Rock of Ages KCMO

God reveals that he is the God Who Gathers, who brings people to himself and together into a family. But who are the people God wants to gather? What is he looking for in members of his family? This is important! We need to know if we can expect to have a place with him; we need to know whom we are supposed to be welcoming into his family! Isaiah shows us that the people God gives place and privilege in his family are not those who have any distinguishing characteristic in themselves, but rather those whose hearts and lives have been changed and shaped by his grace.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 56:1,6-8

Preacher: Pastor Micah Plocher

Sunday, August 16, 2026 - The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 15A)

Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Missouri

Why is it so hard to trust God with the things we need for this life? We get used to trusting God for the spiritual things we need - forgiveness and all the rest. But the things we need for today are just so pressing and immediate and alarming. Why is it so hard to put those needs in his hands and trust him to bless us? Could it be that we have trivialized the spiritual gifts he's given us in Christ? Could it be that we've lost sight of how great the cross proves his love and care for us to be? If so, let's rectify that. Let's regain a proper appreciation for God's grace, and so respond in joy and awe and praise to the one who has blessed us with eternal blessings - and find every reason to trust him him even with the things we need for today.

Sermon Text: Ephesians 1:3-10

Preacher: Pastor Micah Plocher

Sunday, August 2, 2026 - The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 13A)

Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Missouri

God has blessed us richly. Often, he gives us far more than the bare essentials we need to keep our body and life. So what place should we give the earthly treasures we enjoy? What is their proper use and purpose for the good life God wants for and gives to us? We'll only understand this (and avoid disastrous distortions) if we first grasp and guard the right treasure - the eternal blessings God has given us in Christ.

Sermon Text: 1 Timothy 6:17-21

Preacher: Pastor Micah Plocher

Sunday, July 26, 2026 - The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12A)

Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Missouri

If Jesus is really King over all, ruling all of history, why does the world look so messy? Why does it sometimes seem like unbelievers have it better than his own people? Why does he let people who deny and defy him trouble the people who follow him as Lord? Could this really be the good life he has planned for us? It turns out that it is. He lets his wheat grow among weeds not out of neglect, but because of his grace. And one day soon, he will set every wrong right and make out of the mess a beautiful eternity for the children of God.

Sermon Text: Matthew 13:24-30,36-43
Preacher: Pastor Micah Plocher
Sunday, July 19 - The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11A)
Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Missouri