All the baptized have a calling and vocation. God calls not just pastors and deacons but also each of us. God begins to call us in our youth, like Samuel, and God continues to call us throughout our lives. Jesus called Nathanael, saying, “Follow me.” Nathanael initially dismissed Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. Yet […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Epiphany Sunday
The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: […]
View the Sermon (PDF)First Sunday of Christmas
The psalmist calls on the natural world, celestial bodies, fire and earth, creatures, and all humanity, to praise God. The voices of Simeon and Anna join the chorus today, recognizing what God is doing in Jesus. Simeon’s song is often sung after communion, for we have seen God’s salvation in the assembled community and have […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Christmas Eve
In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good tidings for all people. His birth as the long-awaited Messiah is the one that Isaiah wrote of who will bring endless peace, establishing justice forever. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Fourth Sunday of Advent
The angel Gabriel says to Mary, “Behold, favored one!” On the fourth Sunday of Advent we behold the promise of the eternal mystery of God revealed through Mary, the servant of the Lord, in the promised birth of Jesus the Messiah. With Mary, we say “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Third Advent Midweek
This year’s Advent Midweek “Service of Word and Prayer” is adapted from All Creation Sings, a new worship resource of the ELCA. The theme of this year’s Advent series is “Pause, Prepare, Ponder,” a reminder that in the midst of the busy year-end season, Advent is an opportunity to prayerfully meditate on what God is doing […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Third Sunday of Advent
“Rejoice always,” is the message of the Third Sunday of Advent. Knowing that the Lord is near, we pray without ceasing, test everything, and hold fast to what is good. Christ stands among us, often as one whom we do not know. He is the silent companion on all our journeys and the light who […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Second Advent Midweek
This year’s Advent Midweek “Service of Word and Prayer” is adapted from All Creation Sings, a new worship resource of the ELCA. The theme of this year’s Advent series is “Pause, Prepare, Ponder,” a reminder that in the midst of the busy year-end season, Advent is an opportunity to prayerfully meditate on what God is doing […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Second Sunday of Advent Lessons & Carols
Today’s “Service of Lessons and Carols” (see the “Music Notes” on page 18 of the bulletin) is a St. Mark’s tradition that reaches back into 19th century England with the singing of carols and the reading of lessons in preparation for the season of Christmas. During today’s service, may you hear again the grace of […]
View the Sermon (PDF)First Advent Midweek
This year’s Advent Midweek “Service of Word and Prayer” is adapted from All Creation Sings, a new worship resource of the ELCA. The theme of this year’s Advent series is “Pause, Prepare, Ponder,” a reminder that in the midst of the busy year-end season, Advent is an opportunity to prayerfully meditate on what God is doing […]
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