Cycle A Lectionary 15 Proper 10

7/13/2014 Confession (s) 

Sunday Title:  Extravagant Sunday

Sermon Title: Extravagance - harder to deal with than you think.

Previously:  

Sunday Title:  Discipleship (still) Sunday

Sermon Title: Insider- inside out.

Sunday Title:  Word Power Sunday

Sermon Title: “Good Soil”

Sunday Title:  Seed Sunday

Sermon Title: “What grows in your Garden?”

Sunday Title:  The Word Sunday

Sermon Title: “A Word Study”

Scripture Cuttings:

Isaiah 55:10-13 ...so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Psalm 65:1, 9-13 The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy....

Romans 8:1-11 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.

Confession:

All may make the sign of the cross in remembrance of baptism

as the presiding minister begins:

P:  In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

P:  The Lord sends the word to us,

 let our repentance not be empty. (pause)

  O Lord...

C: you sow your word with a purpose.

We are hard ground

  and are too busy to try understanding.

We are rocky ground

  and we receive your word with respect,

    but do not let it take root in our lives.

We are thorny ground

  and let lust and desire choke out your message.

We do not hear, listen, understand or obey your word.

Save us, O Lord, from the sins we know,

save us from the sins we hide. (pause for reflection and self-examination)

P:  The Lord is the God of our salvation. God sends salvation in Jesus Christ, God’s Son. And for those who are in Christ Jesus there is no condemnation. Our sins are forgiven. We may be renewed and set our minds on the Holy Spirit and our lives may be devoted to life and peace. The word of the Lord will not return empty but rather bear fruit, thirty, sixty, even a hundred fold. To the glory of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. -wjw

P:  The peace of the Lord be with you always!

C: And also with you!

-or-

P:  In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

P:  The Lord sends the word to us, let our repentance not be empty. (pause)

  Lord...

C: you sow your word, and we hear,

  but we frolic with evil which snatches it away.

Lord you sow you word, and we hear,

  and we receive it with joy,

    but it does not take root because we are shallow.

Lord you sow you word, and we hear,

  then we are distracted by the cares of this world,

    and the pursuit of wealth,

      so we choke off what it may yield.

Lord these are sins we are willing to say. Forgive us.

Lord there are sins we will not speak of. Save us.

  (pause for real reflection and self-examination)

P:  The Lord sows the word and it will not return empty. God’s word is given in the flesh: Jesus Christ our Lord. God does what we cannot: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, to deal with our sin. For Christ’s sake our sins are forgiven. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. And we may now walk according to the Spirit, bearing fruit, thirty, sixty, even a hundred fold. For the glory of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. -wjw

P:  The peace of the Lord be with you always!

C: And also with you!

Cycle A Lectionary 14 Proper 9

7/6/2014 Confession

Sunday Title:  Independence Sunday

Sermon Title: No, really Independence Sunday - Are we listening to Paul?

Previously:  

Sunday Title:  Independence Sunday

Sermon Title:  Infancy discipleship.

Sunday Title:  Independence? Sunday 

Sermon Title: “Welcome Pastor Jim Brandis”

Sunday Title:  Discipleship [continued] Sunday 

Sermon Title: “Sin’s and Dignity”

Scripture Cuttings:

Zechariah 9:9-12 As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.

Psalm 145:8-14 The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.

Romans 7:15-25a I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Confession:

All may make the sign of the cross in remembrance of baptism

as the presiding minister begins:

P:  In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

P:  The Lord knows the burden of our sin, how could we hide? (pause)

  God...

C: you know me,

  sometimes I do not understand my own actions.

I know the right thing to do,

  but I do exactly the opposite.

I can will myself to do the right thing

  and my body will not do it.

It is as though sin dwells within me.

And even now I try to blame the sin

  instead of taking responsibility myself.

Rescue me Lord from the sin I know in my heart.

Save me Lord from the sin I conceal from myself.

