Texts: Matthew 10:31-42, Jeremiah 20:7-12

Series: Jesus the Great Disruptor

We usually (and rightfully) place a strong emphasis on God’s grace and acceptance. But sometimes this can cause us to miss just how disruptive God’s word is. Jeremiah feels a deep disruption within him that forces him to speak. Jesus warns that his words will bring stark division. Hearing this might only add to the feeling of intimidation we have when thinking about our calling to share our faith! But what if our feelings of inadequacy is precisely the point? When we stop relying on ourselves, Christ works through us most powerfully. In a world of many paths leading to sickness and death, maybe disruption is exactly the grace we need. 

Text: Matthew 10:24-31

What are you passing down? Here on Father's Day, lay member Keith Borgschatz preaches a special message proclaiming that faith isn't just something we believe; it's something we live. Keith reminds us that fatherhood, and discipleship itself, isn't about being in charge—it's about showing up, serving, and staying rooted in something bigger than ourselves. The seeds planted in community don't always bloom on our timetable, but God remains faithful across generations. So whatever season you're in—parent, grandparent, mentor, or friend—pass down what matters most: the love of the God who sees every sparrow and counts every hair on our heads.

Texts: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26; Hosea 5:15-6:6; Psalm 50:7-15

Series: Jump in the River!

Jesus was often criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners—the religiously nonobservant. In response, he routinely criticized self-righteousness. Hosea reminds us that steadfast love and mercy, rather than rote ritual, are to be the heart of our faith. We are challenged to see God’s presence among those on the margins of society, like Matthew the tax collector and the bleeding woman. As we gather each Lord’s day we receive forgiveness and healing for self-righteous hearts, and we are sent to show God’s mercy to the world.

Texts: Matthew 28:16-20, Genesis 1:26-31, Psalm 8, Ezekiel 47:1-12

Series: Jump in the River!

What if the secret to life isn't solving God's mysteries, but being swept up into them? Here on Trinity Sunday, Pastor Matt reveals that the Trinity isn't a theological puzzle to solve, but the early church's lived experience of God drawing us into divine community. From creation's overflowing love to Jesus pursuing wayward humanity to the Spirit's constant comfort, each Person of the Triune God invites us into God's eternal dance. Like Ezekiel's life-giving river transforming the Dead Sea, we're called to be the flow God's grace into a world desperate for life. Don't miss this transformative vision of your divine calling—listen now and join the dance!

Text: John 7:37-39

Series: Jump in the River!

On this special Sunday two of our youth were baptized, and four affirmed the promises God made to them in baptism, saying “Yes! I want to continue learning and growing as a disciple of Jesus.” When we affirm our place in God's family in baptism, we become part of the living waters of God’s grace flowing to the world. Surprisingly, this happens not because we have it all figured out, but precisely because we recognize we don’t. “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me,” Jesus says. Recognizing our own thirst, and sharing with others where we have found water, is exactly our mission.

Text: John 17:1-11

Series: Jump in the River!

Last week we witnessed Jesus telling the disciples they will need to learn how to "adult." He was going away, but he would send them a helper - in this process: the Holy Spirit. Now he tells them of one vital ingredient for how to carry on his mission in the world; how to make the river of God's grace flow. And that essential ingredient that Jesus is most focused on may surprise you. The good news? We can all stand in the flow. 

Text: John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31

Series: Jump in the River!

In this Mother's Day sermon, Pastor Matt asks the question, "Is it appropriate to refer to God as Mother, or as 'She'?" Engaging this interesting question leads us to see an important truth in Jesus' promise to the disciples of what will come after he leaves them. Like a supportive mother, the Holy Spirit both nourishes and challenges us into our adulthood as disciples. In our "adulting" phase, we become the rivers of God's grace flowing out into the world. 

Text: John 14:1-14

Series: Jump In the River! 

For the next couple weeks our texts open up some controversial questions. This week: should we still be saying that "Jesus is the only way?" Rather than backing down from this claim, Pastor Matt reveals how we've misunderstood its true meaning—Jesus isn't offering us an exclusive ticket to heaven, but inviting us into a radical way of life that transforms everything. He warns against the dangers of both religious relativism (where we become our own gods) and domineering exclusivism (where faith becomes a weapon). Instead, Pastor Matt calls for "gracious orthodoxy"—boldly proclaiming Jesus as the way while embodying His way of radical love and service. When the early Christians called their movement "the Way," they weren't just talking about a destination but a journey of self-giving love that saves lives now. This isn't about determining who's in or out of eternity—that's God's gracious business—but about offering the world the most life-giving message in history. 

Text: John 10:1-10, Psalm 23

Series: Jump in the River!

Life can be filled with chaos. What if you could hear one familiar voice that provided calm in the midst of it? In this touching reflection on Psalm 23 and John 10, Pastor Matt reveals how the Good Shepherd has already found us; all we need to do is listen for his voice. Discover the still waters that restore your soul and flow out to bless others—listen now and find your shepherd's voice calling you by name!

Text: Luke 24:13-35

Series: Jump in the River!

In Christian circles you often hear the phrase "God's Word" thrown around. But what exactly do we mean by it? Pastor Matt's answer in this sermon may surprise you, because as Lutherans we think of it a bit differently than some. As we reflect on the story of two disciples encountering the resurrected Jesus on the road, we recognize how we too encounter the Word of God, made flesh, every Sunday in worship.