Sermons (Page 36)

A God of Second Chances

The Gospel for the day, Luke 13:1-9, holds the parable of the fig tree saved one more year by the gardener. After bearing no fruit for three years, the landowner was ready to “Cut it down!” But the patient gardener urged the landowner to wait another year, and see what his care and attention may…

Second Sunday in Lent

At this time in Luke’s gospel, the theme is determination.  Today is Luke 13:31-35. Jesus is speaking truth at this time. Jesus is continually speaking scriptures at this time. People come into our life at the right time with a gift of wisdom. Pastor Eric gave us examples of how he has received gifts of…

First Sunday in Lent

Today’s gospel reading is Luke 4:1-13 in which we hear of how the devil tempts Jesus after Jesus returns from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit for forty days in the wilderness. Pastor Beth asked us ‘Aren’t we all traveling through this wilderness?’ and what does the word wilderness mean.  Some answers given…

Transfiguration of our Lord

Pastor Eric asked us what did you do today to be a good listener? To listen means attending to something. In today’s gospel, Luke 9:28-43, God speaks directly to Peter, John and James telling them: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” The congregation was asked to look at the alter wall art,…

Bold Women’s Day

Describe a bold woman.  She is self assured, a leader, courageous, goes beyond established standards, daring, shameless and much more. Jesus is calling us to go where none have gone before. We are to love our enemies.  Bless and praise and be generous and forgiving to those that have hurt us.  Be merciful and compassionate…

Blessings to you…Woe to you

On this Sixth Sunday after Epiphany, we are presented with a Gospel full of many “blessings” and “woes” described by Jesus as the nature of discipleship. “Blessed are you who are poor”. In other words, “Welcome to the Kingdom. That is the program I am establishing for you in heaven”. “Woe to you who are rich” but…

LOVE…The Word of the Day

Mercy and healing extended to the oppressed and outsiders was never a popular concept in Jesus’ day.  In today’s Gospel (Luke 4:21-30), we see the people of the synagogue becoming so threatened by the  power of Jesus to free, cleanse and heal the outsiders that they were ready to “hurl him off the cliff”. Pastor…

Pastor Chris Ode of Living Stones Congregation

Today, on this Third Sunday after Epiphany, we had the pleasure of meeting Pastor Chris Ode of the Living Stones Prison Congregation from the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton. Pastor Chris shared with us the fascinating story of his calling to this ministry just last summer. Pastor Eric and members of our congregation here at St.…

We Are the Body of Christ

In today’s Gospel, a huge problem occurred…the host of a wedding ran out of wine. Pastor Beth described running out of wine as being way beyond embarrassing. It could bring a curse on the wedding couple, or be a sign of the host’s lack of hospitality, resources, and friends. So, as the first of his…