Archives: Episode

All Saints’ Sunday

In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worship today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.” In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and lean into the wholeness of the beatitudes in today’s gospel. Sealed by the Spirit and sustained by Christ, we live with joy and grief as God’s people.

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 149, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31  

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All Saints' Sunday
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19th Sunday after Pentecost

The theme in our texts for this week is don’t give up. Jacob wrestles with his broken relationship with his brother and ends up wrestling God. Jesus describes a parable where a widow wrestles with injustice and faces a grumpy judge. In faith we too are invited to be persistent, be honest, ask questions and hold one another accountable. God can handle all of our questions, our doubts and wrestling. Indeed blessing might even be found in the engagement. 

Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121, Luke 18:1-8  

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19th Sunday after Pentecost
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18th Sunday after Pentecost

Today is a day of unexpected blessings, surprising signs of how God is active and alive and present in our world and in our lives in the most unlikely of places. Naaman, a commander and mighty warrior and enemy of Israel, suffers from leprosy and is offered healing through disappointing ordinary means. Also afflicted with leprosy, ten people implore Jesus for God’s mercy and are healed. But the outsider—the foreigner—is the only one who returns to give thanks. How can we pay attention to the surprising places where God is present for us and give thanks?

Accompanying Scripture:
2 Kings 5:1-15c, Psalm 111, Luke 17:11-19 

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18th Sunday after Pentecost
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God’s Abundant Creation

Life in a metropolitan area often lacks green space.  We do not have to travel far to see God’s creation.  We have parks, rivers, forests, zoos and animal rescues in the DC area and some just a short drive away.  An invitation this week is to take time out of our busy schedules to rest and reflect on God’s abundance of creation.  What do you hear? See? Feel? 

Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 1:1-31, Psalm 96, John 1:1-5 

FLC Sermons
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God's Abundant Creation
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16th Sunday after Pentecost

The story of the rich man and Lazarus infamously and painfully reminds us of the uncomfortable truth that money will not earn us salvation and God deeply cares for the poor. In worship all are welcome, all are loved. As God continues to love all of who we are, we are invited to do the same for one another. Knowing as we do, we encounter heaven on earth. 

Accompanying Scripture:
Amos 6:1a, 4-7, Psalm 146, Luke 16:19-31 

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FLC Sermons
16th Sunday after Pentecost
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God’s Love Abounds!

Experiencing God’s love in a chaotic world may seem impossible. We are often reminded in scripture that God’s love never fails and God’s most precious gift was Jesus. Jesus invited everyone to the table without condition. As Jesus invites us to the table, let us open our tables to others without conditions.

Accompanying Scripture:
Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 113, Luke 16:1-13 

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God's Love Abounds!
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14th Sunday after Pentecost

Jesus finds us when we are lost. This week we hear the powerful reminder of the lost sheep and the lost coin and the party that follows. Each Sunday this party full of ‘sweet tunes’ is for us all. As we foster good party vibes, we humbly are reminded that we too were once lost and have been found and so it is our job to extend this invitation to others.

Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 32:7-14, Psalm 51:1-10, Luke 15:1-10 

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FLC Sermons
14th Sunday after Pentecost
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Hospitality 101

There is nothing like finding a place where you feel like you are at home. A little kindness, someone making the extra effort for you- it all ends up feeling like a special gift. This is especially true at church- some extra touches and careful intention can make people feel welcomed and valued. For the fall we are going to explore different intentions that can widen and deepen our hospitality. What are we doing well? Where can we improve? How can we become the place that feels a little like home in the midst of this wild world we live in?

Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 18:1-14, Psalm 5, Luke 19:1-10 

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FLC Sermons
Hospitality 101
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12th Sunday after Pentecost

Invited and inviting—that is the nature of the church. By God’s grace we have a place at Christ’s banquet.

Accompanying Scripture:
Proverbs 25: 6-7a, Psalm 112, Luke 14: 1, 7-14  

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FLC Sermons
12th Sunday after Pentecost
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11th Sunday after Pentecost

How often do we miss the point and argue over the details. Today’s stories are a reminder to focus on what matters. Stop pointing the finger. Stop putting rules over people’s well being. As we let go of our grip, our gardens flourish and we become partners with God to repair the breach.

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 58:9b-14, Psalm 103:1-8, Luke 13:10-17

FLC Sermons
FLC Sermons
11th Sunday after Pentecost
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