Holy Trinity Ankeny

You are a beloved child of God. Know that you are accepted; you are loved by the one who made the universe. 

It is common to look at the trouble of the world and ask why God does not do something about it all. But what if God has done something, and that something is you? Luke, the masterful storyteller, and evangelist offers some of the most beloved and memorable teachings of Jesus we know. In many of them, Jesus is not the miracle worker. Instead, after an encounter with the overwhelming love of God in Christ, miraculous things are done by people like you and me.

For people who live in a culture so grounded in material possessions and having “stuff,” Jesus’ instruction to “sell everything and give to the poor. And then follow me…” (Mark 10), is challenging to say the least. Is Jesus serious? When what we possess gets in the way of our relationship with what truly matters, when we see faith as yet another possession, maybe this command is what saves us.

Amid destruction and despair, Isaiah's words remind us that God's promise is both present and future—a hope that invites all to the table, where death is defeated and new life begins.

Isaiah 25:6-9 | 1 Corinthians 11:20-26 | Luke 24:22-33

In today’s gospel, Jesus speaks of plucking out eyes and cutting off hands—but what if we’ve misunderstood? What if true wholeness comes from letting go?

Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 | James 5:13-20 | Mark 9:38-50

Ever felt lost in confusion, even when you're right in the middle of faith? You're not alone. Sometimes the greatest lessons come when we’re the most uncertain. In our confusion, Jesus reassures us that he will always be with us.   Jeremiah 11:18-20 | James 3:13—4:3, 7-8a | Mark 9:30-37

Peter thought he had it all figured out. He had the right title, but completely missed the meaning. What happens when we try to make Jesus fit our expectations?

Isaiah 50:4-9a | James 3:1-12 | Mark 8:27-38

Deacon Jodi Schuman visits Holy Trinity and preaches on Mark 7 this week.

Jesus and the Pharisees clash again—this time over handwashing traditions. Ever wonder if the rituals you follow are drawing you closer to God—or pulling you away? Sometimes, it’s time to uncover the dirt in our spiritual lives.

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 | James 1:17-27 | Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

There are words and phrases that everyone needs to hear in their life. Sometimes it is simply “I love you”  or “I am proud of you.” Other times, when life is really hard and we cry out “God where are you,” someone in our life brings us the good news that God is with us and God is with you. It is the good news of Advent, the good news of Easter, and the good news of Pentecost. The Lord be with you.   Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 | Ephesians 6:10-20 | John 6:56-69