesians 2, for examples of who we may need to reconcile with, as well as some spiritual underpinning. Enjoy, be challenged, take courage in believing God does new things when we follow the Master’s teaching!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
The Redheaded Preacher breaks form and starts a sermon series with this sermon, a series about reconciliation. Fitting for Black History Month, don’t you think? Taking his cue from the first part of the reading from Matthew 5:21-37, Rev. Lanford explores what reconciliation is, what role forgiveness may have in it, and why is it an important part of following Jesus?Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser.
In Matthew 5, Jesus calls His followers “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” This is who we are, and who are we to argue? Let’s believe it! What does it mean? We find part of what this looks like in our Hebrew Scriptures passage in Isaiah 58:1-9a. The installation of our newly elected church officers and Boards also figure into the homily.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
What’s the message? How come some might reject it? The sermon spends some time with these questions, reflections on which may be important to Christian discipleship, sharing the faith, and remembering our faith’s anchor. The sermon is simply called “The Message.”Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Rev. Lanford’s sermon is called, simply enough, “Answering Jesus’ Call to Follow.” Each of the main words in that title is addressed one way or another in the message. What important calls do we answer in our life? Are we avoiding some? If we’ve answered Jesus’ call, will we fully trust the love and truth of Jesus enough to follow Him into this changing new world, an uncertain future for the Church? Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
This is a service and sermon focused on one of the themes of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and preaching. The Bible passages relate to obedience to rulers, love, and a ruler from Revelation! The sermon, “Love is not Always Obvious,” explores civil disobedience and justice-seeking as demonstrations of love. In the latter half, our preacher quotes from one of King’s seminal works, “Letter from Birmingham City Jail.”Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
The Gospel lessons and the fact that we have a baptism during worship was enough to inspire our Redheaded Preacher to preach about baptism! Taking a different approach than he often takes, “Embracing Baptism: Pleasing and Belonging” looks both to Isaiah 42:1-9 and Mathew 3:13-17 in lifting up how the beloved, baptized people of God can please God by working for justice for others. Baptism also welcomes us into the Body of Christ the Church, where Jesus claims us; we belong to Him and to the others seeking the Way of Holy Love.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
On New Year’s Day our sermon is not about this holiday but addresses what the Scriptures of the day give us: in Matthew 2:13-23, the fact that the Holy Family became refugees, then the slaughter of the innocents by Herod’s order, and how, as Scripture indicates, Rachel still weeps (and so do we). What can we do?Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
It is Christmas Day at St. Peter's UCC and our Savior Jesus Christ has been born! Listen as Pastor Lanford speaks on a very special Christmas message. Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
On this 4th Sunday of Advent, the sermon is based on Matthew 1:18-25, when an angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream. He had been planning to end the engagement/divorce her quietly, but after the dream he changed his mind! What was it within him that enabled him to do this, and embrace God’s plan instead? Do we need what Joseph had? Will it help us to celebrate the birth of Jesus more deeply? Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
On this 3rd Sunday of Advent, Annie Noorts reads from Isaiah 35, James 5:7-10, and Matthew 11:2-11. These provide the groundwork for Rev. Lanford to preach about John the Baptist’s asking Jesus if He really is The One, Jesus’ response, and how they relate to James’ exhortation for believers to ‘wait patiently.’ What is our source for that? Not just patiently waiting for the return of the Son of Man, but in life here and now, too?Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
On this 2nd Sunday of Advent, Rich Schneider reads the lectionary’s suggested passages from Isaiah 11, Romans 15:4-13, and Matthew 3:1-12. Matthew 3 is where John the Baptist shows up, and provides the diving board for the Redheaded Preacher’s sermon on how repenting from our sins is good news, and then he presents some ways we ‘bear fruits fitting repentance’ inspired by Romans 15’s exhortation to be a welcoming church (and disavowing any connection people are hearing about hate speech, anti-Semitism, white supremacy and Christianity.Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
This begins Advent for us, and the Scriptures lean towards getting ready for an apocalyptic ending / new beginning. Annie Noorts is our Lector, reading from Isaiah 2, Romans 13, and Matthew 24. Rev. Lanford, in a sermon called “Putting on the Armor of Light,” focuses on that phrase from Romans13 as our grace-given posture from which to live our lives in anticipation, in coping with change and cultural shifts, and in viewing the “good possible “as probable! Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
Today St. Peter’s UCC marks both Thanksgiving Sunday and Totenfest. The latter is a reflection of the church’s ethnic heritage in German Lutheranism, it is its version of All Saints Day. We remember three church members who died this year, and the sermon will also touch on Transgender Remembrance Day. The thrust of the message is to suggest ideas for keeping the faith when cultural shifts such as we’re undergoing seem overwhelming. Thank you for your patience! Pastor has been on vacation and the office has been a bit crazed with Advent preparations!! But we're back to business as usual now, so stay tuned for some great sermons!Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this. Donations to further our mission and support this podcast can be made at paypal.me/stpeteruccskokieCheck out our website for events, happenings and more! https://stpeteruccskokie.org. You can find us online and on most social media platforms by typing stpeteruccskokie in your browser. Thanks for listening!!
On Reformation Sunday we have an infant baptism! So the Redheaded Preacher’s homily is about baptism, and in it he unpacks primarily from 2nd Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12. The other Scriptures are Psalm 32:1-7 and Luke 17:20, 21. A part of the homily visits a Reformed understanding of God’s grace beyond our usual one of love! If the title seems a little oddly-put, it has to do with a quick, unrefined change in the title based on a change in what was happening in worship that day. Enjoy!
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What’s your approach when you come to God in prayer? Our Redheaded Pastor Richard Lanford brings a sermon called “The Approach.” It’s based on Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector both going to the Temple to pray. What does Jesus see and say? What is our approach?
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For what affliction is this widow’s antidote? For dealing with unjust people and injustice! What is her antidote to them? You’ll have to listen! It’s based on Jesus’ parable in Luke 18, which along with the other Scriptures is read by Peter Svenson, who grew up and is still active in St. Peter’s U.C.C. Words by a fellow UCC Pastor, Benjamin Franklin, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu help cement the Redheaded Preacher’s message.
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“Seeking the Welfare” is the sermon title, in which Pastor Lanford points to recent asylum-seekers being brought to our cities and suburbs. What does the passage we hear in Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 say to us and them now? That’s the opening of a letter the Lord had Jeremiah pen in which the Israelite exiles in Babylon are told to “seek the welfare of the city where God has sent you.” Does the healing of the Samaritan leper, and his solo return to give thanks (when 10 were cured) speak to it, as well? What does it mean to seek the welfare? Annie Noorts is our Lector.
