Worship December 7 – Peace for our Fear

Worship December 7 – Peace for our Fear

Called to a new beginning At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous...
Worship November 23 – Contrasts in power

Worship November 23 – Contrasts in power

A kingly paradox Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears utterly contradictory that a king should be crucified with a criminal. This...
Worship November 16 – Assurance in Uncertainty

Worship November 16 – Assurance in Uncertainty

Endings and Beginnings The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the meantime. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. The...
Worship November 9 – Encouragement during trials

Worship November 9 – Encouragement during trials

Keeping faith through uncertainity The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the meantime. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and...
Worship November 2 – Honoring Saints & Sinners

Worship November 2 – Honoring Saints & Sinners

Both Saint and Sinner 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...
Worship October 26 – God’s Re-FORMing Work

Worship October 26 – God’s Re-FORMing Work

Humility and the gift of grace Genuine repentance and pretentious piety stand in stark contrast in the gospel and all around us. All creation stands in need of God’s forgiveness. Keep the faith. God’s people shall be accounted righteous for Jesus’ sake. Our God is...