Salt House Sermons

Perhaps Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids isn’t about fear, judgment, or getting into heaven, but about taking seriously the work of love we’re called to do right here and now? Pastor Terry Kyllo invites us to see that loving our neighbors—in the ordinary, everyday ways we care for one another and work toward a world where everyone belongs—is the very work of God’s kingdom, and that even when we need to rest, we are always invited to keep showing up in love.

Salt House Finance Update with Treasurer Katherine Goetz! Salt House began FY27 in a strong financial position, with giving significantly ahead of budget, positive operating income, healthy reserves, and new opportunities for congregational involvement and long-term financial sustainability.

This All Saints Day invites us to see how Jesus’s Beatitudes offer comfort in life's unpredictable middle spaces. In all our transitions, societal uncertainty, and grief of remembering loved ones, may you trust in a God who meets you right in the messy in-between.

Lisa Firebaugh and Sofia Kantola from Platefull share inspiring stories about serving others, building a supportive community, and making local families feel truly seen and cared for through their ministry. Each Monday they hand out food to folx experiencing food insecurity in the Salt House parking lot. Their heart for serving neighbors in need is infectious, so tune in to hear their full message and discover how you can get involved or support this year's Thanksgiving turkey drive!

Reflecting on Jesus' call in Matthew 22 to give to God what is God's, Pastor Sara reminds us that while coins bear Caesar's mark, we bear the very image of God and are invited to return to God with our whole selves. What self-protective defense or hidden struggle are you carrying on your own, and what might shift if you surrendered it to God's healing grace?

Pastor Kara Markell examines Jesus' Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14) to show that God extends a radical invitation to everyone, while calling us to be "all in" by actively choosing to live out love as a daily practice. How might we "put on" God's way of love—like wearing a wedding robe—and extend radical hospitality to others, even and especially when love feels complicated?

Pastor Sara explores Jesus as the foundational cornerstone and shares how St. Francis's life was transformed by seeing Christ in the poor, vulnerable, and all of creation. How might your life -- following Jesus's way of love --become more deeply compassionate and grace filled toward the world around us?

Have you ever experienced a change of heart? Exploring Jesus's parable of the two children in Matthew 21, Pastor Sara explores how an initial "no" can transform into a living "yes" through grace and faithful action. As you listen, consider where God may be nudging you to release lingering resistance, and embrace the transforming power of love.

In this kickoff to The Way of Love sermon series, Pastor Zach Herzog explores Jesus's parable of the vineyard laborers (Matthew 20:1-16) to reveal how God's radical grace provides equally for everyone. Whether you feel first or picked last, join us as we make room for community and ponder: how might accepting God's unearned generosity free you from comparing your worth to others.

Love is complicated. So what does it mean to actually live the way of love? This fall, we’re walking with Jesus through Matthew’s Gospel—learning to see, listen, make room, let go, and show up. The Way of Love. We’re walking it together.