THE Inauguration Speech

 3 Epiphany (Sunday, January 26, 2025)

Today we hear Jesus’ inauguration speech as he gives his first sermon (Luke 4:11-21).  In this sermon, Jesus lays out the fundamental direction of his ministry:

• Uplifting the poor
• By…opening the eyes and hearts of the rich to share what they have
• so that… all may live in a “body” that loves God and loves neighbor

It turns out this message was fundamentally different than the way the world worked 2,000 years ago.  The message continues to be different from how our world works today.  Then, and today, the culture’s moral foundation was a trinity of the self:  self-expression, self-achievement and self-pleasure. 

Which brings us the image for the sermon – bubbles of potential college majors.  Pastor Rob invites us to a different way to talk to young people about their futures, one that would be less pagan and more focused on Christ’s teachings.

Confirming God is the God who turns Water into Wine

 January 19, 2025

Today St. Paul celebrates the confirmation of five adults.  (Confirmation is a public affirmation by a teen or adult of their baptism, which typically happened at a younger age).

The story of Jesus turning water into wine at Cana (John 2:1-11) provides a framework for thinking through:  What then are we confirming?

We are confirming that God is a God who turns water into wine.

We are confirming that we are not gods who can turn water into wine, but we can fill the cup to the brim, trusting that God in Jesus Christ will make water into wine, for God’s glory.

What do we tell the next generation?

January 12, 2025 (Baptism of Jesus)

Today we have a special event at St. Paul — the Baptism of five youth/older children.

It gives us an opportunity to reflect on the question — what do we want to pass along to the next generation about faith?  What is most important to know about our Baptisms and our life as a disciple of Jesus?

Pastor Rob offers three things

1.  You are loved
2. Others are loved too
3. …well, you will have to listen to find out 🙂

S.T.A.R. Goals

 Christmas II/Epiphany (January 5, 2025)

What are your resolutions, dreams and goals for 2025?

Are they about your star rising or orienting your life to the one who causes the stars to rise?

Pastor Rob recommends “S.T.A.R.” goals, reflecting on the journey of the magi (aka wisemen)