In this podcast, we hear passages we can relate to: Habakkuk’s question to God of why is there unanswered violence all around, and the disciples’ asking Jesus to increase their faith. Rev. Lanford talks about the bold query of the prophet for our age, what God told him (and us), and also explores how we might increase, or at least support, our faith. Barb Todd is our Lector reading verses from Habakkuk 1, 2, and Luke 17:5-10. He brings it back to the Table at the end, where we servants are joined by another, Jesus.
Remember the story of the rich man and Lazarus? That’s our Gospel lesson this morning. Last week we studied someone whom Luke called “shrewd.” Today we look at the unnamed wealthy man who feasted sumptuously and had a sweet wardrobe but did nothing to help the poor, starving Lazarus who lived right outside his gate. The story is about life and death, and what you and I listen to and trust which guides how we treat others.
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"The Taming of the Shrewd” is the title of today’s sermon, grounded in the parable Jesus told in Luke 16:1-13. It’s the challenging story of a rich businessman, his account manager of questionable ethics, the clients, who commends what went down, and how it applies to our lives of faith and practice. Rich Schneider is our Lector, reading from Jeremiah 8 - 9:1, First Timothy 2, and Luke 16.
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Our Lector is Karen Christianson, and she reads from Exodus 32, First Timothy 1, and Luke 15:1-10. Inspired mostly by the Gospel, the sermon preached by our redheaded pastor is “Remember, Church: Christ, Bosch, and God’s Joy.” The Bosch is not the power-tools company but the character of Harry Bosch in books by Michael Connelly and in the TV series.
The Redheaded Rev. Lanford preaches “Everything Costs So Much These Days” as He explores Jesus’ teaching to count the cost before following Him. Who was He talking to; what could it mean to “hate” your parents? Count the cost of following Him, yet believe the cost is the way to great gifts, one of which is hope.
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Welcome to our special outdoor worship service, held once a year here in Skokie, IL.
The Gospel story from Luke 14 is about another encounter between Jesus and at least one Pharisee. Jesus was invited to his house for dinner! This time Jesus teaches them and us about how to receive, and how to extend, hospitality, which Fred Craddock wrote is literally “love for the stranger.” Christ also brings messages on humility and motivations related to parties. Since it was preached at an outdoor service, you will hear some extraneous sounds!
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The Gospel story from Luke is another healing-by-Jesus-on-the-Sabbath tale, getting Dr. Jesus into some ‘good trouble’ with the synagogue leadership (again). That’s the sermon title! – “Dr. Jesus Getting into ‘Good Trouble.’” Thanks to the late John Lewis for this righteous phrase. The sermon examines the story and applies it to us both personally and to larger issues where we are “bound.” Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this.
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Our worship today includes a special Service of Healing following The Book of Worship of The United Church of Christ. Therefore, the homily is also about healing in various ways, borrowing from the passages Barb Todd reads from First Samuel 16, James 5 and Luke 8. We bet you can think of other words which start with the letter P in addition to the five discussed in the message!
Our Redheaded Preacher returns from vacation to preach a homily inspired by part of that vacation and the good news of Christ combined! Mark Loach brings the readings from Hosea, Ephesians, and Luke. This is one of the more ‘active’ messages the Rev brings our way.
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Due to some technical difficulties, Pastor re-records and reads Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-23, and the story of busy Martha and listening Mary with Jesus in Luke 10. A baptism is celebrated in the service before the message, and the homily uses the baptism as inspiration to bring home the Scriptures. A baptized Christian can go from meditating on the greatness of Christ to taking on economic injustice to serving in humble ways, and beyond!
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Lector Marcia Hilliard (or Andre Gloeckner) reads from Deuteronomy 30, Colossians 1, and Luke 10:25-37. Our red-headed preacher, Rev. Lanford, preaches a sermon that draws on the history of recent mass shootings, and applies the Gospel reading, the Parable of the Good Samaritan, to these events, using a Bible study method from the Gamaliel Institute.
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Lector Jenn Schneider reads from 2nd Kings 5, Galatians 6 and Luke 10. The red-headed Rev. Richard Lanford preaches a sermon written with inspiration from recent events, the Independence Day holiday, and the Scriptures. Are we planning for a healthy harvest of freedom, love and justice by the seeds that are planted in the world today? Will the world just see fanatics when it thinks of Christians? Please hit subscribe if you like what you've heard!! We'd also appreciate your 5 star rating and review wherever you're hearing this.
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Lector Peter Svenson read from Galatians 5 and Luke 9. Ben Westphal offers his Musical Meditation, and the Rev. Richard Lanford preaches a sermon written prior to the Roe decision, “Don’t Look Back: Christian Freedom is a Huge Gift.” His message is based mostly on Galatians for the most part, as it deals with the Christian freedom to be slaves to one another in love. It deals especially with this being Pride Sunday. Tune in!
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Lector Olivia Altmayer reads a story about an exhausted Elijah running away in First Kings 19, a passage for Christian equality and unity in Galatians 3, and the healing of a demoniac by Jesus in Luke 8. The sermon by Rev. Lanford touches on fears of the truth, on freedom, Juneteenth and Pride month as he explores “Fear of the Truth, Freedom, and Unity in Christ.”
This morning we hear lectionary Scriptures which reflect the Trinity (Psalm 8, John 16:12-15, and Romans 5:1-5). Beth Lanford is the Lector. The sermon touches on the Trinity as relating to Creation, and focuses on our “dominion” over creation as well as on the climate crisis. Rev. Lanford does this by drawing from Psalm 8 and the scholarly work on it and our “dominion” in that context, done by Prof. William P. Brown of Columbia School of Theology. He is an old seminary friend of Pastor Richard’s.
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This Pentecost Sunday readings are from Genesis Chapter 11, John 14:8-17, 25-17; and Acts 2:1-21 (the classic Pentecost passage). David Iannotti is our Lector; the Redheaded Preacher looks to John and Acts to begin answering his homily title: What the Spirit’s message to, and through, the Church might be in this very hard year, and this challenging season of non-abundance for most churches.
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This Sunday before Memorial Day and also in the wake of the school murders in Uvalde, TX, Rich Schneider reads Scriptures from the Gospel of John and from the Revelation, from which Rev. Lanford brings a sermon called “Alpha Omega Love.” Our lives of self-giving love find grief and frustration, but we are told to take heart; God will have the last Word as God is the beginning and the End.
This Sunday Carolyn Van Til reads the Scriptures of Psalm 67, John 5:1-9, and later verses from The Revelation. Rev. Lanford preaches “For and Against Healing” which arises not only from the New Testament passages but also from selfishness, cruelty, and falsehoods which are “against” healing. He also lifts up the violent events in Buffalo and elsewhere while calling out the lie of the ‘great replacement theory” behind such racist violence.
