ASLC Podcast

Our stewardship is also rooted in our time here on earth. What will we do with our time here on earth? How will we use the gifts God has given us to bear good fruit?Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

IntroductionToday's gospel tells of Jesus' temptation in the desert. His forty-day fastbecomes the basis of our Lenten pilgrimage. In the early church Lent was atime of intense preparation for those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. Thiscatechetical focus on the meaning of faith is at the heart of our Lenten journeyto the baptismal waters of Easter. Hungry for God's mercy, we receive thebread of life to nourish us for the days ahead.Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 and Matthew 4:1-11 

IntroductionLight shines in the darkness for the upright, the psalmist sings. Isaiahdeclares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and share our breadwith the hungry, the light breaks forth like the dawn. In anotherpassage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, the light of the world,calls his followers to let the light of their good works shine beforeothers. Through baptism we are sent into the world to shine with thelight of Christ.This is the Day that the Lord has made!Let us rejoice and be glad in it!Scripture Readings: Isaiah 58:1-9a, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 and Matthew 5:13-20

IntroductionToday's festival stands like a bright bridge between seasons. The joy ofAdvent, Christmas, and Epiphany comes to its close, and the journeytoward Lent and Easter begins. On a high mountain, Jesus is revealed asGod's beloved Son—echoing the promise spoken at his baptism. Thisglimpse of glory does not remove the road ahead, but it gives strength forit, sustaining Jesus as he turns toward Jerusalem and the cross.In the days ahead, we will enter the season of Lent, beginning with AshWednesday, and once again take up our baptismal journey fromrepentance to renewal, from death to life. Some churches will set aside the alleluia at the end of today's worship—not because joy is gone, but because it is being held in trust. That word ofpraise will return with even greater joy when Easter dawns.This is the Day that the Lord has made!Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Scripture Readings: : Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21 and : Matthew 17:1-9 

Who are the blessed ones of God? For Micah, they are those who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. For Jesus, they are the poor, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who mourn, and those who hunger for righteousness. In baptism we find our blessed identity and calling in this countercultural way of living and serving.Scripture Readings: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table.Scripture Readings: Psalm 27:1, 4-9; Matthew 4:12-23Jesus begins his public ministry shortly after John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod. He proclaims the nearness of God's reign and calls four fishermen to be his first

IntroductionToday's gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus' baptism. He isthe Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the oneanointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealedamong us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come andworship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace madeknown among us.Psalm 40:1-111 Corinthians 1:1-9

IntroductionIn the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God.Through this great epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomesthe servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations.In the waters of baptism we too are washed by the Word, anointed by theSpirit, and named God's beloved children. Our baptismal mission is toproclaim good news to all who are oppressed or in need of God's healing.Isaiah 42:1-9, Matthew 3:13-17

IntroductionThe feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmasseason with a celebration of God's glory revealed in the person ofJesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for allnations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi toJesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who areclaimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to bebeacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God's love toall people.Scripture Readings: Psalms 72:1-7, 10-14; Matthew 2:1-23

Lessons: Isaiah 9:2-7, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:8-16, Matthew 2:1-11 and John 1:1-14

In winter's deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus' birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Luke 2:1-20

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew's account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.Scripture Reading: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7

A note of joyful expectation marks today's worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God's reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ's advent among us.Scripture Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10; Matthew 11:2-11John the Baptist expects the Messiah to bring God's judgment upon the earth (Matt. 3:11-12). From a prison cell, he wonders whether Jesus is the one who will do this. Jesus' response indicates that God's reign is indeed being fulfilled already through healing and restoration.

Centering Song: Oh God We Call ACS 1075O God, we call, O God, we call,from deep inside we yearn,from deep inside we yearn,from deep inside we yearn for you.Readings and PsalmIsaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 & Luke 1:39-55

IntroductionJeremiah's promise that God would bring “justice andrighteousness in the land” comes to its strange and wonderfulfulfillment in the cross of Jesus, the King of the Jews. It looks forall the world like a royal disaster — a king on a cross besidecriminals. Yet in this seeming defeat, Jesus pulls off heaven'sgreatest surprise: through the gate of death, he swings open thedoor to paradise.

