St. Paul Podcast

Sara Olson-Smith preaches on caring for others. So often, the word repentance is thought of as beating ourselves up for all the wrong we’ve done, feeling guilty and burdened by all our messed-up things. Repentance is about turning back to God. It’s getting back on track when we’ve lost our way, letting go of what keeps us from God’s way of love, and bringing more beauty into this world. But how do we go about this?  

Preaching text: Luke 3:7-18

This week, Little Bird is off on her longest journey yet, flapping her little wings all the way to Bethlehem. Little Bird, Mary, and Joseph find comfort and support in a very unlikely place.

John the Baptist was sent to prepare a people for God, and here Luke shows what that preparation is. Within our reach, not impossible, it is indeed an announcement of good news, preparing us for the one who brings the Holy Spirit and power over the world's deadening forces.

Preaching text: Luke 3:7-18

Bible for Worship is a weekly introduction to the scripture passage that is likely to be the basis for the sermon on the following weekend. It correlates with the Revised Common Lectionary as it is used at St. Paul. With Peter A. Pettit, teaching pastor.

Pastor Mark Niethammer preaches on making room. Whether we’re filling our calendars or making time, there is always room for the ones we love. Our calling is to realize that in our world, in our society, God is already here. We need to prepare ourselves to receive the gift that has already been given and to make room in our hearts for Christ to be present. Preparing the way is not seizing control of anything, it’s acknowledging who we are and making room for more. 

Preaching text: Luke 3: 1-6 

If you tuned in last week, you heard the story about Mary and Elizabeth. This week’s story takes place just after that one! Elizabeth’s husband Zechariah is being awfully quiet, but why? We also find out what Elizabeth and Zechariah name their baby. 

We’d love for you to share the meaning of your names with us! Send your responses to [email protected]!

With historical and cultural detail and a reference to the prophet Isaiah, Luke introduces John the Baptist as the herald of a God who acts in continuity with the life of biblical Israel to touch history and the world through the person of Jesus, bringing a forgiveness that saves people from all the extremes to which life and sin might take them.

Preaching text: Luke 3:1-6

Bible for Worship is a weekly introduction to the scripture passage that is likely to be the basis for the sermon on the following weekend. It correlates with the Revised Common Lectionary as it is used at St. Paul. With Peter A. Pettit, teaching pastor.

Katy Warren preaches on connection. Anyone can bring joy and hope into another’s life in the most unexpected of ways. That’s the power of human connection, of opening ourselves up to loving others, whoever might cross our paths. The openness of our hearts to others, even strangers, brings about joy, love, and hope. “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all.” 

Preaching text: 1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13 

This week, we're returning to Season 1 to help set up our story for next week!

Today, our brave Little Bird is off on another adventure. This time, traveling days and days to visit Mary's cousin Elizabeth. This week's episode is filled with lots of song and encouragement.

Mark Niethammer preaches on power. How do power, authority, and influence show up in your life? There is so much we want to control throughout our days but we just can’t. Our powerlessness to change can be paralyzing and devastating. Real power is realizing you can’t control everything but knowing God works all things out, ultimately for good. No matter who you are, where you’re from, or where you are in your faith journey, you rest in the arms of God who has you.  

Preaching text: John 18: 33-37 

The urgency that the apostle Paul felt about Jesus' return to fulfill the kingdom of God drives his wish for the community in Thessaloniki to sustain its ethic of self-discipline for the sake of others. 

Preaching text: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Bible for Worship is a weekly introduction to the scripture passage that is likely to be the basis for the sermon on the following weekend. It correlates with the Revised Common Lectionary as it is used at St. Paul. With Peter A. Pettit, teaching pastor.