This morning we celebrate a baptism, so the Scriptures read by Lector Katy S. Aguayo (from the Book of Acts Chapter 2; the Revelation Chapter 21; and John 13) along with the baptism itself inspired this homily by Rev. Lanford. “Baptized for Life” is about the kind of life the baptized are to be nurtured and grow up to embody.
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This morning we mark Mother’s Day with 2 Scriptures out of the 3, read by Katy Schurhke Aguayo, and Pastor Richard Lanford preaches about “Some Scriptural Moms” and their roles in passing on faith, compassion, and even more, including through moms today!
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This morning we celebrate the 155th birthday of St. Peter’s UCC, having been founded May 5, 1867. Beth Sterba reads our passages from Joshua 24 and John 21; Rev. Lanford preaches a homily called “Of Joshua, Jesus, and Turning 155.” Each passage has at least one thing for a birthday church to keep in mind going into an uncertain future!
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This Sunday after Resurrection Sunday features a message called “Hands and Side.” The Redheaded Preacher focuses on the meanings of Jesus showing his riven side and pierced hands, as that is what changed the disciples from shock or disbelief unto faith. The meanings are just as relevant for our faith, and our understandings about Jesus and God the Father. Enjoy the insights of this one!
EASTER SUNDAY This blessed day finds our RedHeaded Preacher preaching a homily called “Flipping the Script Part 3.” The first two flips of the “script” are explained in the beginning, and are also explained in our meditation-only podcast (published after this one?) from Maundy Thursday, which meditation is called “Flipping the Script Parts 2 and 4.” Christ is Risen, Christ is Risen indeed!
Palm Sunday This message builds on both Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 and Luke 19:28-40 in talking about Christ as the rejected-but-vindicated-by-God foundation, or cornerstone of Christian faith, hope, life and action. What do those expert builders know? The Redheaded Preacher opens with a family story about someone NOT being ‘good enough’ for someone and goes from there about Christ and His love definitely being more than that for our life’s foundation. Let Him into Jerusalem to rule!
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Fifth Sunday in Lent “All in for God’s New Thing” is this Sunday’s homily from St. Peter’s UCC’s pastor, the RedHeaded Preacher the Rev. Richard Lanford. Jumping off from God’s declaration of doing a new thing for Israel after the exile (Isaiah 43:16-21), we are pointed to God’s new thing also being found in Mary’s anointing of Jesus (John 12:1-8) and Paul’s Christ-centered life’s purpose (Philippians 3:43b-14). Annie Noorts is our Lector this week, the last Sunday before Palm Sunday!
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Fourth Sunday in Lent “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” The Rev. Lanford explains the sermon title is borrowed from the film, but inspired by the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which is triggered by the Pharisees and scribes complaining about Jesus eating with tax-collectors and sinners. Based on common themes of reconciliation and restoration found in Psalm 32, 2nd Corinthians 5:16-21, and Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, the sermon is first about personal spiritual reconciliation but goes beyond that, suggesting it all matters to the ’future that we will build.’
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Third Sunday in Lent “Listen Carefully and Live.” The Rev. Lanford opens the homily talking about listening, to others and then to God; ways to deal with distractions when listening to God’s Word, and some of the things God beckons us to listen carefully to, so that we may have life in God through Christ. Isaiah 55 is the jumping-off point for the Scriptural exploration.
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Second Sunday in Lent “Abraham’s Faith, Our Faith.” The Rev. Lanford opens the homily talking about how we humans argue with God, like Abram in Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18. It goes from there to how Abram’s faith grew in depth to believe in God despite the barrenness he and Sarai were living in, and touches on how we might believe in such a way, too -- a faith that can find us pleasing before God (or ‘righteous before God’ like Abram’s faith made him).
February 27, 2022 Transfiguration Sunday The service and sermon were largely put together before the Russian invasion of The Ukraine, but it is brought up during a part of the service and sermon. Lector Beth Lanford reads 2nd Corinthians 3:12-4:2, and Luke 9:28-43a. Rev. Richard Lanford brings the texts-based sermon “What Good is Glory?” He has more than one answer for us!
Rev. Richard Lanford preaches a sermon called “Let us be Children of the Most High” directed by Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, as it comes to us in Luke.
February 20, 2022 Lector Karen Christianson reads Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40, First Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, and Luke 6:27-38.
Lector Annie Noorts reads Jeremiah 17:5-10 and Luke 6:17-26. Rev. Richard Lanford preaches a sermon called “Blessings, Woes, and the Reign of God” inspired by Luke’s text. It is a set of blessings and woes declared by Jesus, preceded by some healing miracles, and can be a troubling passage for the comfortable in this world.
This morning’s sermon is called “Conditions of a Miracle, Installed or Not.” That refers to one Christian’s view of conditions for a miracle as observed in our Gospel lesson of Luke 5:1-11. These can exist in churches regardless of one being an installed leader in a church. Our lector is Rich Schneider. The other Scripture is Isaiah 6:1-8.
This morning’s sermon is called “The Sermon Before the Meeting.” That refers to our annual meeting held shortly after our worship! The Scriptures are read by Lector Carolyn Van Til, and they are from Jeremiah 1, I Corinthians 13, and Luke 4:21-30.
This morning our passages, read by Lector Beth Sterba, are I Cor. 12:12-31a; Neh. 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-19; and Luke 4:14-21. The sermon is called “Fulfilling Scripture,” grounded in the Gospel passage. Rev. Lanford discusses different ways Jesus, and we His Body on earth, fulfill the Scripture He read in the Nazareth synagogue long ago.
On this Sunday marking the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King., Jr., Rev. Lanford preaches a sermon called “The (Un)Common Good,” borrowing the title from a book by Jim Wallis. The focus of the sermon comes from the epistle, First Corinthians 12 where Paul says the manifestation of the Spirit is given to all “for the common good.”
Our Red-Headed Preacher the Rev. Richard Lanford returns to the pulpit after a Sunday away, and preaches a sermon called “In Good Company.” This Sunday falls shortly after the Epiphany and on the day designated for the Baptism of Christ, so we mark both. The Scriptures are Isaiah 43:1-7, Matthew 2:1-12 and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 and tell us of God’s promises to Israel, and the stories of both the Magi finding Bethlehem and the Baptism of Jesus.
December 26, 2021 Today we’ll hear Scriptures from First Samuel, Colossians 3, and Luke 2 after Jesus has been born, and grown some. In his last sermon of 2021, the Redheaded Preacher draws especially on Luke 2:41-52 to preach a sermon on “Mary, Joseph, and Seeking for Jesus.” He wonders how could such clued-in parents take so long to find Jesus, and seeks for us in the same question.
Pastor's very special Christmas Eve sermon, just for you!! Enjoy, and we hope everyone out there had a very Merry Christmas. God loves you!!
