Introduction

The word of God is a refining fire. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today in worship we are surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in holy communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

Jesus says, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It is God’s promise from the beginning—to Abraham, to the early church, and to the “little flock” of which we are a part in today’s assembly. Faith, God’s baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16; Luke 12:32-40

Jesus encourages us to stick with prayer—not to earn God’s attention, but because we already have it. As people rooted and growing in Christ through baptism, prayer is how we stay connected to the source of our life and strength. God listens. God responds. And God keeps showing up with what we need. As the psalmist says, “When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.”

Scripture Reading: Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-19; Luke 11:1-13

Today’s readings are a welcome word for anyone who’s ever felt weighed down by the “unhappy business” of life—which, let’s be honest, is most of us at some point. Jesus lovingly reminds us to stay alert, especially when it comes to the sneaky ways greed can take hold of our hearts. But there’s good news (of course there is—this is church!): in baptism, we’ve already died and risen with Christ. That means our lives are now caught up in something bigger, brighter, and more hopeful than anything this world can throw at us. So, we turn our hearts and minds toward “the things that are above”—not floating in the clouds, but grounded in the grace of God that meets us right here. We’re fed at the Lord’s table, encouraged by God’s word, and reminded again and again that we don’t walk this life alone.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 49:1-12; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21

God is the source of our nourishment. Jesus’ invitation to “take and eat ... take and drink” is a repeated one. In holy communion, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.

Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1-18; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Today we celebrate two great figures of the early church, Peter and Paul, who represent the spread of the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles and, according to tradition, were martyred on this date. The witness of Peter and Paul inspires us as we seek ways to faithfully proclaim the gospel in our contemporary context.

Scripture Reading: Acts 12:1-11; Galatians 5:1,13-25; John 21:15-19

St. Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus who, with St. Paul, was an apostle to the gentiles. Originally named Joseph, the other apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which means "son of encouragement.” All possessions were held in common, so Barnabas sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. He became a leader of the Church in Jerusalem. When Paul, who had been a persecutor of Christians, was converted and wanted to join Jesus' followers, the disciples were understandably skeptical about Paul. It was Barnabas who advocated for him and encouraged others to forgive him. Barnabas is, therefore, the patron saint of second chances. While the exact details are disputed, tradition holds that he was martyred at Salamis in Cyprus. His feast day is celebrated on June 11.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 42:5-12; Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3; Matthew 10:7-16

The Uniqueness of the Trinity

Pr. Wes Kimball

0:16 10:03

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“O LORD our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Today we celebrate the holy Trinity. Paul writes that through Jesus we have peace with God, whose love pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, giving us lasting hope. We celebrate the gracious One-in-Three, eternal Three-in-One, as we worship in community; as we share water and word, bread and wine; and as we bring God’s love and hope to our neighbors.

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15

On Pentecost, we celebrate that we have been given an Advocate to accompany us. Poured out in wind and fire, water, wine, and bread, the Holy Spirit abides in and among us. We give thanks that God speaks to each of us, no matter our origins, language, or life path. Filled with the Spirit of truth, we go out from worship to proclaim the saving power of Christ’s love and the freedom of God’s grace with all the world.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-31

It is possible to hear in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Christ for his own throughout history—to our day—and beyond. Jesus prays for us. In holy baptism we become believers in God, have our robes washed in the flood of Christ’s forgiveness, and receive the gift of life forever with all the saints.

Scripture Reading: Acts 16:16-34; Psalm 97; John 17:20-26