St. Paul Podcast

Peter A. Pettit preaches. Claire Kuttler, lyric soprano, sings. Joy to the World! "May you wait with hope, watch for the promise, hold onto faith, and do God's will. May the God of persistent surprise create joy, claim and uplift you, and fill you grace and giggles. Amen."

On this third week of Advent, Peter Marty preaches. "You know what you get to be this week: A witness. Go and live your life in Christ in such a compelling way that people will be unable to stay away from you. Amen."

The Christmas tree is up in the Sanctuary, friends. "May God our creator make those rough places in your life smooth. May Christ our savior fill you with peace. May the spirit of God bring you hope and comfort, today and always."

On this first Sunday of Advent, Craig Witte and Ann Abplanalp light the first of four candles that symbolize awaiting the birth of Jesus. The Open Spirit ensemble debuts an original song by Bill Campbell, and Chris Nelson plays an improvisation on "Haf trones lampa färdig." Penny the puppy says hello during the children's message. Hayden Kvamme preaches: "May God bless you with signs of hope, courage, and strength. and may God's love awaken you with joy. Amen."

Peter Marty preaches. "When we look into the eyes of someone who might be full of need, maybe that is the beginning of real faith. Maybe when we look into the eyes of somebody who does not have half the security, half the resources that we have, maybe we're trying out the idea that the Lord Jesus Christ is looking back at us through those eyes."

"It's a risky proposition because it might break your heart to believe that the Lord is looking back at your own eyes through that person. It might cause you to make some radical changes in your life. It might scare the pants off of you. We need to say it's worth it."

Pastor Sara Olson-Smith preaches: "This is what we are made for, to live joyful, generous lives, in response to the love and generosity that we have received from God." On this day of the Donut Driveup, where we will experience the joy of donuts and the gathering of food and personal care items, the stories told include tales of canned goods and donuts.

The Youth Choir sings. Peter A. Pettit preaches. May the Lord of hosts, the God of all creation, bless you with knowledge of justice, commitment to righteousness, and the assurance of faith by which to live into the full riches of divine grace and human community.

On this All Saints Day, we remember those who have died in the past year. Peter Marty preaches: "Blessed are you whenever it dawns on you that you are beloved in the sight of the Lord. And may the blessing of this Lord...be upon you and remain with you today and always. Amen."

May you receive this blessing, as prayed by Pastor Katy Warren, from the Black Rock Prayer Book:
The world now is too dangerous
and too beautiful for anything but love.
May your eyes be so blessed you see God in everyone.
Your ears, so you hear the cry of the poor.
May your hands be so blessed
that everything you touch is a sacrament.
May your feet be so blessed you run
to those who need you.
And may your heart be so opened,
so set on fire, that your love changes everything.

Boo! It's St. Paul's annual Trunk or Treat weekend, this year with a pandemic twist.