As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. Who are you? How do you identify yourself? Your name? Your occupation? Your role? How else? Pastor Beth reminded us that throughout our life we are often asked this question. The three scripture lessons of today,…
A Place of Grace
Sermons (Page 62)
Jesus said to his followers I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Ask in my name and it will happen. Jesus’s name matters. You will always have a place with me. I am the way. Pastor Eric gave us examples of what Jesus meant 2,000 years ago and how it is…
Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheep in today’s gospel, John 10:1-10. Pastor Beth offered us two stories concerning who goes to heaven or hell and how they get there. So many people are outside of the church longing for love and community, but they are hesitant…
Our Gospel for this third Sunday of Easter, the 24th chapter of Luke, tells of two men walking along their path to a village near Jerusalem. They met a man who asked about the recent crucifixion and resurrection. As they walked along, telling this man the good news, they did not know it was Jesus…
The Second Sunday of Easter brought us John’s gospel (20:19-31) of Jesus appearing to his disciples. One of their number is missing and his unbelief prompts another visit from the Lord. Even as the early Christians proclaimed the resurrection, we should rejoice daily in the new birth and living hope we received in our baptism.…
After reading Matthew’s gospel, 28th chapter, Pastor Eric told us that on this glorious Easter morning he had a joke, a song, a technical term, and a bottom line to share with us. He explained the term ‘collaborative eschatology’. The first word meaning working together with Jesus and the second word having to do with the…
With nightfall, our Lenten observance comes to an end. We gather with Christians around the world to begin the Three Days during which we participate once again in the saving power of Jesus’ passing over from death to life. At the heart of the Maundy Thursday liturgy is Jesus’ “mandate” or command, to love one…
Many members of the congregation helped bring the dramatic message of Palm Sunday alive at St. Mark. The Passion Narrative, according to the Gospel of Matthew, was presented through responsive readings, special instrumental and vocal music, and our choir singing rounds of “Hosanna, Hosanna!” We all waved palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.…
Tonight we heard Jesus’ command to love one another and were introduced to Simon Peter. Bob B. offered a reflection that Pastor Beth wrote based on the perspective of Peter’s father, Jona. The hatred brewing among the religious authorities is in sharp contrast to the love Jesus commands. Who is right? Who is wrong? Where…
The gospel for this Fifth Sunday in Lent, John 11:1-45, reveals Jesus’s power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones. To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promise of resurrection. In baptism we die with…