SJLC Sermons

“Joseph was a righteous man” (Matthew 1:19). There’s so little we know about Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. But this one verse — this one word — might be all we need to know. How might Joseph be a model for our journey to Bethlehem? That’s what Pastor Rhodes unpacks in this week’s sermon.

It seems odd to preach a sermon about John the Baptist 3 weeks before Christmas. He wasn’t even there that first Christmas night! But John’s message invites us into a different way of preparing for Christmas. “Prepare the way for the Lord. Make your hearts ready for him. Straighten the crooked paths of this world, loose the bonds that hold people back, proclaim the Good News far and wide.” In this week’s sermon, Pastor Rhodes reminds us to prepare our hearts with the same urgency that we prepare our homes. 

Advent has begun and Pastor Laura asked the question, “What are you longing for?”

In this week’s sermon, Pastor Rhodes lifts up St. Paul’s call for us to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). It’s interesting that he doesn’t say “rejoice when you have something to rejoice” but to “rejoice … always.” Is that possible? That’s what we’ll be focusing on this Thanksgiving Sunday. 

In this Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Rhodes tackles the Parable of the Talents. You might be surprised at how valuable a single talent is … but you should never be surprised at the incredible value of God’s great gift of grace. 

Pastor Laura explores what faithful and active readiness means as we await God’s kingdom. 

“Present.” During the All Saints Litany, names will be read of those St. John’s members who have died since last All Saints Day. As each name is read, the congregation whispers “present.” The tradition dates to Nicaragua in the 1980s when the political revolution led to the deaths of many Christians. In worship the names of the dead would be voiced and the congregation would say with one voice, “present.” The statement was a way for these grieving Christians to say that their loved ones were still present with them. Indeed, as we whisper “present” we proclaim the reality of the Communion of Saints. 

Pastor Rhodes speaks on Martin Luther and the Reformation, but also challenges us to be giants in our own circles.

Guest Pastor Emily Norris explores Matthew 22:15-22 and the idea of being citizens of the world and of God’s kingdom.

This consecration Sunday we welcome Bishop Tim Smith. Bishop Smith  grew up in St. John's and is currently the Bishop of the North Carolina Synod of the ELCA.

Bishop Smith preaches from Matthew 22:1-14 and talks to us about how do we respond? In our stubborn corkiness or rejoicing in joyful effervescence.