Video Sermons

Worship for Sunday, September 13th, 2020: 15th Sunday after Pentecost

This Sunday, Peter asks Jesus a question about forgiveness, which leads him to teach us that we are to forgive as God forgives, freely and unendingly. Forgiveness frees our own souls of the weight of bearing resentment and anger all our lives.

Hymns: “Softly and Tenderly” ELW 608, Text and Music: THOMPSON, Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909; hymn text and tune are in the public domain. Gospel Acclamation: ELW 169, Music: Bob Moore, b. 1962; Music © 2006 Augsburg Fortress; used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “Our Father, We Have Wandered” ELW 606, Text: Kevin Nichols, 1929-2006; Music: HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN, Hans Leo Hassler, 1564-1612; arr. Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750; Text © 1981 International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc.; Reprinted and used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “O Christ, Our Hope” ELW 604, Text: Latin hymn, c. 8th century; tr. John Chandler, 1806-1876, adapt.; Music: LOBT GOTT, IHR CHRISTEN, Nikolaus Herman, 1480-1561; hymn text and tune are in the public domain.

Worship for Sunday, September 6th, 2020: 14th Sunday after Pentecost

This week, we hear Jesus teach about reconciliation and how the people of God are to work through the differences they may have with one another. In this act of forgiveness, we find that God is at work—that Jesus is present—building up beloved community.

Hymns: “Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways” ELW 772, Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt.; Music: William H. Havergal, 1793-1870; hymn text and tune are in the public domain. Gospel Acclamation: ELW 169, Music: Bob Moore, b. 1962; Music © 2006 Augsburg Fortress; used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “Day of Arising” ELW 374, Text: Susan Palo Cherwien, b. 1953; Music: Carl F. Schalk, b. 1929; Text © 1996 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress; Music © 1999 Augsburg Fortress; Reprinted and used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “Praise, My Soul, The God of Heaven” ELW 864, Text: Henry F. Lyte, 1793-1847; alt. Walter R. Bouman, 1927-2005; Music: John Gross, 1800-1880; hymn text and tune are in the public domain.

Worship for Sunday, August 30th, 2020: 13th Sunday after Pentecost

As Matthew’s gospel begins to “look towards Jerusalem” and towards the cross, Jesus tells his disciples that he must die and rise again, which doesn’t sit well with them. This becomes a moment for Jesus to teach them (and all of us!) about what it means to be a disciple, and what it means to “take up your cross” and follow him.

Hymns: “O Jesus, I Have Promised” ELW 810, Text: John E. Bode, 1816-1874, alt.; Music: MUNICH, Neuvermehrtes Gesangbuch, Meiningen, 1693; hymn text and tune are in the public domain. Gospel Acclamation: ELW 175, Music: “Alleluia 7,” Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994, and the Taizé Community; Music © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent, Reprinted and used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song” ELW 808, Text. Les Petites Soeurs de Jesus and L’Arche Community; tr. Stephen Somerville, b. 1931; Music: LES PETITES SOEURS, Les Petites Soeurs de Jesus and L’Arche Community; Text and Music © 1987 Les Petites Soeurs de Jesus, admin. Augsburg Fortress; Tr. © 1970 Stephen Somerville, admin. Augsburg Fortress; Reprinted and used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me” ELW 860, Text: African American spiritual; Music: JESUS LIFTED ME, African American spiritual; arr. With One Voice; Arr. © 1995 Augsburg Fortress; Used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.

Worship for Sunday, August 23rd, 2020: 12th Sunday after Pentecost

In our gospel reading, Jesus asks his disciples a question that we all have to ask ourselves: “Who do you say that I am?” Who is Jesus to us? What does Jesus mean to us and to our life and to our life of faith?

Hymns: “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me” ELW 623, Text: Augustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778; Music: TOPLADY, Thomas Hastings, 1784-1872; hymn text and tune are in the public domain. Gospel Acclamation: ELW 175, Music: “Alleluia 7,” Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994, and the Taizé Community; Music © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent, Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “Built on a Rock” ELW 652, Text: Nikolai F.S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872; tr. Carl Doving, 1867-1937, adapt.; Music: KIRKEN DEN ER ET GAMMELT HUS, Ludvig M. Lindeman, 1812-1887; Text © 1958 Service Book and Hymnal, admin. Augsburg Fortress; Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “Take My Life, That I May Be” ELW 583, Text: Frances R. Havergal, 1836-1879, adapt.; Music: William Dexheimer Pharris, b. 1956; arr. Mark Sedio, b. 1954; Music © 1999 Augsburg Fortress; Used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.

Worship for Sunday, August 16th, 2020: 11th Sunday after Pentecost

This week, Jesus and his disciples encounter a Canaanite woman, an outsider, who wants Jesus to heal her daughter. In this challenging story, we see that faith and God’s love and power have no boundaries.