The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today's texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the meantime. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle: “Do not be weary in doing what is right.”

We worship on the first day of the week because our Savior was raised on that day. Every Sunday is a little Easter. This Sunday feels more like Easter than many as the appointed texts celebrate the reality of the resurrection. Live it up this Lord's day. Our God is the God of the living..Scripture Reading: Luke 20:27-38, Job 19:23-27, Psalm 17:1-9

IntroductionWe worship on the first day of the week because Jesus was raised on thatday. Every Sunday is a little Easter. This Sunday feels more like Easter thanmany as the appointed texts celebrate the reality of the resurrection. Liveit up this Lord's day. Our God is the God of the living.This is the day that the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it!

IntroductionIn holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holycommunion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worshiptoday we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.”In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hearand to heed the admonitions of Jesus in today's gospel. Sealedby the Spirit and sustained by the Savior's body and blood, welive with joy as God gives us breath, to the praise of God's glory.During the opening hymn, we invite anyone who feels called tocome up and light a candle in memory of a loved one.

IntroductionReal repentance and fake holiness couldn't be more different—but God's mercy covers us all. We're made right not byperfection but by Jesus' stubborn grace. So we laugh, we sing,and we give thanks—because God's forgiveness is the realfeast.

Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is Christ's encouragement in thegospel today. Wrestle with the word. Remember your baptism againand again. Come regularly to Christ's table. Persistence in our everyencounter with the divine will be blessed.Readings: Genesis 32:22-31, 2 Timothy 3:14—4:5 and Luke 18:1-8

Jesus' mission includes making people clean again. Unexpectedly, aSamaritan healed of leprosy becomes a model for those who would praiseand worship God and give thanks for God's mercy.Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c and Luke 17:11-19

A little faith goes a long way is Jesus' point in the gospel. A mustard seed's-worth of faith has miraculous potential. The patience, tenacity, and endurance required for the life of faith are the blessings received in holy baptism, holy communion, and the word read and proclaimed in this assembly. Anticipate them. Receive them with thanksgiving.Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 37:1-9 and Luke 17:5-10

Consideration of and care for those in need—especially those “at our gate,” the folks we actually see and know about—isn't just a nice add-on to stewardship, it's the heart of it. Scripture reminds us that hoarding stuff doesn't make us safe, it just makes our garages hard to walk through. In fact, sharing what we've been given is how we loosen wealth's chokehold before it tightens like last year's skinny jeans. And here's the Good News: it's not on us to muscle our way out of greed's grip. The one whom death could not hold—Jesus, risen from the dead— meets us right in our clinging and frees us, so our hands can open, not just to drop our offerings in the plate, but to receive life, joy, and maybe even a casserole at the church potluck.Reading:  1 Timothy 6:6-19, Psalm 146 and Luke 15:1-10

As we are invited today to consider what it means to be managers (rather than owners) of all that we have, it is crucial to recognize that we are bought with a price. “Christ Jesus, himself human, . . . gave himself a ransom for all.” Apart from the generosity of God we have nothing—we are nothing. By God's gracious favor we have everything we need.Readings: Exodus 32:7-14, Psalm 51 and Luke 15: 1-10,

The religious leaders grumbled: “This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Thanks be to God—because if Jesus only ate with the perfect, church potlucks would be very small. Our hope isn't in being flawless, but in a God who keeps pulling up more chairs. As 1 Timothy says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Which means—he came for us. Thanks be to God.Readings: Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 113 and Luke 16:1-13

