Exorcising a Demon

June 23, 2019
2nd Sunday after Pentecost (aka Ordinary Time)

Saint Luke tells a powerful story of Jesus exorcising a demon.  Because it initially seems so much unlike our world today, we might miss the main points of Luke:  Evil is real and powerful; Jesus is divine and therefore more powerful than the forces of evil.  Working with this story of healing, Pastor Rob focuses on how we can see Jesus overcoming evil forces in our lives.   Based on Luke 8:26-39.

Hope and Suffering

June 16, 2019
Holy Trinity Sunday
Saint Paul writes, "Suffering leads to endurance; endurance character; character hope; and hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit."  Pastor Rob reflects on how it is that some people become more hopeful through suffering, while others become more bitter.  Based on Romans 5:1-5.

Witnessing, part II

June 9, 2019
Pentecost
Last week Pastor Rob preached about Jesus command to "You are my witnesses."  In this sermon, one of the youth gives his witness.   The youth is one of the six 8th graders being confirmed.  Confirmation is a rite in which a person confirms their Baptism, saying yes to the gifts of God and living as a disciple of Jesus.  Based on Acts 2:1-11.

You will be my witnesses 2019

June 2, 2019
Ascension/7th Sunday of the Easter Season: 

You will be my witnesses.  These are Jesus last words to his disciples.  They kind of terrify most of us, though, because we've seen so many bad examples of witnessing.  Does Jesus really mean this?  Pastor Rob offers some examples of what witnessing to Jesus might actually look like.  Based on Acts 1:1-11.

A peace the world does not give

May 26, 2019
6th Sunday of the Easter Season: 

Worldly success and spiritual fulfillment don't always go hand in hand.  To explore this relationship, we look at  Lydia, an early convert to Christianity.  The precious few facts we do have about her speak volumes:  She was a worshipper of God who dealt in purple cloth.  Pastor Rob explains she was both worldly successful but also spiritually hungry.  Where do we find our spiritual fulfillment, our connection to God, our sense of purpose, our security of affirmation?  Jesus offers us all of this as he confers on us our peace.  Based on Acts 16:9-16 and John 14:23-29​ 

The good, the gracious and the beautiful

May 19, 2019
5th Sunday of the Easter Season: 

"Love one another, as I have loved you."  The new commandment from Jesus.  Does Jesus actually expect us to do this?  Pastor Rob offers three answers:  A good one; a gracious one; and a hopefully beautiful one.  Based on John 13:31-35​  The picture shows volunteers at Wittle Farm this past Saturday.

Decisions, Decisions

May 12, 2019
4nd Sunday of the Easter Season: Good Shepherd Sunday
Life is filled with many decisions: Which flavor Oreo should I buy?  How should I respond to my co-workers "dumb" email?  Pastor Rob reflects on how we make decisions as disciples of Jesus.  Based on Jesus words "My sheep listen to my voice.  I know them.  They follow me."  From John 10:22-30