ASLC Podcast

The Easter season is a week of weeks, seven Sundays when we play in the mystery of Christ’s presence, mostly through the glorious Gospel of John. Today we gather with the disciples on the first Easter, and Jesus breathes the Spirit on us. With Thomas we ask for a sign, and Jesus offers us his wounded self in the broken bread. From frightened individuals we are transformed into a community of open doors, peace, forgiveness, and material sharing such that no one among us is in need.

Readings: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; John 20:19-31

Christ is risen! Jesus is alive, and God has swallowed up death forever. With Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, we may feel astonished and confused, unsure of what to make of the empty tomb. But this is why we gather: to proclaim, witness, praise, and affirm the liberating reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. In word and feast, we celebrate God’s unending love, and depart to share this good news with all the world. Alleluia! 

Scripture Reading: : 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Mark 16:1-8

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently. 

Scripture Reading: : Hebrews 10:16-25;John 18:1-19:42

Christ is risen! Jesus is alive, and God has swallowed up death forever. With Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, we may feel astonished and confused, unsure of what to make of the empty tomb. But this is why we gather: to proclaim, witness, praise, and affirm the liberating reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. In word and feast, we celebrate God’s unending love, and depart to share this good news with all the world. Alleluia! 

Scripture Reading: : 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Mark 16:1-8

This evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tonight we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. In the midst of this night, we will hear from Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and Jesus, as co-creators of new life, a life for all people. As we recall Palm Sunday and Jesus emptying himself in service to all, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body, a new creation in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Finally, tonight we are introducing a new way of understanding Christ’s deep love for us during the striping of the altar. Following the Contemplative leaders of our time, will hear the promises Jesus gave to us at the closing of tonight’s worship service. 

Scripture Readings: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 22:39-45

Join us each throughout the season of Lent for Psalms of Hope!  This year we are excited to welcome several guest preachers to share reflections on their favorite psalms. Come, let us worship!  

Scripture Readings: Psalm 63

This week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusalem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, abandoned by even his closest friends, but not all of them, Mary Magdalene remains. Today we are reminded that Jesus has poured himself out to us and all of humanity. This is kenosis, this is a love that is stronger than death. And, now, we raise our hands and our palms in the air as we hear the Gospel for this Palm Sunday.

Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; John 12:12-16

This week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusalem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, abandoned by even his closest friends, but not all of them, Mary Magdalene remains. Today we are reminded that Jesus has poured himself out to us and all of humanity. This is kenosis, this is a love that is stronger than death. And, now, we raise our hands and our palms in the air as we hear the Gospel for this Palm Sunday.

Readings: John 12:12-16; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11

Join us each throughout the season of Lent for Psalms of Hope!  This year we are excited to welcome several guest preachers to share reflections on their favorite psalms. Come, let us worship!  

Scripture Readings: Psalm 95

God promises Jeremiah that a “new covenant” will be made in the future: a covenant that will allow all the people to know God by heart. The church sees this promise fulfilled in Christ, who draws all people to himself when he is lifted up on the cross. Our baptismal covenant draws us to God’s heart through Christ and draws God’s love and truth into our hearts. We join together in worship, sharing in word, song, and meal, and leave strengthened to share God’s love with all the world.

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12; John 12:20-33