Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

God does not promise that the path of the disciple will be easy. Jeremiah feels the pain of rejection from those who do not want to hear what he has to say. Jesus declares that his words may bring stark division. Even so, we need not be afraid for God accounts for each hair on our heads. Though we may experience rejection, frustration, division, and death, God’s grace and love make us a new creation each day. Marked with the cross and filled with holy food, we are sent from worship to witness to Christ in the world.

Jeremiah 20:7-13

The prophet must speak despite opposition

Psalm 69:7-10 [11-15] 16-18

Answer me, O Lord, for your love is kind. (Ps. 69:16)

Romans 6:1b-11

Buried and raised with Christ by baptism

Matthew 10:24-39

The cost of discipleship

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Moses tells the Israelites that they are called to be a priestly kingdom and a holy people. Jesus sends out the disciples as laborers into the harvest. In baptism we too are anointed for ministry, sharing God’s compassion with our needy world. From the Lord’s table we go forth to proclaim the good news, to heal the sick, and to share our bread with the hungry.

Exodus 19:2-8a

The covenant with Israel at Sinai

Psalm 100

We are God’s people and the sheep of God’s pasture. (Ps. 100:3)

Romans 5:1-8

While we were sinners, Christ died for us

Matthew 9:35--10:8 [9-23]

The sending of the Twelve

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Pentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the Holy Spirit as God’s presence within and among us. In Acts the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God’s presence to all people. Paul reminds us that though we each have different capacities, we are unified in the Spirit that equips us with these gifts. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples, empowering them to forgive sin. We celebrate that we too are given the breath of the Holy Spirit and sent out to proclaim God’s redeeming love to all the world.

Acts 2:1-21

Filled with the Spirit to tell God’s deeds

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. (Ps. 104:30)

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

Varieties of gifts from the same Spirit

John 20:19-23

The Spirit poured out

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. In today’s gospel Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name. Amid religious, social, and economic divisions, we seek the unity that Jesus had with his Father. Made one in baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the world, eager for the unity that God intends for the whole human family.

Acts 1:6-14

Jesus’ companions at prayer after his departure

Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

Sing to God, who rides upon the clouds. (Ps. 68:4)

1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

God will sustain and restore those who suffer

John 17:1-11

Christ’s prayer for his disciples

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord’s table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world.

Acts 17:22-31

Paul’s message to the Athenians

Psalm 66:8-20

Bless our God, you peoples; let the sound of praise be heard. (Ps. 66:8)

1 Peter 3:13-22

The days of Noah, a sign of baptism

John 14:15-21

Christ our advocate

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today’s gospel includes Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus’ mission in the world. As 1 Peter reminds us, we are a holy people, called to proclaim the one who called us out of darkness into light. In words and deeds we bear witness to the risen Christ—our way, our truth, our life.

Acts 7:55-60

The martyrdom of Stephen

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. (Ps. 31:5)

1 Peter 2:2-10

God’s people chosen to proclaim God’s mighty acts

John 14:1-14

Christ the way, truth, and life

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheep in today’s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism. Each Sunday he spreads a feast before us amid the world’s violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God’s tender care to all creation.

Acts 2:42-47

The believers’ common life

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1)

1 Peter 2:19-25

Follow the shepherd, even in suffering

John 10:1-10

Christ the shepherd

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Today’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day.

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Receiving God’s promise through baptism

1 Peter 1:17-23

Born anew through the living word of God

Luke 24:13-35

Eating with the risen Christ

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love.

Jeremiah 31:1-6

Joy at the restoration of God’s people

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps. 118:24)

Acts 10:34-43

God raised Jesus on the third day

Matthew 28:1-10

Proclaim the resurrection

Pr. Jon Niketh, preaching

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil.

Isaiah 52:13--53:12

The suffering servant

Psalm 22

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Ps. 22:1)

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

Jesus is our merciful high priest

John 18:1--19:42

The passion and death of Christ