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Podcast: FLC Sermons

Day of Pentecost

On Pentecost, we celebrate that we have been given an Advocate to accompany us. Poured out in wind and fire, water, wine, and bread, the Holy Spirit abides in and among us. We give thanks that God speaks to each of us, no matter our origins, language, or life path. Filled with the Spirit of truth, we go out from worship to proclaim the saving power of Christ’s love and the freedom of God’s grace with all the world.

Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 

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Day of Pentecost
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Ascension of our Lord

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 are told to not gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus (Acts 1:11); we find Jesus’ presence among us as we proclaim the word and share the feast. We too long for the Spirit to enliven our faith and invigorate our mission.

Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 107, John 24:44-53 

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Ascension of our Lord
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Sixth Sunday of Easter

We continue to celebrate the beauty of Easter with these texts. Paul meets Lydia, a dealer of purple cloth who is praying by the river. As she is welcomed into the Christian life, she reponds with mutal hospitality. In the gospel, Jesus tells his worried disciples that even though he is dying soon, the Holy Spirit- the Advocate will always be with them and God’s peace will never leave them. In these stories, we celebrate the gifts of faith – prayer and hospitality, advocacy and peace.

Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 14:23-29 

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Sixth Sunday of Easter
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Fourth Sunday of Easter

Today Jesus proclaims he is the good shepherd. The shepherd cares for us in ways both subtle and profound. The shepherd is not afraid of suffering or death and they invite us to imagine ourselves in these places as well. The shepherd asks us to face our enemies, even if they may be deep within ourselves. The shepherd also invites us into a practice of abundance so all may flourish.  And so at the invitation of the Good Shepherd, we are invited to trust God’s sustaining presence within each day. May these daily practices unclench our fists, open our wallets and move our hearts to spur forward God’s way of abundant life for all.

Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23, John 10:22-30 

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Fourth Sunday of Easter
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Third Sunday of Easter

The disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Jesus. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter life to one another.

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 30, John 21:1-19 

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Third Sunday of Easter
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Second Sunday of Easter

In this second Sunday of Easter, we hold up faith and doubt. Alongside Thomas we too ask for proof that God is real, that life can really conquer death. We can trust God promises to show up in story, song, bread, wine, water, neighbor and perhaps even the humble squirmy earthworm. 

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 96, John 20:19-31 

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Second Sunday of Easter
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Resurrection of our Lord

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:
Psalm 118, Luke 24:1-12 

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Good News
Resurrection of our Lord
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Fifth Sunday in Lent

The crowds grumble at Jesus’ self-invitation to stay with Zacchaeus, and their righteous indignation isn’t without cause. As a tax collector, Zacchaeus has extorted money and acted in collusion with the empire, using his position to oppress his own people. It is important to call out oppression, and yet, Jesus offers mercy. That mercy then begets more mercy as Zacchaeus, unprompted, offers to return what he took, and then some. (Sanctified Art, www.sanctifiedart.org)

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 32, Luke 19:1-10 

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Fifth Sunday in Lent
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Fourth Sunday in Lent

Herding sheep is a never-ending task. As soon as one is found, another may go missing. Our lives have a similar ebb and flow—in one moment we might feel like we have it all together, and in the next, we’re struggling to survive. The promise of this parable is that no matter how “lost” we feel, the Good Shepherd is by our side. (Sanctified Art, www.sanctifiedart.org)

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 23, Luke 15:1-7 

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Fourth Sunday in Lent
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Third Sunday in Lent

The gardener in the vineyard knows the fig tree needs rest, nutrients, and time—and it also needs to produce fruit. Both things are true, which is also true for us. If we are always striving for more growth without taking time to rest, we will burn out. But if we are only ever resting, we won’t bear fruit or grow. The fig tree also teaches us that the in between time—of nurture before fruit—can be where transformation begins. (From Sanctified Art, www.sanctifiedart.org).

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 13, Luke 13:1-9  

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Good News
Third Sunday in Lent
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