Sep 8: Without Distinction

My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? James 2:1–4

Over the next few weeks, our first lesson will come the letter of James. Martin Luther did not care for James, and believed it focused too much on individual action rather than God’s grace. I believe James is written like a pastor to a congregation, rather than a like a theologian to the academy. If the church treats people better based on wealth or prestige this is not good. James argues there should be no distinctions in the church, but if one group should get preferential treatment, it should be the poor not the rich. Join us Sunday as we consider this challenge and hear an amazing healing story.

Sep 15: Power of Speech

But no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. James 3:8–9

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. This childhood saying comes so easily to me and yet we know it is definitely not true. In many cases, we carry with us the unkind words spoken to us our whole lifetime, particularly when those words were shared by a loved one. James encourages the church to watch what we say and how we say it. With our speech we have the power to raise people up, praise the Lord, and show kindness and love. We also have the capacity to tear people down, spew lies and hate, and blaspheme God. Let us welcome the Spirit to lead us in the power of our speech.

Sep 22: First Serve

Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:33–35

I have a confession to make: I am competitive. I like to compete and I like to win. Over the years, I have learned to temper my impulses but sometimes it doesn’t work. The disciples were humans just like us who at times got things right and other times not so much. In our gospel for Sunday the disciples are arguing among themselves which of them was the greatest. Presumably they were nominating themselves as the best disciple, rather than seeing greatness in each other. Jesus reminds them the best way to follow him is to serve others, not to look good or be noticed, but because it is the right thing to do.

Sep 29: Us and Them

Whoever is not against us is for us. Mark 9:40

These words of Jesus are spoken to the disciples who heard of someone, not following Jesus, who was healing people in Jesus’ name. Their instinct was to stop this man because he was not part of their group. This “us v. them” mentality is pervasive in our world now and in Jesus’ time. We love to make distinctions of who is in and who is out, and we can become very precise about how these lines are drawn. Jesus teaches us to consider things differently. Join us Sunday as we consider how following Jesus leads us to include rather than exclude.

Oct 6: Childlike Faith

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:13–15

In the past few weeks, our gospel texts have featured Jesus interacting with children in positive ways. This may seem natural to us, but in the ancient world children held a very low social status. This explains why the disciples were trying to keep the children away from Jesus. Following custom, they felt children were not worthy of Jesus’ time. Jesus corrects them and points to the faith of a child being integral to receiving the Kingdom of God. Join us Sunday as we consider Jesus’ teachings.

Oct 27: God's Word

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31–32

On Sunday we will celebrate and remember the Reformation. One of Martin Luther’s great contributions to the church was a renewed emphasis on studying scripture. Jesus tells would be followers to “continue in my word” to understand the truth about God and life. This same invitation is given to us, to study, learn, and live out the Word of God. Join us Sunday as we highlight the importance of the Word for the church and our world today.

Nov 3: God's Promise

When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. John 11:32–33

On Sunday we will remember all the saints who gone to heaven before us, particularly those who have died in the past year. As we remember these beloved children of God, we are grounded in God’s promise of eternal life and reminded of God’s presence in our struggles. The gospel text features the interaction that Mary and Martha have with Jesus after their brother Lazarus has died. Jesus is deeply moved by their grief and begins to weep. Jesus shows God’s heart for the hurting and reminds us we never walk alone. Join us Sunday as we remember our loved ones.

Nov 10: Widow’s Mite

For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on. Mark 12:44

The story of the widow’s “mite” (a very small denomination of money) is a story of faith in God’s provisions. Jesus is at the Temple watching people make financial gifts, with some wealthy people giving large sums. Jesus sees the widow place two small copper coins in the collection and he sees her great faith. She gave all that she had, trusting God would provide for her needs. Jesus too gave all he had for our sakes, an act of generous love and sacrifice. Join us Sunday as we consider God’s abundance and our invitation to live in response.

Nov 17: Temple Body

As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” Mark 13:1–2

The Temple in Jerusalem was the most sacred place for the Jewish people. It was a place of worship, reverence, and pride. When Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple it would have provoked a big reaction, both among the disciples and his adversaries. His prophesy is more than a prediction but a theological reframing of God’s presence in the world. Join us Sunday for more!

Nov 24: Alpha and Omega

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

Sunday is Christ the King Sunday, the final Sunday of the church year. We celebrate that Jesus is the King of kings, Lord of lords, and how God’s reign is eternal. We also know that we live between the Alpha (beginning) and the Omega (end) and in this in-between time things are not always as God would intend. We know God’s reign will bring an end to evil, injustice, sin, and death while we also acknowledge things are not yet there. Join us Sunday as we celebrate the reign of Christ and live into the hope we have in the one who is, was, and is to come.

Dec 1: Heads Up

Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:27–28

On Sunday we begin our Advent journey. Advent is a time of beginnings but also a time of waiting. The gospel text this week features apocalyptic images from Jesus predicting the Second Coming. This will include power and dangerous signs but also the Son of Man coming in power and glory and bringing redemption and wholeness. Jesus tells his followers to raise their heads, be on guard, and to stay alert. Let us look for signs of God all around us, with the promise of redemption and God’s grace.

Dec 8: Prepare the Way

He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:3

John the Baptist played a key role in the story of Jesus. Through his ministry of baptism and message of repentance, people’s hearts and minds were being prepared for Jesus. Advent is a time of spiritual renewal, a time for us to be prepared for Jesus. Let’s follow John’s lead and prepare the way!

Dec 15: Bearing Fruit

Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Luke 3:9

This Sunday we will hear part two of the Lukan version of the John the Baptist story. John speaks a prophetic word that calls people to repent and prepare for the coming Messiah, instructing them to bear fruit worthy of repentance. In other words, repentance is not merely an internal change of heart, but an outward change in behavior that becomes a blessing to others. Join us Sunday as dig into more depth as we seek to bear good fruit.

Dec 22: Song of Mary

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Luke 1:41–42

In the days leading up to the birth of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the angel Gabriel were working overtime. Elizabeth (Mary’s cousin) and Zechariah could not have children and were told by Gabriel that they would have a son John who will be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then the angel comes to Mary and tells her that even though she is a virgin she will, by the power of the Holy Spirit, bear a child who will be Jesus, Son of God. In our gospel for Sunday, Mary visits Elizabeth (6 months pregnant) and the Holy Spirit within her recognizes what God is up to with Mary. We will ponder all this and more on Sunday, when we will also have special presentations from our Confirmation youth and Kid Connection children.