 (pause for real reflection and self-examination)

P:  The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. We can give thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord, because of the blood of God’s own covenant we are set free from our sin. It is for Christ's sake that our sins are forgiven. Now free we may take on his yoke, and learn from him, and find rest. To the glory of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. -wjw

P:  The peace of the Lord be with you always!

C: And also with you!

Cycle A Lectionary 13 Proper 8

6/29/2014 Confession 

Sunday Title:  Ridiculous Sunday

Sermon Title: Transitions

Previously:  

Sunday Title:  Discipleship Sunday

Sermon Title: Mis-reading discipleship.

Sunday Title:  Discipleship Sunday

Sermon Title: “Welcome Pastor Jim Brandis”

Sunday Title:  Discipleship [continued] Sunday

Sermon Title: “What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace?”

Scripture Cuttings:

Jeremiah 28:5-9 As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes true, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.

Psalm 89:1-4,15-18 Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance; they exult in your name all day long, and extol your righteousness.

Romans 6:12-23 What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace?

Matthew 10:40-42 [Jesus continues his instructions to the twelve] "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward."

Confession:

All may make the sign of the cross in remembrance of baptism

as the presiding minister begins:

P:  In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

P:  The Lord calls for our repentance. (pause)

  O Lord...

C: you send your prophets and your word

  you call us to repent,

    yet we wait for our feelings of regret before listening.

You place us into communities of faith

  to share our mutual witness,

    but we insist on our own selfish ways.

You promise us great reward for lives of discipleship

  so we set our sights on a heavenly treasure

    and overlook living our faith daily.

Forgive us Lord the sins we know in our hearts.

Save us Lord from the sins we hide from ourselves.

 (pause for reflection and self-examination)

P:  God’s love is established forever. God rescues us from impurity and iniquity through our Savior: Jesus Christ. For Christ's sake our sins are forgiven. Christ set us free from sin so that we may become obedient from our heart. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us and we may present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness. To the glory of the name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. -wjw

P:  The peace of the Lord be with you always!

C: And also with you!

Cycle A Lectionary 12 Proper 7

6/22/2014 Confession 

Sunday Title:  Fair Warning Sunday

Sermon Title: “Which is harder?”

Previously:  

Sunday Title:  Discipleship [continued] Sunday

Sermon Title: “Welcome Pastor Jim Brandis Chaplain of Shepherd of the Valley”

Scripture Cuttings:

Jeremiah 20:7-13 Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers.

Psalm 69:7-10 [11-15] 16-18 With your faithful help rescue me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.

Romans 6:1b-11 Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it?

Matthew 10:24-39 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Confession:

All may make the sign of the cross in remembrance of baptism

as the presiding minister begins:

P:  In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

P:  The Lord sees our hearts and minds,

  let us be contrite before our God. (pause)

  O Lord...

C: you offer us your great love,

yet we are overpowered

  by the enticements of our material world.

We know the goodness of your word,

  but we are afraid to be an upright example to others.

You call us to make Christ known,

  and our witness is diluted by our fear of ridicule.

Forgive us Lord the sins we know in our hearts.

Save us Lord from the sins we hide.

  (pause for reflection and self-examination)

P:  We are each valuable to God. It is for that reason that God’s grace abounds in Christ Jesus. Grace does not abound to sanction our continued sinfulness, but rather to call us to a disciple’s life. Jesus died to sin, once for all. For Christ’s sake our sins are forgiven. By the power of the Holy Spirit we also must consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. In the name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. -wjw

P:  The peace of the Lord be with you always!

C: And also with you!

Cycle A Holy Trinity

6/15/2014 Confession

Sunday Title:  Holy Trinity Sunday Creation Sunday Happy Father’s Day

Sermon Title: “Very Good”

Previously:

Sunday Title:  Mission Sunday

Sermon Title: “Why would God go to all this trouble?”

Sunday Title:  Holy Trinity

Sermon Title: “Doctrine & Practice”

Scripture Cuttings:

Genesis: 1:2-2:4a In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth....

Psalm 8 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?

2 Corinthians 13:11-13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Matthew 28:16-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

All may make the sign of the cross in remembrance of baptism

as the presiding minister begins:

P:  In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

P:  Let us be honest with our God the maker of all things. (pause)

  Loving God...

