WORSHIP
For the Sake of Our Souls, February 25 Worship
If you took an inventory of your most valuable things what would be on your list? Jesus reminds us that by far the most priceless thing we have is our soul. Jesus tells us that even God values our souls more so than anything else in the cosmos. The salvation of our souls was to be the singular focus of Jesus’ mission. This is still astonishing, world changing news that reorients the choices we will make, how we see ourselves, and how we cherish everyone around us.
God with Us in the Wilderness, February 18th Worship
The First Sunday in Lent comes to us with stories of temptation and test. It begins with the story of Abraham. He waited his whole life for the fulfillment of the promise and a son to carry on his name. Then comes the call to sacrifice that very same son to the Lord. Abraham had been bounced around his whole life and now he had to ask: Why me? We have all had those "why me" moments of test, trial, and temptation. Today, we discover how God is present even in the troubles of life and how His good and gracious will carries us through those trials. Could it be that God is at work even in our darkest moments and times of greatest fear? Not only Abraham tells us that the answer is yes - Jesus' own temptation shows us that God works in those moments of test and temptation to reveal his great love and infinite compassion.
Ash Wednesday Worship, February 14th, 7:00pm
Ash Wednesday is one of the most solemn days of the Church Year. Ashes suggest in a dramatic way God's judgment and condemnation of sin, our frailty and total dependence on God. The words spoken as ashes are imposed, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," were first spoken to Adam after his fall into sin. We are forcefully reminded of the words of the committal in the Burial Service, "...earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust." But our God is eternally redemptive and so the ashes also suggest cleansing and renewal. They were once used as a cleaning agent. Thus, ashes imposed in the shape of a cross symbolize judgment, but also the cleansing and healing that God brings.
The Most Glorious Mystery, February 11 Worship
Today the season of Epiphany ends and we prepare for Lent by following Jesus up a mountain. Jesus had been revealing His true nature through His words and actions, and then, on the Mount of Transfiguration three disciples see His glory revealed as transfiguring light. Moses and Elijah appear with Him, talking about His departure in Jerusalem. Jesus then commands the disciples not to tell about the event until after he will rise from his grave alive. In this we recognize Jesus’ true glory in His sacrificial love devoted to our salvation. For God has “shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).
God's Gift of Healing, February 4th Worship
Sometimes the hardest things in life are the very things that drive us toward dependence on God. We need the healing that God can bring to our wounded bodies, our weakened spirit, and our fragile feelings. God is always up for the battle of defeating those things that hurt us. It can take courage to hope in God’s healing, but that faith will always be rewarded. We might question God’s timing on aspects of His healing. But our faith is that God is good all the time, and His healing in Christ is great!
Jesus Speaks with Authority, January 28 Worship
Jesus spoke with power and authority. His voice ultimately rises above all the other voices we hear. The Word of God alerts us to the voices of false prophets and misleading teachers. There are also evil spirits that have a voice. As we grow in godly wisdom we become more adept at discerning these voices. Even as we might grow in confidence it is helpful to remember that others also struggle to hear God with clarity and that we need to be sympathetic and humble to the needs of others. Jesus’ sacrifice for us frees us to put our neighbor’s needs above our own.
Sermon did not get recorded for Jan. 28 due to technical difficulties.
The Eternal One Among Us, January 21st Worship
Jesus began his ministry by announcing the fullness of time, the presence of God’s reign, and invited repentance and faith in the Kingdom of God.. Jesus then invited Peter, Andrew, James, and John who were fishermen by trade to follow Him, promising He would make them fishers of men. God invites each of us to follow Him. He can take the ordinary elements of our lives and make them count in his kingdom in eternal and infinite ways.
Sermon did not get recorded for Jan. 21 due to technical difficulties.
Speak Lord, We are Listening, January 14th Worship
For so long the world prayed and hoped to hear God’s voice. Now in the church year we pass from Christmas into Epiphany. The child born in Bethlehem grows and begins to speak. Jesus is God’s first and clearest Word to all humanity—the Logos incarnate. Born in the manger of Bethlehem and heading for the cross of Golgotha, His words are full of light and of love. Still it is easy for us to feel as if we cannot hear God. But His eternal voice has broken the silence. Here now in the season of Epiphany it is time for us to become silent and still enough to hear the voice of God speaking life and love for every person through Jesus—the Logos in the flesh.
When the Light Comes, Epiphany Worship, January 7th
Epiphany recognizes the time when the Magi followed a star that led them to Bethlehem, where they found the Christ Child, Jesus, and worshiped Him as King. As part of their journey to see the world's Savior, the Magi stopped in Jerusalem and inquired of King Herod where the new-born King was to be found. Herod told the Magi to return to him after they found this King so he too could worship Jesus. But Herod's aim was not worship but the death of any rival king. The Magi, however, were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod. Instead, they returned to their country by another route. We, too can be guided by the light of God. Perhaps today you will find a new direction away from the darkness of sin and toward the saving Light of Christ. Arise, shine for the glory of the Lord shines on you today!
Sermon did not get recorded for Jan. 7 due to technical difficulties.
Our Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation, December 31st Worship
After waiting and waiting Simeon and Anna were blessed beyond measure. There in the great temple their old eyes beheld the salvation of God, the baby Jesus brought right to them. Seeing Jesus inspired in them a roaring outpouring of thanks and praise to God. One day we will see Jesus face to face, but for now we meet Him in different ways. Today He is present in Holy Communion. Here is your salvation. We are in the presence of the sacred mystery: God with us, Emmanuel. God bless you with joy, thanks and peace which passes all understanding.
Sermon did not get recorded for Dec. 31 due to technical difficulties.