Hymns: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” ELW 858, Text: Joachim Neander, 1650-1680; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt.; Music: LOBE DEN HERREN, Ernewerten Gesangbuch, Part II, Stralsund, 1665; hymn text and tune are in the public domain. Gospel Acclamation: ELW 175, Music: “Alleluia 7,” Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994, and the Taizé Community; Music © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent, Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “Healer of Our Every Ill” ELW 612, Text and Music: HEALER OF OUR EVERY ILL, Marty Haugen, b. 1950; Text and music © 1987 GIA Publications, Inc.; Reprinted and used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” ELW 886, Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt.; Music: AZMON, Carl G. Glaser, 1784-1829; Arr. Lowell Mason, 1792-1872; hymn text and tune are in the public domain.

Worship for Sunday, August 9th, 2020: 10th Sunday after Pentecost

Today, Elijah witnesses God’s presence in “sheer silence” and the disciples of Jesus witness his power to calm the storms around them. In these stories, we are reminded to stay centered in God’s presence, to sit in God’s presence, which anchors us in the storms and winds and earthquakes of life.

Hymns: “When Peace Like a River” ELW 785, Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828-1888; Music: VILLE DU HAVRE, Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876; hymn text and tune are in the public domain. Gospel Acclamation: ELW 175, Music: “Alleluia 7,” Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994, and the Taizé Community; Music © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent, Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” ELW 756, Text: William Whiting, 1825-1878, alt.; Music: MELITA, John B. Dykes, 1823-1876; hymn text and tune are in the public domain. “My Life Flows On in Endless Song” ELW 763, Text: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899; Music: HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING, Robert Lowery, alt., hymn text and tune are in the public domain.

Worship for Sunday, August 2nd, 2020: 9th Sunday after Pentecost

This week, Jesus feeds the 5,000 on the shores of Galilee, and gives us all a lesson on the abudance of God's kingdom.

Hymns: “Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service” ELW 712, Text: Albert F. Bayly, 1901-1984; Music: BEACH SPRING, The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844; arr. Selected Hymns 1985; Text © 1961 Oxford University Press; Arr. © 1985 Augsburg Fortress; Alternate Accompaniment © 2006 Augsburg Fortress; Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE A-722483. All rights reserved. Gospel Acclamation: ELW 175, Music: “Alleluia 7,” Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994, and the Taizé Community; Music © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent, Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE A-722483. All rights reserved. “Break Now the Bread of Life” ELW 515, Text: Mary A. Lathbury, 1841-1913, alt.; Music: BREAD OF LIFE, William F. Sherwin, 1826-1888; hymn text and tune are in the public domain. “Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness” ELW 843, Text: Rusty Edwards, b. 1955; Music: NETTLETON, J. Wyeth, Repository of Sacred Music, Part II, 1813; Text © 1987 Hope Publishing Company; Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE A-722483. All rights reserved.

Worship for Sunday, July 26, 2020: 8th Sunday after Pentecost

Today, we hear the last set of parables from chapter 13 of Matthew's gospel. In this string of teaching stories, we hear Jesus teach about the power of God's kingdom at work in our world even though we don't always see it! We hear a message of joy and hope in these stories that remind us of the power of God's kingdom that is coming into the world.
Hymns:
• “God Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens” ELW 771, Text: Catherine Cameron, b. 1927; Music: HOLY MANNA, W. Walker, Southern Harmony, 1835; Text © 1967 Hope Publishing Company, All rights reserved, Arr. © 1969 Contemporary Worship 1: Hymns, admin. Augsburg Fortress., Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE A-722483. All rights reserved. • Gospel Acclamation: ELW 175, Music: “Alleluia 7,” Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994, and the Taizé Community; Music © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent, Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE A-722483. All rights reserved. • “God, When Human Bonds Are Broken” ELW 603, Text: Fred Kaan, b. 1929; Music: MERTON, William H. Monk, 1823-1889; Text © 1989 Hope Publishing Company, Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE A-722483. All rights reserved. • “This is My Father’s World” ELW 824, Text: Maltbie D. Babcock, 1858-1901; Music: TERRA PATRIS, Franklin L. Sheppard, 1852-1930, adapt., hymn text and tune are in the public domain.

