Sermon Audio 6/22/2014 2nd Sunday after Pentecost A

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo

2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary Year A

Matthew 10:24-39

We begin the "ordinary" time after Pentecost by diving into the deep end of some of Jesus' most challenging words: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." He also tells his disciples they are unworthy unless they love Jesus more than their own parents and children, and tells them they will probably be killed. The gospel, the good news of God's love for us in Jesus, is not for the faint of heart.


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

Sermon Audio 6/15/2014 Holy Trinity

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo

Holy Trinity Sunday

2nd Corinthians 13:11-13


The doctrine of the Holy Trinity can make for a boring and obtuse sermon, as I have likely demonstrated in the past. Instead, today we focused on how the Trinity reminds us that we, created in God's image, are made for relationship. Thankfulness is a vital part of any relationship, particularly our relationship with God. So, at the recommendation of our esteemed Rev. Sarah Friesen-Carper, on this day we introduced a new way of publicly thanking God and one another at LCS: the Blessings Basket.



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

Sermon Audio 6/8/2014 Pentecost

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo

Pentecost

Acts 2:1-21

Sometimes I forget how great Pentecost is. Then the Holy Spirit shows up, and I remember. Pentecost was a new beginning for Jesus' followers, not the vacation they deserved but an opportunity to share the story of God's love for the world in Jesus.

Sermon Audio 5/25/2014 Easter 6A

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Lectionary Year A

John 14:15-21

On his last night with his disciples, Jesus tells them about the Holy Spirit to help them be ready for what comes next.

I tried to publish this before I left on vacation, on Memorial Day (5/26/14), but ran into trouble with my podcasting website. I think we're back on track now. As a bonus, I did talk with a couple of people who actually listen to these sermons online (yay!), so I feel good about doing the work to record and publish these sermons. It's good to know that my mom is not the only person listening.

Sermon Audio 5/18/2014 Easter 5A

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo

Fifth Sunday after Easter, Lectionary Year A

John 14:1-14

In this beginning to the famous final speech of Jesus in John's Gospel, I've often focused on the many dwelling places Jesus offers in his father's house. As Christians, we have often focused on the exclusivity of Jesus as the only way to the father. Today we looked at some other emphases of Jesus' words. "Do not let your hearts be troubled" is a good start. Later, what does Jesus mean about doing works greater than his?

Sermon Audio 5/11/2014 Easter 4A

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Lectionary Year A

John 10:1-10

Jesus is the gate, connecting us to God and leading us to abundant life.This description sounds boring, but I don't think the sermon is actually boring. I guess you'll have to decide for yourself about the "boring-or-not" thing.

As always, listen here or on iTunes.

Sermon Audio 5/4/2014 Easter 3A

Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo

Third Sunday after Easter, Lectionary Year A

Luke 24:13-35

Jesus' appearance to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus is pretty much my favorite thing ever. This story is as influential in how I live my call to pastoral ministry as anything in the Bible, for starters. How do we experience the presence of Christ among us when we gather in his name? Who does Jesus come to, and when? These and other great questions in this sermon.

 As always, listen here or listen / subscribe on iTunes by searching "Tengwall."