Sermon From November 22

Communion, Deacon, Sermons, Uncategorized, Worship
Matt 25:31-46 Sheep and Goats  Our Gospel is from the 25th chapter of Matthew. Today is Christ the King Sunday.  It is also last day of the church calendar.  Next Sunday we begin a new church year with Advent!   On this day we celebrate the Reign of Christ.  While it is true that we remember that Christ is our King every Sunday – on this Sunday we make special efforts to affirm that statement.  All the other empires that might strive to assert their power over us – the financial markets, political realms, or status symbols that hope for our supreme allegiance – they do not hold dominance.  Instead we end our church year declaring that Christ is our King!  God is sovereign ruler of our lives. Time and again,…
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Sermon from September 6, 2020

Deacon, Sermons, Worship
Matthew 18: 15-20 and Romans 13: 8-14 There is a saying that we have 2 ears and 1 mouth because we are to listen twice as much as we speak.   It is advice that is good for me – for all of us.  It is also hard to do.  Listening, really listening, is difficult.  There is another saying:  Whenever two or more are gathered … it can be really hard to get along!   These two clever sayings likely go hand in hand.  So, what does Jesus say?  Well, first, that God will be present in the gathering of people.  Whether that get-together is congenial or not, God is present.  Also, that we are to listen to one another when there is conflict.  Four times in the first 3 verses in…
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Sermon from June 14, 2020

Deacon, Faith, Hope, Sermons, Uncategorized, Worship
2nd Sunday After Pentecost, Year A First reading Genesis 18:1-15,21:1-7; Psalm 116:1-2,12-19; Second reading Romans 5:1-8; Gospel Matthew 9:35-10:8   God, I humbly come before you asking for the courage to speak your word to the people, even when it might be uncomfortable.  I ask that you put your word in the hearts of those who hear me – the word that they need to hear, which may not be the words that I speak.  May we all be moved to action as your disciples.   Amen A quick review of the previous chapters of Matthew shows us that Jesus has been very busy.  He has preached about everything from divorce to giving to the needy, from anger to loving your enemies.  He has taught the disciples how to pray.  Jesus…
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Worship for Holy Week 2020

Baptism, Creation, Deacon, Discipleship, Easter, Faith, Grace, Hope, Pastor, Sermons, Worship
Holy Week was all online this year for the first time ever! All of our worship resources are below. Maundy Thursday In partnership with First Lutheran in Kennewick and Pasco, this worship service can be found here. Good Friday Also in partnership with KFL and PFL, this worship service can be found here. Easter Vigil There are many videos in this project, submitted by congregation members and pastoral staff alike! You can see them here. If needed, the password is easter.
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Worship for April 5, 2020

Baptism, Deacon, Discipleship, Hope, Lent, Pastor, Sermons, Worship
View our video from a live worship through Zoom on this day here.    Prelude (Ride On, King Jesus) Welcome Reflection video for Processional Gospel (Matthew 21:1-11) Processional with greens from home - Sanna Sannanina  Children’s Message  Prayer of the Day Readings:  Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 (responsive) Philippians 2:5-11 Gospel Acclamation - ELW Setting 8 Matthew 21:23-46  After driving the moneychangers out of the temple (21:12), Jesus begins teaching there. His authority is questioned by the religious leaders, who are supposed to be in charge of the temple. Jesus tells a parable to the religious leaders who are plotting his death, revealing that their plans will, ironically, bring about the fulfillment of scripture. Reflections Hymn of the Day - #666 What Wondrous Love Is This  Apostles’ Creed Prayers  As we…
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The sacredness of holy communion

Communion, Deacon, Newsletter
Most Sundays, after serving communion to the congregation, Pastor Kirsten and I serve one another.  This is an intentional theological statement.  We are servants of Christ and, by our calling, we are your servants.  Servants are fed last.  I find this part of the service to be very sacred.  As we “clean up” after the meal, the final act is to put the pall (the cloth covering) over the bread and wine.  I can’t tell you why, but when the cloth hangs in the air for just a moment before being caught by the assisting minister, it is a very spiritual moment for me.  Maybe I feel the fluttering of the wind of the Spirit at that instant.  Maybe it marks the end of a deeply meaningful meal.  I’m not…
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Sermon January 19, 2020

Deacon, Sermons
Gospel: John 1: 29-42 Come and See! Is the exclamation of my young nephew as we explored the tide pools in search of living creatures.  I don’t know who took more delight in it all – he or I? Come and See! Is what my daughter says to me as she shows me her latest amazingly decorated cake.  I’m likely more proud of her works of art than she is – I’ve got photos! Come and See! Is what I say to my neighbor who is curious about what all the trucks and contractors have been doing in our home.  I can’t wait to show it off to everyone! Come and See!  It is all that Jesus said.  It is his answer to the questioning disciples of John. Come and…
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Sermon for December 15 2019

Advent, Deacon, Hope, Sermons
Gospel:  Matthew 11:2-13 Are you the one to come, or are we to wait for another? We know the question.  We form it often in a multiple of ways: Is this the solution to my problem, or do I wait and keep looking?Are you the right person/partner/applicant/spouse, or do I wait and choose someone else?Am I making the right decision, or do I wait for more answers?Is this the cure for my illness, or do I wait for the next option? Do we wait for something bigger/better/newer/more promising to come along?  Do I exercise patience Lord  OR  is this one in front of me THE one? Just last week we heard how confident John the Baptist had been in his bold proclamation.   Out in the wilderness, he was so convinced…
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