In this message we hear how Jesus is challenged to explain what is involved in obeying the greatest commandment. He tells the parable we all know as the Good Samaritan; a parable rich in surprises: those expected to show pity display hard hearts while the lowly give and receive unexpected and lavish mercy. Pastor Steve shares a couple stories from his recent 60 miles over 6 days Appalachian Trail hike that reflect the persons of this parable and the challenge of our daily lives to be a modern day Samaritan. Listen to this message and be led to consider what it looks like for us to get out of our mind and into a heart conditioned by the love of God in Jesus Christ.

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On this Holy Trinity Sunday we dwell in wisdom. In the Bible wisdom is portrayed in terms sometimes human and sometimes divine. Often, wisdom is personified as feminine. In this passage, Woman Wisdom is depicted not only as the first creation of God, but also as God’s helper, rejoicing in God’s creation, especially in human beings. In this message we hear the Trinity's wisdom for what our call to holy living looks like.

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On this Sunday we celebrated Pentecost, the gifting of the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told his disciples they would be filled with the Holy Spirit. Now, amid signs of fire, wind, and a variety of languages, the people were amazed and astonished at Jesus’ promise coming true. During this message we pondered and then engaged in some spiritual spontaneity! All thanks to the Holy Spirit!

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Through a divine chain of events Paul and Silas offer liberation in Christ to a slave girl, are unjustly jailed then liberated, and in the end bring a jailer and his household to Christ. Listen to this message for a peek into how one thing in Christ, leads to another. 

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A vision compels Paul to move his ministry into Greece. There he meets Lydia, an important person in the business community, whose heart has been opened by God to receive the gospel. Her conversion and baptism provide the impetus for the founding of the church at Philippi. But it’s the question she poses to Paul that might give us pause, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” What does faithfulness to the Lord look like to you? In this message we ponder the Spirit's guidance, providence and its accessibility to those new and old to the faith.

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Would You Like to Try One of Our Specials? | Acts 11:1-18

In defense of his earlier baptism of non-Jewish believers, Peter demonstrates to the members of the Jerusalem church that God’s intention to love Gentiles as well as Jews is revealed in Jesus’ testimony. This revelation came to Peter through an odd dream involving food. Listen to this message about embracing God’s menu of special interests.

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This week guest preacher Mary Winsor shares her thoughts on holy patience, those times when we find ourselves living in uncomfortable, in-between spaces of our lives. After the resurrection, Peter and the disciples slip-slide back into doing what they think they know best, fishing. Jesus then challenges Peter to get busy living, by tending to, and feeding God's people. Step into the unknown good people. Resurrection, new and abundant life opportunities have been prepared for you by way of the cross. 

Mary serves as Director for Discipleship at Shepherd of the Glades Lutheran in Naples FL. Click here to explore and support the ministry of Shepherd of the Glades

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Artwork by Thomas Ribble of Alison, Iowa

The unprecedented events of the day of resurrection continue as the risen Jesus appears to his fearful disciples. A week later, after Thomas worships Jesus, Jesus pronounces that the blessings of the resurrection are also for those who “have not seen and yet believe.” In this message Pastor Steve challenges the congregation to see their personal and communal future with eyes of the past and hearts for the future.  

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What does the pupae stage of a butterfly's life, the resurrection of Christ and our individual and communal transformation have in common? A lot more than you may think. In this message Pastor Steve connects the metamorphosis of a butterfly, and our future selves in a way that you may never have considered. Listen to the message to be affirmed that God's image of life is alive and well within you, and what that means in this day and age, that aches for hope. 

Listen to the Radio Lab podcast Goo and You credited in this podcast.

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A Good Friday message featuring hymns and short reflections surrounding our life giving event of Jesus Christ's death on the cross.

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