Worship for Sunday, July 19th, 2020: 7th Sunday after Pentecost

This Sunday, we hear another parable (or teaching story) from Jesus, this time about wheat and weeds. What does it mean to live in the messy kingdom of God, and whose job is it to clean it up? What about the weeds that we have inside of us? These are the questions that Jesus asks us with today’s challenging story.
Hymns used in worship today:

“Have No Fear, Little Flock” ELW 764, Text: Luke 12:32, st. 1; Marjorie Jillson, b. 1931, sts. 2-4; Music: LITTLE FLOCK, Heinz Werner Zimmermann, b. 1930; Text and Music © 1973 Concordia Publishing House, Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.
Gospel Acclamation: ELW 175, Music: “Alleluia 7,” Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994, and the Taizé Community; Music © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent, Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.
“O Holy Spirit, Enter In” ELW 786, Text: Michael Schirmer, 1606-1673; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, adapt.; Music: WIE SCHON LEUCTET, Philipp Nicolai, 1556-1608; Arr. © 2006 Augsburg Fortress, Used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.
“What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine” ELW 774, Text: Elisha A. Hoffman, 1839-1929; Music: SHOWALTER, Anthony H. Showalter, 1858-1924; Alternate acc. © 2006 Augsburg Fortress, Used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.

Worship for Sunday, July 12th, 2020: 6th Sunday after Pentecost

This week, we hear Jesus teach about God’s amazing generosity with God’s word, told through the Parable of the Sower. No matter where you are right now in life, God’s love and grace is there for you. This is the first of several weeks where we are delving into Jesus’ teachings with parables in Matthew’s gospel!
Hymns:

“For the Fruit of All Creation” ELW 679, Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000; Music: AR HYD Y NOS, Welsh traditional, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958; Text © 1970 Hope Publishing Company, All rights reserved; Arr. from The English Hymnal © Oxford University Press 1906. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.
Gospel Acclamation: ELW 175, Music: “Alleluia 7,” Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994, and the Taizé Community; Music © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent, Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.
“Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil” ELW 512, Text and Music: GOOD SOIL, Handt Hanson, b. 1950; Text and Music © 1985 Prince of Peace Publishing, Changing Church, Inc., admin. Augsburg Fortress; Used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.
“On What Has Now Been Sown” ELW 550, Text: John Newton, 1725-1807, alt; Music: DARWELL’S 148TH, John Darwell, 1731-1789, hymn text and tune are in the public domain.

Worship for Sunday, July 5th, 2020: 5th Sunday after Pentecost

As we gather this week, we hear Jesus remind us once again of the challenges that come for those who proclaim his message to the world. But, he also give all of us a reminder of where we can find strength and comfort when we most need it: in him.

Hymns used in today's worship: “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” ELW 742, Text: Joseph Scriven, 1820-1886, Music: CONVERSE, Charles C. Converse, 1832-1918; Hymn text and tune are in the Public Domain, Alternate hymnal arrangement © 2006 Augsburg Fortress.. Gospel Acclamation: ELW 175, Music: “Alleluia 7,” Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994, and the Taizé Community; Music © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications, Inc., Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord” ELW 580, Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000; Music: REPTON, C. Hubert H. Parry, 1848-1918; Text © 1982 Hope Publishing Company; Used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved. “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” ELW 890, Text: Julia Ward Howe, 1819-1910; Music: BATTLE HYMN, North American, 19th Cent.; Hymn text and tune are in the Public Domain.

Worship for Sunday, June 28th, 2020: 4th Sunday after Pentecost

Today we hear Jesus' call to welcome in those who bring his message, no matter how challenging that message may be. This week's message is the final part of the "Missionary Discourse (or speech)" that we have been hearing for the past 3 weeks. What happens when we welcome in Jesus' message, the prophet's message, and let it change us and our world? We see God's kingdom come to earth.
Hymns used in worship today:

“Baptized and Set Free” ELW 453, Text and Music: BAPTIZED AND SET FREE, Cathy Skogen-Sodner, b. 1956; Text and Music © 1999 Augsburg Fortress, Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.

Gospel Acclamation: ELW 175, Music: “Alleluia 7,” Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994, and the Taizé Community, Music © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications, Inc., Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.
“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” ELW 588, Text: Frederick W. Faber, 1814-1863, alt.; Music: LORD, REVIVE US; North American, 19th Cent., arr. Theodore A. Beck, 1929-2003; Arr. © 1969 Concordia Publishing House, Used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.
“Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound” ELW 779, Text: John Newton, 1725-1807, alt., sts. 1-4; anonymous, st. 5; Music: NEW BRITAIN, W. Walker, Southern Harmony, 1835; arr. Edwin O. Excell, 1851-1921, alt. Hymn text and tune are in the Public Domain.

Worship for Sunday, June 21st, 2020: 3rd Sunday after Pentecost

As we gather together this week, we continue on in Matthew's gospel, hearing Jesus' challenging words about being a disciple. Following in the way of Jesus means that we have to take up our crosses in life, have challenging conversations, do the tough work to build up the kingdom of God. But, the reward is that we do just that: Join in with God's Spirit in building up God's beloved kingdom for all people.