Lector Karen Christianson reads from Micah 5 and Luke 1; the sermon is “From you Shall Come for Me” preached by Rev. Lanford. It looks at how Jesus’ arrival was for us, but also for God; and we are to meant to be the same, in our own way, for God and for others.
Lector David Iannotti reads from Zephaniah, Philippians and Luke. The sermon, inspired by the crowd’s response to John the Baptist’s preaching, is called “What Then Shall We Do?” We go from sharing what we have with those who are without, to a broader and deeper dimension of this way to prepare for Jesus’ arrival!
DECEMBER 5, 2021 THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Lector Barbara Todd reads from Malachi, Philippians and Luke; the sermon is called “The Word of God came to John” and it contrasts the powerful persons named by Luke at the outset of the passage with John the Baptist. It goes from there to invite us to find our role in bringing up the valleys!
The RedHeaded Preacher begins Advent with Scriptures from Jeremiah 33, I Thessalonians 3, and Luke 21. Marcia Hilliard is the Lector, and the sermon is called “Guard Duty.”
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and before the First Sunday of Advent, we give thanks and remember church members, and those affiliated with our membership, who died since last Totenfest (our version of All Saints Day). We also hear Scriptures from Daniel 7, The Revelation Chapter 1, and John 18:33-38 which drive a sermon called “This Week’s Three T Words.” They happen to be Thankfulness, Totenfest, and Truth. Our minister tries to find a connection between these three, in that order!
Pastor Richard Lanford returns today, bringing a sermon called “Coming Through.” The Scriptures are I Samuel 1:4-20; Hebrews 10:11-25; and Mark 13:1-8, read by Peter Svenson. The message looks at how Hannah, the disciples and early church ‘came through’ painful situations or temptations, in part through being in a community of faith. Maybe us, too!
The sermon is called “Reformation Roots” and comes from Scriptures read by Lector Beth Lanford: Ruth 1:1-18; Hebrews 9:11-14; and Mark 12:28-34. We’ll look at some current and future trends in religion in society, and find needful traits from the Scriptures and the Protestant Reformers for now, and the years to come.
We get to ponder “What do you want (Jesus to do for you)?” as our red-headed Pastor Richard Lanford preaches a sermon by that name. It is grounded in the passages read by Lector Annie Noorts, Job 42:1-7, 10-17; Hebrews 7:23-28, and Mark 10:46-52. It gets deeper into it and into Jesus than you might expect from the sound of it!
Have you gone through a time of suffering, and letting out your anger out at God? Have you found God to be silent for too long? You have a friend in Job, and the Lord, as Pastor Lanford preaches this sermon called “YHWH, finally.” YHWH is called “the tetragrammaton,” as it is the four consonants in the Hebrew manuscripts for God’s name as revealed to Moses, but in Jewish thought, it is too holy to be pronounced aloud. Before ending an exploration of God’s breaking the silence to Job, our Pastor also brings in Mark 10:35-45 and looks at how Job’s experience may apply to suffering servant church volunteer leaders to as well.
The RedHeaded Preacher turns to the lectionary and finds inspiration from both the prophet Amos (5:6,7 and 10-15) and from the Epistle to the Hebrews (4;12-16) for a sermon called “Amos, do we hear your Voice?” Carolyn Van Til is our lector. The sermon talks about how those who abuse the poor, afflict the righteous and make profit off of the poor, etcetera, are called to “seek the Lord and live” before it’s too late. So are we to speak on the behalf of the victimized, as well.
The RedHeaded Preacher turns to the universal church holiday of World Communion Sunday for inspiration! He takes the suggested readings of Job 1:1; 2:1-10; Hebrews 1:1-4 and 2:5-12 plus verses from John 6 (read by lector Rich Schneider) to weave a homily called “The Communion of Suffering Christians.” Because of the Lord’s Supper, this is a shorter message than usual.
This podcast is produced and edited by Laura M. Olson and created by Pastor Richard Lanford. Special thanks to Rich Schneider for his contributions.
This week’s edition features the Redheaded Preacher’s sermon “Community Care, Community Prayer,” based on James 5:13-20. The lector is Carolyn Van Til, and in addition to the reading of James, we get to hear Mark 9:38-50 too. The good reverend walks us through much of this passage about praying for one another for healing, the old-world connection between sin and sickness, forgiveness and healing; and confession of our sins to another believer whom we trust.
“God’s Jealous Yearning” is the name of today’s sermon, preached by our pastor, the Rev. Richard A. Lanford. It emerges from Scriptures read by lector Mark Loach and they are James 3:13 – 4:3m 7-8a, and Mark 9:30-37. You’ve got to hang in to the end to get it. May this be a blessing to you!
For this week, the sermon is grounded in the lectionary Scriptures for the day. These are read by Annie Noorts, and they are Proverbs 1:20-33; James 3:1-12; and Mark 8:27-38. The sermon by Rev. Richard Lanford is called “Set Our Minds,” based on something Jesus says in Mark. Enjoy!
This week’s sermon is called “God’s Preferential Option.” The Scriptures, read by Lector Karen Christianson, are from the Book of Proverbs Chapter 22; James 2:1-10, 14-17; and Mark 7:24-37. These are from the lectionary for this Labor Day Sunday, and the message focuses on how God is, and God’s people are called to be, impartial; or if partial, then to the poor and oppressed, as God seems to be. The sermon includes part of a nationwide report of wage-theft oppressing many American workers.
Today’s sermon, preached outdoors at Lorel Park in Skokie, is called “Stewards of an Earth in Crisis.” The Scriptures, read by Katy Schuhrke Aguayo, are Genesis 1:26-31; Psalm 8; and Matthew 24:45-51. There is no YouTube recording or live-stream record of this service; the podcast is the only version of the Bible passages and sermon available. Rev. Lanford speaks to the state of crisis our climate is in, and therefore we are in, and brings a framework of Christian stewardship to how we face this and go forward, including with hope.
Today’s sermon spends time with places where, and events when, we encounter the Holy. We visit one of the times Jesus was not welcomed by most folks! The sermon by our RedHeaded Preacher, the Rev. Richard Lanford, is called “Sacred Space.” Judy Paige reads the Scriptures for us, as they come from selections from First Kings 8, Mark 6, and Ephesians 6. Enjoy!
Today’s service has a stewardship theme, especially in the Scriptures (read by Rich Schneider) and the sermon. Pastor Richard assumes the role of a “stewardship advisor” named Alvin who . . . well, you’ll have to listen to get what he thinks of some of Jesus’ teaching, which you may reject! The Scriptures are Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 and Mark 10:17-31. The sermon is called “The Stewardship Advisor.”
