Sermons – St. John's Lutheran Church of Highland

Today we have a Gospel lesson from Mark 12 that holds two different approaches to faith in contrast: the approach of the scribes whose motivation is to build themselves up; and the approach of a widow whose motivation is to act in thankful response to the blessings that she knows from God. We are called […]

This Stewardship sermon considers the question: Who do we unbind and let go now that Jesus has raised the dead? Included in this sermon is a reference to the Tree of Life, Squirrel Hill tragedy and the birth of the preacher’s granddaughter, Carmen Blanchard John 11:32-44

Reformation Sunday, the day after the horrific tragedy at Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, we are encouraged to be faithful. The preacher defines faith as “singing and praying our fearful hearts into a state of courage!” Psalm 46

Many times having our stuff near us gives us a sense of security – we have what we need. So when Jesus challenges the man whom he loved that had kept the commandments to sell what he had and give the money to the poor, he grieved because he had many possessions. Today Jesus reminds […]

The beginning of our stewardship campaign “Graceful Giving” includes a homily that begs the question “Why is God so Mindful of Human Kind?” Included is reference to the newly baptized steward, Grace Brackin. Psalm 8

Today in our Gospel reading from Mark 9 we hear how the disciples try to stop someone from doing deeds in the name of Christ, but Jesus helps them to understand that those who do things in the name of Christ are a blessing. Today we are reminded that, like the Trinity, the church can […]

Using the texts from James and Mark on ambition and greatness, the preacher uses Jesus’ words “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all,” to challenge the hearer to examine one’s own motives for greatness or not so greatness! Mark 9:30-37, James 3:16

In our readings for today we hear all about the human tongue and what a blessing and a curse it can be. We learn today that we must strive to continually allow God to open our ears and not be rebellious but rather allow God to help us as we attempt to speak so that […]

Take a step back to June and follow the faith journey of the five youth and four adults that went to the National Youth Gathering in Houston. Find out how “everything changes” through God and Jesus. Ephesians 2:8

Today we hear a story where Jesus is planting the seeds for change within the faith community. Christ reminds us today of our need to be open to an understanding of God’s Word as a Living Word which speaks to us anew each and every day. I pray that not only our church, but that […]