God’s word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the sower who scatters seed indiscriminately. Our lives are like seeds sown in the earth. Even from what appears to be little, dormant, or dead, God promises we will bear fruit. At the Lord’s table we are […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
The mystery of God’s ways is sometimes hidden from the wise and intelligent, yet made known through faith. Jesus lives to welcome all who are carrying heavy burdens. In Paul, we see the struggle of faith against our own selfish desires. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary” and “learn from me.” […]
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
The welcome of baptism is for all God’s children. This baptismal gift sets us free from the power of sin and death. In today’s gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. From worship we are sent on our baptismal mission: to serve […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
The path of the disciple is not easy. Jesus and the prophets tell us as much. To be a Christian is to become evermore like the teacher, Jesus; it is to take up the cross and follow him in compassionate service. Jesus openly reminds us that the gospel also brings division in the world because […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Third Sunday after Pentecost
In Romans Paul writes that we have peace with God through Christ in whom we have obtained access to God’s grace. “Through Christ” means we share in his earthly ministry of cross and compassion, of suffering love which gives endurance, character and hope. Jesus needs each of us as laborers in the harvest. From the […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Second Sunday after Pentecost
Jesus was criticized for being compassionate and merciful to tax collectors, sinners, the sick and the dying. Jesus’ love for the weak and sinful continues to challenge us to lives of steadfast love for others. God continues to live at the margins of society, calling, healing and welcoming all who are outcast, sick and sinful. […]
View the Sermon (PDF)The Holy Trinity / Senior Sunday
Though the word “trinity” is not found in the scriptures, the triune God is revealed in Jesus who calls himself the Son, addresses God as the Father, and promises the Holy Spirit. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians also begin our liturgy in the triune name: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Day of Pentecost
On Pentecost, we celebrate the Holy Spirit who gathers, leads and enlivens the church’s mission in this world. In Acts, the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God’s presence to all people. Paul reminds us that we are unified in the Spirit who equips us with diverse gifts for the mission of the […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Seventh Sunday of Easter
The Spirit is promised to Jesus’ followers to be unified in witness to his love to ends of the earth. Amid the religious, social, and economic divisions of the world, the church continues to be a visible sign of the unity that Jesus has with the Father. In baptism, all people become one in Christ […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Sixth Sunday of Easter
The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, and will abide in and with God’s people forever. As we near Pentecost, Jesus’ promise of God’s own self-sending also reminds us that God sends us into the world in dialogue and proclamation about his love for the world. The Triune God sends us so […]
View the Sermon (PDF)