Today’s service offers not only prayers, singing, a musical meditation, a lector (Annie Noorts) bringing the Scriptures, but also a homily called “Healing and the Holy.” The passages which inform the message are Hosea 11:1-4; The Revelation 22:1-5; and Mark 5:1-20. (The service of healing itself involves those who desire to come forward to the Pastor Richard Lanford and receive the anointing with oil on the forehead in the name of Christ, the laying on of hands, accompanied by words of prayer and benediction).
RedHeaded Preacher Podcast words for the link on the church web site: JULY 18, 2021 ST. PETER’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, SKOKIE, WORSHIP FOR THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Today’s sermon is called “He is our Peace: The New Humanity” based on the readings by Lector Barb Todd (Jeremiah 23:1-5 and Ephesians 2:11-22). It is a bit of an indictment and a call to recognize the embrace the unity in Christ we have by virtue of being one in faith, being one in grace, being united by the blood of Christ’s cross. The dividing wall, the hostility that divides people who come to believe, has already been broken down!
JULY 11, 2021 ST. PETER’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, SKOKIE, THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Today’s service finds us back in the lectionary after a number of weeks away. We’ve got some great passages! The readings, read by Lector Andre Gloeckner, are 2nd Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 and Mark 6:14-29. The sermon is without title for a change, but the RedHeaded Preacher, Rev. Richard Lanford, speaks about some things to take away from Herod Agrippa’s relationship with imprisoned John the Baptist, and his having him beheaded at the behest of his daughter.
Today’s service marks the 245th anniversary of the passing of the Declaration of Independence, with a larger focus on God’s Word and the financial circumstances confronting St. Peter’s U.C.C. Taking a cue from what could be words about our nation, the message is called “Strength and Freedom.” Do the Scripture passages deepen our faith-filled understanding of those terms? The readings, read by Lector Jessica Schneider, are 2nd Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10; 2nd Corinthians 12:2-10; and John 8:31-38.
This sermon is the last of a three-week sermon series on “How do I Know what God wants me to do?” Our Scriptures, picked for the sermon series, are Genesis 12:1-4; 2nd Corinthians 4:16-18; Hebrews 11:8-10; and Matthew 26:36-45. Lector Mandy Steegmueller brings them to us. As this is Pride Sunday, the sermon also touches on St. Peter’s becoming an Open and Affirming Congregation, and affirming the steadfast faith of members of the LGBTQ+ communities who did not give up on God despite faith communities and subcultures not welcoming them.
Our sermon today continues what is a three-part series around the theme and title “How do I Know what God wants me to do?” Today’s is Part II. With Molly Uchtman our Lector, we hear passages from Isaiah 63, the Book of the Acts of the Apostles in two places, and Luke 2. The thrust of the message is that we may find what God wants us to do through being in Christian community. Please tune in!
Our sermon today starts what looks like a three-part series around the theme and title “How do I Know what God wants me to do?” Last week’s sermon sort of set this up. Setting the table are several passages from Psalm 119, Colossians 3, and passages from Matthew, as read by Lector David Iannotti. May your listening be a blessing!
This Podcast for June 6, 2021 features the sermon by our Rev. Lanford called “A House Divided,” inspired by the Gospel lesson (Mark 3:20-35) and the state of affairs in our nation today. Barb Todd our Lector also shares another reading as well, Second Corinthians 4:13-51 to round out the day’s Scriptures.
This is Pentecost Sunday, that festival of the Church which celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, sending them into mission, thus creating the Church! The sermon is titled “The Call of Pentecost,” and talks about how the Spirit brings power, especially to believing communities, to share stories of faith and return to our communities after the pandemic with outreach, and some of those stories. Lector Olivia Altmayer reads Acts 2:1-21 and John 15:26, 27; 16:4b-15 for us. May you be anointed!
This podcast is produced., written and edited by Reverend Lanford and Laura Olson for St. Peter's UCC in Skokie with help from Richard Schneider.
This Spring Sunday has a Scripture, Psalm 1, which takes us to the outdoors and the image of a tree planted by streams of water which nourish and strengthen it. This tree bears fruit for others. The message preached by our minister Richard Lanford is called “A Tree Grows in Skokie,” takes off from there! The lector Peter Svenson reads the Scriptures of Psalm 1, I John 5:9-13, and John 17:6-19. Is your church a tree, too, wherever it is?
The sermon for May 9, 2021, Mother’s Day, is called “A Mother’s Prayers, A Church that Shares,” preached by our pastor the Rev. Richard Lanford. Preaching out of two of the three passages, it is about the many ways God has through congregations to be resources to moms, including single mothers, especially in the essential arena of spiritual development. It is a call to both moms and churches to be aware of each other and encounter each other in ministry.
This is the Sunday we mark our church’s 154th Birthday! The very short sermon for May 2, 2021 is called “Branch Life,” preached by our pastor the Rev. Richard Lanford. Preaching from John 15:1-8 we hear what it means for we branches to “abide in the Vine” and bear good fruit. We are reminded that vines are naturally wild, and our Vine Jesus is a bringer of love, so . . . Listen in! Our lector is Annie Noorts. Enjoy this brief Reflection!
The sermon for April 25, 2021 is called “Love is a Verb,” preached by our pastor the Rev. Richard Lanford. The title is borrowed from the Rev. Cheryl Lindsay of the United Church of Christ’s Weekly Seeds. Preaching out of all three passages, Psalm 23, John 10:11-18 and First John 3:16-24, it is about the many ways God has acted and sacrificed in love for our benefit, and now we are to love one another, and others, the same way as Jesus did. At the end it takes us to “not standing idly by” while injustices are done but taking action in love.
The sermon for April 18, 2021 is called “To Follow the Risen Crucified One,” preached by our pastor the Rev. Richard Lanford; it is about coming to grips with the call to follow one who went through great suffering as well as resurrection. What does that mean for us who seek to follow? Discussion of doubt and faith is part of this. The Lector is Beth Lanford, bringing Psalm 4, First John 3:1-7, and Luke 24:36b-48.
Much thanks to Rich Schneider for his help putting this together each week. Our podcast is produced and created by Rev. Richard Lanford & Laura M. Olson for St. Peter's UCC and edited by Laura M. Olson. Donations are always needed and very welcomed! You can find out more about donating from our website, Facebook page and on YouTube all @stpeteruccskokie.
Our Sunday after Easter message, “Of Jesus’ Scars and Peace,” looks at how the risen, scarred Jesus gave, and still gives, deep peace to His disciples. It touches on the fact that each time He bestows it to them in greeting, they are together, and He is right in the middle of them. It also lifts up that scars are not only badges of healed wounds, but that they indicate or point to new life afterward . . . as in resurrection life. The passages are John 20:19-31 and I John 1:1 – 2:2 read by Karen Christianson, one of our Sunday School teachers.
