One thing have I desired of the Lord... that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life...Psalm 27:4
Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John out of their fishing boats and into a completely new and different life....of service and love. In our following of Jesus, how are we "called out"? How can we be fisherfolk for the reign of God? Pastor Russ takes a look at the Gospel reading from Mark 1:14-20.
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This interim time for Bethel Lutheran is a good time to be asking ourselves, "What is God calling us to do over the next months and years?" "How do we listen to the voice of God in directing our future?" We have two readings to guide us...I Samuel 3:1-20, the wonderful story of God calling the young boy in the middle of the night; and John 1:43-51, Jesus calling his first disciples by the Sea of Galilee.
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We’re coming out of the season of Christmas and kicking off the season of Epiphany with Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, which is just as exciting as it sounds, depending on your feelings about baptism! Intern Monica talks about how it can be difficult to talk about baptism, but why we do it anyway. The readings are Acts 19:1-7 and Mark 1:4-11.
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"The Holiness of Time" is the title of Pastor Russ' message for this 1st Sunday of Christmas and as we begin a brand new year. As time "marches on", how can we view time more as a friend than as something to be feared and anxious about? How can we see time as sacramental and divine? Listen as Pastor Russ shares insights into making 2024 a meaningful year for you.
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For this Christmas Eve Simply the Sermon, Intern Monica discusses why we still tell this old, old story two thousand years after it happened. Listen along, and maybe you’ll even hear something new! The readings are Luke 2:1-20, John 1:1-5,14,16. Merry Christmas, Bethel family!
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We have a special podcast for the fourth Sunday in Advent! Instead of just a sermon, we have two readings from Luke 1:46-55 and Luke 1:67-80, interspersed with two poems and a special guest. The poems Monica reads are “The Sound of Hope” by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed) and the lyrics of the song “Zechariah and the Least Expected Places” by Ben Thomas. Many thanks to Wendy Hirschman!
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Advent tends to bring with it all sorts of expectations. In our readings for today, Intern Monica points out that expectations can be misleading, and that God calls us to be dreamers open to amazement.Today’s readings are Psalm 126 and Luke 1:57-66.
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The Christmas season is about a lot of things....gift giving, decorations, sumptuous food, overly crowded airports and highways. The Gospel Reading from Luke 1:24-45 is the well-known Annunciation when the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would be the mother of the Son of God. What does Mary do right away after this amazing news? "Mary runs with haste to Elizabeth," no doubt for comfort and encouragement. We find joy in connections. Above all this season, celebrate the connections you have with family and friends.
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The weeks before Christmas can be a busy and boisterous time for us. "Quiet" and "stillness" are not words that usually apply to these weeks. The beautiful Advent Season invites us to reflect on the coming of Jesus. Pastor Russ' message on the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth (Read Luke 1:5-23) reminds us that silence has a valued place in our lives.
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At the end of Matthew 25, Jesus gives his famous teaching about sheep and goats, which also has elements of an “apocalyptic” story that deals with the revealing of God’s kingdom. You might not think that has anything to do with shopping carts, but Intern Monica does! Take a listen and find out how. Today’s reading is Matthew 25:31-46. You can also read the history of Christ the King Sunday here, or the article that Monica mentions.
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Pastor Russ shares the "3 R's" in his sermon entitled "Bound Together...in Thankfulness on this Thanksgiving Sunday. He uses portions of all three Readings including the well-known story of the healing of the 10 lepers. Practical ideas are included with each of the 3 R's.
In Matthew 25, Jesus talks to his disciples about what life will be like while he isn’t with them. His Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids is a lesson in preparing for a long wait, and Intern Monica discusses how it is still a good reminder for us about why we do what we do, and how to make sure we’re able to keep going through the night. Today’s reading is Matthew 25:1-13.
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We don't normally think of ourselves as 'saints'. We usually give that title to those people who performed unique and special ministry for the church long ago. It is our baptism into Christ that indeed allows us to be called saints. Pastor Russ shares stories of some unusual saints as well as insights into the Readings from Revelation 7 and I John 3 in his sermon: "Who Is This Host?"
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For this Reformation season, Pastor Russ offers 6 vignettes on the life of Martin and Katie Luther. Martin as Believer, Reformer, Musician, and Husband & Father; Katherine Von Bora as Wife & Mother, and Homemaker & Businesswoman. Learning more about these two remarkable people helps us to appreciate the beginning of our Lutheran history and heritage.
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Whose side are you on? Sometimes it seems like we’re constantly having to declare what we are for and what we are against. Intern Monica reminds us that when others confront us with fear and division, it’s ok to just let them have it! Today’s readings are Isaiah 45:1-7 and Matthew 22:15-22.
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You may want to relax with Psalm 23 or Philippians 4 rather than hear the violent and challenging images Jesus relays in the parable of the Marriage Feast that almost wasn't in Matthew 22:1-14. What is the meaning of this rather strange story? And what does it have to do with the issues of today? Be brave and listen....
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Many of us face discouraging moments in our life at some time. St. Paul was in prison when he wrote his most personal letter to the church at Philippi. Paul's faith in overcoming discouragement is found in chapter 3:4b-14 and can be a prescription when facing our own life's challenges. Today’s reading is Matthew 21:33-46.
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Two vital characteristics of those who follow Jesus are integrity and humility. In the Matthew reading, Jesus' authority was challenged by the religious leaders. Jesus teaches them a lesson in integrity. St. Paul shares in the Philippians 2 reading that Jesus, by becoming one of us and one with us all the way to the cross, led the way of humility and love. For those of us who have any authority at home or in the community, humility and integrity are vital. Today’s reading is Philippians 2:1-13 and Matthew 21:23-32.
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The parable of the laborers in the vineyard has been described as a conflict between what is “fair” and what is “right.” But what do those two things mean in the kingdom of God? Intern Monica talks about how this might look to the workers hired early, to those hired later, and to the landowner in the parable. Today’s reading is Matthew 20:1-16.
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A topic as important as forgiveness can be difficult to talk about and even harder to explain. Maybe that’s why Jesus told a parable when Peter asked him about it. But why such a harsh and confusing parable? Intern Monica decided that in response, she would tell a story of her own and talk about what forgiveness has looked like to her. Today’s reading is Matthew 18:21-35.
Photo credit: Dan Gold @danielcgold
