Sermon Audio 1/10/2016, Baptism of Our Lord C

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo

Baptism of Our Lord, Lectionary Year C

Acts 8:14-17 

In preparation for our annual Congregational Meeting today, we remember how the Holy Spirit consistently surprises the church. 

As always, listen here, use this link, or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by searching "Tengwall."

Sermon Audio 12/24/2015 Christmas Eve

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo 

Nativity of Our Lord I - Christmas Eve

Luke 2:1-20

As always, listen here, use this link, or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by searching "Tengwall."

Peace is one of the central themes of Christmas, from the title Prince of Peace in Isaiah to the angel's declaration of peace on earth to the shepherds. So why does the story of Jesus' birth also include one of the least-peaceful names in our world today?

Sermon Audio 12/13/2015, Advent 3C

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo

Third Sunday of Advent, Lectionary Year C

Luke 3:7-18

This sermon has everything - holiday party advice, tales of life and death, funny voices, guest musicians, and even the Krampus. This is the Advent sermon I've been waiting for.

This is the only sermon I've ever recorded that I listened to again. That's how much fun I had preaching this sermon. I talk too fast when I get excited and/or confused. Also, this sermon recorded on a different device than usual, so I wonder whether than will affect the sound quality at all. I guess we'll see (or hear, rather).

As always, listen here, use this link, or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by searching "Tengwall."

Sermon Audio 12/6/2015, Advent 2C

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo 

Second Sunday of Advent, Lectionary Year C

Luke 3:1-6 

As always, listen here, use this link, or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by searching "Tengwall."

Advent is our season of waiting, both for Jesus to return and in a sense, for Jesus' birth 2000 years ago. How do we make sense of this waiting for both the past and the future?

Sermon Audio 11/15/2015, 25th Sunday after Pentecost B

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo 

25th Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary Year B

Mark 13:1-8 

"Do not be afraid!" In various forms, this good news permeates the entire Bible, spoken by so many voices to so many people. In light of this week's Gospel lesson on the fall of the temple, combined with recent terrorist attacks, the simple message to not be afraid sounds more radical than one might think at first. 

As always, listen here, use this link, or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by searching "Tengwall."

Sermon Audio 11/1/2015, All Saints B

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo

All Saints Sunday, Lectionary Year B

Revelation 21:1-6b, Isaiah 25:6-9

This reading from Revelation features my favorite image in the Bible, the holy city coming down from heaven to earth where God will dwell with people forever. Isaiah offers a strikingly similar vision, some of the best good news around. But on this All Saints Sunday we ask: what about the times when good news doesn't feel like enough?

As always, listen here, use this link, or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by searching "Tengwall."

Sermon Audio 10/25/2015, Reformation Sunday

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo 

Reformation Sunday

Psalm 46 

Lutherans love to sing "A Mighty Fortress," and seemingly also love for forget the psalm on which the song is based, and for that matter, the rest of the song's first line. 

As always, listen here, use this link, or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by searching "Tengwall."