Our Easter Sunday message looks at how we live as disciples of Jesus, how we “stand” and “move” resolutely, with hope and strength, ‘in’ and ‘on’ the Resurrection. That’s the title, in fact: “Standing in, Moving in, the Resurrection.” We hear parts of Mark 16’s proclamation of God raising Jesus from the dead, but the Pastor spends more time with the other readings of First Corinthians 15:1-11 and Isaiah 25:6-9, all read by Jessica Schneider.
Pastor preaches on Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week.
Our podcast is created, produced and edited by Laura M. Olson and Richard Lanford. Special thanks to Rich Schneider for his contributions. St. Peter's UCC is located in Skokie, IL and is an open and affirming congregation in the United Church of Christ. Donations are always welcomed. Find us on many social platforms and at our website www.stpeteruccskokie.org.
The sermon this day looks at two of the three lectionary Scriptures for inspiration to live into the present and future, in the wake of talk of “returning to normalcy.” The sermon title is “Returning to ‘Normalcy’ Goes Against the Grain.” Do we really want to go back to the ways it was, and to some of the ways we still are or have?
This podcast is created, produced and edited by Laura M. Olson and Reverend Richard Lanford. Special thanks to Rich Schneider for his contributions. If you like what you're hearing give us a 5 star review and rating! Donations are also always welcomed! Go to stpeteruccskokie.org for more donation information; visit us on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube @stpeteruccskokie
The sermon for this 4th Sunday in Lent explores depths in which Christ is still present and gracious unto us, perceived with the eyes of need and faith. It’s called “Soul Medicine” and is based on the lectionary readings of Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-21 read by Rich Schneider. Readings from Sojourners also a important elements. It is a reflection on God’s steadfast grace, presence and mercy.
This podcast is created, produced and edited by Laura M. Olson and Pastor Richard Lanford. Special thanks to Rich Schneider for his contributions. Donations always welcomed! Find out more about us at stpeteruccskokie.org, on Facebook and Youtube!
Its the third Sunday in Lent. This homily is called “The Systemic Change by Grace," keyed by the John passage we will hear ahead of time. Jesus is in the Temple making righteous changes very provocatively, but something greater than the Temple was there! Or, Someone!
This podcast is produced and edited for St. Peter's UCC by Laura M. Olson and Reverend Richard Lanford. Special thanks to Karen Christianson for her scripture readings, and Richard Schneider for his content contributions.
For the Second Sunday in Lent, Rev. Lanford focuses on the Gospel reading of Mark 8:31-38 to preach this sermon called "This . . . is to Die For!" For whom or what are we willing to lay down our lives? Why? What might it mean to deny our selves and carry our cross to follow Jesus? The good reverend opens these questions up for us. The other Scriptures for the day are Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 and Romans 4:13-25 read by the Lector for the day. Thank you to Rich Schneider for his contributions. This podcast is created by Richard Lanford and Laura M. Olson. Edited by Laura M. Olson for St. Peter's UCC.
Pastor Lanford spends some time in our Genesis story which is after the Flood. The passage is Genesis 9:8-17 and the sermon is called "About that Rainbow . . . " Sharing some comments about this first Covenant in the Bible from Isaac Villegas and Walter Brueggemann, he offers some different ways to think about the rainbows we see, and that rainbow from the Lord. Much thanks to our reader Andre Gloeckner, Rich Schneider for his editing contributions. This podcast is produced by Laura M. Olson for St. Peter's United Church of Christ
Pastor's message for Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent 2021 focuses on the words spoken when imposing ashes on those who wish to receive them during the service. We did hold a small in person gathering tonight to which some did receive ashes, all in COVID safe ways. Thank you to Rich Schneider for his content contribution, this podcast is produced by Laura M. Olson. Thanks so much for listening; give us a rating and review wherever you listen!
This sermon, called “The Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ,” is grounded in 2nd Corinthians 4:3-6. It seeks to help us find and appreciate glory related to God in a number of places, including hard and unpleasant times. We hope it will provide some positive perspective! Our Reader today is Barbara Todd. Much thanks to Rich Schneider for editing contributions. Podcast is produced by Laura M. Olson
Inspired by our virtual Installation of our church's Officers and Board members, today's message is called "Three Things About Service." It's based on the Gospel stories in Mark 1:29-39. You don't have to be a church officer or board member of a church to get something out of this!
Care for the earth. The value of human life. Why are you here? What makes life worth living, or seems to give you life? These are basic questions and ideas we ask and discuss.. but that does not mean the answers aren't complex.
Join us as Pastor preaches on "The Life of Faith: From Whom, For Whom, Through Whom. Accompanied by Pastor today is Beth Lanford on scriptures. This podcast is produced and edited by Laura M. Olson. If you like what you hear, subscribe to the podcast, give us a star rating and review! God Bless you now and throughout your days!
What are your Ninevehs, and is God calling us to go to them? Thanks for joining us today and God Bless you! Reverend Lanford preaches this morning; Mandy Steegmueller is our Lector, reading lectionary passages Jonah 3:1-5, 10; I Corinthians 7:29-31; and Mark 1:14-20. Our podcast is produced by Laura M. Olson. Have a wonderful week and may the Lord keep you safe and healthy during these times.
They both lived thousands of years ago. In these historic times filled fear, anger & change, what do they have to say to you, me, the church, if not for this country, in 2021?
This very special podcast addresses the recent attack on our capitol; the words that created that world...it may be hard to hear but must be listened too! Beth Sterba as our Lector, reading Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; and Mark 1:4-11. With an emphasis on the Genesis reading, the sermon is called “Words Create Worlds,” a title borrowed from a preaching resource which gave some inspiration to the preacher, Pastor Richard Lanford. Give us a 5-star rating and review if you can, and help spread the word of God!
A return to our Skokie Sanctuary at Oakton and Laramie Avenues for the first live-stream worship we’ve ever done! The homily is “Light and Life” by the pastor, Rev. Richard Lanford; and the Lector is Jessica Schneider who reads us two chosen Gospel passages: John 1:1-18 and Matthew 2:1-12.
Pastor's special Christmastide message is a Refection taken from the passages of the Gospel of Luke 2:22-40. We didn't have a typical service this week, instead this special message was filmed for Youtube and recorded for you. Please enjoy and thank you so much for all the support in 2020!! We'll see you again in 2021!
Merry Christmas faithful listeners! Wishing you Joy and happiness on this sacred day for Christians. What is The Draw of following Jesus? We hope you'll find answers as you listen to our podcast.
Our Christmas Eve worship podcast includes 9 readers! Pastor also includes an unusual reading from Revelations this time around. Thank you to all are readers listed below, with the scriptures.
