March 19, 2023Matthew 25: 1-13In the first half of the 1800s, an elaborate  system of safehouses, hidden rooms and even caves traced routes from the southern United States to the northern states and Canada helped slaves escape to freedom.  Click here for service People known as conductors would shuttle escaped slaves between points along the route … taking them to one point ……

Matthew 22:1-14March 12, 2023Lent 3This is the third parable in a row we’ve heard from Jesus. Two weeks ago, we heard the parable of the unforgiving slave … the one whose debt was forgiven, but who refused to forgive the debt of another. Then, last week we heard the parable of the vineyard  workers … the ones who thought they were entitled…

Matthew 20: 1-16Lent 2March 5, 2023 I think we all know that churches have been finding themselves in financial messes due to the pandemic and to church-goers getting older and being less able to make the trip to the building. Click here for service But imagine the financial possibilities if we offered “liturgical premium packages” or even a “sacramental platinum package” to…

Matthew 18:15-35Lent 1February 26, 2023 So far in Matthew, Jesus has instructed the disciples on how people’s actions in the world could prevent them from entering the kingdom. He told them how to deal with barriers … stumbling blocks … to those coming to faith. Click here for service Now, the disciples hear how to handle such stumbling blocks with they appear…

February 19, 2022Transfiguration SundayMatthew 16:24-17:8 There the disciples witness Jesus’ appearance change and witness him talking to Moses and Elijah. Peter is so awestruck that he wants to commemorate the occasion by erecting tents for Jesus and the two prophets … just as they would for a festival. Then, just as was the case when he was baptized by John, a voice…

February 12, 2023Matthew 13:24-43 When the Roman Empire ruled the known world, there was a unique way of dealing with disloyal servants or people who just pissed you off. When no one was looking … usually under cover of night … you’d have your servants go out into the field of the offending party and sow seeds of a weed called Darnel…

February 5, 2023Matthew 7:1-14, 24-29 In today’s passage from Matthew, Jesus gives his concluding instructions during the Sermon on the Mount. So far, Jesus has told the gathering who would be blessed in the coming kingdom and has offered instructions in the proper way to pray. Click here for service The entire Sermon on the Mount is about relationships. … our relationship…

Matthew 6: 7-21January 29, 2023I’d like to share a brief story with you… I presided over a funeral service earlier this week. I had never met the person who I helped commend, or if I had it was in passing. She had attended a funeral service I had done about four years ago and the message of grace that I delivered at…

January 22, 2023Matthew 4: 12-23@ Trinity Annan God’s peace and grace to you and blessings from the congregation at Lutheran Church of Our Saviour. Thank you for the privilege of joining you in worship this morning. Click here for service I’ve been at LCOS for more than seven years and its pastor for more than five years. Before I entered the Lutheran…

January 15, 2023Matthew 4: 1-17 Donna and I were out grocery shopping shortly after we were married back in the ‘80s. We were in the cereal aisle when we decided that a bottle of wine out on the patio would be a nice way to spend a summer evening.  Click here for service The two of us stopped at a liquor store…