Psalm 133 • Genesis 45:1-15 • Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 • Matthew 15:21-28 This week’s theme is God’s unifying work. In our call to worship Psalm, the psalmist speaks of the beauty of unity. In Genesis, we see Joseph being reconciled to his brothers through forgiveness. In Romans, Paul emphasizes God’s mercy to Jews and Gentiles … Continue reading "Sermon for August 20, 2023 – Proper 15" Read the article
Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b • Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 • Romans 10:5-15 • Matthew 14:22-33 This week’s theme is remembering the Lord’s saving works. The call to worship Psalm includes a reference of Joseph’s rise to prominence, along with encouraging God’s people to recall the Lord’s wonderful works through thanksgiving, praise, and rejoicing. The Old … Continue reading "Sermon for August 13, 2023 – Proper 14" Read the article
Psalm 17:1-7, 15 • Genesis 32:22-31 • Romans 9:1-5 • Matthew 14:13-21 The theme for this week is transformation through relationship. In this week’s scripture readings, we can understand that an encounter with divine love will transform us in ways we can’t anticipate. Psalm 17 contrasts our tendency to justify ourselves and our actions, whereas … Continue reading "Sermon for August 6, 2023 – Proper 13" Read the article
Psalm 105:1-11, 45b or Psalm 128 • Genesis 29:15-28 • Romans 8:26-39 • Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 This week’s theme is assurance of God’s fidelity. The call to worship Psalm celebrates God’s faithfulness to Israel in his covenant with them. The Old Testament reading from Genesis recounts the story of Jacob’s persistence to marry Rachel despite … Continue reading "Sermon for July 30, 2023 – Proper 12" Read the article
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 • Genesis 28:10-19a • Romans 8:12-25 • Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 In Ordinary Time, Christ-followers are invited to explore how we internalize, live out, and share our newness in Christ. This cannot be done unless Christians can be confident in the presence and power of God. The theme for this week is God … Continue reading "Sermon for July 23, 2023 – Proper 11" Read the article
Psalm 119:105-112 • Genesis 25:19-34 • Romans 8:1-11 • Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 This week’s theme is life in the Word. The call to worship Psalm expresses confidence in God’s word even during life’s severe afflictions. The Old Testament reading from Genesis recounts the birth and struggle of Jacob and Esau and of Esau selling his … Continue reading "Sermon for July 16, 2023 – Proper 10" Read the article
Psalm 45:10-17 • Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 • Romans 7:15-25a • Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 This week’s theme is praising God for his goodness. In Psalm 45, the psalmist sings of how Jesus (the Messiah-King) will be praised by the nations forever and ever. In Genesis, Abraham’s servant praises God for answering his prayer for the … Continue reading "Sermon for July 9, 2023 – Proper 9" Read the article
Psalm 13:1-6 • Genesis 22:1-14 • Romans 6:12-23 • Matthew 10:40-42 This week’s theme is implications of belonging to God. The call to worship Psalm is a prayer for deliverance from enemies that turns into a prayer of rejoicing because of God’s response. The Old Testament reading from Genesis recounts the story of Abraham’s attempt … Continue reading "Sermon for July 2, 2023 – Proper 8" Read the article
Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 • Genesis 21:8-21 • Romans 6:1b-11 • Matthew 10:24-39 The theme for this week is the revolutionary responsibilities of discipleship, and it’s our opportunity to consider that real discipleship requires us to let go of closely held opinions and worldviews to love and advocate for others the way Jesus did, trusting that … Continue reading "Sermon for June 25, 2023 – Proper 7" Read the article
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 • Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) • Romans 5:1-8 • Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23) This week’s theme is God’s response to human need. The call to worship Psalm is a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s response to human need. The Old Testament reading from Genesis recounts Abraham’s and Sarah’s responses to God fulfilling his promise … Continue reading "Sermon for June 18, 2023 – Proper 6" Read the article