C: by speaking you create all that is

  and give order and goodness to the universe.

You place it all in our hands

  and thus we think it belongs to us.

Your order is that the world would sustain us,

  our plan is to own it and mess with your order.

Your Son came and showed us the grace of your love,

  he commissions us to baptize and teach all nations,

    but we do not even reach out to our neighbors.

Every day we are wrapped in your grace and love,

  yet in the arrogance of our lives,

    we wrestle free of your embrace.

Save us Lord from the sins we know in our hearts.

Save us Lord from the sins we hide.

   (pause for reflection and self-examination)

P:  Our loving God never desires to be separated from us. Into our human existence God sends Jesus Christ, God’s own son. It is for Christ's sake that our sins are forgiven. In repentance and forgiveness we are created again, and renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Again we hear the Son’s commission and live as the saints of God’s church. In the name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. -wjw

P:  The peace of the Lord be with you always!

C: And also with you!

Cycle A Pentecost

6/8/2014 Confession

Sunday Title:  Spirit Sunday

Sermon Title: “It actually takes God’s power to do life right!”

Previously:

Sunday Title:  Living Waters Sunday

Sermon Title: “Containment”

Sunday Title:  Holy Spirit Sunday

Sermon Title: “Disciples=>Apostles”

Sunday Title:  Affirming our Baptism -

Sermon Title: “Peace be with you!”

Scripture Cuttings:

Numbers 11:24-30 And a young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, "My lord Moses, stop them!" But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!"

-or-

Acts 2:1-21 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound

like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Psalm 104:24-35 May the glory of the Lord endure forever;

Acts 2:1-21

-or-

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 ...no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit.... For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

John 7:37-39 “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’”

-or-

John 20:19-23 "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Confession:

All may make the sign of the cross in remembrance of baptism

as the presiding minister begins:

P:  In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

P:  Let us draw near and be honest with ourselves and God.

 (honest reflection)

  Almighty God...

C: it is You who pours out Your Holy Spirit,

  but we act as managers of your gift.

We recognize your power in our leaders,

  and the ones who bear our name and tradition.

But you have breathed your Holy Spirit so all would know,

  not just those gathered under our tent.

Still we count the Spirit’s gift to us as the whole of your plan

  and we can not recognize the gifts of others.

So our faith stops short at discipleship: following only.

  We do not press on be apostles: sent to your people.

How slow we are to recognize our own sin, forgive us Lord.

How quickly we hide what we don’t like, save us Lord.

    (pause self-examination)

P:  God’s will, will not be denied. The Holy Spirit has come upon us, not just on this day, nor just on our baptismal day, but in each moment. This is so that we might proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sins to all peoples. Our sins are forgiven. We are sent into the world to proclaim God’s grace for the glory of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. -wjw

P:  The peace of the Lord be with you always!

C: And also with you!

-or-

All may make the sign of the cross in remembrance of baptism

as the presiding minister begins:

P:  In the Name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

P:  Let us reconfirm our faith with the God who expects our best.

    (pause)

  Heavenly Father...

C: we know your deeds of power:

we know you give us the Holy Spirit,

  we know you baptize us as many members in one body,

    and we know you give each of us unique and special gifts,

but in our weakness we remain inactive:

  we are insecure in the work we would do for you,

    we isolate those outside and unlike us,

ignoring the unity of faith,

  and we belittle our own abilities

as inadequate and unsuited for your ministry.

Save us Lord from the sins we know in our hearts.

Save us Lord from the sins we hide.

    (pause for reflection and self-examination)

P:  Our God is a powerful God and loves us even in on our weakness. So much so as to send Jesus Christ, God’s own Son to die for our sins. It is for Christ’s sake that our sins are forgiven. God continues to abide in each of us through the power of the Holy Spirit poured out upon us at our baptism, uniting us and sanctifying the gifts we offer to God. In the name of the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. -wjw

P:  The peace of the Lord be with you always!

C: And also with you!