THE SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS A Prophecy of the Messiah Isaiah 9:2-7 Read by Dan Guenther
THE STORY OF THE NATIVITY Luke 1: 26-38 The Annunciation; Read by Gianna Iannotti (Narrator), Jamie Iannotti (Angel) and Layla Iannotti (Mary)
Luke 1:39-56 The Magnificat; Read by Beth Sterba
Matthew 1: 18-25 Joseph’s Dream; Read by Peter Svenson
Luke 2: 1-7The Journey and the Birth; Read by Mandy Steegmueller
Luke 2: 8-20 Of Shepherds and Angels; Read by Olivia Altmayer
Revelation 12:1-6 A Great Portent; Read by Roy Svenson
The Scriptures for this Sunday, read by Marcia Hilliard, are Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 and Luke 1:26-38. The sermon is by the Rev. Richard Lanford, St. Peter’s pastor and teacher. Music also by Reverend Lanford
Just when we feel weary, Pastor lifts us and brings us more good news as the birth of Christ is near. The Scriptures for this Sunday in Advent, read by David Iannotti, are Psalm 126, Isaiah 64:1-4, 8-9, and John 1:6-8, 19-28. The homily is “Bringing in the Sheaves” by the Rev. Richard Lanford, St. Peter’s pastor and teacher. Music is also by Pastor Lanford.
I think we are all ready for some good news. It's the second Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Peace. Hear Pastor's Podcast as we navigate through Advent. The Scriptures for this Sunday in Advent, read by Barbara Todd, are Isaiah 40:1-11; Second Peter 3:815a, and Mark 1:1-8. The homily is “The Beginning of the Good News” by the Rev. Richard Lanford.
It is the first Sunday in Advent, A Sunday of Hope. The Scriptures, read by Ben Westphal, are Isaiah 64:1-9; First Corinthians 1:3-9; and Mark 13:24-37. The homily is “Hunting for Hope” by the Rev. Richard Lanford.
This is the last Sunday before Advent. Following its German Evangelical & Reformed heritage within the U.C.C., St. Peter’s U.C.C. marks Totenfest on this Sunday, remembering those members and sometimes close friends of the church who have died since last Totenfest. Today we light candles in memory of Charles T. Bailey and William Todd, Jr., along with our Candle for Others and a Candle for the Transgendered persons who were killed over the past 12 months. The sermon touches on these, as well as Thanksgiving, with a sermon called “From Thanksgiving to Ministry to Thanksgiving” based on Hebrews 11:39-12:3; James 1:17, 18; and Matthew 25:31-46. Jenn Schneider, the Congregation’s President, is our Lector today!
Today the message is about stewardship, based on Matthew 25:14-30. The sermon celebrates some of our gifts from God at our local church. It also addresses how we relate to a God who entrusts us with talents, and how we ‘work’ them and find joy in so doing. The passages, read by lifelong member Peter Svenson, are in addition to Matthew, Psalm 123 and First Thessalonians 5:1-11.
“What’s in Your ‘Go Bag’?” This is prepared with an eye to Veterans Day, and hope post-election, but especially to the Christian life of wise preparation. That is stewardship, which is also a sub-theme on this first of a couple of Stewardship Sunday messages this month. The passages, read by Olivia Altmayer, are Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25; Romans 8:22-35; and Matthew 25:1-13.
“Crossing Jordan 2020” is the shorter-than-usual sermon’s name as Rev. Richard Lanford looks to our readings for lessons on transitions in our time. This is prepared with an eye to COVID-19 but also to the imminent election. The passages, read by Molly Uchtman, are Joshua 3:1-7 and Matthew 23:1-12.
It's Reformation Sunday! Scriptures read by Beth Lanford which are Deuteronomy 34:1-12; I Thessalonians 2:1-8; and Matthew 22:34-36; and a sermon called “Back to Basics.”
Readings by our Music Director Ben Westphal standing in as Lector, and the sermon is by St. Peter’s longtime minister, Rev. Richard Lanford. The readings are First Thessalonians 1:1-10 and Matthew 22:15-22. The homily is “God’s Human Coins.” Our Guitar theme is an original production of Reverend Richard Lanford as well - Enjoy!
As always, we pray for healing, for our country, for peace and justice, for ourselves and for others. Our scriptures are read today by our music director Ben Westphal. He reads Exodus 32:1-14; Philippians 4:1-9, and Matthew 22:1-14. This led our minister, the Rev. Richard Lanford, to preach a sermon called “Estimating Relationship with God.”
We celebrate World Communion Sunday today! The readings are from lector Jessica Schneider, and a sermon by Rev. Richard Lanford called “In Wilderness: Commandment, Covenant, and Christ.” The Scriptures are Exodus 20:1-20 and Philippians 3:4b-14.
Thank you so much for joining us this week! Our podcast this week hears scriptures read by Carolyn Van Til which are Exodus 17:1-7; Philippians 2:1-13. Pastor expounds this with his sermon "For God's Good Pleasure." If you like what you hear, give us a like and subscribe!
Rev. Richard Lanford makes use of Philippians 1:20-30 to explore "Living and Dying." The other lesson, Exodus 16:2-15, is also referred to. Beth Sterba reading the Scriptures.
The service finds Rev. Lanford spending some time with all three of our passages, Exodus 14: 19-31; Romans 14: 1-12 and the Gospel of Matthew 18:21-35. With a little help from Psalm 23 as he brings us the sermon “The Fruit of Pursuit.” Thank you to Dan Guenther for our readings today!
Rev. Richard Lanford, St. Peter’s U.C.C.’s Pastor, preaches a homily called “The Love Debt,” The homily is based on the teaching from Romans 13:8-14, read by our Lector Karen Christianson. Exodus 12:1-14 is included too.
We traditionally have one outdoor service in the summer time, and we didn’t want to miss the experience this year. Recorded in Lorel Park in Skokie, with a few guests from the congregation, we were treated to readings from Katy Aguayo, and message from Pastor Richard Lanford about being "Among the Overcomers."
What is faithful defiance? How do we handle our fears, how can God help us? We visit the Book of Exodus, specifically Chapter 1:8-2:10 today, read by Lector Annie Noorts. She also gives us Matthew 16:13-20. Thanks so much for listen and please subscribe and give us a rating if you haven't already!
We visit the Book of Genesis, Chapter 45:1-15 today and hear a sermon called “A Perspective in Providence.” Once again the Rev. Richard Lanford, the Pastor of St. Peter’s U.C.C., does the preaching. Rich Schneider the Lector also gives us Matthew 15:10-20. Enjoy, subscribe and leave us a rating, and thank you and God Bless!
