This week we hear from Jeremiah as the people are in Babylon, where God tells them to live their lives there in their new home. Their life in Israel isn’t the same, and they should continue in their life in Babylon. Listen as Pastor Kate explores what it looks like to live life in a new way.
Accompanying Scripture:
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14, John 14:27
This week we hear from Isaiah about how there will be peace to come after the destruction of Israel by the Assyrians. The people were not sure about what lay ahead of them. Isaiah brought promises that hope and peace will come through a child. Listen as Intern Pastor Jennie considers what it means to have hope in unknown times.
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 9:1-7, John 8: 12
Do as I say, not as I do. How many of us have heard this line from either parents or others as they try to coax us into doing something they aren’t? And when we hear it, it can sound disingenuous – like why wouldn’t you be doing this if it’s what should be done? This week we hear God’s call to the people to do as they say, that is to not only worship God with their lips and sacrifices, but then to worship by creating justice in the rest of their lives. Listen as Pastor Kate explores how this is also God’s call in our lives – to do as we say when we pray for peace and justice.
Accompanying Scripture:
Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24, John 7: 37-38
This week we hear the story of God speaking to Elijah. Elijah states to God that he feels alone and overwhelmed with what he has to do, and God listens and cares for him. Listen as Intern Pastor Jennie explores how God is with us in times of loneliness and grief and how God continues to lead us through them.
Accompanying Scripture:
1 Kings 19:1-18, John 12:27-28
Sometimes it’s easier to look back and wish for what once was – back where things were more certain. But there comes a time that the unknown is the only thing for us. In this Sunday’s text in 1 Samuel, we hear about Samuel anointing David as God’s chosen and how Samuel stepped into the unknown that laid ahead. Listen as Intern Pastor Jennie explores when it’s time to step into unknown times.
Accompanying Scripture:
1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 51:10-14
How many times have you wished for God to speak so clearly you can hear exactly what’s being said? Many of us have wished for that, and yet perhaps God has and we just haven’t been able to discern it is God. In this Sunday’s text from 1 Samuel, we hear the story of God’s call to Samuel. Samuel clearly hears God and mistakes the voice for that of his mentor, Eli. Listen as Pastor Kate explores how God is still speaking to us and if we are mistaken about whose voice it is.
Accompanying Scripture:
Samuel 3:1-21, John 20:21-23
This week we hear about the Israelites walking through the wilderness after they are freed from Egypt. We see the Israelites complain about not having food or knowing where it would come from. But God provides quail and manna for everyone to be filled. This is more than a story about food – it’s about trust in God to provide when we don’t know what to expect. Listen as guest preacher Rev. Ron Zschoche considers what it means to trust God to provide when we don’t know the details.
Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 16:1-18, John 6:51
This week, we hear the story of God sharing God’s name with Moses and telling him to lead God’s people out of Egypt while Moses makes excuses to send someone else. Listen as Intern Jennie considers what it means to trust and know God more to lead us to our callings.
Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 2:23-25, 3:1-15, 4:10-17, John 8:58
This Sunday, we hear the story of Isaac’s (the boy who was almost sacrificed in last week’s text) youngest son, Jacob, who steals his older brother’s blessing and then is on the run when he is also blessed by God. Listen as Pastor Kate considers whether God has favorites, that God may very well work in and through deceit, and where it is we might find God in our midst.
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17, John 1:50-51
This week we explore at the story of the binding (sacrificing?) of Isaac by Abraham. Abraham has to choose from two difficult options and has to trust that God will provide Isaac and him with what they need. Listen as Intern Pastor Jennie considers how Abraham trusts God in the most difficult action in his life and how we look to God in times of struggles.
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 21:1-3;22:1-14, John 1:29
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