Sermon Podcast

sermons are recorded live during Sunday Service. Links to online NIV Bible verses are in BLUE

11th Sunday after Pentecost

August 20th, 2017  "BLESSINGS"

August 20th, 2017  - Pastor Sarah Johnson

InTRODUCTION TO THE SCRIPTURES FOR August 20th

In Isaiah we hear that God’s house shall be a house of prayer for all people and that God will gather the outcasts of Israel. The Canaanite woman in today’s gospel is a Gentile, an outsider, who is unflinching in her request that Jesus heal her daughter. As Jesus commends her bold faith, how might our church extend its mission to those on the margins of society? In our gathering around word and meal we receive strength to be signs of comfort, healing, and justice for those in need.

READINGS AND PSALM

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8  A house of prayer for all peoples

Psalm 67    Let all the peoples praise you, O God. 

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32    God’s mercy to all, Jew and Gentile

Gospel

Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28    The healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter

10th Sunday after Pentecost

August 13th, 2017  "TAKE HEART"

August 13th, 2017  - Pastor Sarah Johnson

INTRODUCTION TO THE SCRIPTURES FOR JULY 2ND

Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of God’s presence to others.

Readings and Psalm

1 Kings 19:9-18  The Lord speaks to Elijah on Mount Horeb

Psalm 85:8-13     I will listen to what the Lord God is saying.

Romans 10:5-15   Hearing and confessing the word of faith

Gospel

Matthew 14:22-33   Jesus walking on the sea