Called to contemplate the cost of discipleship, we might be helped by translating Paul's request to Philemon into our prayer of the day: Refresh my heart in Christ. Strengthened by the company and forgiveness of Christ in holy communion and recalling God's grace in remembrance of baptism, we can be strengthened in this hour to “choose life”—to choose life in God as our own.Scripture Reading: Psalm 1; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33

Invited and inviting—that's the heartbeat of the church. God doesn't hand out VIP passes to a select few; in holy baptism, everyone gets a seat at Christ's big, messy, joyful banquet table. And let's be honest: no one's asked to bring a casserole to earn their place. When the Spirit stirs up humility and mutual love among us (instead of, say, squabbling over the thermostat or the hymnal selection), the church becomes even more inviting. Imagine a community where the welcome is as warm as the coffee and as wide as God's grace—that's the kind of table Jesus keeps setting.Scripture Reading: Proverbs 25:6-7a; Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; Luke 14:1,7-14

The word of God is a refining fire—think of it like the church kitchen stove: it can boil things over if you're not paying attention, but it mostly just gets the casserole to the perfect “golden and bubbly” stage. Jesus is the big turning point in human history—like the moment someone finally brought lutefisk to the potluck and no one ever forgot. He calls for our undivided attention, which in church terms means putting down the bulletin doodles and really tasting the grace. Today in worship, we're surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses,” which is basically a heavenly potluck crowd—Aunt Mabel, Martin Luther, and maybe even a few apostles making sure there's enough lefse for everyone. In the word and in holy communion, we're invited once again to look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith—the one who not only started this feast but is also staying to do the dishes.Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58:9b-14; Psalm 103; Luke 13:10-17

IntroductionThe word of God is a refining fire. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today in worship we are surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in holy communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

Jesus says, “It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It is God's promise from the beginning—to Abraham, to the early church, and to the “little flock” of which we are a part in today's assembly. Faith, God's baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear.Scripture Reading: Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16; Luke 12:32-40

Jesus encourages us to stick with prayer—not to earn God's attention, but because we already have it. As people rooted and growing in Christ through baptism, prayer is how we stay connected to the source of our life and strength. God listens. God responds. And God keeps showing up with what we need. As the psalmist says, “When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.”Scripture Reading: Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-19; Luke 11:1-13

Today's readings are a welcome word for anyone who's ever felt weighed down by the “unhappy business” of life—which, let's be honest, is most of us at some point. Jesus lovingly reminds us to stay alert, especially when it comes to the sneaky ways greed can take hold of our hearts. But there's good news (of course there is—this is church!): in baptism, we've already died and risen with Christ. That means our lives are now caught up in something bigger, brighter, and more hopeful than anything this world can throw at us. So, we turn our hearts and minds toward “the things that are above”—not floating in the clouds, but grounded in the grace of God that meets us right here. We're fed at the Lord's table, encouraged by God's word, and reminded again and again that we don't walk this life alone.Scripture Reading: Psalm 49:1-12; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21

God is the source of our nourishment. Jesus' invitation to “take and eat ... take and drink” is a repeated one. In holy communion, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1-18; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Today we celebrate two great figures of the early church, Peter and Paul, who represent the spread of the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles and, according to tradition, were martyred on this date. The witness of Peter and Paul inspires us as we seek ways to faithfully proclaim the gospel in our contemporary context.Scripture Reading: Acts 12:1-11; Galatians 5:1,13-25; John 21:15-19

St. Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus who, with St. Paul, was an apostle to the gentiles. Originally named Joseph, the other apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which means "son of encouragement.” All possessions were held in common, so Barnabas sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. He became a leader of the Church in Jerusalem. When Paul, who had been a persecutor of Christians, was converted and wanted to join Jesus' followers, the disciples were understandably skeptical about Paul. It was Barnabas who advocated for him and encouraged others to forgive him. Barnabas is, therefore, the patron saint of second chances. While the exact details are disputed, tradition holds that he was martyred at Salamis in Cyprus. His feast day is celebrated on June 11.Scripture Reading: Isaiah 42:5-12; Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3; Matthew 10:7-16The Uniqueness of the TrinityPr. Wes Kimball0:16 10:03Download

