Message delivered by Dave Denny.

Common Lectionary often pairs readings that open a dialogue on a particular theme in our sacred literature.

This week we hear the Apostle Paul describe a universal struggle at the center of the human condition—

the inner war between heart and mind that often plagues our thoughts, distracting us from the presence of God.

And in Matthew’s Gospel, we hear Jesus pronounce the cure for what ails us:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

The way Rabbi Jesus diagnoses our spiritual and psychological weariness opens a method for consolation, refreshment, and renewal.

Message delivered by Pastor Anne Carlson.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?

Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.

And even the hairs of your head are all counted.

So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:29–31

Do not fear.

These words are often repeated in scripture.

From angel’s greetings to Jesus instructions to the disciples, do not fear appears again and again because we so easily become filled with fear.

In times of challenge and chaos, we become anxious.

When our physical and financial health are difficult, we worry about our future.

Jesus’ message to the disciples is to remember how much God cares for us and loves us.

It is a very simple message but one we cannot hear enough.

See you Sunday!

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;

therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Matthew 9:37–38

God equips the called.

Think about this.

Many times we think only the most qualified, educated, pious and pure are called to do God’s work.

But God does not call the equipped; God equips the called.

If Jesus had waited for the disciples to feel “ready” to be sent out to do God’s work, they may never have gone.

Jesus sends us into the world, ready or not, and gives us what we need along the way.

The Holy Spirit provides for us, guides us, gives us the words to speak, and the nudge in the right direction.

We must learn to trust God as we go. See you Sunday!

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’

For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”

Matthew 9:12–13

Of all the sayings of Jesus, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” may be the most profound in its graciousness.

So much of of world is designed around “earning” our way through hard work, merit, and endurance.

In so many stories, Jesus starts with grace.

He invites Matthew the tax collector to “follow me” without preconditions.

He knew Matthew’s life would change by being in relationship with Jesus.

He also knew, no amount of merit or improvement would get him pure enough to follow Jesus.

Join us Sunday as we consider the power of grace.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

2 Corinthians 13:13

These familiar words are the last words Paul writes to the Corinthian church.

After he writes two very long letters (and scholars believe an undiscovered third letter) to them, he ends with what we now call “the apostolic greeting.”

Paul invokes the Triune God as he offers well wishes and blessings for the church.

As we celebrate Trinity Sunday this week, we will examine the nature of God and how thinking deeply about who God is shapes who we are called to be.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.

And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Acts 2:1–4

Sunday is Pentecost (wear RED), a day to celebrate the work and power of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost took place 50 days after Passover and many pilgrims would come to Jerusalem from many countries speaking many languages.

And so it was perfect timing for the apostles to share the story of Jesus, except for the language barrier.

The Holy Spirit equips and empowers them to share the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and in the end, 3,000 people are baptized and the church is born!

It was a true miracle of God and demonstrated the awesome power of the Spirit.

Join us Sunday as we consider again the power of the Spirit to move in our world.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Acts 1:8

These are the final words Jesus speaks to the disciples.

After this, he ascends into heaven to be at the right hand of God.

Jesus is preparing them for the miracle of Pentecost which will give them the ability to speak the gospel in all languages.

They will be witnesses for all to hear and know the amazing story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

We too are called to be witnesses and share how God’s love has shaped our lives.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.

This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.

You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.

John 14:15–17

Our gospel text this week is a continuation from last week.

Jesus is with the disciples on the last night of his life, offering important and comforting words before he goes to the cross.

In this section, he promises an Advocate who will guide them into God’s truth and God’s path.

We do not walk alone!

Join us Sunday as we consider the power of the Spirit to guide us to God’s way.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

Members of the early church were called “people of the way” rather than Christians.

Those who believed he was the Son of God committed themselves to following in the way of Jesus by adhering to his teachings.

Following the way of Jesus leads us to discover the truth of God and the promise of eternal life.

Join us Sunday as we more fully explore the way of Jesus and what it means for us today.

Message delivered by Pastor Ben Sandin.