Podcast: Good News
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Second Sunday in Advent
On this second Sunday of advent we met another dreamer, John the Baptist. In John’s vision, peace is when everything is set right—where people are treated fairly, everyone has enough, creation is cared for, and no one needs to be afraid. This week we are invited to boldly imagine peace and remember that preparing for…
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First Sunday of Advent: Vigilant Hope
This week we begin Advent, the first season in the church year. We remember in Advent that God’s love came close to us in Jesus and we look forward with hope to the ways God is still at work in our world. Hope is not just wishing for something but believing and acting as if…
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Christ the King Sunday
In our anxiety we want Jesus to be our magical savior. Instead of one who fixes everything in an instant, Jesus is the King who walks beside us through the ups and downs. The reign of Christ invites us to lives of service—and again and again as we care for the needs of others we…
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23rd Sunday after Pentecost
The world is ending and yet our texts remind us today not to lose hope. God promises to be right here in the midst of the mess-the messes we make, the messes that find us and the messes beyond our control. Accompanying Scripture:Malachi 4:1-2, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 21:5-19
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Comfort Your Hearts
When life throws a curveball and one ends up in the hospital, religion often becomes an important aspect of the hospital stay. Comfort your hearts with God and with Jesus. Spiritual care is important at all times, but it is often incredibly needed for patients receiving medical treatment, as well as for their families and loved ones.…
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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…
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Fifth Sunday of Easter
Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love. Accompanying Scripture:Acts 11:1-18, Psalm 23,…
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Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Our scripture readings today discuss the importance of being rooted in love and grounded in God’s beloved community. Blessing comes not from having everything all together but from being in relationship with one another especially in times of struggle and pain. Together we remember how to trust God through anxious times. Accompanying Scripture:Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1,…
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Spirit of the Lord upon Me
At the end of a year where many of us feel broken down and brokenhearted, it can be difficult to imagine how we will ever rebuild society and spirits. This week the prophet Isaiah reminds us that God is the greatest architect and that the Spirit of the Lord rebuilds us and brings life from…
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Creation and Fall
This week we return to our roots: the roots of creation. As we hear the story of Genesis 2, we watch God create a profound, beautifully “good” creation. But after creation comes the fall, leaving us with this tension: we are like God in many ways, and we are profoundly not like God in our creatureliness and…