Worship For Sunday, June 14th, 2020: 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

This week, Jesus gathers his disciples together and then sends them out to do God's work in the world. In the same way, we are ALL called to be Jesus' disciples in the world. We are called to go out, doing the tough work of God, trusting in God's presence and support with us in all that we do!
Hymns used in today's worship:

“All People That On Earth Do Dwell” ELW 883, Text: William Kethe, d. c. 1594, Music: OLD HUNDRETH, Louis Bourgeois, 1510-1561. This hymn text and tune are in the public domain.
“Will You Come and Follow Me” The Summons ELW 798, Text: John L. Bell, b. 1949; Music: KELVINGROVE, Scottish Traditional; Text and arr. © 1987 Iona Community, admin GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.
“To Be Your “Presence” ELW 546, Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939; Music: ENGELBERG, Charles C. Stanford, 1852-1924; Text © 2000,2003 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and used with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-722483. All rights reserved.

Worship for Sunday, June 7th, 2020: Holy Trinity

On this day, we celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity, God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This holy relationship is one in which we are a part of as well, and makes us one with the whole human family and creation. This week, we hear a sermon from the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.

Worship for Sunday, May 31, 2020: Day of Pentecost

We gather together today on the Day of Pentecost, the day the Spirit came to the disciples and sent them forth with God's love to all the world! Today's service includes a special virtual choir piece put together by the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians of "O Day Full of Grace," which includes 900 vocal parts and over 600 instrumentalists!

Worship for Sunday, March 24th, 2020: SEMN Synod Worship Service

This week, we join in and online worship with many other congregations around our synod in a shared worship experience! This service has been put together by our Souteastern Minnesota Synod staff. Bishop Regina Hassanally will give the sermon about the Good Samaritan, and you will hear the voices and talents of several other leaders from around our synod! Emma the bulldog won't be doing a children's message this week, but she is making an appearance in the welcome video! Join us for worship today!

Worship for Sunday, May 17th, 2020: 6th Sunday of Easter

Join us for worship as we hear about the work of the Spirit in John's gospel. Jesus promises to never leave us orphaned and to send the Spirit of truth to be with us always, a Spirit that reminds us of Jesus' continual presence with us in our lives. We are God's children always and forever!

Worship for Sunday, May 10th, 2020: 5th Sunday of Easter

This week's gospel reading takes us to Jesus' farewell discourse in John. In this reading, Jesus tells his followers that he goes to prepare a place for us in God's house, and invites us into a relationship with him. Join us as we worship and go deeper into this relationship with Christ today. (And, Emma the bulldog is back to help with the children's message!)

Worship for Sunday, May 3rd, 2020: 4th Sunday of Easter-Good Shepherd Sunday

Today we gather for worship on the 4th Sunday of Easter, which is Good Shepherd Sunday! Sadly, Pastor Josh doesn't own any sheep, so you won't see any in today's worship service. But, you will hear all about how Jesus is our Good Shepherd (as well as Jesus being "the Gate" from John 10:1-10), in our readings, message, and music today!

Worship for Sunday, April 26, 2020: 3rd Sunday of Easter

Join us for worship on the 3rd Sunday of Easter! This Sunday, we hear the story of Jesus meeting 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus. This week's worship service includes a children's message, with a special guest appearance by Pr. Josh's dog, Emma!

Worship for Sunday, April 19, 2020: 2nd Sunday of Easter

Christ is risen! Alleluia! Our Easter season worship continues this week as we hear the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples, giving them peace and comfort with his words "Peace be with with you." We remember today that Jesus enters into our lives as well, speaking words of peace and comfort.

Easter Sunday Worship: April 12, 2020

Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! The resurrection message of Easter still rings true, even in these trying times. We gather together to hear a message for Easter Sunday from Pastor Josh (as well as Easter messages from Bishop Regina Hassanally of the SEMN Synod and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), sing some Easter hymns, and remind ourselves that, even though we cannot gather, Easter still happens! The tomb is still empty! We are resurrection people and we can take hope in the message of this day.

Good Friday Worship

Join Pastor Josh as we continue our Holy Week worship with a service for Good Friday, centered around the passion story according to the gospel of John.

Maundy Thursday Worship

Tonight we enter into the holiest of days in our church year, known as the great Three Days (or the Triduum): Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. The church views these services not as seperate services but as one, continuous service beginning tonight and ending with the sunrise on Easter morning. Join us tonight as we begin this journey with Jesus washing his disciples feet at the last meal he shares with them. This sevice also contains the familiar "clearing of the altar" at the end of the service.
Hymns and texts: "Go to Dark Gethsemene" Public Domain; "Love Consecrates the Humblest Act" Public Domain; "Were You There" Evangelical Lutheran Worship 353.