Beloved is where we all begin – from the wiggly worm to the blue whale. On our good days and tough days and everything in between, we are called beloved. Come experience our loving Shepherd who leads us from death to life.
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 1:24-2:4a, Psalm 26, John 10:1-10
Today’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day. (Guest Preacher Rev. Amy Carter Feira)
Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 2:14a, 36-41, Psalm 116, Luke 24:13-35
We all have doubt in something. We all experience locked doors. These often do not bring us peace. Jesus says “Peace be with you” three times to his disciples. In our hussle of everyday life, we can find peace in the presence of Christ. (Vicar Michael Sonnenberg)
Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16, John 20:19-31
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
The tomb is empty – how can this be? May the good news of this story be that no matter how you arrive this Easter morning—whether you are steeped in grief, stunned in disbelief, or running in the direction of hope—resurrection is for you. This story is for you.
Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Matthew 28:11-10
Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. We begin this week that stands at the center of our faith- the mystery, the love, the grief, the pain and the awe.
Listen as members of Faith Lutheran Church read the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Accompanying Scripture:
Matthew 26:14-27:66
Death is not the end all, be all. The death of a loved one may sting but there is hope in the resurrection. Lazarus and Jesus walked among their people after being dead. Not sure we all will have that same experience but do know that Jesus’ love for us provides each of us a place with the saints that have gone before us.
Accompanying Scripture:
John 11:1-45
In this gospel, Jesus proclaims blindness is not sinful. All are created in the beloved image of God without limitations or ability and we need each other to be whole. Come hear the story of acceptance and be reminded of your place in God’s community.
Pastor CJ shared a sermon this week written by Rev. Duane Steele, titled “The Blind Man Who Knew Too Much.” Rev. Steele is a retired ELCA pastor known as one of the few totally blind pastors to hold a full-time ministry position. He served at Gladesboro Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hillsville, VA, from 1978 to 2010, later becoming pastor emeritus.
Accompanying Scripture:
John 9:1-41
What are you thirsty for? In our gospel for this week, Jesus offers an unnamed woman who has been ostracized living water and the whole community is transformed through her testimony. We too are invited to come and see Jesus – in the Word, in the meal, in the waters of baptism and in one another.
Accompanying Scripture:
John 4:5-42
We are in good company this week dear church. No question is off limits. No time of day or night is taboo. Like Nicodemus – we can continue to ask ‘how can this be?‘ trusting that our faith comes not from our own understanding but from God’s great love for us.
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17 (18-2)
Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Tonight we begin our Lenten journey to Easter beginning with this ancient ritual of marking our forehead with ashes. While it may feel morbid, perhaps it is also an invitation to take stock of what really matters- what is really worthy of our time and efforts. We begin in this place where we are loved, we end in this place where we are loved- so what do we want to do with this in between time now that we know the points do not matter?
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 58:1-12, Matthew 6:1-6
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