How long does it take to be sure that a fire is not consuming a bush? In Moses' call story with the burning bush, we hear the importance of a stance of curiosity in faith, in relationships, and in life. 

Primary Reading: Exodus 3:1-15

Secondary Reading: Matthew 16:21-28

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Scripture quotations from the COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. © Copyright 2011 COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

The Books of History in the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) covers a HUGE timeframe. In today's episode, Pastor Katie, Keith, and David try to summarize some of the highlights and ways to read these books of the Bible. 

As always - let us know if you have any questions by sending us a message using the fan mail or by connecting with us on the church website listed below. 

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Scripture quotations from the COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. © Copyright 2011 COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Who do yinz say Jesus is? Maybe the point isn't having an answer ready to go for this question from today's gospel. Maybe the point is engaging with and living with the question itself. After all, even Peter struggles with what his original answer means! 

What does it look like for you to live with and continually engage with the question, "Who do you say Jesus is?"

Scripture reading: Matthew 16:13-20

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Scripture quotations from the COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. © Copyright 2011 COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

The Pentateuch is the name given to the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). Join Pastor Katie, David and Keith as they talk about the scope of these five books and how they help us begin our journey into the greatest story - the story of God's love for creation (including us!).

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Scripture quotations from the COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. © Copyright 2011 COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Joseph story is quite the story! His first major entrance is in Genesis 37, and his story goes on until the end of Genesis 50, the last chapter of the book of Genesis. There's a lot that can be said about him, but what does his story, specifically the time when he and his brothers reunite after they sold him into slavery teach us about living in God's purpose today? 

Scripture reading: Genesis 45:1-15

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Scripture quotations from the COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. © Copyright 2011 COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

We continue our conversation about the 101 basic question of what is the Bible. In this conversation, we dig into the content of the Bible and the overall structure of the Bible. 

If you want to learn more about how Lutherans view and understand the Hebrew Scriptures in relation to Jesus while still respecting our Jewish neighbors, please reach out! This is an important conversation in the ELCA's efforts to combat antisemitism and offer love, care, and respect for our Jewish neighbors. 

During the episode, we mention the book of Revelation, if you want to learn more about the book of Revelation, here are a few books Pastor Katie has used to teach the book in Bible study: 

"The End is the Beginning" by Matthew Ian Fleming

"Revelation for Normal People" by Robyn J. Whitaker

"Revelation for Everyone" by N.T. Wright

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Scripture quotations from the COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. © Copyright 2011 COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Jesus met the disciples in the middle of a storm. What does this story have to say for us in our own faith lives. 

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

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Scripture quotations from the COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. © Copyright 2011 COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

All of worship is based in scripture... but what is scripture? What is the Bible and why does it matter? How do you even begin to study such a monumental text? Join Pastor Katie, Keith, and David as they begin this new 101 series, Bible 101. 

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Scripture quotations from the COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. © Copyright 2011 COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

The Bible offers welcome to those who struggle with the divine, and in these stories, we hear God's welcome to those who struggle with faith, with God's call, and our place in all of it. In the story of Jacob wrestling with God, we hear this invitation for us as well. 

Reading: Genesis 32:22-32

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Scripture quotations from the COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. © Copyright 2011 COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

The second half of most Sunday morning services at St. John in Mars is called the "liturgy of the Eucharist," the work of the people surrounding the celebration and reception of the gift of Holy Communion. This part of the service is a mix of ancient tradition and context-based elements. Join Pastor Katie as she walks through this part of the worship service in what is likely to be the last episode of the Worship 101 series. 

Let us know what you think or send us a question!

Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnchurchmars.org or follow us on Facebook.

Scripture quotations from the COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. © Copyright 2011 COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. All rights reserved. Used by permission.