St. Paul Podcast

In this week’s episode, Little Bird shares a very special meal with Jesus and the disciples. And before that meal, Jesus does something a little different but extra special for his friends to show his love and care for them.

Katy Warren preaches on perspective. We all come into new scenarios with our own ways of thinking, our own bias, or preconceived notions that shapes what we believe. We look for the reasons behind why certain things happen. The more convinced we are that we know exactly what God is doing, the less we’ll see and experience the work of God. The place we often find God is often in the middle of the mess.   

 Preaching text: John 9: 1-41 (excerpts)

On today's episode, Little Bird adds another new friend to the story. This time, it's a donkey!  Little Bird, Jesus, and their new donkey friend are part of a palm parade in Jerusalem. 

Peter W. Marty preaches on the constancy of God. Think not of the Christian faith as just a set of rules and laws or noble and inspirational ideas. Instead, Christianity is the Lord Jesus Christ present with us and in us. As God communicates to Moses, I will be right there with you. God is to be trusted, not tested.  

Preaching text: Exodus 17: 1-7 

Are you ready for another miracle on this week’s episode? When Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus gets very, very sick, Jesus cannot get to see his friends fast enough. There are a lot of big feelings in this episode so snuggle in close with your parents, siblings, or friends and know that just like in the story, Jesus is always with you. 

Pastor Sara Olson-Smith preaches on being in the dark. Many of us, in various seasons of our life, for various kinds of reasons, find ourselves in some kind of darkness. Those times when we really don’t know where we’re going or how we’re going to get there or what is next. Those times can be scary but they’re also the times when we discover the greatest truths about ourselves and the world.   

Preaching text: John 3: 1-17 

This week, we find Little Bird and Jesus playing games with kids just like you! Jesus shares with a few grumpy disciples that children understand God’s dream of love for the world better than anyone else. We can all learn a little something from the children around us.  

Megan Eide preaches on landing in uncharted territory. There is no scenario so unexpected or destination so bleak that God has not passed through first ahead of us and come out the other side. God’s spirit leads people through the wilderness and they come out the other side more ready to step into that promised future. We see over and over again how the wilderness isn’t so much a place of desolation as it is a place of preparation.  

Preaching text: Matthew 4: 1-11 

Miracles are happening in this week’s episode! After last week’s scary boat ride, Jesus and Little Bird return to shore where lots of people have gathered to see Jesus. In that crowd, a very sick old woman and a man with a sick daughter seek Jesus’ help in healing them. 

Sara Olson-Smith preaches on the both divine and human Jesus. On the feast of the transfiguration, we celebrate the glory and the power of Jesus, who carries in his being the fullness of God’s goodness and strength, and yet, still present on Earth, with skin on.  The light and the glory of God is not just reserved for mountaintops. Our faith reminds us that God’s glorious light and love are breaking into every corner of our lives.  

Preaching text: Matthew 17: 1-9