Scripture:  Matthew 1:18-23, Luke 1:26-37, 2:1-18 Story: The birth story of Jesus. Theme:  Matthew and Luke make promises about what Jesus will accomplish. None of them would have come true if Jesus hadn't grown up. Listen to the Sermon Read the passage at Bible Gateway

Scripture:  Luke 1:5-20 Story: The birth of John foretold. Theme:  The miracle that Zechariah experiences gives him, and others, hope that God will perform a greater miracle. Listen to the Sermon Read the passage at Bible Gateway

Scripture:  Ezra 1:1-4 & 3:1-5, 10-13 Story: God's people lay the foundation of the Temple. Theme:  As the Jews begin to rebuild their lives in Jerusalem, they discover that sorrow can reveal the true source of joy. Listen to the Sermon Read the passage at Bible Gateway

Scripture:  Isaiah 40:1-11 Story: A message of hope for God's people in exile. Theme:  The exiles discover that nothing can prevent God from being faithful to God's promises. Listen to the Sermon Read the passage at Bible Gateway

Scripture:  Isaiah 5:1-7; 11:1-5 Story: The Vineyard Song and A Shoot from the Stump of Jesse. Theme:  Isaiah pronounces judgement on Judah for not living a life of trust in God, which has led to their fear of Assyria. The prophet's message challenges us not to fear aggressors like ISIS, but to trust in God and show God's compassion to the poor and powerless. Listen to the Sermon Read the passage at Bible Gateway

Scripture:  Mark 12:38-44 and 1 Kings 17:8-16 Story: A widow gives an offering in the temple and a widow feeds Elijah. Theme:  Lost Creek and Trinity celebrated the Agreement on Full Communion between the ELCA and the PC(USA). Erin Bovendam's sermon about the widow's offering in Mark and Elijah receiving help from a widow in 1 Kings reminds us that every person we meet has a gift from God that they can share with others. Listen to the Sermon Read Mark 12 and 1 Kings 17 at Bible Gateway

Scripture:  1 Kings 12:1-17, 25-29 Story: Israel is divided into 2 kingdoms. Theme:  The division of Israel into the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah teaches us why it's important to live our lives as an example for future generations to follow. Listen to the Sermon Read the passage at Bible Gateway

Scripture:  2 Samuel 5:1-5; 6:1-5 Story: David is crowned king of all Israel and brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Theme:  Prayer, Bible Study, and Worship are ways that God shows God's love to us and we grow closer to God. Listen to the Sermon Read the passage at Bible Gateway

Scripture:  Ruth 1:1-17 Story: Ruth chooses to follow Naomi. Theme:  When we feel we have nothing to offer others, Ruth reminds us that our faith in God is a valuable gift we have to share. Listen to the Sermon Read the passage at Bible Gateway

Scripture:  Deuteronomy 5:1-21, 6:4-9 Story: Moses recites the 10 Commandments for the next generation. Theme:  The 10 Commandments are a call to break away from the world's view of life and to start living a way that reflects God's grace. Listen to the Sermon Read the passage at Bible Gateway