On this Reformation Sunday, Pastor Beth quoted reformer Martin Luther, “Faith is God’s work in us that changes us and gives us new birth”. We spoke together her mantra, “God loves us. God forgives us. God is always with us.” That really says it all! Those simple words are the basis of Christian faith. The…
Today was Love is All You Need Sunday! All of this Sunday’s Lessons spoke of Love and it was a morning for singing songs by The Beatles. The whole service was recorded for us to listen to over and over on any day we want. So, get comfortable, get out your Beatles’ song book and…
Today’s sermon, given by “guest” Pastor Linda Milks, a member of our St. Mark congregation, spoke to the parable of the persistent widow and the hateful judge (Luke 18). The widow wears the judge down with her constant knock, knock, knocking, her persistent pleas for justice against her opponent. So she won’t keep bothering him,…
On this 21st Sunday after Pentecost, we are reminded that the “body and blood of Jesus in holy communion have made us clean”. Today’s Gospel tells of the 10 lepers who asked for mercy from Jesus. He granted their request, healed all ten, and sent them on their way to share the good news. Only…
This Sunday’s gospel talks about Faith being the size of a mustard seed. In the gospel, the apostles say to the Lord increase our Faith. Help us to be better. Pastor Eric said the key to a sermon is to ask: So what? Now what? Everything we do is Faith formation as we are building…
Today we hear the story of the rich man and Lazarus in the gospel. This is the only parable where someone is given a name. The rich man didn’t pay attention to Lazarus. He was indifferent to him. The truth is, we pass Lazarus every day. How are we going to respond? We need to…
Pastor Eric had preached the night before at the prison in Shelton and he asked that congregation if it was easier to love in prison or outside of prison. He asked us the same question but in reverse. It was a trick question because you can love anywhere. God’s love for us changes us and…
Bishop Rick Jaech joined us on “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday to celebrate the beginning of our “Clean Kids” program (laundromat for homeless kids in the North Thurston School District), and the dedication of our new “GUS” (Garden Utility Shed). Bishop preached the sermon and talked about the “Soggy” moments of our lives.When he was…
Pastor Beth’s sermon today talked about God’s grace and love when the human condition becomes painful. She shared her personal story of a double concussion a year ago, and its profound repercussions in her life today. Memory loss has caused her to forget important things (Important things a “Pastor” shouldn’t forget, she says”), multitasking is…
On this 15th Sunday after Pentecost, Jesus’s parable in our Gospel reading from Luke 14 reminds us that when we give a banquet we should “invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind” rather than our friends and rich neighbors. We will be blessed because “they cannot repay you, for you will be…