“O LORD our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Today we celebrate the holy Trinity. Paul writes that through Jesus we have peace with God, whose love pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, giving us lasting hope. We celebrate the gracious One-in-Three, eternal Three-in-One, as we worship in community; as we share water and word, bread and wine; and as we bring God's love and hope to our neighbors.Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15

On Pentecost, we celebrate that we have been given an Advocate to accompany us. Poured out in wind and fire, water, wine, and bread, the Holy Spirit abides in and among us. We give thanks that God speaks to each of us, no matter our origins, language, or life path. Filled with the Spirit of truth, we go out from worship to proclaim the saving power of Christ's love and the freedom of God's grace with all the world.Scripture Reading: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-31

It is possible to hear in Jesus' high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Christ for his own throughout history—to our day—and beyond. Jesus prays for us. In holy baptism we become believers in God, have our robes washed in the flood of Christ's forgiveness, and receive the gift of life forever with all the saints.Scripture Reading: Acts 16:16-34; Psalm 97; John 17:20-26

Visions abound in the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter. Paul has a vision about what to do. John has a vision of what will be. Jesus provides visions of peace that surpasses human understanding and power beyond human imagination.Scripture Reading: Acts 16:9-15; Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5; John 14:23-29

Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.Scripture Reading: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; John 13:31-35

The gift of new life, of eternal life, is the gift of the risen Christ. It is the promise of Jesus. It was true for Dorcas in Joppa. It was true for those “who have come out of the great ordeal” in the Revelation vision. It is true for us and for all the baptized: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.Scripture Reading: Acts 9:36-43; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30

The disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Jesus. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter life to othersScripture Reading: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; John 21:15-19

In spite of all we have heard and all we have seen, it is often hard to believe. Because it is hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Because it is hard to believe, John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus' victory over death. Because it is hard to believe, the risen Jesus will return to us again and again in the mystery of holy communion, inviting us to touch and taste his presence, and offering us his peace. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!Scripture Reading: Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 118:14-29; John 20:19-31

Today Christ is risen, and we gather together with astonishment and joy. Christ is risen, and we have been set free from the bonds of death. Christ is risen, and we are forgiven. Christ is risen, and with the women at the tomb and Peter, we are amazed. Scripture Reaading:Isaiah 65:17-25; Acts 10:34-43; Luke 24:1-12

IntroductionThis evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus' death and resurrection. Tonight we remember Christ's last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples' feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.Readings and PsalmExodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14The passover of the LordPsalm 116:1-2, 12-19I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Ps. 116:13)1 Corinthians 11:23-26Proclaim the Lord's death until he comesJohn 13:1-17, 31b-35The service of Christ: footwashing and meal

We have walked the Lenten pathway these forty days, each of us invited through baptism to “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” We enter this holy week accompanying Jesus to the cross with both grief and thanksgiving in our hearts, trusting in God's redeeming love.Scripture Reading: Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 21:1-17

The psalm sets the tone this day: “Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!” Happy are those who have “become the righteousness of God” in the merits of Christ Jesus. Happy are those for whom the forgiveness of God has “rolled away ... the disgrace” of former times. Happy is the father at the return of his prodigal son. Happy are we that our sins are forgiven for Jesus' sake. Rejoice! Scripture Reading: Psalm 32; Luke 15: 1-32

The warnings are plentiful and blunt on the third Sunday in Lent. Cut it out or get cut down! The warnings are accompanied by God's invitation to attentiveness: “Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.” The landowner's ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener's readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us. Thanks be to God!Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; Luke 13:1-9

These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues, to receive the gifts of God's grace, to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God's love in Jesus, and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us.Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; 91:1-2, 9-16; Luke 4:1-13