Archives: Episode

Second Sunday After Pentecost

Though Jesus was a devout Jew who practiced his faith, he was criticized for eating with folks on the margins like tax collectors. Jesus reminds us that mercy is to be at the heart of our religious practices. God continues to be made known in unexpected places and unexpected people. As we gather on Sundays, we are reminded that we are all in need of healing and through Christ we experience wholeness and forgiveness.

Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 12:1-9 ; Psalm 33:1-12 ; Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 

FLC Sermons
FLC Sermons
Second Sunday After Pentecost
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Holy Trinity Sunday

More than a doctrine, the Holy Trinity expresses the heart of our faith: we have experienced the God of creation made known in Jesus Christ and with us always through the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity in word and sacrament and we are sent into the world to bear witness to our faith.

Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 1:1,2:4a; Psalm 8; Matthew 28:16-208

FLC Sermons
FLC Sermons
Holy Trinity Sunday
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Ascension Sunday

In this week’s readings the risen Christ ascends into heaven and his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth. The disciples were told to not gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus. . . we now find his presence among us as we proclaim the word and share the feast. 

Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 1:1-14; Psalm 93; Luke 24:44-53

FLC Sermons
FLC Sermons
Ascension Sunday
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Holy Spirit, Our Faithful Companion

Jesus does not abandon the disciples or us. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. The Holy Spirit is known to us as many names – Spirit of Truth, Advocate, Helper, Companion, Counselor. We receive this Spirit as a gift in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world.

Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 17:22-31; John 14:15-21

FLC Sermons
FLC Sermons
Holy Spirit, Our Faithful Companion
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Living Stones

As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, our gospel includes Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place for us. As 1 Peter reminds us, we are a holy people, living stones, God’s people embraced by mercy. In words and deeds we bear witness to the risen Christ—our way, our truth, our life.

Accompanying Scripture:
1 Peter 2:2-10; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-10; John 14:1-140 

FLC Sermons
FLC Sermons
Living Stones
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Sheep Forever

Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” All of our texts today point to God’s abundant care and love for us, the “sheep.” God promises to be our shepherd, the one who provides protection, food, rest and beauty. In turn, we are called the sheep – the ones who follow, get lost and need to be found, stuck and need to be rescued. Today we remember that indeed goodness and mercy will follow us all of our days and so in turn, God nudges us to open our arms and share the abundance given.  

Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 2:42-47; John 10:1-10 

FLC Sermons
FLC Sermons
Sheep Forever
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Will You Meet Us Where We Are?

As we continue in this season of Easter, today we meet the disciples on the road. Full of questions and wonderings, they meet a stranger and process all that has conspired the last few days – murder, chaos, resurrection – all they had hoped for that did not happen. It is not until the bread is broken that they realize Jesus was in their midst. Every week, we come together to reflect on the past week – our disappointments, our hopes and expectations and Jesus promises to meet us – at the table, in the liturgy, through one another. 

Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Luke 24:13-35 

FLC Sermons
FLC Sermons
Will You Meet Us Where We Are?
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Easter Eggs in Reality

Jesus is alive! What wonderful news! Except that the rest of the world hasn’t caught up. There are still reasons – then and now – to be happy and scared, doubting and confident, nervous and at peace, and every other emotion. Jesus comes to help friends and followers to be fully alive with him. Alleluia!  

Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 2:14a, 22-32; John 20:19-31 

FLC Sermons
FLC Sermons
Easter Eggs in Reality
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He is Risen: We are Changed

What we hear today is great news. Yet, “fear” is mentioned four times in the telling of the story. What is so scary about resurrection? Change, even when it gives us wings, IS scary… and exciting.  

Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 10:34-4; Matthew 28:1-10 

FLC Sermons
FLC Sermons
He is Risen: We are Changed
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When the Parade is Over

Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem becomes a populist coronation parade. But when the parade ends the streets are a mess, literally and figuratively. On Palm Sunday, we relive the last days of Jesus earthly life again… and are reminded we get to live again with him now.

Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 50:4-9a; Matthew 27:11-54 

FLC Sermons
FLC Sermons
When the Parade is Over
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