Pastor Lanford is back from vacation and ready to help you find some peace! Now we need that more than ever. The sermon is based on Philippians 4:4-9 and his personal experience; the Gospel read by our Lector Beth Lanford includes Matthew 14:22-33. Thanks for listening; give us a rating wherever you listen to your podcasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more spiritual and uplifting guidance. #stpeteruccskokie
The Rev. Richard Lanford, the Pastor of St. Peter’s U.C.C., brings a sermon called “The Hard Work Before the Harvest”. The sermon is based primarily on the parable of the weeds and wheat Matt. 13:23-30 and parts of Romans 8:12-25, read by our Lector Barbara Todd.
The Rev. Richard Lanford, the Pastor of St. Peter’s U.C.C., brings a sermon called “Esau, Inheritance, and Good News”. The message springs from Genesis 25:19-34 and Romans 8:1-11, read by our Lector Marcia Hilliard who recorded it outside at home!
Our sermon is inspired by our Independence Holiday during these very unique times. Our scriptures are read by our Music Director Ben Westphal and are taken from Romans 7: 15-25 and the Gospel of Matthew 11: 16-19; 25-30.
Our special Father's Day sermon will lift you up during these tough times. Thanks to Karen C. for her readings, taken from Genesis 21: 8-21; Romans 6: 1b - 11 and the Gospel of Matthew 10: 24-39.
Pastor continues to touch on our current issues as they relate to our scriptures. Thank you to David I. for his readings today, our sermon takes its messages from Genesis 18: 1-15; 21: 1-7 and the Gospel of Matthew 9: 35 - 10:8. If you like what you hear, give us a like, subscribe and please rate our podcast in whatever catcher you use so others will find us.
We navigate these difficult times with God's words at the forefront and how we can take them and apply them to our world. Scriptures today are read by Beth Sterba and are taken from Psalm 8, Isaiah 58: 9b -12 and the Gospel of Matthew 28: 16-20
blm #blacklivesmatter #eradicateracism #UCC #justiceforall
Our Pentecost 2020 looks very different this year. Pastor has a powerful message on these troubling times. Our scriptures today are read by the lovely Judy Paige, and can be found in Acts 1;14 & 2: 2-21 and the Gospel of John 7: 37-39
blacklivesmatter #justiceforall #eradicateracism #blm
Pastor has a special message for Memorial Day 2020. Our sermon scriptures were taken from Acts 1: 6-14 & I Peter 4: 12-14; 5: 6-11
Pastor Lanford shares some good words from God for these hard times. Our scriptures today are taken from Psalm 66: 8-20; I Peter 3: 13-22 and the Gospel of John 14: 15-21
How does our relationship with our mothers affect our relationship with God? Pastor discusses all things mom and how moms and God go hand in hand. Our scriptures read today are from Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16, I Peter 2: 1-10
It's our 153rd Anniversary this week! Pastor has a lot to share on that, and keeping calm right now. Our scriptures today are from Joshua 24: 1, 14-15; 24-28 and Matthew 6: 25-34
Thanks for listening!! Our scriptures today are from Psalms 116 1-4 & 12-19 and I Peter 1 17-23. Be sure to subscribe to catch our weekly podcasts.
Touching on Christ's redemption in uncertain times-- our readings today are taken from Daniel 12: 1-4 and Matthew 28: 1-10
It's Palm Sunday! Pastor has a special message for you. Our Readings today are taken from Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29; Matthew 21: 1-11
Our apologies; the scriptures did not get recorded properly this morning. Our scriptures were from Ezekiel 37: 1-14; John 11; 1-45. Be sure to check out the entire service on Youtube after 10 AM Sunday, March 29th - type in stpeteruccskokie inyour Youtube browser to find us!
Finding Sight in this new, unsure world. Thank you to Beth Sterba for her reading, and Ben Westphal for his musical accompaniment. Our readings today are taken from I Samuel 16: 1-13 and John 9: 1-41. Thanks so much for listening
Pastor has some comfort and strength for us in these times of crisis. Thanks to Carolyn Van Til for the readings; which were Romans 5: 1-11 and the gospel of John 9: 5-41.
We celebrate a baptism today! We are also trying something new, so don't be surprised when you hear Pastor sermon at first, its just an exert of it to wet your whistle. Pastor talks about Love, and how we show it and give it. Our scriptures are read by Barb Todd and taken from Genesis 12: 1-4a and the Gospel of John 3: 1-17.
Pastor reflects on changes in our narrative around us as well as in the Bible. Our passages today are taking from Genesis 2: 15-17; 3: 1-7 and the Gospel of Matthew 4: 1-11. Thank you to Rich Schneider for his readings.
What are some of your most important memories? Pastor discusses this as and more as we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday. Our scriptures are taken from Exodus 24: 12-18; 2nd Peter 1: 16-21 and Matthew 17: 1-9.
What does it mean to achieve a higher Righteousness? Scriptures today are read from Deuteronomy 30: 15-20; First Corinthians 3: 1-9 and our gospel lesson is from Matthew 5: 21-37. Thank you to Annie Noorts for her readings.
What does it mean, "being salt?" How does this relate to God, our world, and us? How can we find inspiration from it? Find out by listening now. Our scriptures read today are from Psalm 112 and I Corinthians 2: 1-12. Thanks so much for supporting our podcast!
Can it really be good to be meek? Hear what Pastor has to say about one of the most known and beloved passages from the Bible. Our scriptures today are taken from Micah 6: 1-8 and Matthew 5: 1-2. Thanks so much for listening, we really appreciate it!
Pastor talks today about repenting, following and fishing-- and how that connects to living a God centered life, and reaping the rewards of it. Our scriptures can be found from Psalm 27: 1, 4-9, I Corinthians 1: 10-18 and the Gospel of Matthew 4: 12-23
Pastor talks about being "Called" and the privileges and responsibilities of our calls on this Sunday before the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.
Our scriptures are taken from Isaiah 49: 1-7; I Corinthians 1: 1-9 and the Gospel of John 1: 29-42. Our apologies as we had technical difficulties and were unable to record the reading of the scriptures this week.
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Baptism and water are the focus of this weeks' sermon. Our scriptures, read by Mark Loach, are from Isaiah 42: 1-9, Acts 10: 34-43 and the Gospel of Matthew 3: 13-17. Thanks so much for listening!
Recorded on the 12th day of Christmastide; Pastor brings us news of Epiphany and a new year. Our scriptures today are taken from Ephesians 3: 1-2 and the Gospel Matthew 2: 1-12. Thanks so much for listening and Happy New Year
A very special Christmas Eve Sermon from Pastor about stress and joy and what God wants for you. There are no scriptures recorded this week; but you are welcome to read them in your bible or find them online. The Readings were: Daniel 7: 9-10, 13-14; Luke 1: 26-38; Matthew 1: 18-25; Luke 2: 1-7 and John 1: 1-5, 10-18. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas!