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9th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, July 30, 2023

7/30/2023

Introduction
As Solomon prays for wisdom, we seek to more deeply know the treasures of faith. In today’s gospel Jesus offers everyday images that reveal to us the reign of God: a tree that becomes a sheltering home, yeast that penetrates and expands, a treasured pearl, a net that gains a great catch. Even as we seek the riches of God’s reign, the great surprise is that God’s grace finds us first!

Readings: 1 Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Sermon: Pastor Kathryn Gulbranson

Audio-Only Version

8th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, July 23, 2023

7/23/2023

Introduction
It is an age-old question: why is there evil in the world? In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bondage and suffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope in the promises of God, and from the Lord’s table we go forth to bear the fruit of justice and mercy.
Readings: Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 86:11-17; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Audio-Only Version

7th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, July 16, 2023

7/16/2023

Introduction
God’s word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the sower who scatters seed indiscriminately. Our lives are like seeds sown in the earth. Even from what appears to be little, dormant, or dead, God promises a harvest. At the Lord’s table we are fed with the bread of life, that we may bear fruit in the world.

Readings: Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65:[1-8] 9-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Sermon: Pastor Kathryn Gulbranson

Audio-Only Version

Part 1

Part 2

6th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, July 9, 2023

7/9/2023

Introduction
The mystery of God’s ways is sometimes hidden from the wise and intelligent. Jesus associates with those often excluded from the religious community. Like Paul, we struggle with our own selfish desires and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. We gather to be refreshed by Christ’s invitation: “Come to me, all you that are weary.” Gathered around word, water, and meal, we find rest for our souls.

Readings: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Sermon: Pastor Kathryn Gulbranson

Audio-Only Version

5th Sunday after Pentecost July 2, 2023

7/2/2023

Introduction
The welcome of baptism is for all God’s children. This baptismal gift sets us free from the power of sin and death. In today’s gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. From worship we are sent on our baptismal mission: to serve the little ones of this world and to be a sign of God’s merciful welcome.
Readings: Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42
Sermon: Pastor Kathryn Gulbranson

Audio-Only Version

Recorded Worship

9th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, July 30, 2023

8th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, July 23, 2023

7th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, July 16, 2023

6th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, July 9, 2023

5th Sunday after Pentecost July 2, 2023

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